The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Review Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Meta-analysis of staged versus combined carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting.
The multiple options in the management of patients with concomitant carotid and coronary artery disease (CAD) make it difficult to find a clear consensus regarding the ideal surgical strategy. We performed a meta-analysis of studies comparing early outcomes of synchronous and staged approach of carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting. ⋯ Our meta-analysis of observational studies suggests comparable outcomes in combined and staged approach for synchronous carotid and coronary artery disease. Hence, the 2 strategies can be used interchangeable in the clinical practice, with each having specific applications linked to specific clinical conditions. A randomized trial is warranted to answer this question definitively.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Effect of clopidogrel use post coronary artery bypass surgery on graft patency.
Clopidogrel use post coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has become more popular under the assumption that it improves graft patency. The purpose of this sub-analysis from the Randomized On and Off-Pump Bypass (ROOBY) trial is to evaluate the role of clopidogrel use post CABG to improve graft patency when added to standard aspirin therapy. ⋯ This study suggests that routine post-CABG clopidogrel use may not translate to improved 1-year graft patency. Future studies appear warranted to better define the role of more aggressive antiplatelet therapy post CABG on graft patency and clinical outcomes.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Effect of hemostatic material on sternal healing after cardiac surgery.
Postoperative sternal infection and dehiscence cause increased morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic costs as well as patient discomfort and pain. Some predisposing factors have been uncovered but others remain uninvestigated. Among these are the influence of topical hemostatic agents such as bone wax (BW) and Ostene (Ceremed Inc, Los Angeles, CA) a new, water-soluble polymer wax (WSW). The object of this study was to investigate the impact of topical hemostatic agents on sternal healing in patients. ⋯ The results from this study suggest that WSW provides a useful alternative to BW when topic hemostasis on the sternum is required.