Retraction speed and chronic poststernotomy pain: A randomized controlled trial.

Objectives: Approximately 30% of patients develop chronic poststernotomy pain (CPSP) following cardiac surgery with sternal retraction. Risk factors have been described but no causal determinants identified. Investigators hypothesized that opening the sternum slowly would impart less force (and thereby less nerve/tissue damage) and translate to a reduced incidence of CPSP.

Quantifying neurological function in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a routine procedure that is often performed on older adults that are high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. Patients after TAVI may experience neurological complications. However, there is a lack of objective neurological testing available for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Does Pacemaker Implantation After Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement Impact Long-Term Morbidity and Mortality? A Focused Review.

Permanent pacing remains a serious complication that can occur in the postoperative period of surgical aortic valve replacement. The reported incidence is variable, and there are many perioperative factors that have been linked with a greater need for permanent pacing. Permanent pacing can also be associated with late lead-related and cardiac complications that can affect late outcome.

Is It Feasible to Implant Sutureless Valves in Presence of Diseased Aortic Root and Aortic Aneurysm?

Sutureless bioprosthetic valves are typically used in patients with a normal-sized aortic root and annulus because of concerns that the stent portion of the valve will not be properly anchored. This report describes an initial case series of sutureless valve implantation in the setting of a diseased aortic root and ascending aortic aneurysm, and it shows that the use of the Perceval valve (LivaNova PLC, London, UK) is feasible in these complex situations.