Mechanical and Geometric Characterization of a Novel 2-Ply Vacuum-Pressed Biological Scaffold Patch Design for Posterior Mitral Valve Reconstruction.

To assess the mechanical properties of small intestinal submucosal extracellular matrix (SIS-ECM) iterations and choose the optimal version for evaluating functional geometrics after posterior mitral valve reconstruction. Four SIS-ECM versions (2- and 4-ply vacuum-pressed and lyophilized) underwent uniaxial tensile testing. A posterior mitral valve reconstruction patch was developed based on MRI scans (n = 5).

Impact of minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation on systemic inflammatory response - a randomized trial.

Background: Extracorporeal circulation causes a systemic inflammatory response, that may cause postoperative haemodynamic instability and end-organ dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the impact of minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) on the systemic inflammatory response compared with conventional extracorporeal circulation (CECC).

Methods: Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were randomized to MiECC (n = 30) and CECC (n = 30).

Novel Method for Sealing Tracheostomies Immediately after Decannulation-An Acute Clinical Feasibility Study.

Tracheostomy decannulation leaves an iatrogenic passage in the upper airways. Inadequate sealing leads to pulmonary dysfunction and reduced voice quality. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and impact of intratracheal tracheostomy sealing on laryngeal airflow and voice quality immediately after decannulation (ClinicalTrials.

Entire Mitral Valve Reconstruction Using Porcine Extracellular Matrix: Adding a Ring Annuloplasty.

Purpose: This study investigated the implications of inserting a flexible annuloplasty ring after reconstructing the entire mitral valve in a porcine model using a previously investigated tube graft design made of 2-ply small intestinal submucosa extracellular matrix (CorMatrix®).

Methods: An acute model with eight 80-kg pigs, each acting as its own control, was used. The entire mitral valve was reconstructed with a 2-ply small intestinal submucosa extracellular matrix tube graft (CorMatrix®).

Evaluation of aortic wall strength in human immunodeficiency virus associated thoracic ascending aortic aneurysm: a pilot study.

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) associated aortopathy is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiology of aortic wall strength in HIV thoracic aortic aneurysm has not been studied.

Methods: The patients with HIV associated thoracic ascending aortic aneurysm (TAAA) were enrolled in the study and underwent surgery as part of their routine management.