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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Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Monitor Cerebral and Renal Oxygen Saturation During Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Monitor Cerebral and Renal Oxygen Saturation During Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery for Paediatric Congenital Heart Disease: Study Protocol for a Prospective Observational Cohort Trial

This BMJ Open study outlines a prospective cohort trial evaluating near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to monitor cerebral and renal oxygen saturation during pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. It aims to link intraoperative oxygenation levels with postoperative brain and kidney injuries, assessing outcomes with biomarkers and quality-of-life metrics. Findings could improve organ injury prediction and perioperative care in congenital heart disease surgeries.

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Evaluation of Postoperative Delirium

Evaluation of Postoperative Delirium in Cardiac Surgery Patients With the SDACS Screening Tool: A Multicenter-Multiphase Study

This study developed and validated the SDACS screening tool to predict postoperative delirium in cardiac surgery patients. Conducted across three academic hospitals with 920 participants, it identified four key predictors: chronic opioid use, hearing impairment, benzodiazepine history, and poor postoperative sleep. The tool demonstrated strong predictive power (AUC = 0.897), offering clinicians a practical instrument to guide early interventions.

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5-Year Outcomes After Transcatheter or Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement

5-Year Outcomes After Transcatheter or Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Low-Risk Patients With Aortic Stenosis

This study presents 5-year outcomes from the Evolut Low Risk trial, comparing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with surgery in low-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. Results showed no significant difference in all-cause mortality or disabling stroke between the groups, affirming TAVR as a noninferior option. Both treatments maintained excellent valve performance, similar quality-of-life improvements, and low reintervention rates.

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Intraoperative Renal Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Intraoperative Renal Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Monitoring as a Predictor of Renal Outcomes in Cardiac Surgery

This study assessed whether intraoperative renal near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) could predict acute renal failure (ARF) in 357 cardiac surgery patients. It found that longer durations of reduced renal oxygenation (rSO₂) below 80%, 70%, and 60% thresholds were significantly associated with ARF development. NIRS monitoring showed high sensitivity and specificity, indicating its potential for early detection and intervention during surgery.

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Impella Study

Multicentre Comparison of Various Microaxial Pump Devices as a Bridge to Durable Assist Device Implantation

This multicentre retrospective study evaluated the effectiveness of different microaxial flow pump (mAFP) devices—mainly Impella CP (3.5 L/min) and Impella 5+ (>5 L/min)—used to stabilize patients with severe heart failure before durable LVAD implantation. High-flow mAFPs were associated with improved hemodynamic support, reduced complications (e.g., renal/liver failure, RVAD use), and better mobilization, although 30-day mortality did not differ significantly between groups.

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