This study from the Michigan Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons Quality Collaborative evaluated outcomes of CABG in 33 hospitals 2011-2013, assessing the association of blood transfusion (39.9% of pts) and the incidence of postoperative pneumonia (3.6% of pts). Blood transfusion was associated with an increased risk of pneumonia (OR 3.
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Critical Care
September 4, 2015
August 28, 2015
This protocol provides guidance for temporary pacemaker verification and troubleshooting.
August 25, 2015
Mahesh Ramchandani of Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, discusses the use of the AngioVac device for removal of unwanted intravascular material.
August 22, 2015
Among patients with blunt trauma, the authors studied the implications of pneumomediastinum identified on CT. The incidence was 2.2%. Pneumomediastinum was associated with a 4-fold increase in mortality, a 2-fold increase in length of stay, and a 3-fold increase in ICU stay. Air in the posterior mediastinum, air in all mediastinal compartments, an
July 28, 2015
This article offers a much needed comprehensive overview of temporary pacing strategies specific to cardiac surgical patients.
July 14, 2015
This small randomized trial evaluated the potential benefits of ghrelin, an anti-inflammatory agent, in reducing the SIRS response after esophagectomy. The ghrelin group had a reduced SIRS duration, lower CRP levels, and lower IL-6 levels compared to controls. Pulmonary complications were reduced in the ghrelin group, but other complication inciden
July 6, 2015
This is a provocative study questioning the current practice of using blood pressure targets perioperatively to ensure adequate perfusion. Plasma levels of a brain-specific injury biomarker (GFAP) were measured in 121 patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
July 4, 2015
A novel social networking group has been formed and is entitled, "The Thoracic Surgery Social Media Network." It is represented on Twitter by the handle, @TSSMN. In addition, tweets are tagged with the #TSSMN hashtag.
May 19, 2015
The question in this review was whether patients who experience tension pneumothorax differ in presentation depending on whether they are breathing spontaneously or are on positive pressure ventilation. Assisted ventilation was more often associated with hypoxia, hypotension, and cardiac arrest. These adverse clinical signs frequently arose within
May 10, 2015
In this excellent case report the authors describe the use of ECMO on a 28 year old pregenant female (26 weeks gestation) that developed ARDS requiring ECMO support for survival. The outcome for both mother and child was described as excellent with both being discharged from hospital care. The article has several important elements regarding ECMO fo