The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Comparative Study
Transesophageal and contact ultrasound echographic assessments of pulmonary vessels in bilateral lung transplantation.
Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiographic visualization of the vascular anastomosis of lung grafts can be difficult. The goal of this prospective study was to compare intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography and contact ultrasound. ⋯ These results suggest clinicians should exercise caution when making treatment decisions when using transesophageal echocardiography alone.
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The 3f aortic bioprosthesis is a stentless valve resembling the native aortic valve. It has been postulated that improved hemodynamic performance with this prosthesis may translate into superior durability. We hereby report the midterm results using this valve substitute. ⋯ Its unique design makes the 3f aortic bioprosthesis less complex to implant than conventional stentless valves, as only a single suture line is necessary. The hemodynamic profile and clinical performance of the prosthesis are inconsistent with the established stentless valves, especially with regard to higher incidence of neurologic complications seen during the follow-up.
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Tracheal stenosis after intubation is a fairly common complication, and treatment of such cases can be difficult. A 52-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of severe dyspnea. ⋯ In this case, tracheal restenosis had occurred and we successfully treated the patient by insertion of a silicone T-tube after tracheotomy. Use of a T-tube is safe and effective for relief of tracheal restenosis after self-expandable metal stent placement.