European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Apr 2012
Three-dimensional imaging navigation during a lung segmentectomy using an iPad.
The requirement for anatomical lung segmentectomies has increased in recent years but this surgical procedure is relatively difficult. We herein present the benefits of using three-dimensional (3D) imaging navigation during a lung segmentectomy via the intra-operative use of an iPad. ⋯ A 3D computed tomography navigation using an iPad enhances the ability to perform a safe and secure segmentectomy.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Apr 2012
Multicenter StudyThe values of intrapleural pressure before the removal of chest tube in non-complicated pulmonary lobectomies.
Digitalized chest drainage systems allow for quantification of air leak and measurement of intrapleural pressure. Little is known about the value of intrapleural pressure during the postoperative phase and its role in the recovering process after pulmonary resection. The objective of this investigation was to measure the values of pleural pressure immediately before the removal of chest tube after different types of pulmonary lobectomy. ⋯ The so-called water seal status may actually correspond to intrapleural pressures ranging from -13 to -20 cmH(2)O. Modern electronic chest drainage devices allow a stable control of the intrapleural pressure. Thus, the values found in this study may be used as target pressures for different types of lobectomies, in order to favour lung recovery after surgery.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Apr 2012
Multicenter StudyCompleteness of lung cancer surgery: is mediastinal dissection common practice?
In patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, surgery offers the best chance of cure when a complete resection, including mediastinal lymph node dissection, is performed. A definition for complete resection and guidelines for intra-operative lymph node staging have been published, but it is unclear whether these guidelines are followed in daily practice. The goal of this study was to evaluate the extent of mediastinal lymph node dissection routinely performed during lung cancer surgery, and hereby the completeness of resection according to the guidelines of the European Society of Thoracic Surgery (ESTS) for intra-operative lymph node staging. ⋯ In daily practice, the intended curative resection for lung cancer cannot be considered complete in the majority of patients, because of an incomplete lymph node dissection according to the current guidelines of the ESTS.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Apr 2012
Multicenter StudySex differences in outcomes following isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery in Australian patients: analysis of the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons cardiac surgery database.
Women undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery have been previously shown to be at an independently increased risk for post-operative morbidity and mortality. The current study evaluates the impact of sex as an independent risk factor for early and late morbidity and mortality following isolated CABG surgery. ⋯ Female patients undergoing isolated CABG surgery have a greater 30-day mortality which may be accounted for by a poorer pre-operative risk factor profile. Further investigation is required into the reasons for differential outcome after CABG based on sex.