Sterility and performance of open and closed extracorporeal circuits after long-term dry-wet setups.

Background: The timeframe for safely using previously setup dry, crystalloid, and blood-primed extracorporeal circuits has long been debated. This study was undertaken to determine a safe deviation from standardized recommendations.

Methods: Open (cardiopulmonary bypass) circuits and closed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuits were setup dry for up to 60 days and wet primed for up to 6 weeks with one control inoculated with .

Use of platelet gel and its effects on infection in cardiac surgery.

The use of plasmapheresis in cardiac surgery has failed to show an unequivocal benefit. However, the further processing of plasmapheresed blood to obtain a platelet-rich concentrate, termed platelet gel, may reduce patient susceptibility to infection through poorly understood mechanisms related to a combination of platelets, white blood cell content, and expedited wound healing. The purpose of the study was to retrospectively evaluate the incidence wound infections in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Use of the Quest Myocardial Protection System (MPS) for modified ultrafiltration during pediatric cardiac surgery.

Modified ultrafiltration generally is considered a standard of care for treating children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass for congenital heat surgery. Different methods, incorporating a variety of devices and technologies, have been described. The present report describes a technique of modified ultrafiltration using arterial-venous flow with the Quest Myocardial Protection System (MPS).

Improved outcomes during cardiac surgery: a multifactorial enhancement of cardiopulmonary bypass techniques.

Patients presenting for cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are more likely to have pre-existing comorbidities, which has resulted in a steady increase in the risk associated with CPB. The resulting challenge has mandated the optimization of perfusion care. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the impact of a number of simultaneous, evidence based perfusion care changes on patient outcome.

Coagulation management of a patient with factor V Leiden mutation, lupus anticoagulant, and activated protein C resistance: a case report.

Although patients undergoing cardiac surgery often present with diverse comorbidities, those with coagulation derangements are especially challenging. The present report describes the management of a patient who presented with a Factor V Leiden mutation, lupus anticoagulant, and acquired activated protein C resistance. A 42-year-old female presented with acute shortness of breath and chest pain.

Utilization of rapid-infuser devices for massive blood loss.

Rapid volume replacement for severe hemorrhage continues to challenge the clinician involved in the care of the patient suffering hemorrhagic shock. We report on the development and utilization of two rapid-infuser systems for volume replacement in critically ill patients presenting in extremis. We have developed rapid-infusion circuits by using commercially available devices available at our institution.