Comparison of pectoral Nerve (PECS1) block with combined PECS1 and transversus thoracis muscle (TTM) block in patients undergoing cardiac implantable electronic device insertion - A pilot study.

Background: Pectoral nerve (PECS1) block has been used for patients undergoing cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) insertions, however, PECS1 block alone may lead to inadequate analgesia during tunneling and pocket creation because of the highly innervated chest wall. Transversus thoracis muscle plane (TTM) block targeting the anterior branches of T2-T6 intercostal nerves can be effectively used in combination with PECS1 for patients undergoing CIED insertion. The present study hypothesized that combined PECS1 and TTM blocks would provide effective analgesia for patients undergoing CIED insertion compared to PECS1 block alone.

Implementation of On-table Extubation After Pediatric Cardiac Surgery in the Developing World.

In the recent years there has been increasing trend towards the practice of on-table extubation after pediatric cardiac surgery among practitioner in European and non-European countries. In this article we share our experience with on-table extubation among children after cardiac surgery in the developing world supported with the currently available literature.

Role of urinary PO analysis during conventional versus conventional and modified ultrafiltration techniques in adult cardiac surgery.

Background: Medullary hypoxia is the initial critical event for kidney injury during cardiopulmonary bypass, and therefore urinary PO with its potential of detecting medullary oxygenation for its management. Therefore, we tested the role of urinary PO in predicting kidney injury in those undergoing conventional versus combined (conventional and modified) ultrafiltration during cardiac surgery in adults.

Methodology: We prospectively evaluated 32 adults between 18 and 65 years of age undergoing elective on-pump cardiac surgery with ejection fraction >35% by conventional (group C) versus combined ultrafiltration (group CM).