In the summer of 2018, we published our first issue on Cardiovascular Critical Care, acknowledging that this specialty was evolving so quickly that it would soon outpace most other medical specialties. Little did we know that a few years later, the knowledge and resources gleaned from these advances would help us combat one of the greatest healthcare threats in our lifetime.
Now in this post-pandemic era, I am pleased to present a follow-up issue on Cardiac Critical Care that applies the learnings and advances from the past five years, particularly related to cardiac and cardiovascular ICUs. I also offer my sincerest thanks to guest editor Faisal N. Masud, MD, and the many authors who have shared their expertise and insights.
The Houston Methodist Virtual ICU (vICU) that launched in early 2020 had already implemented the processes and procedures that proved so successful during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, our authors share their roadmap for planning, implementing, and integrating vICU services within cardiac and cardiovascular ICUs. They explore additional technological advances such as AI-generated automation and optimization in the OR and CV suite. They examine the trend in ECMO use as first-line mechanical circulatory support after cardiotomy. And they discuss the risk of infection that comes with implanting 400,000 cardiac electronic devices each year.
Several authors revisit the basics of ICU care, questioning the status quo regarding blood pressure goals, vasoplegia, and ARDS. Looking at the gaps in care, one article explores evidence related to ICU delirium and its impact in predicting long-term patient outcomes, while another considers the role of pre- and post-surgery nutrition in helping the body heal. As technology brings greater improvements, we continually see that our patients are best served when we consider individual needs and provide the best personalized care possible.
We hope you'll also visit our year-round repository of case reports, interactive CME cases, and articles with CME credit in our Special Collections section online. I encourage you to submit case reports and engage on social media by tagging us with #DeBakeyCVjournal at @debakeyCVedu.
As always, I appreciate your ongoing interest and welcome your feedback.
Miguel A. Quiñones, MD, MACC, FASE
Editor-in-Chief
Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal
Winters Family Distinguished Centennial Chair
in Cardiovascular Education, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center