Thoracic irrigation for prevention of secondary intervention after thoracostomy tube drainage for hemothorax: A Western Trauma Association multicenter study.

Background: Retained hemothorax (rHTX) requiring intervention occurs in up to 20% of patients who undergo chest tube (TT) placement for a hemothorax (HTX). Thoracic irrigation at the time of TT placement decreases the need for secondary intervention in this patient group but those findings are limited because of the single-center design. A multicenter study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of thoracic irrigation.

Perioperative atrial arrhythmias in noncardiothoracic patients: a review of risk factors and treatment strategies in the veteran population.

Background: Perioperative atrial arrhythmias (PAAs) in noncardiothoracic patients have poorly defined risk factors and management.

Methods: The surgical intensive care unit database was queried for patients who developed PAAs from 2008 to 2009. Demographics, comorbidities, preoperative data (electrocardiography, chest x-rays, laboratory results), medications, intraoperative variables, management, and outcomes of atrial arrhythmias were collected.

Emergent embolization of the gastroduodenal artery in the treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The experience from a surgeon-initiated interventional program.

Background: Intractable nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Endovascular therapy is an alternative to surgery for high-risk patients.

Materials And Methods: Review of prospectively collected data from patients who underwent emergent gastroduodenal artery embolization for UGIB.