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Journal and News Scan
October 15, 2014
Submitted by: Marcelo Jimenez
It seems that patients with lung or colorectal cancer have poor enrollment in clinical trials, according to the recent multiregional survey carried out by the authors in a cohort of 8778 patients three to six months after diagnosis. Only 14% of patients have discussed their participation in clinical trials.
October 15, 2014
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
Using a data set of over 76,000 women from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study, the effects of active and passive smoking on cancer were evaluated. Lung cancer incidence was highest among active smokers (HR 13.44) and was also high among prior smokers (HR 4.20). A prolonged exposure (>30 yr) to passive smoking in the household also increased the risk of lung cancer (HR 1.61).
October 14, 2014
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
More than minimally manipulated (MMM) allograft heart valves should be classified as high risk devices, requiring premarket approval including safety and efficacy studies, according to an FDA panel.
October 14, 2014
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
This multicenter observational study evaluated midterm outcomes after use of the lung volume reduction endobronchial coil for severe emphysema in 60 pts. The 30-day complication rate was moderate. At 12 mos, the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire decreased by 11.1 points, 6 min walk distance increased by 51.4 m, FEV1 increased by 0.11 L, and residual volume decreased by 0.71 L.
October 14, 2014
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
Lung cancer cases 2000-2013 in the UK Health Improvement Network were evaluated for factors associated with early death (within 90 days of diagnosis) vs later death. Risk factors for early death included male sex, older age, current smoking, social deprivation, and rural location. Those experiencing early death saw their primary care physicians more frequently prior to diagnosis, possibly representing missed opportunities to make an earlier diagnosis.
October 12, 2014
Submitted by: Joel Dunning
This is a fabulous paper comparing VATS versus open lobectomy. The 5 year survival is the same, the hospital stay is 2 days less and the in hospital mortality is slightly lower
October 11, 2014
Submitted by: Tom C. Nguyen
In a cohort of 11,922 diabetic patients undergoing CABG, the authors compare single versus bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting (BITA), complete versus incomplete revascularization, and on versus off-pump CABG. The authors conclude that BITA with complete revascularization maximizes long-term survival.
October 9, 2014
Submitted by: Joel Dunning
This is an amazing Ted.com video on Tal Golesworthy who designed his own aortic root
October 9, 2014
Submitted by: Joel Dunning
In this article authors describe their technique to manage complex mitral reoperations using a minimally invasive approach, moderate hypothermia and avoiding aortic cross-clamping. Minimally invasive procedures with an unclamped aorta have the potential to combine the benefits of less invasive access and continuous myocardial perfusion. The advantage of a right mini-thoracotomy is the avoidance of sternal re-entry and limited dissection of adhesions, reducing the risk of cardiac structures or patent graft injury.
October 9, 2014
Submitted by: Joel Dunning
This study demonstrates the basic concepts and technique of robotic mitral valve replacement for valve pathologies that are not suitable for repair. Among this group of patients, robotic surgery is still feasible with some technical differences from a standard robotic mitral valve repair procedure.