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Journal and News Scan
Chyle leak remains a challenging postoperative complication to manage, and avoidance is always easier than mitigation. The only predisposing factor identified in this study was low BMI. Although ICU stay was longer in affected patients, operative mortality, hospital LOS, and survival were not negatively impacted by the presence of a leak.
A good discussion on the concepts of:
1. aortic true lumen and false lumen behavior after repair of acute Type A aortic dissection
2. distal anastomotic new entry tear after hemiarch repair
3. impact of above on clinical outcomes
4. strategies on preventing distal anastomotic entry tear
The authors communicate that improved understanding of these hemodynamic conditions may serve to improve surgical technique, guide creation of novel devices toward new therapeutic targets, reduce surgical risk, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
On May 25, 2021, Dr. David Heimansohn successfully performed the first surgical implantation of biopolymer Tria™ heart valve in a patient with mitral valve disease at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, IN.
Foldax’s Tria valve is fabricated with a polymeric, silicone-rich polyurethane material intended to resist calcification, improve valve durability, and, most importantly, avoid the need for lifelong anticoagulation.
This month's update on the economical and general aspects of the ROOBY-FS trial. The conclusion (on no impact of de novo post-CABG AF on the incidence of stroke nor the 5 year expenditure ) challenges many hitherto perceptions on this frequent compication of coronary surgery.
An authoritative, scholarly but very readable review of the evolution of mechanical circulatory support of the left ventricle from the non-surgical standpoint.
A large RCT concluding that 'surgical occlusion of the left atrial appendage provides additional protection against stroke when added to anticoagulation.' A number of limitations are briefly discussed. Findings are interesting in that absolute absence of surgical complications has been declared.