Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Dec 2014
Comparative StudyDiagnostic Value of Chest Ultrasound after Cardiac Surgery: A Comparison with Chest X-ray and Auscultation.
Chest auscultation and chest x-ray commonly are used to detect postoperative abnormalities and complications in patients admitted to intensive care after cardiac surgery. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether chest ultrasound represents an effective alternative to bedside chest x-ray to identify early postoperative abnormalities. ⋯ Chest auscultation may help identify endotracheal tube misplacement and tension pneumothorax but it may miss most major abnormalities. Chest ultrasound represents a valid alternative to chest x-ray to detect most postoperative abnormalities and misplacements.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Dec 2014
Comparative StudyInteroperator and Intraoperator Variability of Whole Blood Coagulation Assays: A Comparison of Thromboelastography and Rotational Thromboelastometry.
Near-patient viscoelastic tests have proved useful in decreasing blood and blood product use in cardiac surgery. Two different analyzers are available, TEG and ROTEM. Many different individuals operate these devices, which raises concern that this factor may significantly affect results. The present study sought to objectively assess variability in results between operators. ⋯ This series of results suggested ROTEM analyses are more reproducible than TEG and, consequently, that ROTEM may be better suited for use in a multiuser environment.