The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Dec 2022
Multicenter StudyComparative study of Japanese frozen elephant trunk device for open aortic arch repairs.
We performed a multicenter prospective comparative study to determine the impact of a Japanese frozen elephant trunk device on total arch replacement compared with conventional repair without it. ⋯ The early outcomes of total arch replacement with the frozen elephant trunk procedure were acceptable despite its higher prevalence of emergency or redo surgery, which was comparable to that of the conventional repair. This procedure had higher rates of spinal cord injury than the conventional repair, which is a disadvantage of this approach.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Dec 2022
Statins for secondary prevention and major adverse events after coronary artery bypass grafting.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of statin use after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and long-term adverse events in a large population-based, nationwide cohort. ⋯ Ongoing statin use was associated with a markedly reduced incidence of adverse events and mortality after CABG. Initiating and maintaining statin medication is essential in CABG patients.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Dec 2022
Experience with a standardized protocol to predict successful explantation of left ventricular assist devices.
Patients with a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device may show recovery of myocardial function with unloading. Identifying candidates for and predicting clinical and hemodynamic stability after left ventricular assist device explantation remain challenging. ⋯ Our 4-year experience with a standardized protocol for left ventricular assist device explantation showed a low rate of adverse events. If all criteria are met, explantation can be performed safely and with an excellent survival and functional class.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Dec 2022
Optimal medical therapy with or without surgical revascularization and long-term outcomes in ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Optimal medical therapy in patients with heart failure and coronary artery disease is associated with improved outcomes. However, whether this association is influenced by the performance of coronary artery bypass grafting is less well established. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the possible relationship between coronary artery bypass grafting and optimal medical therapy and its effect on the outcomes of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. ⋯ Optimal medical therapy was associated with improved long-term survival and lower cardiovascular mortality in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and should be strongly recommended.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Dec 2022
Clinical features and outcomes of unplanned single lung transplants.
The decision to perform single lung transplants or double lung transplants is usually made before the operation. We have previously reported that a proportion of single lung transplants were unexpectedly performed in the setting of an aborted double lung transplant, and these patients may be at a higher risk of worse short-term outcomes. Long-term outcomes in unplanned single lung transplants remain unknown. ⋯ Unplanned single lung transplants in the setting of aborted double lung transplant may be associated with acceptable long-term outcomes.