Successful linking of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons database to social security data to examine survival after cardiac operations.

Background: Long-term evaluation of cardiothoracic surgical outcomes is a major goal of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). Linking the STS Database to the Social Security Death Master File (SSDMF) allows for the verification of "life status." This study demonstrates the feasibility of linking the STS Database to the SSDMF and examines longitudinal survival after cardiac operations.

Successful linking of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons adult cardiac surgery database to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Medicare data.

Background: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare database complements The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) database by providing information about long-term outcomes and cost. This study demonstrates the feasibility of linking STS data to CMS data and examines the penetration, completeness, and representativeness of the STS database.

Methods: Using variables common to both STS and CMS databases, STS operations were linked to CMS data for all CMS coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) hospitalizations discharged between 2000 and 2007, inclusive.

Benson R. Wilcox--industry, genius, judgment.

The 29th President of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Benson R. Wilcox, MD, died at his home in Fearington Village Center, NC, on May 11, 2010. In 2 weeks, he would have been 78 years old, and the focus of a birthday celebration for his wife, Patsy Davis, his 4 children, Adelaide, Sandra, Melissa, and Reid, 11 grandchildren, and many loved ones.

Simulation in coronary artery anastomosis early in cardiothoracic surgical residency training: the Boot Camp experience.

Objective: We evaluated focused training in coronary artery anastomosis with a porcine heart model and portable task station.

Methods: At "Boot Camp," 33 first-year cardiothoracic surgical residents participated in 4-hour coronary anastomosis sessions (6-7 attending surgeons per group of 8-9 residents). At beginning, midpoint, and session end, anastomosis components were assessed on a 3-point rating scale (1 good, 2 average, 3 below average).

Minithoracotomy combined with mechanically stapled bronchial and vascular ligation for anatomical lung resection.

Background: The most appropriate approach to anatomic pulmonary resection has been debated with the advance of minimally invasive techniques and especially the common use of mechanical staplers. Video assisted surgery and muscle-sparing thoracotomy are established options of surgical approach for lung resection. We utilize a combined technique of vertical muscle sparing minithoracotomy and mechanical closure of the hilum structures to accomplish lung resection.

The risks of moderate and extreme obesity for coronary artery bypass grafting outcomes: a study from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons' database.

Background: Obesity is epidemic in the United States and afflicts 97 million adults. Prior single center studies have been contradictory as to obese patients having higher risks with coronary artery bypass operations. Our objective was to assess the independent effect of both moderate (body mass index [BMI], 35 to 39.