European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
-
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Oct 2019
Multicenter StudyAntimicrobial prophylaxis and the prevention of surgical site infection in cardiac surgery: an analysis of 21 007 patients in Switzerland†.
Our goal was to determine the optimal timing and choice of surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP) in patients having cardiac surgery. ⋯ The results from this large prospective study provide substantial arguments that administration of SAP close to the time of the incision is more effective than earlier administration before cardiac surgery, making compliance with SAP administration easier. The choice of SAP appears to play a significant role in the prevention of all SSIs, even after adjusting for confounding variables.
-
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Oct 2019
Comparative StudyNational trends and perioperative outcomes of robotic resection of thymic tumours in the United States: a propensity matching comparison with open and video-assisted thoracoscopic approaches†.
Despite the recent increased rate of adoption of robotic approaches for the resection of thymic tumours, their use is still limited to large-volume academic centres. To date, a large-scale analysis of the robotic approach has not been performed. We assessed the recent trends and outcomes of robotic thymectomies in the United States compared to those of open and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical (VATS) approaches. ⋯ Over a 4-year study period, there was a significant increase in robotic utilization for thymectomies and an increase in the number of hospitals performing the procedure. In a matched analysis, a robotic approach was comparable to a VATS or an open approach. Current trends demonstrate increased robotic utilization for small thymomas with excellent perioperative results.
-
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Oct 2019
Observational StudyExtended-arch repair for acute type-A aortic dissection: perioperative and mid-term results.
Extended-arch techniques offer the potential to comprehensively treat acute type-A aortic dissection (ATAAD), but add surgical complexity compared to the standard hemiarch technique. This study describes both perioperative and mid-term outcomes following the introduction of an extended-arch technique for ATAAD. ⋯ Extended-arch repair of ATAAD can be introduced in the acute setting without increase in perioperative mortality or morbidity. At mid-term follow-up, extended-arch for ATAAD improves aortic remodelling and reduces the need for open surgical reoperation.