Asian cardiovascular & thoracic annals
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Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann · Oct 2015
Observational StudyCell salvage during coronary artery bypass surgery and allogenic blood exposure.
Our primary aim was to assess the impact of intraoperative cell saver usage on patient exposure to allogenic blood transfusion during elective coronary artery bypass. The secondary endpoint was the impact of cell savage on the units of blood and blood products transfused perioperatively. ⋯ Intraoperative cell salvage with a cell saver in patients undergoing primary elective coronary artery bypass decreases the proportion of patients exposed to allogenic red cell transfusions and the number of units of red blood cells transfused.
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Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann · Oct 2015
Case ReportsSpontaneous pneumomediastinum: A complication of swine flu.
The occurrence of spontaneous pneumomediastinum in swine flu, or H1N1 influenza A infection, is a rare phenomenon and only few cases have been reported in children. We describe a case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum in adult infected with swine flu.
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Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann · Oct 2015
Case ReportsEndoscopic stenting for double bronco-pleural fistula after lobectomy.
Bronchial fistula is one of the most serious complications after pulmonary resection. It presents a challenge in terms of treatment, with a high risk of perioperative mortality. ⋯ The lesions were sited at the upper lobar stump and the pars membranacea of the intermediate bronchus. The patient was successfully treated by placement of an endobronchial prosthesis (initially a self-expanding prosthesis and subsequently, a Dumon prosthesis) and a pleural chest drain, to avoid a potential right pneumonectomy.
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Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann · Oct 2015
Case ReportsTamponade by an expanding left ventricular pseudoaneurysm: A unique presentation.
Left ventricular free wall rupture secondary to myocardial infarction is an uncommon but catastrophic event requiring emergency surgery. We describe a unique presentation of left ventricular free wall rupture as delayed tamponade caused by a gradually expanding pseudoaneurysm compressing the left atrium, leading to pulmonary congestion that required increasing respiratory support to maintain oxygenation, and necessitated emergency surgery. We discuss the options available to treat pseudoaneurysms due to left ventricular free wall rupture.
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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.