ZipFix Versus Conventional Sternal Closure: One-Year Follow-Up.

Background: The present study aimed to compare postoperative complications commonly revealed after sternotomy closure by new sternal ZipFix™ (Synthes GmbH, Oberdorf, Switzerland) implant and conventional steel wire.

Methods: Among the initial 360 subjects, 326 patients enrolled in this randomised control trial who were candidates for cardiac surgery from April 2014 to March 2015. After the surgery, the sternal closure was randomly done with poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) based sternal ZipFix (ZF) on the sternal body (n=168) or with conventional wires (CWs) (n=158).

A simple modified Bentall technique for surgical reconstruction of the aortic root - short and long term outcomes.

Background: Since the first introduction of the Bentall technique, several modifications have been proposed to improve patient outcomes and decrease intra- and post-operative complications. We describe a simplified modification of the technique that tries to lessen the intra-operative time, improve homeostasis and miminize early and late complications. Our experience with the technique and short- and long-term patient outcomes are reported.

A standardized shift handover protocol: improving nurses' safe practice in intensive care units.

Introduction: For maintaining the continuity of care and improving the quality of care, effective inter-shift information communication is necessary. Any handover error can endanger patient safety. Despite the importance of shift handover, there is no standard handover protocol in our healthcare settings.