Journal of cardiac surgery
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To investigate the effect of myocardial injury on the prognosis of patients with severe or critical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). ⋯ In severe and critical COVID-19 patients, the obvious myocardial injury was observed. Increases of CK-MB, myoglobin, NT-proBNP, interleukin-6, and age were independently associated with poor prognosis including increased ventilation duration, the incidence of malignant arrhythmia, and mortality.
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This study was designed to compare short-term and long-term clinical outcomes of minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) via median sternotomy in patients with single-vessel left anterior descending (LAD) artery disease. ⋯ Short-term as well as long-term outcomes of MIDCAB in terms of mortality, MI, stroke, and target vessel revascularization are satisfactory and as safe and effective as OPCAB via sternotomy.
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Multicenter Study
The impact of COVID-19 on thoracic surgery residency programs in the US: A program director survey.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has altered how the current generation of thoracic surgery residents are being trained. The aim of this survey was to determine how thoracic surgery program directors (PDs) are adapting to educating residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. ⋯ The COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed the educational approach of thoracic surgery programs. PDs are adapting educational delivery to optimize training and safety during the pandemic. Long-term effects remain uncertain and require additional study.
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Multicenter Study
Adult cardiac surgery in Trinidad and Tobago during the COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons from a developing country.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has seen the cancellation of elective cardiac surgeries worldwide. Here we report the experience of a cardiac surgery unit in a developing country in response to the COVID-19 crisis. ⋯ These strategies allowed us to maintain a service for urgent and emergency procedures and may prove useful for larger countries when there is decrease in COVID-19 cases and planning for the restart of elective cardiac surgery.
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Review
Enhancement in virtual learning cannot substitute for hands-on training in cardiothoracic surgery.
This program director survey attempts to determine how coronavirus 2019 pandemic is impacting current training in cardiothoracic surgery. A transition to virtual didactic sessions may prove beneficial with increasing attendance. On the other hand, decreasing live simulation and case volumes may jeopardize achieving competency in surgical skills.