International normalized ratio measurement during perioperative anticoagulation bridging with low-molecular-weight heparin in patients undergoing heart valve replacement surgery.

Background: Surgical procedures in anticoagulated patients require specific attention due to increased bleeding risk. Preoperative anticoagulation interruption in high-risk patients is often necessary. Bridging anticoagulation with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) minimizes thromboembolic risk, but its effect on international normalized ratio (INR) measurement is not well established, necessitating careful monitoring and individual assessment.

Short-Term Outcomes of Elective High-Risk PCI with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support: A Single-Centre Registry.

Background: If surgical revascularization is not feasible, high-risk PCI is a viable option for patients with complex coronary artery disease. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) provides hemodynamic support in patients with a high risk for periprocedural cardiogenic shock.

Objective: This study aims to provide data about short-term outcomes of elective high-risk PCI with ECMO support.

[The Starr-Edwards heart valve: one of the oldest mechanical heart valves still functioning today].

In the 1960s, the Starr-Edwards valve was the first artificial heart valve to be successfully implanted in humans. This valve has now been in use for decades with outstanding results: patients whose life expectancy had previously been short acquired a good prognosis with this development. Nowadays the Starr-Edwards valve is not used anymore, but patients are being described today in whom these valves are still functioning well after more than 40 years.