Endothelium-Derived Relaxing Factors and Endothelial Function: A Systematic Review.

Background: The endothelium plays a pivotal role in homeostatic mechanisms. It specifically modulates vascular tone by releasing vasodilatory mediators, which act on the vascular smooth muscle. Large amounts of work have been dedicated towards identifying mediators of vasodilation and vasoconstriction alongside the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species on the endothelium.

Minimally invasive aortic valve surgery in obese patients: Can the bigger afford the smaller?

Background: Ministernotomy and right minithoracotomy are well-known minimally invasive approaches for aortic valve replacement (AVR); however, controversial opinions exist for their utilization in obese patients. The aim of this study is to check a potential positive role of minimally invasive surgery in this population.

Methods: From January 2010 to November 2019, 613 obese patients (defined by a body mass index ≥30) underwent isolated AVR at our institution.