Perfusion News

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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Pulsatile Ventricular Assist Device (PulseCath)

Clinical and Preclinical Evidence on a Novel Percutaneous Pulsatile Ventricular Assist Device (PulseCath): Protocol for a Scoping Review

This protocol outlines a scoping review to explore the clinical and preclinical applications of PulseCath, a novel percutaneous pulsatile ventricular assist device. Designed to bridge the gap between intra-aortic balloon pumps and Impella systems, PulseCath offers intermediate support for patients with hemodynamic instability. The review will systematically evaluate its hemodynamic effects, pathophysiological basis, and safety profile.

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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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Impact of Prolonged Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Impact of Prolonged Cardiopulmonary Bypass on Gastrointestinal Complications in Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

This retrospective cohort study assessed the effect of prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB ≥ 120 minutes) on gastrointestinal complications (GICs) after cardiac surgery. Analyzing 1,444 patients and using propensity score matching, the study found a significantly higher rate of GICs in the prolonged CPB group. Key risk factors included hypertension, lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and undergoing aortic surgery.

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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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Malignancy-Induced Functional Tricuspid Obstruction

Malignancy-Induced Functional Tricuspid Obstruction Complicated by Cardiopulmonary Collapse Treated Using Combination VA-ECMO and AngioVac

This clinical case report details the rescue of a critically ill patient with malignancy-induced tricuspid obstruction and cardiopulmonary collapse. A large intracardiac mass was removed using vacuum-assisted aspiration thrombectomy (AngioVac), combined with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). This approach enabled hemodynamic stabilization and definitive diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, followed by successful oncologic treatment.

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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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