Modified whole blood microplegia in high-risk patients.

Background: Numerous studies have documented the safety of whole blood cardioplegia on clinical outcomes after cardiac surgery. However, there is a paucity of studies investigating the outcomes of whole blood microplegia after cardiac surgery. Our protocol of whole blood microplegia includes removal of the crystalloid portion and utilizing the Quest Myocardial Protection System, for delivery of del Nido cardioplegia additives in whole blood.

Initial experience with the TandemHeart circulatory support system in children.

Options for mechanical ventricular assistance in pediatric patients are limited. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is used in most cases for short-term support. The TandemHeart circulatory support system is an established device that is used in adult patients to provide short-term ventricular support.