Induction Therapy for Lung Transplantation in COPD: Analysis of the UNOS Registry.

Although studies demonstrate that induction therapy improves outcomes after lung transplantation, its influence on survival in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not clear. The United Network for Organ Sharing database was queried to obtain data regarding adult patients with COPD receiving lung transplant between May 2005 and June 2014. Therapies evaluated include anti-thymocyte globulin, anti-lymphocyte globulin, thymoglobulin, basiliximab, and alemtuzumab.

Contrast transthoracic echocardiography and the placement of a bicaval dual-lumen catheter in a Swine model of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Placement of a bicaval dual-lumen (BCDL) catheter demands sophisticated visualization in patients to assure proper positioning in order to administer single-site venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO). Large animal models are needed and thus appropriate procedures to assure anatomic and functional cannula placement would assist in experimental design and procedures. This report describes the use of agitated blood and saline transthoracic contrast echocardiography to confirm appropriate placement and function of the BCDL catheter in a swine model of VV ECMO.

Spontaneous reexpansion of lung tissue after chronic atelectasis due to a stenotic airway.

Chronic atelectasis is a commonly reported complication of bronchial stenosis and airway obstruction. Bronchial stenosis after aspiration of oral medications has been reported in the literature many times. Spontaneous reexpansion of lung tissue after chronic atelectasis due to a stenotic airway is an unusual and unreported phenomenon.