Extensive Chest Wall Destruction Secondary to a Large Ventricle Pseudoaneurysm: A Surgical Challenge.

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysms have become a rare complication of acute myocardial infarction, occurring in approximately 2% of cases and even less frequently when primary percutaneous intervention can be performed. Regardless of treatment strategy, left ventricle pseudoaneurysms are associated with a high mortality rate. We report on the extremely rare occurrence of a patient surviving two episodes of free wall rupture associated with extensive chest wall destruction and secondary traumatic rib fractures.

Echogenic mobile images in intraprocedural three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic monitoring during percutaneous aortic valve implantation: Incidence, characteristics and clinical implications.

Introduction And Objectives: To investigate the incidence and clinical relevance of the presence of mobile echogenic images (MEI) during transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for monitoring of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods: Consecutive patients referred to our center for transfemoral or transapical TAVI were included. The procedure was monitored by three-dimensional (3D) TEE and images were analyzed by two independent experts.

Short- and long-term need for permanent pacemaker after transcatheter implantation of the Edwards Sapien aortic valve prosthesis.

Introduction: A permanent pacemaker is frequently needed after transcatheter aortic valve implantation, but the available data are mainly on the CoreValve system.

Objective: To evaluate the need for new permanent pacemaker after implantation of the Edwards Sapien device, as well as related factors.

Methods: We included the first 100 patients treated with the Edwards Sapien device at our institution.

Prognostic impact of decisions taken by the heart team in patients evaluated for transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Objective: To analyze long-term survival and predictors of mortality in patients evaluated for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) depending on the decision taken by the heart team.

Methods: All patients with severe aortic stenosis and high surgical risk evaluated for TAVI between June 2008 and June 2012 were included. Patients were grouped according to the therapeutic strategy decided by the heart team.

Long-term Follow-up After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation for Severe Aortic Stenosis.

Introduction And Objectives: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is used as an alternative to surgical valve replacement in patients with severe aortic stenosis who are considered high-surgical-risk or inoperable. Two of the main areas of uncertainty in this field are valve durability and long-term survival.

Methods: This prospective single-center registry study from a tertiary hospital included all consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous aortic valve implantation between 2008 and 2012.

Clinical and prognostic implications of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Aim: To study a cohort of consecutive patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and compare the outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients vs patients in sinus rhythm (SR).

Methods: All consecutive patients undergoing TAVI in our hospital were included. The AF group comprised patients in AF at the time of TAVI or with history of AF, and were compared with the SR group.

[Transcatheter aortic valve implantation: results of a new therapeutic option for high surgical risk aortic stenosis].

Introduction: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and unacceptably high surgical risk.

Methods: We present our first two years' experience with TAVI. A total of 76 AS patients were evaluated for TAVI and 23 of them underwent a TAVI procedure.

Aortic wall erosion after percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect.

A 26-year-old woman presented with acute hemolysis 1 month after percutaneous closure of an atrial septal defect. Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography was used to establish the diagnosis of a fistula from the aorta, toward the device and both atria. The patient required urgent surgical correction.

[Implantation of aortic valvular prosthesis via transfemoral catheter. Evaluation of candidates undergoing the procedure].

Background And Objective: In recent years, techniques for implantation of aortic prosthesis via catheter have been developed as a therapeutic alternative in patients with severe aortic stenosis rejected for surgery. The correct selection of candidates is one of the more complex aspects of this treatment. We analyzed the acceptance rate in our environment for transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients referred to our hospital for evaluation as possible candidates, describing the exclusion reasons.

Risk factors for aortic complications in adults with coarctation of the aorta.

Objectives: We sought to determine the prevalence and predisposing condition for aortic wall complications in adults with either repaired or non-repaired coarctation of the aorta.

Background: Aortic wall complications may develop in adults with coarctation of the aorta, despite successful surgical repair in childhood.

Methods: A total of 235 adults with coarctation (mean age 27 +/- 13 years) were retrospectively reviewed.

Predisposing conditions for atrial fibrillation in atrial septal defect with and without operative closure.

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and predisposing conditions for atrial fibrillation (AF) in adults with atrial septal defect (ASD) and to evaluate the influence of age at surgical repair. The study population consisted of 286 adults with ASD (mean age 39.5 +/- 19 years).