The End Organ Protection in Cardiac Surgery
Mortality and morbidity post cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) remain relative stable over the last decades, while the number of patients with increased co-morbidity and more complex cardiac disease increases.
Methylene Blue and Vasoplegia: Who, When, and How
Vasoplegia has been observed in all age groups and in various clinical settings, such as anaphylaxis (including protamine reaction), sepsis, hemorrhagic shock, hemodialysis, and cardiac surgery.
From Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation to Ventricular Assist Device Oxygenation without Sternotomy
We report a method of minimally invasive LV drainage while the patient is receiving peripheral ECMO support and subsequent staged switch to paracorporeal LVAD without the need for a median sternotomy.
Early Risk of Mortality after Coronary Artery Revascularization in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Potential Role of the Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation for prevention of sudden cardiac death is typically deferred for 90 days after coronary revascularization, but mortality may be highest early after cardiac procedures in patients with ventricular dysfunction. We determined mortality risk in post-revascularization patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35% and compared survival to those discharged with a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD).
Marfan Syndrome: Correct Diagnosis Can Save Lives
Marfan syndrome is a heritable disorder of the connective tissue that affects many systems of the body. However, the most serious complication in patients with Marfan syndrome is progressive enlargement of the aortic root, which may lead to aortic dissection, rupture, or aortic regurgitation.
Methylene Blue to Treat Vasoplegia due to a Severe Protamine Reaction: A Case Report
This case report describes a 57-year-old woman who after cardiac bypass experienced a severe protamine reaction with profound hypotension, which was unresponsive to volume resuscitation and vasopressor therapy.
Incompatible ABO-Plasma Exchange and its Impact on Patient Selection in Paediatric Cardiac Transplantation
We report the results of a decade of evolving plasma exchange experience and its impact upon patient selection.
Assessment of Inflammatory Response to Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Compared to Transapical and Surgical Procedures: A Pilot Study
Surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) has been associated with systemic inflammatory reactions. Yet, the role of inflammation following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has not been fully elucidated.
Preliminary Evidence for Reduced Preoperative Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity as a Risk Factor for Cognitive Decline Three Months after Cardiac Surgery: An Extension Study
This extension study investigated the association between preoperative cerebral blood flow (CBF) velocity and postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) at a three-month follow-up in patients who underwent cardiac surgery.
Drug Shortages in the Perioperative Setting: Causes, Impact, and Strategies
Concern about drug shortages is growing, particularly because they can cause significant patient harm.
The Science behind Percutaneous Hemodynamic Support: A Review and Comparison of Support Strategies
With these goals in mind, the scientific principles that govern hemodynamic effectiveness and myocardial protection as they pertain to acute support devices are reviewed.
Cardiac Power Index: Staging Heart Failure for Mechanical Circulatory Support
We compared cardiac power index to other commonly used hemodynamic parameters to validate its usefulness to stage heart failure patients and determine the optimal time for implantation of mechanical circulatory support.