Evolution of perioperative blood transfusion practice after coronary artery bypass grafting in the past two decades.

Background And Aim Of The Study: Transfusion of blood products after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the perioperative use of blood products in patients undergoing CABG in our institution over the past two decades.

Methods: The study included 18 992 patients who underwent isolated CABG at our hospital between 1998 and 2017.

Preventing spasm of the radial artery conduit during coronary artery bypass grafting: Nicardipine versus verapamil.

Background And Aim Of The Study: In vitro studies have shown a reduction in radial artery spasm with the use of calcium antagonists. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical treatment of the radial artery conduit using either verapamil or nicardipine before the anastomoses.

Methods: This prospective randomized study included 131 patients, who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting surgery with the use of the radial artery as a conduit.

Use of Postoperative Peak Arterial Lactate Level to Predict Outcome After Cardiac Surgery.

Objectives: In the present study, the authors investigated the predictive value of postoperative peak arterial lactate levels for early and late mortality after cardiac surgery.

Design: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

Setting: Single-center study in an academic hospital.

Impact of postoperative renal replacement therapy on long-term outcome after cardiac surgery increases with age.

Background And Aim Of The Study: In the present study, we investigated the survival of patients who received postoperative renal replacement therapy (RRT) after cardiac surgery. We specifically focused on factors predicting long-term outcome in elderly patients.

Methods: Data of all patients that received unintentional renal replacement therapy following cardiac surgery between 2004 and 2010 were analyzed.

Fast-track practice in cardiac surgery: results and predictors of outcome.

Objectives: Various studies have shown different parameters as independent risk factors in predicting the success of fast-track postoperative management in cardiac surgery. In the present study, we evaluated our 7-year experience with the fast-track protocol and investigated the preoperative predictors of successful outcome.

Methods: Between 2004 and 2010, 5367 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery were preoperatively selected for postoperative admission in the postanaesthesia care unit (PACU) and were included in this study.

Type B aortic dissection resulting in acute esophageal necrosis.

In the present article, we report a case in which acute esophageal necrosis (AEN) of the intrathoracic esophagus was caused by extensive thrombosis in the false lumen of an aortic dissection, thereby occluding the blood flow to the intercostal arteries and thus the esophagus. According to the previously published data, AEN after aortic dissection is very rare and usually fatal. Besides esophageal ischemia secondary to arterial occlusion, direct extrinsic compression of the arteriovenous network surrounding the esophagus, caused by the traumatic pathology of the aorta, by extensive extravasation may also cause AEN.