European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · May 2001
Comparative StudySingle ventricle with systemic obstruction in early life: comparison of initial pulmonary artery banding versus the Norwood operation.
The outcomes of initial pulmonary artery banding (PAB)+/-coarctation repair are compared with the Norwood operation in newborns with single ventricle (SV) and systemic obstruction (SO). ⋯ PAB+/-coarctation repair for SV and SO is associated with a high mortality and a high reoperation rate for SAS or recurrent AAO. Although the Norwood operation was also associated with a high mortality early on, it can now be performed with excellent outcome. This improvement, combined with a low reintervention rate for SAS or AAO, suggests that the Norwood operation is likely to emerge as the procedure of choice for SV and SO.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · May 2001
Case ReportsEmbolization of a ruptured intercostal artery aneurysm in type I neurofibromatosis.
We present the case of a female with history of a ruptured lumbar aneurysm years ago. She was known to have neurofibromatosis type I with the typical clinical signs. ⋯ The aneurysm was embolized and the patient recovered uneventful. We will discuss the optimal therapy for vessel lesions in neurofibromatosis type I.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · May 2001
Case ReportsColonic metastases from primary squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.
Lung cancer is the most common malignancy in the UK. Metastasis to the colon is very rare and only infrequently symptomatic. Here we report a case of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung which presented with symptoms from a colonic metastasis.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Apr 2001
The radiofrequency modified maze procedure. A less invasive surgical approach to atrial fibrillation during open-heart surgery.
Patients with mitral valve disease and suffering of atrial fibrillation of more than 1 year's duration have a low probability of remaining in sinus rhythm after valve surgery alone. Intraoperative radiofrequency ablation was used as an alternative to simplify the surgical maze procedure. ⋯ Intraoperative radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation is an effective and less invasive alternative for the original maze procedure to eliminate atrial fibrillation.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Apr 2001
Is aortic surgery using hypothermic circulatory arrest in octogenarians justifiable?
This study was undertaken to analyze the risk of mortality and neurological complications after aortic surgery requiring hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) in octogenarians. ⋯ Aortic surgery utilizing HCA in octogenarians can be performed with an acceptable risk of mortality and stroke. From the evidence in this study, it seems that elective aneurysm repair via a median sternotomy can be undertaken for the usual indications, even in octogenarians. However, the enhanced vulnerability of the brain in the elderly is reflected by a high early mortality following stroke, and a high incidence of TND. Emergency operations increase the possibility of adverse outcome dramatically, and patients who require a lateral thoracotomy are at significantly higher risk than those operated via a median sternotomy.