Transfusion Practice varies Widely in Cardiac Surgery: Results from a National Registry
Variation in transfusion of all components and large volume RBC was identified,
Early Feasibility Testing and Engineering Development of the Transapical Approach for the HeartWare MVAD Ventricular Assist System
A new cannula configuration has been developed for transapical implantation, where the outflow cannula is positioned across the aortic valve
Systemic Effects of Carbon Dioxide Insufflation Technique for De-Airing in Left-Sided Cardiac Surgery
Insufflation of CO2 into the cardiothoracic wound cavity during left-sided cardiac surgery can induce hypercapnic acidosis and increased cerebral blood flow and local blood cell damage.
Miniaturized Cardiopulmonary Bypass: The Hammersmith Technique
The Hammersmith mCPB is a "next generation" system which uses standard commercially available components.
Blood Transfusion during versus after Cardiopulmonary Bypass is Associated with Postoperative Morbidity in Neonates undergoing Cardiac Surgery
multivariate analyses confirmed an independent association of transfusion On-CPB with an adverse clinical outcome.
Medical Device Safety Alert: Edwards Lifesciences Femoral Arterial and Venous Cannula
Edwards Lifesciences has identified an increase in the use of our Femoral Arterial and Venous Cannula in adult and pediatric populations in a manner that is not intended
The Operating Surgeon Is an Independent Predictor of Chest Tube Drainage Following Cardiac Surgery
Bleeding into the chest is a major cause of blood transfusion and adverse outcomes following cardiac surgery. The authors investigated predictors of bleeding following cardiac surgery to identify potentially correctable factors.
Introspection into Institutional Database Allows for Focused Quality Improvement Plan in Cardiac Surgery: Example for a New Global Healthcare System
Reducing readmission rates is vital to improving quality of care and reducing healthcare costs. In accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Medicare will cut payments to hospitals with high 30-day readmission rates. We retrospectively reviewed an institutional database to identify risk factors predisposing adult cardiac surgery patients to rehospitalization within 30 days of discharge.
Comparison of Two Tranexamic Acid Dose Regimens in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Valve Surgery
Tranexamic acid (TA), a synthetic antifibrinolytic drug, has been shown to reduce postoperative bleeding and the need for allogeneic blood transfusion in cardiac surgery. However, the optimal dose regimen of TA is still under debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a lower-dose TA regimen produced equivalent efficacy to its higher-dose counterpart in reducing postoperative bleeding and transfusion needs.
The Effect of Tranexamic Acid in Blood Loss and Transfusion Volume in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery: A Single-Surgeon Experience
Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to decrease blood loss in cardiac and joint surgery. Few studies have examined its use in pediatric spine surgery, and the results are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to determine whether TXA decreases intraoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion by a single surgeon.
Platelet Dysfunction as Measured by a Point-of-Care Monitor is an Independent Predictor of High Blood Loss in Cardiac Surgery
Excessive bleeding carries a heavy burden of illness in cardiac surgery. Although platelet dysfunction is considered to be an important cause, it is not routinely measured. Our objective was to explore the relationship between platelet dysfunction and blood loss in cardiac surgery.
Association Between Value-Based Purchasing Score and Hospital Characteristics
Medicare hospital Value-based purchasing (VBP) program that links Medicare payments to quality of care will become effective from 2013. It is unclear whether specific hospital characteristics are associated with a hospital's VBP score, and consequently incentive payments.The objective of the study was to assess the association of hospital characteristics with (i) the mean VBP score, and (ii) specific percentiles of the VBP score distribution.