Incidence and Risk Factors of Limb Ischaemia in Adult Patients Receiving Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Limb ischaemia is a serious complication of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO). This systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 studies involving 2,812 adults found a pooled limb ischaemia incidence of 16.9%. Peripheral arterial disease, unsuccessful percutaneous cannulation, and shorter patient height were significant risk factors, underscoring the need for early risk identification and preventive strategies in ECMO care.

February 6, 2026

Zero-Balance Ultrafiltration Reduces Postoperative Delirium After Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This single-center randomized controlled trial evaluated whether adding zero-balance ultrafiltration (Z-BUF) to conventional ultrafiltration during cardiopulmonary bypass reduces postoperative delirium after cardiac surgery. Among 106 analyzed patients, Z-BUF significantly lowered delirium incidence within 7 postoperative days compared with conventional ultrafiltration alone, while no significant differences were observed in longer-term cognitive outcomes at 1 or 3 months.

February 5, 2026

Selective Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion in Donation After Circulatory Death Transplantation

Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion in Donation After Circulatory Death Lung Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated whether ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) improves outcomes in donation after circulatory death (DCD) lung transplantation. Across five observational studies including 654 patients, EVLP showed no significant differences in grade 3 primary graft dysfunction, ICU or hospital length of stay, short-term survival, pneumonia, or acute rejection compared with direct transplantation. Findings support selective rather than routine EVLP use.

February 5, 2026

Precision and Protection: Advanced Myocardial Preservation in Complex Cardiac Surgery

Custodial-HTK Cardioplegia in Conventional Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis From UiTM

This retrospective cohort study from a Malaysian tertiary cardiac center compares Custodial-HTK cardioplegia with conventional blood cardioplegia in elective on-pump cardiac surgery. Although Custodial-HTK was preferentially used in higher-risk and more complex cases with lower baseline LVEF and longer bypass times, postoperative outcomes, ICU stay, hospital stay, and 30-day mortality were comparable, supporting its safety and effectiveness.

February 4, 2026

Global Teamwork in Modern Myocardial Protection: Alternative Base Solutions for del Nido Cardioplegia

Alternative Base Solutions for del Nido Cardioplegia: Composition, Rationale, and Clinical Evidence

This comprehensive review examines alternative crystalloid and whole-blood base solutions for del Nido cardioplegia, including normal saline, lactated Ringer’s, plain Ringer’s, Isolyte S, Ionosteril, and whole blood. Drawing on experimental models, randomized trials, and clinical studies, the article demonstrates that these alternatives provide myocardial protection and postoperative outcomes comparable to Plasma-Lyte A when appropriately buffered, supporting cost-effective and globally accessible cardiac surgery practice.

January 31, 2026

Active Myocardial Protection During Cardioplegic Arrest

Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Cardioplegic Protection in Surgical Myocardial Revascularization

This comprehensive review explores how cardioplegia actively protects the myocardium during coronary artery bypass grafting. Beyond inducing cardiac arrest, cardioplegic solutions modulate calcium homeostasis, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. By suppressing electromechanical activity and metabolic demand, cardioplegia prolongs ischemic tolerance and mitigates reperfusion injury, offering critical insights for optimizing myocardial protection strategies in modern cardiac surgery.

January 31, 2026

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