A Detailed Checklist in Cardio-Thoracic Surgery: The Isala safety Check-Juniper Publishers
JUNIPER PUBLISHERS-OPEN ACCESS JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY & CARDIOVASCULAR THERAPY Abstract In various fields of complex environments, checklists have been introduced, mainly to improve procedural related aspects like logistics, personnel support and equipment. However, in order to pursue better outcome, major patient-related factors may be likewise important to check immediately before surgical procedures. Therefore, a specific checklist, the Isala Safety Check, was developed in a high-volume cardio-thoracic surgery unit. It concerns a short list focusing on the presence of potential sources for peri-operative complications, including actual information of cardiac function, pulmonary comorbidities, renal impairment, neurological condition, predisposing factors for postoperative infections and risk of transfusion. Special attention is paid to the on-site information obtained by standard transesophageal echo, particularly the visualization of the condition of the asc...