Contemporary Single-Center Experience of Complete Aortic Arch Replacement Employing the Frozen Elephant Trunk Technique in Patients with Extensive Aortic Disease.

This study aimed to examine contemporary results of the frozen elephant trunk (FET) procedure in an all-comers patient cohort. Between January 2017 and May 2024, a total of 132 consecutive patients with either aortic aneurysm ( = 32), acute aortic dissection ( = 32), or chronic aortic dissection ( = 68) underwent total aortic arch replacement employing the FET technique. In-hospital data were collected prospectively and included preoperative characteristics, intraoperative data, and follow-up results.

Alternative venous access sites for dual-lumen extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation.

Objectives: Dual-lumen cannulas for veno-venous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support are typically inserted in the right internal jugular vein (RIJV); however, some scenarios can make this venous route inaccessible. This multicentre case series aims to evaluate if single-site cannulation using an alternative venous access is safe and feasible in patients with an inaccessible RIJV.

Methods: We performed a multi-institutional retrospective analysis including high-volume ECMO centres with substantial experience in dual-lumen cannulation (DLC) (defined as >10 DLC per year).

Case Report: Recurrence of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome After Bilateral Lung Transplantation.

Background: The main causes of early respiratory failure after lung transplantation include primary graft dysfunction (PGD), acute rejection, and infection. This report describes a case of unclear early respiratory failure after bilateral lung transplantation for extensive COVID-19-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Methods: We reviewed the patient file to investigate the course of the functional decline and evaluate reasons for early graft failure.

Absolute Lymphocyte Count as a Marker for Cytomegalovirus Infection After Heart Transplantation.

Background: Previous studies indicate an association between reduced absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after solid organ transplantation and have therefore highlighted the potential of ALC as a simple tool to predict CMV infection in transplant patients. This study aimed to examine the utility of ALC as a valuable marker for CMV infection in heart transplant patients.

Methods: Clinical information and ALC data of all adult patients who received orthotopic heart transplantation at the Medical University of Vienna between January 2004 and May 2019 were collected.