BACKGROUND Early postoperative mobilization is essential for an enhanced recovery, but it can be hindered by orthostatic intolerance, characterized by signs of cerebral hypoperfusion, such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and ultimately syncope. Orthostatic intolerance is frequent after major surgical procedures, because of an attenuated cardiovascular response, but the cardiovascular response a...

During the past few years, it has become evident that metabolic control is a major determinant of postoperative outcomes, not only for diabetic patients but for all patients undergoing surgery.In cardiac and vascular surgery, myocardial ischemia is a common challenge and the management of hyperglycemia should be part of the strategy aimed at optimizing cardiac protection during these types of s...

This paper highlights information from cardiovascular surgical articles published in 2006 that are likely to have a broad impact on the practice of cardiovascular specialists in years ahead. Preference was given to articles that are innovative in purpose, thoughtful in design, and definitive in conclusions.

1. MD, MSc, Division of Cardiovascular Surgery of Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco (PROCAPE) and University of Pernambuco (UPE), Recife, PE, Brazil. 2. MD, Division of Cardiovascular Surgery of Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco (PROCAPE) and University of Pernambuco (UPE), Recife, PE, Brazil. 3. MD, MSc, PhD, ChM, Division of Cardiovascular Surgery of Pronto Socorro Cardiológic...

Rev Bras Cir Cardiovasc | Braz J Cardiovasc Surg he invasion of the Royal Institute in São Roque, SP, on the 18th of October, in which tens of Beagle dogs were evacuated by activists, created a huge controversy, amplified by the wide dissemination in the media and on the internet. Moreover, the action of activists led to the closure of the lab. Not only that. Many institutions that use animals ...

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most relevant complications after major surgery and is a predictor of mortality. In Western countries, patients at risk of developing AKI are mainly those undergoing cardiovascular surgical procedures. In this category of patients, AKI depends on a multifactorial etiology, including low ejection fraction, use of contrast media, hemodynamic instability, ca...

Cardiac surgery has been a vibrant field since the early pioneering procedures were attempted, became successful, and eventually reproducible. From the successful closure of a patent ductus arteriosus in 1938 and the Blalock-Taussig shunt, discovery and innovation have been the hallmarks of cardiac surgery. Dr John Gibbon’s first clinical use of the heart lung machine in 1953 opened the door to...