The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
-
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2024
Clinical TrialThree-year outcomes of the Dissected Aorta Repair Through Stent Implantation trial.
The study objective was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent in a prospective, nonrandomized, international study (Dissected Aorta Repair Through Stent Implantation) of patients with acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection. ⋯ The use of the Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent in the treatment of acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection I holds promise as a simple technology that enables repair of the aortic arch and proximal descending aorta, while promoting positive aortic remodeling. Ongoing follow-up of the Dissected Aorta Repair Through Stent Implantation trial will provide long-term, prospective, clinical outcomes and radiographic data on positive remodeling of the aortic arch.
-
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2024
Comparing Apples to Apples: Exploring public reporting of congenital cardiac surgery outcomes based on common congenital heart operations.
We sought to simplify reporting of outcomes in congenital heart surgery that compares well-defined patient groups and accommodates multiple stakeholder needs while being easily understandable. ⋯ Reporting of institutional case volumes and outcomes within well-defined diagnosis/procedure cohorts can enable centers to benchmark outcomes, understand trends in mortality, and direct quality improvement. When made public, this type of report could provide parents with information on institutional volumes and outcomes and allow them to better understand the experience of each program with operations for specific congenital heart defects.
-
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2024
Shortage of Thoracic Surgeons in the United States: Implications for Treatment and Survival for Stage I Lung Cancer Patients.
To evaluate whether there is a shortage of thoracic surgeons in the United States and whether any potential shortage is impacting lung cancer treatment and outcomes. ⋯ Recent declines in the US cardiothoracic surgery workforce may have led to significantly fewer patients undergoing surgery for stage I NSCLC and worsening disparities in survival between different patient populations.
-
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2024
Statewide Data on Surgical Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: The Data Provide a Path Forward.
Atrial fibrillation (AF), if left untreated, is associated with increased intermediate and long-term morbidity/mortality. Surgical treatment for AF is lacking standardization in patient selection and lesion set, despite clear support from multi-society guidelines. The aim of this study was to analyze a statewide cardiac surgery registry to establish whether or not there is an association between center volume and type of index procedure with performance of surgical ablation (SA) for AF, the lesion set chosen, and ablation technology used. ⋯ These results indicate an increase in adoption of SA for AF over time. No association between greater hospital volume or academic status and performance of SA for AF was established. Similar to national data, the type of index procedure remains the most consistent factor in the decision to perform SA with a disconnect between AF pathophysiology and decision making on the type of SA performed. This analysis demonstrates a gap between evidence-based guidelines and real-world practice, highlighting an opportunity to confer the benefits of concomitant SA to more patients.
-
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2024
Letter Randomized Controlled TrialReply: A need for randomized prospective trial for early aortic valve repair in asymptomatic aortic regurgitation.