Descending aortic aneurysm in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome: options for repair.

We report open surgical repair of a previously stented descending thoracic aneurysm in a patient with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome and a platelet count <10 × 10·L. The same patient was described previously in a report of the first endovascular stent in this form of vasculitis. We describe the pre- and intraoperative management, and suggest a change in strategy in this setting.

Development of de novo aortic valve incompetence in patients with the continuous-flow HeartWare ventricular assist device.

Background: In this study we investigated the development of aortic incompetence (AI) and change in aortic root and left ventricular dimensions after implantation of the continuous-flow HeartWare ventricular assist device (HVAD) in our adult patient cohort.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of serial echocardiograms was performed on patients implanted with an HVAD between July 2009 and July 2013. Data from echocardiograms performed before and at 1 and 2 years (±3 months) were analyzed.

Unusual cause of hypoxemia after automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillatorleads extraction.

The indication of pacemaker/AICD removal are numerous. Serious complication can occur during their removal, severe tricuspid regurgitation is one of the complication. The occurrence of PFO is not uncommon among adult population.

Durable ventricular assist device support for failing systemic morphologic right ventricle: early results.

Background: The systemic morphologic right ventricle (RV) in congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries or after atrial switch for transposition of the great arteries is associated with late ventricular failure. Although the role of the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in supporting the failing LV is established, the indications and outcomes of using LVAD in a systemic RV remain unclear. We assessed the role of a third-generation LVAD for systemic RV support.

Management issues during HeartWare left ventricular assist device implantation and the role of transesophageal echocardiography.

Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are increasingly used for mechanical circulatory support of patients with severe heart failure, primarily as a bridge to heart transplantation. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) plays a major role in the clinical decision making during insertion of the devices and in the post-operative management of these patients. The detection of structural and device-related mechanical abnormalities is critical for optimal functioning of assist device.