Epidemiology, Etiology, and Pathophysiology of Pulmonary Embolism.

Over the last 20 years, there has been a progressive increase in the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosis in the United States, Europe, and Australia. Increased use of computed tomography pulmonary angiography has likely contributed in part to this rising incidence. However, it is pertinent to note that the burden of comorbidities associated with PE, such as malignancy, obesity, and advanced age, has also increased over the past 20 years.

2022: Perioperative and critical care year in review for the cardiothoracic surgery team.

This year, we have again assembled an expert opinion on several key topics that pertain to the perioperative and critical care management of the cardiac surgery patient and for patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Approximately 1 in 3 patients undergoing cardiac surgery have diabetes mellitus; contemporary glycemic control management of these patients to minimize perioperative complications are reviewed. Goal directed fluid therapy remains an area on interest and controversy; the use of albumin as a resuscitation fluid and recent clinical trial data is reviewed.

A rare variant of a ruptured sinus of valsalva aneurysm forming an aorto-atrial fistula: a case report and review of literature.

Background: Sinus of valsalva aneurysms (SOVAs) are infrequent findings and generally diagnosed incidentally. A SOVA may be at risk for rupture, which would lead to an aorto-cardiac shunt. These patients present similarly to decompensated heart failure.

Surgical results of the Lung Cancer Mutation Consortium 3 trial: A phase II multicenter single-arm study to investigate the efficacy and safety of atezolizumab as neoadjuvant therapy in patients with stages IB-select IIIB resectable non-small cell lung cancer.

Objective: Multimodality treatment for resectable non-small cell lung cancer has long remained at a therapeutic plateau. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are highly effective in advanced non-small cell lung cancer and promising preoperatively in small clinical trials for resectable non-small cell lung cancer. This large multicenter trial tested the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant atezolizumab and surgery.

Swinging calcified amorphous tumour in the ascending aorta.

A 70-year-old woman with heart failure and end-stage renal disease on dialysis was found to have a 2.9 cm × 0.9 cm swinging mass attached to the posterior wall of the ascending aorta, 3 cm above the aortic valve.

Perioperative Coronavirus Vaccination-Timing and Implications: A Guidance Document.

Cardiothoracic surgical patients are at risk of increased coronavirus disease severity. Several important factors influence the administration of the coronavirus disease vaccine in the perioperative period. This guidance statement outlines current information regarding vaccine types, summarizes recommendations regarding appropriate timing of administration, and provides information regarding side effects in the perioperative period for cardiac and thoracic surgical patients.

Risk Factors Associated with a Second Primary Lung Cancer in Patients with an Initial Primary Lung Cancer.

Background: Increased patient survivorship following initial primary lung cancer (IPLC) diagnosis and treatment has uncovered new clinical challenges as individuals post-IPLC are at growing subsequent risk of developing second primary lung cancer (SPLC). Proper SPLC surveillance guidelines aimed at monitoring IPLC survivors are crucial to enhancing health outcomes. This study aims to categorize risk factors associated with SPLC emergence in IPLC survivors for clinical use following IPLC treatment.

Successful Treatment of Left Ventricular Perforation Occurring After Insertion of an Impella Device.

The Impella device is a miniaturized ventricular assist device that is being increasingly used to increase the safety and efficacy of high-risk coronary interventions and to treat patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock. The device has a miniaturized rotary pump mounted on a 9F catheter with a pigtail conformation. The pump draws blood from the left ventricular cavity and expels it into the ascending aorta and systemic circulation.