David P. Mason M.D.

Podgaetz, E., G. S. Schwartz and D. P. Mason (2017). “Minimally invasive posterior basilar segmentectomy by a posterior approach: Should we start flipping?” J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 154(4): 1440-1441.

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Multiple studies have demonstrated that sublobar resection is an acceptable treatment modality for small peripheral tumors without suggestive lymphadenopathy. 1 Although wedge resection can be achieved thoracoscopically for peripheral lesions, lesions located deep in the lung parenchyma often require a segmentectomy or lobectomy to be certain to fully encompass the tumor. Segmentectomies are far less common than lobectomy and are significantly more technically demanding, even when performed via thoracotomy.

Kopecky, K., A. Afzal, J. Felius, S. A. Hall, J. C. Mendez, M. Assar, D. P. Mason and A. S. Bindra (2017). “Bilateral sympathectomy for treatment of refractory ventricular tachycardia.” Pacing Clin Electrophysiol: 2017 Aug [Epub ahead of print].

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Ventricular tachycardia (VT) commonly occurs in patients with ischemic or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and requires anti-arrhythmic drugs, ablation or advanced circulatory support. However, life-threatening VT may be refractory to these therapies, and may cause frequent implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) discharges. Left cardiac sympathetic denervation reduces the occurrence of these fatal arrhythmias by inhibiting the sympathetic outflow to the cardiac tissue. We present a 69-year-old man with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, life-threatening VT, and hemodynamic instability with numerous ICD discharges who remained refractory to antiarrhythmic drug therapy and ablation attempts. He was effectively treated with bilateral cardiac sympathectomy. Six months later, he remained free of VT with no ICD discharges.