Propofol-Supplemented Cardioplegic Solution Effect on Myocardial Protection: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

This systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis evaluated whether adding propofol to cardioplegic solution improves myocardial protection during cardiac surgery. Five randomized controlled trials involving 523 patients found no definitive reduction in postoperative troponin or improvement in creatinine, arrhythmias, serious complications, or length of stay. Although Bayesian analysis suggested moderate probabilities of benefit, uncertainty remains too high to support routine use.

September 3, 2026

Designing a Cardiac Arrest System That Includes Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Contemporary Review

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) can achieve survival approaching 30% for selected patients with refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, but success depends on the entire system of care. This contemporary review examines patient selection, EMS optimization, geographic planning, rapid transport, hospital-based, rendezvous and prehospital ECPR models, specialized cardiac arrest centers, postresuscitation care, cost effectiveness, and continuous quality improvement.

August 31, 2026

Predictive Preoperative Score of Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

A study of 2,083 patients undergoing CABG found that 11.6% required prolonged mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours. Researchers developed a simple preoperative risk score using readily available clinical factors, with risk ranging from 2.9% in the lowest-risk group to 44.3% in the highest. Anemia, severe kidney and ventricular dysfunction, urgent surgery, and other factors predicted increased risk, while risk also rose as cardiopulmonary bypass exceeded about 120 minutes.

August 30, 2026

Blood-Based Versus Crystalloid Cardiopulmonary Bypass Priming in Left Ventricular Assist Device Surgery: Impact on End-Organ Function and Survival

This retrospective study compared blood-based versus crystalloid cardiopulmonary bypass priming in 92 patients undergoing HeartMate 3 LVAD implantation. Blood-based priming was associated with significantly less postoperative right heart failure and delirium and a trend toward less dialysis. Major bleeding was numerically lower, while survival differences were not statistically significant. Prospective randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings.

August 7, 2026

Does Sternal-Sparing Outweigh Prolonged Bypass? Inflammatory Resolution in MICS Versus Median Sternotomy: A SIRI-Based Analysis

A propensity score-matched study of 178 patients undergoing mitral valve surgery compared minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) with conventional median sternotomy. Although MICS required longer operative, cardiopulmonary bypass, and cross-clamp times, patients experienced faster resolution of systemic inflammation by postoperative day 5, measured using the Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI). Early postoperative SIRI also showed promise for predicting pulmonary complications.

August 6, 2026

Impact of Antegrade Selective Cerebral Perfusion Flow Ranges on Clinical and Neurological Outcomes in Aortic Arch Surgery

This retrospective single-center study evaluated 492 adults undergoing aortic arch surgery with bilateral selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SACP). Patients were grouped by indexed cerebral perfusion flow (<10, 10–15, or >15 mL/kg/min). No significant differences were found in 30-day mortality, permanent neurological dysfunction, or transient neurological deficits across flow ranges. The findings support individualized intraoperative perfusion management while maintaining recommended flow targets.

August 6, 2026

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