Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Apr 2005
Case ReportsTransesophageal echocardiography-related gastrointestinal complications in cardiac surgical patients.
The aim of this audit was to determine the incidence of major gastrointestinal (GI) complications associated with intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in adult cardiac surgical patients in this institution. ⋯ The incidence of major GI complications attributed to TEE in this group of cardiac surgical patients was higher than previously reported. Late presentation was more common than early presentation. Previous studies that have not included late presentations may have underestimated the true incidence of major GI complications related to TEE.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Apr 2005
Feasibility and potential clinical utility of goal-directed transthoracic echocardiography performed by noncardiologist intensivists using a small hand-carried device (SonoHeart) in critically ill patients.
This study was designed to assess the clinical applicability of a small, handheld, portable transthoracic echocardiography device by noncardiologist intensivists. ⋯ After a brief formal training in using this handheld echocardiographic system in intensive care unit patients, surgical intensivists successfully performed and correctly interpreted a limited TTE in critically ill patients. Limited TTE provided new information and altered management in a significant number of patients. This study supports incorporating bedside goal-directed, limited TTE into intensivists' training programs.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Apr 2005
Comparative StudyOff-pump coronary artery bypass grafting reduces postoperative neurologic complications.
Complications occurring after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, particularly neurologic damage, have been mainly correlated with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The aim of this work was to compare postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing CABG surgery, with or without the use of CPB, focusing on neurologic events. ⋯ In the authors' experience, off-pump CABG surgery offers some benefits compared with CPB in respect to major neurologic complications.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Apr 2005
Comparative StudyImmediate extubation after aortic valve surgery using high thoracic epidural analgesia or opioid-based analgesia.
Fast-track anesthesia has gained widespread use in cardiac centers around the world. No study has been published focusing on immediate extubation after aortic valve surgery. This study examines the feasibility and hemodynamic stability of immediate extubation after simple or combined aortic valve surgery using either thoracic epidural analgesia or opioid-based analgesia. ⋯ Immediate extubation is feasible after aortic valve surgery using either high thoracic epidural analgesia or opioid-based analgesia; both techniques maintain hemodynamic stability throughout surgery. TEA provides superior pain control.