Key Concepts Print Section Listen Membrane potentials are created by energy-dependent ion pumps that segregate charged ions on either side of hydrophobic cell membrane. Cell depolarization is possible because channels…
Key Concepts Print Section Listen Prosthetic valve design Design of both mechanical and bioprosthetic valves has continued to evolve since the invention of the first valve to improve flow dynamics,…
Key Concepts Print Section Listen Team approach Although all cardiac operations require a multidisciplinary approach, this is especially true for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Close and clear communication…
Key Concepts Print Section Listen Epidemiology Among the 200,000 coronary bypass operations performed annually in the United States, reoperative coronary artery bypass surgery (redo-CAB) accounts for approximately 5 percent of…
Print Section Listen Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has developed into an invaluable tool for operations on the thoracic viscera. By interfacing with the cardiovascular system, total CPB completely replaces the function…
Key Concepts Print Section Listen Epidemiology Affecting more than 1.5 million Americans annually, coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease, and its complications are the leading…
Key Concepts Print Section Listen Epidemiology Stroke is a major complication of cardiac surgery, with an incidence ranging from 2.1 to 5.2 percent. As many as 22 percent of coronary…
Key Concepts Print Section Listen Cardioplegia markedly reduces oxygen demand in the arrested heart and must be delivered uniformly in sufficient quantity to match this low demand. “Integrated myocardial protection”…
Key Concepts Print Section Listen Cardiac surgery involves unique anatomic and physiologic stresses that tax the reserve of every organ system. Continuous postoperative surveillance is required for early recognition of…
