KEY POINTS 1. Mechanical circulatory support devices most often are ventricular assist devices, which are indicated for bridging to myocardial recovery or cardiac transplantation or as a permanent assist device…
KEY POINTS 1. Mechanisms of myocardial ischemic injury are multifactorial and include some of the following: Depletion of high-energy phosphates, intracellular acidosis, alterations in intracellular calcium homeostasis, complement activation, generation…
KEY POINTS 1. Chronic pain due to intercostal nerve injury develops in approximately 50% of postthoracotomy patients, and in 5% this pain becomes severe and disabling. 2. Thoracic epidural analgesia…
KEY POINTS 1. On the day of surgery, most cardiovascular medications should be administered orally, with the exceptions of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and (selectively) diuretic agents….
