Year in Review 2024: Noteworthy Literature in Cardiac Anesthesiology

The research findings relevant for Cardiac Anesthesiology studies published in 2024 involved key innovations in devices and gene therapy in addition to the expansion of transcatheter techniques for valve repair or replacement. We reviewed 447 relevant articles and selected 21 as the most noteworthy studies published in 2024. Themes that emerged from our review include the etiology and prevention of delirium or outcomes after mechanical circulatory support. Robust clinical outcome data now supports the use of microaxial flow devices for mechanical circulatory support for cardiogenic shock due to acute myocardial infarction. Pharmacology development presents colchicine as anti-inflammatory medication to prevent atrial fibrillation or intravenous amino acids for kidney protection after cardiopulmonary bypass. Technological advances include implantable wireless pacing-defibrillator devices, pulmonary artery pressure monitoring in heart failure patients, extracorporeal blood purification for preventing acute kidney injury and hypothermic oxygenated perfusion of the donor heart in heart transplantation. Transcatheter interventions on mitral or aortic valve were gaining advances over surgical procedures. Novel paradigms included treatments with gene therapy for cardiac amyloidosis or refractory angina and the emerging risk of microplastic exposure in cardiovascular events.