Scandinavian cardiovascular journal : SCJ
-
Scand. Cardiovasc. J. · Aug 2009
Editorial CommentCirculatory assistance in acute heart failure--where do we go from here?
The comment concerns two short-term assist systems, namely the Impella axial-flow recovery system and extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) used for circulatory assistance in patients with acute heart failure. The results, particularly for patients in cardiogenic shock not related to cardiac surgery, calls for cautious optimism.
-
We present a short discussion of the literature concerning institutional volume and outcomes for congenital heart surgery. Although there are limitations to some of the studies discussed, all published studies conclude that higher volumes are associated with better outcomes. We then reflect on some of the arguments that can be made in favour of greater centralisation of this practice and some of the arguments that can be made against centralisation.