Augmentation of the posterior mitral leaflet in secondary mitral valve insufficiency, mid-term results.

Objectives: We evaluate the mid-term results of mitral valve (MV) repair with patch augmentation of the posterior leaflet in secondary mitral regurgitation.

Methods: Patients were included after diagnosis of a severe symptomatic secondary MV insufficiency with grade III and IV according to the Carpentier classification IIIb. Indication for a patch augmentation technique was a dilatation of the left ventricle leading to a displacement of the papillary muscles, causing restricted leaflet motion and a marked leaflet tenting height.

Risk of perioperative coronary stent stenosis or occlusion in patients with previous percutaneous coronary intervention undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

Objectives: There is an ongoing discussion about how to treat coronary stents during bypass surgery: Should patent stents be left alone and the stented vessels be ungrafted, or should every stented coronary artery receive a bypass graft? This study aims to determine the relevance of perioperative stent stenosis or occlusion on postoperative outcomes up to 3 years postoperatively.

Methods: Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) (±concomitant procedures) with previous percutaneous coronary intervention from 4 centres were prospectively included in this observatory study between April 2015 and June 2017. A coronary angiography was conducted between the fifth and seventh postoperative days.

Reconstructive aortic valve surgery in the elderly: Techniques and outcomes.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate operative techniques and long-term results after aortic valve or root repair in patients aged 75 years or more.

Methods: Between November 2002 and January 2016, a total of 815 patients underwent aortic valve or root repair. Among them were 100 patients aged 75 years or more (mean, 78 ± 3; range, 75-88 years), including 17 patients operated on an emergency basis because of acute aortic dissection.

Importance of accurately locating the entry site for endovascular treatment of retrograde Type A acute aortic dissection.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic possibilities of accurately locating the entry site in acute retrograde Type A aortic dissection and the results of the corresponding endovascular treatments.

Methods: Among 100 patients who underwent surgery for the treatment of spontaneous acute Type A aortic dissection between 2012 and June 2017, all but 1 patient had preoperative computed tomographic angiography. A total of 8 retrograde extensions originated from the descending aorta, in which 6 of them were diagnosed correctly using radiological imaging.