Follow-Up of Secundum ASD, Muscular VSD, or PDA Diagnosed During Neonatal Hospitalization.

The ideal follow-up of neonates who have a secundum atrial septal defect (ASD), muscular ventricular septal defect (VSD), or patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) remains uncertain. Newborns with findings limited to a secundum ASD, muscular VSD, and/or PDA on their neonatal hospitalization discharge echocardiogram and at least one outpatient follow-up echocardiogram performed between 9-1-17 and 9-1-21 were evaluated and patient follow-up assessed through 9-1-23. 95 infants met inclusion criteria. 43 infants had a secundum ASD, 41 had a muscular VSD, and 54 had a PDA at newborn hospital discharge. 39/95 had more than one intracardiac shunt. 56 were discharged from care, 26 were still in follow-up and 13 were lost to recommended follow-up. No patients received intervention during the follow-up period of 2 to 6 years. Of the 43 infants with a secundum ASD, 16 (37.2%) had demonstrated closure of the ASD, and 13 (30.2%) were discharged from care with an ASD < 3.5 mm in diameter. 3/43 infants with secundum ASD had a defect with a diameter of more than 5 mm at their last echocardiogram. No infant discharged from their neonatal hospitalization with a secundum ASD, muscular VSD, or PDA needed any intervention from 2 to 6 years of follow-up. Ongoing follow-up with echocardiography of those infants with a secundum ASD is of greater value than of those with muscular VSD or PDA.

Successful heart transplantation in a patient who recovered from COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease-2019 has created unprecedented challenges for society, and specifically the medical community. While the pandemic continues to unfold, the transplant community has had to pivot to keep recipients, donors, and institutional transplant teams safe given the unique circumstances inherent to solid organ transplantation.

Ebstein Anomaly: An Overview for Nursing.

Ebstein anomaly is a rare congenital heart defect. Many nurses have probably never encountered this anomaly, with very few able to accurately depict the pathological anatomy of the condition. As technology further develops, providers are better equipped to recognize and manage Ebstein anomaly. There are important considerations for nurses when caring for an individual with Ebstein anomaly. The aim of this article is to give an overview of the condition exploring the pathophysiology, how patients typically present, and how to effectively care for a patient with Ebstein anomaly regarding medical and surgical courses of treatment. It is important for nurses to have a resource to reference on Ebstein anomaly, and the majority of current literature is solely based for medical providers. Furthermore, Ebstein patients may be seen on a variety of units in the hospital beyond cardiology (i.e., pregnant patient with a diagnosis of Ebstein anomaly).

Practice patterns of female cardiothoracic surgeons older than age 58 years: Are we making progress?

OBJECTIVE: Women remain a small minority of cardiothoracic surgeons, and within adult cardiac surgery, the gender gap widens. This study examines the career pathway and trajectory of female adult cardiac surgeons. METHODS: Female cardiothoracic surgeons were identified from the American Board of Thoracic Surgery diplomates over 58 years. Publicly available information was obtained to determine years in practice, practice type, academic and leadership title(s), and location of practice. RESULTS: The average number of years in practice for female adult cardiac surgeons was 13.1. Those categorized as adult cardiac surgeons composed 25.4% (n = 90) of all female cardiothoracic diplomates and 134 (37.9%) were categorized as other subspecialty practice. Of the adult cardiac surgeons, 33.3% (n = 30) practiced privately and the remainder in academic practice. Academic titles were held by 47.8% (43 out of 90) and 30% (27 out of 90) held a position of leadership. Of those in academic practice, 25% (11 out of 42) are titled professor, whereas 43% (18 out of 42) are assistant professors. Most commonly, those in positions of leadership held the title "director," which reflects 37% (10 out of 27) of individuals. Practice locations were distributed throughout the United States, with the highest number in the northeast (26.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Only a small portion of female cardiothoracic surgeons pursue a career in adult cardiac surgery compared to their male counterparts. From 1999 to 2009, 1300 individuals were board certified cardiothoracic surgeons, of whom only 103 (7.9%) were female. Of these, the majority of female cardiothoracic surgeons entered academic practice. Although the overall number of practicing female adult cardiac surgeons has increased with a growth rate of 10.7%, this number remains extremely low. A discrepancy remains between gender representation of academic titles and leadership positions. Although the field has increased female representation over the past few decades, work remains to ensure all potential talent is encouraged and supported.

Coronary angiography utilization in the evaluation of a potential heart donor by age: a narrative review.

Heart transplant is the gold standard treatment for patients with heart failure. The limitation to providing heart transplantation to patients suffering from end stage heart disease is the stable organ supply within the United States despite increasing demand. Transplant centers across the United States have begun to expand traditional cardiac donor selection metrics previously utilized. As a result, the use of extended criteria donors, such as older donors, those with longer ischemic times, and donors considered high risk has increased. Current guidelines suggest that coronary angiography be performed when evaluating a donor above the age of 45. Angiographic guidelines for evaluation of the donor heart are based specifically on age, with little evidence based guidance surrounding the use of angiography in a younger donor with comorbidities or increased risk behavior which may lead to premature coronary artery disease. Recently, we have seen an increase in younger heart donors, many of whom have succumbed due to drug overdose with ensuing high risk behaviors. Given the increased risk nature of these donors, consideration of performing coronary angiography is determined by clinical "gestalt" of the transplant center evaluating the heart for use, which may lead to underutilization of donor organs without evidence to support the practice. Here, we review the guidelines, literature, and controversy surrounding the use of coronary angiography in evaluating donor hearts for transplantation.