Representation of Women in the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association: Evidence for Positive Change.

Background: Despite increases in female representation within the cardiothoracic surgical workforce and societal memberships, our previous work has demonstrated that at the national level, women's roles have remained stagnant among conference presentations and leadership opportunities. In this study, we sought to identify whether similar findings exist at the regional level, specifically within the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association (STSA).

Methods: STSA Annual Meeting Program Books from 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018 were reviewed for women's representation among oral abstract authors, invited speakers, moderators, STSA leadership, and award recipients.

Sodium nitroprusside versus nicardipine for hypertension management after surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Vasoactive medications are commonly administered for afterload reduction and arterial hypertension treatment in patients after cardiac surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the effects of sodium nitroprusside and nicardipine on hemodynamics and cardiac performance in this population.

Methods: A systematic review of published manuscripts was performed to identify studies of patients who received sodium nitroprusside and nicardipine as part of the treatment for arterial hypertension or afterload reduction after cardiac surgery.