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Journal and News Scan
The updated version of an expert viewpoint on resources for management of acute aortic syndrome in the United States is presented. The esteemed authors advance the position of positive volume–outcome relationship for surgery for acute De Bakey I and II (ATAAD). They provide a historical perspective in favor of specialization and they comment on data on transferring the victims of ATAAD to aortic centers. The primary outcome measure is that of operative mortality rather than stroke. The case made is also relevant to European and global trends, although the geography, telecommunication, transport and health systems vary considerably from country to country.
The AATS expert consensus document was recently released and focused on surgical treatment of acute type A aortic dissection. The documents provides evidence-based recommendations, including initial medical therapy, interhospital transfer, surgical triage, cannulation and perfusion strategy, aortic root management, ascending aorta and distal anastomosis, aortic arch management, malperfusion management, and postoperative considerations.
The "Cape Town Declaration On Access to Cardiac Surgery in the Developing World" was published in August 2018, intending to signal a commitment of the global cardiac surgery and cardiology communities to improving care for the 33 million patients affected by rheumatic heart disease. The Cardiac Surgery Intersociety Alliance (CSIA) was subsequently formed as an international consortium of representatives from major cardiothoracic surgical societies and the World Heart Federation. This article describes the history of the CSIA, its formation, ongoing activities and future directions, including the announcement of pilot sites selected in low and middle income countries for CSIA support.
This study assessed the impact of frailty in patients with advanced heart failure on clinical outcomes after heart transplantation (HTx).
The authors included type A aortic dissection patients from the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection, who were managed surgically. Their aim was to evaluate the incidence and prognosis of patients with cerebral malperfusion.
The authors provide tips and tricks on ten most important considerations for multi-arterial grafting.
The SVS and STS produced a document that offers a framework of language, including definitions of nomenclature and a description for a new classification system, to allow for more detailed discussions and reporting of type B aortic dissections.
A most comprehensive practice guideline, relevant not only to surgeons involved in VA ECMO, but also all cardiac and thoracic colleagues and perioperative clinicians.
The discussion on the need of modifying the antithrombotic modulation in recipients of post-cardiotomy ECMO (21) and the chapter on vascular complications (12.3) are particularly stimulating in terms of future research.