Perioperative Right Ventricular Dysfunction: Analysis of Outcomes.

Right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) is a well-known prognostic factor for adverse outcomes in cardiovascular medicine. The right ventricle (RV) in medically managed heart failure patients and in surgical patients perioperatively generally is overshadowed by left ventricular disease. However, with advancement of various diagnostic tools and better understanding of its functional anatomy, the role of the RV is emerging in many clinical conditions. The failure of one ventricle has significant effect on the function of the other ventricle and it is predominantly due to ventricular interdependence.1 The etiology of RVD is multifactorial and irrespective of etiology. RVD has been associated with significant increases in morbidity and mortality in various clinical scenarios.2,3 The primary objective of this comprehensive review is to analyze various etiology-related outcomes of RVD in the perioperative population.

Analysis of Conduction Abnormalities and Permanent Pacemaker Implantation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Over the last decade, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as the recommended approach for patients with high and intermediate risk for surgical aortic valve replacement. Even though initial trials demonstrated a higher incidence of conduction abnormalities (CAs), such as left bundle branch block, atrial fibrillation, and permanent pacemaker implantation with TAVR, the incidence of CAs has not decreased. With an increasing number of patients expected to undergo TAVR in the coming decades, even those at low risk for surgical aortic valve replacement, it is important to review the incidence, course, risk factors, mortality, and rehospitalization associated with CAs and permanent pacemaker implantation after TAVR. The newer-generation valves have demonstrated an improved safety profile, but have failed to demonstrate a clinically significant reduction in the incidence of CAs.

Hemodynamic monitoring in the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patient.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Hemodynamic monitoring in ECMO patients requires familiarity with the underlying pathophysiology and circulatory mechanics of extracorporeal flow. This review discusses the various monitoring modalities relevant to the management of patients on venovenous ECMO (VV ECMO) and venoarterial (VA ECMO). We emphasize tools to judge the adequacy of perfusion, predict the response to fluid boluses, measure right ventricular function, assess left ventricular distention (for VA ECMO), and monitor the process of weaning from ECMO. We emphasize how differences between VV ECMO and VA ECMO are reflected in distinct approaches to monitoring. RECENT FINDINGS: Point-of-care ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy can play a significant role in monitoring of global and regional perfusion. SUMMARY: Recent literature in hemodynamic monitoring of ECMO patients is discussed, with comparison of VV ECMO and VA ECMO. Many common monitoring tools lack validity during ECMO: by taking into account the unique physiology of the ECMO circulation, selected methods can aid in the care of these complex patients.

Analysis of Neurologic Complications After Surgical Versus Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Ove the last decade, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as the recommended approach over surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for many patients with aortic stenosis. While initial trials demonstrated a higher incidence of stroke with TAVR compared to SAVR, the incidence of stroke appears to have improved over time. With the increasing number of patients expected to undergo TAVR in the coming decades, it is important to review the incidence and etiology of stroke after SAVR and TAVR. Alterations in surgical technique for SAVR, and embolic protections devices for TAVR, have failed to demonstrate a clinically significant reduction in the incidence of post-procedural stroke. However, the definitions and assessment methods used for assessing stroke and neurological events varies among studies.

Acute right ventricular dysfunction: real-time management with echocardiography.

In critically ill patients, the right ventricle is susceptible to dysfunction due to increased afterload, decreased contractility, or alterations in preload. With the increased use of point-of-care ultrasonography and a decline in the use of pulmonary artery catheters, echocardiography can be the ideal tool for evaluation and to guide hemodynamic and respiratory therapy. We review the epidemiology of right ventricular failure in critically ill patients; echocardiographic parameters for evaluating the right ventricle; and the impact of mechanical ventilation, fluid therapy, and vasoactive infusions on the right ventricle. Finally, we summarize the principles of management in the context of right ventricular dysfunction and provide recommendations for echocardiography-guided management.

Efficacy of an online education program for ultrasound diagnosis of pneumothorax.

BACKGROUND: Experienced ultrasonographers can rule out pneumothorax reliably. The authors hypothesized that with basic training, anesthesia residents and faculty can also reliably rule out pneumothorax when presented with an optimal ultrasound image of the chest. METHODS: The study investigators created a library of 99 ultrasound video images of the chest with or without pneumothorax obtained from 53 patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery. After a 5-min tutorial, the physicians were invited to take a quiz based on 20 ultrasound videos randomly selected from the library. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for overall performance, and a generalized estimating equations model was created to identify significant independent covariates affecting performance. To detect the retention rate for this skill, participants were asked to take the quiz again 6 months later. RESULTS: Seventy-nine anesthesia residents and faculty took part in the study. The sensitivity and specificity for ruling out pneumothorax was 86.6% and 85.6% respectively. On generalized estimating equation model, participants were significantly less likely to identify ultrasound features of pneumothorax if there was probe movement (P value = 0.002; OR 2.69; 95% CI 1.61-4.5) or heartbeat (P < 0.001; OR 3.54; 95% CI 2.27-5.51) on the ultrasound video. The median and interquartile ranges for scores (90%, and 80-95% respectively) did not change from the first to the second quiz. CONCLUSION: After viewing a 5-min online training video, physicians can reliably rule out pneumothorax on an optimal ultrasound image. They are also able to retain this skill for up to 6 months.

Implementing a hybrid web-based curriculum for an elective medical student clerkship in a busy surgical intensive care unit (ICU): effect on test and satisfaction scores.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a hybrid traditional and web-based curriculum improves test scores and enrollment among senior medical students in an elective critical care rotation. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study in a surgical ICU at a major academic center. SUBJECTS: One hundred twenty-one fourth year medical students completing an elective ICU clerkship between 2007 and 2010. INTERVENTIONS: Pre-test and post-test during a 4-week rotation. METHODS: We implemented a hybrid curriculum that involved both traditional teaching methods and a new online core curriculum that incorporating audio, video, and text using screen capture technology. The curriculum was hosted on a secure online portal called ICON (Desire2Learn Inc., Ontario, Canada). The core curriculum covered topics that were considered essential to meet the didactic objectives of the rotation. MEASUREMENTS AND EVALUATIONS: A pre-test was administered online on day 1 of the rotation. A post-test was administered on the second to last day of the rotation. Both tests were composed of 20 questions randomly chosen from a question bank of 100 questions. The tests are managed (administering, grading, and reporting) exclusively online. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-one medical students have successfully completed the clerkship since implementing the new curriculum. Each group of students showed an improvement in the mean post-test score by at least 17%+ to 10%. The satisfaction scores of the clerkship improved consistently from 2007 and is currently rated at 4.31 ± 0.85 (on a 5-point scale). The rotation is in the top 25(th) percentile of all clinical clerkships offered at the University of Iowa. CONCLUSION: A systematically implemented hybrid web-based critical care curriculum can improve knowledge based test scores and overall clerkship satisfaction scores in a busy surgical ICU.