Mid-term assessment of structural valve deterioration of perceval S sutureless prosthesis using the last European consensus definition.

Objectives: Durability of sutureless aortic bioprosthetic valves remains a major issue. The aim of this study was to assess structural valve deterioration (SVD) and bioprosthetic valve failure (BVF) of the Perceval bioprosthesis using the new proposed standardized definitions.

Methods: All patients who underwent aortic valve replacement with sutureless Perceval S prostheses up to September 2016 were included.

In-Hospital Post-Operative Infection after Heart Transplantation: Epidemiology, Clinical Management, and Outcome.

Infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after heart transplantation (HT). Little information about its importance in the immediate post-operative period is available. The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics, incidence, and outcomes of in-hospital post-operative infections after HT.

Surgical technique modifies the postoperative atrioventricular block rate in sutureless prostheses.

Background: The main objective was to analyse the impact of the modification of the Perceval S implantation technique on the prevalence of postoperative atrioventricular block, which requires a permanent pacemaker, in our aortic valve replacement series. In addition, we attempted to identify those risk factors that are related to the appearance of this complication.

Methods: Five hundred and seventy-two valve replacements were carried out with PERCEVAL S in our centre up to July 2018.

The "Auto-sliding Graft" Aortic Wrapping Technique.

We describe the "auto-sliding graft" technique, a different anastomotic option for reconstructive prosthetic procedures on the ascending aorta especially in patients at risk of circulatory arrest with mild aortic dilatation. This simple technique provides not only an important hemostatic reinforcement for the distal aortic graft anastomosis but also a protective effect on the native ascending aorta beyond the suture line.

Spontaneous fracture and embolization of an inferior vena cava cannula: is it possible?

We present a case of spontaneous fracture and embolization of the distal part of a cannula into the left inferior lobar artery. The embolized fragment was captured with an angioplasty balloon and extracted through the right atrium appendage. No adverse event related to the embolization was observed and the patient was discharged with no sequelae.