Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Jan 2025
Review Historical ArticlePerspectives on the History of Coronary Physiology: Discovery of Major Principles and Their Clinical Correlates.
Coronary circulation plays an essential role in delivering oxygen and metabolic substrates to satisfy the considerable energy demand of the heart. This article reviews the history that led to the current understanding of coronary physiology, beginning with William Harvey's revolutionary discovery of systemic blood circulation in the 17th century, and extending through the 20th century when the major mechanisms regulating coronary blood flow (CBF) were elucidated: extravascular compressive forces, metabolic control, pressure-flow autoregulation, and neural pathways. Pivotal research studies providing evidence for each of these mechanisms are described, along with their clinical correlates. ⋯ Despite reliance on crude experimental techniques, the pioneers in coronary physiology made groundbreaking discoveries upon which our current knowledge is predicated. Further advances in coronary physiology were facilitated by technological developments, including methods to measure phasic CBF and its regional distribution, and by biochemical discoveries, including endothelial vasoactive molecules and adrenergic receptor subtypes. The authors recognize the invaluable contribution made by basic scientists toward the understanding of CBF regulation, and the enormous impact that this fundamental information has had on improving clinical diagnosis, decision-making, and patient care.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Jan 2025
Multicenter StudyEnhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: Status Quo of Implementation in Europe.
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a multimodal care pathway to enhance recovery after surgery that is well established in various surgical disciplines. In pediatric cardiac surgery, implementation of ERAS protocols remains inconsistent. We conducted a survey of active European pediatric cardiac surgical centers to assess the current state of ERAS concepts and the current practice in perioperative pediatric cardiac care. ⋯ This European survey revealed that implementation of ERAS concepts in pediatric cardiac surgery is generally low, with considerable heterogeneity in clinical practice regarding the timing of extubation, the choice of surgical procedures triggering on-table extubation, the choice of anesthetic drugs and the use of regional anesthesia. More coordinated efforts are needed to implement ERAS concepts in pediatric cardiac surgery and harvest the benefits of ERAS concepts for the pediatric cardiac population.
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Because of changing rules and regulations in insurance and reimbursement, critical care physicians must adapt their billing practices to meet the challenges of these complex changes. Reimbursement for critical care billing varies substantially across the country, and staffing models must consider this heterogeneity. This article summarizes the current state of critical care billing and addresses the requirements to generate a critical care bill and the potential circumstances that may result in a denial of payment.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Jan 2025
Comparative Study Observational StudyComparison of Four Intensive Care Scores in Predicting Outcomes After Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Single-center Retrospective Study.
To assess the capability of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, Cardiac Surgery Score (CASUS), and Survival After VA-ECMO (SAVE) in predicting outcomes among a cohort of patients undergoing venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). ⋯ The APACHE-II, SOFA, and CASUS, calculated at 24 hours of ICU admission, were significantly higher among nonsurvivors compared with survivors. The APACHE-II demonstrated the highest mortality predictive ability. APACHE-II scores of 27 or above and SOFA scores of 14 or above at 24 hours of ICU admission after ECMO cannulation can predict mortality and assist physicians in decision-making.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Jan 2025
Observational StudyReduction in Postoperative Right Ventricular Echocardiographic Indices Predicts Longer Duration of Vasoactive Support After Cardiac Surgery.
To assess perioperative right ventricular (RV) echocardiographic indices and their relationship to vasopressor and inotropic support in cardiac surgical patients. The authors hypothesized that a reduction in echocardiographic parameters of RV function would be associated with a longer duration of vasopressor and inotropic support in the intensive care unit (ICU). ⋯ Patients with post-CPB TAPSE <17 mmHg require a longer duration of inotropic support in the ICU. From all measured RV echocardiographic indices, post-CPB FAC is an independent predictor of vasopressor and inotropic support. A reduction of post-CPB TAPSE and FAC in patients undergoing cardiac surgery is indicative of RV dysfunction requiring a longer use of vasopressor and inotropic support and potentially longer stay in the cardiovascular ICU.