European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
-
When the T-tube is inserted as a temporary stent, it is unclear whether keeping it longer in place has any benefit on the outcome. ⋯ Although it seems that keeping the T-tube in place for >6 months may increase the chance of successful decannulation, it was not confirmed in our study.
-
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · May 2013
Valve-sparing root replacement in children with aortic root aneurysm: mid-term results.
We aimed at evaluating the results of aortic valve-sparing root replacement (AVSRR) in children with aortic root aneurysm (ARA) due to genetic disorders in terms of mortality, reoperation and recurrent aortic valve regurgitation (AVR). ⋯ In paediatric patients with ARA, valve-sparing root replacement can be performed with low operative risk and excellent mid-term valve durability. Hence, prosthetic valve-related morbidity may be avoided. Due to the large diameters of the aortic root and the ascending aorta, the size of the implanted root prostheses will not limit later growth of the native aorta.
-
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Apr 2013
The role of intercostal nerve preservation in pain control after thoracotomy.
Pain control after thoracotomy is an important issue that affects the outcome in thoracic surgery. Intercostal nerve preservation (ICNP) has increased interest in the outcomes of conventional thoracotomy. The current study critically evaluates the role of preservation of the intercostal nerve in early and late pain control and its benefit in patients undergoing thoracotomy. ⋯ ICNP without harvesting an intercostal muscle flap achieves excellent outcomes in controlling acute post-thoracotomy pain and CPTP. ICNP is an effective, simple method to perform, and it should be considered as standard in performing thoracotomy.
-
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Apr 2013
Right ventricular outflow tract strategies for repair of tetralogy of Fallot: effect of monocusp valve reconstruction.
The absence of a pulmonary valve (PV) after tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair has been shown to impact postoperative right ventricular (RV) function. The purposes of this study were to (i) compare early outcomes after PV-sparing vs transannular patching (TAP) with monocusp valve reconstruction or TAP alone and (b) assess the mid-term results after polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane monocusp reconstruction. ⋯ The use of a PTFE membrane monocusp valve and a valve-sparing strategy prevents immediate PI and improves short-term clinical outcomes. PTFE membrane monocusp appears advantageous in preventing severe intermediate-term PI and facilitates the preservation of RV function.