Recently concluded Projects

Understanding Pulmonary Valve Architecture and Variation: Implications for the Ross Procedure

Contributors: Hayden Joseph*, Conner Ryan*, Will Fancher, Nitin A. Das, Lauren C. Kane, S Adil Husain, John H. Calhoon (*authors share equal credit)

Anatomical variation in pulmonary valve architecture has not been well defined.  An understanding of such variances may impact surgical techniques employed for operations such as the Ross Procedure.

 

Central Venous Catheters: A Qualitative Analysis Of Patient And Nursing Preference

Contributors: Hayden Joseph*, Conner Ryan*, Nitin A. Das, John H. Calhoon, MD

There appears to be no consensus about complication rates of infection, thrombotic event and arterial injury when comparing central venous catheter (CVC) insertion sites. The aim in this study is to gain an understanding of patient and nursing preference for central line location, internal jugular vein (IJ) versus subclavian vein (SC), based on qualitative measures of comfort, ease of use, function, and satisfaction.

 

An In-vitro Model for Evaluation of Extubation

Contributors: William N. Fancher*, Nitin A. Das, Lauren C. Kane, John H. Calhoon

*Funded by the American Association for Thoracic Surgery Graham Foundation

In clinical practice a common method of extubation involves complete deflation of the cuff prior to ETT removal.  This technique may result in retention of subglottic secretions as the ETT passes through the vocal cords, with subsequent aspiration.  We hypothesize that passive deflation of the cuff by cutting the pilot tube will result in less retained secretions compared to active, complete deflation using a syringe.

 

Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection: Factors affecting outcomes

Contributors: Elizabeth Tapley, Elaine Campbell MD, Nitin A. Das, Adil S. Husain MD, Lauren C. Kane MD, John H. Calhoon, MD

 

Aprotinin Use In Bilateral Lung Transplantation Requiring Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Data Refutes Clinical Impression

Contributors: Eilers AE, Albahra S, Das NA, Prihoda TJ, Baisden CE, DeArmond DT, and Johnson SB

Objective: Aprotinin was used extensively in cardiothoracic as an agent to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements until taken off the market in 2008 secondary to mounting litigation and concerns that it may cause neurologic and/or renal impairment.  It was our clinical impression however that aprotinin was very effective at minimizing blood loss in patients undergoing bilateral lung transplantation utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and that it did so without causing significant neurologic or renal impairment. The purpose of this study was to review our own experience using aprotinin in this specific patient population.

 

 

Esophageal Stenting: Indications, Outcomes and Expectations

Contributors: Scott B. Johnson, MD , Nitin A. Das and HelenMari L. Merritt, DO

Purpose: The use of esophageal stents is evolving as a useful adjunct in the treatment of complex esophageal disorders. We reviewed our own stenting experience to examine patient outcomes, complications and rates of re-intervention as they relate to indications and underlying patient diagnoses.