Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Feb 2014
Multicenter StudyMultinational institutional survey on patterns of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography use in adult cardiac surgery.
To assess institutional patterns of perioperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) usage. ⋯ These results suggest that TEE is performed more comprehensively in academic centers, mainly by anesthesiologists, and that lack of resources is a significant barrier to routine TEE usage. TEE is used more often for valve surgery than for coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and many centers use 3D TEE. This survey describes international TEE practice patterns and identifies limitations to universal adoption of TEE in cardiac surgery.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Feb 2014
ReviewThe year in cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia: selected highlights from 2013.
This article reviewed selected research highlights of 2013 that pertain to the specialty of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia. The first major theme is the commemoration of the sixtieth anniversary of the first successful cardiac surgical procedure with cardiopulmonary bypass conducted by Dr Gibbon. This major milestone revolutionized the practice of cardiovascular surgery and invigorated a paradigm of mechanical platforms for contemporary perioperative cardiovascular practice. ⋯ A recent expert scientific statement has focused attention on this issue because most perioperative errors are preventable. It is likely that clinical research in this area will blossom because this is a major opportunity for improvement in our specialty. The patient care processes identified in these research highlights will further improve perioperative outcomes for our patients.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Feb 2014
Impact of the Anesthesiologist and Surgeon on Cardiac Surgical Outcomes.
To determine the impact of anesthesiologists, surgeons, and their monthly caseload volume on mortality after cardiac surgery. ⋯ Outcome was determined primarily by the patient. There were small but significant differences in outcome between surgeons. The attending anesthesiologist did not affect patient outcome in this institution. Low average monthly surgeon volume was a significant risk factor. In contrast, low average monthly anesthesiologist volume had no effect.