Background. The incidence of mediastinitis after cardiac surgical intervention is reported to
be between 0.15% and 5% and is a major cause of postoperative morbidity. A number of risk …

The intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) has been used in cardiac operations since the late 1960s.
Over the years, with refinements in technology, its use has expanded; the IABP is now the …

Background: Persistent postoperative pain continues to be an underrecognized complication.
We examined the prevalence of and risk factors for this type of pain after cardiac surgery. …

BACKGROUND: Delirium is a common neurologic complication after cardiac surgery, and
may be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Research has focused on potential …

Introduction Delirium is the most common neurological complication following cardiac surgery.
Much research has focused on potential causes of delirium; however, the sequelae of …

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the incidence and factors associated with the failure of
homograft valves and identifies those factors that are modifiable. METHODS: From 1990 to …

BACKGROUND: Increasingly, patients are being referred for coronary artery bypass grafting
(CABG) for management of symptoms after prior percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). …

Background. The impact of surgical training on patient outcomes in cardiac surgery is
unknown. Methods. All cases performed by residents from 1998 to 2001 were compared to staff …

BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of preoperative
intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) use in isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. …

Background Mitral insufficiency is known to occur in a substantial proportion of patients with
heart failure. Its relationship with morbidity and mortality is poorly described. Methods The …