• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.258-263
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• 2016

Background: The advantages of using a homograft in valve replacement surgery are the excellent hemodynamic profile, low risk of thromboembolism, and low risk of prosthetic valve infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of homograft implantation in the aortic valve position. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 33 patients (>20 years old) who underwent aortic valve replacement or root replacement with homografts between April 1995 and May 2015. Valves were collected within 24 hours from explanted hearts of heart transplant recipients (<60 years) and organ donors who were not suitable for heart transplantation. The median follow-up duration was 35.6 months (range, 0 to 168 months). Results: Aortic homografts were used in all patients. The 30-day mortality rate was 9.1%. The 1- and 5-year survival rates were $80.0%{\pm}7.3%$ and $60.8%{\pm}10.1%$, respectively. The 1-, 5-, and 10-year freedom from reoperation rates were $92.3%{\pm}5.2%$, $68.9%{\pm}10.2%$, and $50.3%{\pm}13.6%$, respectively. The 1-, 5-, and 10-year freedom from significant aortic dysfunction rates were $91.7%{\pm}8.0%$, $41.7%{\pm}14.2%$, and $25.0%{\pm}12.5%$, respectively. Conclusion: Homografts had the advantages of a good hemodynamic profile and low risk of thromboembolic events, and with good outcomes in cases of aortitis.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.191-199
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• 2021

Background: Tracheal replacement is a challenge for thoracic surgeons due to stenosis in the trachea-prosthesis anastomosis. We propose that stenosis occurs due to fibrosis as a result of an abnormal healing process, characterized by an increased expression of wound healing growth factors (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], survivin, and CD31), which promote angiogenesis and decrease apoptosis. We analyzed the immunoreactivity of VEGF, survivin, CD31, and caspase-3 in the development of fibrotic stenosis in prosthetic tracheal replacement. Methods: Fourteen dogs were operated on: group I (n=7) received a 6-ring cervical tracheal segment autograft, while in group II (n=7), a 6-ring segment of the cervical trachea was resected and tracheal continuity was restored with a Dacron prosthesis. The follow-up was 3 months. Immunoreactivity studies for VEGF, survivin, CD31, and caspase-3 were performed. A statistical analysis was done using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: Four animals in group I were euthanized on the 10th postoperative day due to autograft necrosis. Three animals completed the study without anastomotic stenosis. Moderate expression of VEGF (p=0.038), survivin (p=0.038), and CD31 (p=0.038) was found. All group II animals developed stenosis in the trachea-prosthesis anastomotic sites. Microscopy showed abundant collagen and neovascularization vessels. Statistically significant immunoreactive expression of VEGF (p=0.015), survivin (p=0.017), and CD31 (p=0.011) was observed. No expression of caspase-3 was found. Conclusion: We found a strong correlation between fibrosis in trachea-prosthesis anastomoses and excessive angiogenesis, moderate to intense VEGF, CD31, and survivin expression, and null apoptotic activity. These factors led to uncontrolled collagen production.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.394-402
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• 2023

Background: The optimal choice of valve substitute for aortic valve replacement (AVR) in pediatric patients remains a matter of debate. This study investigated the outcomes following AVR using mechanical prostheses in children. Methods: Forty-four patients younger than 15 years who underwent mechanical AVR from March 1990 through March 2023 were included. The outcomes of interest were death or transplantation, hemorrhagic or thromboembolic events, and reoperation after mechanical AVR. Adverse events included any death, transplant, aortic valve reoperation, and major thromboembolic or hemorrhagic event. Results: The median age and weight at AVR were 139 months and 32 kg, respectively. The median follow-up duration was 56 months. The most commonly used valve size was 21 mm (14 [31.8%]). There were 2 in-hospital deaths, 1 in-hospital transplant, and 1 late death. The overall survival rates at 1 and 10 years post-AVR were 92.9% and 90.0%, respectively. Aortic valve reoperation was required in 4 patients at a median of 70 months post-AVR. No major hemorrhagic or thromboembolic events occurred. The 5- and 10-year adverse event-free survival rates were 81.8% and 72.2%, respectively. In univariable analysis, younger age, longer cardiopulmonary bypass time, and smaller valve size were associated with adverse events. The cut-off values for age and prosthetic valve size to minimize the risk of adverse events were 71 months and 20 mm, respectively. Conclusion: Mechanical AVR could be performed safely in children. Younger age, longer cardiopulmonary bypass time and smaller valve size were associated with adverse events. Thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complications might rarely occur.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.331-337
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• 2005

For a missing teeth, orthodontic treatment may be a better choice of treatment in comparison to a conventional prosthetic replacement such as FPD, resin bonded prosthesis in view of aesthetics, periodontal health and function. Occasionally after an orthodontic treatment, an insufficient space may occur. The mini-implant could be an alternative in situations of narrow ridge dimension, where conventional root form implant could be compromised. The aim of this clinical report is to describe how a space that could not be restored with a traditional root form endosteal implant was managed and to present a technique to achieve optimal anterior esthetics in single implant restoration.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.9
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• pp.691-694
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• 2003

A 49-year-old woman had thoracic back pain for several years. Chest CT scan and MRI angiography revealed descending thoracic aortic aneurysm with a maximum diameter of 69 mm. Thoracic aortography showed not only the aortic aneurysm, but also coarctation of descending thoracic aorta at the level of aortic hiatus of the diaphragm. Intercostal artery arising Adamkiewicz artery was found in descending thoracic aortic aneurysm just above the coarctation, The aneurysm with coarctation of the aorta was successfully repaired with prosthetic graft replacement under left atrio-femoral bypass.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.448-455
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• 1984

Coarctation of the Aorta is a congenital constriction of aorta of varying degree, usually located at or near the aortic ismuth with frequent associations of other cardiac anomalies. Various modes of surgical corrections, such as resection and end-to-end anastomosis, graft interposition, angioplasty using prosthetic patch or subclavian flap have been used according to the status of coarctation and age of the patient. We have experienced two cases of surgically treated coarctation of the aorta, one of which was preductal coarctation with hypoplastic aortic arch and ventricular septal defect in a 4 year old boy, and the other case was juxtaductal type with aortic regurgitation. Subclavian flap angioplasty with additional pulmonary artery banding procedure was done in the first case and wedge resection with end-to-end anastomosis and aortic valve replacement [St. Jude valve, 23mm] 20 days later of first operation in the other case. The first case developed massive tarry stool on 3rd POD, probably due to mesenteric arteritis with resultant bowl ecrosis, and expired the next day. Recovery was uneventful with the second case.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.359-363
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• 2015

The comprehensive aortic root and valve reconstruction (CARVAR) technique comprises two main procedures, which are aortic root reduction using prosthetic rings and neo-leaflet reconstruction using a pericardial patch. Although concerns about durability of the pericardial neo-leaflet have been raised in the CARVAR technique, complications related to leaflet reconstruction have not been reported to date. The present report describes two cases of complications associated with leaflet reconstruction. After resecting the reconstructed leaflets, aortic valve replacement was performed in the patients. Careful and close follow-up is required for patients who had undergone CARVAR surgery, and aortic valve surgery should be performed in a timely manner if needed.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.342-345
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• 1996

Mycotic anuerysms are uncommon but it is a fulminant infectious process frequently resulting in rupture and death if not properly treated. Commonly known it as infected aneurysm caused by noncardiogenic bacteremia. We experienced a case of infected aneurysm of the abdominal aorta that ruptured into the retroperitoneum. A 57 year old man was admitted with lower back pain, fever and palpable mass. It was identified as an inf cted abdominal aneurysm with staphylococcal septicemia. He underwent resection of aneurysm and replacement with a prosthetic graft and prolonged postoperative organism-specific antibiotics therapy. He recovered well and discharged without complications postoperatively.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.27 no.12
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• pp.1031-1035
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• 1994

Mechanical valve thrombosis is a serious and potential lethal complication unless early diagnosis & prompt therapy are made. We have been experienced 3 cases of valve thrombosis. From Aug. 1988 to July 1994, reoperations of mitral valve replacement [MVR] with mechanical prostheses [all mitral] were performed in three patients[2 men, 1 woman] due to valve thromboses. All three patients were diagnosed by means of cineradiography. Preoperative status of was shock status and he was applied intra-aortic balloon pump [IABP]. All three cases of prosthetic valve failure [PVF] were treated by Redo-MVR. Time intervals of reoperations were 5months, 40months, and 35months, respectively. In all cases, valve thromboses were excised successfully. Cineradiography provided an accurate diagnosis in all cases, which was utilized as safe, reliable & noninvasive imaging modalities. There were no operative death & complication. All three patients were fully recovered and returned to their employements, and active lives.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.27 no.12
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• pp.995-1001
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• 1994

The CarboMedics valve prosthesis is a relatively new. low profile bileaflet prosthesis. During a 6 year period from Aug. 1988 to July 1994. 158 patients had CarboMedics prostheses implanted in the mitral [n=94], aortic [n=25], or aortic and mitral [n=39] in National Medical Center. Hospital mortality was 9.4% and the main cause of death was low output syndrome. Follow up was 96% complete, with 365.4 patient-years and a mean follow up of 30 months [ range 1 to 72 months ] . The overall actuarial 6 year survival rate was 91.61 3.47% and actuarial 6year freedom from all valve related complications was 73.9 7.67%. The linearized incidence of vavle related complications was as follows: thromboembolism 1.37%/patient-year ; valve thrombosis 0.82%/ patient-year ; anticoagulant related hemorrhage 0.85%/patient-year ; perivalvular leakage 0.55%/paitent-year: prosthetic valve endocarditis 0.82%/patient-year ; reoperation 1.37%/patient-year. There were no instances of structural failure. We conclude that the Carbomedics valve has a low rate of complications that further improves the quality of life in patients with heart valve prostheses.