The Annals of thoracic surgery
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To reduce the complexity, complications, and cost of conventional extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, we have developed a technique of simplified arteriovenous extracorporeal CO2 removal (AVCO2R) with a low-resistance membrane gas exchanger for total CO2 removal to provide lung rest in the setting of severe respiratory failure. ⋯ We conclude that AVCO2R in a simple arteriovenous shunt is a less complicated technique than extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and is capable of total CO2 removal that allows a significant reduction in the minute ventilation and peak airway pressure during severe respiratory failure.
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Clinical Trial
Modified ultrafiltration attenuates dilutional coagulopathy in pediatric open heart operations.
Extreme hemodilution caused by relatively large prime volumes required for cardiopulmonary bypass in infants causes a dilutional coagulopathy, characterized by low concentrations of fibrinogen and other circulating coagulation factors. Modified ultrafiltration results in hemoconcentration and is associated with decreases in postoperative bleeding and transfusion requirements in children. This study was undertaken to quantify the effect of modified ultrafiltration on concentrations of fibrinogen, plasma proteins, and platelets in infants and small children. ⋯ We conclude that modified ultrafiltration significantly attenuates the dilutional coagulopathy associated with cardiopulmonary bypass in infants.
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We describe a patient with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction after mitral valve replacement preserving the anterior subvalvular apparatus. Postoperative transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated systolic narrowing of the left ventricular outflow tract by a bulging septum and systolic anterior motion of the preserved anterior mitral leaflet. Septal myectomy and transaortic mitral apparatus resection enabled us to relieve the left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. This suggests that septal hypertrophy might be a relative contraindication to the preservation of the anterior mitral subvalvular apparatus in mitral replacement.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Release of proinflammatory cytokines during pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass: heparin-bonded versus nonbonded oxygenators.
Heparin bonding of the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit may be associated with a reduced inflammatory response and improved clinical outcome. The relative contribution of a heparin-bonded oxygenator (ie, >80% of circuit surface area) to these effects was assessed in a group of pediatric patients. ⋯ The present study confirms the proinflammatory nature of pediatric operations and demonstrates a lessened systemic inflammatory response with the use of heparin-bonded oxygenators. This is achieved without bonding of the entire circuit, which could have significant cost-benefit implications by negating the need for custom-built heparin-bonded circuitry.
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Over the past decade, the use of mechanical circulatory support in patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock has resulted in hospital discharge rates of 25% to 40%. In an attempt to improve patient survival, we initiated a program of early insertion of an implantable Thermocardiosystems Incorporated Heartmate left ventricular assist device in patients who have circulatory failure after having undergone high-risk cardiac operations. ⋯ Long-term outcome after postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock is improved substantially with the use of an implantable left ventricular assist device early in the postoperative course. Access to such a device is an important consideration before undertaking a high-risk cardiac operation, and early implantation of the device is a critical factor in ensuring long-term survival.