What is a hypertensive emergency?

A hypertensive emergency refers to a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure that requires immediate medical attention. It can lead to organ damage or life-threatening complications if not promptly treated.

VA ECMO stands for Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. It is a life-saving technology used in cardiac critical care when traditional measures are insufficient to support failing hearts or lungs. VA ECMO temporarily takes over these functions outside of the body, providing oxygenated blood circulation.

Are there any risks associated with VA ECMO therapy?

While VA ECMO can be life-saving, it carries potential risks including bleeding complications due to anticoagulation requirements, infections related to catheter insertion sites or circuit components, vascular injury during cannulation process among others.

What specialized care is required for patients on VA ECMO?

Patients on VA ECMO require close monitoring by a multidisciplinary team including cardiac intensivists, perfusionists, and critical care nurses. Regular assessment of blood flow, oxygenation levels, anticoagulation management, and circuit function are essential components of their ongoing care.

Why are expert and trained nurses required in cardiac critical care?

Not only doctors but nurses also play a vital role in the management of cardiac emergencies. This is because the nurses are highly trained in recognizing the alterations in the vital parameters and immediately alerting the doctors.

When is VA ECMO used?

VA ECMO may be utilized in various situations such as severe cardiogenic shock, post-cardiotomy shock after open-heart surgery, myocarditis, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) associated with severe cardiac dysfunction.

Are visitors allowed in cardiac critical care?

Visitors are usually not allowed in cardiac critical care due to several reasons. Firstly, visitors may increase the patient’s risk of infection. Secondly, the continuous movement of the visitors may interfere with the work of medical and paramedical staff.

What is an Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP)?

An Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump, commonly known as IABP, is a mechanical device used in critical care settings for patients with heart failure or certain cardiac conditions. It helps improve the pumping ability of the heart by inflating and deflating a balloon placed inside the aorta.

How does an IABP work?

The IABP works by synchronizing with the patient's heartbeat, inflating during diastole (when the heart relaxes) and deflating just before systole (when the heart contracts). This inflation-deflation cycle assists in improving coronary artery blood flow and reducing workload on the heart.

Citizens Speciality Hospital - cardiac-critical-care

Cardiac Critical Care

The cardiovascular critical care unit comprises an expert team of cardiologists, trained nurses, and advanced equipment to diagnose and manage cases of cardiovascular emergencies. Cardiovascular emergency is often life-threatening, and immediate interventions is the key to saving the lives of patients.

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Treatment of the following diseases:

Heart Failure:Heart failure is a chronic and progressive condition characterized by the inability of the heart to pump enough blood to meet the body's demands. The symptoms include shortness of breath, weakness, and swelling of the ankles and feet.
Hypertensive emergency: Hypertensive emergency is a life-threatening condition characterized by significant elevation of the blood pressure with signs of potential organ damage.
Heart Attack: A heart attack occurs when the heart muscles do not get enough blood. It is due to the blockage in the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscles. (coronary arteries).
Cardiogenic Shock: It is a rare but life-threatening condition characterized by sudden heart dysfunction resulting in the inability to pump enough blood. The condition is generally due to a severe heart attack.
Heart Block:Heart rhythm is controlled by electrical impulses. Heart block, also known as AV block, occurs when these electrical impulses are disrupted. Symptoms include chest pain, rapid breathing and shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and tiredness.

Availability of the following procedures

Medical and Mechanical Support: In cases of advanced pulmonary or heart failure, a mechanical circulatory support device is used to either replace or assist the functioning of the failing heart and lungs.
Vasopressor and Inotrope Therapy: Vasopressors are the drugs administered to cause vasoconstriction resulting in elevation of mean arterial pressure. Inotropes are the drugs that increase cardiac contractility.
Post Angioplasty Care: It is vital to take appropriate care after angioplasty. The patient is under monitoring, and the vitals are continuously checked while the patient recovers from the angioplasty procedure.
Post-Bypass care: The patient needs to stay at the hospital for 4-5 days after the bypass surgery. During his recovery at the hospital, various advanced devices are connected to the patient, providing information about vital parameters.
Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump - (IABP): IABP is a therapeutic device that controls blood flow to the aorta. The doctor recommends this device in the case of cardiogenic shock. It may also be used after cardiac surgeries, such as percutaneous coronary interventions.
VA ECMO: It is a mechanical circulatory support device used in patients with cardiopulmonary failure. This device also supports extracorporeal gaseous exchange.
Post-Cardiac Arrest Management:Cardiac arrest is life-threatening and requires immediate medical intervention. The management options include cardiopulmonary resuscitation, cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation, radiofrequency catheter ablation, coronary bypass surgery, and coronary angioplasty.

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Cardiac Critical Care

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Treatment of the following diseases:

Availability of the following procedures

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