Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
-
To evaluate whether echocardiographic assessment using the subcostal-only window (EASy) compared with focused transthoracic echocardiography (FTTE) using three windows (parasternal, apical, and subcostal) can provide critical information to serve as an entry-point technique for novice sonographers. ⋯ When images could be obtained from the subcostal window (the EASy examination), qualitative diagnostic information was sufficiently accurate compared with information obtained during FTTE examination. Our findings suggest that the EASy examination can serve as the entry point technique to FTTE for novice clinicians.
-
Case Reports
Acute plastic bronchitis after Ross procedure treated with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Plastic bronchitis is a rare condition characterized by the formation of airway casts occluding the lower respiratory tract. It is described more commonly in children, especially following correction of congenital heart disease. It involves lymphatic abnormalities leading to endobronchial lymph precipitating airway cast formation. When it presents acutely, it can lead to acute airway obstruction, which can be life-threatening. Plastic bronchitis has been rarely described in adults and is potentially underdiagnosed. The purpose of this case report is to emphasize, for the adult anesthesiologist and adult critical care physician, the importance of prompt diagnosis and respiratory support in a case of plastic bronchitis. ⋯ Plastic bronchitis can present in adult patients and be life-threatening when associated with acute respiratory failure. We report an unusual case of an adult patient treated with veno-venous ECMO for plastic bronchitis following cardiac surgery. Use of ECMO support while providing airway cleaning can be lifesaving in patients with respiratory failure secondary to plastic bronchitis.
-
Review Meta Analysis
Iron supplementation for patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Iron supplementation has been evaluated in several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for its potential to increase baseline hemoglobin and decrease red blood cell transfusion during cardiac surgery. This study's main objective was to evaluate the current evidence for iron administration in cardiac surgery patients. ⋯ The current literature does not support or refute the routine use of iron therapy in cardiac surgery patients.