Journal of cardiac surgery
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Endothoracic injection of room air for internal mammary artery harvest.
Arterial spasm is described as an event occurring after internal mammary artery (IMA) harvesting. Endothoracic papaverine and carbon dioxide application have been used to prevent IMA spasm before surgical dissection. This technique may make harvest quicker and easier. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of room air injection into the endothoracic fascia on IMA blood flow and harvest time. ⋯ Injection of room air beneath the endothoracic fascia before IMA dissection may prevent spasm and shorten harvest time, which avoids any risk of intimal injury.
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Comparative Study
Effects of inhaled nitric oxide following lung transplantation.
Lung transplantation offers an established therapeutic option for end-stage lung disease. It is associated with several complications, and early allograft failure is one of the most devastating among all. Different studies are focused on an attempt to minimize these complications, especially transplant failure. We aimed to evaluate the effects of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) treatment in patients receiving lung transplantation. ⋯ Nitric oxide inhalation for the prevention and treatment of early allograft failure in lung transplant recipients is encouraging. It is superior to other vasodilators with its selectivity to the pulmonary vasculature, while having no significant side effects on systemic circulation. It appears to improve gas exchange and oxygenation properties. Further prospective randomized studies will aid to standardize inhalation nitric oxide therapy.
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Comparative Study
The impact of intraaortic balloon counterpulsation on bypass graft flow in patients with peripheral ECMO.
Numerous reports have been performed to investigate the hemodynamic effects of intraaortic balloon pumping (IABP) and nonpulsatile circulatory extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), but studies on its impact on coronary artery bypass graft flow during concomitant use of IABP and ECMO are lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of additional IABP support on the degree of blood flow increase in bypass grafts in high-risk patients with nonpulsatile femoral venoarterial ECMO. ⋯ We conclude that IABP-induced pulsatility significantly improves coronary bypass graft flows during nonpulsatile peripheral ECMO.
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Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is a mechanical circulatory support indicated for the advanced treatment of refractory heart failure. The cannulation of the femoral vessels may be complicated by distal limb ischemia by arterial hypoperfusion and severe edema by venous obstruction. We describe a modified cannulation technique in order to prevent ischemia and edema of the inferior limb during VA-ECMO.
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Predictive models for the length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) following cardiac surgery have been developed in the last decade. These risk models use different endpoint and risk factor definitions. This review discusses the need for a uniform multi-institutional risk scoring system for a prolonged ICU LOS. ⋯ There is a need for the development of a multi-institutional risk scoring system for prolonged ICU LOS following cardiac surgery. This predictive model could aid in quality assessment, practice improvement, patient counseling, and decision making. In order to develop this risk model, uniformed and standardized definitions are needed.