The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2023
Implementation of a non-intensive-care unit medical emergency team improves failure to rescue rates in cardiac surgery patients.
Failure to rescue (FTR) is an emerging measure in cardiac surgery, defined as mortality after a postoperative complication. We hypothesized that establishing a medical emergency team (MET) reduced rates of FTR in adults undergoing cardiac surgery. ⋯ The development of an institutional MET program was associated with a decrease in major complications and FTR. These findings support the development of MET programs to improve FTR after cardiac surgery.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2023
Aortic septotomy to optimize landing zones during thoracic endovascular aortic repair for chronic type B aortic dissection.
The role of thoracic endovascular aortic repair for chronic type B aortic dissection remains controversial. Clinical outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair with recently implemented aortic septotomy strategy were compared with stand-alone thoracic endovascular aortic repair. ⋯ Stand-alone thoracic endovascular aortic repair outcomes without adjunctive procedures for chronic type B aortic dissection remain unfavorable. In contrast, landing zone optimization using aortic septotomy resulted in a remarkably higher positive aortic remodeling rate. Routine aortic septotomy strategy may positively affect long-term chronic type B aortic dissection survival and expand thoracic endovascular aortic repair candidacy.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2023
Impact of gender in congenital heart surgery: Results from a national survey.
There are limited data regarding the impact of gender within congenital heart surgery. Our aim was to assess gender-related experiences by surgeons in this field. ⋯ This survey highlights many areas of gender-related differences: discouragement due to gender to pursue congenital heart surgery, sexual harassment in training and practice, salary and academic rank differentials, negative gender perception at work, and lower career satisfaction for women. Despite various differences between both genders, the majority in each group would choose to enter this profession again as well as encourage others to do so.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2023
Outcomes of a protocolized approach for surgical unroofing of intramural anomalous aortic origin of coronary artery in children and adults.
Management of anomalous aortic origin of coronary arteries has been variable, and limited data are available on early and late outcomes. ⋯ Surgical unroofing of anomalous aortic origin of coronary arteries can be performed safely with low early mortality, even in the setting of concomitant procedures. Late survival is excellent, with the vast majority being symptom free.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2023
The impact of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery on National Institutes of Health grant funding for cardiothoracic surgeons.
The American Association for Thoracic Surgery, through its annual meeting, pilot grant funding, Scientific Affairs and Government Relations Committee activity, and academic development programs (Grant Writing Workshop, Clinical Trials Course, Innovation Summit), has aimed to develop the research careers of cardiothoracic surgeons. We hypothesized that American Association for Thoracic Surgery activities have helped increase National Institutes of Health grants awarded to cardiothoracic surgeons. ⋯ Through dedicated efforts and programs, the American Association for Thoracic Surgery has provided effective support to help increase National Institutes of Health grant funding awarded to cardiothoracic surgeons.