The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Dec 1975
Comparative StudyLong-term morphologic and hemodynamic evaluation of the left ventricle after cardiopulmonary bypass. A comparison of normothermic anoxic arrest, coronary artery perfusion, and profound topical cardiac hypothermia.
In order to assess the long-term effects of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in combination with pupular methods of myocardial protection, 37 dogs were placed on CPB for 100 minutes with the use of a bubble oxygenator without hemodilution. A separate group (I) of eight normal dogs served as a control for assessment of hemodynamic changes. The operative groups were as follows: II, continuous coronary perfusion with an empty, beating heart for 60 minutes at 35 degrees C.; III, hypothermic anoxic arrest (aortic occlusion) for 60 minutes with topical cold saline lavage (4 degrees C.); IV, anoxic arrest for 60 minutes at 35 degrees C. ⋯ Evidence of subendocardial fibrosis was found in each of the operative groups, with the most marked changes found in the normothermic arrest group. Moderate fibrosis was present, however, in some survivors in both the continuous coronary perfusion and topical hypothermic arrest groups. These data indicate that although survival is greatly enhanced when coronary artery perfusion or topical hypothermia is used, neither method prevents chronic deterioration in ventricular function nor the development of subendocardial fibrosis.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Nov 1975
Pulmonary hyperinflation. A form of barotrauma during mechanical ventilation.
Barotrauma has been used to describe several specific complications related to mechanical ventilation. These include tension lung cyst, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumoperitoneum, and subcutaneous emphysema. Pulmonary hyperinflation, another such complication, occurred in 6 patients, being fatal in 3. ⋯ Functional complications of lung hyperinflation include decreased alveolar ventilation and compression effects on adjacent structures. Interference with and shifts of regional lung perfusion may worsen gas exchange. Proper treatment includes airway clearance by bronchoscopy, the judicious use of bronchodilators, the discontinuance of PEEP, and adjustments of mechanical ventilators to prevent high airway pressures.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Oct 1975
Platelets, hemostasis, and thromboembolism during treatment of acute respiratory insufficiency with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Twenty-eight patients were supported with long-term extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a treatment for acute respiratory insufficiency. Clinical, laboratory, and autopsy data concerning platelets, hemostasis, and thromboembolic disease are presented for the periods during and after bypass. ⋯ The abnormal bleeding is attributed to heparin, thrombocytopenia, and a qualitative platelet defect. Possible causes of the thromboembolic events including disseminated intravascular coagulation are also discussed, and speculations are offered concerning clinical management and directions for future investigation.
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Because of increasing interest in the application of the Blalock-Taussig shunt in smaller infants, we reviewed the course of 18 infants aged 6 months or less who underwent this procedure. The mortality rate in 4 infants under 2 weeks of age was 50 per cent and that in those 2 weeks to 6 months of age, 28 per cent. The patency rate was 70 per cent. Because of late problems with the Waterston shunt and a comparable mortality rate, the Blalock-Taussig procedure is recommended for all infants, except perhaps those under 2 weeks of age.
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Since 1958, a series of 112 patients with severe or moderately severe chest injuries have been treated. An aggressive policy has been adopted toward correcting or preventing major paradoxical chest wall movement by intramedullary pinning of ribs, costal cartilages, and the sternum. Whenever possible, positive-pressure mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy have been avoided. ⋯ Three of the patients who died were over 70 years of age. Operative stabilization permits avoidance or reduction in the duration of tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation. Permanent chest wall deformity is lessened or avoided.