Examining Online International Health Professions Education: A Mixed Methods Review of Barriers, Facilitators, and Early Outcomes

April 7, 2024 No Comments

This study explores the feasibility and effectiveness of delivering Cardiovascular Perfusion education online to international students. Through mixed methods, barriers and facilitators to online health professions education were identified, informing the development of a novel online Extracorporeal Science (ECS) program. The first semester’s outcomes showed no significant difference in student performance or satisfaction compared to traditional in-person programs, highlighting the potential of online education to equalize access to healthcare education globally. The findings suggest that, with careful planning and incorporation of student feedback, online international education can achieve outcomes comparable to those of conventional programs.

Effectiveness of Dexmedetomidine as Myocardial Protector in Children With Classic Tetralogy of Fallot Having Corrective Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

April 1, 2024 No Comments

This randomized controlled trial investigated dexmedetomidine’s (DEX) efficacy as a cardioprotective agent in children with classic tetralogy of Fallot undergoing corrective surgery in Indonesia. Administering DEX in the cardiopulmonary bypass solution significantly reduced troponin I levels, interleukin-6, and lactate levels postoperatively, indicating reduced cardiac injury and inflammation. It also improved cardiac output and reduced the need for vasoactive drugs in intensive care, although it did not significantly impact ventilation duration, ICU stay, or mortality. These findings suggest DEX is an effective cardioprotective agent in pediatric cardiac surgery.

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

March 26, 2024 No Comments

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.

Cerebral Perfusion and Metabolism with Mild Hypercapnia vs. Normocapnia in Porcine Models Post Cardiac Arrest: Impacts of Targeted Temperature Management

March 22, 2024 No Comments

This study evaluates the effects of mild hypercapnia compared to normocapnia on cerebral blood flow and metabolism in porcine models post-cardiac arrest, with and without targeted temperature management (TTM33). It involved resuscitating 39 pigs after 10 minutes of cardiac arrest and randomizing them to different conditions. Results indicate that hypercapnia increases cerebral flow in all groups, but raises intracranial pressure and lowers cerebral perfusion pressure in non-TTM animals. Hypercapnia with TTM33 showed reduced cerebral lactate, pyruvate, glycerol, and lactate/pyruvate ratios, highlighting the varying impacts of hypercapnia with TTM.

Perfusion Techniques for an 800 g Premature Neonate Undergoing Arterial Switch Procedure for Transposition of the Great Arteries

March 20, 2024 No Comments

This article highlights the groundbreaking success in utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) techniques for congenital heart surgery in premature neonates weighing less than 1000 g. Focusing on a case of a 28-week-old, 800 g neonate with transposition of the great arteries, the study discusses the challenges and innovations in perfusion techniques. Miniaturization of the CPB circuit, careful management of patient-to-circuit ratios, pharmacological distribution volumes, pressure gradients, and meticulous physiological environment control were key to mitigating risks such as volume shifts, electrolyte imbalance, and intracranial hemorrhage. This report underscores the feasibility and critical adjustments needed for successful CPB in extremely low birth weight neonates.

Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Study to Evaluate the Superiority of Vasopressin Versus Norepinephrine in the Management of Patients at Renal Risk Undergoing Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass (NOVACC Trial)

March 20, 2024 No Comments

The NOVACC trial, a multicentre, randomized, double-blind study, evaluates vasopressin against norepinephrine for patients at renal risk during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Targeting the reduction of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CS-AKI) and its associated morbidity and healthcare costs, the study is based on preliminary findings suggesting vasopressin’s potential to lower CS-AKI incidence and post-operative atrial fibrillation. With the primary endpoint being the occurrence of acute kidney injury and death, and secondary endpoints including a range of post-operative complications and medico-economic costs, the trial aims to demonstrate vasopressin’s effectiveness in reducing CS-AKI, mortality, and medical expenses.

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) Trial: Study Protocol for a Multicentre, Randomized, Controlled Trial to Compare Three Different Strategies of Mean Arterial Pressure Management during Cardiopulmonary Bypass

March 20, 2024 No Comments

The MAP Trial is a pioneering multicentre, randomized, controlled study comparing three strategies for managing mean arterial pressure (MAP) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in heart surgery. It challenges the traditional “standard MAP” of 50-60 mmHg by introducing a “high MAP” (70-80 mmHg) and a “patient-tailored MAP” approach, aiming to optimize organ perfusion. The study’s primary goal is to identify the most effective MAP management technique by measuring serum lactate peaks as indicators of tissue hypoxia. Secondary outcomes include intraoperative oxygenation parameters and major postoperative complications, contributing to enhanced cardiac surgery results.

Fostering Open Communication in Perfusion and Cardiothoracic Surgery: A Critical Call to Action

March 17, 2024 No Comments

The article emphasizes the importance of open communication within the perfusion and cardiothoracic surgery community to improve patient safety and outcomes. It advocates for all team members, including nurses, anesthesiologists, and perfusionists, to actively share insights and concerns. A culture that encourages speaking up without fear of repercussions, coupled with the use of debriefs, root cause analyses, and data management systems, is essential for continuous improvement. The adoption of the WHO surgical safety checklist and a strong speak-up culture are highlighted as crucial steps for elevating perfusion care standards and enhancing patient care.

Exploring Online International Health Professions Education: A Mixed Methods Review

March 17, 2024 No Comments

This study investigates the feasibility and early outcomes of online international health professions education, specifically in Cardiovascular Perfusion. Using mixed methods, the research identified barriers, facilitators, and initial results of implementing an online Extracorporeal Science (ECS) program compared to traditional in-person training. Qualitative analysis highlighted primary and subthemes leading to targeted interventions in the ECS program design. Quantitative data showed no significant difference in student performance and satisfaction between online and traditional cohorts, indicating that online international education in health professions can achieve outcomes comparable to conventional methods.

Beating Heart Transplant Procedures Using Organs From Donors With Circulatory Death

March 12, 2024 No Comments

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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Examining Online International Health Professions Education: A Mixed Methods Review of Barriers, Facilitators, and Early Outcomes

Effectiveness of Dexmedetomidine as Myocardial Protector in Children With Classic Tetralogy of Fallot Having Corrective Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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

Cerebral Perfusion and Metabolism with Mild Hypercapnia vs. Normocapnia in Porcine Models Post Cardiac Arrest: Impacts of Targeted Temperature Management

Perfusion Techniques for an 800 g Premature Neonate Undergoing Arterial Switch Procedure for Transposition of the Great Arteries

Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Study to Evaluate the Superiority of Vasopressin Versus Norepinephrine in the Management of Patients at Renal Risk Undergoing Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass (NOVACC Trial)

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) Trial: Study Protocol for a Multicentre, Randomized, Controlled Trial to Compare Three Different Strategies of Mean Arterial Pressure Management during Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Fostering Open Communication in Perfusion and Cardiothoracic Surgery: A Critical Call to Action

Exploring Online International Health Professions Education: A Mixed Methods Review

Beating Heart Transplant Procedures Using Organs From Donors With Circulatory Death

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