Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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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.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Aug 2022
Observational StudyPoor Preoperative Nutritional Status, but Not Hormone Levels, Are Associated With Mortality After Cardiac Surgery.
The authors' aim was to examine the preoperative hormone and nutritional status in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. ⋯ Before cardiac surgery, nutritional status should be assessed because the findings may help to decrease mortality. The hormone levels were not associated with mortality.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Aug 2022
ReviewThrombosis and coagulopathy in COVID-19 patients rceiving ECMO: A narrative review of current literature.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an established part of the treatment algorithm for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related acute respiratory distress syndrome. An intense inflammatory response may cause an imbalance in the coagulation cascade making both thrombosis and bleeding common and notable features of the clinical management of these patients. Large observational and retrospective studies provide a better understanding of the pathophysiology and management of bleeding and thrombosis in COVID-19 patients requiring ECMO. ⋯ The incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is higher than the general patient cohort with acute respiratory distress syndrome or other indications for ECMO. The use of laboratory parameters to predict bleeding or thrombosis has a limited role. In this review, the authors discuss the complex pathophysiology of bleeding and thrombosis observed in patients with COVID-19 during ECMO support, and their effects on outcomes.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Aug 2022
Review2021 Update for the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes for the Perioperative Clinician.
In this review, recent key publications related to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are summarized and placed into context of contemporary practice. Landmark trials examining vascular access in ST-elevation myocardial infarction, the management of multivessel disease, acute myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest are discussed. ⋯ Additional updates in the use of lipid-lowering agents and adjunctive medications in ACS are reviewed. Finally, cardiac pathology related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as well as the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on the care of patients with ACS, is summarized.