Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting–The Current State
The benefits of OPCAB techniques may be more apparent for patients at high risk for complications associated with CPB and aortic manipulation. Recent studies have demonstrated improved outcomes in higher-risk patients undergoing OPCAB, as well as improved neurological outcomes. The purpose of this review is to outline the recent literature comparing OPCAB with ONCAB, and to demonstrate efficacy of OPCAB as a useful technique for coronary revascularization.
Patients Overestimate the Potential Benefits of Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Although percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reduces mortality in the setting of myocardial infarction (MI), recent studies suggest that the benefits of PCI for chronic Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) are predominantly related to angina relief and improved quality of life. Whether patients in the current era understand these benefits of elective PCI, or perceive that they also derive protection against death and MI is unknown.
Is Menopause a Risk Factor for Ischemic Heart Disease in Women?
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in men and women worldwide. The apparent cardioprotective effects of endogenous estrogens seem to prevent CVD in premenopausal women.
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).
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.
Cardioprotective Effect of Melatonin against Ischaemia/Reperfusion Damage
Melatonin, both in the picomolar and micromolar range, significantly reduces infarct size and improves functional recovery during reperfusion.
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion and Ligation Devices: What is Available, How to Implement Them, and how to Manage and Avoid Complications
Surgical ligation or excision of the LAA is considered the standard of care in patients who undergo mitral valve surgery or as an adjunct to a surgical Maze procedure for treatment of AF.
Managing a Surgical Exsanguination Emergency in the Operating Room through Simulation: An Interdisciplinary Approach
Operating room (OR) emergencies, such as fire, anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, and exsanguination, are infrequent, but high-risk situations that can result in significant morbidity and mortality.
The Use of ECMO for Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn: A Decade of Experience
The objectives of this study were to use the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry to review the outcomes of neonates with PPHN receiving ECMO, and to identify pre-ECMO variables that may be associated with increased mortality.
A Thrombus Susceptibility Comparison of Two Pulsatile Penn State 50 cc Left Ventricular Assist Device Designs
Results of this study indicate that the V-2 device had an overall lower propensity for thrombus formation in the current region of interest.