SURGICAL TREATMENT OF THE "CARDIAC LUNG"
- 2 July 1949
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Medical Association (AMA) in JAMA
- Vol. 140 (9) , 772-776
- https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.1949.02900440014004
Abstract
Engorgement of the lung is the most important complication produced by left ventricular failure or mitral stenosis. Medical treatment is effective, but only during a period of months or years. Sooner or later life becomes intolerable for the patient, and the physician finds himself forced to resort to the use of morphine for the few days or months of life before fatal termination. The medical treatment of the "cardiac lung" is based on the reduction of the waterlogged blood in the lungs, either by improving the efficiency of the left ventricle by administration of digitalis or by reducing the output of the right ventricle by venesection, mercurial diuretics, low sodium diet and morphine (Fishberg1). Surgical treatment must likewise be directed toward the same objective, restoration of equilibrium between the two ventricles. Two types of operation were devised. One is intended to drain off blood from the pulmonary venous systemKeywords
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