The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jun 2007
Editorial CommentTranslational research: is there a future?
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jun 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyLung-volume reduction surgery for pulmonary emphysema: Improvement in body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity index after 1 year.
We hypothesized that lung-volume reduction surgery for pulmonary emphysema would improve body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity (BODE) index, a multidimensional predictor of survival in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We also aimed to identify preoperative predictors of improvement in the BODE index. ⋯ Lung-volume reduction surgery for pulmonary emphysema improved the BODE index in patients with predominantly upper-lobe disease. Lower preoperative 6-minute walk distance correlated with greater improvement in the BODE index.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jun 2007
Multicenter Study Clinical TrialResults of a multicenter clinical trial with the Thoratec Implantable Ventricular Assist Device.
The Thoratec Implantable Ventricular Assist Device (Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, Calif) can be used for univentricular or biventricular support in patients with a body surface area as low as 1.3 m(2). Results of the multicenter clinical trial are reviewed. ⋯ The Thoratec Implantable Ventricular Assist Device is a new implantable pulsatile ventricular assist device that allows hospital discharge for patients as a bridge to transplantation or for postcardiotomy failure. It is the first Food and Drug Administration-approved implantable ventricular assist device with biventricular capability.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jun 2007
Reliability of temperatures measured at standard monitoring sites as an index of brain temperature during deep hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass conducted for thoracic aortic reconstruction.
It is essential to estimate the brain temperature of patients during deliberate deep hypothermia. Using jugular bulb temperature as a standard for brain temperature, we evaluated the accuracy and precision of 5 standard temperature monitoring sites (ie, pulmonary artery, nasopharynx, forehead deep-tissue, urinary bladder, and fingertip skin-surface tissue) during deep hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass conducted for thoracic aortic reconstruction. ⋯ Pulmonary artery temperature measurement is recommended to estimate brain temperature during deep hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass, even if it is conducted with the sternum opened; however, caution needs to be exercised in interpreting its measurements during periods of the cardioplegic solution infusion.