Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to K A Nauer.
This article will review important elements involved in caring for the patient experiencing an acute dissection of the aorta. The etiology and classification system, signs and symptoms, diagnostic methods, indications for operation, circulatory arrest/deep hypothermia, surgical techniques, and complications of surgery will be discussed.
Presentation of a case study involving a female patient, in her 20s, undergoing routine surgery for removal of atrial myxoma leading to a heart transplant. This case study will show the progression from postcardiotomy failure, the emergent use of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenator device, the insertion of the HeartMate device, and the final return to the operating room for a heart transplant. The case study will examine the physiologic demands on the patient, as well as the psychological effects from the various life-saving devices.
Heart surgery has seen the emergence of minimally invasive surgery in the quest for less traumatic and less painful surgery. This procedure can be provided without the increased cost of endoscopic instrumentation by use of standard instrumentation, cannulation, and prostheses. A small incision and partially split sternum provide the patient with less postoperative pain and bleeding and early extubation and discharge from the hospital.