Clopidogrel (Plavix) and Cardiac Surgical Patients: Implications for Platelet Function monitoring and Postoperative Bleeding
The use of clopidogrel (Plavix), an inhibitor of adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation, has been proven to reduce ischemic events in cardiovascular […]
Emory Univ. Hospital (Ga.): Warns patients of possible CJD exposure
Atlanta-based Emory University Hospital yesterday began informing some patients that they may have been exposed to a mad cow-like disease called Creutzfeldt-Jakob […]
Perfusionist Code of Ethics
The purpose of a code of ethics is to acknowledge a profession's acceptance of the responsibility and trust conferred upon it by society and to recognize the internal obligations inherent in that trust. The following paragraphs delineate the standards governing the conduct of members in their professional interactions with patients, colleagues, other health professionals and the general public.
Writing A Press Release
One of the most important lessons that beginners need to learn is that writing media releases is all about developing a persuasive communication within the framework of a traditional news story format.
Amiodarone Prevents Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
In patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), the combination of intravenous and oral amiodarone given perioperatively decreases the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) that often occurs after the procedure, according to a report in the September issue of Chest.
Multislice Spiral CT Detects Dysfunctional Coronary Bypass Grafts
Noninvasive coronary imaging using 16-detector row multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) is feasible for visualization of coronary bypass grafts and coronary artery lesions, two research teams in Germany report.
Reduction of Myocardial Reperfusion Injury by Aprotinin After Regional Ischemia and Cardioplegic Arrest
Aprotinin reduces reperfusion injury after regional ischemia and cardioplegic arrest. Protease inhibition may represent a molecular strategy to prevent postoperative myocardial injury after surgical revascularization with cardiopulmonary bypass.
Prebypass Checklist
This is a sample pre-bypass perfusion checklist provided by AmSECT.
Albumin Versus Crystalloid for Pump Priming in Cardiac Surgery: Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials
Albumin prime better preserves platelet counts than crystalloid. Albumin also favorably influences colloid oncotic pressure, on-bypass positive fluid balance, postoperative weight gain, and colloid usage. The
Selective Antegrade Cerebral Perfusion Attenuates Brain Metabolic Deficit in Aortic Arch Surgery
SACP attenuates the metabolic changes seen after HCA. Further studies are required to assess optimal perfusion conditions and clinical outcome.
Medicare to Cover More Implanted Heart Devices
The U.S. government on Tuesday proposed expanding Medicare coverage for costly, potentially life-saving implanted heart devices, a decision expected to benefit makers Guidant Corp., Medtronic Inc. and St. Jude Medical Inc.