Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Aug 2022
ReviewPost-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome for Anesthesiologists: A Narrative Review and a Pragmatic Approach to Clinical Care.
Post-acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) syndrome is a novel, poorly understood clinical entity with life-impacting ramifications. Patients with this syndrome, also known as "COVID-19 long-haulers," often present with nonspecific ailments involving more than one body system. The most common complaints include dyspnea, fatigue, brain fog, and chest pain. ⋯ Perioperative care should be viewed through the prism of best practices already in use, such as avoidance of benzodiazepines in patients with cognitive impairment and use of lung-protective ventilation. Recommendations especially relevant to the COVID-19 long-haulers include assessment of critical care myopathies and neuropathies to determine suitable neuromuscular blocking agents and reversal, preoperative workup of insidious cardiac or pulmonary pathologies in previously healthy patients, and, thorough medication review, particularly of anticoagulation regimens and chronic steroid use. In this article, the authors define the syndrome, synthesize the available scientific evidence, and make pragmatic suggestions regarding the perioperative clinical care of COVID-19 long-haulers.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Aug 2022
ReviewThe Evolution of Temperature Management for Cardiac Surgery: A Historical Perspective.
Intraoperative temperature regimen usually is planned preoperatively by a "team." Selecting and understanding the impact of the temperature regimen (normothermia, or mild, moderate, or severe hypothermia) usually are related to the type of cardiac surgery (eg, using circulatory arrest or open-heart surgery). Cardiopulmonary bypass constitutes a challenging situation for monitoring temperature because of the rapid and extraordinary degree of heat transferred through the bypass circuit during heating and cooling. ⋯ In modern cardiac surgery, different types and technologies of heater-cooler devices can be used in clinical practice, thanks to the development process that took its cue from past experiences. In this context, the authors review the role of thermal exchange in cardiac surgery and the progress achieved from first-to-second-generation heater-cooler devices.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Aug 2022
ReviewComplications of Transesophageal Echocardiography: A Review of Injuries, Risk Factors, and Management.
Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) use has become widespread in cardiac surgical operating rooms over the last 2 decades. Surgical and medical decision-making often are guided by the findings of the TEE examination, rendering TEE an invaluable tool both inside and outside the operating room. TEE has become ubiquitous in some parts because it is considered safe and relatively noninvasive. ⋯ Some large retrospective trials suggested that patient factors (age, body mass index, anatomic abnormalities), comorbid conditions (previous stroke), and procedural variables (procedure time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, etc.) are associated with TEE-related injuries. In this narrative review of complications from TEE, the authors focus on the incidence of UGI injuries, the spectrum of injuries associated with TEE, risk factors that may contribute to UGI injuries, as well as diagnosis and management options. Lastly, the discussion focuses on the prevention of injuries as TEE use continues to become more prevalent.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Aug 2022
ReviewRight Heart Failure Management: Focus on Mechanical Support Options.
Millions of American adults suffer from right heart failure (RHF), a condition associated with high rates of hospitalization, organ failure, and death. There is a multitude of etiologies and mechanisms that lead to RHF, often in a feedforward spiral of decline. The management of advanced cases of RHF can be particularly difficult. ⋯ Currently available mechanical assist devices for RHF include venoarterial extracorporeal oxygenation and right ventricular assist devices, both surgical and percutaneous. Each advanced therapy has its own potential advantages and limitations, and often is appropriate in different clinical contexts. In this review, the authors describe the pathophysiology and medical therapies for RHF and then focus on the different types of advanced therapies that currently exist to help inform medical decision-making for this complicated patient cohort.