Pericardial Mitochondrial DNA Levels Are Associated With Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery.

Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common complication after cardiac surgery, and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Inflammation has been implicated as an etiology of POAF. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been shown to initiate inflammation.

Bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation on Explanted Human Hearts: How to Ensure Transmural Lesions.

Background: Bipolar radiofrequency (RF) clamps have been shown to be capable of reproducibly creating transmural lesions with a single ablation in animal models. Unfortunately in clinical experience the bipolar clamps have not been as effective and often require multiple ablations to create conduction block. This study created a new experimental model using fresh, cardioplegically arrested human hearts turned down for transplant to evaluate the performance of a nonirrigated bipolar RF clamp.

Impact of age on atrial fibrillation recurrence following surgical ablation.

Objectives: The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients older than 75 years of age is expected to increase, and its treatment remains challenging. This study evaluated the impact of age on the outcomes of surgical ablation of AF.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent the Cox-maze IV procedure at a single institution between 2005 and 2017.

A 20-year multicenter analysis of dialysis-dependent patients who had aortic or mitral valve replacement: Implications for valve selection.

Objective: Valve selection in dialysis-dependent patients can be difficult because long-term survival is diminished and bleeding risks during anticoagulation treatment are greater in patients with renal failure. In this study we analyzed long-term outcomes of dialysis-dependent patients who underwent valve replacement to help guide optimal prosthetic valve type selection.

Methods: Dialysis-dependent patients who underwent aortic and/or mitral valve replacement at 3 institutions over 20 years were examined.

Outcomes After the MitraClip Procedure in Patients at Very High Risk for Conventional Mitral Valve Surgery.

Objective: Approximately 50% of patients with severe symptomatic mitral regurgitation are deemed too high risk for surgery. The MitraClip procedure is a viable option for this population. Our goal was to assess outcomes and survival of patients who underwent the MitraClip procedure at an institution where mitral valve surgery is routinely performed.

The hemodynamic and atrial electrophysiologic consequences of chronic left atrial volume overload in a controllable canine model.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of chronic left atrial volume overload on atrial anatomy, hemodynamics, and electrophysiology using a titratable left ventriculoatrial shunt in a canine model.

Methods: Canines (n = 16) underwent implantation of a shunt between the left ventricle and the left atrium. Sham animals (n = 8) underwent a median sternotomy without a shunt.