Asian cardiovascular & thoracic annals
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Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann · Apr 2006
Determinants of morbidity and intensive care unit stay after coronary surgery.
The study evaluated rates and determinants of hospital morbidity, serious morbid events, and prolonged intensive care unit stay associated with isolated coronary artery bypass. The medical records of 391 patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass at our center during 2003 were reviewed. The observed crude hospital mortality rate was 2.05%, similar to the EuroSCORE predicted mortality rate of 2.34%. ⋯ Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed age, preoperative rhythm disturbances, previous cardiac operation, and hypertension as independent predictors of prolonged intensive care unit stay. The rates of hospital mortality, morbidity, and prolonged intensive care unit stay were comparable to those of other major international cardiac surgery centers. These data can be used as a benchmark for further self- and peer-assessment quality improvement activities.
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An unusual case of a sewing needle in the heart is reported for its rarity. The relevant literature is briefly reviewed.
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Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann · Feb 2006
Case ReportsSpontaneous cervical emphysema and pneumomediastinum in an 18-year-old woman.
Pneumomediastinum or mediastinal emphysema is a known complication of traumatic injury or disease whereas spontaneous pneumomediastinum remains a rare clinical entity. We present the case of a young woman with a diagnosis of spontaneous pneumomediastinum combined with cervical emphysema without any precipitating factors or disease.
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Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann · Feb 2006
Ascending aorta or arch surgery: is previous cardiac surgery a risk factor?
Surgery on the ascending aorta +/- arch is a challenge. The risks involved in such operations after previous cardiac surgery were assessed in elective and emergency settings in a single institution. Over a 10-year period, 29 patients underwent replacement of the ascending aorta +/- arch following previous cardiac surgery. ⋯ The incidences of permanent stroke (3.4%) and renal failure (3.4%) were similar to first-time operations. Elective re-operation for ascending aorta +/- arch repair can be accomplished with acceptable mortality and morbidity. Outcomes in emergency cases carry a higher early mortality but still conform to contemporary expectations and are similar to emergency first-time aortic surgery.
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High-dose propofol infusion for sedation of patients in the intensive care unit can result in rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure, metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, ventricular arrhythmia, hyperthermia, and death. The death of a patient with such complications after lung biopsy is reported. Until a safer dosage range has been determined, propofol infusion at rates higher than 5 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1) should be discouraged for long-term sedation (> 48 h).