The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Comparative Study
Propensity adjusted analysis of open and endovascular thoracic aortic repair for chronic type B dissection: a twenty-year evaluation.
Optimal treatment of chronic type B aortic dissection (CBAD), whether open (open descending aortic repair, OAR) or endovascular (thoracic endovascular aortic repair, TEVAR), is controversial, suggesting a comparative analysis is warranted. ⋯ Intervention for CBAD can be performed with excellent results, either by an open or endovascular approach. The higher rate of treatment failure after TEVAR warrants modification of current device design or endovascular approach before broad application of this treatment strategy.
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Comparative Study
Biventricular Berlin Heart EXCOR pediatric use across the united states.
Biventricular assist device (BiVAD) support was a strong predictor of early mortality in the Berlin Heart EXCOR Pediatric investigational device exemption (IDE) study (Assess Safety and Probable Benefit of the EXCOR Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device [VAD]). In adults, it has been identified that 5% to 10% of the VAD population is benefited by BiVAD support over left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. An analysis of the Berlin Heart study cohort was performed to characterize patients supported with BiVAD, examine risk factors of mortality in this group, and identify subsets of patients in whom BiVAD is associated with survival. ⋯ BiVAD support was not associated with improved survival in any identified subset of patients. Although not randomized, these results (which were corrected for multiple possible risk factors) suggest that some children supported with BiVADs might have done better with LVADs alone. Further prospective studies will be needed to identify patient cohorts that will be better served with BIVAD support.
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Anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is associated with high mortality if left uncorrected. We describe long-term outcomes after surgical repair and ventricular function changes on long-term follow-up. ⋯ Excellent outcomes are achieved with repair of ALCAPA without mechanical circulatory support and with low reintervention rates. Normal ejection fraction and shortening fraction do not accurately convey myocardial dysfunction in these patients.
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Comparative Study
Postoperative blood urea nitrogen is associated with stroke in cardiac surgical patients.
This case-control study identified perioperative risk factors associated with postoperative stroke risk after all cardiac surgical procedures. ⋯ In these analyses, we identified BUN as a marker of heightened postoperative stroke risk after cardiac surgical procedures. Postoperative risk markers may improve assessment of delayed postoperative strokes.
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Increased life expectancy and younger patients' desire to avoid lifelong anticoagulation requires a better understanding of bioprosthetic valve failure. This study evaluates risk factors associated with explantation for structural valve deterioration (SVD) in a long-term series of Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT aortic valves (AV). ⋯ Durability of the Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT aortic valve is excellent even in younger patients. Explant for SVD is related to gradient at implantation, especially in younger patients. Strategies to reduce early postoperative AV gradients, such as root enlargement or more efficient prostheses, should be considered.