The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Case Reports
Thoracoscopic direct clipping of the thoracic duct for chylopericardium and chylothorax.
Chylothorax is a challenging clinical problem. Untreated, it carries a high mortality and morbidity. Traditional surgical management for cases refractory to conservative treatment is thoracic duct ligation through a right open thoracotomy. ⋯ Video-assisted thoracic surgery without a thoracotomy is an effective way of treating chylothorax and carries minimal morbidity.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
A randomized, controlled trial comparing thoracoscopy and limited thoracotomy for lung biopsy in interstitial lung disease.
Lung biopsies are frequently needed to diagnose diffuse interstitial lung diseases. A prospective randomized, controlled trial comparing limited thoracotomy (open lung biopsy) and thoracoscopy for lung biopsy was done. ⋯ There is no clinical or statistical difference in outcomes for thoracoscopic and thoracotomy approaches. Both thoracoscopy and thoracotomy are acceptable procedures for diagnostic lung biopsy in diffuse interstitial lung disease.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Efficacy of aprotinin, epsilon aminocaproic acid, or combination in cyanotic heart disease.
Aprotinin and epsilon aminocaproic acid are antifibrinolytic agents used to reduce postoperative blood loss after cardiopulmonary bypass. We compared low dose aprotinin with epsilon aminocaproic acid and a combination of the two agents to reduce postoperative blood loss in infants with congenital cyanotic heart disease undergoing corrective surgical procedures. ⋯ Epsilon aminocaproic acid is as efficacious as low dose aprotinin in reducing postoperative blood loss and packed red blood cell and platelet requirements in children with congenital cyanotic heart disease. The combination of the two was slightly more effective.