Coping and adjustment of spouses of critically ill patients with cardiac disease.

An acute cardiac illness represents a significant stressor to both patients and families. In a convenience sample of 100 spouses of critically ill adults, the relationships among personality factors, coping responses, social network, age, education, and emotional and physical distress were investigated. Results indicated a significant positive relationship between positive personality factors and problem-focused coping and between negative personality factors, emotion-focused coping, and emotional and physical distress.

The Ross procedure: aortic valve replacement using autologous pulmonary valve.

The use of pulmonary autologous valve in aortic valve replacement pioneered by Dr. Donald Ross in 1967 has been employed in young patients for more than two decades with impressive results. This procedure is recommended for young patients with isolated aortic disease who are expected to have a longer life span.

Nursing interventions for families of cardiac surgery patients.

Caring for the cardiac surgery patient includes intervening with the patient's family members. It is important for the nurse to acquire the knowledge base to implement appropriate interventions with family members. An intervention program was designed to meet the needs of family members of cardiac surgery patients based on a compilation of previous research data.

Retrograde coronary sinus perfusion: a new approach to cardioplegia delivery.

Retrograde coronary sinus perfusion is a technique being used to deliver cardioplegia during cardiac surgery. This article reviews the history behind its use, the procedure for delivery, and the advantages and limitations that exist in comparison with the standard antegrade infusion of cardioplegia via the aortic root. The complications resulting from the technique of retrograde coronary sinus perfusion are rare.