Management of Myocardial Infarction and the Role of Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of mortality globally and is predominantly attributed to coronary artery disease (CAD). MI is categorized as ST-elevation MI (STEMI) or non-ST-elevation MI (NSTEMI), each with distinct etiologies and treatment pathways. The goal in treatment for both is restoring blood flow back to the myocardium.

Outcomes following emergent open repair for thoracic aortic dissection are improved at higher volume centers in direct admissions and transfers.

Background: The purpose of this study is (1) to define the proportion of patients undergoing emergent open repair of thoracic aortic dissection admitted directly through the emergency room versus those transferred from outside hospitals and (2) to determine if a volume-outcomes relationship exists for those patients across admission types.

Methods: De-identified patient-level data was obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2004-2008). Patients undergoing emergent aortic surgery for thoracic aortic dissection (n = 1,507) were identified by ICD-9 codes and stratified by annual center volume into low volume (≤5 cases/year) (n = 963; 63.

Outcomes following emergent open repair for thoracic aortic dissection are improved at higher volume centers.

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that patients undergoing complex surgical procedures at high-volume centers have improved outcomes. The goal of this study was to determine if this volume-outcomes relationship persists at a national level among patients undergoing emergent open repair for thoracic aortic dissection.

Methods: De-identified patient-level data were obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2005 to 2008).