Asian cardiovascular & thoracic annals
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Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann · May 2018
Case ReportsExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation in pheochromocytoma-induced cardiogenic shock.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been extensively used for cardiopulmonary support in cardiogenic shock. However, its clinical value in the management of pheochromocytoma crisis remains unclear. We report a rare case of life-threatening cardiogenic shock managed with peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation combined with endovascular left ventricular venting, in a 40-year-old female patient, in the setting of unknown adrenal pheochromocytoma. We highlight the life-saving role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in undiagnosed endocrine emergencies, allowing cardiac and end-organ recovery, and giving time for accurate diagnosis and specific treatment in such unusual situations.
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Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann · Mar 2018
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a rescue measure after thoracic surgery.
Background Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is used for many different conditions including respiratory distress, cardiogenic shock, and trauma. In these patient groups, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been extensively studied. Recently, it has been used as a rescue measure in patients experiencing acute respiratory distress after thoracic surgery. ⋯ The contribution margin was $109,200 per case. Conclusions Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a tool that saves lives in many different patient populations but it does not appear to be as effective in patients experiencing acute respiratory distress syndrome after thoracic surgery. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in this group also uses a tremendous amount of hospital resources.
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Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann · Mar 2018
Case ReportsPulmonary mucormycosis mimicking an endobronchial mass.
Mucormycosis is an opportunistic fungal infection that can infect different regions of the body. This entity may present in rhinocerebral, pulmonary, cutaneous, and disseminated forms. Although pulmonary mucormycosis is usually seen as an invasive parenchymal consolidation or cavitation, it may rarely present as an endobronchial mass. We describe a case of endobronchial mucormycosis in which the fungal mass was completely removed via rigid bronchoscopy before medical therapy.
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Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann · Mar 2018
The role of thoracic surgery in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation services.
Background Recent evidence surrounding the use of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in treating acute respiratory failure has led to the expansion of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation services worldwide. The high rate of complications related to venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation often requires intervention by specialist thoracic surgeons. This study aimed to investigate the role of specialist thoracic surgeons within the multidisciplinary team managing these high-risk patients. ⋯ Survival to discharge for patients who underwent thoracic surgical interventions was 72% (18/25). Conclusions Our experience has demonstrated that a large proportion of patients receiving venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation require a thoracic intervention, many of which are major intraoperative procedures. Patients on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation have benefited from rapid on-site access to thoracic surgical services to manage these challenging life-threatening complications.
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Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann · Jan 2018
ReviewCurrent indications for stentless aortic bioprostheses.
The best aortic prostheses have been debated for decades. The introduction of stentless aortic bioprostheses was aimed at improving hemodynamics and potentially the durability of aortic bioprostheses. Despite the good short- and long-term outcomes after implantation of stentless aortic bioprostheses, their use remains limited owing to the technically demanding implantation techniques. Nevertheless, stentless aortic bioprostheses might be of special benefit in certain indications, where they could be a valuable addition to the surgical armamentarium.