Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Dec 2009
Comparative StudyAssessment of internal thoracic artery patency with transesophageal echocardiography during coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for assessing patency of internal thoracic artery grafts. ⋯ The authors concluded that the intraoperative assessment of LITA patency with TEE was a markedly useful and powerful tool for anesthesiologists during CABG surgery.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Dec 2009
Pneumonia in a cardiothoracic intensive care unit: incidence and risk factors.
The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, risk factors, and pathogens causing pneumonia in a cardiothoracic intensive care unit (CTICU). ⋯ Pneumonia is a common complication in the CTICU, and the authors recommend the following: the removal of the endotracheal tube as soon as possible, the minimal use of a bronchoscope and only in cases of bronchial obstruction, and the use of NIMV.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Dec 2009
Preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for prolonged intensive care unit stay after aortic arch surgery.
The present study was performed to evaluate preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay after aortic arch surgery. ⋯ The authors identified 4 preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for prolonged ICU stay. This is helpful to identify patients with increased risk for prolonged ICU stay, implement specific strategies, and allocate medical resources.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Dec 2009
The utility of thromboelastography for guiding recombinant activated factor VII therapy for refractory hemorrhage after cardiac surgery.
Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is being increasingly used in cardiac surgical patients with refractory hemorrhage. In this study, the authors assessed the ability of thromboelastography (TEG) in guiding rFVIIa therapy in this setting. ⋯ TEG may be a useful tool for predicting response to rFVIIa in the setting of refractory hemorrhage after cardiac surgery.