title: Case study: a patient's survival.
abstract: Presentation of a case study involving a female patient, in her 20s, undergoing routine surgery for removal of atrial myxoma leading to a heart transplant. This case study will show the progression from postcardiotomy failure, the emergent use of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenator device, the insertion of the HeartMate device, and the final return to the operating room for a heart transplant. The case study will examine the physiologic demands on the patient, as well as the psychological effects from the various life-saving devices.
authors.affiliation: Cardiovascular Service, West Penn Allegheny Health System, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Nauer
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kramer
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Lockard
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass; D005260:Female; D006325:Heart Atria; D006338:Heart Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D009232:Myxoma / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000451:nursing