Early postoperative hemodynamic instability after heart transplantation - incidence and metabolic indicators.

BACKGROUND: Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is the main cause of death in the first 30 days after heart transplantation (HTX), accounting for approximately 40% of mortality. The study's primary aim was to assess the incidence of PGD, following the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation consensus, and to compare it with the incidence of significant postoperative hypotension despite administration of high-dose inotropes and vasoconstrictors. The secondary aim of the study was to determine changes in biochemical markers that accompany the phenomenon. METHODS: Forty-five patients who underwent HTX between 2010 and 2015 were enrolled in this study, and detailed hemodynamic and metabolic data from the first 48 postoperative hours were collected and analyzed. Hemodynamic instability was defined as significant postoperative hypotension (mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 60 mmHg) combined with a high inotrope score (> 10). Data for long-term mortality were obtained from the population registration office. RESULTS: PGD incidence was relatively low (17.8%); however, hemodynamic instability was common (40%). Among unstable patients, MAP was insufficient for end-organ perfusion (51.4 ± 9.5 mmHg) but no decrease in left ventricular function was observed (cardiac index, 2.65 ± 0.6 l/min/m2; left ventricular ejection fraction, 52.9 ± 15.5%). Within this group, mean systemic vascular resistance index (961 ± 288 dyn*s*m2/cm5) was low despite receiving high doses of vasoactive agent (norepinephrine 0.21 (0.06-0.27) µg/kg/min during first 24 h postoperatively and 0.21 (0.01-0.27) µg/kg/min during next 24 h postoperatively). After HTX, serum lactate levels were initially significantly higher in patients with hemodynamic instability (p = 0.002); however, impaired lactate clearance was not observed (p = 0.366), and lactate levels normalized within the first 24 h postoperatively. Postoperative hemodynamic instability altered the long-term outcome and increased 5-year mortality after HTX (p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Hemodynamic instability is a more common phenomenon than PGD. Only early postoperative serum lactate levels correspond with hemodynamic instability following HTX. Postoperative hemodynamic instability is associated with poor long-term survival among HTX recipients.

Prognostic Factors for Nonasphyxia-Related Cardiac Arrest Patients Undergoing Extracorporeal Rewarming - HELP Registry Study.

OBJECTIVE: Extracorporeal rewarming is the treatment of choice for patients who had hypothermic cardiac arrest, allowing for best neurologic outcome. The authors' goal was to identify factors associated with survival in nonasphyxia-related hypothermic cardiac arrest patients undergoing extracorporeal rewarming. DESIGN: All 38 cardiac surgery departments in Poland were encouraged to report consecutive hypothermic cardiac arrest patients treated with extracorporeal life support. All variables collected were analyzed in order to compare survivor and nonsurvivor groups. The parameters available at the initiation of extracorporeal rewarming were considered as potential predictors of survival in a logistic regression model. The primary outcome was survival to discharge from the intensive care unit. The secondary outcome was neurologic status. SETTING: Multicenter retrospective study. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-eight cases in the final analysis. INTERVENTIONS: All patients in nonasphyxia-related hypothermic cardiac arrest rewarmed with extracorporeal life support. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The survival rate was 53.1%, and 94.2% of survivors had favorable neurologic outcome. The lowest reported core temperature with cerebral performance category scale 1 was 11.8°C. A univariate analysis identified 3 variables associated with survival, namely: age, initial arterial pH, and lactate concentration. In a multivariate analysis, 2 independent predictors of survival were age (0.957; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.924-0.991) and lactates (0.871; 95% CI 0.789-0.961). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for this fitted model was 0.71; 95% CI 0.602-0.817. CONCLUSIONS: Favorable survival with good neurologic outcome in nonasphyxiated hypothermic patients treated with extracorporeal life support was reported. Age and initial lactate level are independently associated with survival.

Successful Defibrillation at a Core Temperature of 18.2 Degrees Celsius.

Both the temperature at which defibrillation can be effectively used and how often it should be repeated in severe accidental hypothermia have not been definitely established. Current recommendations are based mainly on expert opinion and suggest withholding defibrillation after 3 shocks when the core temperature is below 30°C (86°F). However, growing evidence supports the effectiveness of defibrillation in patients with a core temperature below 30°C (86°F). We present a case of successful defibrillation of a 54-y-old, severely hypothermic patient with a core temperature of 18.2°C (64.8°F). The shock was delivered automatically by an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator shortly after the implementation of extracorporeal rewarming. The patient survived and was discharged from the hospital neurologically intact. It might be reasonable to consider defibrillation attempts in severely hypothermic patients despite current guidelines to the contrary. Increasing coronary perfusion using extracorporeal circulation may result in a better response to defibrillation.

One-day, sequential carotid artery stenting followed by cardiac surgery in patients with severe carotid and cardiac disease.

Optimal management of patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis concurrent with severe cardiac disease remains undefined. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the one-day, sequential approach by carotid artery stenting (CAS) immediately followed by cardiac surgery. The study included 70 consecutive patients with symptomatic > 50% or ⩾ 80% asymptomatic ICA stenosis coexisting with severe coronary/valve disease, who underwent one-day, sequential CAS + cardiac surgery. The majority of patients (85.7%) had CSS class III or IV angina and 10% had non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. The EuroSCORE II risk was 2.4% (IQR 1.69-3.19%). All CAS procedures were performed according to the 'tailored' algorithm with a substantial use of proximal neuroprotection devices of 44.3%. Closed-cell (75.7%) and mesh-covered (18.6%) stents were implanted in most cases. The majority of patients underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (88.6%) or isolated valve replacement (7.1%). No major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) occurred at the CAS stage. There were three (4.3%) perioperative MACCE: one myocardial infarction and two deaths. All MACCE were related to cardiac surgery and were due to the high surgical risk profile of the patients. Up to 30 days, no further MACCE were observed. No perioperative or 30-day neurological complications occurred. In this patient series, one-day, sequential CAS and cardiac surgery was relatively safe and did not result in neurological complications. Thus, a strategy of preoperative CAS could be considered for patients with severe or symptomatic ICA stenosis who require urgent cardiac surgery.

Ten-year follow-up after combined coronary artery bypass grafting and transmyocardial laser revascularization in patients with disseminated coronary atherosclerosis.

Coronary artery disease involving heavily calcified lesions has been associated with worse short- and long-term outcomes including increased mortality. This paper aims to evaluate long-term survival benefit when CABG + transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMLR) are performed on the hearts of patients with disseminated coronary atherosclerosis (DCA). This novel retrospective study was conducted between 1997 and 2002 and followed 86 patients with ischemic heart disease and severe DCA who underwent TMLR using a Holmium:YAG laser and/or CABG. There were 46 patients who had CABG plus TMLR on at least one heart wall ("combined therapy group") and 40 patients who had CABG or TMLR separately on at least one heart wall ("single therapy group"). For the whole group, actuarial survival at 10 years was 78.3% in the combined group compared to 72.5% in the single therapy group (p = 0.535). Ten-year survival in the combined vs. single therapy group for the anterior heart walls was 100 vs. 72.2% (p = 0.027). For the lateral and posterior heart walls were 73.7 vs. 73.3% (p = 0.97) and 84.2 vs. 72% (p = 0.27), respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed benefit only for the anterior heart wall (F Cox test, p = 0.103). Single therapy procedures on all heart walls (odds ratio 1.736, p = 0.264) or on the anterior heart wall only (odds ratio 3.286, p = 0.279) were found to be predictors of 10-year late mortality. Combined therapy (TMLR + CABG) provides benefit for perioperative mortality and long-term survival only when provided on the anterior heart wall. For patients with disseminated coronary atherosclerosis, cardiac mortality was found to be increased when followed up 6 years later, regardless of the therapy applied.

[Hypothermia - e-learning course dedicated to lifeguards, border guards and policemen].

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: The paper covers the problem of pre-hospital hypothermia recognition and management among lifeguards, board guards and policemen, who took part in e-learning course Academy of Hypothermia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The subject of analysis were the results of pre-test, post-test and lesson revision tests of Academy of Hypothermia e-learning course, taken by lifeguards (WOPR), board guards (SG) and policemen (POL). RESULTS: Results: 221 participants were enrolled in a study. Lifeguards were significantly younger than other groups (mean age respectively: 34,13 years SG; 32,95 years POL and 23,31 years WOPR; p< 0,001) and median work experience (respectively: 10 years SG, 8 years POL and 2 years WOPR; p< 0,001). Pre-test analysis showed significant difference in results of board guards and lifeguards (median and q1-q3 values respectively: 61%; 43%-92% for SG and 53%; 46%-69% for WOPR, p = 0,02). Post-test analysis proved significantly better results of board guards (median and q1-q3 values: 92%; 77%-100%) in comparison to policemen (median and q1-q3 values: 85%; 69%-92%) and lifeguards (median and q1-q3 values: 85%; 69%-92%). Extra analysis was performed for lesson revision tests. The least correct answers were noted in lessons covering the topic of post trauma hypothermia and the algorithm of hypothermia casualty management. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Lifeguards have least knowledge on accidental hypothermia than board guards and policemen. E-learning course is an effective tool for improving knowledge of hypothermia recognition and treatment.

Real-life experience with the specific reversal agent idarucizumab for the management of emergency situations in dabigatran-treated patients: a series of 11 cases.

Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have a favorable benefit-risk profile compared with vitamin K antagonists. However, the lack of specific reversal agents has made the management of some patients receiving long-term treatment with NOACs problematic in emergency situations such as major bleeding events or urgent procedures. Idarucizumab, a fully humanized Fab antibody fragment that binds specifically and with high affinity to dabigatran, was recently approved for use in adult patients treated with dabigatran when rapid reversal of its anticoagulant effect is required. Clinical experience with idarucizumab is currently limited. We report 11 real-life clinical cases in which idarucizumab was used after multidisciplinary consultation in a variety of emergency situations including severe postoperative bleeding, emergency high-bleeding-risk surgery (hip/spine surgery and neurosurgery), invasive diagnostic testing (lumbar puncture), intracranial bleeding (pre-pontine subarachnoid hemorrhage and lobar intracerebral hemorrhage) and thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator for acute ischemic stroke. This case series illustrates the role of idarucizumab in improving patient safety in rare emergency situations requiring rapid reversal of the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran, while highlighting the importance of information and education about the availability and appropriate use of this recently approved specific reversal agent.

Measuring core temperature using the proprietary application and thermo-smartphone adapter.

Fast and accurate measurement of core body temperature is crucial for accidental hypothermia treatment. We have developed a novel light and small adapter to the headset jack of a mobile phone based on Android. It has been applied to measure temperature and set up automatic notifications (e.g. Global Positioning System coordinates to emergency services dispatcher, ECMO coordinator). Its validity was confirmed in comparison with Vital Signs Monitor Spacelabs Healthcare Elance 93300 as a reference method, in a series of 260 measurements in the temperature range of 10-42 °C. Measurement repeatability was verified in a battery of 600 measurements (i.e. 100 readings at three points of 10, 25, 42 °C for both esophageal and tympanic catheters). Inter-method difference of ≤0.5 °C was found for 98.5% for esophageal catheter and 100% for tympanic catheter measurements, with concordance correlation coefficient of 0.99 for both. The readings were almost completely repeatable with water bath measurements (difference of ≤0.5 °C in 10 °C: 100% for both catheters; in 25 °C: 99% for esophageal catheter and 100% tympanic catheter; in 42 °C: 100% for both catheters). This lightweight adapter attached to smartphone and standard disposable probes is a promising tool to be applied on-site for temperature measurement in patients at risk of hypothermia.

[Early complications of extracorporeal rewarming].

BACKGROUND: Application of appropriate method of rewarming is the key issue in the management of hypothermia. Severely hypothermic, life-threatened patients require advanced extracorporeal rewarming. Such procedure is not free of possible complications, yet, if the qualification for extracorporeal rewarming is correct, it guarantees restoration of hemodynamic stability, and what is the most important, leads to full neurologic recovery, even with long resuscitation times. THE AIM: The summary of complications observed during extracorporeal rewarming with ECMO in severely hypothermic patients and analysis of their prevalence in managed group. Presentation of possible etiology and means of prevention of anticipated complications and suggested strategies of their treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical records of all 33 patients with severe accidental hypothermia, accepted for extracorporeal rewarming with venoarterial ECMO. CONCLUSIONS: Based on reviewed medical records of severely hypothermic patients subjected to extracorporeal rewarming it was possible to identify these complications of management, that are hypothermia related, and which are not to be seen in patients treated with ECMO for other reasons.

Long-term follow-up after Holmium:YAG laser revascularization combined with autologous bone marrow derived stem cells implantation.

Background: Coronary artery disease is a major cause of death worldwide. Despite different standard revascularization options, significant number of patients remains not suitable for any treatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate long-term outcome of patients with diffuse coronary artery disease, treated with autologous stem cells injections combined with transmyocardial laser revascularization. Material and Methods: 9 patients underwent Holmium:YAG laser revascularization and autologous bone marrow derived stem cells implantation between 2007 and 2009 in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Transplantology, John Paul II Hospital, Kraków and were subsequently followed up in 2015. Results: The mean follow-up period was 73 months. The mean CCS class significantly improved (1.4±0.5 vs 3.3±1.0; p<0.001) and cardiac related hospitalizations significantly decreased (1.1±0.8 vs 3.1±2.1; p<0.001). One death due to heart failure was observed. The mean LVEF increased from 38% to 42% (p>0.05). Conclusions: Clinical status improvement was observed with low mortality rate in the long-term follow-up. No new regional wall motion abnormalities were observed, and the increase of global ejection fraction was noted.

Problems and Pitfalls of Qualification for Extracorporeal Rewarming in Severe Accidental Hypothermia.

OBJECTIVES: When establishing the Severe Hypothermia Treatment Centre, certain problems and pitfalls regarding the qualification for extracorporeal rewarming were encountered. The authors shared their experience and opened a discussion with other centers that deal with severe, accidental hypothermia. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of medical records of all patients examined by the hypothermia coordinator. SETTING: Patients consulted and treated by the Severe Hypothermia Treatment Centre. PARTICIPANTS: Patients who underwent accidental hypothermia. INTERVENTIONS: From July 2013 until January 2016, hypothermia coordinators at the Severe Hypothermia Treatment Centre examined the cases of 152 hypothermic patients. Of those cases, 127 patients were subjected to noninvasive rewarming in referral hospitals and 25 were accepted to the center for extracorporeal rewarming. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Difficulties that deferred or delayed the implementation of extracorporeal membrane oxygen rewarming were identified and addressed, including low platelet/red blood count, intraperitoneal fluid of unknown origin, abnormal results of head computed tomography, extremes of age, bleeding from the external auditory meatus, inaccuracy of infrared-based thermometers, iatrogenic trauma to the femoral vessels, chronic/terminal comorbidities, poisonings, pregnancy, hypoglycemia, hemodynamic stability despite severe hypothermia, and decontamination protocol. CONCLUSIONS: The problems discussed may delay the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygen rewarming in hypothermic patients but should not discourage medical teams from the implementation of extracorporeal rewarming. The prognosis for severe hypothermia is favorable, even with a long resuscitation time and low core temperatures.

Problems and challenges in the early period of rehabilitating patients with severe hypothermia treated using ecmo support.

The objectives: To show and discuss the most frequent functional problems encountered in patients who underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment after severe hypothermia and point out appropriate physiotherapy procedures used in order to diminish the effects of hypothermia on the human organism. It is necessary to look for effective physiotherapeutic solutions, especially that the number of scientific publications on the subject is very limited. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis Setting: Severe Accidental Hypothermia Center ( medical intensive care unit of a university hospital) Patients or participants: Nineteen patients who were qualified for ECMO in Severe Accidental Hypothermia Center Intervention: At least three times a day rehabilitation session (physiotherapeutic procedures adequate to patient problems) and interventions in case of emergency. Physiotherapy staff in the Center has regular work hours and night duties, so can provide round-the clock rehabilitation treatment adjusted to the dynamically changing clinical picture of the patient. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed the group of patients who were treated in our center from July 2013 to March 2015. The degree of functional complications increased with the duration and extent of hypothermia and time of conducting extracorporeal therapy. The frequent problems were: respiratory failure due to sputum retention (25%) or sternum fracture due to resuscitation (25%), lower and upper extremity muscle weakening (75%), peroneal nerve palsy (25%). In the first period of hospitalization all of patients have generalised edema. As a result of the treatment and rehabilitation, full stabilization of the cardiovascular - respiratory system and full recovery of neurological functions was achieved in 14 persons (73.68%). CONCLUSION: early and round-the clock physiotherapy treatment adequate to appearing patient's syndromes seems crucial for his physical and mental recovery after severe accidental hypothermia treated by ECMO support. In order to attain therapeutic success, it is indispensable to work in experienced, multidisciplinary team.

Problems and challenges in the early period of rehabilitating patients with severe hypothermia treated using ecmo support.

The objectives: To show and discuss the most frequent functional problems encountered in patients who underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment after severe hypothermia and point out appropriate physiotherapy procedures used in order to diminish the effects of hypothermia on the human organism. It is necessary to look for effective physiotherapeutic solutions, especially that the number of scientific publications on the subject is very limited. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis Setting: Severe Accidental Hypothermia Center ( medical intensive care unit of a university hospital) Patients or participants: Nineteen patients who were qualified for ECMO in Severe Accidental Hypothermia Center Intervention: At least three times a day rehabilitation session (physiotherapeutic procedures adequate to patient problems) and interventions in case of emergency. Physiotherapy staff in the Center has regular work hours and night duties, so can provide round-the clock rehabilitation treatment adjusted to the dynamically changing clinical picture of the patient. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed the group of patients who were treated in our center from July 2013 to March 2015. The degree of functional complications increased with the duration and extent of hypothermia and time of conducting extracorporeal therapy. The frequent problems were: respiratory failure due to sputum retention (25%) or sternum fracture due to resuscitation (25%), lower and upper extremity muscle weakening (75%), peroneal nerve palsy (25%). In the first period of hospitalization all of patients have generalised edema. As a result of the treatment and rehabilitation, full stabilization of the cardiovascular - respiratory system and full recovery of neurological functions was achieved in 14 persons (73.68%). CONCLUSION: early and round-the clock physiotherapy treatment adequate to appearing patient's syndromes seems crucial for his physical and mental recovery after severe accidental hypothermia treated by ECMO support. In order to attain therapeutic success, it is indispensable to work in experienced, multidisciplinary team.

New diastolic cardiomyopathy in patients with severe accidental hypothermia after ECMO rewarming: a case-series observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Accidental hypothermia is a condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Hypothermia has been reported to affect left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. However, most of the data come from animal experimental studies. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of severe accidental hypothermia on systolic and diastolic ventricular function in patients treated using veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). METHODS: We prospectively assessed nine hypothermic patients (8 male, age 25-78 years) who were transferred to the Severe Accidental Hypothermia Center and treated with ECMO. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed on admission (in patients without cardiac arrest) and on discharge from ICU after achieving cardiovascular stability. Cardiorespiratory stability and full neurologic recovery was achieved in all patients. RESULTS: Biomarkers of myocardial damage (CK, CKMB, hsTnT) were significantly elevated in all study patients. Admission echocardiography performed in patients in sinus rhythm, revealed moderate-severe bi-ventricular systolic dysfunction and moderate bi-ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Discharge echocardiography showed persistent mild bi-ventricular diastolic dysfunction, although systolic function of both ventricles returned to normal. Discharge echocardiography in patients admitted with cardiac arrest showed normal (5 patients) or moderately impaired (1 patient) global LV systolic function on discharge. However, mild or moderate LV diastolic dysfunction was observed in all 6 patients. Discharge RV systolic function was normal, whereas mild RV diastolic dysfunction was present in these patients. CONCLUSION: After severe accidental hypothermia bi-ventricular diastolic dysfunction persists despite systolic function recovery in survivors treated with ECMO.

In-hospital mortality in cardiac surgery patients after readmission to the intensive care unit: a single-center experience with 10,992 patients.

OBJECTIVES: Determine if readmission to the intensive care unit (ICU) after cardiac surgery procedures is associated with increased mortality. DESIGN: This was a retrospective non-randomized study to evaluate the cause of readmission and mortality rate in patients readmitted to the ICU after cardiac surgery and to compare the clinical variables of patients readmitted to the ICU who died and those who survived. SETTING: The study was performed in a single university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: This was an analysis of 10,992 consecutive adult patients. Readmission rate to the ICU, mortality rate, the reason for readmission to the ICU, type of surgery, length of stay, cause of mortality, and day of the week of ICU readmission were analyzed. INTERVENTIONS: All patients underwent cardiac surgery at a single center and were discharged after primary stay from the ICU. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 197 (1,8%) of 10,992 patients were readmitted to the ICU. In-hospital mortality rate for patients readmitted and not readmitted to the ICU was 23.9% and 4.7%, respectively. The main causes of ICU readmission were cardiac (40%) and respiratory (37%) complications. The mortality rate in readmitted patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) or valve surgery was 26% and 19%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patient readmission to the ICU following cardiac surgery was associated with a 5-fold increase in hospital mortality rate compared to non-readmitted patients. The highest mortality rate was observed among readmitted patients who underwent CABG. Older age, previous myocardial infarction, and initial long length of stay in the post-operative ward were independent risk factors for death after readmission to the ICU.

Comparison of nested, multiplex, qPCR; FISH; SeptiFast and blood culture methods in detection and identification of bacteria and fungi in blood of patients with sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Microbiological diagnosis of sepsis relies primarily on blood culture data. This study compares four diagnostic methods, i.e. those developed by us: nested, multiplex, qPCR (qPCR) and FISH with commercial methods: SeptiFast (Roche) (SF) and BacT/ALERT® 3D blood culture system (bioMérieux). Blood samples were derived from adult patients with clinical symptoms of sepsis, according to SIRS criteria, hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit. RESULTS: Using qPCR, FISH, SF, and culture, microbial presence was found in 71.8%, 29.6%, 25.3%, and 36.6% of samples, respectively. It was demonstrated that qPCR was significantly more likely to detect microorganisms than the remaining methods; qPCR confirmed the results obtained with the SF kit in all cases wherein bacteria were detected with simultaneous confirmation of Gram-typing. All data collected through the FISH method were corroborated by qPCR. CONCLUSIONS: The qPCR and FISH methods described in this study may constitute alternatives to blood culture and to the few existing commercial molecular assays since they enable the detection of the majority of microbial species, and the qPCR method allows their identification in a higher number of samples than the SF test. FISH made it possible to show the presence of microbes in a blood sample even before its culture.

Oral hygiene in population of southern Poland.

AIMS: Proper oral hygiene is an important element in the prevention of many diseases. Oral hygiene habits different depending on the place of residence, age and public awareness. The aim of the study was assessment of oral hygiene habits in a group of patients admitted for cardiac surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The database has been made on the basis of anonymous questionnaires filled by all participants. The study included 643 patients admitted to the hospital for surgical treatment of acquired heart disease. We divided patients into 3 groups depending on age, place of residence and type of heart disease. RESULTS: More than 30% of patients brush their teeth once a day or less. Over 40% of all respondents do not attend for regular visits to the dentist. Most patients, who do not brush teeth or dentures were in group > 70 years old (6%) and live in the countryside. Patients in a big city perform control visit the most often (64%) and this group had the largest proportion of pa- tients who declared that the visits take place once a year or more (46%). CONCLUSIONS: Habits of proper oral hygiene among patients scheduled for cardiac surgery are at high level. 9 out of 10 patients declares daily teeth brushing. Among patients living in the country, 46% do not use regular visits and only 29% go to the dentist once a year or more often. Education campaigns about influence of the improper oral cavity hygiene should be initiated.

Percutaneous aspiration of a right atrial thrombus with the AngioVac system.

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The Role of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ECMO in Accidental Hypothermia and Rewarming in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients-A Literature Review.

Accidental hypothermia, defined as an unintentional drop of the body core temperature below 35 °C, is one of the causes of cardiocirculatory instability and reversible cardiac arrest. Currently, extracorporeal life support (ECLS) rewarming is recommended as a first-line treatment for hypothermic cardiac arrest patients. The aim of the ECLS rewarming is not only rapid normalization of core temperature but also maintenance of adequate organ perfusion. Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a preferred technique due to its lower anticoagulation requirements and potential to prolong circulatory support. Although highly efficient, ECMO is acknowledged as an invasive treatment option, requiring experienced medical personnel and is associated with the risk of serious complications. In this review, we aimed to discuss the clinical aspects of ECMO management in severely hypothermic cardiac arrest patients.