Open versus endovascular repair of primary infected thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Objective: Primary infected aortic aneurysms are life-threatening if not treated promptly, but still possess a high mortality rate following open repair. The goal of treatment is to prevent rupture and clear infection. An endovascular approach is accepted as a bridge to definitive open repair.

Reimbursement Savings Associated With Tissue Versus Mechanical Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Thailand.

Objectives: Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is an indicated treatment for severe aortic stenosis. Although mechanical valves are typically more durable, tissue SAVR valves do not require lifetime anticoagulation monitoring and may have lower rates of expensive sequelae. This economic evaluation estimates payer costs to the 3 largest Thai health insurance mechanisms for tissue versus mechanical SAVR.

Coverage of the Left Subclavian Artery in Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury Repair Is Rarely Indicated.

Background: Thoracic endovascular repair has become the standard treatment for blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI). Occlusion of the left subclavian artery (LSA) is generally required for an adequate landing zone (ALZ). We propose that coverage of the LSA is not necessary for BTAI even with a short landing zone (SLZ).

Thrombocytopenia in Moderate- to High-Risk Sutureless Aortic Valve Replacement.

Background: This study aimed to compare preliminary data on the outcomes of sutureless aortic valve replacement (SU-AVR) with those of aortic valve replacement (AVR).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of SU-AVR in moderate- to high-risk patients from 2013 to 2016. Matching was performed at a 1:1 ratio using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality score with sex and age.

Moderate tricuspid regurgitation with left-sided degenerative heart valve disease: to repair or not to repair?

Background: Uncertainty about long-term effects of surgically unaddressed moderate (2+) secondary tricuspid valve (TV) regurgitation (TR) accompanying left-sided degenerative heart valve disease led us to identify reasons for and factors associated with TV repair, compare safety and clinical effectiveness of relieving TR, and identify factors associated with severe (3/4+) postoperative TR.

Methods: From 1997 to 2008, 1,724 patients with 2+ TR underwent 830 mitral, 703 aortic, and 191 double-valve procedures; 91 (5%) had concomitant TV repair. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with TV repair and for propensity-matched comparison of safety (in-hospital morbidity, mortality) and effectiveness of TV repair (longitudinal echocardiographic assessment of postoperative TR and New York Heart Association class, TV intervention, survival).

Left upper lobectomy after CABG with the left internal mammary artery graft.

Left upper lobectomy in a patient with a history of Left Internal Mammary Artery (LIMA) graft for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery (CABG) is a challenge for the surgical team. The adhesion formation in the left chest, especially around the left internal mammary artery graft, may cause diffculty for surgery. The injury of LIMA during dissection may lead to serious acute myocardial ischemia and cardiac arrest.