[Mitral valve surgery via minimally invasive and conventional access]. / Mitral'naya khirurgiya iz mini- i traditsionnogo dostupov.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the immediate results of mini-thoracotomy and sternotomy in patients with mitral valve disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 52 patients who underwent mitral valve surgery (25 cases - mini-thoracotomy, 27 cases - sternotomy). RESULTS: Aortic cross-clamping time was significantly longer in sternotomy compared to mini-thoracotomy group - 110 vs 94 min (p=0.03). Ventilation time was also significantly longer in the sternotomy group (12 vs. 8 hours, p=0.01). Postoperative morbidity was similar (postoperative wound infection, neurological complications, coronavirus disease, overall in-hospital mortality). CONCLUSION: In addition to cosmetic effect, minimally invasive approach in mitral valve surgery has some other advantages including less duration of aortic cross-clamping and mechanical ventilation, availability of reconstructive interventions due to better exposition of the mitral valve and subvalvular structures.

Early Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Right Anterior Thoracotomy vs. Median Full Sternotomy in Isolated Aortic Valve Replacement: A Propensity Score Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare the early postoperative outcomes of right anterior thoracotomy minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (RAT-MIAVR) surgery with those of median full sternotomy aortic valve replacement (MFS-AVR) approach with the goal of identifying potential benefits or drawbacks of each technique. METHODS: This retrospective, observational, cohort study included 476 patients who underwent RAT-MIAVR or MFS-AVR in our hospital from January 2015 to January 2023. Of these, 107 patients (22.5%) underwent RAT-MIAVR, and 369 patients (77.5%) underwent MFS-AVR. Propensity score matching was used to minimize selection bias, resulting in 95 patients per group for analysis. RESULTS: After propensity matching, two groups were comparable in preoperative characteristics. RAT-MIAVR group showed longer cardiopulmonary bypass time (130.24 ± 31.15 vs. 117.75 ± 36.29 minutes, P=0.012), aortic cross-clamping time (76.44 ± 18.00 vs. 68.49 ± 19.64 minutes, P=0.004), and longer operative time than MFS-AVR group (358.47 ± 67.11 minutes vs. 322.42 ± 63.84 minutes, P=0.000). RAT-MIAVR was associated with decreased hospitalization time after surgery, lower postoperative blood loss and drainage fluid, a reduced incidence of mediastinitis, increased left ventricular ejection fraction, and lower pacemaker use compared to MFS-AVR. However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of major complications and in-hospital mortality between the two groups. CONCLUSION: RAT-MIAVR is a feasible and safe alternative procedure to MFS-AVR, with comparable in-hospital mortality and early follow-up. This minimally invasive approach may be a suitable option for patients requiring isolated aortic valve replacement.

Solitary fibrous tumours of the pleura: do we need a different perspective on malignancy?

OBJECTIVES: Solitary fibrous tumours of the pleura (SFTP) are historically considered to be benign soft tissue neoplasms. However, a clinical relevant number of these neoplasms have malignant histological features. The objective of this study was to evaluate the percentage of SFTP presenting unfavourable clinical behaviour in order to predict negative long-term outcome. METHODS: A retrospective review of 74 patients treated at 4 hospitals between 1990 and 2013 was performed. The median follow-up was 10 years (range: 1-20 years). Risk of tumour recurrence and metastases (unfavourable clinical behaviour) with regard to histology using the Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards methods. RESULTS: The mean age was 61 years (SD 12.75 years). There were 31 male patients (58%) and 43 female patients (42%). Tumour size ranged from 1 to 30 cm (mean 9.09 cm; SD 6.22 cm). Complete resection (R0) was achieved by minimally invasive thoracoscopic resection in 29% and thoracotomy in 57%; 25% of SFTPs showed histological evidence of malignancy, according to England criteria. Recurrence occurred in 21% and 10% of patients had metastases; 83% of patients with metastases and 39% of patients with recurrence died within 5 years. The median recurrence-free survival for histologically benign SFTP was not reached, compared to 8 years for malignant SFTP. The five-year overall survival rate was 84%. Mitotic rate ≥1/10 HPF, high cellularity, nuclear atypia, Ki-67 level >5% and poorly circumscribed (sessile) growth pattern were associated with poor long-term outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Pathological differentiation of SFTP morphology into pedunculated, well circumscribed and poorly circumscribed (sessile) growth pattern is recommended. Due to the misleading classification into histologically benign and malignant, all unpedunculated SFTP should be classified as potentially aggressive. Lifelong follow-up is mandatory.

Factors related to post-thoracotomy pain following robotic-assisted thoracic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) is a minimally invasive procedure; however, some patients experience persistent postoperative pain. This study aimed to investigate factors related to postoperative pain following RATS. METHODS: The data of 145 patients with lung cancer, who underwent RATS with a four-port (one in the sixth intercostal space [ICS] and three in the eighth ICS) lobectomy or segmentectomy between May 2019 and December 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. Factors associated with analgesic use for at least 2 months following postoperative pain (PTP group) were analyzed. RESULTS: Patients who underwent preoperative pain control for any condition or chest wall resection were excluded. Among the 138 patients, 45 (32.6%) received analgesics for at least 2 months after surgery. Patient height and transverse length of the thorax correlated with PTP in the univariate analysis (non-PTP vs. PTP; height, 166 vs. 160 cm; p < .001; transverse length of the thorax, 270 vs. 260 mm, p = .016). In the multivariate analysis, height was correlated with PTP (p = .009; odds ratio, 0.907; 95% confidence interval, 0.843-0.976). Height correlated with the transverse length of the thorax (r = .407), anteroposterior length of the thorax (r = .294), and width of the eighth ICS in the middle axillary line (r = .210) using Pearson's correlation coefficients. When utilizing a 165-cm cutoff value for height to predict PTP using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the area under the curve was 0.69 (95% confidence interval, 0.601-0.779). CONCLUSION: Short stature is associated with a high risk of postoperative pain following RATS.

Pack the chest: Damage control strategy for management in thoracic trauma.

BACKGROUND: Damage control surgery aims to control hemorrhage and contamination in the operating room (OR) with definitive management of injuries delayed until normal physiology is restored in the intensive care unit (ICU). There are limited studies evaluating the use of damage control thoracotomy (DCT) in trauma, and the best method of temporary closure is unclear. METHODS: A retrospective review of trauma patients at two level I trauma centers who underwent a thoracotomy operation was performed. Subjects who underwent a thoracotomy after 24 h, age less than 16, expired in the trauma bay, or in the OR prior to ICU admission were excluded. One-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare continuous and categorical variables between DCT and definitive thoracotomy (DT) patients. RESULTS: 207 trauma patients underwent thoracotomy, 76 met our inclusion criteria. DCT was performed in 30 patients (39%), 46 (61 %) underwent DT operation. Techniques for temporizing the chest varied from skin closure with suture (8), adhesive dressing (5), towel clamps (2), or negative pressure devices (12). Compared to definitive closure, DCT had more derangements in HR, pH, (110 vs. 95, p = 0.04; 7.05 vs 7.24, p < 0.001), and injury severity score (41 vs 25, p < 0.001), and required more blood transfusions (40 vs 6, p < 0.001). Eleven (36.7 %) DCT patients survived to discharge compared to 38 patients (95.0 %) in the DT group. DCT showed significantly higher differences in cardiac arrest and unplanned returns to the OR rates. No differences were observed in ventilator days, or ICU length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: DCT is a viable option for management of patients in extremis following thoracic trauma. DCT was associated with higher mortality rates, likely due to differences in injury and physiologic derangement. Despite this, DCT was associated with similar rates of complications, ICU stay, and ventilator days.

Comparison of Postoperative Respiratory Function Between Patients After Thoracoscopic and Open Lobectomy.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare respiratory functions of patients after thoracoscopic lobectomy (TS) with those after thoracotomy (TR). Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in two centers, one of which adapted TS as a standard procedure in 2009 and the other performs it via TR. Data on patients who underwent lobectomy for congenital lung disease between 2009 and 2021 and underwent pulmonary function test (spirometry) were collected. Results: Ten patients underwent TS and 36 underwent TR. Distribution based on sex, prenatal diagnosis, pathological diagnosis, and resected lobe were similar between the two groups. The median [interquartile range] age at procedure in the TR group was significantly smaller than that in the TS group (13 [11-18] months versus 38 [13-79] months, P = .03). The procedure duration in the TR group was significantly shorter than that in the TS group (230 [171-264] minutes versus 264 [226-420] minutes, P = .02). Pulmonary function test was conducted at the age of eight in both groups, but the interval between the procedure, and the test was significantly shorter in the TS group (TR: 7 [5-8] years versus TS: 5 [2-7] years, P = .03). The ratio of forced vital capacity compared to predicted one (TR: 86.6 [76.6-95.3] versus TS: 88.7 [86.8-89.1], P = .58) and the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second against that predicted (TR: 84.0 [80.5-88.7] versus TS: 88.7 [86.8-89.1], P = .08) were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: Although TR was performed earlier than TS, respiratory function was similar between the two groups.

Ausencia de toracotomía mediante la sutura manual intratorácica y la extracción transabdominal de la pieza quirúrgica durante la esofagectomía robótica de Ivor Lewis / Absence of thoracotomy by intrathoracic manual suture and transabdominal removal of surgical specimen during Ivor Lewis robotic esophagectomy

En el tratamiento quirúrgico del cáncer de esófago, la cirugía robótica permite realizar una anastomosis manual intratorácica de manera más sencilla, rápida y cómoda para el cirujano que la cirugía abierta y la cirugía mínimamente invasiva tradicional. Con ello evitamos el uso de instrumentos de autosutura, algunos de los cuales precisan una pequeña toracotomía para su introducción. No obstante, la extracción de la pieza exige la práctica de esa toracotomía, de tamaño variable, y que puede asociar dolor torácico intenso. Describimos una sencilla modificación técnica del Ivor Lewis robótico clásico que permite la extracción de la pieza quirúrgica por una mínima incisión abdominal, evitando la necesidad de fracturar costillas de forma controlada, así como las posibles secuelas de practicar una incisión en la pared torácica.(AU)

In the surgical treatment of esophageal cancer, robotic surgery allows performing an intrathoracic hand-sewn anastomosis in a simpler, faster and more comfortable way for the surgeon than open surgery and traditional minimally invasive surgery. With this, we avoid the use of self-suture instruments, some of which require a small thoracotomy for their introduction. However, the retrieval of the specimen requires the practice of this thoracotomy, of variable size, that can be associated with intense chest pain. We describe a technical modification of the classic robotic Ivor Lewis that allows removal of the surgical piece through a minimal abdominal incision, thus avoiding controlled rib fracture, as well as the possible sequelae of making an incision in the chest wall.(AU)

Robotic-assisted minimally invasive multivessel coronary bypass surgery.

Robotic-assisted minimally invasive multiple vessel coronary bypass surgery is safe and can be performed with excellent results. In this video tutorial, we present our technique for robotic-assisted minimally invasive multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting, with complete coronary revascularization via a left anterior thoracotomy and guided by preoperative computed tomography.

Thoracoscopic versus thoracotomy lobectomy in children with congenital lung lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Thoracoscopic lobectomy is always compared with open thoracotomy in congenital lung lesions with no definitive results. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the clinical outcomes of thoracoscopic versus thoracotomy lobectomy in children. METHODS: The electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed were searched. A meta-analysis was used to analyse and compare the operating time, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications, such as wound infections and respiratory issues, in thoracoscopic and thoracotomy lobectomy. RESULTS: Two thousand and ninety five paediatric patients were analysed over 17 studies (1 ambidirectional cohort study and 16 retrospective studies). Of these patients, 903 and 1192 had undergone thoracoscopic lobectomy and thoracotomy, respectively. There was a significant lower incidence of overall and respiratory complications and longer operative time for thoracoscopic lobectomy compared with thoracotomy in children; however, pooling the results for the two methods revealed no significant difference in wound infection or length of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopic lobectomy offers the benefit of having fewer overall and respiratory complications than thoracotomy. It did not, however, clearly outperform open surgery in terms of operative time, wound infection, or postoperative hospitalization.

Effect of right anterolateral thoracotomy versus median sternotomy on postoperative wound tissue repair in patients with congenital heart disease: A meta-analysis.

Right anterolateral thoracotomy (RAT) and median sternotomy (MS) are two major methods for treatment of congenital cardiac disease. But there are various types of surgery that provide a better operative outcome for the patient. Therefore, we carried out a meta-analysis to investigate the effects of these two methods in the treatment of wound tissue, hospitalization and so on, to find out which surgery method could provide the best short-term effect. In this research, we chose an English controlled trial from 2003 to 2022 to evaluate the influence of right anterolateral thoracotomy and median sternotomy on the short-term outcome of Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), time of operation, time spent in the hospital, and the time of scar formation. Our findings suggest that the RAT method was associated with a shorter surgical scars for congenital heart disease operations compared to MS with respect to post-operation scars (WMD, 3.55; 95% CI, 0.04, 7.05; p = 0.05). The RAT method is better suited to the needs of patients who care about their injuries. Nevertheless, in addition to other surgery related factors which might affect post-operative wound healing, we discovered that MS took a shorter time to perform CPB compared with RAT surgery (WMD, - 1.94; 95% CI, -3.39, -0.48; p = 0.009). Likewise, when it comes to the time taken to perform surgery, MS needs less operational time compared to RAT methods (WMD, -12.84; 95% CI, -25.27, -0.42; p = 0.04). On the other hand, the time needed for MS to recover was much longer compared to the RAT (WMD, 0. 60; 95% CI, 0.02, 1.18; p = 0.04). This indicates that while RAT is advantageous in terms of shortening the duration of post-operative scar, it also increases the time needed for surgical operations and CPB.

Balloon Rises Above: REBOA at Zone 1 May Be Superior to Resuscitative Thoracotomy.

BACKGROUND: The use of Zone 1 REBOA for life-threatening trauma has increased dramatically. STUDY DESIGN: The Aortic Occlusion for Resuscitation in Trauma and Acute Care Surgery database was queried for blunt and penetrating trauma between 2013 and 2021. Outcomes were examined both for mechanisms of injury combined and separately and for combinations of abdominal injury with and without traumatic brain injury and chest injuries (Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS] score >2). RESULTS: A total of 531 patients underwent REBOA (408 with blunt injury and 123 with penetrating injury) and 1,603 (595 with blunt injury and 1,008 with penetrating injury) underwent resuscitative thoracotomy (RT). Mean age was 38.5 ± 16 years and mean injury severity score was 34.5 ± 21; 57.7% had chest AIS score of more than 2, 21.8% had head AIS score of more than 2, and 37.3% had abdominal AIS score of more than 2. Admission Glasgow Coma Scale was 4.9 + 4, and systolic blood pressure at aortic occlusion (AO) was 22 + 40 mmHg. No differences in outcomes in REBOA or RT patients were identified between institutions (p > 0.5). After inverse probability weighting, Glasgow Coma Scale, age, injury severity score, systolic blood pressure at AO, CPR at AO, and blood product transfusion, REBOA was superior to RT in both blunt (odds ratio [OR] 4.7, 95% CI 1.9 to 11.7) and penetrating (OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.7 to 14) injuries, across all spectrums of injury (p < 0.01). Overall mortality was significantly higher for AO more than 90 minutes compared with less than 30 minutes in blunt (OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.5 to 15) and penetrating (OR 5.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 25) injuries. Duration of AO more than 60 minutes was significantly associated with mortality after penetrating abdominal injury (OR 5.1, 95% CI 1.1 to 22) and abdomen and head (OR 5.3, 95% CI 1.6 to 18). CONCLUSIONS: In-hospital survival is higher for patients undergoing REBOA than RT for all injury patterns. Complete AO by REBOA or RT should be limited to less than 30 minutes. Neither hospital and procedure volume nor trauma verification level impacts outcomes for REBOA or RT.

Outcomes of minimally invasive versus conventional sternotomy for redo mitral valve surgery according to Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

A minimally invasive approach through right mini-thoracotomy for redo mitral valve surgery may improve patients' outcomes compared to median sternotomy. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of both procedures according to the Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium (MVARC). This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Literature searching was performed in several databases including PubMed, EBSCOhost, Scopus, and Proquest up to 28 February 2022. Meta-analysis using proportions or means was applied. A total of 13 retrospective cohort articles were included in this study. The incidence of in-hospital mortality (3% vs 9.2%, OR = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.21-0.58; P ≤ 0.0001), reintervention for bleeding (3.8% vs 5.9%, OR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.32-0.97; P = 0.04), and acute renal failure (5% vs 12%, OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.23-0.65; P = 0.0003) was significantly lower in mini-thoracotomy (MINI) group compared to median sternotomy (STER) group. The incidence of neurologic events (3.4% vs 5.5%, OR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.4-1.08; P = 0.1) and arrhythmia (19.5% vs 25.5%, OR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.38-1.09; P = 0.1) were also lower in MINI group compared to STER group but was not significant statistically. No significant differences were found in myocardial infarct (1% vs 1%, OR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.06-8.85; P = 0.79) between MINI and STER group. A minimally invasive surgery through right mini-thoracotomy is associated with a lower incidence of in-hospital mortality, reintervention for bleeding, and acute renal failure. It is a safe alternative to median sternotomy for redo mitral valve surgery.

Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Multivessel Coronary Bypass Guided by Computerized Tomography.

OBJECTIVE: Robot-assisted minimally invasive coronary bypass surgery is one of the least invasive approaches that offers multivessel revascularization and accelerated recovery. We investigated the benefits of computed tomography angiography (CTA) guidance in robotic coronary bypass (RCAB) by analyzing perioperative outcomes. METHODS: Between April 2022 and April 2023, 60 consecutive patients who underwent RCAB under preoperative CTA guidance were included. The intercostal space of the minithoractomy incision was determined based on the distance from the thoracotomy site to the midsection of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) on preoperative CTA. Peripheral vascular findings on preoperative CTA guided the decision for the cannulation site. Perioperative parameters and early outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 62.3 ± 10.5 years, and 51 patients were male (85.0%). The mean number of revascularized vessels was 2.9 ± 1.1. Left thoracotomy guided by CTA measurements was performed in the fourth intercostal space in 37 patients (61.7%) and in the third intercostal space in the remaining patients. Axillary cannulation was performed in 28 (46.7%) patients because of prohibitive findings in the iliac vessels and aorta. All target coronary arteries with an indication for bypass were revascularized with CTA-guided RCAB. The left internal mammary artery (LIMA) was anastomosed to the LAD in all patients, and the LIMA was anastomosed sequentially to the diagonal artery in 17 patients (28.3%). No operative mortality or cerebrovascular event was observed. One patient underwent reoperation due to bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted minimally invasive multiple-vessel coronary bypass under preoperative CTA guidance is safe and can be performed with excellent results.

Bloqueo en el plano del músculo erector de la columna para analgesia perioperatoria en un paciente adolescente sometido a cirugía torácica mayor con extirpación múltiple de costillas: informe de un caso / Erector spinae plane block for perioperative analgesia in an adolescent patient undergoing major thoracic surgery with multiple rib resection: A case repor

El dolor tras la realización de incisiones por toracotomía, especialmente cuando implican extirpaciones de costillas múltiples, puede ser devastador. Reportamos aquí un manejo del dolor perioperatorio mediante bloqueo en el plano del músculo erector de la columna con inserción de catéter en el caso de un paciente de 16 años con sarcoma de Ewing, que requirió cirugía torácica mayor para resección del tumor con extirpación de la séptima, octava, novena y 10.ª costillas, y de parte del diafragma con reconstrucción mediante malla. El bloqueo en el plano del músculo erector de la columna ecoguiado es un bloqueo simple que puede aportar un control estático y dinámico del dolor, excelente en la cirugía torácica mayor en adolescentes.(AU)

Pain following thoracotomy incisions, particularly involving multiple rib resections, can be devastating. We report our experience using erector spinae plane block with catheter placement for perioperative pain management in a 16 year old patient with Ewing sarcoma. The patient required major thoracic surgery involving resection of the 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th ribs and part of the diaphragm to remove the tumour, followed by mesh reconstruction. Ultrasound guided erector spinae plane block is a simple technique that can provide excellent static and dynamic pain control following major thoracic surgery in adolescents.(AU)

Video-assisted thoracic surgery or thoracotomy for lung cancer surgery in obese patients? An analysis of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons database.

OBJECTIVES: There is a lack of evidence on whether perioperative outcomes differ in obese patients after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) or open lobectomy. We queried the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons database to assess morbidity and postoperative length of hospital stay in obese patients submitted to VATS and open pulmonary lobectomy for non-small-cell lung cancer. METHODS: We collected all consecutive patients from 2007 to 2021 submitted to lobectomy through VATS or thoracotomy with a body mass index greater than or equal to 30. An intention-to-treat analysis was carried out. Primary outcomes were morbidity rate, mortality and postoperative length of stay (LOS). Differences in outcomes were assessed through univariable, multivariable-adjusted and propensity score-matched analysis. RESULTS: Out of a total of 78 018 patients submitted to lung lobectomy, 13 999 cases (17.9%) were considered in the analysis, including 5562 VATS lobectomies and 8437 thoracotomy lobectomies. The VATS group showed a lower complication rate (23.2% vs 30.2%, P < 0.001), mortality (0.8% vs 1.5%, P < 0.001) and postoperative LOS (median 5 vs 7 days, P < 0.001). After propensity score matching, the VATS approach confirmed a lower complication rate (24.7% vs 29.7%, P = 0.002) and postoperative LOS (median 5 vs 7 days, P < 0.001). Moreover, these results were consistently observed when analyzing the severe obese subgroup (body mass index 35-39.9) and morbid obese subgroup (body mass index ≥40). CONCLUSIONS: In obese patients with non-small cell lung cancer, VATS lobectomy was found to be associated with improved postoperative outcomes than open lobectomy. Consequently, it should be considered the approach of choice for the Obese population.

Thoracoscopic (non-robotic) harvesting of bilateral internal mammary artery grafts.

Minimally invasive coronary surgery offers benefits to the patient. Harvesting the internal mammary artery remains a challenging part of this procedure. We describe our technique for thoracoscopic harvesting of the left and right mammary arteries using routine endoscopic instruments. This is a non-robotic technique that might facilitate a more widespread growth of minimally invasive coronary surgery.

A Comparative Study of a Sternum-Sparing Procedure and Clamshell Incision in Bilateral Lung Transplantation.

PURPOSE: Clamshell incision offers excellent exposure and access to the pleural spaces and is a standard incision for lung transplantation. However, due to its high sternal complication rate, the clamshell incision is considered a procedure that requires improvement. In this study, we aimed to investigate the outcomes of transverse sternotomy with clamshell incision in comparison to sternum-sparing bilateral anterolateral thoracotomy (BAT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 134 bilateral sequential lung transplants were performed from May 2013 to June 2022. The clamshell incision was used between May 2013 and December 2017, and the BAT was introduced in January 2018. Thirty-four patients underwent clamshell surgery, and 100 patients underwent BAT. We retrospectively compared patient characteristics and perioperative and postoperative outcomes between the two groups. RESULTS: The clamshell group required an operation time of 745.18±101.76 min, which was significantly longer than that of the BAT group at 669.90±134.09 min (p=0.003). The mechanical ventilation period after surgery was 17.26±16.04 days in the clamshell group, significantly longer than the 11.35±12.42 days in the BAT group (p=0.028). Intensive care unit stay was also significantly longer in the clamshell group (21.54±15.23 days vs. 15.03±14.28 days; p=0.033). In-hospital mortality rates were 26.5% in the clamshell group and 22.0% in the BAT group. CONCLUSION: Less-invasive lung transplantation via sternum-sparing BAT is a safe procedure with low morbidity and favorable outcomes. Preventing sternal instability enables more stable breathing after surgery, earlier weaning from mechanical ventilation, and faster recovery to routine activities.

The David procedure through a right anterior minithoracotomy.

A right anterior minithoracotomy is the least-frequently utilized approach in minimally invasive aortic valve surgery; moreover, this access is rarely used for aortic root procedures. With careful patient selection, some technical considerations, e.g. institution of peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass, and a sufficient learning curve, the right anterior minithoracotomy can become a convenient access for surgical interventions on the aortic root. We present the case of a 31-year-old female patient with Marfan syndrome and severe aortic regurgitation due to an aortic root aneurysm. We demonstrate a step-by-step guide through the David procedure via a right anterior minithoracotomy.

Excision of left atrial myxoma under perfused ventricular fibrillation with hypothermia after coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Redo heart surgery has become increasingly common but involves additional high surgical risk, especially redo surgery after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). CASE PRESENTATION: In this study, we report the case of a 57-year-old Chinese male with left atrium myxoma who had previously undergone CABG. Common surgical methods usually include aortic cross-clamping, administering cold cardioplegia perfusion to protect the myocardium, opening the heart, and then removing the tumor. However, for patients with previous CABG, redo thoracotomy and ascending aortic cross-clamping present a greater risk of damage to the grafted vessels. In this study, we chose a right lateral mini-thoracotomy incision and hypothermia-induced ventricular fibrillation to minimize damage and avoid any adverse effects on the bridge vasculature. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged seven days after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with previous CABG, minimally invasive right thoracotomy under perfused ventricular fibrillation with hypothermia is safe and reliable and can prevent potential damage to the ascending aorta and graft.

Who benefits from resuscitative thoracotomies following penetrating trauma: The patient or the learner?

BACKGROUND: Resuscitative thoracotomy (RT) is a salvage procedure following traumatic cardiac arrest. We aim to evaluate RT trends and outcomes in adults with cardiac arrest following penetrating trauma to determine the effect on mortality in this population. Further, we aim to estimate the effect of hospital teaching status on the performance of resuscitative thoracotomies and mortality. METHODS: We reviewed the National Trauma Data Bank (2017-2021) for adults (≥16 years old) with penetrating trauma and prehospital cardiac arrest, stratified by the performance of a RT. We performed multivariable logistic regressions to estimate the effect of RT on mortality and the effect of hospital teaching status on the performance of resuscitative thoracotomies and mortality. RESULTS: 13,115 patients met our inclusion criteria. RT occurred in 12.7% (n = 1,664) of patients. Rates of RT trended up over the study period. Crude mortality was similar in RT and Non-RT patients (95.6% vs. 94.5%, p = 0.07). There was no statistically significant difference in the adjusted odds of mortality based on RT status (OR 0.82, 95%CI 0.56-1.21). University-teaching hospitals had an adjusted odds ratio of 1.68 (95% CI 1.31-2.17) for performing a RT than non-teaching hospitals. There was no difference in the adjusted odds of mortality in patients that underwent RT based on hospital teaching status. CONCLUSION: Despite up-trending rates, a resuscitative thoracotomy may not improve mortality in adults with penetrating, traumatic cardiac arrest. University teaching hospitals are nearly twice as likely to perform a RT than non-teaching hospitals, with no subsequent improvement in mortality.