Is Porcine Small Intestinal Submucosal Extracellular Matrix (ECM) a Suitable Material for Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Reconstruction in Association With Pulmonary Valve Replacement?

Pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) with right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction is a common congenital cardiac operation. Porcine submucosal intestinal-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) patches have been used for RVOT reconstruction. We present 2 adult patients with Tetralogy of Fallot who underwent PVR with RVOT reconstruction utilizing ECM.

Inferior vena cava syndrome caused by postoperative positional changes in the liver.

Inferior vena cava (IVC) compression is well reported in the literature with the most common etiology being secondary to malignancy in neighboring structures (liver, kidney, pancreas, etc.). We present a novel case of IVC compression secondary to altered liver position following nephrectomy.

The Use of STS Public Reporting to Guide Referrals in Congenital Heart Surgery: Results of a Survey.

Background: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) public reporting in congenital heart surgery has received considerable attention; however, it is unclear how pediatric cardiac providers use these data to guide surgical referrals.

Methods: We surveyed members of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery and PediHeartNet members regarding use of STS public reporting.

Results: There were 155 respondents (90% cardiologist, 7% surgeons) from approximately 800 solicitations (∼19% response rate).

Patient preferences for GI cancer surveillance and telemedical follow-up.

Introduction: Surveillance care including routine physical exams and testing following gastrointestinal (GI) cancer treatment can be fiscally and emotionally burdensome for patients. Emerging technology platforms may provide a resource-wise surveillance strategy. However, effective implementation of GI cancer surveillance is limited by a lack of patient level perspective regarding surveillance.

A telephone-based surgical transitional care program with improved patient satisfaction scores and fiscal neutrality.

Background: Limited data exist regarding the downstream effects of surgical transitional care programs. We explored the impact of such programs on patient satisfaction and fiscal metrics.

Methods: A telephone-based surgical transitional care program enrolled patients undergoing complex abdominal surgery between 2015 to 2017.