Connecting Research and Experts with Journalists

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JAMA study using STS National Database shows a minimally invasive vein harvesting approach used during heart surgery is as safe as a more invasive vein harvesting procedure while also leading to fewer complications. The FDA requested that the STS National Database be used for this study because it is the premier clinical data registry for cardiothoracic surgery. The study’s senior author is Dr. Peter Smith from Duke. The spokesperson for the STS National Database is Dr. Fred Edwards, who is also an author of the study.

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Octogenarians need not shy away from heart valve surgery because of their age; however, those sent home following surgery do better than those discharged to care facilities.

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Anemia is now confirmed as a risk factor for illness and even death following cardiac surgery, according to a new study. Although preoperative anemia has been linked to adverse events in other types of surgery, this is the first study to tie preoperative anemia with postoperative complications, including death, for all types of heart surgery.

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People with diabetes mellitus who undergo heart bypass surgery for multiple blocked arteries have a significantly better 5-year-survival rate than diabetic patients who undergo angioplasty with drug-eluting stents (DES), according to a study published in the November 2012 issue of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.

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The Society of Thoracic Surgeons has updated its clinical practice guideline on use of antiplatelet drugs during heart surgery. The new guideline, published in the November 2012 issue of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, takes into account newly available antiplatelet therapies, new scientific information, and a broader use of antiplatelet drugs such as before lung and vascular procedures.

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Lobectomy for primary lung cancer takes longer when a patient is obese, not only increasing the resources required to achieve a good outcome, but also adding to national health care costs. The researcher found that for every 10-unit increase in BMI, operating room time rose by 7.2 minutes—even in hospitals experienced in caring for obese patients.

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• Smoking causes dysregulation of enzymes in leg vein used for coronary bypass grafts. • Smoking cessation does not completely return vein health to normal, even after 1 year. • Patients who may require bypass surgery should stop smoking immediately to help preserve health and function of graft.

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A novel genetic test can help identify small but aggressive lung tumors associated with poor survival, according to a study released today at the 49th Annual Meeting of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

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Lungs from carefully selected donors with a heavy smoking history can be used with good results in adult, double-lung transplants, according to a study released today at the 49th Annual Meeting of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

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Los Angeles—Patients who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery have a lower overall composite risk for heart attack, stroke, and death in the 4 years following the procedure compared to patients who undergo stenting or balloon procedures, according to a study released today at the 49th Annual Meeting of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.