The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Feb 2012
Surgical management of aortic root abscess: a 13-year experience in 172 patients with 100% follow-up.
The study objective was to evaluate the outcomes of surgery for active infective endocarditis with aortic root abscess formation. ⋯ The surgical treatment of aortic root abscess remains a challenge with relatively high perioperative morbidity and mortality, although long-term survival is satisfactory.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Feb 2012
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyLong-term implications of emergency versus elective proximal aortic surgery in patients with Marfan syndrome in the Genetically Triggered Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Cardiovascular Conditions Consortium Registry.
Patients with Marfan syndrome with aortic root aneurysms undergo elective aortic root replacement to avoid the life-threatening outcomes of aortic dissection and emergency repair. The long-term implications of failed aortic surveillance leading to acute dissection and emergency repair are poorly defined. We compared the long-term clinical courses of patients with Marfan syndrome who survive emergency versus elective proximal aortic surgery. ⋯ For patients with Marfan syndrome, failed aortic surveillance and consequent emergency dissection repair have important long-term implications with regard to the status of the distal aorta, need for multiple procedures, and quality of life. These findings emphasize the importance of aortic surveillance and timely elective aortic root aneurysm repair for patients with Marfan syndrome.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Feb 2012
Younger age and valve oversizing are predictors of structural valve deterioration after pulmonary valve replacement in patients with tetralogy of Fallot.
We sought to identify predictors of structural valve deterioration after pulmonary valve replacement in patients with tetralogy of Fallot. ⋯ Younger age at the time of pulmonary valve replacement and valve oversizing in patients less than 20 years of age at the time of pulmonary valve replacement were significant predictors of structural valve deterioration and could potentially affect the timing of pulmonary valve replacement and the extent of valve oversizing in small children. No statistically significant difference in valve performance was seen between bioprosthetic valve types at short-term follow-up.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Feb 2012
The universal bed model for patient care improves outcome and lowers cost in cardiac surgery.
With the escalating demands to increase the efficiency and decrease the cost, innovations in postoperative cardiac surgical patient care are needed. The universal bed model is an innovative care delivery system that allows patient care to be managed in one setting from postoperation to discharge. We hypothesized that the universal bed model in the context of cardiac surgery would improve outcomes and efficacy. ⋯ The universal bed patient care model allows for expedient and efficacious care as measured by decreased length of intensive care unit and hospital stay, improved postoperative outcomes, patient satisfaction, and cost savings.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Feb 2012
Editorial Biography Historical ArticleHistorical perspectives of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery: Alfred Blalock (1899-1964).
Great men are not a common occurrence. Indeed, they are a rare find. Though respected and lauded in their time, it is only in retrospect that their true contributions can be adequately measured as a surgeon, an educator and a scientist. ⋯ His continual reach for excellence helped him to not only affect, but revolutionize the paradigm of surgical research, an understanding of the physiology of shock and the surgical management of pulmonic stenosis/atresia. Dr. Blalock was the 30th president of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery and his presidential address was given in 1951.