MedWorm: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery

Bariatric Surgery for Stroke Prevention?Bariatric Surgery for Stroke Prevention?

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:44:45 +0100

Dr. Hans-Cristoph Diener discusses a study looking at the impact that bariatric surgery can have on cardiovascular events in obese adults. Medscape Neurology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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Sternotomy Following Minimally Invasive Thoracoscopic Procedures: A Word of Caution

Journal of Cardiac Surgery — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Abstract An increasing number of patients with previous minimally invasive thoracic procedures for anterior mediastinal tumors are now requiring cardiac surgery. This paper highlights the potential damage that can occur when standard sternal splitting techniques are used in these patients.(J Card Surg 2012;**:1‐3) (Source: Journal of Cardiac Surgery)

Feasibility and Safety of Early Removal of Incisional Dressings following Thoracic Surgery

Karger Publishers — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Med Princ Pract (DOI:10.1159/000335987) (Source: Karger Publishers)

Clarification of Conflict of Interest Disclosures in: A Proposed Model for Initial Assessment and Management of Acute Heart Failure Syndromes [Correction]

JAMA — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

Postpartum Rupture of the Posteromedial Papillary Muscle

Journal of Cardiac Surgery — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report a case of postpartum severe mitral regurgitation caused by papillary muscle rupture in a female with normal coronary arteries. The etiology of papillary muscle rupture was endocarditis from puerperal fever. Clinical stabilization was achieved with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) followed by mitral valve replacement two days later.(J Card Surg 2012;**:1‐3) (Source: Journal of Cardiac Surgery)

Repair of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Due to Noninfectious Aortitis

Journal of Cardiac Surgery — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Surgical treatment of ITA has acceptable short‐ and mid‐term results. Because follow‐up serum levels of IgG and IgG4 were normal in survivors, postoperative corticosteroid therapy may not be indicated in patients in the absence of active vasculitis.(J Card Surg 2012;**:1‐6) (Source: Journal of Cardiac Surgery)

Increase in spinal longitudinal length by correction surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

European Spine Journal — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:37:05 +0100

Conclusion Spinal longitudinal length was significantly increased after surgery in both the ASF and PSF groups. Correction of the Cobb angle and increase in T1–L5 length were highly correlated with each other, especially in the PSF group. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00586-012-2163-9Authors Kota Watanabe, Department of Advanced Therapy for Spine and Spinal Cord Disorders, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, JapanNaobumi Hosogane, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 160-8582 JapanNoriaki Kawakami, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Meijo Hospital, Nagoya, JapanTaichi Tsuji, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Meijo Hospital, Nagoya, JapanYoshiaki T...

Effects of RS9939609 Gene Variant in FTO Gene on Weight Loss and Cardiovascular Risk Factors After Biliopancreatic Diversion Surgery

Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:36:51 +0100

Conclusion Our study showed a higher initial weight loss at 3 months after the TT variant of FTO gene (rs9939609). However, the weight loss at 9 and 12 months of BPD was similar in both genotypes with a significant improvement in biochemical parameters and cardiovascular comorbidities. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s11605-012-1829-2Authors Daniel Antonio de Luis, Institute of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Medicine School and Unit of Investigation. Hospital Rio Hortega, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, SpainRocío Aller, Institute of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Medicine School and Unit of Investigation. Hospital Rio Hortega, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, SpainRosa Conde, Institute of Endocrinology and ...

Actinomycetoma of the chest wall attributed to Nocardia nova after reconstructive surgery.

Dermatol Online J — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:54:18 +0100

Authors: Antunes J, Pacheco D, Travassos R, Sequeira H, Filipe P, Marques MS Abstract A 29-year-old man, presented with multiple ulcers, nodules, abscesses, fistulae, and atrophic scars, over the right chest wall. Six years prior, the patient had a car accident, which resulted in skin loss of the right arm, shoulder, thoracic wall. In addition, he suffered a supracondylar fracture; orthopedic surgery and skin grafts were required. Material discharging from sinus tracts was obtained for mycological and bacteriological studies. Direct microscopic examination revealed small white grains. Cultures on Sabouraud and Lowenstein-Jensen media isolated orange-white colonies suggestive of Nocardia. PCR assay identified Nocardia nova. Thoracic and right upper limb CT showed signs of chronic os...

Lung Separation in the Morbidly Obese Patient

Advances in Urology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:46:42 +0100

Lung separation techniques in the morbidly obese patient undergoing thoracic or esophageal surgery may be at risk of complications during airway management. Access to the airway in the obese patient can be a challenge because they have altered airway anatomy, including a short and redundant neck, limited neck extension and accumulation of fat deposition in the pharyngeal wall contributing to difficult laryngoscopy. Securing the airway is the first priority in these patients followed by appropriate techniques for lung separation with the use of a single-lumen endotracheal tube and a bronchial blocker or another alternative is with the use of a double-lumen endotracheal tube. This review is focused on the use of lung isolation devices in the obese patient. The recommendations are based upon ...

Remote ischaemic preconditioning reduces myocardial injury in patients undergoing heart valve surgery: randomised controlled trial

Heart — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions These data indicate that RIPC reduces myocardial injury and improves cardiac function in patients undergoing heart valve surgery. Trial registration number NCT01175681. (Source: Heart)

Coronary artery bypass grafting associated to aortic valve replacement in the elderly: survival and quality of life

Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Myocardial ischemia is often associated to aortic valve stenosis in the elderly. Aim of this study was to evaluate the impact on survival and quality of life of CABG associated to aortic valve replacement in the septuagenarians and octogenarians.Between January 1991 and January 2010, 520 patients ageing >70 years underwent aortic valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis in two Institutions. They were divided into 2 groups: Group A included 406 patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement; Group B 114 patients receiving aortic valve replacement and CABG. A comparative analysis of long-term survival and quality of life (SF-36 test) was performed.Mean age was 74.2+/-3.6 years (74.3+/-3.6 in Group A, 74+/-3.3 in Group B; p=0.33). Hospital mortality was 9.5% (46 patients). Twenty...

Cardiac Tamponade from A Giant Thymoma: Case report

Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This report presents a patient who had hemorrhagic pericardial tamponade that likely resulted from the largest symptomatic mixed type (type AB) thymoma described in the literature . (Source: Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery)

Feasibility and efficacy of bypassing the right ventricle and pulmonary circulation to treat right ventricular failure: an experimental study

Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Bypassing the right ventricle and pulmonary circulation with an oxygenating assist device, which may offer the advantages of enhanced right ventricular decompression and augmented left atrial filling, is feasible and effective in the treatment of acute RVF. Long time experiments are needed. (Source: Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery)

Repeat percutaneous coronary revascularization: Indications and outcomes in a “Real World” cohort

Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In contemporary practice, patients undergoing a first stenting procedure have a low subsequent mortality, and the substantial majority (86.4%) requires no further revascularization over a median 3.8 year follow‐up. For those who do require repeat stenting, this is most commonly at a site remote from the first stent. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions)

Alcohol septal ablation after transaortic valve implantation: The dynamic nature of left outflow tract obstruction

Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This report highlights the dynamic nature of LVOT obstruction, which was successfully treated in our patient with catheter‐based alcohol septal ablation. The potential to unmask dynamic LVOT obstruction with TAVI should be an important consideration in patient selection for the procedure, and the postoperative assessment of these patients. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions)

Asymmetric focal pericardial thickening causing physiologically significant constrictive pericarditis

Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractA 34‐year‐old woman presented with refractory ascites and edema. Echocardiography revealed normal left ventricular function with a restrictive diastolic filling pattern. Tissue Doppler velocities of the mitral annulus were normal. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a focal region of pericardial thickening anterior to the right ventricle and normal thickness pericardium in the other segments. However, abnormal delayed enhancement MRI (consistent with inflammation) was present in both the thickened and the normal pericardial segments. Invasive hemodynamics confirmed constrictive physiology and the patient underwent successful pericardiectomy. This case highlights the utility of multimodality imaging in the diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis and the underappreci...

Long‐term results of cephalad arteries percutanoeus transluminal angioplasty with stent implantation (The CAPTAS registry)

Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: CAS is safe and successful procedure with low early and long‐term adverse events. Special attention should be put on patients with bilateral and left ICA stenoses. If possible, longer stents should be applied. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions)

Mitral valve myxoma: Clinical features, current diagnostic approaches, and surgical management.

Cardiology Journal — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:36:02 +0100

Conclusions: Two- and three-dimensional echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging are the major diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of a cardiac myxoma. After diagnosis, surgery should be performed urgently, in order to prevent complications such as embolic events or obstruction of the mitral orifice. Due to the fact that myxomas can recur, regular, postoperative cardiological control is mandatory. (Cardiol J 2012; 19, 1: 105-109). PMID: 22298179 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cardiology Journal)

Pediatric spinal glioblastoma multiforme: current treatment strategies and possible predictors of survival

Child's Nervous System — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:50:26 +0100

Conclusions Tumor location, presence of a cyst, gross total resection, and younger age are possible predictors of prolonged survival. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy remain widely used. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperPages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00381-012-1705-0Authors Chiagozie Ononiwu, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Harvey Bldg, Room 811, 600N, Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USAVivek Mehta, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Harvey Bldg, Room 811, 600N, Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USAChetan Bettegowda, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Harvey Bldg, Room 811, 600N, Wolfe ...

Spontaneous pneumothorax in a patient with dendriform pulmonary ossification: report of a case

Surgery Today — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:11:08 +0100

We report herein the rare case of a patient with dendriform pulmonary ossification (DPO) who developed spontaneous pneumothorax. A 33-year-old male with a history of bronchial asthma presented with pneumothorax of the left lung. An intraoperative inspection revealed no findings of bullae in the entire left lung, but inflammatory pleural changes were identified on the interlobular surface of the left lower lobe. In addition, hard, twig-like configurations were clearly palpable in the subpleural parenchyma and were resected. A histological examination showed acicular bone formations containing myeloid tissue and marrow fat in the lung. DPO was thus diagnosed, and the bony spines were considered to have caused a rupture of the elastic fiber layer of the visceral pleura. DPO may thus hav...

CMS Releases Details Of Proposed National Coverage For TAVR

Forbes.com Healthcare News — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:46:39 +0100

On Thursday the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a memo containing details of its proposed Medicare coverage for TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement). The memo is a response to a formal request for national coverage determination (NCD) from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC). The memo will be open for public comment until March 3, after which a final determination will be made. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)

Cardinal Health Releases Smart-Seal Surgical Mask

Medgadget Anesthesiology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:11:23 +0100

Cardinal Health has made available its Smart-Seal surgical mask that improves both its fit and reduces interior fogging while providing a high level of filtration and resistance to liquids.From the announcement:Read More (Source: Medgadget Anesthesiology)

Comparison Between Radical Esophagectomy and Definitive Chemoradiotherapy in Patients with Clinical T1bN0M0 Esophageal Cancer

Annals of Surgical Oncology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:12:36 +0100

Conclusions Selection of patients at high risk of pathologic lymph node metastasis is essential when formulating treatment decisions for clinical T1bN0M0 esophageal cancers. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Gastrointestinal OncologyPages 1-7DOI 10.1245/s10434-012-2231-8Authors Masaaki Motoori, Department of Surgery, Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases, Osaka, JapanMasahiko Yano, Department of Surgery, Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases, Osaka, JapanRyu Ishihara, Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases, Osaka, JapanSachiko Yamamoto, Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases, Osaka, JapanYoshifumi K...

“From Bench to Practice”, ESC Congress set for Munich this summer

European Society of Cardiology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:43:01 +0100

In response to feedback from delegates, this year’s congress will kick off on Saturday with a fuller day of scientific sessions. The grand finale on Wednesday will be a two-hour highlight session in which world leading experts summarise all the new and exciting developments in basic, clinical and population sciences presented at the congress. Read more about this year's event.... Topics: Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS), Arrhythmias, Atrial Fibrillation, Basic Science, Cardiac Tumours, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention - Risk Assessment and Management, Cardiovascular Nursing, Cardiovascular Surgery, Chronic Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD), Clinical pharmacology, Computers in Cardiology, Congenital Heart Disease, Diabetic heart disease, Diseases of th...

Study: Volume matters in high-risk orthotopic heart transplant patients

Cardiovascular Business News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:46:41 +0100

Undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation at high-volume centers (those who perform more than 15 procedures per year) leads to better outcomes, according to a study published in the January issue of the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. It was found that high-risk patients who undergo transplants at low-volume centers had “exceedingly high” mortality rates; however, center volume mattered less for lower risk patients. (Source: Cardiovascular Business News)

Leading Medical Groups Collaborate To Ensure Consistent, Responsible Uptake Of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

With the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's recent approval of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for patients with aortic valvular stenosis, the American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF), along with the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS), the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), today released an expert consensus document to provide important guidance on its use... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Geography Over Need Is Putting Sicker Patients Needing Lung Transplant At Higher Risk Of Dying

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

The current system for allocating donated lungs based on proximity and not on need appears to decrease the potential benefits of lung transplantation and increase the number of patients who die waiting, researchers said at an annual meeting of thoracic surgeons in Fort Lauderdale, Fla... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

A Mathematical Model for Predicting Malignancy of Solitary Pulmonary Nodules

World Journal of Surgery — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:53:58 +0100

Conclusions Age, diameter, border, calcification, spiculation, and family history of tumor were independent predictors of malignancy in patients with SPN. Our prediction model was sufficient to estimate malignancy in patients with SPN and proved to be more accurate than the two existing models. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00268-012-1449-8Authors Yun Li, Department of Thoracic Surgery, People’s Hospital of Peking University, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, 100044 Beijing, People’s Republic of ChinaJun Wang, Department of Thoracic Surgery, People’s Hospital of Peking University, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, 100044 Beijing, People’s Republic of China Journal World Journal of SurgeryOnline ISSN 1432...

The association of rate pressure product (RPP) and myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) findings: a preliminary study.

Perfusion — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. The study demonstrated that RPP is associated with MPI findings using gated SPECT imaging with dipyridamole stress. However, to confirm this preliminary result, further studies are mandatory. PMID: 22301391 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Perfusion)

Anticoagulation monitoring during extracorporeal circulation with the HEPCON/HMS device.

Perfusion — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: During cardiac surgery under CPB, heparin and protamine titration with the Hepcon/HMS device could predict a lower protamine dose and lower postoperative bleeding without higher thromboembolic events, and lower perioperative red blood cell transfusion with a shorter chest closure time. PMID: 22301392 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Perfusion)

Review of Inhaled Nitric Oxide in the Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Setting

Pediatric Cardiology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:13:49 +0100

Abstract Surgical intervention for congenital heart disease (CHD) can be complicated by pulmonary hypertension (PH), which increases morbidity, mortality, and medical burden. Consequently, postoperative management of PH is an important clinical consideration to improve outcomes. Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is a widely accepted standard of care for PH and has been studied in the context of cardiac surgery for CHD. However, large randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trials in pediatric patients are limited. This review will provide an overview of the clinical studies in this setting and will discuss general treatment considerations to facilitate a better understanding of the clinical use of iNO for PH after pediatric cardiac surgery. Content ...

Toluidine blue for the intraoperative staining of the ureters. Studies on the safe administration in rats

Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:11:57 +0100

Conclusions In rats, intravenous injection of 0.4 mg TB/kg was sufficient for the intraoperative staining of the urinary tract without the risk of severe cardiovascular and hemodynamic side effects. Provided our results are transferable to humans, the administration of low TB doses could allow its safer clinical use for the intraoperative visualization of the ureters. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s00423-012-0907-yAuthors Frank Petrat, Institut für Physiologische Chemie, Universitätsklinikum, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, GermanyMatthias Hartmann, Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, GermanyErnst Schmidt, Dr. F...

Who Should We Target for Diabetes Prevention and Diabetes Risk Reduction?

Current Diabetes Reports — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:10:50 +0100

This article provides an overview of the current literature and is intentionally focused on the identification of high-risk populations (both adult and pediatric) that will help to address the key issues around the prevention of T2DM in health care settings. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Translational Strategies for Diabetes Prevention (D Marrero, Section Editor)Pages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s11892-012-0255-xAuthors Susann Blüher, Leipzig University Medical Center, IFB AdiposityDiseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, GermanyJana Markert, Leipzig University Medical Center, IFB AdiposityDiseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, GermanySabine Herget, Leipzig University Medical Center, IFB AdiposityDiseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, GermanyThomas Yates, Department of Cardiova...

The calcitonin levels can sometimes mislead parathyroid surgeons in patients with chronic kidney disease and renal hyperparathyroidism: report of a case

Surgery Today — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:09:40 +0100

This report presents a case of a patient with CKD and mild rHPT scheduled for thyroidectomy for a suspected medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) within a mononodular goiter. A hemithyroidectomy with resection of both adjacent parathyroid glands and unilateral central lymph node dissection was performed. Histopathology revealed no evidence of MTC. The rHPT, calcitonin and pentagastrin test subsequently normalized and follow-up revealed no evidence for MTC within the remaining right thyroid lobe. Elevated calcitonin levels in patients with CKD may reflect a physiological response to rHPT than rather represent MTC. The thresholds for calcitonin levels need to be better defined in affected patients to determine the optimal extent of surgical resection. Content Type Journal ArticleCateg...

Angiodynamics to buy Navilyst for $372M

Cardiovascular Business News — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:53:57 +0100

Angiodynamics, a maker of minimally invasive medical devices for vascular access, surgery, peripheral vascular disease and oncology, is planning to buy Navilyst Medical of Marlborough, Mass., from Avista Capital Partners for $372 million in cash and stock. (Source: Cardiovascular Business News)

Right Ventricular Mass in an Asymptomatic HIV Positive Patient

Journal of Cardiac Surgery — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Abstract Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐ positive patients are known to have a higher risk of cardiovascular complications that are related to the underlying infection itself and also to the complications of their medical treatment. As longevity of these patients has increased owing to the advances in antiretroviral therapies, cardiovascular diseases including coagulative disorders may be more commonly encountered. A case of a right ventricular mass in an asymptomatic HIV positive patient detected by echocardiography is presented and the surgical management is described.(J Card Surg 2012;**:1‐3) (Source: Journal of Cardiac Surgery)

Cavernous Hemangioma of the Right Atrium

Journal of Cardiac Surgery — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(J Card Surg 2012;**:1) (Source: Journal of Cardiac Surgery)

The Results of a Needs Assessment to Guide a Vascular Surgery Skills Simulation Curriculum

Annals of Vascular Surgery — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our needs assessment identified vascular procedures where simulation may be beneficial to improve the skill level of vascular trainees in Southern California. With economic and logistical constraints for simulation at each individual training facility, a potential approach to this educational challenge is a regional Southern California vascular surgery skills simulation center. (Source: Annals of Vascular Surgery)

Preoperative Cardiac Evaluation and Perioperative Cardiac Therapy in Patients Undergoing Open Surgery for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Effects on Cardiovascular Outcome

Annals of Vascular Surgery — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These data suggest a significant benefit of an intensive cardiac preoperative evaluation in reducing the incidence of perioperative and postoperative cardiac morbidity and mortality. (Source: Annals of Vascular Surgery)

Perioperative Methylprednisolone and Outcome in Neonates Undergoing Heart Surgery

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: This multicenter observational analysis did not find any benefit associated with methylprednisolone in neonates undergoing heart surgery and suggested increased infection in certain subgroups. These data reinforce the need for a large randomized trial in this population. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Association of Center Volume With Mortality and Complications in Pediatric Heart Surgery

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the higher mortality observed at lower volume centers in children undergoing heart surgery may be related to a higher rate of mortality in those with postoperative complications, rather than a higher rate of complications alone. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Evaluation of vertical traction radiography for predicting the outcome of moderate to severe rigid scoliosis correction

Orthopaedic Surgery — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Traction radiographic imaging is an effective, feasible preoperative assessment for determining which vertebrae are stable, designing the surgical strategy and choosing the UIV and LIV for correcting moderate to severe, rigid scoliosis. (Source: Orthopaedic Surgery)

2012 ACCF/AATS/SCAI/STS expert consensus document on transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions)

HealthStream and Laerdal Unveil New Clinical Simulator Management Tools

Medgadget Anesthesiology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:11:16 +0100

HealthStream and Laerdal Medical launched a couple new products for managing and studying clinical simulations.SimView allows for recording of simulation video, audio, data logs, and how the virtual patient responds to therapy. SimManager is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) application that helps manage simulation routines from scheduling, to progress tracking, to delivering reports while tracking room and equipment availability.Read More (Source: Medgadget Anesthesiology)

Phenotyping of pulmonary carcinoids and a Ki-67-based grading approach

Virchows Archiv — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:48:02 +0100

This study indicates that PI in addition to mitotic count may improve prediction of the biological behavior of PC and should be validated in prospective studies. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s00428-012-1194-2Authors Tina Zahel, Institute for Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 220/221, 69120 Heidelberg, GermanySabine Krysa, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg, Heidelberg, GermanyEsther Herpel, Institute for Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 220/221, 69120 Heidelberg, GermanyAlbrecht Stenzinger, Institute for Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 220/221, 69120 Heidelberg, GermanyBenjamin Goeppert, Institute for Pathology, University Hosp...

New Appropriate Use Criteria Reflect Latest Scientific Data On Restoring Blood Flow To Heart

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0100

Updated appropriate use criteria released recently offer detailed guidance on when to use an invasive procedure to improve blood flow to the heart and how to choose the best procedure for each patient. The clinical scenarios, written by a group of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, affirm the role of revascularization for patients with acute coronary syndromes and significant symptoms... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

The adhering junctions of valvular interstitial cells: molecular composition in fetal and adult hearts and the comings and goings of plakophilin-2 in situ, in cell culture and upon re-association with scaffolds

Cell and Tissue Research — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:12:12 +0100

Abstract The interstitial cells of cardiac valves represent one of the most frequent cell types in the mammalian heart. In order to provide a cell and molecular biological basis for the growth of isolated valvular interstitial cells (VICs) in cell culture and for the use in re-implantation surgery we have examined VICs in situ and in culture, in fetal, postnatal and adult hearts, in re-associations with scaffolds of extracellular matrix (ECM) material and decellularized heart valves. In all four mammalian species examined (human, bovine, porcine and ovine), the typical mesenchymal-type cell-cell adherens junctions (AJs) connecting VICs appear as normal N-cadherin based puncta adhaerentia. Their molecular ensemble, however, changes under various growth conditions insofar as...

A successful rescue with extra-anatomical bypass for massive bleeding of the brachiocephalic artery following salvage pharyngo-esophagectomy

Esophagus — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:07:17 +0100

Abstract Massive bleeding from large vessels is a serious and life-threatening complication after radical esophagectomy. Here, we present the rare case of patient survival following two episodes of massive bleeding from a tracheo-brachiocephalic artery fistula after salvage surgery for cervical esophageal cancer following definitive chemoradiation. During the first episode of bleeding, the damaged part of the brachiocephalic artery was transected with an extra-anatomical arterial bypass (right femoro-axillo artery bypass graft) to maintain the arterial blood flow to the brain and the free jejunal graft. During the second bleeding, the distal stump of the brachiocephalic artery was reclosed. During both episodes of bleeding, the musculocutaneous flap was effectively employe...

Complications after end-to-end vs. side-to-side anastomosis in ileocecal Crohn’s disease—early postoperative results from a randomized controlled multi-center trial (ISRCTN-45665492)

Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:04:16 +0100

Conclusions Because of the early discontinuation of the study, it is not possible to provide a statement about the perianastomotic recurrence rates regarding the primary endpoint. With regard to the early postoperative outcome, we observed no difference between the two types of anastomosis. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Controlled Clinical TrialPages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00423-012-0904-1Authors Urte Zurbuchen, Department of General, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, GermanyAnton J. Kroesen, Department of General, Visceral and Trauma Surgery, Hospital Porz am Rhein, Cologne, GermanyPhilipp Knebel, Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Ge...

Left Atrial Myxoma Complicated with an Acute Upper Extremity Embolism.