Nosocomial infection prevalence in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO): protocol for a point prevalence study across Australia and New Zealand.

Introduction: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides cardiac and/or respiratory support when other therapies fail. Nosocomial infection is reported in up to 64% of patients receiving ECMO and increases morbidity and mortality. These patients are at high risk of infection due, in part, to the multiple invasive devices required in their management, the largest being the cannulae through which ECMO is delivered.

Influence of timing of intraaortic balloon placement in cardiac surgical patients.

Objective: The study objective was to evaluate the association between timing of intraaortic balloon pump insertion and outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods: All patients aged 18 years or more who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery, cardiac valve surgery, or thoracic aortic surgery between January 2002 and December 2007 were included. Data were obtained from cardiac surgery and intensive care databases.