Patient Adapted Paternalism for Endomyocardial Biopsy Policy Changes in Heart Transplant Patients: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Endomyocardial biopsies (EMB) are invasive procedures performed in heart transplant (HTx) patients for surveillance of acute rejection. However, patient preferences for replacing EMBs with noninvasive assays in the context of potential institutional policy changes are unknown. A mixed-methods design was used with 28 semi-structured patient interviews and 123 self-administered online survey questionnaires in English and Spanish between January to June 2023.

Extracorporeal Lung Support as a Bridge to Airway Stenting and Radiotherapy for Airway-Obstructing Pancoast Tumor.

Venovenous (V-V) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used for respiratory failure that is suspected to be reversible (bridge to recovery), or as a bridge to lung transplantation. Patients with proximal airway obstruction due to endobronchial malignancy can develop acute respiratory failure, and may benefit from V-V ECMO as a bridge to airway intervention, further treatment, and eventual recovery. We describe a case of a superior sulcus tumor with tracheobronchial and superior vena cava invasion causing both respiratory failure and superior vena cava syndrome.

Acute pulmonary embolism.

Venous thromboembolism is the third leading cause of cardiovascular death in the United States and is the second leading cause of death among hospitalized cancer patients. Continued controversy exists regarding the role of thrombolytic therapy among patients with acute pulmonary embolism. Limited research exists on thrombolytic therapy in this setting, most of which has focused on symptoms, including right ventricular function, hemodynamic status, and electrocardiographic changes.

Use of a specialized transport team for intrahospital transport of critically ill patients.

The transport of critically ill patients is challenging for nurses and patients alike. It is imperative that patient safety be the primary focus. The use of a specialized transport team can help to alleviate many of the adverse effects of the transport.