The Impact of Intraoperative Fibrinogen Replacement Therapy on the Clinical Outcome of Surgical Therapy for Type A Acute Aortic Dissection 

This retrospective study evaluated the role of fibrinogen replacement therapy (FRT) using fibrinogen concentrate during emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). Among 87 patients, FRT significantly improved postoperative fibrinogen levels and helped maintain hemostasis without increasing complications. Although intraoperative blood loss was higher in the FRT group due to more severe coagulopathy, postoperative bleeding was similar between groups, suggesting FRT effectively stabilizes coagulation during complex aortic surgery.

Read More »

A Prospective Observational Study on Role of Intraoperative Renal & Muscle Oxygen Saturation on Post-Operative Serum Creatinine Level in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery on Cardiopulmonary Bypass

This prospective observational study evaluated whether intraoperative renal (SrO₂) and thenar muscle oxygen saturation (SmO₂), measured using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), could predict post-operative increases in serum creatinine in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Among 55 patients, a >20% decrease in renal oxygen saturation strongly predicted post-operative creatinine rise, while a 15% decrease in muscle oxygen saturation also showed strong predictive value. Both parameters were significantly correlated. 

Read More »
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

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.

Read More »

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

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

Read More »

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

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.

Read More »

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

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.

Read More »
Evaluation of Transcutaneous Non-Invasive Blood Gas Analysis

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

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

Read More »
Vasoplegic Syndrome in Cardiac Surgery

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

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.

Read More »
Perioperative Bleeding Is Not an Independent Risk Factor for Acute Kidney Injury

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

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.

Read More »
CytoSorb Hemoadsorption of Apixaban

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

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.

Read More »