Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Feb 2010
Review Meta AnalysisReducing mortality in cardiac surgery with levosimendan: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
The authors performed a meta-analysis to evaluate whether levosimendan is associated with improved survival in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. ⋯ Levosimendan has cardioprotective effects that could result in a reduced postoperative mortality. A large randomized controlled study is warranted in this setting.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Feb 2010
Epicardial real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography with the use of a pediatric transthoracic probe: a technical approach.
The aim of the present study was to suggest a simple and comprehensive method for performing real-time 3-dimensional (3D) epicardial echocardiography with a pediatric probe small enough for the surgical field. Intraoperative echocardiography is a necessary tool for planning and performing cardiac surgery. Although epicardial intraoperative echocardiography is intended for few patients, it is a part of an exhaustive approach to intraoperative echocardiography. ⋯ Three-dimensional epicardial echocardiography is feasible, and in the x-plane modality it is quicker than standard epicardial 2-dimensional examination. According to the judgment of independent observers, it provides high-quality and reproducible images, which are particularly valuable for mitral valve repair.