Treatment of oral infections prior to heart valve surgery does not improve long-term survival.

The objective was to evaluate the importance of preoperative elimination of oral infections and oral health for survival after heart valve surgery In a group of patients (n=149; treatment group, GP group), oral health was examined and dental treatment was performed 3-6 months prior to heart valve surgery. In a second group (n=103; control group, SP group), oral health was examined postoperatively, but patients did not receive dental treatment prior to surgery. Sixteen years after heart valve surgery was performed, morbidity endpoint data were obtained.

Initial experience with the world's first digital drainage system. The benefits of recording air leaks with graphic representation.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a new digital drainage system, the DigiVent Chest Drainage System that gives accurate measurements of air leakage and pleural pressures and can display those measurements over time.

Methods: The DigiVent Chest Drainage System was tested in three steps: Step 1; first clinical use in five patients, Step 2; management and acceptance in further 15 patients and Step 3; reliability in routine use in 50 patients.

Result: The results from Steps 1 and 2 showed that the system was good enough for extended use.

The effect of autologous fibrin sealant (Vivostat) on morbidity after pulmonary lobectomy: a prospective randomised, blinded study.

Objective: Postoperative air leakage is the most frequent complication after pulmonary surgery. The development of modern surgical techniques has been influenced strongly by the need to manage air leakage effectively during pulmonary resection. This study evaluated the effect of using an autologous fibrin sealant (Vivostat) during lobectomy on morbidity following surgery.

Management of pneumothorax with a mini-drain in ambulatory and hospitalized patients.

Objective: To test the clinical performance of a miniaturized drainage system and compare the effect on pain and mobility between the new system and a standard system. One aim was to try ambulatory treatment in patients with uncomplicated pneumothorax (35/55), another to see if patients with more severe diseases and pneumothorax could be mobilized better while in hospital.

Design: Follow-up of 55 patients treated with the new system.