Asian cardiovascular & thoracic annals
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Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann · Sep 2015
Observational StudyDischarge of thoracic patients on portable digital suction: Is it cost-effective?
A portable suction drainage device for patients undergoing thoracic surgical procedures was introduced into our service in January 2010. Patients who met strict discharge criteria were allowed to continue their treatment at home with the device. They were monitored in a designated follow-up clinic. Data were collected to identify the impact of this service in relation to the duration of follow-up required, bed-days saved, and potential cost/benefits. ⋯ Careful identification of patients suitable for discharge with a portable suction device achieved a significant cost-saving and freed hospital beds, thus allowing increased surgical activity. Patients were also able to be cared for within their home environment and maintain their quality of life.
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Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann · Sep 2015
Endobronchial intubation in thoracic surgery: Which side should be preferred?
This study was undertaken to compare the clinical performance of right versus left double-lumen endotracheal tubes placed without using fiberoptic bronchoscopy in thoracic surgery operations. ⋯ Right-sided double-lumen endotracheal tubes resulted in poorer clinical performance. Therefore, a left-sided double-lumen endotracheal tube should be preferred in thoracic surgery operations when an appropriate size of fiberoptic bronchoscope is not available.
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Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann · Sep 2015
Case ReportsGiant epicardial cyst presenting as acute cardiac tamponade in a 2-year-old boy.
Cystic structures within the pericardial cavity are rare. They are divided into epicardial and pericardial variants. ⋯ This report describes a case of epicardial cyst with acute cardiac tamponade in a 2-year-old boy with no previous cardiac history who was transferred to our hospital because of hemodynamic instability. Emergency drainage of the pericardial effusion and complete excision of the cyst were performed through a median full sternotomy.
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Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann · Sep 2015
Dexmedetomidine in combination with midazolam after pediatric cardiac surgery.
Although midazolam is one of the most commonly used sedatives for infants in the intensive care unit, it has well-known disadvantages including a dose-dependent potential to induce tolerance, withdrawal, and hemodynamic depression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effects of dexmedetomidine combined with midazolam in postoperative intensive care following pediatric cardiac surgery. ⋯ Dexmedetomidine can provide favorable sedative properties with a reduced requirement for concomitant midazolam and stable hemodynamics with tachycardia prevention, for postoperative intensive care following pediatric cardiac surgery.