International Perfusion Association

Category: Cardiac Surgery

Robotic Surgery

Transferring Surgical Expertise: Analyzing the Learning Curve of Robotic Cardiac Surgery Operative Time Reduction When Surgeon Moves from One Experienced Center to Another

This study examines how the learning curve for robotic cardiac surgery operative time evolves when a surgeon with prior experience moves to a new team. A retrospective analysis of 103 cases at Weill Cornell Medicine shows that total operative time decreased significantly after the first 30 cases, indicating a period of adaptation to the new surgical environment. This adaptation did not affect the complication rates or cross-clamp times, highlighting the importance of understanding these dynamics for planning and managing surgical transitions to ensure optimal patient care and surgical outcomes.

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Cerebral P

Cerebral Protection in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Surgery: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) and retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP) methods for reducing cerebrovascular events during acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) surgeries. After assessing 26 studies involving 13,039 patients, findings suggest both ACP and RCP are safe and acceptable for emergency use. While no significant differences in permanent neurological dysfunction (PND) and mortality were observed between unilateral ACP (uACP) and bilateral ACP (bACP), uACP showed a preference in reducing transient neurologic deficits (TND). This study underscores the effectiveness of cerebral perfusion techniques in ATAAD surgery, highlighting uACP as a preferable method for minimizing TND.

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Cardioplegia 123

Myocardial Protection: Histological Effects of Single-Dose Cardioplegic Solutions in the CARDIOPLEGIA Trial

This study aims to compare the myocardial protection offered by single-dose cardioplegic solutions (Custodiol, del Nido, and modified del Nido) using histological analysis in a double-blind clinical trial. At least 90 patients undergoing cardiac surgery will be randomly assigned to one of the three solutions, with myocardial biopsies collected before and after cardiopulmonary bypass. The research seeks to determine the most effective solution for minimizing ischemic damage during cardiac surgery, which is critical for patient safety and outcome optimization. Results could influence clinical protocols and cardioplegic solution selection globally.

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Valve Knot

Efficacy of Automated Fasteners Versus Hand-Tied Knots in Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis compares the efficacy of COR-KNOT® automated fasteners to hand-tied knots in cardiac valve surgery. Analyzing data from 1,411 participants across eight observational studies and two randomized controlled trials, the findings indicate that COR-KNOT significantly reduces aortic cross-clamp (AXT) and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) times, as well as the incidences of valvular regurgitation and need for prolonged ventilatory support, without negatively impacting mortality, atrial fibrillation, left ventricular ejection fraction, or renal failure rates. These results support the use of COR-KNOT devices in cardiac surgery to enhance surgical efficiency and patient outcomes.

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Microbubbles

The Number of Microbubbles Generated During Cardiopulmonary Bypass Can Be Estimated Using Machine Learning From Suction Flow Rate, Venous Reservoir Level, Perfusion Flow Rate, Hematocrit Level, and Blood Temperature

This study introduces a neural network-based model to estimate the count rate of microbubbles (MBs) in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) systems, using suction flow rate, venous reservoir level, perfusion flow rate, hematocrit level, and blood temperature. Through perfusion experiments and clinical applications, the model demonstrated high accuracy (R2 > 0.95) and a strong correlation in clinical settings (R2 = 0.8576). This innovation could significantly enhance patient safety and outcomes by enabling precise monitoring and potentially reducing the risk of MB-associated complications in cardiac surgery.

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Cardiogenic Shock

Identifying and Mitigating Risk of Post-Cardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock in Patients with Ischemic and Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

This study aimed to identify preoperative predictors of post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock in patients with ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, focusing on 238 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. It found that pulmonary artery pulsatility index and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure were key predictors, with the predictors varying between ischemic and non-ischemic conditions. The study highlights the importance of preoperative right heart catheterization in identifying patients at higher risk of cardiogenic shock. Ejection fraction improvements were noted at 12 months post-surgery.

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Aortic Arch

Meta-Analysis of Central and Peripheral Cannulation for Type A Aortic Dissection

This meta-analysis evaluates the safety and effectiveness of direct aortic cannulation (AoC) versus peripheral cannulation (PC) in patients undergoing surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. Analyzing 10 retrospective studies involving 2518 patients, it found no significant differences in short-term mortality, stroke, or acute kidney injury between the two methods. However, AoC was associated with shorter operation times, suggesting it could be a viable alternative to PC, offering comparable outcomes with potential operational advantages.

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Blood Mgmt

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

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.

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TP Perfusion

Beating Heart Transplant Procedures Using Organs From Donors With Circulatory Death

This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of the beating heart method for heart transplantation using donors deceased after circulatory death (DCD). Conducted on 10 male patients with end-stage heart failure, it found 100% survival without the need for postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This method, which potentially reduces ischemia reperfusion injury, suggests a promising approach to DCD heart transplantation that may lower the incidence of primary graft dysfunction. The findings are significant for institutions considering the use of DCD donors for heart transplants.

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Chest Tube Removal

Early Chest Tube Removal on the First Postoperative Day Protocol of an Enhanced Recovery After Cardiac Surgery Programme Is Safe

This study assessed the safety of an early chest tube removal (CTR) protocol on the first postoperative day in an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program, focusing on patients undergoing elective coronary revascularization and/or valve surgery from 2015 to 2021. A propensity score matching compared outcomes between patients following the ERAS programme with early CTR and a control group receiving conventional care. The results showed no significant difference in the primary endpoint, which included postoperative complications such as pneumothorax, pleural and pericardial effusion requiring intervention, and hospital mortality, between the groups. The ERAS group experienced lower incidences of bronchopneumonia, and higher incidences of reduced mechanical ventilation time, shorter intensive care, and hospital stays, demonstrating that CTR on POD1 can be safely incorporated into ERAS programmes.

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