Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Apr 1997
ReviewAnesthesia information-management systems: their role in risk-versus cost assessment and outcomes research.
Computerized clinical information systems clearly have a role in this era of managed care when outcomes research and cost/benefit analyses are becoming crucial. Despite anesthesiologists' leadership in developing physician-entry systems, automated recordkeeping systems have been underused. This report reviews the problems and possible solutions associated with establishing more effective and user-friendly systems in the anesthesia specialty. ⋯ To filter the vast amount of data collected by electronic medical-records systems in the ordinary course of care that are not applicable to a specific study, some form of filtering or data reduction on transfer to research or administrative databases will be needed. To allow careful analysis of possible correlations of outcome to care choices requires both the capture of the clinical context-a detailed description of all relevant conditions extending well beyond merely the objective vital signs-throughout a specific medical episode and the establishment of postoperative evaluation systems to allow outcomes capture. Connections to new as well as existing outcome data will provide vast new opportunities for outcomes research.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Apr 1997
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialComparison of lumbar and thoracic epidural narcotics for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
To determine whether there is an advantage of thoracic over lumbar epidural narcotics for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. ⋯ There is no advantage of thoracic over lumbar epidural analgesia using morphine in patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Apr 1997
ReviewCardiopulmonary bypass and the inflammatory response: a role for serine protease inhibitors?
Cardiopulmonary bypass has been shown to activate various inflammatory cascades in the body, resulting in pathophysiological changes that may affect patient outcome after cardiac surgery. Many of these inflammatory cascades are enzyme mediated, involving serine proteases. ⋯ Experimental data are reviewed on the action of aprotinin in inhibiting the intrinsic coagulation system and in limiting the contact activation of blood platelets and leukocytes. Also reviewed is the role of aprotinin in impacting the incidence of perioperative myocardial ischemia and the central nervous system dysfunction and stroke that are not infrequent complications of surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Apr 1997
Evaluation of an approach to choosing a left double-lumen tube size based on chest computed tomographic scan measurement of left mainstem bronchial diameter.
Evaluation of an approach to choosing left double-lumen tube size based on chest computed tomographic (CT) scan measurement of left bronchial diameter. ⋯ Chest CT scan measurement of left bronchial diameter can successfully guide the choice of left double-lumen tube size for an individual patient. In individuals with a small left bronchus measuring less than 10.0 mm in diameter, currently available adult double-lumen tube sizes will tightly wedge in their bronchus.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Apr 1997
Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialInhaled nitric oxide (40 ppm) during one-lung ventilation, in the lateral decubitus position, does not decrease pulmonary vascular resistance or improve oxygenation in normal patients.
To determine the effects of inhaled nitric oxide (NO) on venous admixture (Qs/Qt), mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP), and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in patients undergoing one-lung ventilation (1LV) in the lateral decubitus position. ⋯ Inhaled NO at 40 ppm, during 1LV in the lateral decubitus position, did not significantly decrease MPAP in patients with normal baseline PVR. Oxygenation and Qs/Qt did not change in this setting because MPAP was not altered. At present, interventions other than administration of inhaled NO should be applied to patients with normal PVR who experience hypoxia during one-lung ventilation.