The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Oct 2024
The Impact of the American Association of Thoracic Surgery on Clinical Trial Development by Cardiothoracic Surgeons.
Clinical trials play a critical role in the rapidly evolving field of cardiothoracic surgery and the American Association for Thoracic Surgery Clinical Trials Methods Course has provided a biannual symposium led by preeminent surgeons with vast experience in planning, conducting, and analyzing surgical clinical trials. This study hypothesizes that participation in the course is associated with future success in clinical trial leadership. ⋯ The American Association for Thoracic Surgery Clinical Trials Methods course provides participants the tools for successfully leading surgical clinical trials. Although participation has been limited, those who attend the course and lead a clinical trial do so within approximately 3 years. The Clinical Trials Methods Course provides an excellent return on investment and the American Association for Thoracic Surgery should continue sponsorship of this program because it supports the develop of future leaders in cardiothoracic surgery.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Oct 2024
Outcomes of Left Atrioventricular Valve Operation following Atrioventricular Septal Defect Repair.
Left atrioventricular valve (LAVV) operation following repair of atrioventricular septal defects (AVSD) can be challenging. We sought to describe characteristics and outcomes of patients requiring LAVV operation. ⋯ Adverse outcomes following LAVV reoperation remain common. Smaller infants, those requiring earlier reoperation and complex type repairs are at highest risk. Future studies should focus on which high risk LAVVs are more suited to early LAVV replacement.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Oct 2024
Strategic Implementation of a New Robotic Mitral Repair Program: Early Experience and Outcomes.
Despite numerous reported benefits of robotic mitral repair, the absolute number of procedures performed remain low in part to uncertainties about the necessary steps to launch a program. In this report, we describe our early outcomes and strategy with launching a successful new robotic mitral repair program. ⋯ Our work provides a model for establishing a successful robotic mitral program. An up-front emphasis on team education, careful preparation, proper patient selection, and feedback-driven improvements can accelerate the attainment of standards set by high-volume centers.