Atherosclerosis and its thromboembolic complications are leading causes of mortality and morbidity. This progressive disorder usually remains clinically silent until it causes end-organ damage resulting in stroke, ischemic heart disease, and/or peripheral vascular insufficiency. Atherosclerosis characteristically affects the aorta, with…
Introduction Thrombolytic agents comprise a diverse group of compounds that indirectly initiate the lysis of a thrombus. After the initiation of the coagulation cascade, fibrinolytic mechanisms are concomitantly activated to prevent unconstrained thrombosis. Fibrinolysis begins with the cleavage of proenzyme…
Epidemiology Extremity compartment syndrome occurs whenever the tissue pressure within a limited space of the body reaches the point where the circulation, nerve function, and muscle function of that space are compromised. For compartment syndrome to occur, the body compartment…
Historical perspective Pediatric surgeons closing omphaloceles have long recognized the lethal combination of pulmonary compromise and impaired renal function caused by increased intraabdominal pressure (IAP). Silo closure with gradual reduction of abdominal defect was recommended to prevent fulminant organ failure.…
Introduction Mesenteric ischemia is a generic term that implies inadequate blood flow to the intestines. It is relevant from a clinical standpoint as two separate disease processes: acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) and chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). Although the underlying process…
Introduction Aortic dissection, first described in the 18th century, continues to be one of the most lethal cardiovascular emergencies in the current era despite the evolution in diagnostic modalities, medical management, and surgical techniques and technologies. Herein, we discuss the…
Introduction Intestinal and multivisceral transplantation remains a dynamic process, moved forward by advances in the multidisciplinary care of intestinal failure, surgical techniques, innovative immunosuppressive strategies, and an improved understanding of intestinal transplantation immunology. More recently, great strides have been made…
Introduction The introduction of liver transplantation over 50 years ago has revolutionized outcomes for patients with both acute and chronic liver failure. Since experimental beginnings, liver transplantation has grown worldwide, with the number of transplants per year ranging from approximately…
Overview of lung transplant Lung transplantation offers hope for improved survival and quality of life for selected patients with end-stage lung disease. The availability of suitable donor organs and preservation injury remain the initial limiting factors to successful transplantation. Novel…
Intensive care may account for more than one-third of the total hospital costs for cardiac surgery patients, and much of the short-term morbidity and mortality are based on perioperative events. The overall mortality after cardiac surgery is low. However, this…