Telesimulation Training for Endoscopic Mitral Valve Surgery: An Air-Pilot Training Concept for Distance Training.

Objective: The aim of this study was to validate and assess the feasibility and impact of telesimulation training on surgical skills using a portable mitral valve telesimulator.

Methods: A telesimulation course composed of 3 online modules was designed based on backwards chaining, preassessment and postassessment, performance feedback, hands-on training on a telesimulator, and the theoretical content. A fully 3-dimensional-printed and transportable telesimulator was developed and sent out to the participants with instruments that were needed.

Case-control study on the interplay between immunoparalysis and delirium after cardiac surgery.

Background: Delirium occurs frequently following cardiothoracic surgery, and infectious disease is an important risk factor for delirium. Surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass induce suppression of the immune response known as immunoparalysis. We aimed to investigate whether delirious patients had more pronounced immunoparalysis following cardiothoracic surgery than patients without delirium, to explain this delirium-infection association.

Absence of association between whole blood viscosity and delirium after cardiac surgery: a case-controlled study.

Background: Delirium after cardiothoracic surgery is common and associated with impaired outcomes. Although several mechanisms have been proposed (including changes in cerebral perfusion), the pathophysiology of postoperative delirium remains unclear. Blood viscosity is related to cerebral perfusion and thereby might contribute to the development of delirium after cardiothoracic surgery.

Inflammation biomarkers and delirium in critically ill patients: new insights?

The pathophysiological mechanism of the serious and frequently occurring disorder delirium is poorly understood. Inflammation and sepsis are known risk factors for ICU delirium and therefore these patients are highly susceptible to delirium. Several studies have been performed to determine which cytokines are most associated with delirium but the results are inconclusive.