Preoperative Anemia Management and Its Economic Impact on Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Cardiac Surgery

Predictors and Economic Impact of Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Cardiac Surgery: A Simulated Cost Reduction Model for Preoperative Anemia Management

February 16, 2026 No Comments

This retrospective cohort study of 661 elective cardiac surgery patients identified preoperative anemia as the strongest independent predictor of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion (OR 3.67). Transfusion was associated with longer hospital stay, higher infection rates, prolonged ventilation, and a median cost increase of €2264 per patient. A simulation model estimated that eliminating preoperative anemia could prevent 47 transfusions and save €106 429 over 13 months.

Why Certification Matters: Elevate Your Career in ECMO & Blood Management

September 25, 2025 No Comments

Certification in extracorporeal life support and blood management is more than a credential—it’s a statement of expertise, trust, and commitment to excellence. AmSECT/IBBM certification sets you apart in a competitive field, opening career opportunities, building credibility, and ensuring lifelong learning. Stay ahead with industry advancements, expand your professional network, and gain recognition for your skills. Spring applications close April 25, 2025

Evaluation of Intraoperative and Postoperative Blood Cell Salvage Use in Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass

June 3, 2025 No Comments

This study investigates the impact of using blood cell salvage (BCS) during and after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Among 41 patients, those using BCS showed significantly improved hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, fewer red blood cell transfusions, lower infection rates, and shorter hospital stays. The findings support integrating BCS into Patient Blood Management strategies for better clinical outcomes.

Comparative Efficacy of Blood Salvage Techniques After Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Centrifugation, Modified Ultrafiltration, and Hemobag Systems in Adult Cardiac Surgery

May 20, 2025 No Comments

Four studies explore blood conservation strategies following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in adult cardiac surgery. Techniques like centrifugation (CF), modified ultrafiltration (MUF), and Hemobag (HB) processing vary in their effectiveness. MUF and HB methods consistently reduce postoperative transfusions and improve hematologic markers compared to CF, supporting their broader use in adult cardiac surgical care.

Evaluation of Transcutaneous Non-Invasive Blood Gas Analysis for Monitoring Gas Exchange in Pediatric Cardiac Surgical Patients Post Extubation

April 13, 2025 No Comments

This study evaluates the effectiveness of transcutaneous blood gas monitoring (TcPCO₂ and TcPO₂) in detecting carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in pediatric cardiac surgery patients after extubation. It found a strong correlation between TcPCO₂ and arterial PaCO₂, suggesting transcutaneous CO₂ can be a reliable, non-invasive monitoring tool. However, TcPO₂ showed less precision and cannot substitute PaO₂.

Vasoplegic Syndrome in Cardiac Surgery: Bridging Therapeutic Gaps with Best Practices and Future Research

April 6, 2025 No Comments

This article explores vasoplegic syndrome (VS), a serious complication following cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass. It discusses inconsistent definitions, risk factors, and treatment strategies. Methylene blue emerges as a promising therapy due to its ability to counteract the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway. The authors advocate for standardized definitions, early intervention, and large-scale trials to validate therapeutic protocols.

Perioperative Bleeding Is Not an Independent Risk Factor for Acute Kidney Injury in On-pump Cardiac Surgery—A Post-hoc Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

April 1, 2025 No Comments

A post-hoc analysis of the ALBICS randomized trial with 1,386 cardiac surgery patients found that perioperative bleeding, as classified by the Universal Definition of Perioperative Bleeding (UDPB), was not independently linked to acute kidney injury (AKI). Rather, bleeding indirectly contributed to AKI through hypotension and fluid overload. The only transfusion product independently associated with AKI was fresh frozen plasma.

CytoSorb Hemoadsorption of Apixaban During Cardio-Pulmonary Bypass for Heart Transplantation

March 29, 2025 No Comments

This case study reports on the successful intraoperative removal of apixaban using a CytoSorb hemoadsorption device during emergency heart transplantation. The 61-year-old patient, previously on apixaban, underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), during which the device significantly reduced anticoagulant levels without complications. The results suggest CytoSorb may offer a viable method to manage DOACs in urgent cardiac surgery settings.

Indications for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Older Adult Patients with Accidental Hypothermia and Hemodynamic Instability

March 16, 2025 No Comments

This study analyzes the efficacy of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in older adults with accidental hypothermia (AH) and hemodynamic instability before cardiac arrest. A post-hoc analysis of the ICE-CRASH study (2019–2022) found no significant survival difference between ECMO and non-ECMO patients at 28 days. ECMO accelerated rewarming but increased bleeding complications. The study concludes ECMO may not benefit this patient group, challenging existing treatment criteria.

Why Certification Matters: Elevate Your Career in ECMO & Blood Management

March 12, 2025 No Comments