International Perfusion Association

Day: September 21, 2024

Pediatric ECMO

Outcomes in Patients Who Received ECMO and/or Volatile Anesthetics as Rescue Therapies for Status Asthmaticus

This study explores the outcomes of pediatric patients with status asthmaticus (SA) who received either inhaled volatile anesthetics (IVA), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), or both as rescue therapies in a PICU setting. Among seven patients, most who received IVA were escalated to ECMO. The results suggest that early ECMO cannulation might be beneficial, though larger studies are needed to form conclusive guidelines for SA management in critically ill children.

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Factor VII

Cardiopulmonary Bypass in a Pediatric Patient with Factor XII Deficiency

This case report discusses the challenges of managing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in an 8-month-old pediatric patient with factor XII deficiency, a rare coagulopathy that complicates anticoagulation monitoring. The use of the Hemochron Signature Elite with ACT+ cartridges provided reliable anticoagulation monitoring during surgery. The report reviews current strategies for managing CPB in patients with this condition, highlighting the importance of specialized tools for predictable results.

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VAD Rehab

Effects of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients with Ventricular Assist Devices: A Scoping Review

This review explores the impact of cardiac rehabilitation programs on patients with ventricular assist devices (VADs). It highlights the benefits of exercise-based rehabilitation in improving cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise tolerance. The most common approach is high-intensity interval training (HIIT), followed by moderate-intensity exercise. The findings suggest that cardiac rehabilitation is safe and effective for VAD patients, leading to improved health outcomes.

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Heparin CPB

Heparin Resistance Management During Cardiac Surgery: A Literature Review and Future Directions

This article reviews the complexities of heparin resistance (HR) during cardiac surgery, highlighting its causes, diagnosis, and management strategies. HR, characterized by insufficient response to heparin, can result in serious surgical complications. The authors discuss diagnostic methods like assessing activated clotting time (ACT) and propose management strategies such as heparin dosage adjustments, antithrombin supplementation, and alternative anticoagulants to improve patient outcomes.

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