The Journal of extra-corporeal technology
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J Extra Corpor Technol · Dec 2012
Development of the orpheus perfusion simulator for use in high-fidelity extracorporeal membrane oxygenation simulation.
Despite its life-sustaining potential, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) remains a complex treatment modality for which close teamwork is imperative with a high risk of adverse events leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The provision of adequate training and continuing education is key in mitigating these risks. Traditional training for ECMO has relied predominantly on didactic education and hands-on water drills. ⋯ In addition, it provides opportunities for interdisciplinary training and improved communication and teamwork among team members (1). Although simulation has become widely accepted for training of practitioners from many disciplines, there are currently, to our knowledge, no commercially available dedicated high-fidelity ECMO simulators. Our article describes the modification of the Orpheus Perfusion Simulator and its incorporation into a fully immersive, high-fidelity, point-of-care ECMO simulation model.
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J Extra Corpor Technol · Dec 2012
ReviewHyperoxia: a review of the risks and benefits in adult cardiac surgery.
Perioperative hyperoxia has been claimed to have a number of therapeutic advantages. However, in the setting of cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), enthusiasm for its use has been tempered by concerns regarding the effect of high partial pressures of oxygen on cardiac, vascular, and respiratory function and the potential for exacerbation of ischemia-reperfusion injury. There is encouraging evidence from animal studies that hyperoxia is effective in myocardial preconditioning, at least in nondiseased hearts. ⋯ In conclusion, perhaps the key to the use of hyperoxia is in the timing. In the period pre-CPB, hyperoxia may precondition the myocardium and, paradoxically, confer a degree of protection against reactive oxygen species-induced injury at the time of reperfusion. Hyperoxia during CPB is probably harmful and should be avoided unless the risk from gas microemboli is thought to be significant, in which case the risks and benefits to the individual patient must be weighed.
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J Extra Corpor Technol · Dec 2012
ReviewNovel biomarkers for cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury: a skeptical assessment of their role.
Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) is common and is associated with a high mortality rate. Traditional biomarkers of AKI (creatinine and urea) increase slowly in response to renal injury, are insensitive to mild degrees of AKI, and are influenced by nonrenal factors. ⋯ However, there is little evidence that interventions started early in the course of evolving AKI enhance renal recovery. Until effective therapies are developed that significantly improve the outcome from AKI, there is little benefit from early diagnosis using novel biomarkers.
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J Extra Corpor Technol · Sep 2012
The effect of acute sleep deprivation and fatigue in cardiovascular perfusion students: a mixed methods study.
Sleep deprivation as a result of long working hours has been associated with an increased risk of adverse events in healthcare professions but not in cardiovascular perfusion. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of sleep deprivation on cardiovascular perfusion students. Testing with high-fidelity simulation after 24 hours of sleep deprivation allowed investigators to assess user competency and the effect of fatigue on performance. ⋯ Tasks that required a higher level of cognition had prolonged completion times. Sleep deprivation significantly affects clinical performance as assessed with high-fidelity simulation. To optimize patient and clinician safety, it is important that the question of length of working time be investigated further.
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J Extra Corpor Technol · Sep 2012
Editorial Historical ArticleHistory and use of del Nido cardioplegia solution at Boston Children's Hospital.
Cardioplegia is an integral and essential method of myocardial protection for patients of all ages requiring cardiac surgery in which the heart must be stopped. Numerous cardioplegia solutions and delivery methods have been developed. The del Nido cardioplegia solution has been in use for 18 years at Boston Children's Hospital. ⋯ Although the formulation was originally developed for use in pediatric and infant patients, its use for adult cardiac surgery has been expanding. National and international inquiries to our institution regarding this cardioplegia have been increasing over the last 2 years. We present the developmental history, supporting theory, and current protocol for use of what is now referred to as del Nido cardioplegia.