Heart, lung & circulation
-
Heart, lung & circulation · Nov 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialCan topical application of tranexamic acid reduce blood loss in thoracic surgery? A prospective randomised double blind investigation.
The systemic or topical use of antifibrinolytic agents is effective in reducing postoperative bleeding and blood product transfusion in cardiac surgery. We sought to study the effect of the topical application of tranexamic acid into the pleural space to reduce postoperative bleeding after lung surgery. ⋯ In our experience, the topical use of tranexamic-acid after lung surgery reduces postoperative bleeding and blood transfusion volume. The topical administration of tranexamic-acid is safe without increasing the risk of post-operative complications related to pharmacological side-effects.
-
Heart, lung & circulation · Nov 2012
ReviewThe use of a PleurX catheter in the management of recurrent benign pleural effusion: a concise review.
Recurrent pleural effusion (RPE) can be encountered in various benign conditions such as inflammatory, infectious, or other systemic diseases (e.g., congestive heart failure (CHF), hepatic hydrothorax, post lung transplants, post coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, and chronic exudative pleurisy). Each condition is treated based on its unique pathophysiologic characteristics, and medical management is successful in the majority of patients. ⋯ We conducted a literature review using PubMed and Google Scholar, finding 33 articles that were relevant to our topic over the last 30 years. In patients with recurrent benign pleural effusion that is refractory to medical management, the PleurX catheter seems to be a useful tool in relieving respiratory symptoms, decreasing the rate of hospitalisation and achieving pleurodesis.
-
Heart, lung & circulation · Nov 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialRisk model of prolonged intensive care unit stay in Chinese patients undergoing heart valve surgery.
The aim of this study was to develop a preoperative risk prediction model and an scorecard for prolonged intensive care unit length of stay (PrlICULOS) in adult patients undergoing heart valve surgery. ⋯ We developed and validated a local risk prediction model for PrlICULOS after adult heart valve surgery. This model can be used to calculate patient-specific risk with an equivalent predicted risk at our centre in future clinical practice.