European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Feb 2006
Nodal status at repeat mediastinoscopy determines survival in non-small cell lung cancer with mediastinal nodal involvement, treated by induction therapy.
Remediastinoscopy is a valuable tool in restaging non-small cell lung cancer after induction therapy for mediastinal nodal involvement as it provides pathological evidence of response and may select patients for subsequent thoracotomy. However, long-term survival data after remediastinoscopy are scarce. ⋯ Remediastinoscopy is a valuable restaging procedure after induction therapy. Prognosis is poor in patients with persisting mediastinal nodal involvement, proven at repeat mediastinoscopy.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Feb 2006
Total arch replacement using a stepwise distal anastomosis for arch aneurysms with distal extension.
A total of 120 patients having arch to distal arch aneurysm with downstream extension underwent total arch replacement, with individual arch-vessel reconstruction through median sternotomy using a novel "stepwise" distal aortic anastomosis. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established by cannulating the right axillary artery and the ascending aorta or femoral artery. Hypothermia was at 22-28 degrees C. ⋯ Two patients (1.7%) developed permanent neurological dysfunction and three patients (2.5%) suffered transient cerebral deficits. Three patients (2.5%) required reentry for postoperative bleeding although in none of them bleeding was from the distal anastomosis site with the stepwise technique. Stepwise anastomosis is a useful and secure alternative for distal anastomosis in total arch replacement for arch to distal arch aneurysms with distal extension.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 2006
Case ReportsA technique to reposition sinotubular junction in aortic valve reimplantation procedures with the De Paulis Valsalva graft.
Sinotubular junction reconstruction in reimplantation type of valve-sparing aortic procedure can present some problem when a Valsalva graft is used. Since in the Valsalva graft the sinotubular junction height is predetermined, correct matching with native commissures height can be difficult. We propose a method by which it is possible to create a new sinotubular junction in Valsalva graft without altering its original configuration.
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Pneumonectomy for complex aspergilloma is associated with high morbidity rates. This study aimed to improve the outcomes of this high-risk procedure by preventing postoperative complications. ⋯ Pneumonectomy for symptomatic complex aspergilloma can be performed with no mortality and low morbidity. The favorable results of this potentially deleterious procedure hinge on the efforts to prevent postoperative complications.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 2006
Nuss procedure improves the quality of life in young male adults with pectus excavatum deformity.
The Nuss procedure is a minimally invasive pectus repair. This study represents an attempt towards exploring the changes in quality of life and overall satisfaction in young male adults who underwent a Nuss procedure. ⋯ The Nuss procedure has already been shown to have a positive impact on both the physical and psychosocial well-being of children who are suffering from pectus excavatum deformity. We have shown a similar positive impact in young male adults, in the short term.