Refractory Hypoxemia on VV-ECMO: Repetition of a Structured Approach Is Paramount: A Case Report.

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is increasingly used to manage severe respiratory failure. Unfortunately, refractory hypoxemia often complicates VV-ECMO support. Both circuit- and patient-related etiologies can drive this, and a structured approach is necessary to diagnose and treat the condition. We present the case of a patient on VV-ECMO for acute respiratory distress syndrome who suffered from several distinct etiologies of refractory hypoxemia over a short timeframe. Frequent recalculation of cardiac output and oxygen delivery enabled early diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. We highlight the need for a structured and oft-repeated approach to this complex problem.

Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Narrative Review and Establishment of a Sustainable Program.

The rates of survival with functional recovery for out of hospital cardiac arrest remain unacceptably low. Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) quickly resolves the low-flow state of conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CCPR) providing valuable perfusion to end organs. Observational studies have shown an association with the use of ECPR and improved survivability. Two recent randomized controlled studies have demonstrated improved survival with functional neurologic recovery when compared to CCPR. Substantial resources and coordination amongst different specialties and departments are crucial for the successful implementation of ECPR. Standardized protocols, simulation based training, and constant communication are invaluable to the sustainability of a program. Currently there is no standardized protocol for the post-cannulation management of these ECPR patients and, ideally, upcoming studies should aim to evaluate these protocols.

Redo sphincteroplasty: are the results sustainable?

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes of patients who undergo redo sphincteroplasty (RS). METHODS: Patients with fecal incontinence (FI) who underwent RS between November 1988 and December 2011 were retrospectively identified from a prospective database. A questionnaire and telephone survey assessed current Cleveland Clinic Fecal Incontinence Score (CCFFIS; best 0, worst 20) and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQoL; best 4.1, worst 1) scale. Success was defined as no further continence surgery, no stoma and CCFFIS <9 at completion of follow-up. The Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for comparing quantitative variables. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was done to identify predictive factors for success. RESULTS: Fifty-six (66.7%) of 84 patients who underwent RS were available for evaluation at a median follow-up of 74 (range: 12-283) months. The mean CCFFIS decreased from 16.5 ± 3.7 to 11.9 ± 6.6 (P < 0.001) at last follow-up. Twelve patients (21.4%) underwent further continence surgery for failed sphincteroplasty, three (5.4%) of whom had a permanent stoma. Eighteen patients (32.1%) had a CCFFIS <9 at the completion of follow-up, and 16 (28.6%) had long-term success. Twenty-four patients evaluated for FIQoL had a mean value of 2.6 (range: 1.0-4.1). Postoperative CCFFIS was correlated with FIQoL (Spearman's correlation coefficient = -0.854, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis did not reveal any significant predictive variables for success of RS. CONCLUSION: Based on our criteria for success, the long-term success rate for RS over a median of 74 months is poor.