3D transthoracic echocardiography to assess pulmonary valve morphology and annulus size in patients with Tetralogy of Fallot.

Background: Accurate evaluation of the pulmonary valve (PV) is crucial before surgical repair of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF).

Aims: To assess PV and pulmonary annulus (PA) morphology using three-dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in infants referred for surgical repair of TOF. Also, to compare PA measurements obtained by 3D TTE with those from other imaging modalities, including two-dimensional (2D) TTE and computed tomography (CT), with reference to surgical measurements.

Aortic arch aneurysm: short- and mid-term results comparing open arch surgery and the hybrid procedure†.

Objectives: Open arch surgery for aortic arch aneurysm was historically associated with a high risk of postoperative morbi-mortality. Improved operative techniques have now lowered the incidence of these complications but in parallel, hybrid arch procedures have emerged. Nowadays, very little data are available about their mid-term results compared with open surgery.

Repeat mitral valve repair for haemolysis in children.

Background: Severe haemolysis is a rare complication after mitral valve repair in congenital heart disease.

Aim: We describe four children with severe mitral regurgitation who underwent valve repair and subsequently developed profound haemolytic anaemia.

Methods: Clinical, echocardiographic and surgical data were collected retrospectively from a surgical centre in France during a 5-year period.

Comparison of two- and three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography for measurement of aortic annulus diameter in children.

Background: Accurate evaluation of aortic root geometry is necessary in congenital aortic valve lesions in children, to guide surgical or angiographical intervention.

Aim: To compare aortic annulus diameters measured by two- and three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2D- and 3D-TTE), to determine the feasibility and reproducibility of 3D imaging and assess the dynamic changes during the cardiac cycle.

Methods: Thirty children without heart disease were prospectively included.

Aging-related decrease of human ASC angiogenic potential is reversed by hypoxia preconditioning through ROS production.

Adipose stroma/stem cells (ASC) represent an ideal source of autologous cells for cell-based therapy. Their transplantation enhances neovascularization after experimental ischemic injury. Aging is associated with a progressive decrease in the regenerative potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from bone marrow.

Wrapping procedure for stanford type a acute aortic dissection: is there an indication for surgery without a cardiopulmonary bypass?

A wrapping procedure for acute type A aortic dissection was performed on six elderly patients at high risk for conventional surgery. Aortic valve insufficiency was mild, with no malperfusion syndrome. A Teflon plaque or Dacron vascular prosthesis was passed around the aorta and tightened from the coronary ostia to the innominate artery.