German Aortic Root Repair Registry-Insights From the First 400 Consecutive Patients.

Background: The objective was to provide initial data from our prospective valve-sparing aortic root replacement (V-SARR) registry and reasons for conversion to prosthetic aortic valve replacement.

Methods: Six centers established an intention-to-treat-design V-SARR-registry (the German Aortic Root Repair Registry; first patient in October 2016); the main inclusion criterion was being scheduled for V-SARR as plan A. Clinical information, operative details, intraoperative valve/root measurements, and clinical and transthoracic echocardiography follow-up-data are documented.

Time-resolved 3-dimensional magnetic resonance phase contrast imaging (4D Flow MRI) reveals altered blood flow patterns in the ascending aorta of patients with valve-sparing aortic root replacement.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare aortic flow patterns in patients after David valve-sparing aortic root replacement with physiologically shaped sinus prostheses or conventional tube grafts in healthy volunteers.

Methods: Twelve patients with sinus prostheses (55 ± 15 years), 6 patients with tube grafts (58 ± 12 years), 12 age-matched, healthy volunteers (55 ± 6 years), and 6 young, healthy volunteers (25 ± 3 years) were examined with time-resolved 3-dimensional magnetic resonance phase contrast imaging (4D Flow MRI). Primary and secondary helical, as well as vortical flow patterns, were evaluated.

Significance of an additional unenhanced scan in computed tomography angiography of patients with suspected acute aortic syndrome.

Aim: To assess potential benefits of an additional unenhanced acquisition in computed tomography angiography (CTA) in patients with suspected acute aortic syndrome (AAS).

Methods: A total of 103 aortic CTA (non-electrocardiography-gated, 128 slices) performed due to suspected AAS were retrospectively evaluated for acute aortic dissection (AAD), intramural hematoma (IMH), or penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU). Spiral CTA protocol consisted of an unenhanced acquisition and an arterial phase.

Survival and reoperation after valve-sparing root replacement and root repair in acute type A dissection.

Objective: Optimal treatment of the dissected root in type A dissection is still controversial. Valve-sparing techniques offer the advantage of better valve performance compared with mechanical valves or bioprostheses. The role of the different valve-preserving methods-root repair and replacement-needs further evaluation.

New Device for the Treatment of Functional Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation: Proof of Concept in an In Vitro Model.

Background:  Optimal surgical treatment of functional ischemic mitral regurgitation (FIMR) is still controversy. Due to the underlying pathophysiology, stand-alone ring annuloplasty is assumed with a high recurrence rate of mitral regurgitation, thus additional subvalvular repair techniques might improve the results. This in vitro study introduces a new device for subvalvular mitral valve repair.