The Annals of thoracic surgery
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In congenital heart disease (CHD), neurologic abnormalities suggestive of hypoxia-ischemia are often apparent before cardiac surgery. To evaluate preoperative cerebral oxygenation, this study determined cerebral O2 saturation (ScO2) in CHD and healthy children. ⋯ Cerebral oxygenation in CHD varies with anatomy and arterial saturation, and in some patients, it is very low compared with healthy subjects.
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In patients with acute profound cardiogenic circulatory failure unresponsive to conventional resuscitation, we instituted immediate aggressive application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to restore circulatory stability. Long-term hemodynamic support was accomplished with an early "bridge" to ventricular assist device (VAD) before definitive treatment with cardiac transplantation. ⋯ Emergent ECMO support is a salvage approach for cardiac resuscitation once conventional measures have failed. In neurologically intact patients, the early transfer to a VAD quickly stabilizes hemodynamics, avoids complications, and is essential for long-term circulatory support before definitive treatment with cardiac transplantation.
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Small cerebral infarctions are common in elderly patients, but the association between the magnetic resonance imaging finding and neurologic dysfunction after coronary artery bypass grafting has not been evaluated. ⋯ Multiple infarctions significantly increase the risk of neurologic dysfunction after coronary artery bypass grafting. Routine screening for preoperative cognitive decline should be performed to detect underlying ischemic cerebral disease in elderly patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Pneumonia after cardiac surgery is predictable by tracheal aspirates but cannot be prevented by prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis.
The purpose of this study was to assess the value of tracheal aspirate as a predictor of pneumonia after coronary artery bypass grafting and to evaluate the efficacy of prolonged perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis. ⋯ Early postoperative pneumonia (<7 days) is most likely caused by microorganisms that colonize the respiratory tract before operation. The risk of pulmonary infection after coronary artery bypass grafting can be predicted from the preoperative tracheal aspirates. Prolonged perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis has no efficacy in reducing the incidence of pulmonary infections.
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Comparative Study
Atrioventricular valve replacement in patients with a single ventricle.
Significant atrioventricular valve (AVV) insufficiency has been associated with increased mortality and morbidity in patients with single ventricle. Although many patients can be managed with valvuloplasty alone, some patients require AVV replacement. The optimal timing, outcome, and risk factors for AVV replacement in this population have not been described. ⋯ Atrioventricular valve replacement can be performed in patients with single ventricle with acceptable morbidity and mortality. The development of postoperative complete heart block is common. Survival after AVV replacement has improved in recent years, and intervention before patients develop ventricular dysfunction and atrial arrhythmias may further improve outcome.