Objective: Our study aims to explore the efficacy and safety of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and median sternotomy in the treatment of thymoma-associated myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods: The clinical data of 73 patients with thymoma-associated MG from January 2004 to January 2010 in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. The clinical curative effect, postoperative MG crisis and q...

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of sternotomy on transthoracic impedance, a major determinant of current flow and defibrillation success. Transthoracic impedance was determined by using a validated test-pulse technique that does not require actual shocks. Seventeen patients undergoing median sternotomy were studied prospectively. Transthoracic impedance was determined befo...

OBJECTIVES We hypothesize that minimally invasive valve surgery in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is superior to the conventional median sternotomy approach. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 2846 consecutive surgery performed at our institution between January 2005 and September 2010, and identified 165 patients with COPD who underwent isolated valve surgery. In...

Introduction: Approximately 2% of parathyroid adenomas reside in the mediastinum and are not amenable to the traditional cervical approach. Midline full sternotomy has been frequently used to excise these glands but this approach can be associated with significant morbidity. Methods and results: Midline partial sternotomy to the third intercostal space is a valid alternative surgical approach t...

A variety of minimally-invasive approaches for aortic valve replacement (AVR) have been developed and are increasingly being utilized. The different approaches described, such as partial upper sternotomy, right parasternal thoracotomy or transverse sternotomy have the aim to decrease invasiveness and reduce surgical trauma. Whereas port access surgery with remote cannulation has the attendant r...