latest heart-lung machine

[Phyllis]

This is not related directly to the heart lung machine, but for those with a high speed connection you can see minimally invasive aortic valve replacement from start to finish on the Brigham website: http://www.brighamandwomens.org/surgerywebcast/default.asp

 

[Cooper]

I did a little research on this subject and found that newer, presumably more advanced, machines are better.

I read an article that mentioned some people would experience memory loss and/or some degree mental decline after being on the H/L machine (you also have to be sensitive to this, such as with someone who had Alzheimer's and required bypass). The theory was that the presence of tiny air bubbles were released into the bloodstream as a result of the H/L machine. The article went on to say that the condition had dramatically declined as technology has improved. Newer H/L machines are equipped with filters to prevent embolism and better oxygenators to properly oxygenate the blood. Also, I think reducing the amount of cross-clamp time offers the very best way to avoid any complications. Less time on bypass is best.

I wrote this info down in a binder but I didn't keep the exact link where I found it....sorry. If I come across it, I'll send it to you.

Cooper

 

[Debrinha GT]

Very useful information here!

Very useful information here!

This thread's getting better all the time, and I'd like to thank all of you for taking your time to research and share what you've found with the rest of us. We'll end up getting a diploma here!!LOL!! By the way, what's the best way to approach a doctor about it without offending him? I mean, I would like to find out more about the type of machine they have in the hospital where he operates, but don't want to sound rude and suspicious! And how can you be sure he'll be telling you the truth anyway??

Cooper, have you found the article on google or yahoo? If you ever come across it, please, do post the address so that we can read the whole thing!
Débora

 

[Cooper]

Cooper, have you found the article on google or yahoo? If you ever come across it, please, do post the address so that we can read the whole thing!
Débora

I should've mentioned that I researched this topic several months ago... not very recently. My previous message made it sound like it was something I just researched. Anyway, I'll Google it again and see what I come up with. Seems like it was a brief abstract.... I don't remember it being long or very specific.

Best,

 

[windsurfer]

info sources

info sources

I find the best sources of information on the side effects of H/L machines comes from new methods to replace or improve on them such as off-pump bypass (http://www.oberlin.edu/alummag/oamcurrent/oam_winter99/hearts.html) or totally different approach like in this article: (http://www.memagazine.org/supparch/medes04/bloodties/bloodties.html). Also I found a link that compared the pros/cons from a perfusionist's perspective on different machines - though not sure if outdated. See (http://www.perfusion.com.au/CCP/Perfusion Equipment/Heart-lung Machines & Roller Pumps.html)
All these links may be discussing older machines. Thus the need to find an up-to-date review of the benefits of the latest technologies in H/L machines.
Bobco

 

[windsurfer]

bad links replaced

bad links replaced

Sorry about the bad links. Here goes a retry:
http://www.perfusion.com.au/CCP/Perfusion Equipment/Heart-lung Machines & Roller Pumps.htm
http://www.memagazine.org/supparch/medes04/bloodties/bloodties.html
Bobco

 

[windsurfer]

student perfusionist link

student perfusionist link

Here's what a perfusionist student sees about H/L mach. - dated 2001, I believe.
http://www.perfusion.com.au/CCP/Sentry.htm
Bobco

 

[windsurfer]

best link so far

best link so far

This lists the perfusionist links around the world including manufacturers of H/L .
http://www.perfusion.com.au/links.htm
Bobco

 

[Marty]

In the dome.

In the dome.

I went out to Inova Fairfax to see Dr. Lefrak operate last week in the new Heart and Vascular Institute. All went well. One of the surgical nurses spent two hours with me giving a blow by blow account of what was going on down there. I was fascinated with the heart lung machine and really respect those perfusionists who get us hooked up. Our life is in their hands and they can kill us much easier than a surgeon can. I never thought to ask my guide if some heart lung machines are better than others. Oh by the way, Dr. Lefrak had close to 3000 high school kids watch surgery in the dome last year. The kids get a lecture on healthy lifestyle and hopefully how to avoid heart surgery.Maybe one or two will be inspired to become a surgeon. I heartily agree with Rob that Inova Fairfax is tops.

 

[hensylee]

This thread's getting better all the time, and I'd like to thank all of you for taking your time to research and share what you've found with the rest of us. We'll end up getting a diploma here!!LOL!! By the way, what's the best way to approach a doctor about it without offending him? I mean, I would like to find out more about the type of machine they have in the hospital where he operates, but don't want to sound rude and suspicious! And how can you be sure he'll be telling you the truth anyway??

Débora

Debora - Just let the dr know you have been doing some research to learn as much as possible - and then ask. I am sure your dr will be surprised, but perhaps pleased, that you want to know as much as possible before you take the trip up the mountain.

 

[windsurfer]

Inova et al

Inova et al

Good to know there are such high quality choices here in VA. I understand the Washington Heart Center is also nearby and I think there is one in Richmond as well as Fredericksburg, VA. I haven't had a chance yet to look at their ratings, outcomes, infection rates and all that - if it is available. Perhaps I should just visit each one. Which individual is typically the best to get the overview - a surgical nurse or ?
Bobco

 

[twinmaker]

Just a thought...wouldn't large teaching hospitals tend to have the newer or maybe better equipment? I have been a patient at Johns Hopkins and Emory Crawford Long and these centers seem to try new innovations in a multitude of things before other hospitals would. I think they also have the money to invest in new ideas and research. Like I said, just a thought.

 

[francie12]

I remember reading somewhere that the actual process of putting of the patient on the H/L machine and then taking him off poses some particular stress to the body. I wish I could remember specifics or where I read this. It's relevant to us as Matt's prospective surgeon would like to attempt a repair, take him off the pump, assess whether the AV still leaks, then if necessary put him back on the pump and do a Ross procedure. It sounds like alot of time on the H/L machine and alot of back and forth. Surgery is not imminent though--still plenty of time for looking about for the best options for hospital/surgeon/procedure. My obsession!!