Trileaflet Semilunar Valve Reconstruction: Acute Porcine in Vivo Evaluation.

The surgical treatment of malformed semilunar valves in congenital heart defects is challenging in terms of providing both longevity and the potential to grow with the recipient. We investigated a new surgical technique "Trileaflet Semilunar Valve Reconstruction" in an acute porcine model, a technique with geometrical properties that could remain sufficient and allow for some growth with the child. An acute 60-kg porcine model was used.

The matter of "unbalance" in right dominant atrioventricular septal defect.

Unbalance in atrioventricular septal defect can be found in more than one anatomic level and in different degrees at each level. The definition of "unbalance" has historically been focused in comparing the dimensions of main cardiac structures, such as the atrioventricular valve and the ventricles. However, the hemodynamic aspects of unbalance need to be considered as having, at least, similar relevance.

Feasibility of Biventricular Repair in Right Dominant Unbalanced Atrioventricular Septal Defect: A New Echocardiographic Metric to Refine Surgical Decision-Making.

Background: Unbalanced forms of atrioventricular septal defect continue to be challenging and present poor surgical outcomes. Echocardiographic indicators such as atrioventricular valve index, right ventricle/left ventricle inflow angle, and size of the ventricular septal defect have been identified as relevant discriminators that may guide surgical strategy. Our purpose is to describe another metric to refine surgical decision-making.