The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
-
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Mar 2024
New Perspectives on Tracheal Resection for COVID-19-related Stenosis: a Propensity Score Matching Analysis.
The large number of patients with COVID-19 subjected to prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation has been expected to result in a significant increase in tracheal stenosis in the next years. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare postoperative outcomes of patients who survived COVID-19 critical illness and underwent tracheal resection for postintubation/posttracheostomy tracheal stenosis with those of non-COVID-19 patients. ⋯ Tracheal resection continues to be safe and effective in COVID-19-related tracheal stenosis scenarios. Intensive care unit admission rates and postoperative complications seem to be higher in post-COVID-19 patients who underwent tracheal resection compared with non-COVID-19 patients.
-
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Mar 2024
The Relationship Between Discharge Location and Cardiac Rehabilitation Use After Cardiac Surgery.
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a guideline-recommended risk-reduction program offered to cardiac surgical patients. Despite CR's association with better outcomes, attendance remains poor. The relationship between discharge location and CR use is poorly understood. ⋯ In this national analysis of Medicare beneficiaries, discharge to ECF was associated with lower CR use, despite a greater association with improved 1-year mortality. Interventions aimed at increasing CR enrollment at ECFs may improve CR use and advance surgical quality.