Automated Intra-abdominal Pressure Monitoring During Orthotopic Heart Transplant Leads to Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Intraoperative Abdominal Compartment Syndrome-A Case Report.

We describe a case of spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma leading to abdominal compartment syndrome and organ failure during a complicated orthotopic heart transplantation in a patient previously on mechanical circulatory support. After the patient had been weaned of cardiopulmonary bypass, the patient suddenly became hemodynamically unstable despite good LV and RV function. While the patient was resuscitated, high intra-abdominal pressures were noted on a novel monitor measuring real-time intra-abdominal pressures and urinary output.

Successful Outcomes following Repair of a Type A Aortic Dissection during Pregnancy.

Type A aortic dissections during pregnancy are rare but lethal events, with reported mortalities as high as 60%. Unique changes in hemodynamics, hormone-related alterations in aortic tissue, and preexisting risk factors place patients at an elevated risk for dissection. We report a successful repair of a Type A aortic dissection at 32 weeks of gestation, with excellent outcomes in both mother and child.

Aortic Root Dilation and Testosterone Use: Are They Associated?

Aortic root dilation and thoracic aortic aneurysms are relatively rare in young and healthy patient populations. However, a number of observed incidental cases regarding young males and testosterone use raises suspicion of a potential risk factor for aortic root dilation. The authors' patient, a healthy 40-year-old man with a significant history of testosterone use who developed a massively dilated aortic root, is sufficiently alarming to report.

Role of Methadone in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Two Case Reports.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) affects pharmacokinetics/dynamics of drugs in unpredictable ways. Anecdotally, ECMO patients require high doses of opioids and sedatives, leading to concerns of tolerance. Methadone is a long-acting synthetic opioid with antagonist properties at the n-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor.

Hemodynamic Consequences of Laparoscopy for Patients on Mechanical Circulatory Support.

Background: Technologic advances and superior survival with mechanical circulatory support (MCS) have led to an expanding population that develops intraabdominal conditions requiring intervention. Whether laparoscopy can be performed without detrimental effects on hemodynamics and device function is not well described.

Materials And Methods: Effects of laparoscopy performed on MCS were retrospectively assessed.