European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Mar 2010
Rotation thromboelastometry (ROTEM) stability and reproducibility over time.
Thromboelastometry is a whole blood assay performed to evaluate the viscoelastic properties during blood clot formation and lysis. Rotation thromboelastography (ROTEM), Pentapharm GmbH, Munich, Germany) has overcome some of the limitations of classic thromboelastography. So far, no clinical validation on reproducibility (inter- and intra-assay variability) and sample stability over time has been published. ⋯ ROTEM yields stable results over 120 min with a minimal variability on the same ROTEM device. However, small but significant differences between ROTEM devices were observed. Analysis should be performed on the same ROTEM device if small differences are of importance for treatment.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Mar 2010
Does chronic obstructive pulmonary disease affect postoperative quality of life in patients undergoing lobectomy for lung cancer? A case-matched study.
The objective of this investigation was to assess the quality of life (QoL) before and after pulmonary lobectomy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to compare these values with a case-matched population of patients with normal respiratory function. ⋯ The evidence of an acceptable QoL in COPD patients may help both patients and physicians in the surgical decision-making process in the face of high rates of complications.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Mar 2010
Multicenter StudyDoes induction treatment increase the risk of morbidity and mortality after pneumonectomy? A multicentre case-matched analysis.
The objective of this investigation was to compare postoperative morbidity and early and late mortality in patients after pneumonectomy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with or without induction neo-adjuvant therapy. ⋯ Current regimens of induction treatment do not seem to increase the risk of morbidity, early mortality and late mortality after pneumonectomy in properly selected patients. This study warrants confirmation from future multicentre prospective randomised trials powered on early outcomes.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Mar 2010
Comparative StudyTraining, certification and practice of cardiac and thoracic surgeons in Europe: a comparison of the members of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery and the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons.
There is little knowledge around the world about training and certification for general thoracic surgeons, and the relationship between thoracic surgery and cardiac surgery. Examination of the membership of European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) and European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) can clarify the training, practice and academic activity of European thoracic surgeons, as well as the similarities and differences between these two professional societies. ⋯ Members of EACTS and ESTS are very similar in length of training, board certification and academic practice and activity, although they have expected practice variation, given the different membership focus and demographics. Both societies provide important education and advocacy services for their members. Increased co-operation may further propagate improvements in cardiothoracic education and improve patient access and outcomes through shared specialty advocacy.