The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Feb 2019
A comparison of aortic root measurements by echocardiography and computed tomography.
The aim of the study is to evaluate an optimal way to assess the dimensions of the aortic root and each of the sinuses of Valsalva and examine how a single measurement in 1 plane (echocardiography or 2-dimensional computed tomography) can underestimate the maximum dimension of the aortic root. ⋯ The difference in the measurements of the minimum and maximum aortic root dimensions is significant and may exceed 20 mm, especially in patients with bicuspid aortic valves. Therefore, aortic root dimensions can be significantly underestimated with the measurement (echocardiography, computed tomography angiography) performed in only 1 plane.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Feb 2019
Comparative StudyOutcomes after neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy for cT2-4N0-1 non-small cell lung cancer: A propensity-matched analysis.
Comparative survival between neoadjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with cT2-4N0-1M0 non-small cell lung cancer has not been extensively studied. ⋯ Timing of chemotherapy, before or after surgery, is not associated with an improvement in overall or disease-free survival among patients with cT2-4N0-1M0 non-small cell lung cancer who undergo complete surgical resection.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Feb 2019
Comparative StudyIn vitro comparison of the hemocompatibility of two centrifugal left ventricular assist devices.
Shear stress from left ventricular assist devices induces von Willebrand factor degradation and platelet dysfunction, leading to nonsurgical bleeding. We characterized the hemostatic changes induced by 2 centrifugal left ventricular assist devices, the HeartMate 3 (Abbott Inc, Chicago, Ill) and the EVAHEART (Evaheart Inc, Houston, Tex), for comparison. ⋯ The EVAHEART left ventricular assist device caused less hemolysis, resulted in lower coagulation activation, and provided better preservation of von Willebrand factor functional activity compared with the HeartMate 3 device. These findings prove that left ventricular assist device design plays a major role in minimizing blood damage during left ventricular assist device support.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Feb 2019
Loeys-Dietz syndrome: Intermediate-term outcomes of medically and surgically managed patients.
Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is an aggressive connective tissue disorder associated with increased risk of aortic dissection and aneurysm rupture at an early age and smaller aortic diameters. We report our experience with LDS to better understand its natural history and treatment outcomes and help establish treatment guidelines. ⋯ Prophylactic aortic surgical outcomes in LDS are excellent. Surgical reintervention remains high, particularly after aortic dissections. Close surveillance of medically managed and postoperative patients and early prophylactic surgery are crucial to avoid aortic catastrophe and achieve a good long-term prognosis.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Feb 2019
Comparative StudyInfluence of aortic stiffness on ventricular function in patients with Fontan circulation.
Elastic properties of the thoracic aorta are responsible for buffering systemic afterload, and may be particularly important in patients with Fontan circulation, in whom heart failure is a major source of attrition. The purpose of this study was to characterize regional stiffness in the ascending and descending aorta in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and single left ventricle morphology after Fontan operation by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and to assess whether changes in aortic stiffness are associated with the ventricular function. ⋯ Aortic stiffness is most elevated in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, yet patients with single left ventricle morphology show signs of abnormal stiffness as well in the form of reduced aortic strain. Stiffness indices measured in the ascending aorta were associated with overall ventricular function and measures of aortoventricular coupling in both patient populations.