J Cardiovasc Surg
-
Comparative Study
Methods of acute postcardiotomy left ventricular assistance.
Despite many technological advances in cardiovascular surgery, some patients still experience postcardiotomy left ventricular (LV) failure that is refractory to both inotropic support and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) placement. The primary author (MJR) recently changed from inflow cannulation at the right superior pulmonary vein/left atrial junction to inflow cannulation at the dome of the left atrium. The purpose of this study was to compare data collected during placement of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) at the junction of the right superior pulmonary vein with positioning the device in the dome of the left atrium. Experimental design, setting, and participants: the medical records of all patients undergoing cardiac surgery by one author (MJR) between 1994 and 1997 were retrospectively reviewed, and 4 patients requiring LVAD placement for short term postcardiotomy support were identified. Each patient's chart was reviewed for duration of LVAD support, average LVAD blood flows, pulmonary capillary wedge pressures (PCWP), preoperative characteristics, postoperative complications, and final outcome for the patients. ⋯ Patients requiring LV assistance following cardiopulmonary bypass surgery traditionally have high levels of morbidity and mortality. In spite of the complications associated with the placement of an assist device, we remain encouraged by the excellent LV decompression and systemic flows we achieved following implantation of the LVAD through the dome of the left atrium. The superior ease of implantation and decannulation provided better operative care and postoperative management for our patients.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Cardiac interleukin-6 release and myocardial recovery after aortic crossclamping. Crystalloid versus blood cardioplegia.
Pro-inflammatory cytokines may play an important role in patient response to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Since the myocardium is proposed to be a major source of cytokines, we studied the influence of the cardiolpegia type on interleukin-6 release and early myocardial recovery. ⋯ Inflammatory response to CPB is associated with delayed myocardial recovery. The use of blood cardioplegia may attenuate inflammatory reactions.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Real time measurement of heparin concentration during cardiopulmonary bypass.
A heparin/protamine titration system for measurement of heparin levels (Hepcon) is promising for efficient anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). ⋯ In conclusion, whole blood heparin measurements correlated well with plasma heparin concentration. Protamine titration of heparin reduced the dose of protamine and decreased the chance of adverse reactions.
-
The author presents three decades of experience in the management of anterior chest wall deformities. During this period more than 800 operations were performed on patients with pectus excavatum and carinatum. In this series, there was no death and serious complications were rare. ⋯ The present method applied for correction of pectus excavatum utilizes the above principles and a substernal Marlex mesh support with bilateral muscle coverage. For carinatum repair, the author routinely uses positional correction of the sternum and sternal shortening. Patients who have significant pectus deformities should undergo surgical repair, preferably between one and eight years of age.
-
The heparin-protamine interaction is a topic of intense scrutiny due to its mandatory use during cardiopulmonary bypass. It can be estimated that over 2,000,000 patients are exposed to the heparin-protamine interaction each year. ⋯ These multiple cardiovascular effects are mediated via complement activation, histamine release, thromboxane and nitric oxide production, and antibody formation. This article reviews the current understanding of the heparin-protamine interaction from the world's literature.