Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Nov 2024
Predicting Extent of Opioid Use Following Cardiac Surgery: A Pilot Study.
This study was designed to test whether a negative affect phenotype reflecting depression, anxiety, anger, and pain catastrophizing predicts inpatient and outpatient opioid use outcomes following cardiac surgery. ⋯ Patients with higher preoperative levels of negative affect (depression, anxiety, anger, and pain catastrophizing) use more inpatient and outpatient opioid analgesics following cardiac surgery, a pattern similar to noncardiac surgery populations. Results support further study of patient-specific approaches to opioid prescribing to reduce the risk for opioid use disorder post-cardiac surgery.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Nov 2024
ReviewAnalysis of The 2024 ESC/EACTS Guidelines For The Management Of Atrial Fibrillation.
The 2024 European Society of Cardiology guidelines for atrial fibrillation (AF) emphasize a patient-centered approach to management, structured around the AF-CARE pathway: Comorbidity and risk factor management (C), Avoiding stroke and thromboembolism (A), Reducing symptoms through rate and rhythm control (R), and Evaluation and dynamic reassessment (E). This framework ensures that comorbidities such as hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, and obesity are effectively managed to prevent disease progression and improve outcomes. A key principle of the guidelines is shared decision making involving patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare teams to ensure individualized care that reflects patient preferences. ⋯ For those with persistent symptoms despite medications, catheter ablation is recommended. Rate control strategies, including beta-blockers, digoxin, and calcium channel blockers, are used to manage heart rate and symptoms. Ongoing education for patients, families, and providers supports informed decision making and dynamic reassessment, optimizing patient outcomes and quality of life.