Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Dec 2021
Case ReportsPercutaneous Mechanical Thrombectomy of Atriocaval Floating Thrombus After Impella RP Removal in a Critically Ill Patient.
The rapid institution of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) during cardiogenic shock secondary to severe biventricular failure is strongly recommended. Despite the introduction of less-invasive devices and adequate anticoagulation protocols, the presence of vascular complications in patients treated with MCS has not yet been eliminated. Here, the authors report a 60-year-old patient treated with the Bi-Pella approach for biventricular failure. ⋯ The procedure was completed without intraoperative complications, and both the completion angiography and transesophageal echocardiography showed complete thrombus removal. No procedure-related complications occurred, but the patient died from progressive worsening of left ventricular failure on the 16th postoperative day. In the case of proximal extensive deep vein thrombosis with an increased risk of pulmonary embolism, the use of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy could be a therapeutic option, even in critically ill patients, due to its minimally invasive nature and low rates of complications.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Dec 2021
Multicenter StudyOutcome of Repeat Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock.
Data on patients requiring a second run of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support in patients affected by postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS) are very limited. The authors aimed to investigate the effect of a second run of VA-ECMO on PCS patient survival. ⋯ Repeat VA-ECMO therapy is a valid treatment strategy for PCS patients. Early and late survivals are similar between patients who have undergone a single or second run of VA-ECMO.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Dec 2021
Observational StudyPredictors of Pneumothorax/Pneumomediastinum in Mechanically Ventilated COVID-19 Patients.
To determine the incidence, predictors, and outcome of pneumothorax (PNX)/pneumomediastinum (PMD) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ⋯ PNX/PMD occurs frequently in COVID-19 patients with ARDS requiring mechanical ventilation, and is associated with increased mortality. Development of PNX/PMD seems to occur despite use of protective mechanical ventilation and has a radiologic predictor sign.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Dec 2021
Airway Surgery for Laryngotracheal Stenosis During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Institutional Guidelines.
The management of laryngotracheal stenosis is challenging, as patients usually require in-time interventions. The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has added unique challenges to this procedure. The presence of the virus in high concentrations in the aerodigestive tract and the need for an open airway during surgery can increase the risk of aerosolization of the virus and subsequent infection of the surgical, anesthetic, and operating room (OR) personnel. ⋯ Surgical and bronchoscopic management of laryngotracheal stenosis presents a unique challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring careful consideration of patient triage and the development of protocols that minimize risk to patients and healthcare professionals. Close collaboration between thoracic surgeons and anesthesiology teams is essential to safely navigate and handle these threatened airways while mitigating the risk of viral aerosolization.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Dec 2021
Observational StudyProcalcitonin and Early Postoperative Infection After Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery.
Systemic inflammation and bacterial infections are critical occurrences after pediatric cardiac surgery. Elevated white blood cell count and C-reactive protein cannot discriminate between these two conditions in the early postoperative period. The aim of this study was to understand whether procalcitonin (PCT) values within 48 hours of surgery could be a useful marker of postoperative infection. ⋯ In light of this preliminary result, the clinical relevance and predictive accuracy of PCT are promising in patients with increasing values of PCT but need to be confirmed in a larger sample.