Assessing Diaphragmatic Dysfunction After Elective Cardiac Surgery: Expanding the Role of Critical Care Ultrasound

DIAPHRAGMATIC dysfunction occurs in mechanically ventilated patients as a result of both atrophy and contractile dysfunction.1 Other etiologies associated with cardiothoracic surgery include phrenic nerve injury, ligation of the diaphragmatic blood supply during internal mammary dissection, high mitochondrial oxidative stress, and multiorgan dysfunction in critically ill patients. Assessment and monitoring of diaphragmatic dysfunction are essential for the diagnosis and early identification of patients who are going to be challenging to wean from mechanical ventilation.
Source: Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research