Journal of cardiac surgery
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In 1977, the use of Gelatine-Resorcine-Formaline (GRF) biological glue during surgery of acute Type A aortic dissection was proposed. The present study retrospectively analyzes the late results obtained with this adjunct in an experience extending over a twenty-year period of time. ⋯ The GRF glue has proved to be extremely useful during emergency initial surgery for acute type A dissection, making the procedure much easier and safer. Through this operative improvement, the use of the GRF glue seems to have a beneficial influence on the late results which however, depend mainly on the patient's basic condition.
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From 1985 to 1996, 18 patients with Marfan's syndrome underwent the Bentall procedure at Mount Sinai Hospital. They are compared with 38 patients aged < 40 without Marfan's syndrome who also underwent composite valve-graft replacement of the ascending aorta. The mean age of the non-Marfan group was 33 while that of the Marfan group was 29. ⋯ No difference in immediate operative mortality following the Bentall procedure was noted between patients with and without Marfan's syndrome, but young patients without Marfan's syndrome seem to have better event-free and long-term survival. In patients with Marfan's syndrome, the presence of acute dissection makes reoperation more likely, and sudden death from rupture still occurs despite careful postoperative surveillance. A higher incidence of severe mitral valve disease was found among young patients with Marfan syndrome than in controls.
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Hemostasis is a significant problem in aortic surgery requiring profoundly hypothermic techniques. Aprotinin, a serine protease inhibitor, reduces blood loss in high-risk coronary and valve surgery, but its use in profound hypothermia is controversial. ⋯ This data does not support the adverse effect of aprotinin upon early survival. Although early reports were of concern, the role of aprotinin as an adjunct to hemostasis requires further investigation.
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Hemostasis abnormalities in cardiovascular and aortic surgery remain a major source of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing such complex procedures. The need for frequent transfusions of red cell and other blood products increases risks and costs to patients and institutions providing patient care. Specifically in cardiovascular and aortic surgery, the nature of the surgery is, at best, semi-elective, and careful preparation to preserve the hemostatic mechanisms of the body is essential. ⋯ Aorto intimal disease initiates fibrinolysis by the release of tissue plasminogen activator. Due to the numerous etiologies of bleeding, a combination of blood conservation strategies is suggested. The ideal combination of interventions has yet to be determined and is currently dependent on patient variables, physician and institutional practices, and economic pressures.
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Penetrating injuries to the thoracic great vessels have been diagnosed with increased frequency because of the escalating use of automatic weapons. The overall incidence is 5.3% of gunshot wounds and 2% of stab wounds to the chest. Most of these patients reach the hospital dead or in severe shock. ⋯ Angiography, color flow Doppler, and transesophageal echocardiography may be useful in selected cases. Patients in cardiac arrest or imminent cardiac arrest may benefit from an emergency room thoracotomy. The surgical approach to specific thoracic great vessels is described.