Presidential Address:

The complete cardiothoracic surgeon: qualities of excellence
	Joseph I. Miller, Jr Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:2-8. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Editorials:

Video-assisted thoracoscopic transplantation of myoblasts into the heart
	Ugo Carraro Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:14-16. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Caring for the residents: the view of two program directors
	Irving L. Kron and Douglas Mathisen Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:17. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Thomas B. Ferguson Lecture:

The hidden cost of medical liability litigation
	Donald J. Palmisano Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:9-13. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Original Articles: General Thoracic:

Gender differences in non–small-cell lung cancer survival: an analysis of 4,618 patients diagnosed between 1997 and 2002
	Antonio L. Visbal, Brent A. Williams, Francis C. Nichols, III, Randolph S. Marks, James R. Jett, Marie-Christine Aubry, Eric S. Edell, Jason A. Wampfler, Julian R. Molina, and Ping Yang Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:209-215. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Invited commentary
	Douglas Mathisen Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:215. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Prognostic significance of perioperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen in non-small cell lung cancer: analysis of 1,000 consecutive resections for clinical stage I disease
	Morihito Okada, Wataru Nishio, Toshihiko Sakamoto, Kazuya Uchino, Tsuyoshi Yuki, Akio Nakagawa, and Noriaki Tsubota Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:216-221. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Clinicopathologic features of peripheral squamous cell carcinoma of the lung
	Hiroyuki Sakurai, Hisao Asamura, Shun-ichi Watanabe, Kenji Suzuki, and Ryosuke Tsuchiya Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:222-227. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Segmental resection spares pulmonary function in patients with stage I lung cancer
	Robert J. Keenan, Rodney J. Landreneau, Richard H. Maley, Jr, Deepak Singh, Robin Macherey, Susan Bartley, and Tibetha Santucci Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:228-233. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Twelve-year experience with left atrial resection in the treatment of non–small cell lung cancer
	Giovanni B. Ratto, Roberta Costa, Giuseppe Vassallo, Antonella Alloisio, Paola Maineri, and Paolo Bruzzi Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:234-237. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Benefits of surgery for patients with pulmonary metastases from colorectal carcinoma
	Masayoshi Inoue, Mitsunori Ohta, Keiji Iuchi, Akihide Matsumura, Kan Ideguchi, Tsutomu Yasumitsu, Katsuhiro Nakagawa, Kenjiro Fukuhara, Hajime Maeda, Shin-ichi Takeda, Masato Minami, Yuko Ohno, and Hikaru Matsuda Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:238-244. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
The effect of extent of local resection on patterns of disease progression in malignant pleural mesothelioma
	Duncan J. Stewart, Antonio Martin-Ucar, John E. Pilling, John G. Edwards, Kenneth J. O'Byrne, and David A. Waller Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:245-252. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Comparison of late results of basic transsternal and extended transsternal thymectomies in the treatment of myasthenia gravis
	Marcin Zielinski, Jaroslaw Kuzdzal, Artur Szlubowski, and Jerzy Soja Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:253-258. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Early experience with robot-assisted surgery for mediastinal masses
	Johannes Bodner, Heinz Wykypiel, Andreas Greiner, Werner Kirchmayr, Martin C. Freund, Raimund Margreiter, and Thomas Schmid Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:259-265. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Invited commentary
	Scott Swanson Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:265-266. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Diffuse pulmonary infiltrates after bone marrow transplantation: the role of open lung biopsy
	Jann-Yuan Wang, Yih-Leong Chang, Li-Na Lee, Jen-Hau Chen, Jih-Luh Tang, Pan-Chyr Yang, and Yung-Chie Lee Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:267-272. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Thoracoscopic management of postpneumonectomy empyema
	Dominique Gossot, Jean-Baptiste Stern, Domenico Galetta, Denis Debrosse, Philippe Girard, Raffaele Caliandro, Luke Harper, and Dominique Grunenwald Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:273-276. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Endobronchial histoplasmosis: a masquerade of primary endobronchial neoplasia—a clinical study of four cases
	Patrick Ross, Jr, Cynthia M. Magro, and Mark A. King Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:277-281. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Thoracoscopic evacuation of retained posttraumatic hemothorax
	Pradeep H. Navsaria, Richard J. Vogel, and Andrew J. Nicol Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:282-285. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Invited commentary
	Ronald B. Ponn Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:285-286. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Bronchoscopy simulator effectively prepares junior residents to competently perform basic clinical bronchoscopy
	Matthew G. Blum, Thomas W. Powers, and Sudhir Sundaresan Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:287-291. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Inhaled nitric oxide attenuates apoptosis in ischemia-reperfusion injury of the rabbit lung
	Hideki Yamashita, Shinji Akamine, Yorihisa Sumida, Masao Inoue, Takahiro Sawada, Takeshi Nagayasu, and Tadayuki Oka Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:292-297. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Influence of esophageal carcinoma operations on gastroesophageal reflux
	Jian Hu, Renyuan Li, Li Sun, and Yiming Ni Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:298-302. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Original Articles: Cardiovascular:

Explaining disparities in access to high-quality cardiac surgeons
	Barbara M. Rothenberg, Thomas Pearson, Jack Zwanziger, and Dana Mukamel Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:18-24. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Invited commentary
	Robert S. D. Higgins Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:24-25. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Trainees operating on high-risk patients without cardiopulmonary bypass: a high-risk strategy?
	Raimondo Ascione, Barnaby C. Reeves, Marco Pano, and Gianni D. Angelini Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:26-33. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Online Discussion]
Incidence of and risk factors for perioperative optic neuropathy after cardiac surgery
	Sachin D. Kalyani, Neil R. Miller, Li Ming Dong, William A. Baumgartner, Diane E. Alejo, and Timothy B. Gilbert Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:34-37. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Artificial surface-induced cytokine synthesis: effect of heparin coating and complement inhibition
	Knut Tore Lappegård, Michael Fung, Grethe Bergseth, Johan Riesenfeld, and Tom Eirik Mollnes Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:38-44. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Invited commentary
	Vibeke Videm Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:44-45. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Peripheral detection of S100ß during cardiothoracic surgery: what are we really measuring?
	Vincent Fazio, Sunil K. Bhudia, Nicola Marchi, Barbara Aumayr, and Damir Janigro Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:46-52. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Invited commentary
	Hilary P. Grocott Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:52-53. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Coronary surgery without cardiotomy suction and autotransfusion reduces the postoperative systemic inflammatory response
	Martin Westerberg, Anders Bengtsson, and Anders Jeppsson Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:54-59. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
The mitral pulmonary autograft: assessment at midterm
	Sami S. Kabbani, Hisham Jamil, Abdo Hammoud, Jawad Abou Hatab, Fawzi Nabhani, Ryad Hariri, Nada Sabbagh, and Donald Ross Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:60-65. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Invited commentary
	Farzan Filsoufi and David H. Adams Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:65-66. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Risk of repeat mitral valve replacement for failed mitral valve prostheses
	D. Dean Potter, Thoralf M. Sundt, III, Kenton J. Zehr, Joseph A. Dearani, Richard C. Daly, Charles J. Mullany, Christopher G. A. McGregor, Francisco J. Puga, Hartzell V. Schaff, and Thomas A. Orszulak Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:67-72. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Edge-to-edge mitral valve repair: the Columbia Presbyterian experience
	Aftab R. Kherani, Faisal H. Cheema, Jennifer Casher, Jennifer M. Fal, Christopher J. Mutrie, Jonathan M. Chen, Jeffrey A. Morgan, Deon W. Vigilance, Mauricio J. Garrido, Craig R. Smith, and Mehmet C. Oz Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:73-76. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Late incidence and determinants of stroke after aortic and mitral valve replacement
	Marc Ruel, Roy G. Masters, Fraser D. Rubens, Pierre J. Bédard, Andrew L. Pipe, William G. Goldstein, Paul J. Hendry, and Thierry G. Mesana Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:77-83. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Invited commentary
	Ole Lund Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:83-84. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Outcome after aortic valve replacement in octogenarians
	Bruno Chiappini, Nicola Camurri, Antonio Loforte, Luca Di Marco, Roberto Di Bartolomeo, and Giuseppe Marinelli Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:85-89. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Systematic review of the outcome of aortic valve replacement in patients with aortic stenosis
	Umesh C. Sharma, Paul Barenbrug, Saraswati Pokharel, Willem R. M. Dassen, Yigal M. Pinto, and Jos G. Maessen Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:90-95. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Regurgitant jet evaluation using three-dimensional echocardiography and magnetic resonance
	Joerg Albers, Tobias Nitsche, Jan Boese, Raffaele De Simone, Ivo Wolf, Antje Schroeder, and Christian F. Vahl Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:96-102. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Axillary artery cannulation: routine use in ascending aorta and aortic arch replacement
	Justus T. Strauch, David Spielvogel, Alexander Lauten, Steven L. Lansman, Kirk McMurtry, Carol A. Bodian, and Randall B. Griepp Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:103-108. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Elephant trunk procedure: newer indications and uses
	Lars G. Svensson, Kyung-Hwan Kim, Eugene H. Blackstone, Joan M. Alster, Patrick M. McCarthy, Roy K. Greenberg, Joseph F. Sabik, Richard S. D'Agostino, Bruce W. Lytle, and Delos M. Cosgrove Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:109-116. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Repair of aortic false aneurysm using deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest
	Eric Dumont, Michel Carrier, Raymond Cartier, Michel Pellerin, Nancy Poirier, Denis Bouchard, and Louis P. Perrault Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:117-120. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Invited commentary
	Rick Esposito Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:120-121. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Efficacy of transmyocardial laser revascularization and thoracic sympathectomy for the treatment of refractory angina
	Manuel Galiñanes, Mahmoud Loubani, Penelope R. Sensky, Ashraf Hassouna, Graham R. Cherryman, Joseph N. Leverment, and Nilesh J. Samani Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:122-128. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Impact of diabetes on outcome following isolated minimally invasive bypass grafting of the left anterior descending artery
	Artur Lichtenberg, Uwe Klima, Hans Paeschke, Max Pichlmaier, Stefanie Ringes-Lichtenberg, Thorsten Walles, Heidi Goerler, and Axel Haverich Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:129-134. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Intraoperative ischemia and long-term events after minimally invasive coronary surgery
	Marco Zimarino, Sabina Gallina, Maria Di Fulvio, Michele Di Mauro, Gabriele Di Giammarco, Raffaele De Caterina, and Antonio Maria Calafiore Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:135-141. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Left internal mammary artery to the left anterior descending artery: effect on morbidity and mortality and reasons for nonusage
	Shishir Karthik, Arun K. Srinivasan, Antony D. Grayson, Mark Jackson, and Neeraj K. Mediratta Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:142-148. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Endoscopic radial artery harvesting is better than the open technique
	Amit N. Patel, A. Carl Henry, Carol Hunnicutt, Carol Ann Cockerham, Brittany Willey, and Harold C. Urschel, Jr Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:149-153. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Results of a phase one study on robotically assisted myocardial revascularization on the beating heart
	J.W. Randolph Bolton and Jackie E. Connally Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:154-158. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Mandatory versus selective preoperative carotid screening: a retrospective analysis
	Daniel J. Durand, Bruce A. Perler, Glen S. Roseborough, Maura A. Grega, Louis M. Borowicz, Jr, William A. Baumgartner, and David D. Yuh Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:159-166. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Instant myocardial blood flow monitor: its calibration and assessment of flow capacity of the intracoronary shunt tube
	Hiroyuki Kamiya, Go Watanabe, Taro Kanamori, Nobuki Ishikawa, Takuro Terada, and Kazuyuki Kawakami Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:167-172. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Establishing right ventricle-pulmonary artery continuity by autologous tissue: an alternative approach for prosthetic conduit repair
	Yukihisa Isomatsu, Toshiharu Shin'oka, Mitsuru Aoki, Masatsugu Terada, Takamasa Takeuchi, Shuichi Hoshino, Yoshinori Takanashi, Yasuharu Imai, and Hiromi Kurosawa Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:173-180. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Outcome analysis of major cardiac operations in low weight neonates
	Thierry Bové, Katrien François, Katya De Groote, Bert Suys, Daniel De Wolf, Hendrik Verhaaren, Dirk Matthys, Annelies Moerman, Jan Poelaert, Piet Vanhaesebroeck, and Guido Van Nooten Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:181-187. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Postoperative hypoxemia exacerbates potential brain injury after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest
	Steven S. L. Tsui, Jess M. Schultz, Irving Shen, and Ross M. Ungerleider Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:188-196. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Efficacy of prophylactic epicardial pacing leads in children and young adults
	Mitchell I. Cohen, Larry A. Rhodes, Thomas L. Spray, and J. William Gaynor Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:197-202. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Invited commentary
	Thierry Bove and Katrien François Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:202-203. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Apical right ventriculotomy for closure of apical ventricular septal defects
	Ulf Myhre, Brian W. Duncan, Roger B. B. Mee, Raja Joshi, Shivaprakash G. Seshadri, Octavio Herrera-Verdugo, and Geoffrey L. Rosenthal Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:204-208. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Images in Cardiothoracic Surgery:

A nail in the heart
	Hikmet Koçak, Necip Becit, and Yahya Ünlü Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:e15. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Anomalous left bronchial segmentation associated with an abnormal left pulmonary artery course
	Domenico Galetta, Denis Debrosse, Dominique Gossot, Maria Serra, and Dominique Grunenwald Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:e16. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Persistent left fifth aortic arch
	Daniel J. DiBardino and Charles D. Fraser, Jr Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:346. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Left ventricular compression 1 year after aortic valvular surgery
	Fadi Farhat, Alexis Durand-Dubief, Paul Touboul, and Olivier Jegaden Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:347. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]

New Technology:

Video-assisted thoracoscopic transplantation of myoblasts into the heart
	Richard B. Thompson, Cyrus J. Parsa, Ewout J. van den Bos, Bryce H. Davis, Eric M. Toloza, Igor Klem, Donald D. Glower, and Doris A. Taylor Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:303-307. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Beating-heart epicardial radiofrequency ablation: optimal temperature setting
	Yoshito Inoue, Issei Kiso, Ryuichi Takahashi, Atsuo Mori, and Kenta Motogami Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:308-311. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Invited commentary
	Ulrich O. von Oppell Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:312. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Case Reports:

Successful surgical management of a neonate with a saddle pulmonary embolus
	Lorraine E. De Blanche, Michael L. Schmitz, Charles E. Johnson, Thomas H. Best, and Jonathan J. Drummond-Webb Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:e1-e2. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
An endovascular stent relieves celiac and mesenteric ischemia in acute aortic dissection
	Pascal Leprince, Philippe Cluzel, Nicolas Bonnet, Romuald Izzillo, Alain Pavie, and Iradj Gandjbakhch Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:e3-e5. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Immature intrapericardial teratoma in a newborn with elevated alpha-fetoprotein
	Nathalie Roy, Dominic J. Blurton, Anthony Azakie, and Tom R. Karl Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:e6-e8. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Use of LeVeen pleuroperitoneal shunt for refractory high-volume chylothorax
	Dipin Gupta, Kerry Ross, Valentino Piacentino, III, Dawn Stepnowski, James B. McClurken, Satoshi Furukawa, and Daniel T. Dempsey Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:e9-e12. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
An unusual cause of breathlessness after lobectomy for lung cancer
	Thiagarajamurthy Sundaramoorthi, Shahrul Hashim, Paul Dillon, Rattehalli Ramachandra, Frank J. Collins, and Michael D. Rosin Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:e13-e14. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Aortovenous bypass graft to the posterior left ventricle in absence of an identifiable coronary artery
	Alexander Kulik, Michael A. Borger, and Hugh E. Scully Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:313-314. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Repair of a left main coronary artery aneurysm using the circumflex femoral artery as a Y-interposition graft
	Curtis A. Anderson, Farzan Filsoufi, Alexander Kadner, and David H. Adams Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:314-316. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Off-pump reduction aortoplasty and concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting
	Sinan Arsan Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:316-319. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Combined repair of extensive aneurysm of the ascending aorta, arch, and descending aorta
	Hélio A. Fabri, Paulo C. Santos, Cláudio R. Cunha, Leonardo Severino, Vilmar J. Pereira, Roberto V. Botelho, José Honório P. Fonseca, and Enio Buffolo Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:319-321. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Nontraumatic localized dehiscence of the proximal ascending aorta through an aortic valve commissure
	Andrew E. Newcomb and Michael A. Rowland Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:321-323. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Anomalous origin of left coronary artery from right pulmonary artery in an infant with coarctation of the aorta
	Anil Sivadasan Radha, Baiju Sasi Dharan, Raman Krishna Kumar, and Suresh Gururaja Rao Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:324-326. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Constrictive pericarditis due to Coxiella burnetii
	Víctor Bautista-Hernández, Francisco Gutierrez, Víctor G. Ray, José M. Arribas, Julio García-Puente, Norberto Casinello, and Ramón Arcas Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:326-328. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Surgical issues in giant right ventricular fibroma
	Brojendra N. Agarwala, Joanne P. Starr, Eloise Walker, and Emile A. Bacha Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:328-330. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Intravenous leiomyomatosis extending into the right ventricle after subtotal hysterectomy
	Mehmet Sah Topcuoglu, Hafize Yaliniz, Hakan Poyrazoglu, Acar Tokcan, Süleyman Cansun Demir, Abdi Bozkurt, and Handan Zeren Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:330-332. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Budd-Chiari syndrome and portal vein thrombosis due to right atrial myxoma
	George K. Anagnostopoulos, George Margantinis, Panagiotis Kostopoulos, Glyceria Papadopoulou, Athanassios Roulias, George Sakorafas, and Nikolaos Liassis Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:333-334. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Successful therapy of severe pneumonia-associated ARDS after pneumonectomy with ECMO and steroids
	Martin Dünser, Walter Hasibeder, Michael Rieger, and Andreas J. Mayr Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:335-337. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Infected cystic adenomatoid malformation in an adult
	Hung-Je Huang, Alan Ronald Talbot, Kuei-Chiao Liu, Chei-Pei Chen, and Hsin-Yuan Fang Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:337-339. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Spontaneous biliopneumothorax (thoracobilia) following gastropleural fistula due to stomach perforation by nasogastric tube
	Alessandro Bini, Manuele Grazia, Francesco Petrella, Franco Stella, and Ruggero Bazzocchi Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:339-341. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Sweet's syndrome after pneumonectomy
	Walid R. Saliba, George S. Habib, Lee H. Goldstein, and Mazen S. Elias Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:341-343. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Spontaneous intramural esophageal hematoma
	Ming Shian Lu, Yun Hen Liu, Hui Ping Liu, Yi Cheng Wu, YinYi Chu, and Jaw Ji Chu Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:343-345. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

How To Do It:

The "elephant trunk" technique made easier
	Eugenio Neri, Massimo Massetti, and Guido Sani Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:e17-e18. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
An innovative single-stage repair of severe asymmetric pectus excavatum defects using substernal mesh bands
	Vasilas A. Karagounis, John Wasnick, and Jeffrey P. Gold Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:e19-e21. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
A new technique for aortic valve dysfunction: reconstruction by posterior leaflet of tricuspid valve
	Hansong Sun, Qiang Wang, Shengshou Hu, Yinglong Liu, Liqing Wang, and Ge Gao Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:348-351. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
A simple technique of introducing intracoronary shunts for off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery
	Hitoshi Yokoyama, Shinya Takase, Yukitoki Misawa, Koki Takahashi, Yoichi Sato, and Hirono Satokawa Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:352-354. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Septal myectomy with loop electrosurgical electrode for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
	Jen-Ping Chang, Chiung-Lun Kao, Cheng-I Cheng, and Yuan-Kai Hsieh Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:355-357. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Sternal closure with reabsorbable pin and cord in pediatric less invasive cardiac surgery
	Hiroshi Oiwa, Ryoichi Ishida, and Kenichi Sudo Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:358-359. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Our Surgical Heritage:

Circular vascular stapling in coronary surgery
	Igor E. Konstantinov Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:369-373. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Reviews:

Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in cardiothoracic surgery: basic mechanisms to potential therapies
	Ben M. Tsai, Meijing Wang, Mark W. Turrentine, Yousuf Mahomed, John W. Brown, and Daniel R. Meldrum Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:360-368. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Report:

Fortieth Annual Meeting, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
	Gordon F. Murray Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:374-383. [PDF]

Correspondence:

Coronary artery complications and the Ross operation
	Cornelius A. Botha, Jürgen O. Böhm, and Wolfgang Hemmer Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:384. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Long-term durability of three mechanical valves
	Jean-Marie T. A. De Smet, Constantin Stefanidis, Martine Antoine, and Georges Primo Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:384. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Long-term durability of three mechanical valves: Reply
	Yuji Naito, Masato Nakajima, Hidenori Inoue, Narutoshi Hibino, Eiki Mizutani, and Koji Tsuchiya Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:384-385. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Aortic valved conduit with a stented xenograft
	Paul P. Urbanski Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:385. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Aortic valved conduit with a stented xenograft: Reply
	Alan D. Hilgenberg and Bassem N. Mora Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:385-386. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
How to avoid problems with reduction aortoplasty
	Sinan Arsan Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:386-387. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
How to avoid problems with reduction aortoplasty: Reply
	Matthias Bauer, Onnen Grauhan, and Roland Hetzer Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:387. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Gas embolization from the left ventricle and aortic root: A possible side effect of high-flow gas insufflation during coronary artery surgery
	Karen M. Brown, Michael M. Sabetai, and Graham E. Venn Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:387-388. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Foscan-mediated photodynamic therapy and operation for malignant pleural mesothelioma
	Hugo Schouwink and Paul Baas Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:388. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Foscan-mediated photodynamic therapy and operation for malignant pleural mesothelioma: Reply
	Joseph S. Friedberg and Stephen M. Hahn Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:388-389. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Persistent air leak after pulmonary resection: the water-valve "foam" problem
	Alfredo Cesario, Domenico Galetta, Stefano Margaritora, Kenji Kawamukai, Venanzio Porziella, and Pierluigi Granone Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:389-390. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Announcements:

Inauguration of electronic-only publication with July 2004 issue
	Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:1. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Corrections:

Correction
	Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:390. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]

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