Anesthesiology and Intensive Care

  Myths and Truths About Immunity: What Really Works? Keyword tip: immune health, Vitamin C, cold prevention, sleep and immunity, immune response, infection prevention, detox myths, gut health, immune system, probiotics, stress, cortisol, vaccines, exercise When cold and flu season rolls around—or when global health concerns dominate the headlines—everyone starts talking about boosting immunity . But what does that really mean? Between old wives’ tales, viral social media hacks, and scientific advice, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. Let’s separate the myths from the truths about your immune system and uncover what actually works to keep you healthy.

Modern Recommendations for Using Glucocorticosteroids in the Perioperative Period in Cardiac Surgery Published on February 22, 2025 Keywords: glucocorticosteroids in cardiac surgery, perioperative steroids, cardiac surgery inflammation, modern steroid guidelines The use of glucocorticosteroids in the perioperative period of cardiac surgery has been a topic of debate for decades. These powerful anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce complications, but their

 In 1956, Lillehei and his colleagues proposed the technique of retrograde infusion of cardioplegic solutions directly into the coronary sinus. Many practitioners have found this method to be as effective as antegrade infusion , though it often results in less perfusion of the right ventricle (especially its midsection) and right atrium. To address this issue, retrograde infusion can be administered through the right atrium and right ventricle instead. Retrograde coronary sinus infusion is particularly beneficial in cases with acute high-grade coronary artery stenoses or obstructions.

Technique of Antegrade Cardioplegia antegrade cardioplegia, cardioplegia technique, myocardial protection, cardiac surgery, heart surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic root perfusion, potassium cardioplegia, surgical myocardial preservation After establishing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with the perfusate at 32°C—ensuring that ventricular fibrillation does not occur—a catheter is inserted into the aortic root through a previously placed purse-string stitch, attached to the cardioplegia line, and de-aired. Optionally, the pressure line of the catheter can be connected to a strain gauge for continuous monitoring of aortic root pressure. The aorta is clamped once the aortic root catheter is in place and certainly before the heart has cooled enough from whole-body perfusion to become arrhythmic or develop ventricular fibrillation .

Principles of Cardioplegic Solutions keywords:Cardioplegia, cardioplegic solution, myocardial protection, heart surgery, cardiac arrest, myocardial ischemia, reperfusion Energy conservation during myocardial ischemia can be achieved by inducing chemical arrest through two primary mechanisms: Preventing the conduction of the myocardial action potential by inhibiting the fast sodium current can be achieved through one or more of the following methods : a . Extracellular hyperkalemia  b . Sodium channel blockers (e.g., lidocaine)  c . KATP channel openers (e.g., adenosine) Preventing myocyte contraction by inhibiting calcium activation of myofilaments can be accomplished through one or more of the following approaches : a . Reducing extracellular calcium to zero  b . Using L-type calcium channel blockers (e.g., magnesium )  c . Directly inhibiting myofilaments with agents such as 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) Cold Cardioplegia There are two types of solutions used...

Both β-adrenergic receptor blockers and calcium channel blockers, when used alongside other methods, have been incorporated into myocardial management strategies by various groups. Calcium channel blockers such as verapamil and diltiazem are particularly beneficial due to their ability to prevent calcium entry into cells and their coronary vasodilatory effects. However, these drugs are also strong negative inotropes and cause prolonged electromechanical inactivity, especially when used in cardioplegic solutions.