Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Nov 2024
Review Meta AnalysisThe Analgesic Effect of Ultrasound-guided Erector Spinae Plane Block in Median Sternotomy Cardiac Surgery in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
To assess the analgesic effect of erector spinae plane block in adults undergoing median sternotomy cardiac surgery. ⋯ Erector spinae plane block decreased pain scores within 12 hours after extubation, reached the minimal clinically important difference within 6 hours, and decreased opioid consumption 24 hours after surgery, based on data of very low to moderate quality. However, high-quality randomized controlled trials are necessary to validate these findings.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Nov 2024
Meta AnalysisAnticoagulation Monitoring Using Activated Clotting Time in Patients Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Meta-Analysis of Correlation Coefficients.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) requires systemic anticoagulation to maintain the circuit patency. However, the use of anticoagulation carries a risk of severe hemorrhage, necessitating rigorous monitoring. Activated clotting time (ACT) is a widely used monitoring tool; however, the evidence of its correlation with unfractionated heparin (UFH) infusion dose is limited. Here we aimed to analyze the correlation between ACT and UFH infusion during ECMO. ⋯ Even though ACT is a widely used UFH monitoring tool in ECMO patients, our meta-analysis found a weak correlation between ACT and UFH infusion dose. New trials are needed to investigate the role of emerging tools and to clarify the most appropriate monitoring strategy for patients receiving ECMO support.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Nov 2024
Multicenter StudyPerioperative Albumin Among Adults Undergoing Thoracic Surgery in the United States: Utilization, Associations With Clinical Outcomes, and Contribution to Hospital Costs.
To estimate the use of albumin among adults undergoing thoracic surgery in the United States, compare baseline characteristics, clinical and cost outcomes of recipients versus nonrecipients, and determine albumin's contribution to total hospital costs. ⋯ Albumin use varies widely across hospitals, and 9% of patients receive it (median 500 mL). Use was not associated with in-hospital mortality and was associated with more morbidity and cost. The cost of albumin accounted for a trivial portion of hospital costs. Clinical trials must examine the effects of albumin on complications and costs after thoracic surgery.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Nov 2024
ReviewThe Year in Cardiothoracic Transplant Anesthesia: Selected Highlights From 2022 Part I: Lung Transplantation.
These highlights focus on the research in lung transplantation (LTX) that was published in 2022 and includes the assessment and optimization of candidates for LTX, donor optimization, the use of organs from donation after circulatory death, and outcomes when using marginal or novel donors; recipient factors affecting LTX, including age, disease, the use of extracorporeal life support; and special situations, such as coronavirus disease2019, pediatric LTX, and retransplantation. The remainder of the article focuses on the perioperative management of LTX, including the perioperative risk factors for acute renal failure (acute kidney injury); the incidence and management of phrenic nerve injury, delirium, and pain; and the postoperative management of hyperammonemia, early postoperative infections, and the use of donor-derived cell-free DNA to detect rejection.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Nov 2024
ReviewHypoattenuated Leaflet Thickening: A Comprehensive Review of Contemporary Data.
Nearly one-third of patients who undergo surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) develop hypoattenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) within a year. HALT typically represents subclinical leaflet thrombosis in asymptomatic patients, and as a result it often is detected incidentally. ⋯ The clinical significance of HALT is a topic of ongoing debate, and currently there is no consensus on the screening and management of HALT in patients following TAVR or SAVR. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the available evidence on risk factors, preventative measures, treatment, and prognosis for this growing patient cohort.