The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Feb 2025
Significance of Isolated Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Repair.
Although postoperative atrial fibrillation has been shown to be associated with worse survival after thoracic aortic surgery, its effect on outcomes independently from other postoperative complications is not well understood. ⋯ Postoperative atrial fibrillation is common after open proximal thoracic aortic aneurysm repair. Although development of major postoperative complications is associated with postoperative atrial fibrillation and decreased long-term survival, isolated postoperative atrial fibrillation does not appear to influence long-term survival.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Feb 2025
Outcomes of extracardiac Fontan operation: A single institution experience with 398 patients.
The study objective was to evaluate the outcomes of the extracardiac Fontan operation at a single institution. ⋯ Rates of failure of the Fontan circulation are low after the contemporary extracardiac Fontan operation. Risk factors for failure of the extracardiac Fontan circulation include right ventricular dominance, aortic atresia, and elevated pulmonary artery pressures.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Feb 2025
Utility of Structured Follow-up Imaging after Aortic Surgery.
Although postoperative follow-up after aortic surgery is recommended by guidelines, its clinical utility is not well documented. We hypothesized that structured follow-up imaging by an aortic program would improve outcomes. We then documented radiologic findings on asymptomatic postoperative imaging. ⋯ Implementation of structured follow-up imaging by an aortic program resulted in low clinical compliance. Follow-up was associated with increased rates of aortic reintervention. Clinically relevant radiologic findings were common on asymptomatic imaging and increased throughout 5-year follow-up rather than plateauing in the early postoperative period.