Utilizing retrograde autologous priming for blood conservation in cardiac surgery.

Background: The use of crystalloid priming for extracorporeal circuit in adult cardiac surgery causes inevitable haemodilution. The haemodilution can be reduced by using methods such as retrograde autologous priming (RAP) with the patient's blood. This study compares the RAP technique with standard priming with regards to safety and the impact on haemodilution.

Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis in Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study to Analyze the Effects of SUP Cessation.

Introduction: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is an important complication among critically ill adults, especially those having cardiac surgery as management is complicated by the requirement for antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy. As a result, stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) has become routine practice in many centers, utilizing either proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine-2 receptor blockers (H2RBs). Recent evidence from the PEPTIC trial indicated an increase in mortality risk among cardiac surgery patients receiving PPIs compared to H2RBs.

Case Series of Early Structural Valve Deterioration of Trifecta Bioprosthesis - New Zealand Experience.

Purpose: Structural valve deterioration (SVD) remains a limitation on the use of bioprosthetic valves, with patient and valve-related factors contributing to early SVD. The Trifecta valve has been reported to have excellent hemodynamics but studies have highlighted early failure. We present a review and case series at a New Zealand tertiary hospital defining early SVD as failure within 3 years of implant.

The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cardiac Surgery Volumes and Outcomes in New Zealand.

Aim: New Zealand adopted an "elimination strategy" in response to the 2020 COVID pandemic with strict early border controls and early national lockdowns. The international experience of cardiac surgery provision during the COVID pandemic was of reduced case numbers, difficulties with the provision of elective surgery and in some cases increased morbidity associated with waiting for surgery and from developemnt of the infection in post operative patients. We aim to review the effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on adult cardiac surgery volumes and outcomes in the Wellington region.