Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to F Barreiros.
Descending necrotising mediastinitis has been linked with significant morbidity and mortality. We report two recent cases and discuss the surgical management of this serious disease. Complete thoracic drainage was achieved through a median stemotomy, allowing a fast recovery.
Twenty-six patients have undergone a resection of a cardiac myxoma since 1977. There were five males and 21 females, of age range 14-81 years (mean 50 years). Symptoms included congestive heart failure, emboli, palpitations and syncope. The tumours were located in the left atrium (21 patients), right atrium (four) and right ventricle (one). The hospital mortality rate was 3.8%. Late outcome was known for 24 of 25 (96%) patients. The total follow-up is now 2116 months (mean 88 (range 2-204) months per patient). One patient (4%) died of colonic malignancy 4 years after surgery. Long-term results were satisfactory. Echocardiographic information supporting the absence of recurrence was known for all 23 patients, evaluated at an average of 80 (range 2-196) months postoperatively. Surgical resection is the correct treatment for cardiac myxoma and is imperative following the diagnosis.
OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the performance of a new ball valve prosthesis. DESIGN: set up of two groups of patients who underwent mitral valve replacement with two different prosthesis: the Macchi prosthesis under evaluation and the well known Starr-Edwards model prosthesis. The chi-square test was used to compare the results. PATIENTS: Patients referred for valvular surgery. INTERVENTIONS: One group of 98 consecutive patients who underwent isolated mitral valve replacement with a Macchi prosthesis from January 1984 to June 30 1986 was compared to a matched group of 49 patients who received a Starr-Edwards prosthesis in the same period of time. Follow-up data were available from 99% patients in the Macchi group 96% in the Starr-Edwards group, with a mean follow-up time of 35.2 (2-57) and 42.9 (4-62) months, respectively. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in the incidence per 100 patients--month of prosthetic complications--thromboembolism, hemorrhagic events, prosthetic endocarditis, reoperation and mechanical failure. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience and with the available follow-up data the Macchi prosthesis is a good cost effective option when there is indication for a ball valve prosthesis.