The Future:Therapy of Myocardial Protection
Recent studies have proposed that old, inexpensive drugs--in human use for decades (e.g., β-blockers and cyclosporine, among others)--can reduce ischemia/reperfusion injury, I/R injury, when administered intravenously before coronary opening. The demonstration of such a cardioprotective effect should have a significant impact in the care of AMI patients.
Perioperative Coagulation Management During Cardiac Surgery
Prospective randomized multicenter studies are needed to confirm the hypothesis that algorithm-based specific hemotherapy in conjunction with POC testing minimizes patient's exposure to blood products and improves clinical outcome.
Anaortic, Total-Arterial, Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery-Why Bother
Some recent trials comparing conventional on-pump CABG with OPCAB have questioned the efficacy of the off-pump technique - these are most often performed with manipulation of the ascending aorta. We review the potential benefits of the anaortic, total-arterial OPCAB technique to explain why it is being employed by an increasing number of surgeons.
Value of Internal Thoracic Artery Grafting to the Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery at Coronary Reoperation
The study sought to determine if left internal thoracic artery (LITA) grafting of the left anterior descending (LAD) at reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) improves patient outcomes.
Effects of Fibrinogen Concentrate as First-line Therapy during Major Aortic Replacement Surgery: A Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial
Hemostatic therapy with fibrinogen concentrate in patients undergoing aortic surgery significantly reduced the transfusion of allogeneic blood products. Larger multicenter studies are necessary to confirm the role of fibrinogen concentrate in the management of perioperative bleeding in patients with life-threatening coagulopathy.
The Year in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia: Selected Highlights from 2012
The year 2012 has witnessed the emergence of new paradigms of care in our specialty with the emphasis on teamwork, safety, and quality. These processes will further improve perioperative outcome.
Transfusion and Risk of Acute Kidney Injury in Cardiac Surgery
This narrative review focuses on the relationship between perioperative red blood cell transfusion and AKI after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).
Teaching Behaviors in the Cardiac Surgery Simulation Environment
To understand how teaching behaviors contribute to simulation-based learning, we used a 7-category educational framework to assess the teaching behaviors used in basic skills training.
Preconditioning Protects the Heart in a Prolonged Uremic Condition
We conclude that although prolonged experimental uremia leads to severe metabolic changes and the development of a mild myocardial dysfunction, the cardioprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning is still preserved.
Evolution of General Surgical Problems in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Patients with LVADs frequently require consultation from noncardiac surgeons within the scope of general surgeons and often require operation.
The Heparin Recall of 2008
This article will review the discovery of heparin and the adulteration process that jeopardized the world's heparin supply.
Speaking up is Related to Better Team Performance in Simulated Anesthesia Inductions: An Observational Study
This study provides empirical evidence and shows mechanisms for the positive relationship between speaking-up behavior and technical team performance.