The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Multicenter Study
Predictors of mortality after surgical management of lung cancer in the National Cancer Database.
Surgical resection represents the standard of care for locoregionally confined non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, surgical complications may compromise the overall outcome. Adverse events after lung cancer surgery have been studied extensively, yet available databases have significant limitations (with respect to size, provider, patient age, and so forth). The National Cancer Database (NCDB) is the largest cancer registry in the world, capturing 67% of newly diagnosed NSCLC in the United States. We studied surgically managed NSCLC patients in the NCDB to more accurately assess factors that influence perioperative outcomes. ⋯ Adverse events after the surgical treatment of NSCLC in the NCDB occur with a similar frequency and are predicted by similar patient, procedural, and facility variables as have been identified by more restricted data resources. The NCDB appears to be a valuable resource to study NSCLC in the United States.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Leaflet reconstructive techniques for aortic valve repair.
Refining leaflet reconstruction has become a primary issue in aortic valve repair. This descriptive analysis reviews leaflet pathology, repair techniques, and early results in a prospective regulatory trial of aortic valve repair. ⋯ Leaflet defects are common in patients with moderate to severe AI. Leaflet plication, nodular unfolding, and double pericardial patching performed well. Gore-Tex and leaflet extension seemed less satisfactory. Standardization and experience with leaflet reconstruction will be important for optimizing the outcomes of aortic valve repair.