European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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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.
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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.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 2005
Congenital lung malformations--antenatal and postnatal evaluation and management.
We reviewed our institutional experience with pulmonary resection for congenital bronchopulmonary malformations and analysed the management and outcome of pregnancies with a prenatal diagnosis of congenital lung malformations. Between January 1993 and December 2003, 31 patients underwent evaluation and pulmonary resection for bronchopulmonary malformations. Common clinical presentations were respiratory distress (9), respiratory infections/pneumonias (22), and dyspnoea (9). ⋯ The presence of mass effects is an indication for therapeutic decompression. The risk of pulmonary compression, infection and malignant degeneration makes resection imperative, even in asymptomatic patients. Lobectomy is the procedure of choice, is well tolerated, and leads to excellent outcomes.
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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.