The heart surgery forum
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The heart surgery forum · Aug 2010
Case ReportsDealing with a septal hematoma after switch operation with ventricular septal defect closure.
We report the case of a 7-day-old boy who underwent operation for transposition of the great arteries with a ventricular septal defect. An intraseptal hematoma occurred postoperatively. ⋯ We opted for a conservative approach. In the "Discussion," we elaborate on the existing literature.
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The heart surgery forum · Aug 2010
Tranexamic Acid in cardiac surgery and postoperative seizures: a case report series.
With the recent withdrawal of the antifibrinolytic aprotinin from the market, tranexamic acid (TxA) has become more widely used. This change has led to increasing concern about the side-effect profile of TxA, particularly the incidence of postoperative seizures. In this case series, we describe 7 patients over an 18-month period who had open-chamber cardiac surgery and developed seizures in the postoperative period. ⋯ The exact mechanism of TxA-induced seizures is thought to be via inhibition of gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors in neurons. Data from the neurosurgical literature show a well-established link between this antifibrinolytic and seizures. There is now increasing awareness of this association in cardiac surgery, particularly when high TxA doses are used.
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The heart surgery forum · Aug 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyOutcomes of De Vega versus biodegradable ring annuloplasty in the surgical treatment of tricuspid regurgitation (mid-term results).
The aim of this study was to compare De Vega semicircular annuloplasty and a new biodegradable ring annuloplasty technique in patients requiring surgical intervention for tricuspid valve disease with concomitant disease of the mitral valve. ⋯ The biodegradable ring annuloplasty technique may be used easily and safely in moderate and severe cases of tricuspid regurgitation; however, larger clinical series are necessary to confirm our promising results.
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The heart surgery forum · Aug 2010
Readmission to the intensive care unit after fast-track cardiac surgery: an analysis of risk factors and outcome according to the type of operation.
In the present study, we investigated risk factors for intensive care unit (ICU) readmission after fasttrack cardiac surgery and analyzed outcome data according to the type of surgical procedure. ⋯ The risk factors for readmission after cardiac surgery with fast-track recovery may differ according to the type of operation. A strict control of volume balance and blood transfusion may further help prevent the occurrence of the most frequent cause of readmission, respiratory failure.