European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jul 2008
Sternal reconstruction with titanium plates in complicated sternal dehiscence.
Sternal dehiscence after median sternotomy can be a challenging problem in case of multiple fractures or infection. The use of titanium plates is a promising approach for sternal reconstruction. ⋯ Titanium plate fixation is an effective method to stabilize complicated sternal dehiscence. The longitudinal plating technique is easier to apply and seems to be associated with fewer complications.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jul 2008
Transcatheter valve implantation for patients with aortic stenosis: a position statement from the European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), in collaboration with the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI).
To critically review the available transcatheter aortic valve implantation techniques and their results, as well as propose recommendations for their use and development. ⋯ Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a promising technique, which may offer an alternative to conventional surgery for high-risk patients with aortic stenosis. Today, careful evaluation is needed to avoid the risk of uncontrolled diffusion.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jul 2008
Late reoperations after neonatal arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries.
The arterial switch operation has become the treatment of choice for neonates with transposition of the great arteries. Currently, the early mortality rate is low as well as the need for early reoperation because of surgical failures; in our experience with 803 neonates, these risks were 3.8% and 1.5%, respectively. The late outcome in terms of survival and functional status is excellent. ⋯ Whether this will remain the case in the decades to come requires further evaluation. Left ventricular function is maintained in the vast majority of patients. Reoperation may be indicated in some patients for other reasons: mitral valve malformation, tracheo-bronchial compression or pulmonary hypertension.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jul 2008
Case ReportsThoracoscopic stapled resection of multiple esophageal duplication cysts with different pathological findings.
Esophageal duplication cyst is a rare congenital esophageal anomaly of the foregut. This cyst usually occurs in isolation, and thus far, was treated by enucleation through thoracoscopic or thoracotomic surgery. Here we report a case of multiple esophageal duplication cysts that showed different pathological findings, i.e., the cysts were lined with pseudostratified ciliated columnar and stratified squamous epithelium. ⋯ We resected the esophageal cysts with endo-staplers under thoracoscopic surgery. No postoperative complications, including esophageal mucosal injury, occurred. A follow-up chest computed tomography revealed the complete resection of the cysts.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jul 2008
Incidence, associated factors and evolution of non-severe functional mitral regurgitation in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing aortic valve replacement.
In order to improve the prognosis, repair of severe mitral regurgitation should be undertaken at the same time as aortic valve replacement in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis. However, mitral regurgitation may be secondary to pressure overload or ventricular dysfunction and improve after surgery. ⋯ The presence of intermediate degree mitral regurgitation in patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement increases morbidity and mortality. However, a high percentage of those who do survive experience disappearance or improvement of the mitral regurgitation.