Publications by authors named "Gemma S Smiles"
Traditional surgical access to the upper descending aorta is via a left thoracotomy. For postcoarctation pseudoaneurysm repair, this approach is difficult because of the risk of rupture while dissecting the aorta for proximal and distal control. Access from a median sternotomy may be safer, but is difficult because of the depth of the wound and because of the angle of approach to the distal aspect of the repair site.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInversion of the left atrial appendage: a complication of cardiac surgery.
Heart Lung Circ
February 2012
Article Synopsis
- An inverted left atrial appendage is a rare but serious complication that can occur during cardiac surgery, which may not fix itself on its own.
- A case is presented where an inverted left atrial appendage was found during surgery using transoesophageal echocardiography and was easily corrected.
- Recognizing the possibility of this condition allows for immediate correction, which can prevent additional surgeries and lower the risk of blood clots later on.