The Annals of thoracic surgery
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The aim of this study is to report a series of spontaneous pneumomediastinum in a population of young, tall, and thin patients with a history of thoracic hyper pressure, and to analyze the assessment required in such patients. ⋯ Spontaneous pneumomediastinum follows alveolar rupture in the pulmonary interstitium. The dissection of gas towards the hilum and mediastinum is produced by an episode of acute high intrathoracic pressure. It affects mostly young people, and this is the case in our series. Endoscopic thoracic assessment may be risky and is not always necessary. Chest CT or esophageal contrast study should be performed in case of diagnostic doubt of esophageal perforation.
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential neuroprotective effect of topical head cooling during the first 2 postoperative hours after experimental hypothermic circulatory arrest. ⋯ Topical cooling of the head during the first 2 postoperative hours after experimental hypothermic circulatory arrest does not appear to provide any neuroprotective effect.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Suction versus water seal after thoracoscopy for primary spontaneous pneumothorax: prospective randomized study.
The objectives of the study were to review our experience of video-assisted thoracoscopic apical pleurectomy and to evaluate whether suction or water seal is superior in the postoperative treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. ⋯ Video-assisted thoracoscopic apical pleurectomy is effective and safe for treating primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Placing chest tubes on water seal after a brief period of suction shortens the duration of chest tube placement and hence the hospital stay.
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We reviewed our experience to determine the role of endoscopic airway stents in children with tracheobronchial obstruction. ⋯ Tracheobronchial stenting in children is only rarely needed and often undertaken in dire circumstances. The procedure has led to significant symptomatic benefit in dyspneic children and has enabled ventilator-dependent children to be extubated. Medium-term outlook after stenting with self-expanding metal stents for vascular compression of the airway is encouraging. The long-term outcome remains uncertain, however, and is ultimately influenced by the underlying disease.