Ramping Up Delivery of Cardiac Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Guidance Statement From The Society of Thoracic Surgeons COVID-19 Task Force.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a profound global impact. Its rapid transmissibility has transformed healthcare delivery and forced countries to adopt strict measures to contain its spread. The vast majority of the United States cardiac surgical programs have deferred all but truly emergent/urgent operative procedures in an effort to reduce the burden on the healthcare system and to mobilize resources to combat the pandemic surge.

Global Health and Epilepsy: Update and Future Directions.

Purpose Of Review: Efforts to improve epilepsy care outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are occurring through global health work. Despite an increase in these efforts, several barriers exist and a significant epilepsy treatment gap remains. This paper will review barriers to epilepsy care in LMICs and summarize recent published and unpublished data about global health projects which aimed to improve epilepsy care in these regions, focusing on work in the past 5 years.

Ictal onset patterns of subdural intracranial electroencephalogram in children: How helpful for predicting epilepsy surgery outcome?

Aims: We aimed to classify ictal onset patterns (IOPs) in pediatric patients undergoing intracranial electroencephalography (IEEG) to guide surgery for refractory epilepsy. We aimed to determine if morphology of IOPs can predict surgical outcome.

Materials And Methods: We performed a retrospective review of pediatric patients who underwent epilepsy surgery guided by subdural IEEG from 2007 to 2016.

Is isolated aortic valve replacement sufficient to treat concomitant moderate functional mitral regurgitation? A propensity-matched analysis.

Background: A significant proportion of patients presenting for isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) demonstrate some degree of functional mitral regurgitation (fMR). Guidelines addressing concomitant mitral valve intervention in those patients with moderate fMR lack strong evidence-based support. Our aim is to determine the effect of untreated moderate fMR at the time of AVR on long-term survival.

Bicuspid aortic valve increases risk of permanent pacemaker implant following aortic root replacement.

Objectives: We aimed to assess the incidence and possible differences in postoperative conduction delay after aortic root replacement (ARR) in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients compared with a tricuspid aortic valve (TAV).

Methods: A total of 380 patients undergoing ARR at our institution between 2005 and 2013 were included in the analysis. Patients were stratified by aortic valve anatomy: BAV, n = 191 vs TAV, n = 189.

Image-guided endoscopic orbital decompression for Graves' orbitopathy.

Objectives: We studied the efficacy and safety of image-guided balanced orbital decompression for Graves' orbitopathy.

Methods: The data of 24 patients (45 orbits) were reviewed for demographics, ophthalmologic outcomes, and complications in regard to image-guided (18 orbits) versus non-image-guided surgery (27 orbits).

Results: Overall, all patients had a reduction in proptosis (mean reduction, 6.

Role of biliary stress manometry after biliary stricture dilation in living donor liver transplant recipients.

Purpose: To report on the use of biliary manometry for determining treatment completion in living donor liver transplant recipients.

Materials And Methods: Twenty of 85 patients (24%) who underwent living donor liver transplantation developed postoperative anastomotic biliary strictures. Fifteen patients underwent transhepatic biliary drainage and percutaneous dilation.

The residency experience in pediatric otolaryngology.

Objectives: To assess the residency experience in pediatric otolaryngology, determine the impact of pediatric fellowship programs on residency training, and evaluate the need for fellowship training in pediatric otolaryngology.

Design: An anonymous, web-based survey of chief residents in otolaryngology.

Methods: Respondents described their experience in pediatric otolaryngology using a 5-point Likert scale and reported their comfort levels (yes/no) with various medical and surgical issues in pediatric otolaryngology.

Surgical treatment of the nasolabial angle in balanced rhinoplasty.

Nasal analysis and surgical planning are crucial for a successful, aesthetically pleasing rhinoplasty. One of the key parameters for evaluation is the nasolabial angle. The nasal spine, caudal septum, and medial crura of the lower lateral cartilages provide the framework for this area.