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12 pages, 6900 KB  
Article
Prone Positioning Is a Feasible Approach in the Diagnostic Work-Up of Posterior Pulmonary Nodules and a Means to Limit CT-to-Body Divergence: A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Russell Vo, Tristan Post, Daniel Smith, Valerie Peters, Isha Puri, J. W. Hollingsworth and Sai Karan Vamsi Guda
Diseases 2026, 14(6), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases14060198 - 2 Jun 2026
Viewed by 132
Abstract
Background: Lung cancer is the second most common cause of cancer with high mortality, thereby emphasizing the importance of early detection. However, the rate of new lung cancer diagnosis has remained relatively unchanged. Despite the advancements in navigational bronchoscopy, the diagnostic yield of [...] Read more.
Background: Lung cancer is the second most common cause of cancer with high mortality, thereby emphasizing the importance of early detection. However, the rate of new lung cancer diagnosis has remained relatively unchanged. Despite the advancements in navigational bronchoscopy, the diagnostic yield of pulmonary nodules, particularly posterior nodules, is often limited by CT-to-body divergence. Our study aims to evaluate the feasibility and safety of prone positioning during navigational bronchoscopy and its impact on the diagnostic yield of posterior pulmonary nodules. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of nine patients who underwent Ion robotic navigational bronchoscopy in prone position and 237 patients in supine position. The study period was July 2024 to December 2024 for the prone cohort and July 2020 to September 2024 for the supine cohort. Results: In the supine cohort, the diagnostic yield was 93.3%, including a malignant yield of 62.3%, and the post-operative complication rates were 1.5% for pneumothorax, 3.5% for bronchopulmonary hemorrhage, and 1.9% for respiratory failure. In the prone cohort, the diagnostic yield was 77.8% and a malignant yield of 85.7%, and the postoperative complication rates were 0% for pneumothorax, bronchopulmonary hemorrhage, and respiratory failure. Conclusions: CT-to-body divergence is a major obstacle in the diagnostic work-up of pulmonary nodules, of which a major contributor is atelectasis. Our study demonstrates that prone positioning combined with a strict anesthesia protocol is both a feasible and safe approach in the diagnostic work-up of pulmonary nodules. Full article
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11 pages, 773 KB  
Article
Intraoperative PEEP Strategy and Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Obese Patients: A Randomized Trial with Exploratory Analysis of Smoking Status
by Luca Gregorio Giaccari, Simona Brunetti, Francesco Coppolino, Maria Caterina Pace, Maria Beatrice Passavanti, Vincenzo Pota and Pasquale Sansone
Med. Sci. 2026, 14(2), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci14020284 - 31 May 2026
Viewed by 106
Abstract
Background: Obesity increases the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), and active smoking may further amplify this risk. Whether smoking status identifies a subgroup of obese surgical patients with differential PPC risk or a different response to intraoperative Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) [...] Read more.
Background: Obesity increases the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), and active smoking may further amplify this risk. Whether smoking status identifies a subgroup of obese surgical patients with differential PPC risk or a different response to intraoperative Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) strategy remains unclear. We evaluated whether smoking status influences PPCs and modifies the effect of intraoperative PEEP strategy in obese patients undergoing surgery. Methods: In this single-center randomized trial, 95 obese surgical patients were assigned to either a low-PEEP strategy (4 cmH2O without recruitment maneuvers) or a high-PEEP strategy (12 cmH2O with recruitment maneuvers). The primary endpoint was PPC incidence within 5 postoperative days in the overall randomized population. Smoking status was recorded at baseline, and pre-specified exploratory subgroup analyses assessed PPC incidence according to smoking status and the smoking-by-PEEP interaction. Results: The overall incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) was 8.9% in the low-PEEP group and 8.0% in the high-PEEP group (p > 0.05). Among smokers, complications occurred in 18.2% in the low-PEEP group and 11.8% in the high-PEEP group. For non-smokers, rates were 5.9% and 6.1%, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed. Conclusions: Active smoking was associated with a numerically higher incidence of PPCs in obese patients; however, this finding was not statistically significant. The high-PEEP strategy with recruitment maneuvers did not reduce PPC incidence compared with the low-PEEP strategy. Trial Registration: Approval number 003208/2016. Full article
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13 pages, 4849 KB  
Case Report
Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Papillary Muscle Rupture and Cardiogenic Shock Requiring ECMO Support in a Patient with Bipolar Disorder and Chronic Cannabis Use
by Oana Elena Branea, Mihaly Veres, Oana Frandeș, Matild Keresztes, Mihai Claudiu Pui, Ciprian Fișcă, Radu Bălău and Leonard Azamfirei
Life 2026, 16(6), 879; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16060879 - 24 May 2026
Viewed by 235
Abstract
Cardiogenic shock secondary to acute myocardial infarction complicated by mechanical failure remains associated with high mortality despite advances in cardiac surgery and mechanical circulatory support. We report the case of a 42-year-old patient with posterior papillary muscle rupture leading to severe mitral regurgitation, [...] Read more.
Cardiogenic shock secondary to acute myocardial infarction complicated by mechanical failure remains associated with high mortality despite advances in cardiac surgery and mechanical circulatory support. We report the case of a 42-year-old patient with posterior papillary muscle rupture leading to severe mitral regurgitation, managed with emergency surgical intervention and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The patient, with a history of Type I Bipolar Disorder under long-term lithium therapy and chronic Cannabis use, presented in critical condition with cardiogenic shock (Killip IV), acute pulmonary edema, and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in the infero-posterior territory. Coronary angiography revealed right coronary artery occlusion and involvement of an obtuse marginal branch. Emergency mitral valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis and aortocoronary bypass were performed. Due to failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass, central veno-arterial ECMO was initiated. The postoperative course was complicated by hemodynamic instability and recurrent pericardial collections requiring repeated surgical interventions and conversion to peripheral ECMO. Multiorgan dysfunction developed, including hepato-renal failure requiring hemofiltration, neurological injury, respiratory impairment, and neuropsychiatric complications. Despite these challenges, progressive recovery was achieved under intensive multidisciplinary management. This case emphasizes the importance of early surgical correction and tailored ECMO support in managing post-infarction mechanical complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Critical Issues in Intensive Care Medicine—2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 843 KB  
Article
Persistent Intraoperative Shock and Acute Kidney Injury After Liver Transplantation
by Susana González-Suárez, Laura Llinares Espí, Manuel Grande Fernández, Juan José Ciudad Morales, Arantxa Vaque Cabeza, Clemente Antonio Durán Feliu, Paloma María Pereira Ricart, Lluís Castells Fuste and Gonzalo Sapisochin Cantis
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(11), 4010; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15114010 - 22 May 2026
Viewed by 222
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after liver transplantation. Although intraoperative hypotension has been associated with its development, the impact of shock persistence and its hemodynamic profile remains poorly defined. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective observational study [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after liver transplantation. Although intraoperative hypotension has been associated with its development, the impact of shock persistence and its hemodynamic profile remains poorly defined. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective observational study including 226 adult patients undergoing liver transplantation. Intraoperative shock was defined as a mean arterial pressure < 60 mmHg or a ≥30% decrease from baseline and was classified as hypovolemic, distributive, cardiogenic, or mixed based on pulmonary artery catheter data. AKI was defined according to Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria within the first 7 postoperative days. Associations were assessed using adjusted logistic regression models. Results: Intraoperative shock occurred in 35.8% of patients, and the incidence of AKI was 52.2%. The presence of shock was not independently associated with AKI (adjusted OR 1.66; 95% CI 0.94–2.95). However, shock occurring in multiple phases of the procedure was associated with a higher incidence of AKI (81.8% vs. 50%; p = 0.010), greater severity, and higher mortality (27.3% vs. 3.4%; p = 0.002). In exploratory analyses, mixed shock was associated with an increased need for renal replacement therapy within 30 days (p = 0.006), persistent renal dysfunction at day 30 (p = 0.048), and higher mortality (p = 0.01), while hypovolemic shock was associated with moderate AKI (OR 6.60; p = 0.011). Conclusions: The presence of intraoperative shock alone is not independently associated with AKI. In contrast, its persistence is strongly associated with AKI development and worse clinical outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Anesthesia and Intensive Care During Perioperative Period)
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13 pages, 1549 KB  
Article
The Role of Surgical Lung Biopsy in Diagnosis and Treatment Guidance for Interstitial Lung Diseases: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
by Melike Ülker, Barış Demirkol, Ramazan Eren, Dilekhan Kizir, Celal Buğra Sezen, Volkan Erdoğu, Muzaffer Metin and Erdoğan Çetinkaya
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(10), 3956; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15103956 - 20 May 2026
Viewed by 152
Abstract
Purpose: Interstitial lung disease encompasses a heterogeneous group of disorders requiring subgroup-specific treatment strategies. Surgical lung biopsy is recommended in patients who remain diagnostically unclassified despite clinical and radiological evaluation. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic yield, postoperative outcomes, and therapeutic impact [...] Read more.
Purpose: Interstitial lung disease encompasses a heterogeneous group of disorders requiring subgroup-specific treatment strategies. Surgical lung biopsy is recommended in patients who remain diagnostically unclassified despite clinical and radiological evaluation. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic yield, postoperative outcomes, and therapeutic impact of surgical lung biopsy in patients with interstitial lung disease. Methods: Cases of surgical biopsy performed for interstitial lung disease between 2018 and 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent a comprehensive preoperative evaluation, including HRCT, pulmonary function testing with DLCO analysis, bronchoscopy, and multidisciplinary assessment, before surgical biopsy was considered for diagnostically unclassified cases. Postoperative complications, mortality rates, definitive diagnoses, and treatments were evaluated. Results: A total of 253 patients were included in the study, comprising 150 males (59.3%) and 103 females (40.7%). The mean age was 58.4 ± 12.5 years. Minor complications were observed in 14 cases (5.5%), most commonly prolonged air leakage, while major complications occurred in 7 cases (2.8%), including hemorrhage requiring revision surgery and postoperative respiratory failure. Mortality was reported in two cases (0.8%). Comparison between surgical approaches demonstrated statistically significant differences regarding postoperative complication rates and drainage duration (p = 0.008, p < 0.001). All patients who received a definitive diagnosis were initiated on disease-specific treatments. Medical treatment was initiated for 197 cases (77.8%). Specific treatment was started for 174 cases (68.8%) following the determination of an interstitial subgroup diagnosis. Conclusions: Surgical lung biopsy performed via VATS is a safe procedure that provides significant diagnostic and therapeutic benefit in patients with interstitial lung disease, particularly in diagnostically unclassified cases despite multidisciplinary evaluation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Respiratory Medicine)
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11 pages, 775 KB  
Article
A 10-Year Review in the Trends in the Operative Management and Timing of Resection in Pediatric Congenital Airway Malformations: An ACS NSQIP-Pediatric Study
by Marc M. Mankarious, Alicia C. Greene, Olivia Ziegler, Swetha Jayavelu, Anthony Y. Tsai, Robert L. Ricca and Afif N. Kulaylat
Children 2026, 13(5), 688; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13050688 - 17 May 2026
Viewed by 219
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The optimal timing of asymptomatic congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAM) is controversial. Early resection may reduce inflammation and scarring secondary to respiratory infections, but contemporary practice patterns are unknown. This study assesses trends in operative timing and approach over the past [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The optimal timing of asymptomatic congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAM) is controversial. Early resection may reduce inflammation and scarring secondary to respiratory infections, but contemporary practice patterns are unknown. This study assesses trends in operative timing and approach over the past decade. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 1934 CPAM patients in NSQIP-P undergoing resection (2012–2021). Trends in surgical approach and age at resection were assessed using Mann–Kendall tests. Multivariable logistic and linear regression were used to model the influence of age at operation on operative length, postoperative complications, and postoperative length of stay. Results: Thoracoscopic approach increased from 47.2% in 2012 to 80.8% in 2021 (p < 0.001). Median age at operation was 7.7 months. There was a downtrend in the open approach in patients ≤3 months old (tau = −0.511, p < 0.05) without a corresponding increase in VATS approach (tau = −0.11, p = 0.72). Instead, there was a statistically significant uptrend in all other age cohorts >3 months old in the VATS approach. After adjusting for confounders there was no difference in complication rates between age cohorts. Conclusions: Adoption of thoracoscopic resection for CPAM has substantially increased. Despite the reported benefits of earlier resection, the timing of surgical resection remains variable with most surgeries still occurring after six months of age. Additionally, the decline in open surgeries in patients ≤3 months may reflect a preference towards the VATS approach in a slightly older infant population. Further research is necessary to determine optimal timing for CPAM resection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgical Neonates: Challenges, Innovations, and Long-Term Outcomes)
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16 pages, 1961 KB  
Article
One-Lung Ventilation Duration Is a Risk Factor for Pneumonia in Minimally Invasive and Robotic Esophagectomy
by Vladimir J. Lozanovski, Julian Kobler, Edin Hadzijusufovic, Franziska Renger, Christoph Wandhoefer, Eva-Verena Griemert, Hauke Lang and Peter P. Grimminger
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(10), 3832; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15103832 - 15 May 2026
Viewed by 237
Abstract
Introduction: Postoperative pulmonary complications, particularly pneumonia, remain frequent after esophagectomy and contribute significantly to morbidity. One-lung ventilation (OLV) is a potential modifiable risk factor, but its impact in minimally invasive (MIE) and robot-assisted Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (RAMIE) within European populations is not well [...] Read more.
Introduction: Postoperative pulmonary complications, particularly pneumonia, remain frequent after esophagectomy and contribute significantly to morbidity. One-lung ventilation (OLV) is a potential modifiable risk factor, but its impact in minimally invasive (MIE) and robot-assisted Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (RAMIE) within European populations is not well defined. Methods: 619 patients undergoing MIE or RAMIE were analyzed. OLV duration was extracted from operative records. Postoperative pneumonia incidence, overall survival, and perioperative outcomes were assessed. ASA classification and other risk factors were considered. Results: The overall incidence of postoperative pneumonia was 18.6%, with no significant difference between MIE (20.4%) and RAMIE (18.2%). Prolonged OLV duration increased pneumonia risk by 4% per 10 min. Female sex and higher ASA classification were also significant risk factors. Likely reflecting early diagnosis and advanced perioperative management, pneumonia did not affect overall survival, which remained comparable between MIE and RAMIE. Conclusions: Prolonged OLV during MIE and RAMIE increases the risk of postoperative pneumonia without significantly affecting overall survival, reflecting effective complication management. OLV duration may serve as a practical intraoperative indicator to guide risk stratification and optimize postoperative care in minimally invasive and robot-assisted Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Clinical Advances in Esophageal Surgery)
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14 pages, 3001 KB  
Article
Risk Factors and Nonlinear Risk Patterns of Prolonged Air Leak After Robot-Assisted Lung Resection for Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Hao Xu, Han Zhang and Linyou Zhang
Cancers 2026, 18(10), 1612; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18101612 - 15 May 2026
Viewed by 280
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Prolonged air leak (PAL) remains a common complication after lung resection and may delay postoperative recovery and subsequent treatment. This study aimed to identify clinical factors associated with PAL after robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) and to explore potential nonlinear relationships using restricted [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Prolonged air leak (PAL) remains a common complication after lung resection and may delay postoperative recovery and subsequent treatment. This study aimed to identify clinical factors associated with PAL after robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) and to explore potential nonlinear relationships using restricted cubic spline (RCS) modeling. Methods: A retrospective cohort of 1185 patients who underwent RATS for primary lung cancer was analyzed. Multivariable Firth logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of PAL (≥5 days). A nomogram was constructed based on the final model and internally validated using 1000 bootstrap resamples; its clinical utility was assessed using decision curve analysis. RCS analysis was performed to evaluate potential nonlinear associations. Results: A total of 98 patients (8.3%) developed PAL. Male sex was independently associated with increased PAL risk (OR 3.29, p < 0.001), whereas higher FEV1 was associated with reduced risk (OR 0.50 per 1-L increase, p < 0.001). BMI showed a modest protective effect (OR 0.91, p = 0.01). Age was not significant in the linear model (p = 0.86), but RCS analysis demonstrated a significant nonlinear association, with increased risk at older ages. The nomogram demonstrated moderate discrimination (apparent C-statistic 0.670, optimism-corrected 0.644) and good calibration, with decision curve analysis confirming net clinical benefit over treat-all and treat-none strategies. Conclusions: Male sex and impaired pulmonary function are key predictors of PAL after RATS. Nonlinear modeling revealed complex age-related risk patterns not captured by conventional approaches. The proposed nomogram may assist in preoperative risk stratification and perioperative decision-making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Minimally Invasive Surgery in Thoracic Oncology)
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15 pages, 4600 KB  
Case Report
Challenging a Benign, Elusive Tumor: Atypical Spinal Osteoblastomas in the Thoracic Spine with Surgical Resection and Hemi-Vertebral Body Reconstruction via a Posterior Approach—A Two-Case Series
by Joe Mehanna, Steffen-Heinrich Schulz, Sascha Gravius, Franz-Joseph Dally and Frederic Bludau
Reports 2026, 9(2), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports9020152 - 15 May 2026
Viewed by 184
Abstract
Background and Clinical Significance: Osteoblastomas are rare, benign but locally aggressive bone tumors with a predilection for the posterior elements of the spine. Their clinical, radiological and histopathological presentation often overlaps with that of osteoid osteomas, leading to diagnostic and therapeutic challenges—particularly in [...] Read more.
Background and Clinical Significance: Osteoblastomas are rare, benign but locally aggressive bone tumors with a predilection for the posterior elements of the spine. Their clinical, radiological and histopathological presentation often overlaps with that of osteoid osteomas, leading to diagnostic and therapeutic challenges—particularly in atypical locations such as the anterior thoracic spine. Case Presentation: We report two cases of young female patients (aged 35 and 30 years) presenting with persistent thoracic back pain unresponsive to NSAIDs. In the first case, imaging revealed a lesion at the right T7 pedicle initially attributed to osteoid osteoma; CT-guided thermoablation was declined due to proximity to neural structures. At this stage, we chose percutaneous transpedicular ablation by drilling through the centrum of the lesion (Nidus) surgically. After this transpedicular resection with initial symptom improvement, the patient developed recurrence with lesion progression into both anterior and posterior columns, requiring a second, open, surgical intervention. In the second case, a lesion at the left T11 pedicle and transverse process was identified directly as osteoblastoma due to size and radiological morphology; initial biopsy was non-diagnostic due to specimen fragmentation. In both cases, histopathology was inconclusive or misleading, while clinical and radiological features—including NSAID unresponsiveness, lesion size, and anatomical extent—favored osteoblastoma. Both patients underwent surgical resection via posterior costotransversectomy, partial hemivertebrectomy, expandable cage placement, and posterior instrumentation (T5–T8 and T10–T12, respectively). The postoperative courses were complicated by thoracic events—hemothorax in the first case and pulmonary embolism in the second—both of which were managed successfully. At follow-up, both patients were neurologically intact and pain-free. Conclusions: These cases emphasize the diagnostic overlap between osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma and highlight the importance of clinical and radiographic correlation when histopathology is inconclusive. A posterior-only approach with costotransversectomy may be a valid strategy in selected cases of thoracic spinal tumors, although specific complications such as hemothorax must be considered. Full article
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13 pages, 5295 KB  
Review
Battling Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Post-Infarction Ventricular Septal Defect—A Case Report and Comprehensive Review of Literature
by Horatiu Moldovan, Irina Dobra, Sabina Safta, Mircea Robu, Andrada Guta, Silvia Preda, Alexandra Voicu, Maria Girel, Alexandru Alexandrescu and Ondin Zaharia
Life 2026, 16(5), 808; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16050808 - 12 May 2026
Viewed by 202
Abstract
Post-infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD) represents a rare but frequently fatal mechanical complication of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), associated with high morbidity and mortality despite advances in reperfusion strategies. The optimal timing of surgical repair remains a matter of ongoing debate, particularly in [...] Read more.
Post-infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD) represents a rare but frequently fatal mechanical complication of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), associated with high morbidity and mortality despite advances in reperfusion strategies. The optimal timing of surgical repair remains a matter of ongoing debate, particularly in patients presenting with hemodynamic instability and evolving right ventricular failure. Two main strategies have been proposed: an early surgical approach aimed at preventing progressive hemodynamic deterioration and right ventricular dysfunction, and a delayed strategy that allows for infarct maturation and fibrotic remodeling of the septal margins, thereby facilitating more secure patch anchoring and reducing the risk of residual shunting. We report the case of a 39-year-old male with multiple cardiovascular risk factors who presented to the emergency department after seven days of persistent chest pain and was diagnosed with an inferior STEMI. Urgent percutaneous coronary intervention was performed, with successful stent implantation in the right coronary artery. Seven days later, transthoracic echocardiography identified an inferior post-infarction ventricular septal defect. In the context of clinical deterioration characterized by progressive right ventricular failure, urgent surgical repair was undertaken. The postoperative course was complicated by severe pulmonary hypertension and refractory cardiogenic shock, necessitating veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support for five days. The patient was subsequently weaned successfully from mechanical circulatory support and discharged on postoperative day 12. At one- and three-month follow-up, he remained asymptomatic, with significant recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction. This case underscores the critical importance of timely surgical intervention in post-infarction VSD, particularly in the setting of right ventricular failure, and highlights the essential role of temporary mechanical circulatory support in the management of severe postoperative cardiogenic shock. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical Research)
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15 pages, 3695 KB  
Article
Optimal PEEP Obtained by Titrating Inspiratory Oxygen Fraction Versus Electrical Impedance Tomography in Patients with High Risk of Intraoperative Atelectasis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Lingling Gao, Lili Pan, Li Yang, Yu Cui and Jun Zhang
Bioengineering 2026, 13(5), 533; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering13050533 - 3 May 2026
Viewed by 1597
Abstract
Background: The optimal intraoperative positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) obtained by titrating to the lowest tolerable fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) has been proposed recently; however, whether its performance in obtaining optimal PEEP is comparable to that from electrical impedance tomography (EIT) [...] Read more.
Background: The optimal intraoperative positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) obtained by titrating to the lowest tolerable fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) has been proposed recently; however, whether its performance in obtaining optimal PEEP is comparable to that from electrical impedance tomography (EIT) titration remains unknown. Methods: Ninety-three adult patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy under general anesthesia were enrolled in this study. They underwent the determination of optimal PEEP obtained either by titrating to the lowest tolerable FiO2 (PEEPO2) or using EIT (PEEPEIT). The primary endpoint was intraoperative optimal PEEP values. Secondary endpoints included pre-extubation arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2)/FiO2, intraoperative mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), the incidence of hypoxemia in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), and postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) up to discharge from hospital. Results: Group PEEPO2 (n = 47) exhibited a higher optimal PEEP compared to Group PEEPEIT (n = 46) [Median (IQR): 18 (16–18 cmH2O) vs. 16 (14–16 cmH2O), p < 0.001]. Pre-extubation PaO2/FiO2 was higher in Group PEEPO2 (510.5 ± 80.0 vs. 471.8 ± 69.0 mmHg, p = 0.015), while lung dynamic compliance (41.1 ± 7.7 vs. 37.3 ± 6.4 mL cmH2O−1, p = 0.011) and static compliance (36.4 ± 5.8 vs. 33.6 ± 5.5 mL cmH2O−1, p = 0.017) were also higher in Group PEEPO2. Additionally, driving pressure (11.0 ± 2.0 vs. 12.1 ± 1.9 cmH2O, p = 0.006) was lower in Group PEEPO2. There were no significant differences in intraoperative MAP and the incidences of PACU hypoxemia and PPCs between the two groups. Conclusions: The optimal PEEP obtained by titrating to the lowest tolerable FiO2 is a clinically acceptable alternative of that obtained using EIT. Therefore, this technique could be a viable alternative to EIT for obtaining optimal PEEP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials)
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12 pages, 5839 KB  
Article
Early Cardiac Catheterization in Children with Congenital Heart Disease on Postoperative Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Safety, Outcomes, and Clinical Management
by Burcu Çevlik, Ahmet Saki Oğuz, Ali Nazım Güzelbağ, Demet Kangel, Kahraman Yakut, Muhammet Hamza Halil Toprak, Abdullah Erdem, İbrahim Cansaran Tanıdır, Ali Can Hatemi and Erkut Öztürk
Diagnostics 2026, 16(9), 1367; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16091367 - 30 Apr 2026
Viewed by 342
Abstract
Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is lifesaving in pediatric patients with respiratory and/or cardiovascular failure. Cardiac catheterization is an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool in patients with congenital heart disease supported by ECMO, allowing the assessment of residual lesions, hemodynamically significant anatomical [...] Read more.
Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is lifesaving in pediatric patients with respiratory and/or cardiovascular failure. Cardiac catheterization is an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool in patients with congenital heart disease supported by ECMO, allowing the assessment of residual lesions, hemodynamically significant anatomical abnormalities, and unexplained indications for ongoing ECMO support. The timing and clinical contribution of cardiac catheterization in these patients are still debated. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the indications, safety, and impact of cardiac catheterization on clinical management in pediatric patients receiving postoperative ECMO support. Methods: This single-center, retrospective study examined 39 pediatric patients under the age of 18 who underwent postoperative cardiac catheterization with ECMO support between January 2022 and December 2025. Demographic data, procedure characteristics, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results: Of the 190 patients under postoperative ECMO support, 39 underwent catheterization. The median age of the patients was 2.5 months (range, 6 days–180 months) and median weight was 4.2 kg (range, 2.8–57 kg). The most frequent diagnoses were ventricular septal defect-pulmonary atresia (VSD-PA) in 20.5% (n = 8) and transposition of the great arteries (TGA) in 15.3% (n = 6). The indication for catheterization was to investigate the reason for ECMO placement in 26 patients (66.6%). Most patients underwent catheterization within the first 24 h after ECMO initiation. Patients who underwent catheterization represented a higher-risk subgroup, with a greater proportion of STAT 4-5 procedures (59% vs. 40%) compared with the overall ECMO cohort. Cardiac catheterization resulted in a change in clinical management in 25.6% of patients through catheter-based intervention or surgical revision. Survival in the catheterized subgroup was 12.8%, reflecting the high-risk nature of this population. Conclusions: Cardiac catheterization in pediatric patients on postoperative ECMO support can be performed with a low complication rate and can significantly alter clinical management. Cardiac catheterization should be considered an important diagnostic and therapeutic modality, particularly in the presence of suspected residual lesions or unexplained hemodynamic instability. Additionally, we recommend that cardiac catheterization be performed promptly within the first 24–48 h in this patient group on ECMO support. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pediatric Cardiology: Diagnosis and Management)
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11 pages, 821 KB  
Article
Lung-Protective Effect of Alveolar Recruitment Maneuvers in Children with Right Vertical Infra-Axillary Thoracotomy for Repair of Congenital Heart Disease
by Liang Zhang, Chengbin Wang, Chen He, Xiaonan Wang, Lin Lin, Jun Ma and Sheng Wang
Children 2026, 13(5), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13050588 - 24 Apr 2026
Viewed by 319
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Right vertical infra-axillary thoracotomy to repair ventricular septal defects (VSDs) and atrial septal defects (ASDs) is less invasive than conventional surgical repair via median sternotomy. However, right vertical infra-axillary thoracotomy (RVIAT) may result in unilateral lung injury, a serious postoperative complication requiring [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Right vertical infra-axillary thoracotomy to repair ventricular septal defects (VSDs) and atrial septal defects (ASDs) is less invasive than conventional surgical repair via median sternotomy. However, right vertical infra-axillary thoracotomy (RVIAT) may result in unilateral lung injury, a serious postoperative complication requiring extracorporeal circulation and unilateral lung collapse. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether repeated lung recruitment provides enhanced respiratory compliance and lung oxygenation in children who have undergone right vertical infra-axillary thoracotomy (RVIAT) to correct a congenital heart defect. Methods: Eligible participants were children with a common congenital heart defect corrected via RVIAT. Seventy-seven children were randomly classified into two groups. In group A (n = 39), an alveolar recruitment maneuver (ARM) was performed immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass. Children in group C (n = 38) did not receive any additional interventions during surgery. Results: The ARM group tolerated open lung ventilation without significant hemodynamic instability. Compared to controls, intraoperative PaO2, PaO2/FiO2 and lung compliance (Comdyn) improved in group A (p < 0.05), who also showed a significantly lower IL-6 (p < 0.05). In addition, group A had a lower incidence of lung injury and lung atelectasis than Group C at specific post CPB time points. Conclusions: Our findings provide some indication that the application of ARM could effectively improve the oxygenation profile, reduce postoperative pulmonary complications, and attenuate the postoperative inflammatory response in children with a common congenital heart defect corrected via the RVIAT technique. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Cardiology)
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27 pages, 3221 KB  
Systematic Review
Prehabilitation in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis
by Abubakar I. Sidik, Maxim L. Khavandeev, Malik K. Al-Ariki, Vladislav V. Dontsov, Ivan G. Karpenko, Anvar K. Djumanov, Alina V. Ogurchikova, Sergey A. Kurnosov and Dadaev Shirin
Surgeries 2026, 7(2), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/surgeries7020049 - 23 Apr 2026
Viewed by 626
Abstract
Background/Objective: Prehabilitation aims to improve physiological reserve before surgery to enhance postoperative outcomes. Multiple systematic reviews have evaluated preoperative interventions in adult cardiac surgery; however, variability in scope, methodological quality, and overlap of primary trials complicates interpretation. The aim of this study [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Prehabilitation aims to improve physiological reserve before surgery to enhance postoperative outcomes. Multiple systematic reviews have evaluated preoperative interventions in adult cardiac surgery; however, variability in scope, methodological quality, and overlap of primary trials complicates interpretation. The aim of this study is to synthesise and critically appraise evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating prehabilitation interventions in adults undergoing cardiac surgery. No funding was received for this study. Methods: We conducted an umbrella systematic review following a prospectively registered protocol (PROSPERO: CRD420261292354) and PRISMA 2020 guidance. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from inception to 31 December 2025. Eligible reviews included adults (≥18 years) undergoing cardiac surgery, evaluated and compared preoperative inspiratory muscle training (IMT), respiratory muscle training, and exercise-based, educational, or multimodal prehabilitation with usual care or sham intervention. Reviews focused solely on postoperative interventions or non-cardiac surgery were excluded. Methodological quality was assessed using AMSTAR-2. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE. Overlap of primary studies was quantified using the Corrected Covered Area (CCA). A structured narrative synthesis with a direction-of-effect framework was applied. Results: Eighteen systematic reviews (published 2012–2025) were included, comprising 46 unique primary studies and more than 6674 participants (exact totals unavailable due to incomplete reporting in at least one review). Overall overlap was high (CCA 12.5%). Respiratory-focused prehabilitation, particularly IMT, demonstrated consistent reductions in postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) (risk ratios approximately 0.42–0.53), pneumonia (RR ~0.44–0.45), and atelectasis (RR ~0.49–0.59), favouring prehabilitation over usual care. Hospital length of stay was reduced by approximately 1.5–3 days across multiple reviews. Inspiratory muscle strength improved consistently (mean difference ~+12 to +17 cmH2O). Effects on ICU length of stay and mechanical ventilation duration were inconsistent or non-significant. Exercise-based programmes improved functional capacity (6 min walk distance increase ~50–75 m) and showed modest reductions in hospital stay, but heterogeneity was substantial. No intervention demonstrated a consistent reduction in postoperative mortality. Evidence was limited by clinical heterogeneity, performance bias in primary trials, inconsistent outcome definitions, and high overlap of key IMT trials across reviews. Mortality outcomes were underpowered. Conclusions: Preoperative IMT provides evidence for reducing pulmonary complications and shortening hospital stays in adult cardiac surgery. Exercise-based prehabilitation improves functional capacity but requires further high-quality, standardised trials. Integration of respiratory prehabilitation into cardiac surgical pathways appears supported by the current evidence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery)
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Article
A Holistic Nursing Surveillance Decision Support System for Postoperative Pulmonary Complications After Abdominal Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Se Young Kim, Dong Hyun Lim, Dae Ho Kim and Ok Ran Jeong
Healthcare 2026, 14(8), 1083; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14081083 - 18 Apr 2026
Viewed by 377
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) following abdominal surgery are associated with prolonged hospitalization, delayed recovery, and increased mortality. Because nursing surveillance is essential for early detection and timely intervention, this study aimed to develop a holistic nursing surveillance decision support system integrating [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) following abdominal surgery are associated with prolonged hospitalization, delayed recovery, and increased mortality. Because nursing surveillance is essential for early detection and timely intervention, this study aimed to develop a holistic nursing surveillance decision support system integrating PPC risk prediction with structured nursing action recommendations. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, electronic medical record (EMR) data from approximately 6900 adult patients who underwent abdominal surgery at a single institution between January 2015 and September 2023 were analyzed. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board, and the requirement for informed consent was waived because of the retrospective study design. PPC risk was predicted using a tabular multilayer perceptron (MLP) encoder with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP)-based feature weighting and a random forest classification head optimized via Optuna. Class imbalance was addressed using weighted sampling, class weighting in BCE(Binary Cross Entropy) With Logits Loss, and decision-threshold optimization. For clinical decision support, a large language model generated structured nursing surveillance recommendations in an action–evidence–rationale JSON format and was aligned through supervised fine-tuning (SFT) using human-evaluated cases. Results: The prediction model achieved an AUROC of 0.810, with an accuracy of 0.811, precision of 0.547, and recall of 0.545. In expert evaluation, the SFT-aligned model improved recommendation quality, reducing incorrect nursing actions from 19.3% to 8.0%. Conclusions: The proposed system demonstrates the feasibility of an end-to-end nursing surveillance decision support framework linking PPC risk prediction with structured clinical recommendations. The findings suggest its potential to support more accurate risk prediction and more actionable nursing surveillance for patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Full article
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