Outcomes of a Standardized Protocol on the Management of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: A Retrospective Cohort Study

This retrospective study assessed a standardized surgical protocol implemented in 2016 for managing acute Type A aortic dissection (AAAD). Comparing pre- and post-protocol cohorts, the study found that standardized techniques improved consistency in surgical approach, reduced rates of aortic reoperations and dilations, and introduced safer cannulation and perfusion strategies. Mortality rates remained statistically unchanged, but the protocol significantly enhanced surgical outcomes.

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Understanding Del Nido Cardioplegia

Del Nido Cardioplegia in Adult Cardiac Surgery: A Narrative Review

This review explores the use of Del Nido cardioplegia in adult cardiac surgery, originally developed for pediatric use. It outlines its composition, benefits over traditional blood cardioplegia, and its mechanism in protecting the myocardium from ischemia-reperfusion injury. The article compiles data showing its efficacy in reducing cross-clamp times, myocardial injury, and transfusion requirements, with comparable or improved clinical outcomes.

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Revolutionizing Cardiovascular Interventions With Artificial Intelligence

This editorial outlines how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming cardiovascular interventions by enhancing procedural planning, democratizing medical expertise, and expediting device development. AI-driven tools improve diagnostic accuracy, support training via simulation, and enable the creation of digital twins for personalized treatment planning. The article emphasizes AI’s potential to foster global equity in healthcare access and improve patient outcomes.

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Predictors of Prolonged Intensive Care Unit Stay

Predictors of Prolonged Intensive Care Unit Stay and In-Hospital Mortality Following Cardiac Surgery: An Integrated Analysis from the PROCARD-ATI Study

This study analyzed 130 adult cardiac surgery patients to identify perioperative predictors of prolonged ICU stays and in-hospital mortality. Results revealed aortic cross-clamp time (AXCT) as the sole independent predictor of ICU stays ≥7 days, with a threshold of 110 minutes. For mortality, prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (CPBT), emergency surgery, and higher AXCT were key predictors. The findings suggest practical intraoperative benchmarks to enhance surgical strategies and outcomes.

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Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

The Past, Present, and Future of Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

This review traces the evolution and prospects of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). Despite early skepticism due to technical difficulty, OPCAB offers major advantages for high-risk patients, including reduced stroke risk and faster recovery. Modern trials and meta-analyses show comparable or superior outcomes to on-pump CABG when performed by experienced surgeons. Emphasis is placed on arterial grafting, no-touch techniques, and hybrid strategies for future optimization.

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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 (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.

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Survival Analysis of Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery

Survival Analysis of Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery Versus Conventional Median Sternotomy in the United States

This retrospective cohort study compares survival outcomes and surgical efficiency between minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MiMVS) via mini-thoracotomy and conventional sternotomy. Among 422 elective cases, MiMVS was associated with shorter hospital stays, less postoperative bleeding, and shorter operative times. Although no significant survival difference was found, mitral valve replacement showed higher mortality risk than repair.

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Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Monitor Cerebral and Renal Oxygen Saturation During Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Monitor Cerebral and Renal Oxygen Saturation During Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery for Paediatric Congenital Heart Disease: Study Protocol for a Prospective Observational Cohort Trial

This BMJ Open study outlines a prospective cohort trial evaluating near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to monitor cerebral and renal oxygen saturation during pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. It aims to link intraoperative oxygenation levels with postoperative brain and kidney injuries, assessing outcomes with biomarkers and quality-of-life metrics. Findings could improve organ injury prediction and perioperative care in congenital heart disease surgeries.

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Evaluation of Postoperative Delirium

Evaluation of Postoperative Delirium in Cardiac Surgery Patients With the SDACS Screening Tool: A Multicenter-Multiphase Study

This study developed and validated the SDACS screening tool to predict postoperative delirium in cardiac surgery patients. Conducted across three academic hospitals with 920 participants, it identified four key predictors: chronic opioid use, hearing impairment, benzodiazepine history, and poor postoperative sleep. The tool demonstrated strong predictive power (AUC = 0.897), offering clinicians a practical instrument to guide early interventions.

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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.

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