Using data from the Australian Cardiac Surgical Database, the authors provide further information regarding acute kidney damage after cardiac surgery. This study has added to the evidence that preoperative impairment, IABP use, red cell transfusion and infective endocarditis are predictive factors.
ALERT!
This site is not optimized for Internet Explorer 8 (or older).
Please upgrade to a newer version of Internet Explorer or use an alternate browser such as Chrome or Firefox.
Cardiac
June 16, 2014
The rate of cerebral embolism in patients with acute infective endocarditis (AIE) was about one quarter on CT scanning, with about one third having silent emboli. This had an adverse impact on survival. Haemorrhagic transformation was low. The authors indicate CT scanning should be routine for all patients with AIE.
June 1, 2014
This is a nice video that demonstrates what items are required to safely perform an emergency resternotomy.
Might be a nice video to show to your ICU nurses or those who might be required to assist in an emergency resternotomy.
June 1, 2014
This study assessed whether the application of a poly based hydrogel containing amioderone applied to the epicardium at the time of surgery reduced the incidence of post-operative atrial fibrillation. The study randomised 100 patients undergoing cardiac surgery to either receive the amioderone spray at the time of surgery or no intervention.
May 23, 2014
Stepped wedged cluster randomized control trial from the World Health Organization comparing outcomes in those who received a Checklist. Implementation of the WHO Surgical Safey Checklist decreased morbidty and hospital length of stay.
May 15, 2014
The researchers performed a systematic review to look at outcomes and complications associated with transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects (VSD). This analysis suggests that transcatheter device closure of VSD is safe and yields good results.
May 7, 2014
Patients undergoing catheterization and possible PCI have a poor understanding of the procedures and the attendant benefits/risks. This study investigated the use of a standard consent process compared to a web-based audio-visual presentation. Both processes resulted in similar improvements in patient comprehension, but the web-based process result
May 7, 2014
A transitional care program was instituted for CABG patients to improve care continuity after hospital discharge. The composite outcome was a combination of hospital readmission and death. Among 169 pts who entered the program compared to 232 control patients, program participation was the only independent predictor of improved outcome. The incide
May 5, 2014
This is a really nice summary article of the new oral antocoagulants which is freely available in full.
It describes the particular complications of the NOAC and cautions in renal failure and recommends safe stopping times before surgery
April 28, 2014
A Consensus Statement issued by the International Aortic Arch Surgery Study Group, on the standardization of clinical endpoints for aortic arch surgery. This guideline recommends a list important secondary outcomes that should be reported to enable comprehensive analysis of patient outcomes.