Catheterization Techniques for Anomalous Aortic Origin of Coronary Arteries.

Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) is a rare congenital anomaly with a large spectrum of anatomical variations. Selective engagement of an AAOCA can present challenges during cardiac catheterization. A comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of major AAOCA can effectively assist operators for selecting and maneuvering catheters.

[ANOCOR registry].

Anomalous aortic origin of the coronary arteries are congenital anomalies with many anatomical forms. Due to the varying risk of sudden death, these abnormalities must be classified accurately. There are still questions about the mechanism and individual risk of sudden death, the natural history of these abnormalities and the benefits of a surgical correction.

MitraClip Implantation for Functional Mitral Regurgitation With Coaptation Gap Facilitated by Levosimendan Treatment.

A patient with severe, symptomatic functional mitral regurgitation was initially considered not suitable for MitraClip (Abbott Vascular, Abbott Park, Illinois) implantation because of non-coapting mitral leaflets. Repeated levosimendan infusions in combination with intensive diuresis induced sufficient valve coaptation, thus allowing MitraClip implantation to be performed. ().

Timing of aortic valve replacement in high-gradient severe aortic stenosis: impact of left ventricular ejection fraction.

Background: Patients with high-gradient (HG) severe aortic stenosis (AS) and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction are at high risk of death. The optimal timing for aortic valve replacement (AVR) is not defined by guidelines. The objective was to define the optimal timing to perform isolated AVR in patients with HG-AS and severe LV dysfunction.