Perfusion Ladder

Development of a Professional Advancement Model for Perfusionists

The article introduces a Professional Advancement Model (PAM) tailored for perfusionists to address high turnover and enhance retention. Drawing from PAM frameworks in other healthcare professions like nursing and advanced practice providers, the author proposes a four-tier system: Perfusionist I through IV. Progression is determined by points earned in categories such as leadership, clinical excellence, education, and service, alongside experience requirements. The PAM offers structured career growth, salary increments, and institutional benefits, serving as a retention strategy and professional growth tool for perfusionists.

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Monitoring Oxygen Delivery

The Potential Benefits of Monitoring Oxygen Delivery in Relation to O2ERi and VCO2 During Normothermic Regional Perfusion in DCD Donors

This article discusses the significance of monitoring indexed oxygen delivery (DO2i), oxygen extraction ratio (O2ERi), and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) during normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) in Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) donors. These metrics ensure optimal oxygenation, reduce ischemic injuries, and prevent organ dysfunction. Personalized perfusion strategies, informed by these parameters, improve organ viability and transplantation outcomes while lowering post-transplant complications like acute kidney injury.

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Cerebral Perfusion

Cerebral Overperfusion Despite Reduced Cortical Metabolism Is Associated with Postoperative Delirium in Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Prospective Observational Study

This study investigates the relationship between cerebral overperfusion and postoperative delirium (POD) in cardiac surgery patients. Despite reduced cortical metabolism, patients with POD exhibited increased cerebral blood flow, measured via transcranial Doppler. Low bispectral index (BIS) values indicated reduced metabolism, but no differences in autoregulation impairments were noted. The findings suggest a mismatch between cerebral blood flow and metabolism contributes to POD, independent of cerebral autoregulation.

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Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Anesthetic Precision in Severe Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Navigating Perioperative Challenges

This case report details the anesthetic management of a 77-year-old female with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), undergoing surgery for ileal adenocarcinoma. It highlights challenges such as preventing left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and maintaining hemodynamic stability. A tailored approach, including vigilant monitoring, goal-directed fluid therapy, and careful use of vasopressors, ensured successful outcomes. The report underscores the importance of meticulous perioperative planning in HOCM cases.

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Goal Direct Perfusion

Efficacy of Goal-Directed Versus Preemptive Tranexamic Acid Administration in Cardiovascular Surgery: The GDT Trial

The GDT trial compares goal-directed tranexamic acid (TXA) administration guided by rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) to preemptive TXA administration in cardiovascular surgery. This multi-center, double-blind, randomized trial aims to determine non-inferiority in reducing postoperative bleeding. Secondary outcomes include transfusion rates, thromboembolic complications, seizures, and hospital costs. The study hypothesizes that selective TXA administration will lower adverse events compared to preemptive dosing.

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Sodium CPB

Relation Between Serum Sodium Trajectory and Survival in Septic Patients with Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery

This study examined the impact of serum sodium trajectory on 30-day mortality in septic patients after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery using the MIMIC-IV database. Among 1,038 patients, serum sodium trajectories were classified into three groups, with higher levels linked to increased mortality. Elevated fluctuations, even within normal sodium ranges, were associated with adverse outcomes. These findings highlight the need for close monitoring and sodium management in critically ill patients undergoing CPB.

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Bad Impella

Efficacy and Safety of Impella in Cardiogenic Shock Following Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

This meta-analysis reviewed four randomized controlled trials (442 patients) to evaluate the use of Impella in managing cardiogenic shock (CS) following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Impella reduced 6-month all-cause mortality (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.43-0.95, P = .03) but showed no significant impact on 30-day mortality. However, Impella was linked to increased risks of major bleeding (OR: 3.61), limb ischemia (OR: 4.91), and sepsis (OR: 2.75). Future research is needed to balance survival benefits against these complications.

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ELSO Awake

“Awake” Cannulation of Patients for Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: An Analysis of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry

This study analyzed the outcomes of “awake” cannulation, where patients remain breathing spontaneously during venovenous ECMO cannulation, using data from over 28,000 patients. Only 2.8% underwent awake cannulation, which was associated with similar survival rates to mechanical ventilation cannulation after propensity score matching. Awake cannulation, increasingly utilized over time, shows potential for reducing ventilator-related lung injury but requires further research to identify optimal patient cohorts.

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Cerebral 2024

Cerebral Overperfusion Despite Reduced Cortical Metabolism Is Linked to Postoperative Delirium in Cardiac Surgery Patients

This study explores the association between cerebral overperfusion and postoperative delirium (POD) in cardiac surgery patients. Continuous monitoring of cerebral blood flow, oxygen levels, and brain activity revealed increased middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAV) in patients with POD, despite stable oxygen saturation and autoregulation. The findings suggest that impaired cortical metabolism may render the brain vulnerable to overperfusion during surgery, increasing POD risk.

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