The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Cerebral protection by lidocaine during cardiac operations: a follow-up study.
A previous study showed less postoperative neurocognitive impairment in open-chamber cardiac surgery patients given lidocaine for 48 hours after induction of anesthesia. In the present study, we aimed to test the benefit of a 12-hour infusion in a broader group of cardiac surgery patients, including those undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. ⋯ Lidocaine was not neuroprotective. The result of the previous trial may represent a type 1 error. Alternatively, benefit may be more likely for open-chamber surgery patients exposed to larger numbers of emboli or with a longer lidocaine infusion.
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We performed thoracoscopic surgery for pneumothorax using two-lung ventilation with low tidal volume and evaluated the feasibility and safety of this procedure. ⋯ Thoracoscopic surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax using two-lung ventilation with low tidal volume was technically feasible.
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There is no agreement whether off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) can reduce mortality, rates of stroke, myocardial infarction, or revascularization when compared with conventional coronary artery bypass (CCAB). We performed a meta-analysis comparing off-pump coronary artery bypass with conventional coronary artery bypass in randomized controlled trials. ⋯ In conclusion, OPCAB did not significantly reduce 1-year mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, and revascularization compared with CCAB.
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Comparative Study
Adult congenital heart surgery: adult or pediatric facility? Adult or pediatric surgeon?
One of the current controversies in the field of adult congenital heart disease is whether patients should be cared for at an adult or pediatric facility and by an adult or pediatric heart surgeon. After transitioning our program from the children's hospital to the adult hospital, we analyzed our experience with each system. ⋯ Congenital heart surgery can be performed in adults with reasonable morbidity and mortality. Caring for an anticipated aging adult congenital population with increasingly numerous coexisting medical problems and risk factors is best facilitated in an adult hospital setting. Also, when surgery becomes necessary, these adult patients are best served by a congenital heart surgeon.
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Comparative Study
Minimal extracorporeal circulation: an alternative for on-pump and off-pump coronary revascularization.
Coronary artery bypass surgery employing minimal extracorporeal circulation (MECC) was compared with standard extracorporeal circulation (ECC) and off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery (OPCABG) with regard to the perioperative course. ⋯ Minimal extracorporeal circulation is an easy and safe procedure for coronary artery bypass graft surgery. In selected patients, the advantages of MECC equal those of OPCABG. MECC should be considered as an alternative to OPCABG and standard ECC procedures.