Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as a Bridge Therapy Prior to Surgery in a Patient With Echinococcus Cyst Rupture: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus cause parasitic disease in humans through the ingestion of eggs in contaminated food and water. Rupture of slowly enlarging cysts in the liver, lungs, and other organs can be life-threatening and many deaths are recorded yearly worldwide. Surgery and removal of such cysts remain the most effective treatment.

Should clopidogrel be stopped prior to urgent cardiac surgery?

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether clopidogrel should be stopped prior to urgent cardiac surgery. Altogether 143 papers were identified using the below mentioned search and all major international guidelines were included.

Should patients post-cardiac surgery be given low molecular weight heparin for deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis?

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether the use of prophylactic postoperative low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or unfractionated heparin after cardiac surgery would significantly reduce morbidity by reducing the incidence of deep vein thromboses (DVTs) and pulmonary emboli (PEs). Altogether 390 papers were identified on Medline.

Is recombinant activated factor VII useful for intractable bleeding after cardiac surgery?

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether use of Recombinant Activated Factor VII could help haemostasis for intractable bleeding, and decrease blood or blood product requirements in patients undergoing cardiac surgery without excessive risk from thrombosis. Altogether 129 papers were identified using the reported search strategy of which 13 represented the best evidence on the topic.