BACKGROUNDEpicardial adipose tissue (EAT) directly overlies the myocardium, with changes in its morphology and volume associated with myriad cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. However, EAT's immune structure and cellular characterization remain incompletely described. We aimed to define the immune phenotype of EAT in humans and compare such profiles across lean, obese, and diabetic patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe describe our technique for reconstructing the free right atrial wall and superior vena cava using CorMatrix (CorMatrix Alpharetta, GA, USA) extracellular matrix following resection of a large leiomyosarcoma.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Several studies have documented that weather factors, seasons of the year, time of the day, and even changes in moon phases have an impact on the occurrence of rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA); however, the available data are confounding. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of these factors on the prevalence and mortality rate of RAAA.
Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients treated for RAAA over a 10-year period.
Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg
September 2013
A best evidence topic was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was regarding the indication and timing of the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), following severe hypothermic cardiac arrest. A total of 284 papers were found using the reported searches, of which nine represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAortic valve reoperation after homograft root implantation is high risk and may be technically challenging. Dense calcification of the annulus may prevent suture placement and often necessitates impromptu high-risk redo root replacement. Although transcutaneous aortic valve implantation is an attractive option in such scenarios, in the context of endocarditis it is contraindicated.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMost reports of coronary artery bypass grafting in adult patients with dextrocardia have focused on the surgeon's position with respect to the operating table. Herein, we describe the cases of 2 patients with dextrocardia who underwent surgery at our own institution, then discuss preoperative evaluation, surgical approaches, and patient outcomes that have been reported in the medical literature. Whereas most patients, including ours, have presented with classic situs inversus totalis and dextrocardia, a few patients have had other associated anomalies or atypical morphologic conditions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInteract Cardiovasc Thorac Surg
October 2009
The acute chest syndrome (ACS) of sickle cell disease (SCD) is a leading cause of death in SCD, with a high incidence following surgery, though only one case has been reported following cardiac surgery. We present a case of ACS in an adult undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) despite instituting established peri-operative optimization measures to prevent sickling. Early diagnosis of this condition in our patient as a distinct clinical entity facilitated appropriate, specific therapy and a good subsequent postoperative recovery.
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