Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
-
J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Dec 2024
ReviewThe Year in Graduate Medical Education: Selected Highlights from 2023.
This special article is the third in an annual series of the Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia that highlights significant literature from the world of graduate medical education published over the past year. Major themes addressed in this review include the potential uses and pitfalls of artificial intelligence in graduate medical education, trainee well-being and the rise of unionized house staff, the effect of gender and race/ethnicity on residency application and attrition rates, and the adoption of novel technologies in medical simulation and education. The authors thank the editorial board for again allowing us to draw attention to some of the more interesting work published in the field of graduate medical education during 2023. We hope that the readers find these highlights thought-provoking and informative as we all strive to successfully educate the next generation of anesthesiologists.
-
J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Dec 2024
Review Meta AnalysisLocal Adverse Events Associated with Peripheral Vasoactive Infusion in Children: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.
Prior meta-analysis suggested a low incidence of local adverse events after infusion of vasoactive agents via a peripheral venous catheter in children. However, the number of included patients was relatively low, and the vasoactive agents used were mostly dopamine. We performed an updated systematic review with meta-analysis using databases of MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to explore the safety of infusing vasoactive agents, including epinephrine and norepinephrine, through peripheral venous catheters or intraosseous access in critically ill children. ⋯ The pooled incidence rates of local adverse events associated with infusion of vasoactive agents through peripheral venous catheters or intraosseous access, peripheral venous catheters only, and intraosseous access only were 2.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.8%-3.9%), 2.3% (95% CI: 1.0%-4.0%), and 1.1% (95% CI: 0.0%-9.8%), respectively. Based on the findings of this meta-analysis, the incidence rate of local adverse events associated with peripheral vasoactive infusion appears to be low. Peripheral infusion of vasoactive agents, including epinephrine and norepinephrine, can be considered when necessary.
-
J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Dec 2024
Impact of Covert Brain Infarction Following Coronary Angiography on Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Outcomes.
To determine the association between preoperative covert brain infarction following coronary angiography (CAG) and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). ⋯ Among patients undergoing elective CABG, there was no significant association between covert brain infarction following CAG and the occurrence of MACCEs within 30 days or long-term mortality after CABG.
-
J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Dec 2024
Nighttime/Weekend Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Cannulation Is Not Associated With Increased 1-Year Mortality for Non-Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Indications.
The process of placing a patient on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is complex and requires the activation and coordination of numerous personnel from a variety of disciplines to achieve procedural success, initiate flow, and subsequently monitor the patient's condition. The literature suggests that nighttime cannulation for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is associated with adverse outcomes compared to daytime cannulation. Given the strain on personnel that this process can create, it is plausible that patients who are initiated on VA-ECMO for non-ECPR indications during the nighttime and on weekends, which are generally periods with reduced staffing compared to weekday daytime hours, also may experience worse outcomes, including decreased survival. This study aimed to determine whether nighttime/weekend VA-ECMO cannulation is associated with worse outcomes, including decreased survival. ⋯ We conclude that nighttime and weekend VA-ECMO cannulations can be performed safely at a large academic medical center.