The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2016
Robot-assisted real-time magnetic resonance image-guided transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
Real-time magnetic resonance imaging (rtMRI)-guided transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) offers improved visualization, real-time imaging, and pinpoint accuracy with device delivery. Unfortunately, performing a TAVR in a MRI scanner can be a difficult task owing to limited space and an awkward working environment. Our solution was to design a MRI-compatible robot-assisted device to insert and deploy a self-expanding valve from a remote computer console. We present our preliminary results in a swine model. ⋯ These results demonstrate the feasibility of robotic-assisted TAVR using rtMRI guidance. This approach may eliminate some of the challenges of performing a procedure while working inside of an MRI scanner, and may improve the success of TAVR. It provides superior visualization during the insertion process, pinpoint accuracy of deployment, and, potentially, communication between the imaging device and the robotic module to prevent incorrect or misaligned deployment.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2016
Comparative StudyLong-term outcomes after lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer when unsuspected pN2 disease is found: A National Cancer Data Base analysis.
There are few studies evaluating whether to proceed with planned resection when a patient with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) unexpectedly is found to have N2 disease at the time of thoracoscopy or thoracotomy. To help guide management of this clinical scenario, we evaluated outcomes for patients who were upstaged to pN2 after lobectomy without induction therapy using the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB). ⋯ This population-based analysis suggests that, in the setting of unsuspected pN2 NSCLC, proceeding with lobectomy does not appear to compromise outcomes if adjuvant chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy can be administered following surgery.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2016
Early results of extra-aortic annuloplasty ring implantation on aortic annular dimensions.
Dilatation of the aortic annulus is a cause of recurrent aortic regurgitation following the Ross or Yacoub procedures. Use of an extra-aortic annuloplasty ring is a potentially useful adjunct procedure. The aim of this study was to analyze the early effectiveness and mid-term stability of this surgical approach. ⋯ Use of an extra-aortic annuloplasty ring is effective at reducing annular diameters. This remains stable at mid-term follow-up, with preservation of aortic annular dynamics. Longer-term studies are required to determine the continued stability and impact on long-term clinical outcomes.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2016
Comparative StudyA contemporary analysis of pulmonary hypertension in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery: Is this a risk factor?
Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) has been considered a risk factor for mortality in cardiac surgery. Among mitral valve surgery (MVS) patients, we sought to determine if severe PHT increases mortality risk and if patients who undergo concomitant tricuspid valve surgery (TVS) incur additional risk. ⋯ Mortality in MVS is unaffected by severe PHT or the addition of TVS, yet extreme PHT remains a risk factor. Severe PHT (50-79 mm Hg) should not preclude surgery; concomitant TVS does not increase mortality.