Thoracic Surgery Research Articles

A DEBRECENI SZÍVSEBÉSZET TÖRTÉNETE

The establishment of cardiac surgery in Debrecen is closely interlinked with thoracic surgery. This activity started and continued for many decades at the Auguszta Sanatorium, later the University of Debrecen's Department of Surgery II, which housed thoracic surgery at the time. In the Auguszta Sanatorium, which was nationalised after World War II, a thoracic surgery department was established in 1948, under the direction of Dr. József Schnitzler, whose professional interests in the 1960s turned towards cardiac surgery. He found a suitable partner for his groundbreaking goal in the pioneering work of Hungarian cardiac surgery, Dr. Árpád Eisert, a leading surgeon of the Jósa András County Hospital in Nyíregyháza. As a result of their exemplary professional cooperation, the first closed heart surgery was performed in Debrecen in 1963. The heart-lung machine required for cardiopulmonary bypass necessary to start open heart operations was provided by a donation from Béla Köteles, the son of Hungarian emigrants born in America, who founded his own instrument manufacturing company there. The first open heart surgery was performed by visiting professor Gábor Kovács from Szeged with Professor Schnitzler in 1968. In 1972, András Gömöry was entrusted with the management of cardiac surgery, and he succeeded in creating a team of highly qualified doctors and specialists even under the prevailing difficult circumstances. This, provided a solid basis for further development within the field. In 1983, after the retirement of Professor Schnitzler, Árpád Péterffy, Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm, was appointed as Head of the Department of Surgery II. Due to the knowledge, professional and work organisation experience he had gained abroad, cardiac surgery in Debrecen developed with great strides. The number of operations increased significantly, while the mortality rate was reduced by a third. He managed to acquire a new building for cardiac surgery in 1993, which created the opportunity for further development. The new building significantly improved the quantity and quality of cardiac surgery and made Debrecen an internationally recognised flagship of Hungarian cardiac surgery. Due to his work in international exchanges his students were able to improve their knowledge in Western European countries and elsewhere overseas. After his retirement in 2008, he continued to work as Professor Emeritus in our clinic, remaining fully committed to supporting our work, the development of cardiac surgery in Debrecen, and the preservation and enhancement of its reputation. As his professional successor, Associate Professor Tamás Szerafin was entrusted with the leadership of the cardiac surgery department. Together with his colleagues, their aim has been to preserve and further develop the patient-centred spirit and professional dedication of their predecessors, and to preserve the built heritage.

Intraoperative Dexamethasone is associated with a lower risk of respiratory failure in Thoracic Surgery: Observational cohort study (SURTHODEX).

Postoperative complications, particularly respiratory complications, are of significant clinical concern in patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery. Dexamethasone (DXM), commonly administered to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), has potential anti-inflammatory effects that might be beneficial in reducing these complications. We aimed to investigate whether intraoperative DXM administration could mitigate the occurrence of respiratory complications following elective thoracic surgery. We conducted a single-center observational study, including patients who underwent elective thoracic surgery from 2012 to 2020. The primary outcome was the onset of acute respiratory failure within 7 days post-surgery. Secondary outcomes encompassed other postoperative complications, duration of hospital stay, and mortality within 30 days post-surgery. An overlap propensity score analysis was employed to estimate the treatment effect. We included 1,247 adult patients, 897 who received dexamethasone (DXM) and 350 who served as controls. Intraoperative dexamethasone administration was associated with a significant reduction in respiratory complications with an adjusted relative risk (RR) of 0.65 (95% CI: 0.43-0.97). There was also a significant decline in composite infectious criteria with an adjusted RR of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.63-0.93). Cardiac complications were also assessed as a composite criterion, and a significant reduction was observed (adjusted RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.51-0.9). However, there were no association with mechanical complications, mortality within 30 days (adjusted RR of 0.43, 95% CI: 0.17-1.09) or in the length of hospital stay (adjusted RR of 0.85, 95% CI: 0.71-1.02). Dexamethasone administration was associated with a reduction in postoperative respiratory complications. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Giving up learning from failures? An examination of learning from one's own failures in the context of heart surgeons

AbstractResearch SummaryWe reassess existing theories on individual failure learning and propose an inverted‐U‐shaped relationship between an individual's accumulated failures and learning, based on a theoretical framework that jointly considers the opportunity, motivation, and perceived ability to learn. Using data on 307 California‐based cardiothoracic surgeons who performed coronary artery bypass graft surgeries in 133 hospitals between 2003 and 2018, we find compelling evidence that individuals reach a threshold at which they discontinue learning from their own failures. We also find that this threshold is higher for surgeons who had higher perceived ability to learn. This article aims to shed new light on the relationship between individuals' failure experience and their learning, and advance our understanding of the microfoundations of organizational learning, an important basis of firm performance.Managerial SummaryThis article explores how individuals learn from their own failures. Contrary to prior theories, we propose a non‐monotonic relationship between accumulated failures and learning: as a function of failures, an individual's performance will initially increase, then taper off, and finally decrease. Analyzing data on 307 cardiothoracic surgeons operating coronary artery bypass graft surgeries, we find such an inverted‐U‐shaped pattern. Notably, surgeons with higher perceived ability to learn—those with elite training, certified expertise, and specialization in patient care—reached the tipping point later than their counterparts. Our findings imply that repeated failures can have both beneficial and harmful impacts on individuals' learning processes, and therefore, both impacts must be simultaneously considered for understanding and improving individuals' performance.

In-hospital thromboprophylaxis variation and the risk of venous thromboembolism after lung cancer surgery: a nationwide cohort study.

Venous thromboembolic event (VTE) is a severe complication in patients with lung cancer undergoing thoracic surgery. Nevertheless, because of insufficient evidence, there are no clear guidelines, and VTE prophylaxis practices vary widely. This nationwide cohort study was a comparative study investigating VTE risk in surgical departments that routinely administered in-hospital thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin compared to those that did not. We identified all patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who underwent surgery in Denmark during 2010-2021. Thoracic surgery was exclusively performed in the 4 university hospitals. Three hospitals implemented in-hospital thromboprophylaxis as standard care since 2000, while the fourth adopted this practice in September 2016. VTE events were assessed at 6-month follow-up according to hospital and study period, using an inverse probability of treatment weighting approach. We identified 9615 patients. During 6-month follow-up, a total of 190 VTE events were observed, resulting in a weighted rate of 4.5 events per 100 person-years and an absolute risk of 2.2%. There was no clear trend according to hospital site or use of in-hospital thromboprophylaxis with a 2.2% risk in the hospital not using thromboprophylaxis compared to 1.7-3.1% in those that did. Use of in-hospital thromboprophylaxis did not affect the risk of VTE after surgery for NSCLC, suggesting that relying solely on in-hospital thromboprophylaxis may be insufficient to mitigate VTE risk in these patients. Further research is warranted to investigate the potential benefits of extended thromboprophylaxis in reducing VTE risk in selected NSCLC surgical patients.

Video-Assisted vs Robotic-Assisted Lung Lobectomies for Operating Room Resource Utilization and Patient Outcomes

With increased use of robots, there is an inadequate understanding of minimally invasive modalities' time costs. This study evaluates the operative durations of robotic-assisted vs video-assisted lung lobectomies. To compare resource utilization, specifically operative time, between video-assisted and robotic-assisted thoracoscopic lung lobectomies. This retrospective cohort study evaluated patients aged 18 to 90 years who underwent minimally invasive (robotic-assisted or video-assisted) lung lobectomy from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022, with 90 days' follow-up after surgery. The study included multicenter electronic health record data from 21 hospitals within an integrated health care system in Northern California. Thoracic surgery was regionalized to 4 centers with 14 board-certified general thoracic surgeons. Robotic-assisted or video-assisted lung lobectomy. The primary outcome was operative duration (cut to close) in minutes. Secondary outcomes were length of stay, 30-day readmission, and 90-day mortality. Comparisons between video-assisted and robotic-assisted lobectomies were generated using the Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables and the χ2 test for categorical variables. The average treatment effects were estimated with augmented inverse probability treatment weighting (AIPTW). Patient and surgeon covariates were adjusted for and included patient demographics, comorbidities, and case complexity (age, sex, race and ethnicity, neighborhood deprivation index, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, nonelective hospitalizations, emergency department visits, a validated laboratory derangement score, a validated institutional comorbidity score, a surgeon-designated complexity indicator, and a procedural code count), and a primary surgeon-specific indicator. The study included 1088 patients (median age, 70.1 years [IQR, 63.3-75.8 years]; 704 [64.7%] female), of whom 446 (41.0%) underwent robotic-assisted and 642 (59.0%) underwent video-assisted lobectomy. The median unadjusted operative duration was 172.0 minutes (IQR, 128.0-226.0 minutes). After AIPTW, there was less than a 10% difference in all covariates between groups, and operative duration was a median 20.6 minutes (95% CI, 12.9-28.2 minutes; P < .001) longer for robotic-assisted compared with video-assisted lobectomies. There was no difference in adjusted secondary patient outcomes, specifically for length of stay (0.3 days; 95% CI, -0.3 to 0.8 days; P = .11) or risk of 30-day readmission (adjusted odds ratio, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.84-1.98; P = .13). The unadjusted 90-day mortality rate (1.3% [n = 14]) was too low for the AIPTW modeling process. In this cohort study, there was no difference in patient outcomes between modalities, but operative duration was longer in robotic-assisted compared with video-assisted lung lobectomy. Given that this elevated operative duration is additive when applied systematically, increased consideration of appropriate patient selection for robotic-assisted lung lobectomy is needed to improve resource utilization.

Surgical management of right hepatectomy after coronary artery bypass grafting using the right gastroepiploic artery: a case report and literature review

BackgroundCoronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using the right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) is a well-established, safe procedure. However, problems with RGEA grafts in subsequent abdominal surgeries can lead to fatal complications. This report presents the first case of right hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma after CABG using the RGEA.Case presentationWe describe a case in which a right hepatectomy for an 81-year-old male patient with hepatocellular carcinoma was safely performed after CABG using a RGEA graft. Preoperatively, three-dimensional computed tomography (3D- CT) images were constructed to confirm the run of the RGEA graft. The operation was conducted with the standby of a cardiovascular surgeon if there was a problem with the RGEA graft. The RGEA graft had formed adhesions with the hepatic falciform ligament, necessitating meticulous dissection. After the right hepatectomy, the left hepatic lobe descended into the vacated space, exerting traction on the RGEA. However, this traction was mitigated by suturing the hepatic falciform ligament to the abdominal wall, ensuring stability of the RGEA. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications.ConclusionIt is crucial to confirm the functionality and anatomy of the RGEA graft preoperatively, handle it gently intraoperatively, and collaborate with cardiovascular surgeons.

Short-Term Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Low-Risk Patients With Pure Severe Aortic Regurgitation

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as an alternative treatment for patients with pure severe aortic regurgitation (PSAR) who are contraindicated for surgery or have a high surgical risk. However, the therapeutic efficacy and safety of TAVR in low Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score risk patients remain to be clarified. This study aimed to explore the feasibility of TAVR treatment in different STS-risk patients and to compare the adverse events between the groups. In this study, patients with PSAR who underwent TAVR at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, China, during the inclusion period were included and categorized into 3 groups based on STS scores. The baseline data, imaging results, and follow-up data of the patients were documented. Therefore, of 75 TAVR patients, 38 (50.7%) were categorized as low risk (STS <4), and 37 (49.3%) patients were categorized as intermediate and high risk (STS ≥4). Compared with patients at intermediate and high risk, those in the low-risk group were younger, had a lower body mass index, had a lower prevalence of hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and previous percutaneous coronary intervention, and had better cardiac function (p all <0.05). In the hospital and at the 1-month follow-up, the degree of aortic regurgitation and cardiac function were significantly improved. No significant difference was found between the 2 groups in the hospital or during the 30-day follow-up. In conclusion, TAVR for PSAR in low-STS-risk patients is safe and efficient during 30 days of follow-up compared with intermediate- and high-STS-risk groups. TAVR for PSAR should not be limited to inoperable or STS-defined high-risk patients. Long-term follow-up is needed for further investigation.

The Incidence of Winged Scapula after Thoracic Cancer Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and surgery is still the first treatment of choice in early and locally advanced cases. One of the iatrogenic complications is the serratus anterior palsy, which could lead to a winged scapula (WS). Unfortunately, the incidence of this deficit in thoracic surgery is unclear. Our primary aim was to determine the incidence of WS in lung cancer patients in a single-center experience. We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data with patients eligible for oncological thoracic surgery from March 2013 until January 2014. A physical evaluation of the WS was performed pre- and postoperatively, at the discharge and after 1 year of follow-up. A total of 485 patients were evaluated; 135 (27.8%) showed WS. Longer operative time (p < 0.0001), type of surgery (p < 0.0001), lymphadenectomy (p < 0.0001), and neoadjuvant treatment prior surgery (p = 0.0005) were significantly related to the WS injury. Multivariable analysis showed that type of surgery was significantly associated with WS (p < 0.0001). After 1 year, 41.6% still had WS. The incidence of WS was similar to the literature. As WS incidence is underdiagnosed, assessment and correct education about possible deficits or impairments should be improved. Moreover, when a minimally invasive approach is not planned, it is a good clinical practice to discuss surgical strategies with surgeons to reduce this deficit.

The Aortic Team Model for the Management of the Distal Arch, Descending Thoracic and Thoracoabdominal Aorta: Appraisal at 3 Years.

This study aimed to assess feasibility, logistical challenges, and clinical outcomes associated with the implementation of an Aortic Team model for the management of distal arch, descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic disease. An Aortic Team care pathway was implemented in November 2019. Working as a unit, two cardiac surgeons, two vascular surgeons, an interventional radiologist, a cardiologist, and an anesthesiologist collectively determined care decisions via multispecialty presence at an Aortic Clinic. Cardiac and vascular surgeons operated in tandem for open procedures. Interventional radiology participated alongside cardiac and vascular for endovascular procedures. Cardiology aided in medical therapies for heritable and degenerative disease, and had a lead role for genetics and high-risk pregnancy referrals. The model spanned three hospitals. Clinical outcomes at 3 years were assessed. There were 35 descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal surgeries and 77 thoracic endovascular aortic repairs. Endoarch devices were used in 7 cases (Gore Thoracic Branch Endoprosthesis, 4, Terumo RelayBranch, 3) and an endothoracoabdominal device in 4 cases (Cook Zenith t-branch). The Aortic Clinic acquired 456 patients, with yearly increases (54 patients [year 1], 181 patients [year 2], 221 patients [year 3]). For surgery, mortality was 8.6% (3/35), permanent paralysis 5.7% (2/35), stroke 8.6% (3/35), permanent dialysis 0%, and reinterventions 8.6% (3/35). For endovascular cases, mortality was 3.9% (3/77), permanent paralysis 3.9% (3/77), stroke 5.2% (4/77), permanent dialysis 1.3% (1/77), and reinterventions 16.9% (13/77). An Aortic Team model is feasible and ensures all treatment options are considered. Conventional open thoracoabdominal procedures showed acceptable outcomes. Endoarch technology shows early promise.

Intrathecal Analgesia Versus Thoracic Epidural Analgesia for Thoracic Surgery

Introduction: Thoracic surgery is associated with severe postoperative pain involving parietal, visceral, and projected components. Potent analgesia at rest and during movement over an extended period is crucial. Thoracic epidural analgesia is considered the gold standard, but intrathecal analgesia may represent a promising alternative. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of intrathecal analgesia to provide comparable pain relief to thoracic epidural analgesia for thoracic surgery. Methods: This prospective, descriptive study was conducted over 12 months. Adult patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery were included after obtaining written informed consent. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either thoracic epidural analgesia (Epidural group, n=40) with a loading dose of 10 ml 0.1% bupivacaine + 10 mcg sufentanil followed by continuous infusion, or intrathecal analgesia (Intrathecal group, n=23) with a single injection of 500 mcg morphine + 10 mcg sufentanil. Standardized general anesthesia and postoperative care protocols were applied. Primary outcomes included intraoperative hemodynamics, postoperative pain scores (NRS 0-10), rescue analgesic requirements, patient satisfaction, and adverse effects. Results: The incidence of intraoperative hypotension was higher in the Epidural group (30% vs 8.7%, p=0.04). Postoperative pain scores were initially lower in the Intrathecal group, but the difference was not significant beyond 18 hours. Rescue morphine requirements were significantly higher in the Epidural group during the first 12 postoperative hours. Overall patient satisfaction was higher in the Intrathecal group (82.6% vs 62.5%, p=0.03). The incidence of nausea/vomiting and pruritus was significantly higher in the Intrathecal group. Discussion: Thoracic epidural analgesia was associated with a higher risk of intraoperative hypotension, likely due to the extended sympathetic blockade. Intrathecal analgesia provided superior early postoperative ....

Multicentre experience of sutureless prostheses inside degenerated stentless aortic valves and bioroots.

Patients with failed stentless aortic prostheses are a challenging population to treat, as reoperative procedures may be complex and catheter-based treatments are associated with a high rate of procedural events. Reoperative surgery using sutureless valves may be an alternative. In this multicentre experience, we assess outcomes of 17 patients who underwent reoperative surgery using the Perceval valve (Corcym UK Limited, London, UK) inside Freestyle prosthesis (Medtronic Inc., Dublin, Ireland) or bioroots from 2018 to 2023. Mean age was 71.1 ± standard deviation 15.1 years and mean EuroSCORE II was 13.5 ± 15.8%, Society of Thoracic Surgeons Score was 5.9 ± 11.7%. Mean transvalvular gradient at baseline was 25.3 ± 19.9 mmHg and left ventricular ejection fraction was 53.5 ± standard deviation 8.5%. In 70.6% (12/17), moderate or severe aortic regurgitation was present. Implant success was 100%. Aortic cross-clamp time was 44.5 ± standard deviation 23.6 min. No patient needed a pacemaker and no mild paravalvular regurgitation occurred. Mean gradient was 12.5 ± 4.7 mmHg; 30-day mortality was 5.9% (1/17). Rate of mortality was lower than predicted by EuroSCORE II in these high-risk patients and haemodynamic outcomes were favourable. Heart teams should consider this treatment concept when discussing patients with failed stentless valves or bioroots.

Pulmonary Arterial Anatomical Patterns: a Classification Scheme Based on Lobectomy and 3D-CTBA.

Preoperative evaluation of pulmonary vascular and tracheal routes and variations is of great importance to the surgeon. Three-dimensional computed tomography bronchography and angiography (3D-CTBA) has evolved in recent years with the optimization of 3D reconstruction techniques and artificial intelligence. We aim to apply CT angiography and Exoview 3D reconstruction technology to assess patients' pulmonary arterial tree and its anatomical variants and to try to summarize a set of anatomical typing of the pulmonary arterial tree that is relatively easy and conducive to promoting teaching based on surgical habits of lobectomy. A total of 358 patients hospitalized in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between July 2020 and August 2021 were included in this study. We carefully analyzed the site of emanation, alignment, and number of branches of the pulmonary artery according to a uniform classification method in conjunction with the two-dimensional CT images and transformed them into 3D reconstruction models. Different types of pulmonary artery were observed in 358 cases. We evaluated the complete pulmonary artery tree and counted the number and frequency of major arteries of the pulmonary based on the surgical habits of anatomical lobectomy. The 3D-CTBA technique enables us to adequately assess the anatomy of the pulmonary arteries. Moreover, we provide a practical classification scheme of pulmonary arterial anatomical patterns based on lobectomy and 3D-CTBA. Our data can be used by clinicians in the teaching of pulmonary artery anatomy and the preoperative preparation for anatomical lobectomy.

Sarcopenia measured by tomography as a predictor of morbidity and mortality in thoracic surgery. A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundSarcopenia has been identified as a risk factor for perioperative adverse events. Several studies have shown that tomographic assessment of muscle mass can be an appropriate indicator of sarcopenia associated with morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study was to determine the association between height-adjusted area of ​​the pectoral and erector spinae muscles (haPMA and haESA) and perioperative morbidity and mortality in thoracic surgery. MethodsRetrospective cohort study. Measurement of muscle areas was performed by tomography. The outcomes were 30-day mortality and postoperative morbidity. The discriminative capacity of the muscle areas was evaluated with an analysis of ROC curves and the Youden index was used to establish a cut-off point. The raw morbidity and mortality risk was determined and adjusted for potential confounders. ResultsA total of 509 patients taken to thoracic surgery were included. The incidence of 30-day mortality was 7.3%. An association was found between muscle areas and 30-day mortality and pneumonia, with adequate discriminative power for mortality (AUC 0.68 for haPMA and 0.67 for haESA). An haPMA less than 10 and haESA less than 8.5 cm2/m2 were identified as a risk factor for 30-day mortality with an adjusted OR of 2.34 (95%CI 1.03 – 5.15) and 2.22 (95%CI 1.10 – 6.04) respectively. ConclusionsSarcopenia, defined as low muscle area in the pectoral and erector spinae muscles, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.

Experiences of women in cardiothoracic surgery

Experiences of women in cardiothoracic surgery

Clinical trial on nurse training through virtual reality simulation of an operating room: assessing satisfaction and outcomes

IntroductionVirtual reality (VR) provides a firsthand active learning experience through varying degrees of immersion. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of VR as a potential tool for training operating room nurses to perform thoracic surgery procedures. MethodsThis is an open parallel-group randomized clinical trial. One group received basic formation followed by an assessment module. The experimental group received the same basic formation, followed by thoracic surgery training and an assessment module. ResultsFifty-six nurses participated in the study (51 females), with a mean age of 41.6 years. Participants achieved a median evaluation mode score of 480 points (IQR = 32 points). The experimental group (520 points) achieved an overall higher score than the control group (440 points; P = .04). Regarding age, women in the second quartile of age among the participants (35-41 years) achieved significantly better results than the rest (P = .04). When we evaluated the results based on the moment of practice, exercises performed in the last 10 minutes obtained better results than those performed in the first 10 minutes (1064 points versus 554 points; P < .001). Regarding adverse effects blurred vision was the most frequent. The overall satisfaction rating with the experience was 8.5 out of 10. ConclusionVirtual reality is a useful tool for training operating room nurses. Clinical trial with ISRCTN16864726 registered number.

Surgical site infection after cardiovascular and thoracic surgery in a Central Tunisian University Hospital

Surgical site infection after cardiovascular and thoracic surgery in a Central Tunisian University Hospital

ВОЗМОЖНОСТИ УЛУЧШЕНИЯ РЕЗУЛЬТАТОВ ЛЕЧЕНИЯ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ С ХРОНИЧЕСКОЙ ЭМПИЕМОЙ ПЛЕВРЫ НА ФОНЕ БРОНХОПЛЕВРАЛЬНЫХ СВИЩЕЙ

Background. Treatment of pleural empyema in combination with bronchial fistula is aggravated by severe purulent-resorptive intoxication, which often leads to long periods of treatment with chronicity of the process and is still considered an urgent problem of modern pulmonology and thoracic surgery. Objective. To analyze the results of treatment of patients with chronic pleural empyema accompanied by bronchopleural fistulas using controlled vacuum aspiration, including in combination with the installation of a reverse endobronchial valve. Material and methods. The results of treatment of 38 patients with chronic pleural empyema in combination with bronchopleural fistula using controlled vacuum aspiration technology, including implantation of an endobronchial blocker in 15 of them were analyzed. Results. A method of hybrid surgical treatment of pleural empyema based on application of vacuum aspiration with implantation of an endobronchial blocker was developed. The technique of using adjustable vacuum aspiration in combination with endobronchial blocker implantation provides long-term and adequate blocking of the fistula-bearing bronchus without the risk of pneumonic complications in the blocked part of the lung. Vacuum aspiration based on the creation of local negative pressure accelerates the healing process of empyema cavity and eliminates intoxication syndrome, while their combination makes it possible to reduce the average duration of unstable pneumostasis from 295 days to 3 days, to shorten the total duration of treatment measures almost 4 times as well as to decrease mortality (from 6.2% in the comparison group to 0% in the main group). Conclusions. The use of endobronchial blocking in combination with vacuum aspiration of contents from the purulent cavity for the treatment of patients with chronic pleural empyema reduces the average duration of pneumostasis stabilization, the total duration of therapeutic measures as well as mortality.

Investigating the long-term effects of lung-specific autoantibodies post-COVID-19 following thoracic surgery

Investigating the long-term effects of lung-specific autoantibodies post-COVID-19 following thoracic surgery

Outcomes of Isolated Tricuspid Valve Surgery: A Society of Thoracic Surgeons Analysis and Risk Model

To provide patients and surgeons with clinically relevant information, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database (STS-ACSD) was queried to develop a risk model for isolated tricuspid valve (TV) operations. All patients in the STS-ACSD undergoing isolated TV repair or replacement (N=13,587; age 48.3±18.4 years) were identified (7/2017-6/2023). Multivariable logistic regression accounting for TV replacement versus repair was used to model eight operative outcomes: mortality, morbidity and/or mortality, stroke, renal failure, reoperation, prolonged ventilation, short and prolonged hospital stay. Model discrimination (C-statistic) and calibration were assessed using 9-fold cross-validation. The isolated TV study population included 41.1% repairs (N=5,583; age 52.6±18.1 years) and 58.9% replacements (N=8,004; age 45.3±18.0 years). Overall predicted risk of operative mortality was 5.6%, similar in repairs and replacements (5.5% and 5.7%, respectively); as was the predicted risk of composite morbidity and mortality (28.2% and 26.8%). Replacements were generally younger patients with a higher endocarditis prevalence than repairs (45.7% vs. 21.1%). The model yielded a C-statistic of 0.81 for mortality and 0.76 for the composite of morbidity and mortality, with excellent observed-to-expected calibration that was comparable in all sub-cohorts and predicted risk decile groups. A new STS risk model has been developed for isolated TV surgery. The current mortality of isolated TV operations is lower than previously observed. This risk prediction model and these contemporary outcomes provide a new benchmark for current and future isolated TV interventions.

Cardiac Surgery Associated Acute Kidney Injury (CSA-AKI).

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and serious complication of cardiac surgery that has a significant impact on patient morbidity and mortality. The Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) definition of AKI is widely used to classify and identify AKI associated with cardiac surgery (CSA-AKI) based on changes in serum creatinine and/or urine output. There are various pre-, intra-, and postoperative risk factors for the development of CSA-AKI which should be recognized and addressed as early as possible to expedite its diagnosis, reduce its occurrence and prevent or ameliorate its devastating complications. Crucial issues are the inaccuracy of serum creatinine as a surrogate parameter of kidney function in the perioperative setting of cardiothoracic surgery and the necessity to discover more representative markers of the pathophysiology of AKI. However, except for the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 ratio (TIMP2/IGFBP7), other diagnostic biomarkers with an acceptable sensitivity and specificity are still lacking. This article provides a comprehensive review of various aspects of CSA-AKI, including pathogenesis, risk factors, diagnosis, biomarkers, classification, prevention and treatment management.