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 2012
A dose-response study of levosimendan in a porcine model of acute ischaemic heart failure.
Levosimendan is a novel inotropic agent claimed to improve myocardial contractility by a calcium-sensitizing effect. Our aim was to evaluate dose-dependent effects of levosimendan on left ventricular (LV) contractility and energetic properties in an acute, ischaemic heart failure porcine model. ⋯ Surprisingly, levosimendan had no significant effect on contractility, energy efficiency and mitochondrial respiration of the LV, in a porcine model of acute heart failure. At high doses, levosimendan induced vasodilatation and increased heart rate and cardiac output.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jun 2012
Multicenter StudyThe importance of intraoperative fluid balance for the prevention of postoperative acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis after pulmonary resection for primary lung cancer.
Postoperative acute exacerbation (PAE) of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a serious complication that is hard to treat. Therefore, it is important to manage IPF patients in such a way as to avoid PAE. Conversely, the relationship between postoperative acute lung injury and perioperative fluid administration has been reported. Herein, we analyse the perioperative risk factors of PAE of IPF, including fluid management. ⋯ To prevent PAE of IPF, intraoperative management that minimizes intravenous fluid administration is essential. Moreover, caution is particularly important in patients with preoperative evidence of inflammation.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jun 2012
Multicenter StudyCarcinoid heart disease: outcomes after surgical valve replacement.
To describe the early and late outcomes of carcinoid patients undergoing surgical heart valve replacement. ⋯ Despite advanced cardiac morbidity at the time of operation, early postoperative survival was 90%. Long-term survival of patients with carcinoid heart disease undergoing valve replacement is determined by carcinoid progression. The surviving patients had a persistent improvement in functional capacity without valve-related complications of the mechanical prosthesis.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jun 2012
Reparative surgery of the pulmonary autograft: experience with Ross reoperations.
Autograft valve and root pathology is the leading cause of Ross procedure failure. To define risk and outcome of autograft valve/root repair at reoperation, a 17-year experience was analysed. ⋯ Autograft reoperation carries negligible hospital risk. Pulmonary valve sparing or repair is feasible in half of patients with Ross failure. Concomitant root remodelling and absence of preoperative severe valve dysfunction predict successful and durable repair.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jun 2012
Controlled Clinical TrialTotally thoracoscopic closure for atrial septal defect on perfused beating hearts.
To investigate the feasibility and safety of non-robotically assisted totally thoracoscopic closure for atrial septal defect (ASD) on perfused beating hearts. ⋯ Non-robotically assisted totally thoracoscopic closures of ASD on perfused beating hearts are feasible and safe. These procedures are associated with a shorter operation time and a shorter hospital stay than in surgeries on cardioplegic arrested hearts.