The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
-
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Aug 2012
Preliminary clinical experience with a bifurcated Y-graft Fontan procedure--a feasibility study.
Optimizing flow and diminishing power loss in the Fontan circuit can improve hemodynamic efficiency, potentially improving the long-term outcomes. Computerized modeling has predicted improved energetics with a Y-graft Fontan. ⋯ The present preliminary surgical experience has demonstrated the clinical feasibility of the bifurcated Y-graft Fontan. Computational fluid dynamics showed acceptable hemodynamics with low calculated power losses and a balanced distribution of inferior vena cava flow to the pulmonary arteries as long as the branch grafts were anastomosed distally.
-
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Aug 2012
Comparative StudyCardiac magnetic resonance imaging is more diagnostic than 2-dimensional echocardiography in determining the presence of bicuspid aortic valve.
This study compares 2-dimensional, transthoracic echocardiography with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in the preoperative identification of bicuspid aortic valve before aortic valve surgery. ⋯ Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is more diagnostic than transthoracic echocardiography in determining the presence of bicuspid aortic valve. A significant factor is the rate of nondiagnostic transthoracic echocardiography for aortic valve morphology. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging can be performed as a complementary test when transthoracic echocardiography is nondiagnostic for aortic valve morphology.
-
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Aug 2012
Vancouver simplified grading system with computed tomographic angiography for blunt aortic injury.
Delineation of blunt aortic injury by computed tomographic angiography guides management of this potentially fatal injury. Two existing grading systems are problematic to apply and not linked to outcomes. A simplified computed tomographic angiography-based grading system, linked to clinical outcomes, was developed, and feasibility and reliability were evaluated. ⋯ The Vancouver simplified blunt aortic injury grading system is easy to use and correlates with clinical outcomes. Prospective external validation is required.
-
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Aug 2012
Tracheobronchial reconstructions with bronchoplastic closure: an alternative method in treatment of bronchogenic carcinoma involving the carina or tracheobronchial angle.
Our objective was to summarize our experience with tracheobronchial reconstructions using bronchoplastic closure for airway defects after noncircumferential resections of bronchogenic carcinoma involving the carina or tracheobronchial angle. ⋯ Tracheobronchial reconstruction using bronchoplastic closure might be a reasonable option for closing massive central airway defects for advanced bronchogenic carcinoma involving the tracheobronchial angle or carina, avoiding tracheal sleeve pneumonectomy with limited excision of the lateral wall of the trachea or carina.
-
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Aug 2012
Angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism is a risk factor for thoracic aortic aneurysm in patients with bicuspid or tricuspid aortic valves.
The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is highly expressed in the aneurysmal vascular wall, in both animal models and human disease. Genetic variations in ACE could be crucial in determining the risk of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). The aim of the present study was to examine the role of ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism on the risk of TAA in patients with bicuspid aortic valves or tricuspid aortic valves. ⋯ ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism represents a genetic biomarker for TAA. These findings could have a significant effect on both the early detection and effective pharmacologic treatment of aortic disease.