Quality, Economics, and National Guidelines for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
We reviewed the most recent guidelines governing the use of TAVR in the United States and Europe, then summarized the available registry data, which, despite its limitations, presents the clearest picture of TAVR in clinical use.
Perioperative Blood Product Use: A Comparison Between HeartWare and HeartMate II Devices
The HeartWare (HW) (Framingham, MA) and the HeartMate II (HM II) (Thoratec Inc, Pleasanton, CA) continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs) are commonly used to bridge patients to transplantation.
Blood Volumes in Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass
The aim of this study was to determine total blood volume (TBV) with a dilution technique and compare the results to commonly utilized TBV calculations.
Direct Comparison Between Cerebral Oximetry by INVOS(TM) and EQUANOX(TM) During Cardiac Surgery: A Pilot Study
In this study, the measurements made with both INVOS(TM) and EQUANOX(TM) oximeters on the forehead of 10 patients during conventional cardiac surgery are directly compared, in order to evaluate the interchangeability of these two devices in clinical practice.
The CentriMag Centrifugal Blood Pump as a Benchmark for In Vitro Testing of Hemocompatibility in Implantable Ventricular Assist Devices
Implantable ventricular assist devices (VADs) have proven efficient in advanced heart failure patients as a bridge-to-transplant or destination therapy.
Comparison of Glycemic and Surgical Outcomes after Change in Glycemic Targets in Cardiac Surgery Patients
The higher glycemic target of 110-140 mg/dL resulted in similar mean glucose values, with significantly less hypoglycemia and no significant differences in mortality/morbidity compared with the more strict target of 80-110 mg/dL.
Veno-Venous Extracorporeal CO2 Removal for the Treatment of Severe Respiratory Acidosis: Pathophysiological and Technical Considerations
The present animal study tested in a systematic fashion technical requirements for successful ECCO2R in terms of cannula size, blood and sweep gas flow.
Intermittent Warm Blood versus Cold Crystalloid Cardioplegia for Myocardial Protection: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis of 12-Year Single-Center Experience
The authors conclude that the type of cardioplegia had no significant influence on clinical outcome.
Removing Extra CO2 in COPD patients
This review will focus on literature published over the last year on the use of ECCO2R for removing extra CO2 in patients experiencing an acute exacerbation of COPD.
Fatal Air Embolism during Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Analysis of an Incident and Prevention Measures
We present a case of a patient who suffered an air embolism
Retrograde Femoral Arterial Perfusion and Stroke Risk during Mminimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery: Is There Cause for Concern?
Recent data have suggested that retrograde arterial perfusion (RAP) during minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) is associated with a higher stroke rate than sternotomy approaches.
DNR and ECMO: A Paradox Worth Exploring
The paper concludes by suggesting that it is prudent to avoid DNR discussions in the context of VA-ECMO