Automated line-clearing chest tubes reduce postoperative pain and atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery.

Objective: Recent advancements in chest tube technologies have gained interest for their ability to enhance postoperative recovery via reduction of retained blood syndrome after cardiothoracic surgery. The present study investigates the effect of the Centese Thoraguard automated line-clearance chest tube system on postoperative pain and recovery after cardiac surgery.

Methods: This was a single-center retrospective review of 1771 adult patients undergoing nonemergency cardiac surgery between January 2021 and December 2022.

Patient acceptance of reoperation risk for lumbar decompression versus fusion.

Background Context: Lumbar decompression and lumbar fusion are effective methods of treating spinal compressive pathologies refractory to conservative management. These surgeries are typically used to treat different spinal problems, but there is a growing body of literature investigating the outcomes of either approach for patients with lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis and stenosis. Different operations are associated with different risks and different potential needs for reoperation.

Heart-liver transplantation using the en bloc technique: A single-center experience over two decades.

Background: Combined heart-liver transplantation (CHLT) is a definitive therapy reserved for patients with concomitant heart failure and advanced liver disease. A limited number of centers perform CHLT, and even fewer use the en bloc implantation technique. Here we review clinical outcomes and immunoprotective effects following CHLT and describe our institution's more than two decades of experience in performing the en bloc technique.

Gender diversity in pediatric surgery: academic ranks and scholarly productivity amongst pediatric surgeons.

Purpose: Despite a growing number of women entering medical school, a small proportion of women pursue surgical specialties, including pediatric surgery. This multi-center study assesses gender-based differences in measures of scholarly productivity and distribution of faculty positions.

Methods: This is a retrospective web-based study of all pediatric surgeons at twelve large institutions across the United States.

Long-Term Outcomes After Lung Transplantation in Children With Intellectual Disabilities.

Background: The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) started recording data on intellectual disability status in 2008. This study aimed to characterize the long-term outcomes for children with intellectual disabilities (IDs) undergoing lung transplantation.

Methods: All pediatric patients (under 18 years old) undergoing bilateral lung transplantation were identified using the UNOS database.