Ex vivo heart perfusion: an updated systematic review.

Due to the discrepancy between patients awaiting a heart transplant and the availability of donor hearts, strategies to expand the donor pool and improve the transplant's success are crucial. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the ex vivo heart preservation (EVHP) experience as an alternative to standard cold static storage (CSS). EVHP techniques can improve the preservation of the donor's heart before transplantation and allow for pre-transplant organ evaluation.

A Comprehensive Excursus of the Roles of Echocardiography in Heart Transplantation Follow-Up.

Current guidelines for the care of heart transplantation recipients recommend routine endomyocardial biopsy and invasive coronary angiography as the cornerstones in the surveillance for acute rejection (AR) and coronary allograft vasculopathy (CAV). Non-invasive tools, including coronary computed tomography angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance, have been introduced into guidelines without roles of their own as gold standards. These techniques also carry the risk of contrast-related kidney injury.

Left ventricular assist device exchange: a review of indications, operative procedure, and outcomes.

The use of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) is intended to treat patients with end-stage heart failure. Owing to technological advances, these devices are becoming more durable. However, LVADs may need to be exchanged when complications arise and heart transplantation is not possible.

An innovative climate adaptation planning process: iDEAL project.

Climate change triggers increasing stresses on urban settlements and coastal areas. The intensification of climate-connected impacts requires municipalities and communities to undertake adaptation measures and plans. These interventions should be capable of reducing negative climatic effects on human habitat and regional bioregions.

Biological Valves Impervious to Calcification: Is this Holy Grail a Cup Ready to Drink?

An indefinitely lasting bioprosthesis that does not require anticoagulation treatment is the holy grail of substitutive heart surgery. However, this goal is not yet in sight with the present state of technology. Over the past few years, tremendous advances have been achieved regarding tissue anticalcification processes, hemodynamic performance and future-proofing by ensuring compatibility with transcatheter valve-in-valve procedures.