Heart, lung & circulation
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Heart, lung & circulation · Oct 2008
ReviewThe publication rate and impact of abstracts presented at the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (1999-2005).
As there is no current information regarding the fate of abstracts presented at annual scientific meetings of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ), we examined the publication rate and indexed impact of original articles arising from these abstracts. ⋯ (1) Almost a third of CSANZ abstract presentations result in publication of an original article. (2) Most are published within 1-2 years. (3) The average IF is mid-range, with 32% of publications having an IF above 4.4. Despite the limitations to publication faced by CSANZ members, a high quality and timely publication rate is nonetheless evident.
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Heart, lung & circulation · Oct 2008
Review Case ReportsPenetrating atheromatous ulcer of ascending aorta: a case report and review of literature.
Penetrating atherormatous ulcer (PAU) is the condition in which ulceration of an aortic atherosclerotic lesion penetrates the internal elastic lamina into the media. Penetrating atheromatous ulcers usually involve the descending thoracic aorta and are very uncommon in ascending aorta. Differentiation of PAU from other causes of Acute Aortic Syndrome (AAS) such as intramural haematoma (IMH) and aortic dissection is difficult. ⋯ Once diagnosed, PAU of ascending aorta should be treated surgically on emergency basis. We report on a patient of penetrating atherosclerotic aortic ulcer in ascending aorta with a review of the natural history, imaging diagnosis and management of the condition. She underwent ascending aortic interposition graft using 26mm Dacron graft successfully.
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Heart, lung & circulation · Oct 2008
Case ReportsThe stuck central venous catheter: a word of caution.
The placement of central venous catheter (CVC) through internal jugular vein is not free from potential hazards. We report two cases of triple lumen central venous catheter, placed into right internal jugular vein, which got entrapped in patients who had undergone mitral valve replacement. ⋯ To conclude, we encountered an unusual cause of stuck central venous catheter, in the left atrial suture line. Removal of central venous catheter requires utmost care, and should never be done by forceful traction in the postoperative cardiac surgical patients, as it may lead to disruption of suture lines or rupture of vessels.