The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a known sequela of acute pulmonary embolic disease and yet remains underdiagnosed. Although nonsurgical options for patients with CTEPH have become increasingly available, including pulmonary artery hypertensive medical therapy, surgical endarterectomy provides the most appropriate intervention as a potential cure for this debilitating disorder. This article summarizes the most recent outcomes of pulmonary endarterectomy at a single institution over the past 12 years, with emphasis on the surgical approach to segmental-level chronic thromboembolic disease. ⋯ Despite a patient population with more distal disease, results continue to improve. Pulmonary endarterectomy for patients with CTEPH results in significant pulmonary hemodynamic improvement, with favorable outcomes achievable even in patients with distal segmental-level chronic thromboembolic disease.
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Acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) is associated with increased mortality after cardiac surgery. Studies examining the impact of RRT after lung transplantation (LTx) are limited. We evaluated risk factors and outcomes associated with RRT after LTx. ⋯ In the largest study to evaluate acute kidney injury after LTx, the incidence of RRT is 5.51%. The need for post-LTx RRT dramatically increases both short- and long-term mortality. Several variables, including preoperative renal function, are predictors of post-LTx RRT and could be used to identify transplant candidates at risk for acute kidney injury.
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Case Reports
Weaning from venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation without anticoagulation: is it possible?
A 19-year-old man affected with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome that was unresponsive to medical treatment was successfully weaned without anticoagulation therapy from venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) because of life-threatening bleeding. The patient received venovenous ECMO with double peripheral cannulation. ⋯ The patient was discontinued from ECMO and extubated after pulmonary function improved. Based on this single experience, management and weaning without any anticoagulant agent might be possible.
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The aim of this study was to examine the impact of prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay on in-hospital mortality and long-term survival. ⋯ Prolonged ICU stay is an important predictor of adverse immediate, short-term, and long-term outcomes after cardiac operations.
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Although commonly reserved as a last line of defense, experienced centers have reported excellent results with pulmonary embolectomy for massive and submassive pulmonary embolism (PE). We present a contemporary surgical series for PE that demonstrates the utility of peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (pECMO) for high-risk surgical candidates. ⋯ Heparin therapy with pECMO support is a rapid, effective option for patients who might benefit from pulmonary embolectomy but are at high risk for surgery.