Desktop 3D printed anatomic models for minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass.

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has impacted many clinical applications across medicine. However, 3D printing for Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass (MIDCAB) has not yet been reported in the peer-reviewed literature. The current observational cohort study aimed to evaluate the impact of half scaled (50% scale) 3D printed (3DP) anatomic models in the pre-procedural planning of MIDCAB.

Early myocardial surgical revascularization after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in multivessel coronary disease: bridge therapy is the solution?

Background: Many ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients have a multivessel disease that initially require percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the culprit vessel but subsequently may require coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) of nonculprit vessels. Evidence supports staged revascularization, but the identification of optimal strategies (percutaneous or surgical), the timing and the management of antiplatelet therapy after recent PCI with stenting are matters of great controversies.

Methods: In our retrospective registry, we have enrolled 21 patients presenting with STEMI and multivessel disease, who underwent PCI of the culprit vessel only and then CABG of nonculprit vessels.

Giant Candida mycetoma in an ascending aorta tubular graft.

We report the case of a 46-year-old male hospitalized for abdominal pain and fever with history of a David procedure followed by an aortic valve replacement due to severe aortic regurgitation. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and computed tomography showed a large mass floating in the aorta. After surgical excision of the vegetation, attached to the Dacron prosthesis, histological examination revealed Candida hyphae and spores confirming the diagnosis of a mycetoma in an ascending aorta tubular graft.

Placement of long-term implantable ventricular assist devices without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Background: Implantation of ventricular assist devices for cardiac support is normally performed using cardiopulmonary bypass. Post-operative complications could be minimized by the placement of these devices without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Methods: We hypothesize that left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), in selected patients, can be implanted safely off-pump.

Mycotic coronary artery aneurysm from fungal prosthetic valve endocarditis.

Two cases of mycotic aneurysms of the left anterior descending coronary artery in patients with fungal prosthetic valve endocarditis are reported. One was managed with exclusion and interposition graft, and the other was managed by aneurysm excision, wide debridement, and distal bypass. The current literature and management strategies are reviewed.

Surgical results of aortic valve replacement via partial upper sternotomy: comparison with median sternotomy.

Background: the theoretical advantages of mini-invasive cardiac surgery are shorter hospitalisation, better surgical results and costs reduction. In November 1997 we started a non-coronary mini-invasive surgery program using a partial upper median sternotomy. This study has been conceived to retrospectively compare two groups of patients who underwent isolate aortic valve replacement using the conventional and the mini-invasive technique.