Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Aug 2022
ReviewManagement of Patients With Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis Undergoing Liver Transplantation: Considerations for the Anesthesiologist.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) currently affects more than 25% of the world population and is rising. NAFLD can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis that is associated with hepatic inflammation and fibrosis and can result in cirrhosis with subsequent liver failure. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has now emerged as one of the leading etiologies for a liver transplant among adults in the United States. ⋯ The association with these conditions can affect the perioperative outcome of these patients, particularly because of increased mortality from major adverse cardiovascular events and sepsis. In order to decrease the perioperative morbidity and mortality of patients with NASH undergoing a liver transplant, a multidisciplinary approach to their perioperative management is essential, along with careful preoperative evaluation and aggressive intraoperative and postoperative monitoring. The focus of this review article is to provide a comprehensive overview of challenges associated with liver transplants in patients with NASH and to provide suggestions for appropriate patient selection and perioperative management.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Aug 2022
Multicenter StudyCharacteristics and Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients Supported by Venoarterial or Veno-Arterial-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.
Cardiac injury has been reported in up to 20%-to-30% of patients with COVID-19, and severe disease can lead to cardiopulmonary failure. The role of mechanical circulatory support in these patients remains undetermined. The authors here aimed to determine the characteristics and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 requiring venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) or veno-arterial-venous (VAV) ECMO support. ⋯ Only one-third of the patients with COVID-19 requiring VA ECMO or VAV ECMO survived to discharge. Close monitoring of at-risk patients with early initiation of ECMO with circulatory support may further improve outcomes.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Aug 2022
Randomized Controlled TrialComparison of Ultrasound-Guided Pectointercostal Fascial Block and Transversus Thoracic Muscle Plane Block for Acute Poststernotomy Pain Management After Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Pilot Study.
The objective of the present study was to evaluate morphine consumption and pain scores 24 hours postoperatively to compare the effects of a bilateral pectointercostal fascial block (PIFB) with those of a transversus thoracic muscle plane block (TTMPB) on acute poststernotomy pain in cardiac surgery patients who have undergone median sternotomy. ⋯ PIFB and TTMPB showed similar effectiveness for morphine consumption within 24 hours postoperatively and in pain scores in cardiac surgery patients.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Aug 2022
Randomized Controlled TrialWhole Blood Adsorber During CPB and Need for Vasoactive Treatment After Valve Surgery in Acute Endocarditis: A Randomized Controlled Study.
Patients with endocarditis requiring urgent valvular surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass are at a high risk of developing systemic inflammatory response syndrome and septic shock, necessitating intensive use of vasopressors after surgery. The use of a cytokine hemoadsorber (CytoSorb, CytoSorbents Europe GmbH, Germany) during cardiac surgery has been suggested to reduce the risk of inflammatory activation. The study authors hypothesized that adding a cytokine adsorber would reduce cytokine burden, which would translate into improved hemodynamic stability. ⋯ There was no statistically significant difference between the groups with regard to vasopressor use after surgery for endocarditis with the use of a cytokine hemoadsorber during cardiopulmonary bypass. Additional, larger randomized controlled trials are needed to definitely assess the potential effect.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Aug 2022
ReviewBlunt Trauma to the Heart: A Review of Pathophysiology and Current Management.
Blunt cardiac injury (BCI), defined as an injury to the heart from blunt force trauma, ranges from minor to life-threatening. The majority of BCIs are due to motor vehicle accidents; however, injuries caused by falls, blasts, and sports-related injuries also can be sources of BCI. A significant proportion of patients with BCI do not survive long enough to receive medical care, succumbing to their injuries at the scene of the accident. ⋯ Close communication with the surgical team and access to blood products for potentially massive transfusion also play key roles in maintaining hemodynamic stability. With proper surgical and anesthetic care, survival in cases involving urgent cardiac repair can reach 66%-to-75%. This narrative review focuses on the types of cardiac injuries that are caused by blunt chest trauma, the modalities and techniques currently used to diagnose BCI, and the perioperative management of injuries that require surgical correction.