A Prospective Study of 73 Patients to Compare Forward Head Angle, Forward Shoulder Angle, Maximal Inspiratory Pressure, and Self-Reported Breathing-Related Symptoms Before and After Open-Heart Surgery.

BACKGROUND Patients who undergo open-heart surgery often experience widespread musculoskeletal and pulmonary complications. These can interfere with their functioning, resulting in soft tissue changes, worsening postural changes, and poor respiratory performance. Therefore, the prospective study aimed to compare forward head angle (FHA) and forward shoulder angle (FSA), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and self-reported breathing dysfunction before and after open-heart surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS In a prospective observational study of 106 patients, men and women scheduled for open-heart surgery were enrolled. Prior to surgery and before discharge from the hospital, all patients were required to assess FHA and FSA using 2-dimensional motion analysis software, MIP using a respiratory pressure meter, and breathing dysfunction using the 25-item Self Evaluation of Breathing Questionnaire (SEBQ). Paired t test was used to compare differences between before and after surgery. To evaluate associations, logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS Of the 106 patients recruited, 73 completed the study. FHA (-Δ6.55±4.77, P.

Outcomes of endovascular management of aortic arch lesion.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the outcomes of treating aortic diseases involving the transverse aortic arch with a hybrid approach in high-risk patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between March 2008 and January 2010, 29 thoracic stent grafts were implanted in 15 patients with aortic arch disease (mean age, 66.9 +/- 9.34 years) for aortic arch repair of eight degenerative aneurysms, two complicated aortic dissections, and five penetrating atheromatous ulcer or pseudoaneurysm. Debranching was performed to provide an adequate proximal aortic landing zone, in five patients by a cervical approach and in four patients by a sternotomy approach. RESULTS: The technical success rates for aortic zone 0 patients (n = 4), zone 1 patients (n = 3), and zone 2 patients (n = 8) were 100%. The 30-day mortality rate was 6.7%. The actuarial survival was 80% over a mean follow-up of 11.7 months. The rate of stroke was 6.7%. There was type II endoleak in one patient. CONCLUSION: The use of a hybrid endovascular and open surgical approach for the treatment of arch diseases is safe and effective at early follow-up, including the potential to offer therapy to patients who are not candidates for open repair