The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Sep 2014
Prediction of sinus rhythm in patients undergoing concomitant Cox maze procedure through a median sternotomy.
One of the challenges that exists when discussing the Cox maze procedure for atrial fibrillation (AF) with patients is predicting the success for a given patient. The purpose of the present study was to develop a scoring system using well-established clinical factors to predict the probability of sinus rhythm (SR) after surgery. ⋯ Our findings are the first step in establishing a risk scoring system to better predict the outcomes after surgical ablation for AF and improve the ability to discuss the risk and benefits with patients.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Sep 2014
Residual and recurrent gradients after septal myectomy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy-mechanisms of obstruction and outcomes of reoperation.
The aims of the present study were to identify the mechanisms of residual or recurrent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in patients undergoing repeat septal myectomy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and to assess the early and late results of reoperation. ⋯ The most common cause of recurrent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and symptoms in patients undergoing septal myectomy has been an inadequate length of septal excision. Reoperation is safe, with excellent long-term survival and functional improvement.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Sep 2014
Comparative StudyRegulatory T cells enhance mesenchymal stem cell survival and proliferation following autologous cotransplantation in ischemic myocardium.
We sought to investigate if autologous freshly isolated regulatory T cells (Tregs) provide a protective and supportive role when cotransplanted with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). ⋯ The cotransplantation of Treg cells with MSCs dramatically increased the MSC survival rate, proliferation, and augmented their role in angiogenesis, which suggests a new way for future clinical application of cell-based therapy.