J Cardiovasc Surg
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Comparative Study
Effectiveness and safety of carotid endarterectomy under remifentanil.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with conscious sedation under remifentanil (Remifentanil anesthesia - RA) vs conventional loco-regional anesthesia (Conventional-LRA) in the current practice of a vascular surgery unit. ⋯ We found that ''Remifentanil-RA'' CEA was safe, effective and satisfactory. Nevertheless, with the potential problems of intubation and those already found with side effects, a randomized control trial (RCT) is needed in order to prove that this method is superior to ''Conventional-LRA'' CEA.
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Multiple-trauma patients often have injuries that prevent the use of anticoagulant or sequential compression device prophylaxis. Temporary inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) offer protection against pulmonary embolism (PE) during the early, highest-risk perioperative and immediate injury period, while avoiding potential long-term sequelae of a permanent IVCF. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic, temporary IVCF placement at the intensive care unit (ICU) bedside under real-time intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance in multiple-trauma patients. ⋯ Prophylactic, temporary IVCFs placed at the ICU bedside under IVUS guidance in multiple-trauma patients serves as an effective bridge to anticoagulation until venous thromboembolism prophylaxis can be initiated. Further investigation of this bedside technique and the role of temporary IVCFs in these patients is warranted.
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Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) therapy before open heart surgery has been suggested for ''high risk'' patients. ⋯ Perioperative morbidity and mortality is increased despite preoperative IABP, particularly in patients with acute MI. In contrast to studies not using this approach, preoperative IABP reduces morbidity and mortality of high risk patients. IABP related complications are low. Our data suggest that high risk patients profit from preoperative IABP therapy, however, prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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Review Case Reports
Recombinant factor VIIa use in cardiac surgery--expanding the arsenal therapy for intractable bleeding?
A 72-year-old patient was admitted for mitral valve replacement because of infective endocarditis. Severe intractable bleeding in the early postoperative period was successfully treated with recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa). Thereafter, recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 16. The current clinical aspects and experience of rFVIIa use in cardiac surgery are discussed.
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Multicenter Study
Relationship of proximal fixation to renal dysfunction in patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair.
Technological advancements have lead to dramatic improvements in stentgraft device design resulting in more trackable delivery systems and transrenal uncovered stents and barbs for better fixation. Transrenal bare-stents may limit stentgraft migration, particularly in patients with short or flared proximal aortic necks. However, potential disadvantages might be in worsening renal function, particularly in patients with preexisting renal insufficiency. ⋯ In patients with CRI, EVAR with intra-arterial radiographic contrast agents is believed to impair renal function, and CRI is considered a relative contraindication to the procedure. Results of our investigation indicate that risk for worsening renal insufficiency, dialysis, and death is only slightly and not significantly greater in patients with CRI compared with patients with normal renal function. With appropriate precautions of avoiding perioperative hypotension and limiting the volume of nonionic contrast agents, CRI need not be a contraindication for EVAR with intra-arterial contrast agents.