Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Jul 2024
The Relationship Between Transfusion in Cardiac Surgery Patients and Adverse Outcomes.
To understand if red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are independently associated with a risk of mortality, prolonged intubation, or infectious, cardiac, or renal morbid outcomes. ⋯ The authors demonstrated a strong independent association between RBC transfusion volume and adverse outcomes after cardiac surgery. Efforts should be undertaken, such as preoperative anemia management and control of coagulopathy, in order to minimize the need for RBC transfusion.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Jul 2024
Intraoperative and Intraprocedural Use of 3-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography: An International European Association of Cardiothoracic Anesthesia and Intensive Care Survey of Cardiac Surgical Centers.
To assess the intraoperative use of 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE) in cardiac surgical centers, the authors created a survey aimed at evaluating the availability of equipment and the use of 3D TEE for specific surgical and interventional procedures and single-image modalities. The respondents were asked to identify the perceived impact on patient management and current limitations to its routine use. ⋯ Current guidelines suggest integrating 3D TEE into all comprehensive examinations. The authors' survey reported that intraoperative 3D TEE was used in the majority of mitral valve surgery and only one-half of the other valve surgeries and transcatheter procedures. Its use may be explained by the availability of 3D machines, trained personnel, and limited time to perform TEE in the operating room. Educational initiatives for training in 3D TEE may further increase its routine use.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Jul 2024
Observational StudyMisidentification of the True Aortic Annulus With 2-dimensional Echocardiography: A Critical Appraisal Using 3-Dimensional Imaging.
This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of identifying the true aortic valve (AV) annulus using 2-dimensional (2D) echocardiography, with the goal of highlighting potential misidentification issues in clinical practice. ⋯ The study highlighted the limitations of 2D echocardiography in accurately identifying the true AV annulus in complex 3D structures like the aortic root. The findings suggest a need for greater reliance on advanced imaging modalities, such as 3D echocardiography, to improve accuracy in clinical practice.