Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Apr 1998
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialPleural bupivacaine placement for optimal postthoracotomy pulmonary function: a prospective, randomized study.
To determine dependent chest tube losses of bupivacaine with paravertebral versus interpleural administration, thereby helping to explain the significant differences in pulmonary function that exist between these two techniques. ⋯ Local anesthetic on the diaphragm might actively impair respiratory function through diaphragmatic and abdominal muscle weakness, while failing to contribute to pain relief.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Apr 1998
ReviewResolved: A pulmonary artery catheter should be used in the management of the critically ill patient. Pro.
Selected studies showing both positive and negative outcomes with the use of pulmonary artery catheters (PACs) are reviewed. Indications for use of a PAC are controversial, although clearly the "red cap syndrome" is an indication for its insertion. There are sufficient data as well as personal experience to suggest that PACs do make a difference in the management of critically ill patients. ⋯ Studies are reviewed that addressed physician level of expertise related to PAC insertion, complications, data and waveform interpretation, and management. User knowledge clearly is suboptimal. Before attempting to draw conclusions from outcome studies, criteria for appropriate use need to be developed and clinician knowledge needs to be significantly improved.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Apr 1998
ReviewSafety issues in heparin and protamine administration for extracorporeal circulation.
This article reviews past approaches to heparin and protamine dosing and summarizes current practice. The author elucidates his experience with the Celite activated coagulation time (ACT), with attention to his adoption of a value of 400 seconds for this time; the adoption of an ACT of 480 seconds by Bull et al (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 69:674-684, 1975) and Young et al (Ann Thorac Surg 26:231-240, 1978); the proposed use of heparin response curves by Bull et al; the author's experience with a unitized dosing system to individualize dosing of heparin; and the use for this purpose by Despotis et al (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 110:46-54, 1995) of a system based on protamine titration. In more than 270 adult cardiac surgery patients, the unitized dosing system identified patients with high sensitivity or resistance to heparin and facilitated exact individualized doses to be given to produce the desired effect. ⋯ Aprotinin is not a procoagulant during cardiopulmonary bypass. Emerging studies suggest that graft patency is not affected by aprotinin use. The Celite ACT should not be used to monitor heparin effect and safety when using aprotinin; the kaolin ACT should be used instead.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Apr 1998
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialThe effect of etomidate induction on plasma cortisol levels in children undergoing cardiac surgery.
To investigate the effect of a single induction dose of etomidate on plasma cortisol and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) levels in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease. ⋯ These results show that etomidate is a suitable agent for suppressing the increase in cortisol levels associated with the stress response caused by cardiopulmonary bypass in children with congenital heart defects, and can be used safely.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Apr 1998
Epidural anesthesia in cardiac surgery: is there an increased risk?
To assess the risk of hemorrhagic complications associated with epidural anesthesia in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. ⋯ By following certain guidelines, the risk for the development of epidural hematoma is not increased in patients undergoing epidural anesthesia during cardiac surgery.