Interactive cardiovascular and thoracic surgery
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Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · Aug 2009
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for treatment of cardiac failure in adult patients.
This report reviews our experience in venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support treatment in adult patients with cardiac failure, as well as analysis of the risk factors of early mortality. From February 2005 to June 2008, 45 patients undergoing cardiogenic shock required temporary ECMO support. They were divided into three groups: post-cardiotomy (n=31) and post-transplantation (n=5) heart failure, decompensated heart failure (n=9). ⋯ The dominant mode of death was multisystem organ failure (9/19). ECMO offers effective cardiopulmonary support in adults. The better outcome requires a multidisciplinary approach to prevent complications unique to itself and limit organ injury before and during this support.
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Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · Aug 2009
Cardiopulmonary bypass line sternal wrapping for protection and haemostasis.
Sternal marrow haemostasis is often obtained with the application of bone wax, with potential side effects pertaining to sternal wound healing. We illustrate an alternative technique which also offers some protection to sternal edges. ⋯ After sternotomy they are placed across each sternal edge and kept in position by two stitches and the spreader blades. They are removed just before sternal closure.