Vasoplegic syndrome during heart transplantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Vasoplegic syndrome (VS) is a common occurrence during heart transplantation (HT). It currently lacks a uniform definition between transplant centers, and its pathophysiology and treatment remain enigmatic. This systematic review summarizes the available published clinical data regarding VS during HT.

Left-Sided Double-Lumen Tube vs EZ-Blocker for One-Lung Ventilation in Thoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The EZ-Blocker is the newest generation of bronchial blocker and offers a potential alternative to left-sided double lumen tubes for lung isolation and one-lung ventilation during thoracic surgery. Databases were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing left-sided double lumen tube to the EZ-Blocker for one-lung ventilation during thoracic surgery. The time for placement, incidence of intraoperative displacement, and surgeons' rating of lung collapse quality were designated as coprimary outcomes.

Intracardiac thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism during liver transplantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Intracardiac thrombosis and/or pulmonary thromboembolism (ICT/PE) is a rare but devastating complication during liver transplantation. Its pathophysiology remains poorly understood, and successful treatment remains a challenge. This systematic review summarizes the available published clinical data regarding ICT/PE during liver transplantation.

Pulmonary artery pulsatility index as a predictor of right ventricular failure in left ventricular assist device recipients: A systematic review.

Background: It is critical to identify patients at increased risk of right ventricular failure (RVF) before left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) is a hemodynamic parameter that is a specific measure of right ventricular function and may better identify LVAD recipients at risk for RVF. This systematic review analyzes the predictive value of preoperative PAPi to RVF in the setting of LVAD implantation.

New or Worsened Mitral Regurgitation After Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review.

Background: New or worsened mitral regurgitation (MR) is an uncommon yet serious complication after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). While there have been numerous reports of its occurrence, there is little consensus regarding its presentation and management. This systematic review summarizes the evidence in the current literature surrounding new or worsened MR after SAVR and analyzes its potential implications.

Pulmonary cuff dysfunction after lung transplant surgery: A systematic review of the evidence and analysis of its clinical implications.

Background: Pulmonary cuff dysfunction, either due to pulmonary vein obstruction, pulmonary vein stenosis, or pulmonary vein thrombosis, is an uncommon, yet serious complication after lung transplantation. Although there have been numerous reports of its occurrence, there is little consensus regarding the hemodynamic parameters associated with its presentation and diagnostic considerations. This systematic review summarizes the evidence surrounding pulmonary cuff dysfunction after lung transplantation surgery and empirically analyzes its implications.

Equivalent analgesic effectiveness between perineural and intravenous dexamethasone as adjuvants for peripheral nerve blockade: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: Dexamethasone is commonly used as an adjuvant to local anesthetics for peripheral nerve blockade; however, uncertainty persists regarding its optimal route of administration and safety. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to compare the incremental benefits of intravenous (IV) vs perineural (PN) dexamethasone when used as adjuvants for peripheral nerve blockade to improve analgesia.

Sources: A search strategy was developed to identify eligible articles from the Cochrane and National Library of Medicine databases from inception until June 2017.