The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Ventricular septal rupture occurring as a result of blunt trauma is a very rare clinical condition. Compression of the heart between the sternum and the vertebral column during late diastole or isovolumetric contraction resulting in sudden increase in the intracardiac pressure is a prerequisite for its occurrence. Sudden relief of the inner pressure becomes impossible when the heart is full, thereby resulting in myocardial contusion and rupture. We report a case of a young schoolboy who presented to us with this serious disease and was successfully treated with surgical closure of the defect with a polytetrafluoroethylene patch.
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Case Reports
Right ventricular outflow tract cannulation for right ventricular assist device implantation.
A need persists for implantable devices that provide support for the failing right ventricle. The anatomy of the right ventricle presents unique challenges at the time of right ventricular assist device implant. We describe a technique for right ventricular outflow tract cannulation that minimizes the risk of right ventricular assist device inflow cannula obstruction and right ventricular compression.
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The long-term outcome of modified Fontan operation concomitant with a valve operation for atrioventricular valve (AVV) regurgitation is not well described. ⋯ Given worse results with poor ventricular function, early intervention against valve pathology before development of ventricular failure may improve long-term outcomes. Multiple methods are appropriate for a variety of valve lesions; however, circular annuloplasty remains a reliable repair option due to its technical simplicity.
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Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is an uncommon and potentially fatal complication of lobectomy or pneumonectomy, particularly in tuberculosis patients. It is associated with high mortality and its treatment remains a challenge. ⋯ Follow-up over 10 months revealed maintenance of the repair without any recurrence. This novel technique can be effective for treating a tuberculosis patient with postoperative BPF.