Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Nov 2021
ReviewRisk Stratification and Optimization to Prevent Right Heart Failure During Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.
Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation results in superior survival rates compared with optimal medical therapy in patients with end-stage heart failure. However, a potential complication of LVAD implantation is right heart failure (RHF), which can be devastating. ⋯ This review focuses on methods of assessing the risk factors for RHF before surgery, including evaluation of biomarkers, echocardiography, hemodynamics, risk-scoring systems, and existing conditions of right heart dysfunction. In addition, the review also explores the perioperative strategic approaches to reducing the likelihood of RHF.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Nov 2021
ReviewAnesthesia for Combined Heart and Liver Transplantation.
A heart or liver transplantation procedure performed in isolation itself presents multiple challenges for the perioperative team. Accordingly, combining both transplants yields a vastly more complicated surgery, with many unique multisystem and multidisciplinary considerations. Although combined heart and liver transplantations are being performed with increasing frequency, nationwide experience is relatively limited at most institutions. The aim of this review is to discuss the perioperative challenges presented to the anesthesiology teams and provide evidence-based guidance for the management of these daunting procedures.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Nov 2021
ReviewMechanisms, Prevention, and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery: A Narrative Review.
New onset of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) generally is recognized as a frequent and debilitating complication after cardiac surgery, contributing to a considerable health- care cost. Extensive research has been conducted to study the underlying mechanisms and risk factors of AF in the perioperative period. Many options have been suggested to lower the incidence, and the concurrent cost in health resources. ⋯ The latter incorporates recent developments in the anesthesthetic approach as well as in the pharmacologic arsenal. In addition, the current review provides a tool for understanding the pathophysiology of AF and for reducing the occurrence after cardiac surgery. By using it, clinicians can manage patients with AF in the perioperative period of cardiac surgery and minimize the relatively high economic cost that accompanies it.