Pediatric cardiology
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Pediatric cardiology · Mar 2007
ReviewPatient safety and human factors in pediatric cardiac surgery.
The patient safety movement and human factors studies are becoming an increasingly important part of everyday clinical practice. Pediatric cardiac surgery is a high-risk field that is very much dependent on safe practices and continuous research into improvement of outcomes. This article reviews the main research frameworks, methods used, and current findings in the area of patient safety and human factors within pediatric cardiac surgery.
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Pediatric cardiology · Mar 2007
Hybrid transcatheter-surgical palliation: basis for univentricular or biventricular repair: the Giessen experience.
The outcome of patients with hypoplastic left heart (HLH) is determined by many factors, particularly by the first-step palliative procedure in newborns undergoing the Norwood procedure, its Sano modification, or, rarely, through challenging biventricular repairs. Duct stenting combined with bilateral pulmonary artery banding (PAB) is a new method employed as an alternative first-step approach in a number of centers worldwide. We describe this interventional-surgical "hybrid approach" as an additional strategy for the treatment of newborns with HLH syndrome and HLH complex. ⋯ The actuarial survival rate for patients with BVR is 93%. Postnatal transcatheter-surgical hybrid palliation expands the surgical options for newborns with HLH. Using hybrid palliation, Norwood stage I operation can be avoided in the neonatal period, the waiting period for children scheduled for cardiac transplantation can be extended, and observation for left ventricular growth suitable for biventricular repair as well.