Annals of translational medicine
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Patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) are at a higher risk of ischemic stroke (IS) and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). There is limited data available on risk factors and outcomes associated with IS and ICH in LVAD patients. ⋯ Increasing comorbidity burden significantly increases the risk of both IS and ICH with LVAD. In our cohort, the incidence of IS and ICH increases the mortality 4- and 18-fold, respectively. Renal disease, liver disease and abnormal coagulation profile were independent predictors of mortality in LVAD patients with IS.
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A paradoxical embolism is defined as a systemic arterial embolus due to passage of a venous thrombus through a right to left shunt. We describe a case of acute cerebral vascular accident (CVA), right subclavian arterial embolus, and pulmonary emboli in the setting of a large patent foramen ovale (PFO). A 74-year-old woman with multiple comorbidities presented to the emergency department with acute onset of shortness of breath, weakness, and right arm pain. ⋯ In summary, increase in right-sided pressures from pulmonary emboli can cause right to left shunting and lead to a paradoxical embolus. Assessment of patients who present with acute CVA or arterial embolus in the setting of pulmonary emboli with elevated right atrial pressures should include an evaluation for a PFO. Closure of PFO in these patients is of potential additive benefit.
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Multiple approaches to the hip joint have been developed utilizing various intervals and/or intermuscular planes when performing a total hip arthroplasty (THA), each proposing certain advantages. Of these, the Röttinger approach (modified anterolateral or Watson-Jones) is potentially muscle-sparing. Multiple studies have demonstrated favorable outcomes with this approach. However, others showed more complications with a slow learning curve. Due to the paucity of evidence we conducted this study to: (I) present our operative experience and technique of the Röttinger approach; (II) compare short-term complications and operative room (OR) times of this approach to the direct lateral; and (III) review the available literature. ⋯ In this analysis of a single-surgeon experience of the Röttinger approach compared to the direct lateral, we presented our experience with the technique and demonstrated the safety and feasibility of this relatively novel approach. Our study results demonstrated that patients who underwent this approach had similar short-term complications and OR times to those who underwent the direct lateral approach. Additionally, our findings agree with previous comparative studies that demonstrated similar outcomes of this approach. Therefore, it can be used as an alternative for primary THA.
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In the context of healthcare delivery, the vulnerabilities of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) are intricately linked with those experienced on a daily basis by caregivers in the ICU in a symbiotic relation, whereby patients who are suffering can in turn engender suffering in the caregivers. In the same way, caregivers who are suffering themselves may be a source of suffering for their patients. The vulnerabilities of both patients and caregivers in the ICU are simultaneously constituted through a process that is influenced on the one hand by the healthcare objectives of the ICU, and on the other hand, by the conformity of the patients who are managed in that ICU. ⋯ Constructing the patient, collectively redefining the patient's identity, and ascribing the patient to a specific healthcare trajectory enables professionals to circumscribe, contain and fight against the spectrum of extreme vulnerabilities of their patients. Imposing this normative framework is the sole means of guiding these professionals through their daily practices. In spite of this, situations of suffering remain a constitutive feature of the caregiving relation in the ICU.
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Previous studies suggest a relationship between hyperoxemia and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Hyperoxemia is responsible for denitrogenation phenomena, and inhibition of surfactant production, promoting atelectasis in mechanically ventilated patients. Further, hyperoxemia impairs the efficacy of alveolar macrophages to migrate, phagocyte and kill bacteria. ⋯ However, two recent randomized controlled trials evaluated the impact of conservative oxygen strategy versus a liberal strategy, but did not confirm the role of hyperoxemia in lower respiratory tract infection occurrence. In this review, we discuss animal and human studies suggesting a relationship between these two common conditions in mechanically ventilated patients and potential interventions that should be evaluated. Further large prospective studies in carefully selected groups of patients are required to confirm the potential role of hyperoxemia in VAP pathogenesis and to evaluate the impact of a conservative oxygen strategy vs. a conventional strategy on the incidence of VAP.