Development of a Carbon Nanotube-Enhanced FAS Bilayer Amphiphobic Coating for Biological Fluids.

This study reports the development of a novel amphiphobic coating. The coating is a bilayer arrangement, where carbon nanotubes (CNTs) form the underlayer and fluorinated alkyl-silane (FAS) forms the overlayer, resulting in the development of highly amphiphobic coatings suitable for a wide range of substrates. The effectiveness of these coatings is demonstrated through enhanced contact angles for water and artificial blood plasma fluid on glass, stainless steel, and porous PTFE.

Outcomes and Direct Cost of Isolated Nonemergent CABG in Patients With Low Ejection Fraction.

Objective: Preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is one of the main predictors of outcomes in cardiac surgery. We present current era outcomes and associated direct cost in nonemergent isolated coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) patients with LVEF <20% over the past 6 years and compare it with higher EF subgroups.

Methods: Six-year data from 2016 to 2022 at hospitals sharing Society of Thoracic Surgeons and financial data with Biome Analytics were analyzed based on 3 EF subgroups (EF ≤20%, EF 21% to 35%, and EF >35%).

Cautionary tale of right ventricular perforation during Micra™ leadless pacemaker insertion.

Transcatheter pacing systems are self-contained, leadless, devices that offer the potential benefits of avoiding complications related to pectoral pocket and upper extremity vascular access. These systems in preapproval trials demonstrated excellent safety profile with the incidence of device-related cardiac perforation as low as 1.6% with Micra™ (Medtronic) and 1.

Outcomes With Direct and Indirect Thrombin Inhibition During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for COVID-19.

Anticoagulation during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for Coronovirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be performed by direct or indirect thrombin inhibitors but differences in outcomes with these agents are uncertain. A retrospective, multicenter study was conducted. All consecutive adult patients with COVID-19 placed on ECMO between March 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021 in participating centers, were included.

Recent Developments in Blood-Compatible Superhydrophobic Surfaces.

Superhydrophobic surfaces, as indicated in the name, are highly hydrophobic and readily repel water. With contact angles greater than 150° and sliding angles less than 10°, water droplets flow easily and hardly wet these surfaces. Superhydrophobic materials and coatings have been drawing increasing attention in medical fields, especially on account of their promising applications in blood-contacting devices.

Outcomes by cannulation methods for venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during COVID-19: A multicenter retrospective study.

In a multicenter, retrospective analysis of 435 patients with refractory COVID-19 placed on V-V ECMO, cannulation by a single, dual-lumen catheter with directed outflow to the pulmonary artery was associated with lower inpatient mortality.

Saving the split: the benefits of VATS thymectomy.

Background: With the advent of minimally invasive techniques, the standard approaches to many surgeries have changed. We compared the financial costs and health care outcomes between standard thymectomy via sternotomy and video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

Methods: A 3-year review [2010-2012] of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was performed.

Too Cold to Clot? Does Intraoperative Hypothermia Contribute to Bleeding After Aortic Surgery?

Background: We determined the impact of intraoperative hypothermia on postoperative bleeding after thoracic aortic surgery.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 98 consecutive patients who underwent aortic surgery with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest between 2010 and 2014. We evaluated lowest temperature, absolute decrease in temperature, and rewarming rate.

Impact of chlorhexidine gluconate intolerance on driveline infection during chronic HeartMate II left ventricular assist device support.

Purpose: Driveline exit site (DLES) management following left ventricular assist device implantation is important for preventing driveline infection (DLI). While chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is generally recommended for DLES antisepsis, CHG intolerance can develop, resulting in a need for alternative antiseptics. We reviewed our institutional experience with DLES antisepsis methods in HeartMate II patients, comparing outcomes of patients with and without CHG intolerance.

Effect of statin drugs on thoracic aortic aneurysms.

Pharmacologic interventions for thoracic aneurysms remain poorly characterized. The results of a pilot study by our group suggested improved outcomes among patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm who were taking statins. In the present study, we undertook a comprehensive analysis of a larger cohort of patients from the Database of the Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

Bleeding diatheses and preoperative screening.

Bleeding disorders pose a significant perioperative risk. Surgeons and surgical consultants should have a working knowledge of the cell-based coagulation model. Careful screening for bleeding diatheses begins with a careful history and physical examination.