Critical Care Commons^™

Aorto-Superior Vena Cava Fistula Secondary To Ascending Aortic Dissection, Talal Al-Assil, Aiden Michael Van Loo, Bakri Kaakeh, Bashar Al Jayyousi, Rania Esteitie

Journal of Shock and Hemodynamics

Aortic fistulas are a rare condition that can be fatal if not detected early. They can occur spontaneously or after trauma or vascular procedures. The most common aortic fistulas occur with the esophagus, intestines, atrium, and bronchi. Aorto-superior vena cava (SVC) fistulas are exceedingly rare finding. We present a patient with a dissected aortic pseudoaneurysm complicated by an aorto-SVC fistula, leading to left-to-right shunting. This caused increased pulmonary blood flow, left ventricular volume overload, and eventual high-output heart failure. This is a unique case of an aorto-SVC fistula as a complication of subacute/chronic ascending aortic dissection in a patient who …

Improving Time To Defibrillation​, Jonathan Eyestone, Dana Gilbreth, Amanda Maloney, Tina Pham

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

"ABSTRACT TITLE: Improving Time to Defibrillation

Background: Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (PSVMC) Medical Surgical units are not meeting the American Heart Association requirement of less than 3 minutes to defibrillation. Time to defibrillation in codes with shockable rhythms averages 4.2 minutes. In Mock Codes, only one met the time less than 3 minutes; four Mock Codes had times over 5 minutes. Resuscitation Quality Improvement CPR (RQI) training is required quarterly. Defibrillator practice with overall Code Blue competency is annual.

Purpose: Combine the hands-on practice of the defibrillator with the hands-on training for RQI.

Methods: The Medical Surgical unit 6 …

Prediction Of Major Adverse Cardiac Events In The Emergency Department Using An Artificial Neural Network With A Systematic Grid Search, Ahmed Raheem Buksh, Nadeem Ullah Khan, Rida Jawed, Shahan Waheed, Musa Karim

Department of Emergency Medicine

Background: The aim of our research was to design and evaluate an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model using a systemic grid search for the early prediction of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) among patients presenting to the triage of an emergency department.
Methods: This is a single-center, cross-sectional study using electronic health records from January 2017 to December 2020. The research population consists of adults coming to our emergency department triage at Aga Khan University Hospital. The MACE during hospitalization was the main outcome. To enhance the architecture of an ANN using triage data, we used a systematic grid search …

Lazarus Syndrome After Aortic Aneurysm Repair, Kevyn Niu, Jamie Lee Aldakkour, Charles Huyghues-Despointes, Yizhi Lin

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Introduction

Lazarus syndrome is defined as the spontaneous return of circulation after cessation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Though there have been multiple cases of Lazarus syndrome documented in the literature, it is a significantly underreported phenomenon with less than 100 cases reported in the literature since the first case in 1982.

Case Presentation

After elective aortic aneurysm repair, an 88-year-old with a do-not-resuscitate directive had cardiac arrest, briefly showing post-mortem respiration and pulse. Despite resuscitation efforts including pharmacological intervention and CPR, he passed away within an hour. This case highlights complexities in end-of-life care and warrants exploration of post-mortem physiological …

Beyond The Basics: Unraveling The Complexity Of Coronary Artery Calcification, Satwat Hashmi, Pashmina Wiqar Shah, Zouhair Aherrahrou, Elena Aikawa, Rédouane Aherrahrou

Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is mainly associated with coronary atherosclerosis, which is an indicator of coronary artery disease (CAD). CAC refers to the accumulation of calcium phosphate deposits, classified as micro- or macrocalcifications, that lead to the hardening and narrowing of the coronary arteries. CAC is a strong predictor of future cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and sudden death. Our narrative review focuses on the pathophysiology of CAC, exploring its link to plaque vulnerability, genetic factors, and how race and sex can affect the condition. We also examined the connection between the gut microbiome and CAC, and the impact …

Myocardial Protection In High-Risk Cardiopulmonary Bypass Support, Subhasis Chatterjee, Marc R. Moon

Journal of Shock and Hemodynamics

The development of cardioplegia has facilitated complex cardiac surgery and allowed high-risk patients to safely tolerate life-saving procedures. By following the principles of electromechanical arrest, inducing hypothermia, and using adjunctive agents to help mitigate the effects of hypothermia and ischemia reperfusion injury, cardioplegia can be safely induced with various commercially available compositions, which can be delivered by several different surgical techniques. Although many studies have compared these methods, there is little consensus on whether any one method is superior to another. Just as a surgeon may need to modify technique according to individual patient factors, so too must a surgeon …

Role Of Midodrine On Vasopressor Duration In Patients With Sepsis, Kamah J. Ellena, Jenna L. Combs, Heather M. Draper, Julie J. Belfer

Journal of Shock and Hemodynamics

Existing literature evaluating the off-label use of midodrine has focused primarily on postoperative hypotensive patients requiring a single vasopressor. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of midodrine on vasopressor duration and length of stay in patients receiving vasopressors for sepsis-related hypotension. This is an institutional review board-approved, single-center, retrospective analysis of critically ill patients with hypotension secondary to sepsis who received midodrine and intravenous vasopressors compared to those who received intravenous vasopressors alone. Patients were matched by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, suspected source of infection, and presence of bacteremia. One hundred patients were included in …

Pakistan Study Of Premature Coronary Atherosclerosis In Young Adults (Pak-Sehat): A Prospective Longitudinal Study Protocol Investigating The Prevalence, Severity And Determinants Of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease In The Young Adult Pakistani Population, Bashir Hanif, Sana Sheikh, Ghazal Peerwani, Miguel Cainzos-Achirica, Wajiha Javed, Jaffer Bin Baqar, Zainab Samad, Faiza Bashir, Salim S. Virani, Khurram Nasir

Section of Cardiology

Introduction: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a major cause of morbidity, mortality and health expenditures worldwide. Despite having higher ASCVD in the Pakistani population, data on subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in young Pakistanis remain scarce. The PAKistan Study of prEmature coronary atHerosclerosis in young AdulTs (PAK-SEHAT) aims to assess the prevalence, severity and determinants of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis among Pakistani men (35-60 years) and women (35-65 years) free of clinically symptomatic ASCVD and will assess 5-year rates of ASCVD events.
Methods and analysis: PAK-SEHAT is an ongoing prospective cohort study with 2000 participants from all provinces of Pakistan who will be …

Ten Steps Toward Improving In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Quality Of Care And Outcomes, Brahmajee K. Nallamothu, Robert Greif, Theresa Anderson, Huba Atiq, Thomaz Bittencourt Couto, Julie Considine, Allan R De Caen, Therese Djärv, Ann Doll, Matthew J. Douma

Department of Anaesthesia

No abstract provided.

Methodological Analysis Of A Community-Based Training Initiative Using The Epis Framework: An Ongoing Initiative To Empower 10 Million Bystanders In Cpr And Bleeding Control, Asma Altaf Hussain Merchant, Sheza Hassan, Mirza Noor Ali Baig, Huba Atiq, Sana Mahmood, Adil H. Haider, Zia Ul Haq, Deeba Shehnaz, Rizwan Naseer, Junaid Razzak

Medical College Documents

Background: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and life-threatening bleeding from trauma are leading causes of preventable mortality globally. Early intervention from bystanders can play a pivotal role in increasing the survival rate of victims. While great efforts for bystander training have yielded positive results in high-income countries, the same has not been replicated in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to resources constraints. This article describes a replicable implementation model of a nationwide program, aimed at empowering 10 million bystanders with basic knowledge and skills of hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and bleeding control in a resource-limited setting.
Methods: Using the EPIS …

Sustaining Care Team Engagement Using A Hierarchy Of Needs Framework, Katherine Skroski, Sam Canonico, Hailey Frager, Mary Beeaker, Natalia Johnson, Rebecca A. Brookes

Operational Transformation

Cardiology Intensive Care & Cardiovascular Interventional (CICU & R9 West) teams provide superb care to critically ill cardiac patients at Maine Medical Center. Covid Pandemic revealed the importance of physical and mental health wellbeing, as well as care team engagement in order to continue to provide outstanding care to patients. CICU/R9 West Leadership looked for ways to improve team engagement and ensure that care team members’ needs are met and sustained.

A Rare Case Of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy In An Elderly Lady During Hospital Stay, Himabindu Kolli, Ashika A. Chacko, Pooja Maknoor, Nazish Khan, Timothy Heath

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TTC) is an acute, reversible form of left ventricular systolic dysfunction, most often triggered by a sudden physical, or less commonly emotional event. Here, we describe a patient who developed Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy during her hospital stay.

Case Description: 74-year-old Hispanic lady, a nursing home resident presented to the ED with altered mental status. She was admitted for septic shock due to UTI. Echocardiogram demonstrated normal systolic function, with 60-65% LV ejection fraction. After initiation of antibiotic therapy, she showed clinical improvement with resolution of shock.

On day 8 of hospitalization, patient became emotionally upset and her clinical …

Cardiac Tamponade: Innovative Sternotomy Simulation Model For Training Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Team, Tolu Akinpelu, Mohammed Alhendy, Malarvizhi Thangavelu, Karen Weaver, Nicole Muller, James Mcelroy, Daniel Nento, Utpal Bhalala

Research Symposium

Introduction: Cardiac tamponade occurring after cardiac surgery is rare but life threatening and requires simultaneous resuscitation and emergent sternotomy by the intensive care team. A simulated scenario using innovative mannequin with sternotomy wound has the capability of reproducing cardiac arrest associated with postoperative tamponade. We evaluated the face validity of this innovative mannequin, the confidence level and crisis resource management skills of the team during sternotomy to manage postoperative cardiac tamponade.

Methods: The simulation case scenario was developed using innovative sternotomy mannequin for children’s hospital cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) teams. The case involved a 3-year old male, intubated, mechanically …

Role Of A Multidisciplinary Pulmonary Embolism Response Team And Impact Of Interventional Therapy In The Management Of Patients With Intermediate-High Risk Pulmonary Embolism, Juan N Pulido, Robert Fletcher, Michelle A. Poitevin, Kristina Pratt, Paul P Huang, Eric J Lehr, George P Pappas

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

Background: Despite emerging interventional options for pulmonary embolism (PE), the mortality rate for intermediate high-risk PE (IHR-PE) remains high and the optimal therapeutic approach unclear due to a lack of robust outcomes data. We describe the outcomes of patients presenting with IHR-PE managed by a multidisciplinary PERT program with all available reperfusion options.

Methods: This single center retrospective study included EMR data from patients that were a part of the multidisciplinary PERT program from January 2012 to June 2023. PERT was activated if risk of death was intermediate or higher. The simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) and Bova score …

Outcomes Of Patients With Intermediate Risk Pulmonary Embolism Treated With A Multidisciplinary Pulmonary Embolism Response Team. The Emergent Role Of Percutaneous Catheter Thrombectomy And The Importance Of Cardiac Surgery Engagement, Juan N Pulido, Robert Fletcher, Michelle A. Poitevin, Kristina Pratt, Paul P Huang, George P Pappas, Eric J Lehr

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

Background: Management of Intermediate Risk Pulmonary Embolism (IRPE) remains controversial due to the dynamic nature of the disease and the lack of correlative outcomes with large clot burden. We describe the outcomes of patients presenting with IRPE managed by a multidisciplinary Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT).

Methods: This single center retrospective study included EMR data from patients that were a part of the multidisciplinary PERT program from January 2012 to June 2023. PERT was activated if risk of death was intermediate or higher. The simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) and Bova score were used as risk stratification tools. Patients …

Poster: Clinical Practice Panel: Don't Skip A Beat, Follow The Sheet! Designing A Clinical Care Map For Open Heart Patients In The Icu, Danielle Fogel, Nico Vargas

2023 South Division Nursing Research Conference

No abstract provided.

The Brink Of The Abyss: From Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation, To Impella, To Left Ventricular Assist Device Destination Therapy, Jake Kieserman, Megan Sheehan, Marisa Cevasco, Brian Mccauley, Ryan Prentice, Jay Giri, Joyce Wald

Journal of Shock and Hemodynamics

Acute valvular emergencies are common causes of cardiogenic shock. Patients with critical aortic pathologies causing shock frequently undergo percutaneous interventions for valve replacement. However, in cases of persistent cardiogenic shock after valve replacement, there are limited options for further mechanical support. In this case study, we report a patient with a prior history of aortic valve replacement who presented in cardiogenic shock. After a transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve replacement, he remained in persistent shock with worsening clinical parameters requiring escalating inotropic and vasopressor support. With input from a multidisciplinary care team, an Impella 5.5 (Abiomed, Inc.) was placed through the valve …

About Dying And Death: Thanatology's Place In Medical Curriculum, Jill Dombroski

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This study explored how healthcare providers engage in advance care planning and end-of-life care conversations. The research explored what shapes their understanding and the extent to which concepts from thanatology they intuitively bring in, explicitly bring in, and maybe fail to recognize. To achieve this, constructivist grounded theory (CGT) methodology guided the design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation of the findings, which allowed for iteration across interviews and analysis with existing theories and data in the literature. The CGT design encouraged further engagement with the literature in an ongoing iterative fashion as well as with the analysis of the data. …

Extubation Readiness Test In A Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Mary K. Holyoke

Dissertations

Extubation Readiness Test in a Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Problem: The lack of standard extubation readiness tests (ERTs), that are practiced in pediatric ICUs to monitor extubation readiness, clinicians have the difficult task of weighing the risk versus benefit of extubation. ERTs can aid clinicians in deciphering patients ready to be successfully extubated and have shown to decrease length of mechanical ventilation and decrease extubation failures.

Methods: The quality improvement (QI) project utilized a descriptive observational design to assess the effects of the implementation of an ERT in a pediatric cardiac ICU. This project used a convenience sample …

Sociodemographic Factors And The Risk Of Paediatric Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest, Samina Idrees

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Paediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (POHCA) is associated with poor survival and severe neurological sequelae. This thesis aims to explore the relationship between sociodemographic factors and POHCA. The findings from our systematic review indicate that there are racial disparities in POHCA risk and in the provision of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation. There was little evidence of sociodemographic disparities in bystander defibrillation, survival and neurological outcome, particularly across adjusted analyses. The findings from our case-control study in Ontario, Canada, indicate that children living in marginalized areas have an elevated risk of experiencing POHCA. We also found that children living in northern urban or …

Hyperthermic Extracorporeal Applied Tumor Therapy (Heatt®) In Advanced Unresponsive Cancer, Joseph B. Zwischenberger, Peyton Skaggs, Katherine Breetz, Jan Winetz, Roger Vertrees

Journal of Shock and Hemodynamics

Hyperthermia has been utilized for cancer therapy, including metastatic cancer, for decades with isolated success. Previous research has indicated that the elevated temperature of 42°C induces cell death, apoptosis, or senescence of responsive cancers, providing a mechanism for tumor destruction and management. Veno-venous perfusion-induced systemic hyperthermia (V-V PISH) may be the key to improving advanced tumor responsiveness to previously failed chemotherapy and/or radiation as combination therapy. The most recent iteration of V-V PISH, Hyperthermic Extracorporeal Applied Tumor Therapy (HEATT®), provides homogeneous heating of all tissues with electrolyte and pH control and continues to prove safe and effective. The utilization of …

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange To Alleviate Ventricular Tachycardia After Diphenhydramine Ingestion, Kaushal Dosani, Lejla Music Aplenc, Stephen Pfeiffer

Research Days

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has adversely affected the mental health of children causing an increased incidence of suicide attempts. Diphenhydramine is a common household medication and is frequently ingested by children. Toxic doses of diphenhydramine can affect the cardiovascular and central nervous system. In the heart, diphenhydramine blocks fast sodium channels and potassium channels which can result in conduction abnormalities including sinus tachycardia, widening of QRS duration, ventricular tachycardia and torsades de pointes. Massive ingestion can cause severe cardiovascular collapse which may require ECMO support

Objectives/Goal: To describe a novel method of clearing highly protein-bound diphenhydramine molecules from circulation after …

Code Status In The Inpatient Setting, Alyssa Harper, Travis Fisher, Marjorie Schoen, Caroline Pappas, Ian May

View All Graduate Medical Education Content

No abstract provided.

Qi Project: Clopidogrel In Nstemi, Amanda Sams, Erin Kaya, Carsten Kirby, Ester Peters, Michael Stewart (Faculty Advisor)

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Complications Of Cardiopulmonary Bypass From An Anesthesia Perspective: A Clinical Review, Alex Roberts, Elizabeth C. Duncan, Paul Hargrave, David Redding Kingery, Josh Barnes, Derek L. Horstemeyer, Russell F. Stahl

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is frequently used for open heart surgery and other procedures that utilize temporary substitution or support of heart and lung function. While it is widely accepted as the predominant method to carry out these procedures, it is not without possible complications. CPB can be seen as the ultimate “team sport” as it includes and is dependent on contributions from multiple professionals including anesthesiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and perfusion technicians. In this clinical review paper, we examine possible complications of CPB, primarily from the perspective of the anesthesiologist, and how to troubleshoot them if they arise, which often requires …

Journal Of Shock And Hemodynamics, Vol. I, Iss. 2 (Print Version)

Journal of Shock and Hemodynamics

The print version of Volume I, Issue 2 of the Journal of Shock and Hemodynamics was published in February 2023. The PDF of the print version is downloadable here.

Variance In Management Of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation-Associated Fibrin Sheaths At A Single Institution, Alexandra Tedesco Md, Monica Majumdar Md, Jamel P. Ortoleva Md, Christine Nayar Md, Masashi Kawabori Md, Payam Salehi Md, Ali Irshad Md

Abington Jefferson Health Papers

Objective: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for patients with cardiac or respiratory failure has been increasingly used by advanced critical care practitioners. The thromboembolic complications of ECMO have been extensively discussed and researched; however, research and discussion on the development, risks, and management of cannulae-associated fibrin sheaths are lacking.

Methods: Institutional review board approval was not required. We have presented three cases detailing the identifi- cation and individualized management of ECMO-associated fibrin sheaths at our institution. The three patients provided written informed consent for the report of their case details and imaging studies.

Results: Of our three patients with ECMO-associated …

Management Of Patients With Refractory Cardiogenic Shock And Cardiointestinal Syndrome With Impella 5.5 As Bridge To Decision: Case Series, Ismael A. Salas De Armas, Bindu Akkanti, Amanda Bergeron, Anju Bhardwaj, Kha Dinh, Ali Shirafkan, Jayeshkumar A. Patel, Manish K. Patel, Carlos R. Manrique Neira, Igor D. Gregoric, Biswajit Kar, Mehmet H. Akay

Journal of Shock and Hemodynamics

Patients with advanced heart failure require multi-system management as a majority succumb to end-organ dysfunction, including gastrointestinal sequelae. Temporizing measures, such as early mechanical circulatory support, can assist in the recovery of patients with acute cardiogenic shock. The temporary support can improve patient characteristics to enable future definitive heart failure therapies such as durable left ventricular assist devices and orthotopic heart transplantation. We present two cases of cardiogenic shock that were successfully bridged with an Impella 5.5 (Abiomed). The management enabled the patients to recover from reversible cardiointestinal syndrome and undergo successful definitive therapies.

Revascularization In Cardiogenic Shock: Residual Syntax Score And Chronic Total Occlusions, Venugopal Menon

Journal of Shock and Hemodynamics

The residual syntax score (rSS) is strongly associated with outcomes in patients with stable coronary artery disease. In patients with acute myocardial infarction-associated cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS), the correlation or association of the rSS, mortality risk, and revascularization strategy has not yet been elucidated and needs more investigation. The SHOCK trial demonstrated that patients with left main and severe triple-vessel disease, who underwent coronary artery bypass grafts, had improved outcomes and higher 1-year survival rates than those with initial medical stabilization. However, it is unclear which is the superior technique for achieving complete revascularization. In contrast to the SHOCK trial’s results, …

Covid-19 Induced Right Ventricular Failure And Right Ventricular Assist Device Support, Marvin Slepian M.D.

Journal of Shock and Hemodynamics

COVID-19, while primarily recognized for its pulmonary and systemic manifestations, afflicts the cardiovascular system through various abnormalities. Notably, right ventricular (RV) involvement leading to dysfunction and failure is a manifestation seen in up to 20% of severe COVID patients. RV severity correlates with overall COVID severity, serving as a prognostic marker. Data review reveals that RV failure was largely underdiagnosed, particularly early on in the pandemic. The therapy approach for RV failure in patients with COVID should focus on supporting overall RV perfusion pressure, maintaining sinus rhythm, optimizing RV loading conditions and contractility, and addressing anticoagulation and thrombus-related conditions. Beyond …