Critical care clinics
-
Critical care clinics · Jul 2014
ReviewPerioperative Complications of Cardiac Surgery and Postoperative Care.
The care of the cardiac surgical patient postoperatively is fraught with several complications because of the nature of the surgical procedure itself and the common comorbidities of this patient population. Most complications occurring in the immediate postoperative period are categorized by organ system, and their pathophysiology is presented. Current diagnostic approaches and treatment options are offered. Preventive measures, where appropriate, are also included in the discussion.
-
Right ventricular failure complicates several commonly encountered conditions in the intensive care unit. Right ventricular dilation and paradoxic movement of the interventricular septum on echocardiography establishes the diagnosis. ⋯ Principles of treatment focus on reversal of the underlying cause, optimization of right ventricular preload and contractility, and reduction of right ventricular afterload. Mechanical support with right ventricular assist device or veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can be used in select patients who fail to improve with optimal medical therapy.
-
Critical care clinics · Jul 2014
ReviewHemodynamic Assessment in the Contemporary Intensive Care Unit: A Review of Circulatory Monitoring Devices.
The assessment of the circulating volume and efficiency of tissue perfusion is necessary in the management of critically ill patients. The controversy surrounding pulmonary artery catheterization has led to a new wave of minimally invasive hemodynamic monitoring technologies, including echocardiographic and Doppler imaging, pulse wave analysis, and bioimpedance. This article reviews the principles, advantages, and limitations of these technologies and the clinical contexts in which they may be clinically useful.
-
This article discusses the approach to the management of myocardial infarction (MI) in the intensive care unit setting. It includes an overview of the definition, classification, and underlying pathologic conditions of acute MI and specifically discusses the diagnosis and management of unstable angina, non-ST elevation MI, and ST-segment elevation MI. Diagnosis and treatment of the acute complications of MI are also reviewed.
-
Cardiogenic shock remains a leading cause of mortality despite advances in the treatment of myocardial infarction and advanced heart failure. Medical therapy can be inadequate, and patients may need mechanical circulatory support (MCS). The proper application of MCS requires knowledge of the underlying cause of acute heart failure, familiarity with the circulatory support devices, and the potential benefits and limitations of device therapy. This article describes the most commonly used temporary ventricular assist devices and their use in the various causes of cardiogenic shock.