Feasibility of 3-dimensional video-assisted thoracic surgery (3D-VATS) for pulmonary resection

Contains fulltext : 152230.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)BACKGROUND: Two-dimensional video-assisted thoracic surgery (2D-VATS) has gained its position in daily practise. Although very useful, its two-dimensional view has its drawbacks when performing pulmonary resections. We report our first experience with 3-dimensional video-assisted surgery (3D-VATS). Advantages and differences with 2D-VATS and robotic surgery (RS) are discussed. METHODS: To evaluate feasibility, we scheduled patients for surgery by 3D-VATS who would normally be treated with 2D-VATS. The main difference of the equipment in 3D-VATS compared with former VATS equipment, is the flexible camera-tip (100-degrees) and the necessary 3D-glasses. RESULTS: Four patients were successfully operated for anatomic pulmonary resections. On-the-structure dissection was easily performed and with the flexible camera-tip, a perfect view can be obtained, with clear visualisation of important (hilar) structures. These features highly facilitate the surgeon in tissue preparation and recognition of the dissection planes. CONCLUSION: In our opinion, 3D-VATS is superior to 2D-VATS for performing anatomic pulmonary resection and we expect an improvement in terms of operation time and learning curve. Furthermore, it is a valuable alternative for RS at lower costs

Aspirin before Coronary Artery Surgery

Contains fulltext : 171715.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access

Mediastinoscopy after negative endoscopic mediastinal nodal staging: can it be omitted?

Contains fulltext : 152468.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access

Cathether-based interventional strategies for cor triatriatum in the adult - feasibility study through a hybrid approach

Contains fulltext : 154718.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)BACKGROUND: Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital cardiac abnormality, consisting of an obstructing membrane between the pulmonary veins and the mitral valve in varying patterns. The entitiy can mimick the pathophysiology of mitral stenosis, necessitating surgical resection. Occasionally, percutaneous balloon dilatation of the membrane has been successfully performed. CASE PRESENTATION: We report two cases with cor triatriatum where intraoperative balloon dilatation of the membrane was attempted followed by surgical resection, to explore the feasibility of cathether-based interventional strategies for cor triatriatum. CONCLUSIONS: Various anatomical variations exist of cor triatriatum, depending on the drainage of the pulmonary veins and the drainage of the proximal chamber in the right or left atrium. Only isolated forms of cor triatriatum where all pulmonary veins ultimately drain into the left atrium can be recommended for percutaneous strategies. In addition, several anatomical characteristics should be considered to predict technical success of cathether-based interventional strategies, such as the location of the membrane, the degree of pulmonary vein stenosis, the extent of calcification, and the presence of other (congenital) cardiovascular abnormalities. Furthermore, long-term efficacy of these strategies remains to be confirmed. As such, surgical treatment of cor triatriatum remains the mainstay of treatment in adult patients, especially when other cardiovascular anomalies are present which require surgical correction

Nineteen-Millimeter Bioprostheses: When Is "Good" Not Good Enough?

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Rebuttal From Dr Li et al

Contains fulltext : 152649.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access

COUNTERPOINT: Is N2 Disease a Contraindication for Surgical Resection for Superior Sulcus Tumors? No

Contains fulltext : 151991.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access

Information retrieval and pedagogy in adapted physical activity.

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Infective Endocarditis of the Aortic Valve with Anterior Mitral Valve Leaflet Aneurysm

Mitral valve leaflet aneurysm is a rare and potentially devastating complication of aortic valve endocarditis. We report the case of a 48-year-old man who had endocarditis of the native aortic valve and a concomitant aneurysm of the anterior mitral valve leaflet. Severe mitral regurgitation occurred after the aneurysm perforated. The patient showed no signs of heart failure and completed a 6-week regimen of antibiotic therapy before undergoing successful aortic and mitral valve replacement. In addition to the patient's case, we review the relevant medical literature