Novel Portable Hypothermic Machine Perfusion Preservation Device Enhances Cardiac Viability of Donated Human Hearts

April 18, 2024 No Comments

This study investigates a novel portable hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion device, the VP.S ENCORE®, designed to extend preservation times for donated human hearts. Utilizing hearts from 11 brain-dead donors, the research compared the efficacy of preservation across different durations (4, 6, and 8 hours) against standard static cold storage (SCS). Findings indicate that the VP.S ENCORE® significantly maintains cardiac viability and function, matching levels observed in healthy hearts, particularly in 6-hour perfusion scenarios which showed improved ventricular relaxation and reduced inflammation marker expression.

Antithrombotic Drug Removal with Hemoadsorption During Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

April 18, 2024 No Comments

This study evaluates the efficacy of using a hemoadsorption cartridge to remove antithrombotic drugs during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). Ten patients, predominantly male and with a mean age of 67.4 years, were treated with antithrombotics like ticagrelor and rivaroxaban. Hemoadsorption was integrated into the perioperative management using either a dialysis device or a standalone apheresis pump, showing a mean treatment time of 145 minutes. Results indicated low rates of bleeding, no deaths, or further interventions during a mean follow-up of 19.5 months, demonstrating that this method is feasible and safe.

The Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid in Reducing Perioperative Drainage in Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass

April 17, 2024 No Comments

This study evaluates the effectiveness of tranexamic acid in reducing bleeding during and after cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass. It compared 40 patients who received tranexamic acid to 40 who did not, finding significant differences in bleeding and transfusion rates, and improvements in hematological parameters for the treated group. These results suggest tranexamic acid effectively minimizes bleeding in such surgeries.

Cannula Placement for Cerebral Protection Without Circulatory Arrest in Patients Undergoing Hemiarch Aortic Aneurysm Repair

April 16, 2024 No Comments

This retrospective study evaluates the efficacy and outcomes of left carotid antegrade cerebral perfusion (LCP) versus traditional right-sided perfusion with hypothermic circulatory arrest in hemiarch aortic aneurysm repairs. The study, encompassing 68 patients between 2015 and 2019, suggests that LCP via distal arch cannulation is a viable and safer alternative, showing comparable clinical outcomes but reduced cardiopulmonary bypass and cerebral perfusion times. The findings advocate for LCP as a method that potentially reduces the risks associated with circulatory arrest.

Development of Endocavitary Suction Device for MiECC on Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery

April 7, 2024 No Comments

This paper introduces a new endocavitary suction device designed to enhance minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) systems during mitral valve surgeries. By reducing blood contact with air and foreign surfaces, it aims to diminish the inflammatory response and improve biocompatibility. The device, coupled with the MiECC technique in minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS), addresses limitations in endo-cavitary aspiration, aiming to eliminate gaseous micro-embolic activity and hemolysis while adjusting CO2 levels. This innovation could revolutionize cardiac chamber surgery by facilitating safer, less invasive procedures, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Haemoglobin Thresholds for Transfusion: How Are We Doing in the Era of Choosing Wisely? A Retrospective Cohort Study

April 7, 2024 No Comments

This retrospective cohort study examines red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practices at a Swiss university hospital from 2012 to 2019, in line with the Choosing Wisely initiative’s recommended haemoglobin thresholds. It reveals a trend towards more restrictive transfusion practices, with mean pretransfusion haemoglobin levels decreasing over the years. The study also found a significant reduction in potentially inadequate transfusions, indicating adherence to guidelines. Key risk factors for potentially inadequate transfusions include older age, surgical procedures, and chronic conditions. The increase in single RBC unit transfusions suggests a shift towards efficiency and caution in transfusion practices, aligning with the initiative’s goals to improve patient care and outcomes.

Preliminary Report of Extracorporeal Blood Purification Therapy in Patients Receiving LVAD: Cytosorb or Jafron HA330

April 4, 2024 No Comments

This study investigates the effects of extracorporeal blood purification therapy using Cytosorb and Jafron HA330 in patients undergoing Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implantation, aimed at mitigating immune dysregulation and infectious complications by reducing proinflammatory cytokine levels. Data from 15 patients receiving HeartMate 3™ LVADs were analyzed, with groups assigned to Cytosorb therapy, Jafron HA330, or control (usual care without filters). Results indicated that despite LVAD implantation increasing levels of various inflammatory markers, neither Cytosorb nor Jafron therapies had a significant impact on these markers, in-hospital mortality, or overall survival. The study suggests the need for larger, prospective studies to explore the potential benefits of hemoadsorption therapies in improving outcomes for LVAD patients.

Consensus of the Brazilian Association of Hematology, Hemotherapy, and Cellular Therapy on Patient Blood Management: Antifibrinolytics

April 3, 2024 No Comments

The article highlights the importance of antifibrinolytic drugs, such as epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) and tranexamic acid (TXA), in reducing blood loss and the need for transfusions in both cardiac and non-cardiac surgeries. These drugs are recognized for their effectiveness without causing significant adverse effects. EACA comes highly recommended for heart surgeries, with no substantial evidence of thrombotic potential, while TXA is noted for its safety and efficacy in reducing transfusion use, with precautions for dose adjustment in renal impairment and seizure risks at doses over 2 g per day.

A Comparison of the Clinical Outcomes of Minimum and Maximum Hematocrit Levels During Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) in Low-risk Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG): A Cross-sectional Study

March 27, 2024 No Comments

This cross-sectional study explores the clinical outcomes of minimum and maximum hematocrit (HCT) levels during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in low-risk coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery patients. It found that lower HCT levels (16-18%) resulted in significantly less post-surgery drainage and lower incidence of cognitive disorders compared to higher HCT levels (25-27%), which required more transfusions of packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma, leading to an increased risk of cognitive impairments.

A Comprehensive Patient Blood Management Program During Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Patients Over 60 Years of Age

March 12, 2024 No Comments

This study investigates the effectiveness of Patient Blood Management (PBM) programs in older adults undergoing cardiovascular surgery, focusing on those aged 60 and above, including a detailed look at individuals 75 and older. The findings reveal significant reductions in red blood cell transfusion rates and mortality, alongside lower risks of adverse events post-PBM implementation, without any negative outcomes. Notably, the advantages of PBM were consistent across all age groups studied, indicating that even the oldest patients can benefit from tailored blood management strategies in cardiovascular procedures.

Social:

Novel Portable Hypothermic Machine Perfusion Preservation Device Enhances Cardiac Viability of Donated Human Hearts

Antithrombotic Drug Removal with Hemoadsorption During Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

The Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid in Reducing Perioperative Drainage in Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Cannula Placement for Cerebral Protection Without Circulatory Arrest in Patients Undergoing Hemiarch Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Development of Endocavitary Suction Device for MiECC on Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery

Haemoglobin Thresholds for Transfusion: How Are We Doing in the Era of Choosing Wisely? A Retrospective Cohort Study

Preliminary Report of Extracorporeal Blood Purification Therapy in Patients Receiving LVAD: Cytosorb or Jafron HA330

Consensus of the Brazilian Association of Hematology, Hemotherapy, and Cellular Therapy on Patient Blood Management: Antifibrinolytics

A Comparison of the Clinical Outcomes of Minimum and Maximum Hematocrit Levels During Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) in Low-risk Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG): A Cross-sectional Study

A Comprehensive Patient Blood Management Program During Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Patients Over 60 Years of Age

Help Mend a Heart!

Learn More

Action

Contact

Follow us

© 2025 International Perfusion Association