Circulation
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A low cardiac output state can complicate the postoperative course of patients undergoing Fontan-type operations and tetralogy of Fallot repair. ⋯ Negative-pressure ventilation improves cardiac output in children after total cavopulmonary connection and tetralogy of Fallot repair and may prove to be an important therapeutic option in children with the low cardiac output state.
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Continuous whole-body perfusion for > 3 hours with a cold asanguineous blood substitute, hypothermosol (HTS) solution, has been reported to preserve organ function. We used this solution in a survival animal model to evaluate its possible application in extending the safe duration of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). ⋯ Intermittent whole-body asanguineous perfusion with hypothermosol solution does not extend cerebral protection in a porcine survivor model of DHCA. Neurobehavioral and histological outcomes are improved in animals receiving intermittent blood perfusion during prolonged DHCA.
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It is known that supravalvular pulmonary artery stenosis can occur in patients with d-transposition of the great arteries (TGA) after arterial switch operation (ASO). However, little is known about the growth of the neopulmonary valve annulus after the ASO. This study investigated the growth potential of the neopulmonary (old aortic) valve annulus. ⋯ These data indicate that not only supravalvular pulmonary stenosis but also pulmonary valvular stenosis due to a small annulus can occur in TGA, especially in patients with a history of pulmonary artery banding and in patients with ventricular septal defect.
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Obese patients undergoing cardiac surgery are often thought to have prohibitive perioperative risk despite the lack of sufficient data to support this assumption. ⋯ With the exception of superficial wound complications and atrial dysrhythmias, obesity is not a significant multivariate risk factor for adverse outcomes. The results indicate that obese patients may safely undergo cardiac surgery with due attention to technical considerations designed to minimize wound complications.