The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (OPCAB) may be associated with improved hospital outcomes compared with on-pump coronary artery bypass graft. However, intraoperative conversion to on-pump coronary artery bypass graft has been associated with adverse outcomes. The purpose of this study was to identify preoperative risk factors for intraoperative conversion in nonemergent patients undergoing isolated OPCAB. ⋯ Conversion to cardiopulmonary bypass during OPCAB is associated with increased in-hospital and long-term mortality and may be related to surgeon experience. Recognition of the preoperative risk factors associated with an increased risk of conversion may allow for better patient selection and reduce the incidence of intraoperative conversion during OPCAB.
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We introduce a new procedure for orthotopic left lung transplantation in rats. First, cuffs are attached to vessels or bronchi in both donors and recipients. ⋯ Transplantations were completed in 8 rats without technical errors. This rat lung transplantation technique is a straightforward method any surgeon can perform.