Five-year results from a prospective, single-arm European trial on decellularized allografts for aortic valve replacement-the ARISE Study and ARISE Registry Data.

Objectives: Decellularized aortic homografts (DAH) were introduced as a new option for aortic valve replacement for young patients.

Methods: A prospective, EU-funded, single-arm, multicentre study in 8 centres evaluating non-cryopreserved DAH for aortic valve replacement.

Results: A total of 144 patients (99 male) were prospectively enrolled in the ARISE Trial between October 2015 and October 2018 with a median age of 30.

Outcomes of vascular allograft transplants in the autonomous community of Catalonia, Spain.

Background: The transplantation of tissues is a developing practice. Improving cryopreservation techniques and emerging of new immunobiology concepts have let to establish the transplant of vascular allografts as a suitable alternative. This study aims to expose the Catalan experience in vascular allograft transplantation by disclosing basic data about clinical outcomes.

Assessment of tricuspid annulus: anatomic and echocardiographic correlation.

Tricuspid regurgitation is associated with a poor outcome and its quantification remains a challenge. Tricuspid annulus dilatation is one of the parameters that influences clinical decision-making. The aim of this study was to compare the use of 2D transoesophageal echocardiography with surgical assessment for the measurement of the tricuspid annulus.

COVID-19 Pulmonary Failure and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: First Experience from Three European Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Centers.

On April 17, 2020, a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) webinar was held by selected international experts in the field of intensive care and specialized respiratory ECMO centers from Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, which was hosted by the German Heart Centre Berlin/Charité. The experts shared their experience about the treatment of 42 patients with severe acute respiratory failure requiring venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). Patients were predominantly male (male-to-female ratio: 3:1), with a mean age of 51 years (range: 25-73 years).

Functional mitral regurgitation.

Dr. O.P.

Early results from a prospective, single-arm European trial on decellularized allografts for aortic valve replacement: the ARISE study and ARISE Registry data.

Objectives: Decellularized aortic homografts (DAH) may provide an additional aortic valve replacement option for young patients due to their potential to overcome the high early failure rate of conventional allogenic and xenogenic aortic valve prostheses.

Methods: A prospective, European Union-funded, single-arm, multicentre, safety study was conducted in 8 centres evaluating non-cryopreserved DAH for aortic valve replacement.

Results: One hundred and forty-four patients (99 male) were prospectively enrolled between October 2015 and October 2018, mean age 33.

Registry of Valvular and Vascular Allograft Transplants in the Autonomous Community of Catalonia, Spain (ReVAC): Design of the Registry.

Background: In recent years, there have been significant changes in the perception of valvular and vascular allograft transplants. Despite the constant evolution of the field of transplant and the involvement of multiple surgical specialties, there is not an official registry for administrative and clinical control. This study aims to design a registry of vascular and valvular allograft transplantation in Catalonia, Spain (ReVAC).

Cryopreserved Allografts for Treatment of Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia in Patients Without Autologous Saphenous Veins.

Background: Revascularization is the best alternative to reduce symptoms and to improve the limb salvage rate in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLI). Alternative grafts as synthetic prostheses and allografts must be considered for patients without a suitable autologous graft. Our aim was to evaluate outcomes of cryopreserved allografts used as a vascular conduit for bypass surgery in the infrainguinal territory.

Role of age and comorbidities in mortality of patients with infective endocarditis.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyse the characteristics of patients with IE in three groups of age and to assess the ability of age and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) to predict mortality.

Methods: Prospective cohort study of all patients with IE included in the GAMES Spanish database between 2008 and 2015.Patients were stratified into three age groups:<65 years,65 to 80 years,and ≥ 80 years.

Cadaver donation: structural integrity of pulmonary homografts harvested 48 h post mortem in the juvenile ovine model.

Cryopreserved pulmonary homograft (CPH) implantation remains the gold standard for reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). Harvesting homografts < 24-h post mortem is the international norm, thereby largely excluding cadaveric donors. This study examines the structural integrity and stability of ovine pulmonary homografts harvested after a 48-h post mortem period, cryopreserved and then implanted for up to 180 days.

The value of surgeon-specific outcome data: results of a questionnaire.

Objectives: The publication of surgeon-specific data has been controversial. To assess the profession's opinion, a forum was organized at the 2015 EACTS meeting followed by a questionnaire of the value of surgeon-specific outcome and its impact.

Methods: A series of presentations were made including assessments of quality and safety in one major European country, the relationship between volume and outcome, the role of guidelines, the effect of publication of results on training, and discussion for and against publication of surgeon-specific data.

The American Association for Thoracic Surgery Consensus Guidelines: Reasons and purpose.

The time interval for the doubling of medical knowledge continues to decline. Physicians, patients, administrators, government officials, and payors are struggling to keep up to date with the waves of new information and to integrate the knowledge into new patient treatment protocols, processes, and metrics. Guidelines, Consensus Guidelines, and Consensus Statements, moderated by seasoned content experts, offer one method to rapidly distribute new information in a timely manner and also guide minimal standards of treatment of clinical care pathways as they are developed as part of bundled care programs.

Valvular Heart Disease Epidemics.

BACKGROUND AIM OF THE STUDY: The real burden of valvular heart disease (VHD) is scarcely known, as several factors may potentially lead to its increased prevalence. The study aim was to assess the prevalence of VHD and its treatment in the authors' environment to plan the healthcare requisites for optimal management of the condition. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of data acquired from patients who had been assessed at different consultation levels for cardiovascular disorders during a six-month period between January and June 2014 in public health referral area of 500,00 inhabitants.

[Surgery in the Cardiovascular Surgical Intensive Care Unit].

Background: To analyze the indications, actions and results of the operations performed in the Cardiovascular Surgery Intensive Care Unit.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of consecutive non-selected adult patients operated in the ICU. All operations were included.

Medical and surgical management for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a single center experience.

Introduction: Pulmonary endarterectomy (PE) is the treatment of choice for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The aim of this study was to analyze our experience in the medical and surgical management of CTEPH.

Methods: We included 80 patients diagnosed with CTEPH between January 2000 and July 2012.

An old mitral homograft in the tricuspid position.

The case is presented of a 55-year-old male implanted with a mitral valve homograft (MVH) in the tricuspid position. The MVH has remained in place for 21 years, but underwent repair during the 13th postoperative year. The explant findings of this surgical anecdote are discussed, with emphasis placed on reoperation and late clinical events.

Clinical event rates with the On-X bileaflet mechanical heart valve: a multicenter experience with follow-up to 12 years.

Objective: The aim of the study was to establish clinical event rates for the On-X bileaflet mechanical heart valve (On-X Life Technologies Inc, Austin, Tex) using an audit of data from the 3 centers within Europe with the longest history of implanting.

Methods: All patients receiving the On-X valve between March 1, 1998, and June 30, 2009, at 3 European centers were studied. Data were collected using questionnaire and telephone surveys augmented by outpatient visits and examination of clinical records.

Complex coronary anatomy in coronary artery bypass graft surgery: impact of complex coronary anatomy in modern bypass surgery? Lessons learned from the SYNTAX trial after two years.

Objective: SYNTAX study compares outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting with percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with 3-vessel and/or left main disease. Complexity of coronary artery disease was quantified by the SYNTAX score, which combines anatomic characteristics of each significant lesion. This study aims to clarify whether SYNTAX score affects the outcome of bypass grafting as defined by major adverse cerebrovascular and cardiac events (MACCE) and its components over a 2-year follow-up period.