Ex Vivo Modeling of Perioperative Air Leaks in Porcine Lungs.

Objective: A novel ex vivo model is described to advance the understanding of prolonged air leaks, one of the most common postoperative complications following thoracic resection procedures.

Methods: As an alternative to in vivo testing, an ex vivo model simulating the various physiologic environments experienced by an isolated lung during the perioperative period was designed and built. Isolated porcine lungs were perfused and ventilated during open chest and closed chest simulations, mimicking intra and postoperative ventilation conditions.

Navigational bronchoscopy at a community hospital: clinical and economic outcomes.

Aim: To evaluate the clinical and financial impact of introducing electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) at a community center.

Methods: This retrospective, single-arm, single-center study evaluated 90 consecutive patients who had undergone ENB in 2012. Radial probe endobronchial ultrasound was used to localize the lesion after initial ENB.

Long-term detrimental effect of bile duct injury on health-related quality of life.

Hypothesis: Long-term quality of life (QOL) in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) incurring bile duct injury (BDI) and repair is comparable to that of patients undergoing uncomplicated LC.

Design: Case comparison study.

Setting: Secondary and tertiary care centers.