The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2011
Management of esophageal anastomotic leaks, perforations, and fistulae with self-expanding plastic stents.
Esophageal anastomotic leaks, perforations, and fistulae are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of self-expanding plastic stents in the treatment of esophageal leaks. ⋯ In combination with effective interventional or surgical drainage, stenting is a viable option for the treatment of esophageal anastomotic leaks and perforations, but the success in tracheoesophageal fistula is limited.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2011
Myocardial expression of heat shock protein 70i protects early postoperative right ventricular function in cyanotic tetralogy of Fallot.
Right ventricular dysfunction occurs after tetralogy of Fallot repair and may relate to greater myocardial vulnerability to ischemia-reperfusion injury in cyanotic patients. The inducible form of heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70i), a molecular chaperone, is upregulated in response to cellular stress and limits myocardial injury against ischemia-reperfusion. We evaluated the myocardial expression of HSP-70i and its relation to right ventricular function and clinical outcome in patients with tetralogy of Fallot undergoing corrective surgery. ⋯ The association of HSP-70i expression with improved right ventricular function and systemic perfusion suggests an important cardioprotective effect of HSP-70i in cyanotic tetralogy of Fallot.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2011
A positive return on investment: research funding by the Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education (TSFRE).
The Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education (TSFRE) was formed in 1991 with the primary goals of generating new knowledge and nurturing the development of surgeon-scientists. The purpose of this article is to determine how effective the TSFRE has been in achieving these goals. ⋯ The return on investment for TSFRE funding for surgeon-scientists is resoundingly positive with respect to promoting careers in cardiothoracic surgery and to obtaining subsequent NIH funding for thoracic surgeon investigators.