Coronary artery bypass grafting-related bleeding complications in patients treated with dual antiplatelet treatment.

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between the timing of either ticagrelor or clopidogrel discontinuation and bleeding-related complications in patients undergoing isolated on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods: Between January 2012 and December 2014, 705 consecutive patients underwent isolated on-pump CABG at our institution. Of these, 626 were eligible for this study.

Continuous Postoperative Pericardial Flushing: A Pilot Study on Safety, Feasibility, and Effect on Blood Loss.

Background: Prolonged or excessive blood loss is a common complication after cardiac surgery. Blood remnants and clots, remaining in the pericardial space in spite of chest tube drainage, induce high fibrinolytic activity that may contribute to bleeding complications. Continuous postoperative pericardial flushing (CPPF) with an irrigation solution may reduce blood loss by preventing the accumulation of clots.

Valve-sparing aortic root replacement†.

Objectives: To evaluate our results of valve-sparing aortic root replacement and associated (multiple) valve repair.

Methods: From September 2003 to September 2013, 97 patients had valve-sparing aortic root replacement procedures. Patient records and preoperative, postoperative and recent echocardiograms were reviewed.

Reoperation for neoaortic root pathology after the arterial switch operation.

Objectives: To evaluate incidence and results of surgical intervention for neoaortic root pathology following arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries (TGA).

Methods: Between April 1996 and August 2013, 12 patients underwent reoperation for neoaortic root dilatation (ARD) and/or neoaortic valve regurgitation (AR). Maximal aortic sinus and annulus diameter Z-scores were recorded.