European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Dec 2013
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty: an improved operative technique.
We summarize our experiences of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty for non-small-cell lung cancer and discuss the indications and technical details of the operation. ⋯ VATS sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty is safe and effective. The utility incision placed at the fourth intercostal space, anterior axillary line, is convenient for the anastomosis, and the suturing technique is expeditious and secure. Preserving the azygos vein does not compromise exposure for the anastomosis. This technique is very suitable for centrally located lung cancers <3 cm in diameter, particularly when the cancers are located within the brachial lumen.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Nov 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialTriclosan-coated sutures reduce surgical site infection after open vein harvesting in coronary artery bypass grafting patients: a randomized controlled trial.
The incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) after open vein harvesting in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients ranges in different studies between 2 and 20%. Triclosan is an antibacterial substance that reduces the growth of bacteria by inhibiting fatty acid synthesis. We hypothesized that wound closure with triclosan-coated sutures would reduce SSI after open vein harvesting. ⋯ Leg-wound closure with triclosan-coated sutures in CABG patients reduces SSIs after open vein harvesting. (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01212315).
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Nov 2013
Evaluation of cardiac surgery mortality rates: 30-day mortality or longer follow-up?
The aim of our study was to investigate early mortality after cardiac surgery and to determine the most adequate follow-up period for the evaluation of mortality rates. ⋯ The course of early mortality after cardiac surgery differs across interventions and continues up to ∼120 days. Thirty-day mortality reflects only a part of early mortality after cardiac surgery and should only be used for benchmarking of isolated CABG procedures. The follow-up should be prolonged to capture early mortality of all types of interventions.