Increasing atmospheric temperature implicates increasing risk for acute type A dissection in hypertensive patients.

Background: Acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) is a life-threatening condition with high mortality within 24 hours. We hypothesized if there is a correlation between seasonal weather changes and the occurrence of AAAD. The aim of the present study was to identify seasonal specific weather and patient characteristics predicting the occurrence of AAAD.

Repair rate and durability of video assisted minimally invasive mitral valve surgery.

Background: Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) through a right lateral thoracotomy has emerged as another option in cardiac surgery. We present our single center experience with regards to repair rate and durability of the repair in patients undergoing MIMVS.

Methods: Between January 2009 and December 2012 a total of 312 consecutive patients underwent MIMVS.