Texas Heart Institute journal
-
Tracheobronchial-angle tumors involve the right main bronchus, the right upper lobar bronchus, and the lateral wall of the lower trachea. Resecting these tumors is one of the most complex procedures in thoracic surgery. In cases of high-caliber mismatch, the selection of a suitable anastomotic technique can be challenging. ⋯ We conclude that our one-stoma carinoplasty technique enables the resection of tumors at the right tracheobronchial angle, with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates. This method saves the unaffected part of the ipsilateral lung and can overcome high-caliber mismatch. Because of these and other advantages, we suggest that using our method first might preclude having to perform a right carinal sleeve pneumonectomy or using Barclay's method.
-
Aortic false aneurysm is a rare complication after cardiac surgery. In recent years, improved results have been reported in regard to the surgical management of these high-risk lesions. We retrospectively examined 28 consecutive cases (in 27 patients) of postsurgical aortic false aneurysm diagnosed at our institution from May 1999 through December 2011. ⋯ Aortic false aneurysm can develop silently. Surgical procedures should be proposed even to asymptomatic patients because of the unpredictable evolution of the condition. Radical aortic-graft replacement should be chosen rather than simple repair, because recurrent false aneurysm is possible.
-
Review Case Reports
Biventricular takotsubo cardiomyopathy: case study and review of literature.
Biventricular takotsubo cardiomyopathy is associated with more hemodynamic instability than is isolated left ventricular takotsubo cardiomyopathy; medical management is more invasive and the course of hospitalization is longer. In March 2011, a 62-year-old woman presented at our emergency department with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. On hospital day 2, she experienced chest pain. ⋯ After several days of medical management, the patient was discharged from the hospital in stable condition. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review of the literature on biventricular takotsubo cardiomyopathy that compares its hemodynamic instability and medical management requirements with those of isolated left ventricular takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Herein, we discuss the case of our patient, review the pertinent medical literature, and convey the prevalence and importance of right ventricular involvement in patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy.