Leukocyte-Aprotinin Atrial Fibrillation Study (LAFFS): Impact of Aprotinin and Leukofiltration on Atrial Fibrillation, Renal Insufficiency and Encephalopathy Post-Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

Atrial fibrillation remains the leading postoperative complication following cardiopulmonary bypass. A randomized trial was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of leukocyte filtration and aprotinin, applied separately and in combination, on the incidence of post-operative atrial fibrillation. A secondary component of the study was the impact of these adjunct interventions on post-surgical renal and neurological dysfunction.

Replacement of a malfunctioning HeartMate II left ventricular assist device in a 14-year-old after a sudden fall.

An increasing number of patients are returning to normal activity after implantation of intracorporeal left ventricular assist devices. We describe the emergency replacement of the impeller portion of a HeartMate II left ventricular assist system that had stopped functioning after the 14-year-old recipient experienced a sudden fall from a skateboard.