The Korean journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg · Aug 2012
Comparative analysis of thoracotomy and sternotomy approaches in cardiac reoperation.
Reoperation of cardiac surgery via median sternotomy can be associated with significant complications. Thoracotomy is expected to reduce the risk of reoperation and to enhance the surgical outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed two operative approaches (thoracotomy vs. sternotomy) in cardiac reoperation. ⋯ The thoracotomy approach is superior to sternotomy in some variables, and it is considered as a valid alternative to repeat median sternotomy in patients who underwent a previous median sternotomy.
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Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg · Jun 2012
Case ReportsExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in a patient with status asthmaticus.
Status asthmaticus is a rare, fatal condition, especially in children. Sometimes respiratory support is insufficient with a mechanical ventilator or medical therapy for patients with status asthmaticus. In such situations, early extracorporeal membrane oxygenation application is a useful method for treating refractory respiratory failure. We report on a case of a six-year-old, male child who underwent venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for refractory status asthmaticus.
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Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg · Apr 2012
Outcomes of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for acute respiratory distress syndrome in adults.
Despite improved managements for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), its mortality remains high. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has emerged as the final option for the treatment of ARDS unresponsive to conventional measures. This study describes our experiences of venovenous ECMO support for the treatment of ARDS. ⋯ The outcome of venovenous ECMO support for the treatment of ARDS was suboptimal. Further improvements in outcomes should be made through the accumulation of experience and establishment of a standardized protocol for the management of ECMO.
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Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg · Feb 2012
Midterm Follow-up after Cryopreserved Homograft Replacement in the Aortic Position.
The long-term results of homografts used in systemic circulation are controversial. We assessed the long-term results of using a cryopreserved homograft for an aortic root or aorta and its branch replacement. ⋯ Early results of homograft replacement in aortic position were favorable. However, close long-term follow-up is required due to the high rate of homograft-related events.
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Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg · Feb 2012
Continuous "over and over" suture for tricuspid ring annuloplasty.
A ring implantation in the tricuspid annulus requires many interrupted mattress sutures for correction of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). In this study, tricuspid ring annuloplasty was performed by 2-0 polypropylene continuous suture instead of multiple interrupted 2-0 polyester mattress sutures, and the efficacy of the method was evaluated. ⋯ The continuous "over and over" suture may be a useful procedure for fixing the ring to the annulus and making an intentional annular placation in performing tricuspid ring annuloplasty.