Functional and Social Recovery and Outcomes After Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support in COVID-19 Patients.

With the COVID pandemic, veno-venous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was implanted in many patients around the world. Data regarding follow-up and recovery of patients who are placed on ECMO support after COVID-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or ARDS for any other reason are limited. In our study, we share the 1 year follow-up results and cardiopulmonary exercise test results of the discharged patients.

Anticoagulation strategy with bivalirudin plus aspirin combination during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Background: In this study, we present our experience in treating patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19)-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome using a combined anticoagulant and antiaggregant treatment with intravenous infusion of bivalirudin and aspirin.

Methods: Between April 1, 2020 and January 31, 2022, a total of 52 adult patients (32 males, 20 females; mean age: 44.5±11.

A long-lasting Sphingomonas paucimobilis outbreak: A potential for pathogens to persist on environmental devices despite disinfection measures.

Background: Sphingomonas paucimobilis, an aerobic, non-fermentative, Gram-negative opportunistic bacillus, can colonize everywhere in hospital settings where water is used. We reported a hospital S paucimobilis outbreak that persisted for nearly 2 years despite all necessary preventive measures.

Methods: Over a period from February 13, 2020 to December 3, 2021, 67 patients were identified to have S paucimobilis as documented by positive cultures from clinical samples, along with 19 positive environmental samples.

Risk Factors for Mortality in Patients with Bloodstream Infections in Immunocompetent Patients.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate bloodstream infections caused by in immunocompetent patients with respect to clinical features and risk factors for mortality.

Methods: We reviewed bloodstream infections detected between January 1, 2012, and July 1, 2021, to identify nosocomial bacteremia in Koşuyolu Research and Training Hospital.

Results: We identified a total of 97 patients with bloodstream infections.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia outbreak with a commercial blood gas injector as the culprit and interventions for source and prevention: A possible passage between patient and ECMO water heater device.

Background: Despite low virulence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, it represents one of the leading drug-resistant bacteria. We report a large outbreak of S. maltophilia infection associated with an unexpected source, which turned out to be a commercial needleless blood gas injector.

Follow-up strategy with long-term veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for complicated severe acute respiratory distress related to COVID-19 and recovery of the lungs.

Novel coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected all over the world, leading to viral pneumonia-complicating severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and death. Although there is no proven definitive treatment yet, physicians use some assistive methods based on the previous epidemic viral acute respiratory distress syndrome experiences. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is one of them.

Do preoperative oral carbohydrates improve postoperative outcomesin patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafts?

Background/aim: The aim of this prospective study was to determine whether the preoperative oral intake of carbohydrate-rich drinks by patients undergoing a coronary artery bypass graft attenuates postoperative insulin requirements, improves postoperative patient discomfort, provides inotropic support, shortens the length of the ICU stay, and shortens the duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation. Materials and methods: This randomized prospective clinical study included 152 patients with coronary artery disease who were divided into 4 groups. Carbohydrates were administered to 3 groups at different hours and doses before operation.

N-acetylcysteine versus Dopamine to Prevent Acute Kidney Injury after Cardiac Surgery in Patients with Preexisting Moderate Renal Insufficiency.

Objective: Acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery is associated with mortality and morbidity. Therefore, strategies to prevent acute kidney injury are very important. The aim of this placebo-controlled randomized double-blind study was to compare the prophylactic efficacy of N-Acetylcysteine and dopamine administration in patients with pre-existing moderate renal insufficiency who were undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.

Effects of intrapleural analgesia on pulmonary function and postoperative pain in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Objective: Pain after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery remains a significant problem and may cause serious complications because of restricted breathing and limited early mobilization. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of intrapleural analgesia on the relief of postoperative pain in patients undergoing CABG surgery.

Design: Postoperative pain, pulmonary function tests, and outcomes were compared with a placebo group after CABG surgery in a double-blind randomized clinical trial.

Being an elderly woman: is it a risk factor for morbidity after coronary artery bypass surgery?

Objective: Despite the refinements in surgical techniques and postoperative care, elderly women still have a higher prevalence of postoperative morbidity.

Methods: The outcomes of 112 elderly women (>80 years) who underwent an elective CABG procedure were compared with those of males operated during the same time interval (n, 164).

Results: Median age of female and male patients were 82 and 83 years, respectively.

Long-term results of the left anterior descending coronary artery reconstruction with left internal thoracic artery.

Background: Recent refinements in percutaneous techniques have resulted in an increase in the numbers of patients with diffuse coronary artery disease who are referred to cardiac surgeons. Long-segmental reconstruction of the diffusely diseased left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery with the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) has been shown to be beneficial for patients with diffuse coronary artery disease. In this retrospective study, we analyzed the long-term outcomes obtained with this technique.

An alternative technique of proximal anastomosis in patients with an atherosclerotic ascending aorta.

Coronary artery bypass grafting operations in patients with an atherosclerotic ascending aorta are still associated with an increased risk of cerebral embolism and mortality despite previously described techniques. Here we present an alternative technique for the construction of a proximal anastomosis avoiding aortic clamping and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.

Complete off-pump coronary revascularization in patients with dialysis-dependent renal disease.

Patients who have dialysis-dependent renal disease frequently present with coronary artery disease but are considered at high risk for coronary artery bypass grafting. From 1 September 2000 through 31 August 2003, we performed complete off-pump coronary revascularization in 6 patients who had end-stage dialysis-dependent renal failure, and we prospectively studied the perioperative and early postoperative results. The effect of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting on mortality, morbidity, postoperative complications, and transfusion requirements in this group of patients was investigated.

Coronary artery bypass grafting alone for advanced ischemic left ventricular dysfunction with significant mitral regurgitation: early and midterm outcomes in a small series.

In 31 consecutive patients with ischemic left ventricular dysfunction and mitral regurgitation ranging from 2/4 to 3/4 (mean, 2.87 +/- 0.34), we performed coronary bypass grafting alone and assessed early and midterm outcomes.