11-year experience with Chest Wall resection and reconstruction for primary Chest Wall sarcomas.

Background & Objectives: Primary chest wall sarcomas are rare and therapeutically challenging tumors. Herein we report the outcomes of a surgery-based multimodality therapy for these pathologies over an 11-year period. In addition, we present a case that illustrates the surgical challenges that extensive chest wall resection may pose.

The American Society of Thoracic Surgery Score versus EuroSCORE I and EuroSCORE II in Israeli Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.

Background: Recently, Israel established the first national-level adult cardiac surgery database, which was linked to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS).

Objectives: To validate and compare the STS predicted risk of mortality (PROM) to logistic EuroSCORE I (LESI) and EuroSCORE II (ESII) in Israeli patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods: We retrospectively studied 1279 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgeries with a calculable PROM.

Postpartum Cardiogenic Shock Diagnosed by Focused Cardiac Ultrasound and Treated With Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Case Report.

We present the case of a primigravid patient, who developed cardiogenic shock during the early postpartum period in the setting of retained placenta, uterine atony, and hemorrhage. Focused cardiac ultrasound played a central role in identifying the cause of hemodynamic instability. The decision to initiate venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was instrumental in the successful outcome for our patient, characterized by a full recovery without major neurological and cardiovascular sequelae.

Valve Replacement in Patients with Carcinoid Heart Disease: Choosing the Right Valve at the Right Time.

Background And Aim Of The Study: The prosthetic valve of choice in patients with carcinoid valve disease (CVD) remains controversial due to the limited life expectancy of patients with advanced-stage neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) on the one hand, and concerns regarding structural valve deterioration (SVD) on the other hand.

Methods: The records of 17 patients (11 females, seven males; mean age 65 ± 11 years; undergoing 18 operations) with primarily right heart failure due to CVD were reviewed. All patients received somatostatin analogs perioperatively.

The role of combined carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting in the era of carotid stenting in view of long-term results.

Objectives: The management of concomitant coronary and carotid artery disease is still in evolution. The surgical options are staged approach--carotid endarterectomy (CEA), followed by coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or a reversed-staged approach, or combined approach--CEA and CABG under the same anaesthesia. In view of the percutaneous carotid artery stenting option, we have reviewed our short- and long-term experience with combined CEA and CABG to define the role of this procedure.

Dental treatment of a patient with an implanted left ventricular assist device: expanding the frontiers.

Background: The left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is used as a bridge to heart transplantation. Currently, these devices are being used for longer periods of time than in previous years for the purpose of bridge to life, thus the need for dental assistance will emerge.

Case Description: A female with severe acute congestive heart failure, owing to dilated cardiomyopathy, needed implantation of an LVAD as a bridge to heart transplantation.

[Evolution of the surgical repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm].

Background: Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair requires complex surgery. Clamping of the descending aorta during the operation results in organ malperfusion, ischemia, and in some cases, irreversible end-organ damage and death. Several methods for organ preservation during the operation evolved, resulting in decreased post-operative organ malfunction.

When should we discontinue antiarrhythmic therapy for atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting? A prospective randomized study.

Background: New-onset atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting is common. Medical therapy includes various antiarrhythmic drugs to control heart rate and restore sinus rhythm. The purpose of this study was to determine the duration of antiarrhythmic therapy after discharge from the hospital.

Cardiac surgery in octogenarians--a better prognosis in coronary artery disease.

Background: Cardiac surgery is being performed with increasing frequency in patients aged 80 years and older.

Objectives: To examine the long and short-term results of surgery in this age group.

Methods: We retrospectively investigated 202 consecutive patients aged 80 years or older who underwent cardiac surgery between 1991 and 1999, Ninety-six operations (48%) were urgent.

The surgical approach to infective endocarditis: 10 year experience.

Background: About 40% of patients with infective endocarditis will require surgical treatment. The guidelines for such treatment were formulated by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association in 1998.

Objectives: To examine our experience with surgical treatment of infective endocarditis in light of these guidelines.

Preoperative thallium scanning, selective coronary revascularization, and long-term survival after major vascular surgery.

Background: Ischemia on thallium scanning is a strong predictor of long-term mortality in CAD patients. Whether coronary revascularization (CR) in patients with significant ischemia on preoperative thallium scanning (PTS) improves long-term survival after major vascular surgery has not been determined.

Methods And Results: The perioperative data, including PTS and subsequent CR in patients with moderate to severe reversible ischemia on PTS, and long-term survival of 502 consecutive patients who underwent 578 major vascular procedures were analyzed retrospectively.

Isolated sternal fracture--a benign condition?

Background: Fractures of the sternum may be associated with major injuries to thoracic organs, with serious consequences.

Objective: To assess the hospital course of patients diagnosed with isolated sternal fracture.

Methods: We reviewed 55 medical records of patients who were admitted with isolated sternal fracture to the emergency department during the period January 1990 through August 1999.