An autocalibrating algorithm for non-invasive cardiac output determination based on the analysis of an arterial pressure waveform recorded with radial artery applanation tonometry: a proof of concept pilot analysis.

We aimed to describe and evaluate an autocalibrating algorithm for determination of cardiac output (CO) based on the analysis of an arterial pressure (AP) waveform recorded using radial artery applanation tonometry (AT) in a continuous non-invasive manner. To exemplarily describe and evaluate the CO algorithm, we deliberately selected 22 intensive care unit patients with impeccable AP waveforms from a database including AP data obtained with AT (T-Line system; Tensys Medical Inc.).

Coagulation factor XIII reduces postoperative bleeding after coronary surgery with extracorporeal circulation.

Background: One cause of diffuse bleeding after cardiac operations may be a low plasma concentration of coagulation Factor XIII, which is essential for coagulation but is not covered by standard coagulation monitoring.

Patients And Methods: In a prospective, randomized, double blinded study, 2500 units, 1250 units, and a placebo were administered in groups of 25 patients each, immediately after administration of protamine. Postoperative amount of blood loss and blood transfusion was recorded.

Virtual reality and 3D visualizations in heart surgery education.

Background: Computer assisted teaching plays an increasing role in surgical education. The presented paper describes the development of virtual reality (VR) and 3D visualizations for educational purposes concerning aortocoronary bypass grafting and their prototypical implementation into a database-driven and internet-based educational system in heart surgery.

Materials And Methods: A multimedia storyboard has been written and digital video has been encoded.

The CardioOP-Data Clas (CDC). Development and application of a thesaurus for content management and multi-user teleteaching in cardiac surgery.

Objectives: Self-directed and customized medical education programs are gaining importance in health care instruction. We prototypically implemented a repository-driven online computer system (CardioOP) for teleteaching in Heart Surgery. It supports authoring and multiple re-use of multimedia data for different user groups in different instructional applications and therefore requires a process of content management.