European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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There has been a gradual increase in the number of elderly patients referred for cardiac surgery. These patients present a difficult challenge, they are usually symptomatic yet at high risk for intervention. The aim of this study is to review our experience with cardiac surgery in patients aged 80 years or older. ⋯ Cardiac surgery can be performed in a selected elderly population with a low operative mortality. Post-operatively elderly patients attain an excellent quality of life and survival. Emergency and mitral surgery in this group of patients is less rewarding.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 1999
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialA clinical comparative study between crystalloid and blood-based St Thomas' hospital cardioplegic solution.
Myocardial protection with blood cardioplegia during cardiac surgery is increasingly preferred, but few studies have compared the protective effects of crystalloid cardioplegia to the same solution with blood as the only variable. This clinical study compared the protective effects of crystalloid or blood-based St. Thomas' Hospital cardioplegic solution No. 1. ⋯ In a higher risk (EF < 40%) group of patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery, addition of blood to an established crystalloid cardioplegic solution significantly enhanced myocardial protection by reducing arrhythmias, improving rate of recovery of function and maintaining myocardial high-energy phosphate content during ischaemia.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 1999
Case ReportsPulmonary artery bullet injury following thoracic gunshot wound.
Thoracic trauma occurs frequently but seldom requires surgery (10-20%, [1]). The mortality rate for gunshot wound of the chest varies from 14.3 to 36.8% [2]. ⋯ This patient had previous history of coronary surgery. Absolute and relative indications for exploratory thoracotomy in emergency will be reviewed.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 1999
Letter Comparative StudyIs hypothermia necessary in pediatric cardiac surgery?
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Dec 1998
Review Case ReportsDiagnosis and management of entrapped embolus through a patent foramen ovale.
The diagnosis of impending paradoxical embolus by echocardiography is exceptional and its management remains unclear. Through a personal case, we performed an exhaustive review of the medical literature of this rare finding. Since the first report, only 43 cases have ever been reported. ⋯ The early mortality rate is high (21%). In addition, recurrent embolisms are reported when a medical treatment is chosen. The cumulative results of each possibility are described.