Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Oct 2023
Meta AnalysisImpact of Lower Tidal Volumes During One-Lung Ventilation: A 2022 Update of the Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
To clarify the influence of lower tidal volume (4-7 mL/kg) compared with higher tidal volume (8-15 mL/kg) during one-lung ventilation (OLV) on gas exchange and postoperative clinical outcome. ⋯ The use of lower tidal volume, a component of protective OLV, increases the PaO2/FIO2 ratio, reduces the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications, and should be considered strongly in daily practice.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Oct 2023
Red Blood Cell Conservation and Use in the Cardiovascular Operating Rooms at Ben Taub General Hospital.
A conservative hemoglobin transfusion threshold is noninferior to a liberal threshold in cardiac surgery. However, red blood cell (RBC) transfusion remains common during cardiac surgery. The authors' single-center, retrospective study aimed to decrease RBC transfusions for hemoglobin >7.5 g/dL in nonemergent cardiovascular surgeries utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), by educating the anesthesiology and surgical staff on the benefits of a conservative threshold for transfusions, and incorporating the discussion and routine use of blood conservation methods for all nonemergent cardiac surgeries. ⋯ The authors' goal was to improve patient outcomes and the quality of perioperative care during cardiac surgery. By implementing a protocol and educating anesthesiologists, surgeons, and perfusionists, they successfully decreased the incidence of RBC transfusion above a hemoglobin of 7.5 g/dL.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Oct 2023
Observational StudyDevelopment and Validation of a Prediction Score for Low-Cardiac-Output Syndrome After Adult Cardiac Surgery.
The authors aimed to develop a simple prediction score to help identify patients at high risk of low-cardiac-output syndrome after adult cardiac surgery. ⋯ The authors developed a clinical score to facilitate the prediction of low- cardiac-output syndrome after adult cardiac surgery. This could help tailor patient management by contributing to the early identification of those at high risk of postoperative low cardiac output.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Oct 2023
A Practical Guide for Using the EZ-Blocker Endobronchial Blocker: Tips and Tricks After 10 Years of Experience.
The EZ-Blocker (EZB) is a "Y-shaped," semirigid endobronchial blocker used for lung isolation and one-lung ventilation during thoracic surgery. Like many medical tools, initial efforts to use this endobronchial blocker may prove challenging for the uninitiated. However, some tips and tricks can be applied fairly rapidly to aid the clinician in properly placing the device, and, furthermore, may help the clinician get the most out of this innovative device. ⋯ The underlying design of the EZB remains unique among commercially available bronchial blockers in improving positional stability. The Y-shaped conformation, however, can lead to challenges when positioning the device in some patients. Therefore, some very practical tips and tricks are provided to assist the clinician in correctly positioning the device and other hints to improve the quality of lung isolation and surgical conditions.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Oct 2023
Hypoxemia After Endobronchial Valve Deployment for Persistent Air Leak.
Endobronchial valves (EBVs) are a novel, minimally invasive bronchoscopic management technique for persistent air leaks that fail conservative therapy. Currently, 2 EBVs are available in the United States: the Spiration Valve System (Olympus, Redmond, WA) and the Zephyr Valve (Pulmonx, Redwood, CA). These valves are Food and Drug Administration-approved to reduce hyperinflation in emphysematous patients via bronchoscopic lung-volume reduction. ⋯ Despite their popularity, these devices are not free from side effects. As an anesthesiologist, it is vital to be aware of the pathophysiology of this patient population so that safe and effective anesthetics may be provided during valve placement. Here, the use of EBVs is discussed in a patient who presented with a persistent air leak after a transthoracic needle aspiration that failed treatment due to persistent hypoxemia, warranting EBV removal.