The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Mar 2024
Peri-operative Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds in Neonates Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are used in the sterilization and manufacture of medical equipment. These compounds have high vapor pressures with low water solubility and are emitted as gases from solids or liquids. They can be mutagenic, neurotoxic, genotoxic, and/or carcinogenic. Safe limits of exposure are not known for neonates. This study examined determinants of exposure in newborns undergoing cardiac surgery. ⋯ Exposure to volatile organic compounds is pervasive in newborns undergoing cardiac surgery. Sources of exposure likely include medical devices and inhalation from the air in the intensive care unit. The contribution of VOC exposure during cardiac surgery in newborns to adverse outcomes warrants further evaluation.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Mar 2024
National Learning Curves Amongst Robotic Thoracic Surgeons in the US: Quantifying the Impact of Procedural Experience on Efficiency and Productivity Gains.
This study aims to characterize the aggregate learning curves of US surgeons for robotic thoracic procedures and to quantify the impact on productivity. ⋯ The aggregate learning curve for robotic thoracic surgeons in the United States varies significantly by procedure type and demonstrate continued improvements in efficiency beyond 100 cases for lobectomy and esophagectomy. Improvements in efficiency with growing experiences translate to substantial productivity gains.