Abstract Cardiac surgery is a major insult to homeostasis. Attempts have been made to reduce the inflammatory response to cardiac surgery by limiting the stimulus. The two biggest stimuli to…
Abstract A comprehensive review of the complications of cardiac surgery would fill an entire volume. This chapter covers the more common and life-threatening complications. The reader is directed to the…
Abstract The normal adult MV area is 4–6 cm2. Unlike other heart valves, the MV consists of two asymmetric leaflets. The aortic (anterior) leaflet makes up 65% of the valve…
Abstract The AV is composed of three semilunar cusps left (posterior), right (anterior) and non-coronary cusp, which are related to the three sinuses of Valsalva. The main functions of the…
Abstract The ideal operating conditions to enable cardiac surgery are a bloodless and motionless field. This requires both cardiac arrest and the drainage of blood from the heart. In order…
Abstract Early postoperative care is a critical factor in determining successful outcomes following cardiac surgery. With increasing pressure for efficiency while ensuring patient safety is maintained, it is vital that…
Abstract Failure to wean a patient from CPB at the first attempt after routine cardiac surgery is a relatively uncommon occurrence. Following prolonged, complex or emergency surgery, however, failure to…
Abstract Non-invasive diagnostic tests (Table 3.1) are undertaken to support the clinical impression of and to quantify the extent of cardiac disease. Repeating the investigations over time allows for monitoring…
Abstract The aims of anaesthesia for cardiac surgery are: prevention of perioperative cardiac ischaemia and arrhythmias, tight haemodynamic control, avoidance of non-cardiac complications and early tracheal extubation. This chapter deals…
Abstract Despite the widespread availability of investigational tests and imaging techniques for the diagnosis and management of cardiac disease, eliciting a comprehensive history and performing a systematic physical examination remain…
