Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Aug 2022
Randomized Controlled TrialSingle-Injection Midpoint Transverse Process-to- Pleura Block Versus Thoracic Paravertebral Block for Postoperative Analgesia After Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
The effect of midpoint transverse process-to-pleura block (MTPB) is unclear. The authors compared the analgesic characteristics of MTPB with those of thoracic paravertebral nerve block (TPVB) in patients undergoing uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (uVATS) and examined the 2 types of blocks for noninferiority. ⋯ The analgesic effect of single-level-injection MTPB is noninferior to that of TPVB in patients undergoing uVATS. The target point of the needle in MTPB is shallower and farther away from the pleura compared with TPVB. For these reasons, it is quicker and safer and, thus, may be preferable.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Aug 2022
ReviewPostcardiotomy Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Narrative Review Navigating the Ethical Issues.
Postcardiotomy shock (PCS) is an uncommon and life-threatening surgical complication. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is the first line of mechanical circulatory support for treating PCS when medical therapies are insufficient. Reaching a "therapeutic ceiling" or a "bridge to nowhere" is a common clinical scenario in which medical avenues for recovery have been exhausted. ⋯ The authors proposed a stepwise multidisciplinary approach to reduce PCS-associated ethical and emotional challenges. Their proposed algorithm was based on the likelihood of the need for ECMO support based on the mortality risk stratification of cardiac surgery. They suggested focused discussions around the commencement of ECMO or other life-sustaining therapies-ideally preoperatively at the time of consent-through shared decision-making and, subsequently, proactive multidisciplinary education and updates to the surrogate decision-makers relying on realistic prognosis and consideration of the patient wishes during the ECMO run.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Aug 2022
Multicenter StudyPostcardiotomy Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation With and Without Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump.
To compare the outcomes of patients with postcardiotomy shock treated with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) only compared with VA-ECMO and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). ⋯ This multicenter study showed that adjunctive IABP did not translate into better outcomes in patients treated with VA-ECMO for postcardiotomy shock.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Aug 2022
ReviewSelected 2021 Highlights in Congenital Cardiac Anesthesia.
This article is a review of the highlights of pertinent literature of interest to the congenital cardiac anesthesiologist and was published in 2021. After a search of the United States National Library of Medicine PubMed database, several topics emerged where significant contributions were made in 2021. The authors of this manuscript considered the following topics noteworthy to be included in this review: risk stratification in adult congenital heart disease surgery, physician burnout in pediatric cardiac anesthesia, transfusion practice in pediatric congenital heart surgery, and racial disparity and outcomes in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Aug 2022
Multicenter StudyAssociation Between Gabapentinoids and Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Patients Undergoing Thoracic Surgery.
Perioperative gabapentinoids in general surgery have been associated with an increased risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), while resulting in equivocal pain relief. This study's aim was to examine the utilization of gabapentinoids in thoracic surgery to determine the association of gabapentinoids with PPCs and perioperative opioid utilization. ⋯ Perioperative gabapentinoid administration in elective thoracic surgery may be associated with a higher risk of PPCs and no opioid-sparing effect.