Interactive cardiovascular and thoracic surgery
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Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · Oct 2010
Improved outcomes of paediatric extracorporeal support associated with technology change.
This study aims to evaluate the impact of a change in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) technology on patient and circuit outcomes. A retrospective single-centre study of all ECMO runs from 1988 to 2006 was performed. Predictors of survival to hospital discharge (primary outcome measure) were evaluated in the entire cohort by univariate and multivariate analysis. ⋯ There was a significant reduction in mechanical circuit complications in the respiratory ECMO subgroup. A significant improvement in patient survival outcomes and reduction in mechanical circuit complications was noted in the current era. This improvement was associated with a change in ECMO technology.
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Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · Oct 2010
Does the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs after cardiac surgery increase the risk of renal failure?
A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief post-cardiac surgery increases the risk of renal failure. Altogether 53 papers were found using the reported search, of which 11 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. ⋯ In contrast, one RCT assessing these COX-2 inhibitors detected a significant increase in the incidence of oliguria in this group compared to controls (parecoxib/valdecoxib: 14.5%, controls: 9.9%, P=0.187) as well as renal dysfunction (parecoxib/valdecoxib: 1.9%, controls: 0%, P=0.184). Three retrospective studies within paediatric populations, including one cohort study and two chart reviews, found various parameters of renal function, such as serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, to be similar between ketorolac and control groups. We conclude that NSAIDs are not associated with an increased risk of renal failure after cardiac surgery when administered at optimal 'renal' doses, within early postoperative settings, to patients at low-risk of renal dysfunction in whom NSAIDs are not contraindicated.
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Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · Oct 2010
Does off-pump coronary artery revascularization improve the long-term survival in patients with ventricular dysfunction?
Coronary artery revascularization with cardiopulmonary bypass (ONCAB) has been reported to carry several risks for patients with poor left ventricular (LV) function (ejection fraction <30%). Off-pump CABG (OPCAB) has been proposed to result in a better outcome, but mid- and long-term survival rates have never been compared. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of cardiopulmonary bypass on this group of patients. ⋯ Despite the reported benefits of OPCAB, there was no significant influence on the in-hospital mortality, mid-term survival or long-term survival in patients with LV dysfunction. With adequate myocardial protection in ONCAB and complete revascularization in OPCAB, similar results are achievable.
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Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · Oct 2010
Is blood pleurodesis effective for determining the cessation of persistent air leak?
A best evidence topic in thoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed whether blood pleurodesis is effective for cessation of persistent air leak (PAL). Altogether more than 43 papers were found using the reported search, of which 10 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. ⋯ Recurrence rates were between 0 and 29% compared with 35-41% for simple drainage, although one controlled study in which the recurrence rate was improved from 16% in controls to 0% in the blood pleurodesis group (at 12-48 months). Minor complication (empyema/fever/pleural effusion) rates varied between studies (0-18%), although they show reduced incidence in line with improving technique over time. A controlled study looking at acute respiratory distress syndrome complicated by pneumothorax showed a significant reduction in mortality (odds ratio 0.6), time to cessation of air leak (P<0.01), weaning time (P<0.01) and intensive treatment unit (ITU) stay (P<0.01) whilst another randomized control study showed significant reduction in hospital stay following pulmonary resection (P<0.001).