Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Apr 2018
ReviewHow Cardiac Anesthesiology Can Help "STEM" the Tide of Under-representation of Minorities in Science and Medicine.
The field of medicine is built upon science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), yet the United States is rapidly falling behind when it comes to educating the next generation in these disciplines, especially under-represented populations. The authors reflect on existing educational literature surrounding efforts to promote interest in STEM among students and under-represented populations. ⋯ Cardiac anesthesia is uniquely positioned as a subspecialty to advance the goal of promoting interest in STEM in diverse groups of young students. The authors describe their development and implementation of a community outreach program to enhance interest in medicine through a cardiac dissection experience.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Apr 2018
Accuracy, Precision, and Trending of 4 Pulse Wave Analysis Techniques in the Postoperative Period.
The aim of this study was to analyze the accuracy, precision, and trending ability of the following 4 pulse wave analysis devices to measure continuous cardiac output: PiCCO2 ([PCCO]; Pulsion Medical System, Munich, Germany); LiDCORapid ([LCCO]; LiDCO Ltd, London, UK); FloTrac/Vigileo ([FCCO]; Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA); and Nexfin ([NCCO]; BMEYE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands). ⋯ All 4 tested devices using pulse wave analysis for measuring cardiac output failed to meet current criteria for meaningful and adequate accuracy, precision, and trending ability in cardiac output monitoring.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Apr 2018
Observational StudyA Pilot Analysis of the Association Between Types of Monitored Anesthesia Care Drugs and Outcomes in Transfemoral Aortic Valve Replacement Performed Without General Anesthesia.
The types of agents used for monitored anesthesia care (MAC) and their possible differential effects on outcomes have received less study despite increased use over general anesthesia (GA) in transfemoral aortic valve replacements (TAVRs). In this pilot analysis of patients undergoing TAVR using MAC, the authors described the anesthetic agents used and sought to investigate the possible association of anesthetic agent choice with outcomes and the extent to which total weight and time-adjusted doses of anesthetics declined with increasing 10-year age increments. ⋯ A wide breadth of MAC medications is in use among TAVR patients and does not support differences in outcomes. Despite recommendations to reduce anesthetic drug dosing in the elderly, no significant trends in dose reduction with increasing age were noted.