Is the classical elephant trunk better than the frozen elephant trunk?

Aortic diseases located in the ascending aorta, aortic arch or proximal descending aorta often require more than one surgical intervention depending on the type of pathology and its extent as well as future anticipated aortic problems. These obstacles were tackled in 1983 by Hans Borst with the introduction of the classic elephant trunk (cET). This was an outstanding and straightforward procedure.

Perspective: options in managing aortic graft infections.

Thoracic aortic graft infections are infrequent, but are associated with high mortality and morbidity risk. To prevent these life-threatening infections, one must be aware of pathogenesis. When it occurs, a multidisciplinary (surgeon, radiologist, microbiologist, nuclear specialist, infectiologist, anesthesiologist, intensive care specialist) cascade must be initiated.

Aortic valve replacement using the Freedom SOLO stentless bioprosthesis: clinical and haemodynamic performance in 625 patients at medium-term follow-up.

Objectives: Our goal was to analyse the haemodynamic and clinical results after implantation of the Freedom SOLO stentless aortic valve replacement by assessing the immediate postoperative results regarding mortality, discharge echocardiographic gradients and reoperation rates and by evaluating these results in the medium term.

Methods: This study was designed as a single-centre retrospective observational trial. Clinical and echocardiographic data were collected retrospectively from 625 patients undergoing an aortic valve replacement using the Freedom Solo stentless valve (LivaNova, London, UK) at the Sint-Jan Hospital, Bruges, between May 2009 and May 2017.