mcs
Education
ECMO Oxygenator Clots
Virchow's triad of stasis, vascular damage, and hypercoagulability contribute to thrombosis. Although patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are usually on pharmacologic anticoagulation (i.e., heparin), it's still possible to form clots in areas of...
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Education
ECMO Hand Crank
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has a few basic parts: an inflow ("drainage") cannula, mechanical blood pump, membrane oxygenator, heat exchanger, and an outflow ("return") cannula. In a motor failure, pump flow can be maintained...
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Education
RK.MD Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) Reference Sheet
As a follow-up to my perioperative and critical care reference sheet, I've created a similar one for mechanical circulatory support (MCS). The same instructions apply:
This sheet doesn't constitute medical advice, and I'm NOT responsible...
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Education
What’s A Hemolung RAS?
The Hemolung Respiratory Assist System (RAS) is an investigative extracorporeal carbon dioxide (CO2) removal (ECCO2R) therapy. This system uses a centrifugal pump and blood gas exchanger to create respiratory dialysis - a form of...
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Education
GI Bleeding With LVADs
Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are gaining more traction in treatment-refractory heart failure primarily as a bridge-to-transplantation or destination therapy. Unfortunately, these patients frequently develop gastrointestinal (GI) bleeds requiring transfusion and endoscopic interventions. But...
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Education
What Is VA-ECMO?
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) used as a bridge to recovery, transplant, or alternative therapy (ie, VAD insertion). Whether it's the actual cannulation process or day-to-day management,...
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PGY-6 (Cardiothoracic Anesthesia)
Surgical Steps In CentriMag Biventricular Assist Device (BiVAD) Placement
CentriMag devices are implanted for acute right and/or left-sided circulatory support but often times used for extended periods of time for patients with acute heart failure awaiting a heart transplant. With CentriMag devices, patients...
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PGY-6 (Cardiothoracic Anesthesia)
Surgical Steps In HeartMate 3 LVAD Placement
Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) like the HeartMate 3 are routinely being implanted as a mechanical circulatory bridge-to-transplant (BTT) or destination therapy (DT). My anesthetic plan for LVAD placement includes general endotracheal anesthesia, arterial...
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