Postarrest Care Bundle Improves Quality of Care and Clinical Outcomes in the Normothermia Era.

PURPOSE: Temperature targets in patients with cardiac arrest and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) have changed. Changes to higher temperature targets have been associated with higher breakthrough fevers and mortality. A post-ROSC normothermia bundle was developed to improve compliance with temperature targets. METHODS: In August 2021, "ad hoc" normothermia at the discretion of the attending intensivist was initiated. In December 2021, a post-ROSC normothermia protocol was implemented, incorporating a rigorous, stepwise approach to fever prevention (temperature ≥ 37.8). We conducted a before-after cohort study of all adult patients post-ROSC who survived to intensive care unit admission between August 1, 2021, and April 1, 2022. They were divided into "ad hoc" and "protocol" groups. Clinical outcomes compared included fevers, active cooling, and paralytic use. RESULTS: Fifty-eight post-ROSC patients were admitted; 24 in the "ad hoc" and 34 in the "protocol" groups. Patient demographics were similar between groups. The "ad hoc" group had more shockable rhythms (67% vs 24%, P = .001) and cardiac catheterizations (42% vs 15%, P = .03). The "protocol" group were significantly less likely to have a fever at 40 h (6% vs 40%, P < .001) and 72 h (14% vs 65%, P ≤ .001). Patients in the normothermia "protocol" used significantly less neuromuscular blocking agents (24% vs 50%, P = .05). The normothermia "protocol" resulted in similar mortality (56% vs 58%, P = 1.0). CONCLUSION: Use of a normothermia "protocol" resulted in fewer fevers and less neuromuscular blocker administration compared to "ad hoc" management. A protocolized approach for improved quality of care should be considered in institutions adopting normothermia.

Estimated pulse-wave velocity predicts survival in patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

INTRODUCTION: Arterial stiffness, measured by estimated pulse-wave velocity is a known predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events, however its predictive value in patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is unknown. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed at the London Health Science Centre in London, Canada between 1996-2021, totaling 255 patients requiring ECMO. Estimated pulse-wave velocity (ePWV) was calculated using an algorithm from the Reference Values for Arterial Stiffness Collaboration. Recorded outcomes included in-hospital death, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, renal failure and need for renal replacement therapy (RRT). For adjusted analysis, survival-to-discharge was used. Multivariate logistic regression and propensity-score matching were utilized to control for confounding. RESULTS: On univariate analysis, higher ePWV was significantly predictive of ischemic stroke (OR 1.676, p = 0.0002) and in-hospital death (OR 1.20, p = 0.006), but insignificant for predicting hemorrhagic stroke (OR 1.07, p = 0.710), and appeared protective for renal failure (OR 0.88 [0.78-0.99], p = 0.034) and RRT (OR 0.87, p = 0.027). On multivariate analysis and propensity-score matching, five of six models demonstrated ePWV as an independent predictor of survival-to-discharge. (OR 0.70, p = 0.00,021; OR 0.72, p = 0.0002; OR 0.87, p = 0.045; OR 0.85, p = 0.013; OR 0.57, p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: ePWV is a promising marker for risk-stratification in ECMO patients. Further investigation is required to better delineate the role of arterial health assessment in disease trajectory and strengthen the validity of AS as a marker of interest in medical and surgical management.

Effect of Probiotics on Incident Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Critically Ill Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Growing interest in microbial dysbiosis during critical illness has raised questions about the therapeutic potential of microbiome modification with probiotics. Prior randomized trials in this population suggest that probiotics reduce infection, particularly ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), although probiotic-associated infections have also been reported. Objective: To evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on preventing VAP, additional infections, and other clinically important outcomes in the intensive care unit (ICU). Design, Setting, and Participants: Randomized placebo-controlled trial in 44 ICUs in Canada, the United States, and Saudi Arabia enrolling adults predicted to require mechanical ventilation for at least 72 hours. A total of 2653 patients were enrolled from October 2013 to March 2019 (final follow-up, October 2020). Interventions: Enteral L rhamnosus GG (1 × 1010 colony-forming units) (n = 1321) or placebo (n = 1332) twice daily in the ICU. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was VAP determined by duplicate blinded central adjudication. Secondary outcomes were other ICU-acquired infections including Clostridioides difficile infection, diarrhea, antimicrobial use, ICU and hospital length of stay, and mortality. Results: Among 2653 randomized patients (mean age, 59.8 years [SD], 16.5 years), 2650 (99.9%) completed the trial (mean age, 59.8 years [SD], 16.5 years; 1063 women [40.1%.] with a mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score of 22.0 (SD, 7.8) and received the study product for a median of 9 days (IQR, 5-15 days). VAP developed among 289 of 1318 patients (21.9%) receiving probiotics vs 284 of 1332 controls (21.3%; hazard ratio [HR], 1.03 (95% CI, 0.87-1.22; P = .73, absolute difference, 0.6%, 95% CI, -2.5% to 3.7%). None of the 20 prespecified secondary outcomes, including other ICU-acquired infections, diarrhea, antimicrobial use, mortality, or length of stay showed a significant difference. Fifteen patients (1.1%) receiving probiotics vs 1 (0.1%) in the control group experienced the adverse event of L rhamnosus in a sterile site or the sole or predominant organism in a nonsterile site (odds ratio, 14.02; 95% CI, 1.79-109.58; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: Among critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation, administration of the probiotic L rhamnosus GG compared with placebo, resulted in no significant difference in the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia. These findings do not support the use of L rhamnosus GG in critically ill patients. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02462590.

Levosimendan in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Levosimendan is an inotropic agent that has been shown in small studies to prevent or treat the low cardiac output syndrome after cardiac surgery. METHODS: In a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of levosimendan in patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 35% or less who were undergoing cardiac surgery with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either intravenous levosimendan (at a dose of 0.2 µg per kilogram of body weight per minute for 1 hour, followed by a dose of 0.1 µg per kilogram per minute for 23 hours) or placebo, with the infusion started before surgery. The two primary end points were a four-component composite of death through day 30, renal-replacement therapy through day 30, perioperative myocardial infarction through day 5, or use of a mechanical cardiac assist device through day 5; and a two-component composite of death through day 30 or use of a mechanical cardiac assist device through day 5. RESULTS: A total of 882 patients underwent randomization, 849 of whom received levosimendan or placebo and were included in the modified intention-to-treat population. The four-component primary end point occurred in 105 of 428 patients (24.5%) assigned to receive levosimendan and in 103 of 421 (24.5%) assigned to receive placebo (adjusted odds ratio, 1.00; 99% confidence interval [CI], 0.66 to 1.54; P=0.98). The two-component primary end point occurred in 56 patients (13.1%) assigned to receive levosimendan and in 48 (11.4%) assigned to receive placebo (adjusted odds ratio, 1.18; 96% CI, 0.76 to 1.82; P=0.45). The rate of adverse events did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic levosimendan did not result in a rate of the short-term composite end point of death, renal-replacement therapy, perioperative myocardial infarction, or use of a mechanical cardiac assist device that was lower than the rate with placebo among patients with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction who were undergoing cardiac surgery with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. (Funded by Tenax Therapeutics; LEVO-CTS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02025621 .).

Acceptability of cardiac donation after circulatory determination of death: a survey of the Canadian public.

PURPOSE: Cardiac transplantation is a definitive therapy for end-stage heart failure, but demand exceeds supply. Cardiac donation after circulatory determination of death (cardiac DCDD) can be performed using direct procurement and perfusion (DPP), where cardiac activity is restored after heart recovery, or (NRP), where brain blood supply is surgically interrupted, circulation to the thoraco-abdominal organs is restored within the donor's body, followed by heart recovery. While cardiac DCDD would increase the number of heart donors, uptake of programs has been slowed in part because of ethical concerns within the medical community. These debates have been largely devoid of discussion regarding public perceptions. We conducted a national survey of public perceptions regarding cardiac DCDD. METHODS: We surveyed 1,001 Canadians about their attitudes towards cardiac DCDD using a rigorously designed and pre-tested survey. RESULTS: We found that 843 of 1,001 respondents (84.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 81.8 to 86.3) accepted the DPP approach, 642 (64.1%; 95% CI, 61.1 to 67.0) would agree to donate their heart using DPP, and 696 (69.5%; 95% CI, 66.6 to 72.3) would consent to the same for a family member. We found that 779 respondents of 1,001 respondents (77.8%; 95% CI, 75.1 to 80.3) accepted the NRP approach, 587 (58.6%; 95% CI, 55.5 to 61.6) would agree to donate their heart using NRP, and 636 (63.5%; 95% CI, 60.5 to 66.4) would consent to the same for a family member. Most respondents supported the implementation of DPP (738 respondents or 73.7%; 95% CI, 70.9 to 76.3) and NRP (655 respondents or 65.4%; 95% CI, 62.4 to 68.3) in Canada. CONCLUSION: The results of this national survey of public attitudes towards cardiac DCDD will inform the implementation of cardiac DCDD programs in a manner that is consistent with public values.

Attitudes of healthcare providers towards cardiac donation after circulatory determination of death: a Canadian nation-wide survey.

PURPOSE: The number of patients on cardiac transplant waitlists exceeds the number of available donor organs. Cardiac donation is currently limited to those declared dead by neurologic criteria in all but three countries. Cardiac donation after circulatory determination of death (cardiac DCDD) can be conducted using direct procurement and perfusion (DPP) or normothermic regional perfusion (NRP). Implementation of cardiac DCDD in many countries has been slowed by ethical debates within the donation and transplantation community. We conducted a national survey to determine the perceptions of healthcare providers regarding cardiac DCDD. METHODS: We conducted an electronic survey of 398 healthcare providers who are involved in the management of heart donors and/or heart transplant recipients in Canada (226 nurses, 82 critical care physicians, 31 donation specialists, and 59 transplant specialists). Our primary outcomes were their attitudes towards and concerns regarding cardiac DCDD protocols and their implementation in Canada. We distributed the survey electronically through several Canadian donation and transplantation organizations. RESULTS: We identified that 361 of 391 respondents (92.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 89.6 to 95.1) believed that DPP is acceptable, and 329 of 377 respondents (87.3%; 95% CI, 83.9 to 90.7) supported its implementation in Canada. We found that 301 of 384 respondents (78.4%; 95% CI, 74.2 to 82.6) believed that NRP is acceptable and 266 of 377 respondents (70.6%; 95% CI, 66.0 to 75.2) supported its implementation in Canada. CONCLUSION: This is the first survey describing the attitudes of healthcare providers towards cardiac DCDD. We identified widespread support for cardiac DCDD and its implementation in Canada among Canadian healthcare providers within the organ donation and transplantation community in Canada.

Supplementing preservation solution with mitochondria-targeted H2 S donor AP39 protects cardiac grafts from prolonged cold ischemia-reperfusion injury in heart transplantation.

Heart transplant has been accepted as the standard treatment for end-stage heart failure. Because of its susceptibility to ischemia-reperfusion injury, the heart can be preserved for only 4 to 6 hours in cold static preservation solutions. Prolonged ischemia time is adversely associated with primary graft function and long-term survival. New strategies to preserve donor hearts are urgently needed. We demonstrate that AP39, a mitochondria-targeting hydrogen sulfide donor, significantly increases cardiomyocyte viability and reduces cell apoptosis/death after cold hypoxia/reoxygenation in vitro. It also decreases gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines and preserves mitochondria function. Using an in vivo murine heart transplant model, we show that preserving donor hearts with AP39-supplemented University of Wisconsin solution (n = 7) significantly protects heart graft function, measured by quantitative ultrasound scan, against prolonged cold ischemia-reperfusion injury (24 hours at 4°C), along with reducing tissue injury and fibrosis. Our study demonstrates that supplementing preservation solution with AP39 protects cardiac grafts from prolonged ischemia, highlighting its therapeutic potential in preventing ischemia-reperfusion injury in heart transplant.

A 24-hour perioperative case study on argatroban use for left ventricle assist device insertion during cardiopulmonary bypass and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

A 44-year-old male with ongoing chest pain and left ventricular ejection fraction <20% was transferred from a peripheral hospital with intra-aortic balloon pump placement following a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The patient underwent emergent multi-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting requiring veno-arterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on post-operative day (POD)#9 secondary to cardiogenic shock with biventricular failure. Due to clot formation, an oxygenator change-out was necessary shortly after initiation. Following a positive heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) assay, a total circuit exchange was required to eliminate all heparin coating and argatroban was deemed the anticoagulant of choice due to acute kidney injury. On POD#24, the decision was made to implant a left ventricle assist device (LVAD) as a bridge to heart transplantation. There was difficulty achieving an activated clotting time (ACT) >400 s: multiple argatroban bolus doses were required, along with accelerated up-titration of infusion dosing. Despite maintaining an ACT >484 s, clot formation was observed in the cardiotomy reservoir prior to separation. Subsequently, the patient developed severe disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, with both intra-cardiac and intravascular thrombi, requiring massive transfusion and continuous cell saving due to severe hemorrhage post cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The patient received a total of 105 units of plasma, 74 units of packed red cells, 19 units of platelets, 13 bottles of 5% albumin, 6 units of cryoprecipitate and 2 doses of factor VIIa intraoperatively over the course of 24 hours. A total of 19.7 L of washed red blood cells were returned to the patient from the cell saver. With the LVAD in place, the patient developed transfusion-related acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome with right ventricular dysfunction requiring VA ECMO once again. On POD#30, ECMO was discontinued and the patient was discharged from the intensive care unit (ICU) on POD 66. After a very complex post-operative stay with numerous surgeries and extensive rehabilitation, the patient was discharged home with the LVAD on POD#112.

Cardiac Surgeons after Vacation: Refreshed or Rusty?

Introduction: Many surgeons describe feeling a bit out of practice when they return from a vacation. There have been no studies assessing the impact of surgeon vacation on patient outcomes. Methods: We used administrative data from the province of Ontario to identify patients who underwent a coronary artery bypass grafting. Using a propensity score, we matched patients who underwent their procedure immediately after their surgeon returned from vacation of at least 7 days (n = 1,161) to patients who were not operated immediately before or after a vacation period (n = 2,138). Results: There was no significant difference in patient mortality (odds ratio: 1.23, p = 0.52), length of operation (relative risk [RR]: 1.00 p = 0.58), or intensive care unit/ hospital stay (RR: 0.97 p = 0.66/RR: 0.98 p = 0.54, respectively). Conclusion: There was not a significant change in risk of death, operative length, or hospital stay after a surgeon vacation.

Surgical and Medical Management of Isolated Tricuspid Valve Infective Endocarditis in Intravenous Drug Users.

BACKGROUND: Tricuspid valve (TV) infective endocarditis (IE) is a known complication of intravenous drug use (IVDU). This study assessed long-term outcomes of surgically and medically treated cases of TV IE. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of all cases of native TV IE treated in London, Ontario between 2008 and 2011. Outcomes for medically and surgically managed cases were assessed at two years. Outcomes related to the timing of surgery were also assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were included; seven received valve surgery: five repairs, two replacements. All patients had a history of IVDU. Baseline characteristics were equal in both groups. Death at two years was 43% in the surgical group and 26% in the nonsurgical group (p = 0.522). In those who received surgery within 30 days versus after 30 days from admission, death was 33% and 50%, respectively (p = 1.00). No patients received emergent surgery (within seven days of admission). Twenty-nine percent of the surgical group survived disease free versus 52% of the nonsurgical group. Survival with morbidity was mainly related to ongoing IVDU. The highest risk for mortality in both groups was ongoing IVDU. CONCLUSIONS: In IVDU-related TV IE the highest risk for mortality appears to be ongoing IVDU and persistent or recurrent endocarditis.

CEPP: Canadian Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS) Protocol Project.

Background: Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Complications and mortality are higher at lower-volume centres. Most Canadian ECLS institutions are low-volume centres. Protocols offer one way to share best practices among institutions to improve outcomes. Whether Canadian centres have ECLS protocols, and whether these protocols are comprehensive and homogenous across centres, is unknown. Methods: Purposeful sampling with mixed methods was used. A Delphi panel defined key elements relevant to the ECLS process. Documentation used in the delivery of ECLS services was requested from programs. Institutional protocols were assessed using deductive coding to determine the presence of key elements. Results: A total of 37 key elements spanning 5 domains (referral, initiation, maintenance, termination, and administration) were identified. Documentation from 13 institutions across 10 provinces was obtained. Institutions with heart or lung transplantation programs had more-complete documentation than did non-transplantation programs. Only 5 key elements were present in at least 50% of protocols (anticoagulation strategy, ventilation strategy, defined referral process, selection criteria, weaning process), and variation was seen in how institutions approached each of these elements. Conclusions: The completeness of ECLS protocols varies across Canada. Programs describe variable approaches to key elements. This variability might represent a lack of evidence or consensus in these areas and creates the opportunity for collaboration among institutions to share protocols and best practice. The key-element framework provides a common language that programs can use to develop ECLS programs, initiate quality-improvement projects, and identify research agendas.

Introduction: L'assistance cardiorespiratoire extracorporelle (ACRE) est associée à des taux élevés de morbidité et de mortalité. Les taux de complications et de mortalité sont plus élevés dans les centres à volume plus faible. La plupart des établissements qui offrent l'ACRE au Canada sont des centres à volume faible. Les protocoles constituent un moyen de partager des pratiques exemplaires entre les établissements afin d'améliorer les résultats. On ignore si les centres du Canada ont des protocoles d'ACRE, et si ces protocoles sont exhaustifs et homogènes dans tous les centres. Méthodes: Nous avons utilisé un échantillonnage dirigé par méthodes mixtes. Le panel Delphi a défini les éléments fondamentaux pertinents au processus d'ACRE. La documentation utilisée pour la prestation de services d'ACRE a été demandée aux programmes. Nous avons évalué les protocoles des établissements au moyen du processus inductif de codification pour déterminer la présence d'éléments fondamentaux. Résultats: Nous avons relevé un total de 37 éléments fondamentaux couvrant cinq domaines (aiguillage, amorce, maintien, cessation et administration). La documentation provenait de 13 établissements de 10 provinces. Les établissements qui ont des programmes de transplantation cardiaque ou pulmonaire avaient une documentation plus complète que les programmes sans transplantation. Seuls cinq éléments fondamentaux étaient présents dans au moins 50 % des protocoles (stratégie d'anticoagulation, stratégie de ventilation, processus défini d'aiguillage, critères de sélection, processus de sevrage), et une variation était observée dans la façon dont les établissements considéraient chacun de ces éléments. Conclusions: Au Canada, l'exhaustivité des protocoles d'ACRE varie. Les programmes décrivent la variabilité des approches des éléments fondamentaux. Cette variabilité qui pourrait représenter le manque de données probantes ou de consensus dans ces domaines ouvre la voie à la collaboration des établissements au partage des protocoles et des pratiques exemplaires. Le cadre des éléments fondamentaux contribue à offrir un langage commun que peuvent utiliser les programmes pour élaborer des programmes d'ACRE, amorcer des projets d'amélioration de la qualité et établir des programmes de recherche.

Current Use, Capacity, and Perceived Barriers to the Use of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Canada.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is a therapeutic option for refractory cardiac arrest. We sought to perform an environmental scan to describe ECPR utilization in Canada and perceived barriers for application to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). METHODS: This was a national cross-sectional study. We identified all cardiovascular surgery- and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)-capable hospitals in Canada and emergency medical services (EMS) agencies delivering patients to those centres. We requested the medical lead from each hospital's ECMO service and each EMS agency to submit data regarding ECMO and ECPR utilization, as well as perceived barriers to ECPR provision for OHCA. RESULTS: We identified and received survey data from 39 of 39 Canadian hospital institutions and 21 of 22 EMS agencies. Of hospitals, 38 (97%) perform ECMO and 27 (69%) perform ECPR (74% of which perform ≤5 cases per year). Of the 18 (46%) sites offering ECPR for OHCA, 8 apply a formal protocol for eligibility and initiation procedures. EMS agencies demonstrate heterogeneity with intra-arrest transport practices. The primary rationale for nontransport of refractory OHCA is that hospital-based care offers no additional therapies. Perceived barriers to the use of ECPR for OHCA were primarily related to limited evidence supporting its use, rather than resources required. CONCLUSION: Many Canadian cardiovascular surgery- or ECMO-equipped hospitals use ECPR; roughly half employ ECPR for OHCAs. Low case volumes and few formal protocols indicate that this is not a standardized therapy option in most centres. Increased application may be dependent on a stronger evidence base including data from randomized clinical trials currently underway.

CONTEXTE: La réanimation cardiorespiratoire (RCR) extracorporelle est une option thérapeutique en cas d'arrêt cardiaque réfractaire. Nous avons voulu faire une analyse contextuelle de l'utilisation de la RCR extracorporelle au Canada et des obstacles perçus quant à son emploi dans les cas d'arrêt cardiaque en dehors de l'hôpital. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Il s'agissait d'une étude nationale transversale. Nous avons repéré tous les hôpitaux en mesure d'effectuer des chirurgies cardiovasculaires et d'offrir l'oxygénation extracorporelle au Canada et les fournisseurs de services médicaux d'urgence (SMU) transportant les patients vers ces centres. Nous avons demandé au chef médical du service d'oxygénation extracorporelle de chacun des hôpitaux et de chacun des fournisseurs de SMU de présenter leurs données concernant l'utilisation de l'oxygénation extracorporelle et de la RCR extracorporelle, ainsi que les obstacles perçus quant à l'emploi de la RCR extracorporelle dans les cas d'arrêt cardiaque en dehors de l'hôpital. RÉSULTATS: Nous avons obtenu les données de 39 des 39 établissements hospitaliers canadiens ciblés, et de 21 des 22 fournisseurs de SMU. Parmi les hôpitaux, 38 (97%) utilisent l'oxygénation extracorporelle et 27 (69 %), la RCR extracorporelle (74 % ayant eu recours à celle-ci dans ≤ 5 cas par année). Parmi les 18 (46 %) centres offrant la RCR extracorporelle en cas d'arrêt cardiaque en dehors de l'hôpital, 8 appliquaient un protocole officiel pour l'admissibilité et les procédures de mise en place. Les fournisseurs de SMU ont montré des pratiques hétérogènes concernant la réanimation en déplacement. La principale raison justifiant de ne pas transporter les patients présentant un arrêt cardiaque réfractaire en dehors de l'hôpital est que les soins en milieu hospitalier n'offrent pas de traitements additionnels. Les obstacles perçus quant à l'emploi de la RCR extracorporelle dans les cas d'arrêt cardiaque en dehors de l'hôpital étaient principalement liés au peu de données appuyant son utilisation, plutôt qu'aux ressources nécessaires. CONCLUSION: De nombreux hôpitaux canadiens équipés pour la chirurgie cardiovasculaire et l'oxygénation extracorporelle utilisent la RCR extracorporelle; environ la moitié d'entre eux utilisent la RCR extracorporelle en cas d'arrêt cardiaque en dehors de l'hôpital. Le faible nombre de cas et le peu de protocoles officiels indiquent qu'il ne s'agit pas d'une option de traitement standardisée dans la plupart des centres. Une utilisation plus fréquente pourrait nécessiter davantage de données probantes, y compris les résultats des études cliniques à répartition aléatoire qui sont en cours.

[Management of a bi-caval dual lumen cannula clot obstruction after TEE guided diagnosis: a case-report]. / Conduta em obstrução por coágulo em cânula de duplo lúmen bicaval após diagnóstico guiado por ETE: relato de caso.

BACKGROUND: Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an established therapy for patients with refractory acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). One complication related to the use of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is thrombosis despite proper anticoagulation. We report the diagnosis and management of a clot-obstruction in a single site cannula placed through the internal jugular vein, guided by transesophageal echocardiography. CASE REPORT: A 39 year-old male developed acute respiratory distress syndrome and hemodynamic instability after an episode of pulmonary aspiration in the ICU. Eight hours after placement of a single site veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, suddenly the perfusionist noticed a reduction in flow. TEE showed a thrombus-like mass obstructing the inflow port in SVC and inflow at IVC was intact. After unsuccessful attempts to reposition the cannula, the team decided to insert additional femoral inflow cannula through the IVC. The single site catheter was then pulled out until its tip was positioned in the right atrium and all three ports of the catheter were switched to the infusion ports. After this, flows and oxygenation improved significantly. Unfortunately, despite all of the efforts, the patient died 2 days later. DISCUSSION: The diagnosis of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannula obstruction is based on reduced inflow rates, hemodynamic instability and poor oxygenation of blood. TEE allows evaluation of the flows inside the cannula and in this case, an obstruction was found. The management presented points to the fact that in a situation of catheter obstruction caused by a clot, there is a feasible alternative to assure minimal interruption of the hemodynamic support offered by the veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Transfusion Thresholds for Adult Respiratory Extracorporeal Life Support: An Expert Consensus Document.

Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can complicate novel pandemic coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) represents the final possible rescue strategy. Variations in practice, combined with a paucity of rigourous guidelines, may complicate blood-product resource availability and allocation during a pandemic. We conducted a literature review around venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) transfusion practices for platelets, packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, prothrombin complex concentrate, and antithrombin. Pertinent society guidelines were examined, and the practice of Canadian ECLS experts was sampled through an environmental scan. This paper represents a synthesis of these explorations, combined with input from the Canadian Cardiovascular Critical Care (CANCARE) Society, Canadian Society of Cardiac Surgeons, and the Canadian Critical Care Society. We offer a pragmatic guidance document for restrictive transfusion thresholds in nonbleeding patients on VV-ECMO, which may attenuate transfusion-related complications and simultaneously shield national blood product inventory from strain during pandemic-induced activation of the National Plan for the Management of Shortages of Labile Blood Components.

Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Refractory Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: The State of the Evidence and Framework for Application.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) affects 134 per 100,000 citizens annually. Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), providing mechanical circulatory support, may improve the likelihood of survival among those with refractory OHCA. Compared with in-hospital ECPR candidates, those in the out-of-hospital setting tend to be sudden unexpected arrests in younger and healthier patients. The aims of this review were to summarize, and identify the limitations of, the evidence evaluating ECPR for OHCA, and to provide an approach for ECPR program application. Although there are many descriptions of ECPR-treated cohorts, we identified a paucity of robust data showing ECPR effectiveness compared with conventional resuscitation. However, it is highly likely that ECPR, provided after a prolonged attempt with conventional resuscitation, does benefit select patient populations compared with conventional resuscitation alone. Although reliable data showing the optimal patient selection criteria for ECPR are lacking, most implementations sought young previously healthy patients with rapid high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Carefully planned development of ECPR programs, in high-performing emergency medical systems at experienced extracorporeal membrane oxygenation centres, may be reasonable as part of systematic efforts to determine ECPR effectiveness and globally improve care. Protocol evaluation requires regional-level assessment, examining the incremental benefit of survival compared with standard care, while accounting for resource utilization.

Nutrition Therapy in Critically Ill Patients Following Cardiac Surgery: Defining and Improving Practice.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a predictor of poor outcome following cardiac surgery. We define nutrition therapy after cardiac surgery to identify opportunities for improvement. METHODS: International prospective studies in 2007-2009, 2011, and 2013 were combined. Sites provided institutional and patient characteristics from intensive care unit (ICU) admission to ICU discharge for a maximum of 12 days. Patients had valvular, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, or combined procedures and were mechanically ventilated and staying in the ICU for ≥3 days. RESULTS: There were 787 patients from 144 ICUs. In total, 120 patients (15.2%) had valvular surgery, 145 patients (18.4%) had CABG, and 522 patients (66.3%) underwent a combined procedure. Overall, 60.1% of patients received artificial nutrition support. For these patients, 78% received enteral nutrition (EN) alone, 17% received a combination of EN and parenteral nutrition (PN), and 5% received PN alone. The remaining 314 patients (40%) received no nutrition. The mean (SD) time from ICU admission to EN initiation was 2.3 (1.8) days. The adequacy of calories was 32.4% ± 31.9% from EN and PN and 25.5% ± 27.9% for patients receiving only EN. In EN patients, 57% received promotility agents and 20% received small bowel feeding. There was no significant relationship between increased energy or protein provision and 60-day mortality. CONCLUSION: Postoperative cardiac surgery patients who stay in the ICU for 3 or more days are at high risk for inadequate nutrition therapy. Further studies are required to determine if targeted nutrition therapy may alter clinical outcomes.