J Cardiothorac Surg
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J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 2013
Risk factors for endotracheal re-intubation following coronary artery bypass grafting.
Endotracheal re-intubation following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is often associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, few reports have focused on the independent risk factors for re-intubation following CABG. This study aimed to evaluate the independent risk factors for re-intubation following CABG. ⋯ Preoperative COPD, preoperative CHF, postoperative relative hypoxemia, postoperative AKI and postoperative total mechanical ventilation time were five independent risk factors for re-intubation following CABG.
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J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 2013
Case ReportsBronchial obstruction by tumor embolus of contralateral lung during pneumonectomy: report of a case.
Bronchial obstruction due to a tumor embolus of the contralateral lung during pneumonectomy is an uncommon and fatal complication. According to previous cases, a bronchial balloon of double-lumen endotracheal tube (DLT) could prevent a dislodged tumor from traveling to the contralateral lung. We experienced a tumor embolism from the bronchus with cancer to the other bronchus despite applying DLT. ⋯ Intraoperative fiberoptic bronchoscopy showed a near total obstruction of the right main bronchus due to tumor emboli. It was not possible to remove the tumor embolus through bronchoscopic suction and forceps. Therefore, we reopened the left bronchial stump and successfully extracted tumor embolus under bronchoscopic guidance.
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J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 2013
Bone cement-enhanced sternal closure technique in cardiac surgery: effects on sternal union, pain and life quality.
Median sternotomy provides excellent access to all mediastinal structures in patients undergoing conventional cardiovascular surgery. Although this incision technique is associated with relatively lower complication rates, certain complications such as the sternal dehiscence may pose serious health consequences. In this regard, considerable effort has been paid to develop techniques aiming to improve sternal healing and to enhance postoperative recovery after conventional cardiac surgery. Among these, kryptonite bone cement, a biocompatible polymer with improved mechanical properties when combined with a standard wire cerclage, represents a promising novel approach that may help prevent sternal dehiscence. In this study, the effects of this particular type of bone cement on sternal healing, postoperative pain, and quality of life have been evaluated. ⋯ Kryptonite bone cement, when combined with a standard wire cerclage, enhances mechanical strength, prevents sternal dehiscence, reduces postoperative pain and improves quality of life after conventional cardiac surgery. Long-term studies are warranted to better define the role of kryptonite bone cement in the prevention of sternal dehiscence.
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J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 2013
Accuracy of the Masimo Pronto-7® system in patients with left ventricular assist device.
The Masimo Pronto-7® calculates hemoglobin (Hb) values using the pulsoximetry technique and a variety of mathematical algorithms analyzing the pulse waveform. Although this system has demonstrated a high level of accuracy in average patients, the performance might be altered in special patient populations. Regarding patients with left ventricular cardiac failure, a rotary blood pump generates a constant, continuous, non-pulsatile flow to improve effective cardiac output. Due to this alteration in both, blood flow and arterial blood pressure we hypothesized a reduced accuracy of the Masimo Pronto-7® to detect Hb in patients with left ventricular cardiac failure. To test our hypothesis, we evaluated the Pronto-7®SpHb system in outpatients after continuous-flow-left ventricular assist device (cf-LVAD) implantation (HeartMate II, Thoratec). ⋯ The Pronto-7® overestimated the actual Hb value in cf-LVAD outpatients with the HeartMate II. Due to this, we conclude that the system is suitable for screening in routine examinations and further analysis can be performed if needed. However, its use as an emergency tool is questionable because of the increased inaccuracy when Hb values are critically low.
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J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 2013
Case ReportsVeno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with a bicaval dual-lumen catheter in a SynCardia total artificial heart patient.
We report the case of a 55 years old caucasian male patient with cardiogenic shock due to an extended myocardial infarction who underwent SynCardia Total Artificial Heart implantation and veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with a bicaval dual-lumen cannula for the treatment of adult respiratory distress syndrome.