Do all cardiac surgery patients benefit from antifibrinolytic therapy?

Background: In trauma patients, the recognition of fibrinolysis phenotypes has led to a re-evaluation of the risks and benefits of antifibrinolytic therapy (AF). Many cardiac patients also receive AF, but the distribution of fibrinolytic phenotypes in that population is unknown. The purpose of this hypothesis-generating study was to fill that gap.

DCD and DBD lung transplantation optimized by ex vivo perfusion: What to do when the pump fails.

Background: Ex vivo perfusion is a safe and feasible method of assessing and using high-risk donor organs.

Aim: We describe a case of successfully ex vivo treated and transplanted human lung allografts.

Methods: Donor human lungs were assessed using ex vivo, our trouble shooting protocol allowed safe recovery.

Bilateral Versus Single Internal Mammary Artery Grafting in the Elderly: Long-Term Survival Benefit.

Background: Extensive evidence documents a survival benefit for bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) grafting compared with single internal mammary artery (SIMA) grafting for patients with advanced coronary artery disease. However, controversy continues to exist regarding the incremental benefit of broadly applied BIMA grafting in elderly patients.

Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted of 4,503 consecutive isolated coronary artery bypass grafting operations (SIMA, n = 2,340 and BIMA, n = 2,163) performed from 1972 to 1994.