European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jun 2005
Right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery shunt and modified Blalock-Taussig shunt in preparation to hemi-Fontan procedure in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
The advantageous effect of right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery shunt (RV-PA) on the early postoperative hemodynamics in the Norwood procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is well known. Numerous controversies still exist with respect to the late consequences of this new palliation method in preparation for the second stage procedure. ⋯ The Norwood procedure with the RV-PA shunt provides satisfactory late hemodynamics and improves the development of the pulmonary arteries. Children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome subjected to this new method of palliation are good candidates for the hemi-Fontan procedure.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jun 2005
Usefulness of procalcitonin in the early detection of infection after thoracic surgery.
The twofold aim of this prospective clinical study was to assess the accuracy of procalcitonin as a marker of postoperative infection after thoracic surgery and to compare it with C-reactive protein. ⋯ Procalcitonin can be used as a reliable diagnostic parameter to detect and to monitor infectious complications in the postoperative period after thoracic surgery, especially in patients felt to be at higher risk (SIRS). It provides more information about the course of the disease than C-reactive protein does, and can be detected before the occurrence of clinical infection.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jun 2005
Restrictive left atrial outflow adversely affects outcome after the modified Norwood procedure.
Moderate restrictive foramen ovale in neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is considered to be favourable, reducing pulmonary overcirculation, before modified Norwood operation. However, some newborns with severe restriction of interatrial communication will have pulmonary vascular disease at birth, which correlates with increased perioperative mortality. This article studies the post-Norwood hemodynamic patterns and outcome for the particular group of HLHS newborns with restrictive left atrial outflow compared to other patients. ⋯ Restrictive left atrial outflow adversely affects outcome after modified Norwood procedure. Abnormal pulmonary vasculature leading to insufficient pulmonary perfusion is incriminated. To improve outcome, implantation of larger size modified Blalock-Taussig or right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery shunts and routine use of postoperative mechanical assist device should be considered.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jun 2005
Surgical outcomes in congenital heart disease: expectations and realities.
The past 50 years of congenital heart surgery has produced enormous progress. Current results surpass expectations. Yet there are important residual problems in patients growing up after heart surgery for congenital heart disease. ⋯ Both Registry and Academic databases have much to offer in improving care for future patients. Yet overzealous privacy laws threaten the knowledge base provided by computerized databases. We need to guide our legislators in ensuring that the valuable resource provided by database technology is not lost.