Bivalirudin and Post-Cardiotomy ECMO: A Word of Caution
Bivalirudin has been proposed as the sole anticoagulant in patients under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or cardiopulmonary bypass.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Pediatric Patients: Our Experience in the Last Ten Years
The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in children after cardiac surgery is well established. ECMO support is becoming an integral tool for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in specified centers.
Variability in Anticoagulation Management of Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: An International Survey
The objective of this study was to determine current practices of anticoagulation in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in the Adult: A Review of Anticoagulation Monitoring and Transfusion
In this review article, we discuss the evolution of the various modalities of ECMO, indications, contraindications, and complications. Furthermore, we review the different strategies for anticoagulation and treatment of coagulopathy while on ECMO. Finally, we discuss the cost of ECMO and associated blood product transfusion.
Techniques and Applications of Perioperative Therapeutic Plasma Exchange
Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is a useful adjunct in the management of antibody-mediated disorders. The indications for TPE now include the perioperative setting. This review updates the anesthesiologist on the relevant clinical indications and precautions of plasma exchange.
Should Patients with Asymptomatic Significant Carotid Stenosis Undergo Simultaneous Carotid and Cardiac Surgery
A best evidence topic in cardiovascular surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether patients with severe asymptomatic carotid and coronary artery diseases should undergo simultaneous carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
Is Crystalloid Cardioplegia a Strong Predictor of Intra-Operative Hemodilution?
Crystalloid cardioplegia, compared to blood cardioplegia not only causes much more intra-operative hemodilution but also increases the blood transfusion requirement.
Update of Transcatheter Valve Treatment
As the evidence accumulates, transcatheter valve treatment might be an alterative surgery for younger patients with surgically low or intermediate risk valvular heart diseases in the near future. In this paper, the updates on transcatheter valve treatment are reviewed.
Updated Treatment Algorithm of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
The current treatment algorithm may be divided into 3 main areas: 1) general measures, supportive therapy, referral strategy, acute vasoreactivity testing and chronic treatment with calcium channel blockers; 2) initial therapy with approved PAH drugs; and 3) clinical response to the initial therapy, combination therapy, balloon atrial septostomy, and lung transplantation. All three sections will be revisited highlighting information newly available in the past 5 years and proposing updates where appropriate.
The 2013 Canadian Cardiovascular Society Heart Failure Management Guidelines Update: Focus on Rehabilitation and Exercise and Surgical Coronary Revascularization
The 2013 Canadian Cardiovascular Society Heart Failure Management Guidelines Update provides focused discussions on the management recommendations on 2 topics: (1) exercise and rehabilitation; and (2) surgical coronary revascularization in patients with heart failure.
Plasma Expander and Blood Storage Effects on Capillary Perfusion in Transfusion after Hemorrhage
The type of plasma expander used for hemodilution influences the short-term outcome of subsequent volume resuscitation
A Novel Rotary Pulsatile Flow Pump for Cardiopulmonary Bypass
A pediatric pulsatile rotary ventricular pump (PRVP) was designed