Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
-
J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Feb 2023
ReviewTreatment Strategies in Anemic Patients Before Cardiac Surgery.
Both preoperative anemia and the transfusion of red blood cells have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. To reduce the need for blood transfusion during surgery and improve patient outcomes, patient blood management programs have been developed. A primary focus of patient blood management in the preoperative period is the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of preoperative anemia, as anemia is associated with an increased risk of preoperative blood transfusion. ⋯ Combined therapy might effectively reduce the need for red blood cell transfusion, even if applied shortly before cardiac surgery. The therapeutic effect on morbidity and mortality remains unclear. Nonetheless, the timely preoperative assessment of anemia and determination of iron status, eventually leading to targeted therapy, should become a standard of care and might potentially improve patient outcomes.
-
J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Feb 2023
Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Receipt of Regional Anesthesia Among Patients Undergoing Thoracic Surgery.
The objective of this study was to assess differences in the use of perioperative regional anesthesia for thoracic surgery based on race and ethnicity. ⋯ There were differences observed in the provision of regional anesthesia for thoracic surgery among ethnic groups. Although the results of this study should not be taken as evidence for healthcare disparities, it could be used to support hypotheses for future studies that aim to investigate causes of disparities and corresponding patient outcomes.
-
J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Feb 2023
Delayed Discharge From the Intensive Care Unit Is Associated With Longer Hospital Lengths of Stay.
The study authors sought to determine if delayed discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU) secondary to a lack of floor beds led to longer postoperative hospital length of stay (LOS) or more hospital readmissions. ⋯ The study authors found that patients who had their discharge from the ICU delayed had an increased hospital LOS but a similar rate of hospital readmission.