Dominick Gadaleta

Effects of morbid obesity and diabetes mellitus on risk of coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract Obesity has been identified as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease 1–4 and the occurrence of complications of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). 5,6 A study was designed to determine if the risks associated with morbid obesity should alter the indications for CABG, the operative strategy or the postoperative care.

Laryngotracheal injury following cricothyroidotomy

Airway complications following elective cricothyroidotomy were reviewed in 48 adult cardiothoracic surgery patients. A 52% incidence of airway complications was found and manifested by failed or delayed decannulation, extensive subglottic granulation tissue, stenosis, vocal cord paralysis, and aspiration pneumonia. The most common cause for decannulation difficulty was subglottic stenosis (50%).

Isolated Intrathoracic Injury with Air Bag Use

The restrained (air bag and seatbelt) driver of a vehicle involved in a high-speed motor-vehicle accident sustained a tear of the thoracic aorta with no signs of external injury. Air bag deployment may mask significant internal injury, and a high index of suspicion is warranted in such situations.