The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Comparative Study
Robotic-Assisted, Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic and Open Lobectomy: Propensity-Matched Analysis of Recent Premier Data.
Robotic-assisted lobectomy (RL) is becoming a popular alternative technique to video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy (VL), although open lobectomy (OL) remains the most common approach. The objective of this study is to provide a comparative analysis of perioperative clinical outcomes from elective RL, VL, and OL. ⋯ Robotic-assisted lobectomy was associated with improved outcomes for certain perioperative clinical variables, including shorter length of stay and lower complication rates. It was also was associated with a lower conversion rate to OL compared with VL.
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The outcomes research efforts based on The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) General Thoracic Surgery Database include two established research programs with dedicated task forces and with data analyses conducted at the STS data analytic center: (1) The STS-sponsored research by the Access and Publications program, and (2) grant and institutionally funded research by the Longitudinal Follow-Up and Linked Registries Task Force. Also, the STS recently introduced the research program enabling investigative teams to apply for access to deidentified patient-level General Thoracic Surgery Database data sets and conduct related analyses at their own institution. Last year's General Thoracic Surgery Database-based research publications and the new Participant User File research program are reviewed.
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Comparative Study
Improved Approach With Subcostal Exchange of the HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist Device: Difference in On and Off Pump?
The HeartMate II (St. Jude Medical, Inc, St. Paul, MN [previously Thoratec]) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) exchange has traditionally involved a redo sternotomy. Alternate minimally invasive subcostal approaches have the advantage of avoiding sternal reentry, excessive bleeding, and prolonged recovery. ⋯ Exchange of the HeartMate II LVAD can be accomplished with significantly improved recovery time and transfusion requirement through a less invasive subcostal approach when compared with sternotomy. The subcostal approach can be performed safely both on and off cardiopulmonary bypass.
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This study sought to determine whether assessment of the renal resistive index (RRI) can predict the short-term reversibility of acute kidney injury (AKI) after repair of acute type A aortic dissection (TAAD). ⋯ An elevated maximum RRI may be a predictor of persistent AKI after repair of acute TAAD. This is helpful for management decision making and improving the prognosis of patients with AKI.
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We evaluated the incidence, clinical effect, and recovery rate of vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) and swallowing dysfunction in neonates undergoing aortic arch repair. ⋯ The incidence of VCD and swallowing dysfunction in neonates undergoing aortic arch reconstruction is high. Patients with VCD have a significantly higher incidence of gastrostomy placement and aspiration. In the Norwood population, length of stay is not associated with presence or absence of VCD. More than 70% of patients in each group who had direct flexible laryngoscopy follow-up recovered vocal cord function.