European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · May 2012
Studies of isolated global brain ischaemia: I. A new large animal model of global brain ischaemia and its baseline perfusion studies.
Neurological injury after global brain ischaemia (i.e. sudden death) remains problematic, despite improving cardiac survival. Unfortunately, sudden death models introduce unwanted variables for studying the brain because of multiple organ injury. To circumvent this, a new minimally invasive large animal model of isolated global brain ischaemia, together with baseline perfusion studies is described. ⋯ This new isolated global brain model consistently caused anatomic, biochemical and functional neurological damage in pigs after 30 min of ischaemia. Flows of 750 cc/min maintained normal mean systemic arterial (90-100 mmHg) pressure, INVOS levels and O(2) consumption. Cerebral pressure and INVOS fell in mid- and low-flow studies. A disparity existed between INVOS oxygen saturation and global O(2) consumption at lower flow rates of 450 cc/min following transient ischaemia, indicating that surface oxygen saturation measurement does not reflect global brain O(2) consumption.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · May 2012
Use of surveillance criteria reduces interstage mortality after the Norwood operation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
While hospital mortality after the Norwood operation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) has decreased steadily, interstage mortality until the superior cavopulmonary anastomosis (SCPA) remains a major concern. Our aim was to institute a home surveillance programme to decrease interstage mortality. ⋯ The home surveillance programme led to an important decrease in interstage mortality. The adherence to the surveillance criteria before discharge resulted in a larger number of patients receiving inpatient treatment until SCPA. Earlier SCPA in the surveillance group had no negative impact on early survival after SCPA.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · May 2012
Characterization of non-technical skills in paediatric cardiac surgery: communication patterns.
The management of non-technical skills in complex surgical domains, such as paediatric cardiac surgery, is being recognized as a major factor for both performance and safety. Communication patterns are very relevant for safety and were analysed in this human-factor observational study. ⋯ Communication is very frequent in paediatric cardiac surgery and shows a complex pattern. There is room for improvement, namely by a more formal and standardized communication flow structure that can be achieved with the help of behavioural, technological and organizational initiatives.