The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Oct 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialAutologous fibrin sealant reduces the incidence of prolonged air leak and duration of chest tube drainage after lung volume reduction surgery: a prospective randomized blinded study.
Prolonged air leak is reported in up to 50% of patients after lung volume reduction surgery. The effect of an autologous fibrin sealant on the intensity and duration of air leak and on the time to chest drain removal after lung volume reduction surgery was investigated in a randomized prospective clinical trial. ⋯ Autologous fibrin sealant for reinforcement of the staple lines after lung volume reduction surgery significantly reduces prolonged air leak and duration of chest tube drainage.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Oct 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialThe role of temporary biventricular pacing in the cardiac surgical patient with severely reduced left ventricular systolic function.
The objective was to evaluate the effects of atrial synchronous biventricular pacing in postoperative patients with severe cardiomyopathy. ⋯ Pacing mode affects stroke volume in patients with severe cardiomyopathy. Atrial synchronous biventricular pacing was helpful in a minority, but in 41% it compromised stroke volume.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Oct 2008
Comparative StudyReoperative aortic root and transverse arch procedures: a comparison with contemporaneous primary operations.
Long-term survival and risk factors affecting outcome after reoperative root/ascending aorta and transverse arch procedures have not been clearly described. ⋯ In this series, reoperations in the transverse arch carry the same risk as primary arch procedures, but a higher operative mortality is seen with reoperative than with primary root/ascending aorta procedures. The long-term outlook is better for patients undergoing root/ascending operations than for patients undergoing aortic arch operations, with no difference in the longevity of patients undergoing primary procedures versus reoperations.