Interactive cardiovascular and thoracic surgery
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Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · Apr 2014
ReviewCan the temporary use of right ventricular assist devices bridge patients with acute right ventricular failure after cardiac surgery to recovery?
A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was: Can the temporary use of right ventricular assist devices (RVADs) bridge patients to recovery who suffer acute right ventricular failure after cardiac surgery? More than 183 papers were found using the reported search, of which 13 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. ⋯ However, mortality is higher in percutaneous RVAD patients rather than in surgical RVAD (80-44%) patients. Causes of death cited for patients on an RVAD included multiorgan failure, sepsis, thromboembolic events, reoccurring right heart failure and failure to wean due to persistent right ventricular failure. We conclude that RVADs have been successfully used to bridge patients to recovery after cardiac surgery; however, RVADs carry numerous risks and a high mortality rate.
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Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · Apr 2014
Clinical TrialEffects of a screening and treatment protocol with haloperidol on post-cardiotomy delirium: a prospective cohort study.
Post-cardiotomy delirium is common and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. No gold standard exists for detecting delirium, and evidence to support the choice of treatment is needed. Haloperidol is widely used for treating delirium, but indication, doses and therapeutic targets vary. Moreover, doubt has been raised regarding overall efficacy. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a combination of early detection and standardized treatment with haloperidol on post-cardiotomy delirium, with the hypothesis that the proportion of delirium- and coma-free days could be increased. Length of stay (LOS), complications and 180-day mortality are reported. ⋯ We observed no increase in the proportion of delirium- and coma-free days after introduction of a combination of early detection and standardized treatment with haloperidol on post-cardiotomy delirium. Most patients were not severely affected, and the few who were, proved difficult to treat, indicating that a simple treatment protocol with haloperidol was ineffective.
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Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · Apr 2014
Assessment of global tissue perfusion and oxygenation in neonates and infants after open-heart surgery.
Monitoring and preserving adequate perfusion and oxygen balance is a primary objective of critical care. This prospective observational study aimed to assess the relationship between global haemodynamic parameters and variables reflecting tissue oxygenation during the early period following corrective cardiac surgery in neonates and infants. The postoperative time course of oxygen delivery and consumption was evaluated. As surrogate markers of oxygen balance, the central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) and venoarterial PCO2 difference (PvaCO2) were thoroughly investigated. ⋯ Both the ScvO2 and PvaCO2 are reliable and comparable parameters in following tissue oxygen balance during the early postoperative course after open-heart surgery in neonates and infants. As part of multiparameter monitoring, our data highlight the importance of regular ScvO2 measurements and PvaCO2 calculations in paediatric intensive care.
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Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · Apr 2014
Comparative StudyBeneficial effects of intra-arterial and intravenous prostaglandin E1 in intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion injury.
Ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is encountered in conditions that diminish intestinal blood flow. There is no clinically feasible technique available for mucosal preservation. ⋯ Results of this study showed that administration of prostaglandin E1 prevents I/R injury by diminishing histological damage parameters, inhibiting PMN leucocyte infiltration and attenuating MPO activity.
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Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · Apr 2014
Long-term results of aortic valve resuspension in patients with aortic valve insufficiency and aortic root aneurysm.
'The David technique' may provide an alternative to conduit implantation in patients with an aneurysm of the ascending aorta and aortic valve insufficiency. ⋯ Aortic valve sparing to treat patients with an ascending aortic aneurysm with aortic valve insufficiency is a durable procedure. Aortic valve function remains stable for many years. Valve-related complications are rare, and the rate of reoperations is not increased in comparison to conduit root replacement.