Postdischarge Environment Following Heart Failure Hospitalization: Expanding the View of Hospital Readmission
Readmission after hospitalization for heart failure (HF) has received increasing attention due to the significant burden it places on patients and payers.
Introspection Into Institutional Database Allows for Focused Quality Improvement Plan in Cardiac Surgery: Example for a New Global Healthcare System
In accordance with the Patient Protection andAffordable 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.
A Prediction Model to Identify Patients at High Risk for 30-Day Readmission After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
We aimed to develop and validate prediction models to assist clinicians and hospitals in identifying patients at highest risk for 30-day readmission after PCI.
Value-Based Purchasing and The Doctor-Patient Relationship
Hospitals will be graded according to points awarded for quality achievement, improvement from baseline, and consistency.
Management of Blood Transfusion in Aortic Valve Surgery: Impact of a Blood Conservation Strategy
There are limited data in the literature concerning the effect of a blood conservation strategy (BCS) on aortic valve replacement (AVR) patients.
Minimally Invasive Mitral Surgery Through Right Mini-Thoracotomy Under Direct Vision
Based on our extensive experience we believe that mitral valve repair through a right mini-thoracotomy provides a durable and safe alternative to a traditional sternotomy with the benefits of improved cosmesis, reduced post-operative pain, less blood loss with fewer blood transfusions, fewer infections, shorter length of stay, and faster return to activity.
Desmopressin for Reducing Postoperative Blood Loss and Transfusion Requirements Following Cardiac Surgery in Adults
A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was, in adult patients undergoingcardiac surgery requiring extracorporeal cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), does administration of desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) reduce postoperativeblood loss and transfusion requirements?
Simultaneous Inflammatory Pseudotumors of the Coronary Arteries and Abdominal Aorta
We herein report a rare case of cardiac and abdominal aortic inflammatory pseudotumors (IPTs). The pathological diagnosis was IPT, which was judged to be inoperable because of its anatomical location and the fact that the patient was a Jehovah's Witness, which precluded the administration of heterologous blood transfusions.
Splanchnic Oxygen Saturation Immediately After Weaning From Cardiopulmonary Bypass Can Predict Early Postoperative Outcomes in Children Undergoing Congenital Heart Surgery
After weaning from CPB, splanchnic rSO2 may be superior to rSO2 measured from brain and kidney in predicting an increased requirement for vasoactive inotropic support, a prolonged mechanical ventilation, and a longer postoperative hospital stay for children.
Association of Plasma Dilution with Cardiopulmonary Bypass-Associated Bleeding and Morbidity
To investigate the relationship of cardiopulmonary bypass-associated plasma dilution with blood product transfusion and postoperative morbidity.
Prolonged Duration ECMO for ARDS: Futility, Native Lung Recovery, or Transplantation?
We recommend redefining irreversible lung injury and futility in ECMO.
Arterial Grafting and Complete Revascularization: Challenge or Compromise?
Complete revascularization with arterial grafts presents both technical and physiological challenges.