Inhaled Pulmonary Vasodilators in Adult Cardiothoracic Surgery: Pragmatism, Implementation, and The Quest for Evidence-Based Practice

Precapillary pulmonary hypertension. PH, is a significant comorbid condition that, if left untreated, increases morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery due to impaired right ventricular (RV) contractility. Current perioperative management of PH includes the administration of selective, inhaeld pulmonary vasodilators (iPVD) such as nitric oxide (iNO) and aerosolized epoprostenol (iPG12). Strong evidence in support of routine use of iPVD therapy is lacking despite the presence of potential side effects of such inhaled medications. Our group is currently conducting a randomized controlled trial evaluation clinical outcomes in more than 400 high-risk cardiac surgical patients receiving iPVD therapy in the perioperative setting. 

Target Audience

Specialty Physicians Anesthesiology

Learning Objectives

Understand the mechanism behind right heart failure and hypoxemia related to precapillary pulmonary hypertension

Evaluate the current available evidence surrounding to use of inhaled pulmonary vasodilator therapy for adult cardiothoracic surgical patients

Outline the implementation process of a pragmatic, double-blinded RCT underway in order to provide outcome data in this patient population. 

Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)
  • 1.00 Attendance
  • 0.10 IACET CEU
Registration Opens: 
02/01/2020
Registration Expires: 
01/31/2022
Rating: 
0

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)
  • 1.00 Attendance
  • 0.10 IACET CEU
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