Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Feb 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialA prospective, randomized study of the effects of continuous ultrafiltration in hepatic patients after cardiac valve surgery.
The use of continuous ultrafiltration may be effective in preventing the hepatic decompensation in cirrhotic patients after valvular heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The authors aimed to evaluate the effects of continuous ultrafiltration on the need for blood transfusion, liver function tests, duration of postoperative ventilatory support, and the length of the intensive care unit (ICU) stay in cirrhotic patients undergoing valvular heart surgery. ⋯ The authors concluded that continuous ultrafiltration reduced postoperative bleeding and blood transfusions, improved liver function, and shortened the hospital stay in cirrhotic patients after valvular heart surgery.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Feb 2010
Epicardial real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography with the use of a pediatric transthoracic probe: a technical approach.
The aim of the present study was to suggest a simple and comprehensive method for performing real-time 3-dimensional (3D) epicardial echocardiography with a pediatric probe small enough for the surgical field. Intraoperative echocardiography is a necessary tool for planning and performing cardiac surgery. Although epicardial intraoperative echocardiography is intended for few patients, it is a part of an exhaustive approach to intraoperative echocardiography. ⋯ Three-dimensional epicardial echocardiography is feasible, and in the x-plane modality it is quicker than standard epicardial 2-dimensional examination. According to the judgment of independent observers, it provides high-quality and reproducible images, which are particularly valuable for mitral valve repair.