Thoracic surgery clinics
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Thoracic surgery clinics · Feb 2019
ReviewNontuberculous Mycobacteria: Epidemiology and the Impact on Pulmonary and Cardiac Disease.
This article reviews the current epidemiology of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease and the impact on thoracic disease. The prevalence of nontuberculous pulmonary disease in the United States is much higher than that of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. ⋯ Most pulmonary infections in humans are caused by species belonging to M avium complex. This article also reviews risk factors for disease acquisition, including host and environmental risk factors.
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Tuberculosis (TB) parallels the history of human development from the Stone Age to the present. TB continues to be in the top 10 causes of global human mortality over that period. ⋯ TB remains a major challenge for definitive global prevention and cure. This article gives a brief overview of the history of TB.
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Thoracic surgery clinics · Aug 2018
ReviewCricothyroid Approach for Emergency Access to the Airway.
Airway emergencies are life-threatening events that face providers of many different backgrounds. In cannot-intubate-cannot-ventilate situations, emergent access to the airway can be obtained through the cricothyroid membrane by cricothyroidotomy. ⋯ To date, there is no compelling evidence demonstrating superiority of a particular approach. Ultimately, the method used for cricothyroidotomy should be based on the comfort and experience of the provider performing the procedure.
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Thoracic surgery clinics · Aug 2018
ReviewManagement of Postpneumonectomy Bronchopleural Fistula: From Thoracoplasty to Transsternal Closure.
Development of postpneumonectomy empyema with bronchopleural fistula is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt action. Although measures should be taken to prevent bronchopleural fistula at time of pneumonectomy, many patients experience this complication. ⋯ Multiple techniques and procedures have been developed over time to achieve these goals. Knowledge of the diverse therapeutic options is important to select the optimal treatment for these complex patients.
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Thoracic surgery clinics · May 2018
ReviewTracheobronchomalacia and Expiratory Collapse of Central Airways.
Tracheobronchomalacia is an uncommon acquired disorder of the central airways. Common symptoms include dyspnea, constant coughing, inability to raise secretions, and recurrent respiratory infections. Evaluation includes an inspiratory-expiratory chest CT (dynamic CT), an awake functional bronchoscopy, and pulmonary function studies. ⋯ The posterior airway is exposed after the azygous vein is ligated. Patients report generally good results with improvement of their symptoms. Quality of life is usually improved, whereas pulmonary function tests usually are not improved.