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.

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

Comparable Renal Effects of Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate and DelNido Cardioplegia in a Porcine Model of Cardiac Arrest

November 20, 2025 No Comments

This study evaluated the renal impact of two cardioplegic solutions—HTK and DelNido—in pigs undergoing cardiac arrest. Despite DelNido showing better electrolyte and hemoglobin stability, both solutions induced comparable levels of renal injury. Biomarkers (NGAL, FABP-1, cystatin C), histological damage, oxidative/nitrosative stress, and apoptosis indicators revealed no significant differences, supporting similar renal safety profiles during 90-minute cardiac arrest.

A Tribute to Dr. Robert Pascotto, MD

August 31, 2025 No Comments

On August 27”th, 2025 surrounded by family, Dr. Robert Daniel Pascotto passed peacefully into God’s open arms. “Dr. Bob” believed in faith, family and the American dream. He dedicated his life to those tenets. With hard work and perseverance, he led compassionately by example and will continue to inspire others to achieve their dreams with his loving legacy.

The Novel St Thomas’ Hospital Polarizing Blood Cardioplegia: Results in Hearts With Reduced Ejection Fraction

July 13, 2025 No Comments

This study investigates the efficacy of a new St Thomas’ Hospital polarizing cardioplegia (STH-pol) versus standard depolarizing cardioplegia (STH-control) in rats with chronic myocardial infarction. Although STH-pol showed trends toward better coronary flow and reduced myocardial oxygen consumption, no statistically significant difference in myocardial protection was found. Both solutions demonstrated comparable recovery and energy preservation.

Minimally Invasive vs Conventional Coronary Bypass Surgery for Multivessel Coronary Disease

June 24, 2025 No Comments

This study compared minimally invasive coronary surgery (MICS-CABG) to traditional sternotomy-based CABG in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. Analyzing matched cohorts of 244 patients each, the research found similar completeness of revascularization and comparable 5-year major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). MICS-CABG also had high graft patency (96.2%) and fewer transfusion needs, indicating it as a viable surgical alternative.

Neutrophil Percentage to Albumin Ratio Is Associated With In-Hospital Mortality in Patients With Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

June 5, 2025 No Comments

This study found that a higher neutrophil percentage to albumin ratio (NPAR) on hospital admission significantly predicts in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD). Among 813 patients, higher NPAR levels correlated with increased risk of death, acute kidney injury, and longer ICU stays. NPAR outperformed neutrophils or albumin alone in prognostic value, suggesting it as a valuable, accessible clinical biomarker.

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.

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

May 15, 2025 No Comments

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.

Del Nido Cardioplegia in Adult Cardiac Surgery: A Narrative Review

May 13, 2025 No Comments

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.