European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
-
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 2005
Cooling to 10 degrees C and treatment with Cyclosporine A improve cerebral recovery following prolonged hypothermic circulatory arrest in a chronic porcine model.
This study was undertaken to assess whether cooling to 10 degrees C and/or treatment with Cyclosporine A (CsA) can reduce neurological injury during prolonged hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) in a chronic animal model. ⋯ The data suggest that cooling to 10 degrees C and CsA treatment are both of benefit in improving cerebral recovery after HCA when compared with untreated 20 degrees C controls, and may be synergistic.
-
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 2005
Effects of ascending aorta replacement on aortic root dilatation.
Because of an increase of aortic root wall stress, prosthetic replacement of the ascending aorta might be a risk factor for the progressive increase of the aortic root dimension. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the aortic root diameter change and the progression of aortic valve regurgitation late after ascending aorta replacement for different ethiology. ⋯ Both the increase of aortic root diameter and the progressive worsening of aortic valve insufficiency seem to justify a more aggressive treatment of the aortic root at the time of surgery for acute aortic dissecting aneurysm but not for chronic atherosclerotic non-dissecting aneurysms.
-
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 2005
Total arterial revascularisation: effect of avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass on in-hospital mortality and morbidity in a propensity-matched cohort.
The combination of total arterial revascularisation and avoidance of cardiopulmonary bypass may provide additional benefits to patients receiving complete arterial grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass. We performed a propensity-matched cohort study of complete arterial off-pump and on-pump coronary surgery and examined differences in in-hospital mortality and morbidity. ⋯ Off-pump coronary surgery with complete arterial revascularisation can significantly reduce in-hospital morbidity and lengths of stay compared to conventional on-pump coronary surgery.
-
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 2005
Comparative StudyMid term course after pediatric right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction: a comparison of homografts, porcine xenografts and Contegras.
Homografts and porcine xenografts are valved conduits for pediatric RVOT reconstruction. They lack availability and durability. The Contegra, a glutaraldehyde fixed bovine jugular vein, was developed as an alternative. In this article, we compare single center results of 190 RVOT conduit implantations. ⋯ After 12 years RVOT reconstruction with 190 valved conduits, Contegras remain our device of choice. At 4 years, they show no subvalvular or valvular reason for explantation or reoperation. Contegras have the advantages of easy handling and availability, and they compare well with homografts regarding freedom from explantation and freedom from reoperation.
-
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 2005
A simple implement [malleable endotracheal tube stylet] to aid positioning of chest drains.
Using a malleable endotracheal tube stylet to shape the chest drain during insertion helps in positioning them in the desired part of the pleural cavity.