The Year in Electrophysiology: Selected Highlights From 2022.

This special article is the fifth in an annual series for the Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia. The authors would like to thank the Editor-in-Chief, Dr Kaplan, the Associate Editor-in-Chief, Dr Augoustides, and the editorial board for the opportunity to author this series, which summarizes the key research papers in the electrophysiology (EP) field relevant to cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesiologists. These articles are shaping perioperative EP procedures and practices, such as pulsed-field ablation, cryoablation for first-line treatment for atrial fibrillation, advancements in conduction system pacing, safety issues related to smartphones and cardiac implantable electronic devices, and alterations in EP workflow as the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic. Special emphasis is placed on the implications of these advancements for the anesthetic care of patients undergoing EP procedures.

Alterations in Pre/Post Oxygenator Flows Due to Fibrin Deposition in the CardioHelp System-A Case Report.

We present a 62-year-old patient with COVID-19 pneumonia on Veno-venous (VV) Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) with unique perturbations to pre and post oxygenator pressures due to fibrin deposition in despite being on a Heparin/Bivalirudin infusion and activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) within therapeutic range of 60-80 seconds. On Day 8 of ECMO support, it was noticed that flows steadily decreased despite unchanged RPMs. Unlike typical blood flow to circuit pressure relationships, the circuit pressures did not correlate with the observed decreased flow. The Delta Pressure (ΔP) was not elevated. The patient's vitals were stable. On inspection post change-out, clots were noted in the oxygenator outlets. Oxygenator clots are usually associated with increased ΔP. In this scenario, clots in the oxygenator blocked 1 of the 4 outlets in the oxygenator causing the flow, pressures, and ΔP to drop consecutively. Due to reduced flow, the ΔP was not elevated despite extensive clots. The fibrin clot location in the CardioHelp ECMO circuit may lead to unexpected pressure and flow alterations. Sole reliance on ΔP as a marker for oxygenator clots may be misleading. Careful monitoring and timely diagnosis of coagulation status may lead to changes in anticoagulation goals and meaningfully impact patient outcomes.

Mechanical Cardiac Circulatory Support: an Overview of the Challenges for the Anesthetist.

Purpose of Review: Owing to increased utilization of Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) devices, patients with these devices frequently present for surgeries requiring anesthetic support. The current article provides basics of perioperative management of these devices. Recent Findings: Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are on the rise with recently updated management guidelines. Veno-venous ECMO utilization has been widely utilized as a salvage therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Summary: Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps continue to be one of the most frequently used devices after acute myocardial infarction. ECMO is utilized for pulmonary or cardiopulmonary support as salvage therapy. LVADs are used in patients with end-stage heart failure as a destination therapy or bridge to transplant. Each of these devices present with their own set of management challenges. Anesthetic management of patients with MCS devices requires a thorough understanding of underlying operating and hemodynamic principles.