A Surgical Technique to Preserve the Subvalvular Apparatus in Patients Undergoing Mitral Valve Replacement for Severe Ischemic Regurgitation.

Severe functional mitral valve regurgitation should be treated in patients undergoing myocardial revascularization. When replacement is considered the best therapeutic option, preservation of the mitral subvalvular apparatus is crucial, especially in the emergency setting, because of its primary role in preserving geometry and function of left and right ventricles. Here we present a simple and quick technique, where subvalvular apparatus is preserved in toto in patients undergoing mitral valve replacement with a bioprosthesis.

Evaluation of an Innovative Device for Mitral Valve Regurgitation: Experimental Acute In Vivo Results.

Currently, mitral prosthetic rings are intended only to reshape the annulus. We present in vivo results of an innovative device characterized by an intraventricular segment designed to enable artificial chordae implantation and simplify leaflets and subvalvular apparatus correction. Eight sheep were employed.

Usability, performance and safety of a new device for degenerative mitral regurgitation: in vivo chronic evaluation.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the usability, performance and safety of an innovative mitral valve device in the chronic setting characterized by an intraventricular bridge, which enables artificial chordae anchoring and/or direct posterior leaflet fixation.

Methods: Ten female sheep were employed and underwent device implantation. Any interference of the device with leaflet motion, ease of device use, correct chordae length estimation and implantation were evaluated.

A new device to treat mitral valve regurgitation: a proof of concept in bench test study.

Mitral valve repair is typically performed by implanting a ring-like device at the valve annulus to reshape the annulus and to improve leaflet coaptation. In most cases, some additional procedures are needed, including leaflet resection and artificial chordae implantation. However, artificial chordae implantation could be technically challenging and postoperative left ventricular remodeling could increase the risk of recurrent mitral regurgitation.

A Novel Endosurgical Prosthesis to Treat Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Complex Anatomy or Emergency Settings.

Background:  Despite improvements in operative techniques, open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair is complex and characterized by high mortality and morbidity rate. Less invasive techniques have been developed since 2005 for the treatment of TAAA. Unfortunately, many of these devices require custom fabrication, resulting in delay of many weeks until treatment can be delivered but crucial in critical emergency cases.