Abstract Because there is no disease condition that can be treated with the administration of anaesthetic medications, the specialty of anaesthesiology does not possess a curative effect in itself. Nevertheless,…
Abstract TTE evaluation of the heart valves requires both quantification of the severity of the pathology and identification of the underlying mechanism. This information will determine if surgical intervention is…
Abstract Cardiac surgery induces profound sympathetic nervous system and inflammatory responses. This so-called ‘stress response’ to surgery causes a multitude of adverse haemodynamic, metabolic, haematological, endocrine and immunological effects. In…
Abstract Over the last decade, there have been three major developments in perioperative blood management. Firstly, the recognition of preoperative anaemia and perioperative transfusion as risk factors for perioperative morbidity…
Abstract An ASD is a common congenital cardiac lesion, comprising 6–10% of such anomalies at birth, although diagnosis may not occur until adulthood. The lesion may present as an atrial…
Abstract Knowledge of infections encountered in the setting of cardiac surgery, and their prevention and treatment, is essential for health professionals working in this area. Chapter 40 Infection Hannah McCormick…
Abstract Pain after cardiac surgery is common; 75% of patients recall experiencing moderate to severe pain on the cardiac ICU. This has significant physiological and psychological consequences, potentially leading to…
Abstract Monitors of neurological function have been available since the 1950s. Until recently, however, many have remained in the hands of enthusiasts at academic centres. Many laboratory methods are not…
Abstract Ventricular dysfunction is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality after both cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. Traditionally, invasive pressure monitoring has been used to make inferences regarding ventricular function….
Abstract Cardiac disease has been the leading cause of overall maternal mortality in the UK since the 2002–2004 triennium. The maternal death rate from cardiac disease has increased from 1.65…
