The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation
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J. Heart Lung Transplant. · Aug 2010
Case ReportsSuccessful bilateral lung transplantation in a patient with end-stage lung disease and positive novel influenza virus (H1N1).
In 2009, a pandemic novel influenza virus (H1N1) outbreak was declared by the World Health Organization and resulted in significant worldwide illness. This report describes a 50-year-old male with end-stage lung disease secondary to alpha(1)-anti-trypsin deficiency and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was admitted for potential bilateral lung transplantation when suitable organs became available. ⋯ In the immediate post-operative period his nasopharyngeal swab came back positive for H1N1 influenza virus. Then, post-operatively, two consecutive bronchoalveolar lavage samples from the transplanted lungs were found to be positive for H1N1 virus. He received three-weeks of antiviral treatment post-operatively and he had uneventful procedure with favorable outcome.
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J. Heart Lung Transplant. · Aug 2010
Prostacyclin administration errors in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients admitted to hospitals in the United States: a national survey.
Epoprostenol and treprostinil are intravenous prostacyclin medications used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This survey explored hospital policies regarding prostacyclin infusions, and investigated the type and frequency of errors that occurred in the inpatient setting. ⋯ These findings suggest that prostacyclin infusion therapy is problematic and that an opportunity exists to improve safety. The development of standardized treatment guidelines should be considered.
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J. Heart Lung Transplant. · Jul 2010
Comparative StudyCardiac reanimation for donor heart transplantation after cardiocirculatory death.
This study was conducted in donor hearts obtained after cardiocirculatory death (DCD) to determine whether pre-reperfusion cardioplegia, followed by warm blood perfusion, is superior to cold storage in preserving function sufficient for transplantation. ⋯ For DCD hearts, a strategy of pre-reperfusion cardioplegia, followed by continuous warm blood perfusion, is superior to cold storage. These results suggest DCD hearts may be more suitable for transplantation after continuous warm blood perfusion than after cold storage.
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J. Heart Lung Transplant. · Jul 2010
Case ReportsMinimally invasive, off-pump explant of a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device.
The left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has been used successfully for bridge to transplant and destination therapy. In some cases, myocardial recovery is possible and allows LVAD explantation. We describe a novel explant technique for the HeartMate II LVAD using small incisions on a beating heart, without cardiopulmonary bypass.