Abstract Background: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is an essential technique for cardiac surgery but significantly increases the risk of perioperative neurological complications. Electroencephalography (EEG) enables real-time monitoring of brain function and..
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Abstract Objectives To compare postoperative platelet counts in patients in whom intraoperative cell salvage (ICS) was performed using either a centrifugation-based device (ICS-centrifugation) or a filtration-based device (ICS-filtration; Same) for..
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Abstract Background Prehospital plasma transfusion for patients at risk of hemorrhagic shock reduces mortality, but cold-chain and logistical constraints limit product availability. This study reports the first-in-human clinical evaluation of..
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Abstract Objectives Neurological complications after cardiac surgery have been associated with gaseous microemboli generated during cardiopulmonary bypass. We undertook a trial to assess whether a novel dual-chamber oxygenator, designed to..
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Abstract Extracorporeal life support (ECLS), including venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) and extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO₂R), is an established treatment for selected patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)...
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Abstract Objectives To evaluate the real-world impact of implementing routine postoperative amino acid infusion on cardiac surgery–associated acute kidney injury (AKI). Design Before-and-after study. Setting Intensive care unit (ICU). Participants..
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Abstract Objectives To compare the diagnostic performance of 4 clinical prediction scores for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Design Bicentric retrospective observational study...
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The Master’s programme prepares students to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies required to analyse and assess clinical issues within cardiovascular technology, to identify and perform clinically relevant research projects..
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Abstract Background Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is a high-risk, complex cardiac procedure that relies heavily on effective nursing collaboration to ensure surgical safety and improve patient outcomes. The advancement..
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Abstract Effective perioperative hemostasis in pediatric cardiac surgery depends not only on accurate diagnostics and targeted transfusion strategies but also on a clear and consistent definition of postoperative bleeding. Despite..
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Abstract Aim Congenital heart disease still has significant morbidity and mortality despite advances in surgery. Inadequate tissue perfusion is thought to be the primary cause. Monitoring children with cerebral oxygenation..
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Abstract Background Prehabilitation in cardiac surgery is a multidisciplinary approach aimed at optimizing the clinical and functional status of patients awaiting elective procedures. Interventions addressing nutrition, physical activity, psychological support..
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Abstract Acute brain injury (ABI) affects up to one-third of patients using mechanical circulatory support (MCS). In venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO), ABI incidence (11%-40%) has not improved in..
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Abstract Background Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is increasingly used to provide circulatory support in acute cardiac failure. However, it is frequently complicated by neurological injury, which substantially worsens morbidity..
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Managing complex congenital anomalies during multi-organ donor procurement requires precise surgical tailoring to preserve the structural integrity of the heart. When faced with a donor harboring both a..
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Abstract Acute brain injury (ABI) affects up to one-third of patients using mechanical circulatory support (MCS). In venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO), ABI incidence (11%-40%) has not improved in..
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Abstract Background A recent update of the German directive on determining brain death introduced changes regarding the diagnostics in potential donors on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Physicians familiar with ECMO must..
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Abstract Trustworthy simulation-based assessment depends on capable raters—but current approaches to rater training are often resource-intensive, inconsistently effective, and conceptually muddled. In practice, many programs focus on delivering training activities..
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Oxygenated Cardioplegia (OCP) using a blood-based vehicle represents a significant shift from traditional cold crystalloid preservation during multi-organ heart and lung procurements. By leveraging a mixture of oxygenated donor..
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Navigating the Anatomical Storm: Complex Heart-Lung Procurement and Back-Table Reconstruction In the high-stakes arena of cardiothoracic transplantation, procurement surgery is often treated as a standardized exercise. Surgeons..
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Abstract Veno-venous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has many limitations, including patient comfort and, oftentimes, mobility issues. Veno-pulmonary (VP) ECMO offers respiratory support without recirculation and right heart support. For..
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Abstract Background Coronary slow flow (CSF) is characterized by reduced coronary blood flow velocity in the absence of significant obstruction, and it has been associated with systemic inflammation and endothelial..
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Abstract Background Neurocognitive decline (NCD) after cardiopulmonary bypass is a well-established phenomenon. While numerous preoperative risk factors have been identified, the influence of intraoperative factors on NCD still needs further..
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Abstract Background Use of venoarterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the setting of type A aortic dissection (TAAD) has been described in the literature as salvage therapy, with morbid..
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Abstract Background Mechanical ventilation is routinely used during veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO), but its role in influencing hemodynamics and supporting cardiac recovery remains poorly understood. This systematic review..
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Abstract Surgical flow disruptions during complex cardiac surgery procedures may cause preventable errors and patient harm. Prior work has shown that timing interruptions during moments of lower cognitive workload (CogL)..
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Abstract Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) have been reported to manage hemodynamics and reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements during high-risk abdominal surgeries...
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Abstract Calcium plays an essential role in myocardial contractility, excitation-contraction coupling, and vascular tone. In cardiothoracic surgery, calcium supplementation is frequently administered during weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and in..
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Abstract Background Survival following the Norwood procedure has improved substantially, but outcomes for the high-risk subgroup requiring postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) remain unclear. We explored short- and intermediate-term outcomes..
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Abstract Background: Pediatric cardiac surgery is still a high-risk procedure, with mortality being a significant concern. Lactate clearance has been demonstrated to enhance outcomes in critically ill adult populations; however, data..
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