Seminars in cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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Semin Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth · Mar 2015
Noteworthy articles in 2014 for cardiothoracic anesthesiologists.
In 2014, cardiothoracic anesthesiology again generated high-quality scientific work published in highly regarded journals. Our specialty continues to make significant strides in the creation and implementation of protocols to improve outcomes in our patients, which undoubtedly contribute to a safer hospital environment for patients and employees alike. Another theme that stirred a lot of interest in the past year is the search for patient-centered treatment plans. Even though we are still some time away from truly personalized medicine, our specialty starts to ask and answer exciting questions: Would we treat patient A any different from patient B if their genetic profiles were easily accessible? Could individualized treatment choices influence our patients' immediate and long-term outcomes? For this review, we selected a sample of relevant contributions to the field of cardiothoracic anesthesiology in 2014 with potential impact on our clinical routine.
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Semin Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth · Mar 2015
ReviewCircadian rhythms in anesthesia and critical care medicine: potential importance of circadian disruptions.
The rotation of the earth and associated alternating cycles of light and dark--the basis of our circadian rhythms--are fundamental to human biology and culture. However, it was not until 1971 that researchers first began to describe the molecular mechanisms for the circadian system. ⋯ Intriguingly, sedatives, anesthetics, and the intensive care unit environment have all been shown to disrupt the circadian system in patients. In the current review, we will discuss how newly acquired knowledge of circadian rhythms could lead to changes in clinical practice and new therapeutic concepts.
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Semin Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth · Mar 2015
ReviewHigh thoracic epidural in cardiac anesthesia: a review.
High thoracic epidural analgesia (HTEA) offers a distinctive opportunity to enhance postoperative recovery for the thoracic surgery patient. In the modern hospital setting with day of admission surgery, the logistics of insertion of the epidural catheter has become increasingly difficult. The greatest limitation to its use might be the believed increased risk of epidural hematoma associated with anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass. ⋯ With regard to serious postoperative complications, there is evidence of reduction in supraventricular arrhythmias and lower frequency of postoperative acute kidney injury and dialysis. There are some indications of lower short term mortality and frequency of postoperative myocardial infarctions, but only as a combined outcome. The present short-term mortality of 1% to 2% should be compared with the most pessimistic frequency of epidural hematoma being 1 in 4600 patients.
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Semin Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth · Mar 2015
The year in review: anesthesia for congenital heart disease 2014.
Congenital cardiac anesthesiology is a rapidly expanding field at both ends of the life spectrum. The care of the unborn child with congenital heart disease is becoming highly specialized in regional centers that offer advanced imaging techniques, coordinated specialist care, and potentially fetal interventions. ⋯ The growing volume of publications reflects this expanding field of congenital cardiac anesthesiology. This year in review article highlights some developing trends in the literature.
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Semin Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth · Mar 2015
Case ReportsSuccessful rescue of an adult with refractory anaphylactic shock and abdominal compartment syndrome with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and bedside laparotomy.
The incidence of life-threatening anaphylactic reactions related to anesthesia is approximately 1 in 6000 anesthetics administered, and is associated with mortality as high as 5%. In such cases the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the setting of refractory shock following anaphylaxis may be life saving. Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) itself and in this case complicating ECMO support, is a potentially devastating complication of high-volume resuscitation. ⋯ We present a patient treated with venoarterial ECMO for refractory shock following anaphylaxis who developed ACS that was successfully treated with urgent decompressive laparotomy performed in the intensive care unit. This case report highlights the role of abdominal compartment syndrome as a rare but potentially fatal cause of low circuit flow in ECMO-supported patients and proposes a stepwise approach to decision making in this setting. Urgent decompressive laparotomy is potentially lifesaving in this circumstance, and should be urgently considered once other causes of low ECMO flow have been excluded.