Outcomes in orthotopic heart transplantation following pacemaker implantation.

Background: Bradyarrhythmias including sinus node dysfunction (SND) and atrioventricular block (AVB) can necessitate pacemaker (PPM) implantation in orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) recipients. Prior studies have shown conflicting findings regarding the effect of PPM implantation on survival. We evaluated the effect of PPM indication on long-term re-transplant-free survival in OHT patients.

Outcomes and Resource Utilization in Robotic Mitral Valve Repair: Beyond the Learning Curve.

Background: After the initial learning curve associated with mastering a robotic procedure, there is a plateau where operative time and complication rates stabilize. Our objective was to evaluate one surgeon's experience with robotic mitral valve repairs (MVRep) beyond the learning curve and to compare its effectiveness against the traditional open approach.

Methods: Data from Ronald Reagan University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center was prospectively collected from January 2008 to March 2016 to identify adult patients undergoing robotic MVRep.

Short-Term Readmissions After Open, Thoracoscopic, and Robotic Lobectomy for Lung Cancer Based on the Nationwide Readmissions Database.

Background: Readmission after surgery is an established surrogate indicator of quality of care. We aimed to compare short-term readmission rates and patient outcomes between open, video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS), and robotic lobectomies in the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD).

Methods: Adults who underwent open, VATS, or robotic lobectomy for lung cancer from 2010 to 2014 were evaluated.

Impact of New-Onset Postoperative Depression on Readmission Outcomes After Surgical Coronary Revascularization.

Background: Depression affects between 10% and 40% of cardiac surgery patients and is associated with significantly worse outcomes. The incidence and impact of new-onset depression beyond acute follow-up remain ill-defined. The present study aimed to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and prognostic implication of depression on 90-d readmission rates after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery.

National trends in volume-outcome relationships for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Background: The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has emerged as a common therapy for severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction. We aimed to describe the relationship of institutional volume with patient outcomes and examine transfer status to tertiary ECMO centers.

Materials And Methods: Using the National Inpatient Sample, we identified adult patients who received ECMO from 2008 to 2014.

A nationwide study of treatment modalities for thoracic aortic injury.

Background: Thoracic aortic injuries have traditionally been associated with high morbidity and mortality. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair has emerged as a suitable alternative to open repair, but its impact at a national level remains ill defined. This study aimed to analyze the national trends of patient characteristics, outcomes, and resource utilization in the treatment of thoracic aortic injuries.

Predictors of cardiogenic shock in cardiac surgery patients receiving intra-aortic balloon pumps.

Background: Cardiogenic shock after cardiac surgery leads to severely increased mortality. Intra-aortic balloon pumps may be used during the preoperative period to increase coronary perfusion. The purpose of this study was to characterize predictors of postoperative cardiogenic shock in cardiac surgery patients with and without intra-aortic balloon pumps support.