Perfusion News

Heart Cardioplegia 2023

Patient Outcomes After Introduction of Novel Myocardial Protection Protocol for Prolonged Aortic Cross-Clamping

This study evaluates the impact of a revised myocardial protection protocol implemented in 2021 at St. Marianna University School of Medicine for patients undergoing cardiac surgery with prolonged aortic cross-clamping (>4 hours). The revised protocol, focusing on the timing and method of blood cardioplegia administration, led to significantly lower postoperative creatine kinase levels and shorter hospital stays, indicating improved myocardial protection without altering the cardioplegia solution itself.

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Minimally Invasive vs Conventional Coronary Bypass Surgery for Multivessel Coronary Disease

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.

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Innominate Artery Graft Cannulation

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

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.

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Evaluation of Intraoperative and Postoperative Blood Cell Salvage Use in Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass

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.

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Comparative Efficacy of Blood Salvage Techniques After Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Centrifugation, Modified Ultrafiltration, and Hemobag Systems in Adult Cardiac Surgery

Four studies explore blood conservation strategies following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in adult cardiac surgery. Techniques like centrifugation (CF), modified ultrafiltration (MUF), and Hemobag (HB) processing vary in their effectiveness. MUF and HB methods consistently reduce postoperative transfusions and improve hematologic markers compared to CF, supporting their broader use in adult cardiac surgical care.

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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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