Is internal mammary artery graft beneficial in emergent coronary artery bypass surgery? A Society of Thoracic Surgeons national database analysis.

Background: Often, only saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) are used in emergent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures to provide quicker myocardial revascularization despite its lower long-term patency relative to the internal mammary artery (IMA) grafts. We examined differences between IMA and non-IMA graft recipients in emergent CABGs and its impact on in-hospital outcomes.

Methods: Retrospective review of Society of Thoracic Surgeon National Database was done to identify patients age ≥18 years undergoing primary emergent isolated CABG between 2013 and 2016.

Innovative and Contemporary Interventions of Diaphragmatic Disorders.

The diaphragm is an inconspicuous fibromuscular septum, and disorders may result in respiratory impairment and morbidity and mortality when untreated. Radiologists need to accurately diagnose diaphragmatic disorders, understand the surgical approaches to diaphragmatic incisions/repairs, and recognize postoperative changes and complications. Diaphragmatic defects violate the boundary between the chest and abdomen, with the risk of herniation and strangulation of abdominal contents.

Hybrid Endovascular Aortic Arch Reconstruction for Acute Aortic Dissection: An Endovascular Bridge Technique for Complex Anatomy.

Acute type A aortic dissections starting at the arch pose a challenge for cardiac surgeons. Open surgical repair requires deep hypothermic circulatory arrest for arch reconstruction and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Hybrid aortic repair techniques, with open arch debranching and thoracic endovascular aortic repair, have been employed in high-risk cases and challenging aortic pathology.

The Development of Pulmonary Hypertension Results in Decreased Post-Transplant Survival.

The effects of pulmonary hypertension (PAH) on survival after heart transplantation are debated, especially for patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). The United Network of Organ Sharing database was retrospectively queried from January 2005 to June 2015 to identify adult patients who underwent heart transplantation. Four groups were defined: patients without PAH, persistent PAH, resolved PAH, and developed PAH between listing and transplant.

Single Versus Double Lung Retransplantation Does Not Affect Survival Based on Previous Transplant Type.

Background: Survival following retransplantation with a single lung is worse than after double lung transplant. We sought to characterize survival of patients who underwent lung retransplantation based on the type of their initial transplant, single or double.

Methods: The United Network for Organ Sharing database was queried for adult patients who underwent lung retransplantation from 2005 onward.

Sunshine Heart C-Pulse: device for NYHA Class III and ambulatory Class IV heart failure.

Advanced heart failure (HF) patients not meeting criteria for ventricular assist device or heart transplant with life-limiting symptoms are limited to medical and resynchronization therapy. The Sunshine Heart C-Pulse, based on intra-aortic balloon pump physiology, provides implantable, on-demand, extra-aortic counterpulsation, which reduces afterload and improves cardiac perfusion in New York Heart Association Class III and ambulatory Class IV HF. The C-Pulse reduces New York Heart Association Class, improves 6-min walk distances, inotrope requirements and HF symptom questionnaires.

Normalization of Exhaled Carbonyl Compounds After Lung Cancer Resection.

Background: Quantitative analysis of specific exhaled carbonyl compounds (ECCs) has shown promise for the detection of lung cancer. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the normalization of ECCs in patients after lung cancer resection.

Methods: Patients from a single center gave consent and were enrolled in the study from 2011 onward.

Donor Oversizing Results in Improved Survival in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Device.

Donor to recipient undersizing can result in diminished graft survival. The United Network for Organ Sharing database was retrospectively queried from January 2008 to December 2013 to identify adult patients who underwent heart transplantation. This population was divided into those without and with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) at the time of transplant.

Left ventricular assist devices: current controversies and future directions.

Advanced heart failure is a growing epidemic that leads to significant suffering and economic losses. The development of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) has led to improved quality of life and long-term survival for patients diagnosed with this devastating condition. This review briefly summarizes the short history and clinical outcomes of LVADs and focuses on the current controversies and issues facing LVAD therapy.

High sensitivity for lung cancer detection using analysis of exhaled carbonyl compounds.

Objective: Several volatile carbonyl compounds in exhaled breath have been identified as cancer-specific markers. The potential for these markers to serve as a screening test for lung cancer is reported.

Methods: Patients with computed tomography-detected intrathoracic lesions and healthy control participants were enrolled from 2011 onward.

Double lung transplants have significantly improved survival compared with single lung transplants in high lung allocation score patients.

Background: Historically, double lung transplantation survival rates are higher than those of single lung transplantation, but in critically ill patients a single lung transplant, with less associated operative morbidity, could afford a better outcome. This article evaluates how survival is affected in patients who have a high lung allocation score (LAS) and receive a single versus a double lung transplant.

Methods: The UNOS Thoracic Transplant Database for lung transplants from January 2005 to June 2012 was used for analysis.