The pulmonary artery catheter in 2008 - A (finally) maturing modality?

The first description of the flow-directed pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) was published in the 1970s by Jeremy Swan and William Ganz. Ever since its clinical debut, many controversies surrounded the use of the PAC. Regardless of these controversies, the most fundamental issues surrounding this hemodynamic monitoring device remain unresolved, including the exact indications, contraindications, identification of patients who potentially benefit from this technology, and the way we interpret and use PAC-derived parameters.

Atrial fibrillation after esophagectomy: an indicator of postoperative morbidity.

Purpose: The relevance of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) after esophagectomy remains poorly defined. This study's primary goal is to better define the incidence, clinical patterns, and outcomes associated with the development of AF after esophagectomy.

Methods: The study is a retrospective review of patients undergoing esophagectomy at a single academic center between May 1996 and December 2007.

Complications related to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a comprehensive clinical review.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is one of the most commonly performed endoscopic procedures. It provides the treating physician with both diagnostic and therapeutic options. The recent shift towards interventional uses of ERCP is largely due to the emergence of advanced imaging techniques, including magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and ultrasonography.