Michael Acker of the University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, gives an in-depth talk on the current state of temporary mechanical circulatory support practices in the United States.
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Mechanical circulatory assistance
November 5, 2015
The investigators report a novel technology to predict VAD thrombosis. This approach records and measures acustic signature characteristics. Using annalysis of spectral tracings the investigators suggest their exists an acoustic patern associated with thrombosis.
September 17, 2015
The paper evaluates de novo development of aortic insufficiency (AI) following implantation of continuous flow left ventricular assist (84 HeartMate II, 13 HeartWare, 2 VentrAssist). Preoperatively, 17 patients had mild AI, which did not change later.
September 17, 2015
The authors describe the tricks and traps of minimally invasive approach during VAD implantation, by associating mini anterior left thoracotomy in the fifth intercostal space with a mini anterior right thoracotomy in the second intercostal space, without the aid of CPB in paravertebral block regional analgesia combined with mild general anaesthesia.
September 16, 2015
No guidelines for credentialling ECMO physicians exist, so the authors surveyed ECMO programs to determine what institutional credentialling mechanisms consist of. The survey response rate was 42%. 66% of institutions require credentialling, 57% of institutions had credentialling mechanisms, and yearly recertification was required in 16%.
August 31, 2015
Arie Blitz of the McAllen Heart Hospital, McAllen, Texas, discusses ventricular assist device RPM settings to maximize output and effectiveness.
August 14, 2015
The Texas Heart Institute reports its experience with 27 patients with prior continuous flow LVADs who had undergone varying degrees of device explantation. Although the numbers are small, the explantation methods ranged from near-complete device removal to driveline transection and removal.
August 12, 2015
Arie Blitz of the McAllen Heart Hospital, Texas, takes an in-depth look at extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
August 12, 2015
A single institution retrospectively reviewed the correlation of preoperative serum albumin level with outcomes after LVAD implantation from 2006 to 2014. A lower albumin level was associated with a significant increase in postop renal failure and prolonged hospitalization, but not overall short-term and long-term survival.
August 6, 2015
This retrospective analysis of the BTT continuous flow (CF) LVAD experience from Harefield Hospital addresses the question: "What are the predictors of the requirement for an RVAD at the time of LVAD implantation?" Of the 152 patients included in the study, 23% underwent RVAD implantation.