No abstract

In this first-in-man experience, the feasibility of a new embolic deflection device is demonstrated. Larger randomised, prospective studies are required to confirm these findings and prove safety and efficacy by reducing the incidence of cerebral embolism and stroke after TAVI.

Heparin coating of the extracorporeal circuit reduces the inflammatory response during cardiopulmonary bypass. Analysis of indices of pulmonary function indicates that use of heparin coating may result in less impaired gas exchange.

No abstract

Despite longer hospital stays and more short-term reoperations for tamponade, patients with PPS had an excellent 1-year prognosis.

IntroductionThe pathophysiology of acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery is not completely understood. Recent evidence suggests a pivotal role for the endothelium in AKI. In experimental models of AKI, the endothelial specific receptor Tie2 with its ligands Angiopoietin (Ang) 1 and Ang2 are deranged. This study investigates their status after cardiac surgery, and a possible relation between angiopoietins and AKI.MethodsFrom a cohort of 541 patients that underwent cardiac surgery, blood and urine was collected at 5 predefined time points. From this cohort we identified 21 patients who had at least 50% post-operative serum creatinine increase (AKI). We constructed a control group (n = 21) using propensity matching. Systemic levels of Ang1, Ang2, and sTie2 were measured in plasma and the AKI markers albumin, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) were measured in the urine.ResultsAng2 plasma levels increased over time in AKI (from 4.2 to 11.6 ng/ml) and control patients (from 3.0 to 6.7 ng/ml). Ang2 levels increased 1.7-fold more in patients who developed AKI after cardiac surgery compared to matched control patients. Plasma levels of sTie2 decreased 1.6-fold and Ang1 decreased 3-fold over time in both groups, but were not different between AKI and controls (Ang1 P = 0.583 and sTie2 P = 0.679). Moreover, we found a positive correlation between plasma levels of Ang2 and urinary levels of NAG.ConclusionsThe endothelial Ang/Tie2 system is in dysbalance in patients that develop AKI after cardiac surgery compared to matched control patients.

The intraoperative use of a cell salvage device resulted in less lung injury in patients after cardiac surgery as assessed by lower concentrations of lung injury markers and shorter mechanical ventilation times.

This study was performed to investigate if heparin-coated extracorporeal circuits can reduce the systemic inflammatory reaction with the subsequent release of vasoactive substances during and after cardiopulmonary bypass. Fifty-one patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting were perfused with either a heparin-coated or an uncoated circuit. During bypass the mean arterial pressure was maintained as near as possible to 60 mm Hg. Mediators for inflammation, hemodynamic, and oxygen parameters were determined during and after bypass. To reach the target mean arterial pressure in the first hour of bypass the pump flow in the uncoated group had to be increased (P<0.05), consequently the systemic vascular resistance index decreased (P<0.05). After bypass more inotropic support was necessary in this group to reach this pressure. In the coated group less bradykinin, complement activation, and elastase was generated during bypass (P<0.05). The results of this study suggest that heparin coating not only improves biocompatibility, but also ameliorates the hemodynamic instability during and after bypass.