Determination of Insensible Water Loss and Sodium Accumulation Behavior from the Medtronic Nautilus ECMO Oxygenator: An In Vitro Study

January 28, 2026 No Comments

This in vitro study examined insensible water loss and sodium accumulation in the Medtronic Nautilus ECMO oxygenator. Using varying sweep gas rates over 24 hours, researchers found a strong linear relationship between sweep gas flow and fluid loss. The rate was approximately 72.5 mL/day per 1 L/min sweep gas. Sodium accumulation was observed but not statistically confirmed due to sample size. These findings are critical for managing fluid balance and hypernatremia risk in ECMO patients.

Tranexamic Acid Does Not Have a Dose-Dependent Effect on Postoperative Delirium After Cardiac Surgery — A Retrospective Cohort Study

January 28, 2026 No Comments

This retrospective study examined over 5,500 patients undergoing cardiac surgery to assess whether higher doses of tranexamic acid (TXA) reduce postoperative delirium (PD). Despite TXA’s known anti-inflammatory effects and role in stabilizing the blood-brain barrier, the study found no significant dose-dependent reduction in PD. CAM-ICU assessments showed similar PD rates across all dosing groups, highlighting PD’s multifactorial nature and the need for further prospective trials.

An In-Vitro Study of the Timing Between Protamine Sulfate Administration and Cardiotomy Suction Termination

January 28, 2026 No Comments

This in-vitro study evaluates the optimal timing for discontinuing cardiotomy suction during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) when reversing heparin anticoagulation with protamine sulfate. Using porcine blood samples, the researchers assessed activated clotting times (ACTs) after administering a protamine test dose (PTD) and 1/3 of the full dose. Results showed significant ACT reductions after each stage, suggesting early suction termination is vital to preserve circuit integrity.