Monitoring Venous Pressure After Cardiac Surgery: Protecting Kidney Function

Exploring the Role of Central Venous Pressure in Cardiac Surgery-Associated Acute Kidney Injury: A Comprehensive Scoping Review

This scoping review evaluates the association between central venous pressure (CVP) and acute kidney injury (AKI) following cardiac surgery, particularly CABG. Across 16 studies, elevated CVP consistently correlated with higher AKI risk, especially when combined with low mean arterial pressure. However, variability in CVP thresholds and study designs limits clinical standardization. The findings highlight CVP as a potential perioperative marker requiring further validation.

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Calculated vs Reality: The CPB Balancing Act

Is Continuous In-Line Blood Gas Monitoring Reliable During Cardiopulmonary Bypass When PaO2 and PaCO2 Are Calculated Rather Than Measured?

This study evaluates the accuracy of calculated versus measured blood gas values during cardiopulmonary bypass using the Quantum System. In 81 patients, calculated PaO2 was significantly overestimated before calibration and during rewarming, often exceeding acceptable error limits. PaCO2 performed better but drifted with temperature changes. Findings highlight limitations of formula-based monitoring and emphasize the need for calibration and cautious interpretation.

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Suction Flow and Reservoir Levels Driving Microemboli During Cardiopulmonary Bypass

The Effect of Surgical Field Suction Flow Rate and Venous Reservoir Levels on Gaseous Microemboli Transmission

This in vitro study investigated how suction flow rate and venous reservoir level influence gaseous microemboli (GME) during cardiopulmonary bypass. Using a mock CPB circuit with bovine blood, higher suction speeds and lower reservoir levels significantly increased GME transmission. The interaction between these variables was strongest at the venous line, while arterial filtration reduced but did not eliminate emboli.

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Dry Venous Line Initiation and Microemboli Formation in Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Initiating Cardiopulmonary Bypass Using a Dry Venous Line: Implications and Analysis

This experimental study evaluated the effects of initiating cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with a dry venous line using vacuum-assisted venous drainage (VAVD). Researchers compared gaseous microemboli (GME) production with traditional primed venous lines. Results showed significantly higher GME counts and volumes with dry venous lines, particularly at higher vacuum pressures and instant initiation. Lower vacuum levels and delayed initiation reduced GME generation.

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Gradual vs Rapid Cardiopulmonary Bypass Initiation During Cardiac Surgery

A Comparative Study of the Effect of Slow and Rapid Initiation of Cardiopulmonary Pump on Tissue Oxygenation Index and Ischemic Complications

This randomized, double-blind study compared rapid (30-second) versus slow (180-second) initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during coronary artery bypass surgery. Researchers evaluated cerebral tissue oxygenation, arterial oxygen pressure, hematocrit changes, and postoperative delirium. While tissue oxygenation and hematocrit showed no significant differences, the rapid initiation group had lower arterial oxygen levels and a trend toward higher postoperative delirium rates.

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Rethinking Cardiopulmonary Bypass Management

Rethinking Cardiopulmonary Bypass Management in the Digital Health Era

Minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery reduce surgical trauma and speed recovery but often require longer cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) times, increasing risks such as renal injury, neurological complications, and systemic inflammation. This review explores how digital health tools—including continuous physiologic monitoring, machine learning analytics, and digital twin simulations—can transform CPB from a static procedural metric into a dynamically optimized variable, enabling personalized perfusion strategies that improve safety and outcomes in modern cardiac surgery.

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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. 

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Goal-Directed Perfusion Monitoring During Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Mini-Compendium on Goal-Directed Perfusion (GDP): Integrating Hemodynamic and Metabolic Determinants of Oxygen Delivery During Cardiopulmonary Bypass

This narrative review presents a mini-compendium on Goal-Directed Perfusion (GDP), a physiology-based strategy for optimizing cardiopulmonary bypass. GDP integrates oxygen delivery, metabolic indicators, and perfusion pressure to maintain tissue oxygenation and prevent organ injury. Key variables such as DO₂i, O₂ extraction, CO₂ production, and MAP are combined with time-dose models to detect oxygen debt early and personalize perfusion management. 

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Stepwise Rescue Therapy for Refractory Vasoplegia

Evaluating the Impact of a Standardized Protocol for Managing Refractory Vasoplegia After Cardiopulmonary Bypass

This single-center pre-post study evaluated a standardized stepwise protocol for refractory vasoplegia after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Compared to provider-directed therapy, the protocol—escalating from methylene blue to angiotensin II and hydroxocobalamin—accelerated norepinephrine-equivalent reduction and reduced vasopressor costs by 26% at 48 hours, without worsening hemodynamic or clinical outcomes.

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Nanoscale Impact of Cardiopulmonary Bypass on Red Blood Cells

The Impact of Cardiopulmonary Bypass on the Structure and Mechanics of Red Blood Cells: Pilot Study

This pilot study evaluated how cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), with and without hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA), affects red blood cell (RBC) morphology, membrane nanostructure, and mechanical properties using atomic force microscopy. In 14 cardiac surgery patients, CPB increased RBC stiffness, while CPB+HCA caused more severe morphological damage and membrane roughness. The findings suggest distinct cellular injury mechanisms depending on perfusion strategy.

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