Cerebral ischemia during carotid artery cross-clamping: predictive value of phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging.

The goal of this prospective study was to determine the utility of preoperative cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting cerebral ischemia during carotid artery cross-clamping for endarterectomy. Between January 2000 and December 2003, a total of 121 patients (95 men, 26 women) underwent three-dimensional phase-contrast MRI to assess collateral function prior to carotid endarterectomy. During regional anesthesia, patients were monitored to detect ischemic events and their timing in relation to cross-clamping and to determine mean intraoperative arterial pressure.

Carinal replacement with an aortic allograft.

Background: Carinal replacement after extensive resection remains a tremendous challenge in thoracic surgery. In previous studies, we demonstrated that an aortic graft could be a valuable tracheal substitute. The goal of this new study was to evaluate the reconstruction of the carina using a stent supported bifurcated aortic allograft.

Tracheal replacement with an aortic autograft.

Tracheal replacement after extensive resection remains a challenge for the thoracic surgeon. We propose an innovative solution: the use of an aortic autograft. After an experimental work on animals with aortic autografts and allografts [Martinod E, Seguin A, Pfeuty K, Fornes P, Kambouchner M, Azorin JF, Carpentier AF.

Tracheal regeneration following tracheal replacement with an allogenic aorta.

Background: Tracheal replacement remains an unsolved surgical problem. Attempts to use tracheal substitutes have failed to achieve reliable results. In this study, tracheal regeneration was obtained after tracheal replacement with an allogenic aorta.

Long-term evaluation of the replacement of the trachea with an autologous aortic graft.

Background: Tracheal reconstruction after extensive resection remains a challenge in thoracic surgery. The goal of this experimental study was to analyze the long-term evolution of tracheal replacement using an autologous aortic graft.

Methods: In 21 sheep, a 5-cm segment of the cervical trachea was replaced by a segment of the descending thoracic aorta that was reconstructed to a prosthetic graft.

Surgical resection of lung cancer in patients with underlying interstitial lung disease.

Background: The association between interstitial lung disease (ILD) and an increased risk of developing lung cancer has been reported. The goal of this retrospective study was to determine the outcome of lung cancer resection among patients with ILD.

Methods: Between January 1979 and March 1999, 27 patients with both lung cancer and ILD were identified.

Management of superior sulcus tumors: experience with 139 cases treated by surgical resection.

Background: The management of non-small cell carcinomas of the lung involving the superior sulcus remains controversial. The goal of this retrospective study was to evaluate the role of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy for the treatment of superior sulcus tumors, to define the best surgical approach for radical resection, and to identify factors influencing long-term survival.

Methods: Between 1983 and 1999, 139 patients underwent surgical resection of superior sulcus tumors in seven thoracic surgery centers.