The Annals of thoracic surgery
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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.
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Comparative Study
Video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy versus stereotactic radiotherapy for stage I lung cancer.
Previous comparative reports of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and surgery for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) suffered from short follow-up, mixed extents of resection and inclusion of benign lesion. We aimed to make comparisons of long-term outcomes between a pure series of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy and SBRT for biopsy-proven clinical stage I NSCLC. ⋯ Our results suggest VATS lobectomy may offer significantly more favorable long-term outcomes than SBRT in potentially operable patients with biopsy-proven clinical stage I NSCLC.