Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Jul 2023
Increasing obesity is associated with lower postoperative bleeding in coronary bypass patients.
Despite inherent comorbidities, obese cardiac surgical patients paradoxically had shown lower morbidity and mortality, although the nature of this association is still unclear. Thus, the authors intended in this large registry-based study to investigate the impact of obesity on short- and long-term postoperative outcomes, focusing on bleeding and transfusion requirements. ⋯ Patients with high BMI may carry protection against postoperative bleeding after cardiac surgery, probably secondary to an inherent hypercoagulable state, whereas underweight patients carry a higher risk of bleeding and worse outcomes.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Jul 2023
Structural and Electrical Integrity of Transesophageal Echocardiography Probes: Importance and Key Concepts.
The clinical utility of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is well-established for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. With the increase in percutaneous structural heart disease procedures that rely on TEE for procedural guidance, the use of TEE probes is expanding. Although there are well-established protocols for routine cleaning and decontaminating TEE probes between patient use, there is a lack of awareness and misconceptions about maintaining TEE probes' structural and electrical integrity. ⋯ From a patient safety standpoint, the ELT is necessary to ensure the longevity of this expensive equipment and prevent disruptions to the workflow in a busy department caused by TEE probes being decommissioned due to probe damage. This technical communication aims to highlight the importance of maintaining TEE probes' structural and electrical integrity. The article also highlights and discusses probe handling techniques between patient use, emphasizing the ELT to ensure patient safety and compliance with national and international standards.