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Journal and News Scan
This is a free app that collates thousands of new stories and abstracts from peer reviewed journal and news organisations. It also has a forum area and has cardiology and surgery sections.
Nothing to do with CTSNet, but it is free so might be worth a look
This is an interesting article on the provision of pediatric cardiac surgery in the developing world.
Dr. Gabriel Aldea outlines the latest in surgical techniques to repair the irregular rhythms, rapid heart beats, blood clots and ineffective heart muscle contractions associated with atrial fibrillation. He also discusses the restoration of normal cardiac function using catheters, pacemakers and gives insight on the surgical MAZE technique and innovations in ultrasound, laser and cryothermal tools.
In this observational study, the utility of decellularized allogeneic pulmonary artery patches for pulmonary arterioplasty was evaluated in 108 patients. No device failures or adverse events were detected. An historical comparison cohort in whom conventional materials were used experienced a 14% failure rate.
This meta-analysis of 18 randomized trials investigated the risk of infection related to blood transfusions given according to liberal or restrictive criteria. The restrictive strategy (Hgb <7) was associated with an 18% reduction in the risk of serious infection (11.8% vs 16.9%). The effects were most pronounced in patients with sepsis and in those undergoing orthopedic surgery. No difference was evident among patients with heart disease, critical illness, or GI bleeding.