The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Recently reported in Europe and United States, disseminated Mycobacterium chimaera infection is a novel clinical entity linked to point contamination of Stockert 3T heater-cooler units used for cardiopulmonary bypass. We present here the first two cases in Canada. ⋯ One patient is currently improving, and the other needed mitral valve repair despite aggressive treatment. Because of the nonspecific mode and timing of presentation, a high index of suspicion is necessary for the diagnosis of M. chimaera infection.
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Topical hemostatic agents are used in conjunction with conventional procedures to reduce blood loss. They are often used in cardiothoracic surgery, which is particularly prone to bleeding risks. ⋯ To address this need, the Society for the Advancement of Blood Management convened an International Hemostatic Expert Panel. This article reviews the available literature and sets out evidence-based recommendations for the use of topical hemostatic agents in cardiothoracic surgery.