Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Jun 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of alveolar recruitment on arterial oxygenation in patients after cardiac surgery: a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial.
Pulmonary atelectasis and hypoxemia remain considerable problems after cardiac surgery. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of consecutive vital capacity maneuvers (C-VCMs) to improve oxygenation in patients after cardiac surgery. ⋯ C-VCM is an effective method to reduce hypoxemia associated with the formation of atelectasis after cardiac surgery with CPB.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Jun 2007
Patient understanding of the importance of beta-blocker use in the perioperative period.
Perioperative beta-adrenergic blockade has been shown to decrease morbidity and mortality after noncardiac surgery. The objective of this study was to determine patient knowledge of the importance of perioperative beta-blockade in a population already taking chronic therapy and to assess the effectiveness of medical and surgical providers in patient education regarding these benefits. ⋯ This study suggests low patient understanding of the potential importance and reasons for perioperative beta-blockade. Patients who recognized perioperative benefit identified antihypertensive versus cardioprotective effects. Clinicians can improve education of patients already taking daily beta-blockers regarding these potential benefits.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Jun 2007
Establishing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a university clinic: case series.
Although extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is well established for respiratory failure in neonates, application in adults is still considered controversial. The survival of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and ECMO therapy is 50% to 70%. ⋯ ECMO has been shown to be a successful therapy for acute respiratory distress syndrome when conventional strategies have failed. Pre-ECMO risk assessment may be useful in the evaluation of patients.