The Thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon
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Thorac Cardiovasc Surg · Dec 2011
Case ReportsEndobronchial valve for secondary pneumothorax in a severe emphysema patient.
Secondary pneumothorax represents a challenging problem in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, due to their compromised health status. In this case, an endobronchial one-way valve was inserted in the left lower lobe by flexible bronchoscopy, resulting in a complete resolution of air leak and lung reexpansion. Endobronchial valve could represent a new option for the management of persistent air leak in patients not suitable for surgical procedures.
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Thorac Cardiovasc Surg · Dec 2011
Case ReportsLate onset Takotsubo cardiomyopathy after mitral valve replacement.
We report a case of delayed onset Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) in a 69-year-old woman, associated with minor stressors, two weeks after mitral valve replacement. After suffering several minor complications she had fully recovered and her discharge was planned. On the 14th postoperative day she had to be resuscitated due to cardiogenic shock. ⋯ Treatment with catecholamines and intra-aortic balloon pump led to full recovery. She continues to do well two years after surgery. TC should be considered as a potential cause of delayed ventricular dysfunction in postcardiac surgery patients.