MIOS-MFO, a multicenter international observational study of the Lifetech KONAR-MF ventricular septal defect occluder in treating perimembranous ventricular septal defects.

Introduction And Objectives: The Lifetech KONAR-MF ventricular septal defect occluder (MFO) is increasingly used for transcatheter perimembranous ventricular septal defect (pmVSD) closure. We aim to collect real-world data on patient outcomes and MFO performance in pmVSD cases.

Methods: This was a nonrandomized, retrospective, multicenter, postmarketing clinical follow-up study of pmVSD patients implanted with the MFO device between 2018 and 2023.

Unveiling the native architecture of adult cardiac tissue using the 3D-NaissI method.

Accurately imaging adult cardiac tissue in its native state is essential for regenerative medicine and understanding heart disease. Current fluorescence methods encounter challenges with tissue fixation. Here, we introduce the 3D-NaissI (3D-Native Tissue Imaging) method, which enables rapid, cost-effective imaging of fresh cardiac tissue samples in their closest native state, and has been extended to other tissues.

Balloon atrioseptostomy for transposition of the great arteries in Europe: characteristics and outcomes.

Introduction And Objectives: Balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) improves oxygenation in neonates with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and restrictive foramen ovale. Currently, there is a global shortage of dedicated BAS catheters, while new unmarked catheters have recently become available at some European centers. This study aimed to characterize BAS outcomes using the currently available BAS catheters in Europe.

Covered Stent Correction for Sinus Venosus Atrial Septal Defects, an Emerging Alternative to Surgical Repair: Results of an International Registry.

Background: Covered stent correction for a sinus venosus atrial septal defect (SVASD) was first performed in 2009. This innovative approach was initially viewed as experimental and was reserved for highly selected patients with unusual anatomic variants. In 2016, increasing numbers of procedures began to be performed, and in several centers, it is now offered as a standard of care option alongside surgical repair.

Neurodevelopmental outcome in children between one and five years after persistent pulmonary hypertension of term and near-term newborns.

Background: Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a serious condition that affects 1-2 per 1,000 newborns. Scientific data report the existence of neurological developmental abnormalities between 10 and 30%, but the description of these disorders linked with this situation of cerebral hypoxia and haemodynamic failure remains poorly documented.

Objective: The main goal of this study was to describe the prevalence of neuro-psychomotor developmental disorders in children aged between one and five years old who have been hospitalised at birth in a neonatal intensive care unit for the management of PPHN.

Bedside right ventricle quantification using three-dimensional echocardiography in children with congenital heart disease: A comparative study with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Background: Accurate quantification of right ventricular (RV) volumes and function is crucial for the management of congenital heart diseases.

Aims: We aimed to assess the feasibility and accuracy of bedside analysis using new RV quantification software from three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography in children with or without congenital heart disease, and to compare measurements with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods: We included paediatric patients with congenital heart disease (106 patients) responsible for RV volume overload and a control group (30 patients).

Standardizing the evaluation and management of iron deficiency anemia secondary to heavy menstrual bleeding in the emergency department.

Background: Comprehensive guidelines for the management of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in adolescents with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) presenting to the emergency department (ED) are lacking, leading to variability in care. We aimed to standardize the evaluation and management of these patients through the development and implementation of an evidence-based algorithm using quality improvement methodology.

Methods: Baseline data of the target population identified variability across four key measures of clinical management: therapy choice and administration, laboratory evaluation, hematology service consultation, and patient disposition.

Usefulness of perioperative transoesophageal echocardiography during paediatric cardiac surgery.

Background: Paediatric transoesophageal echocardiography probes allow perioperative evaluation during paediatric congenital heart disease surgery.

Aim: To assess the usefulness of perioperative transoesophageal echocardiography in evaluating the severity of residual lesions, based on the type of congenital heart disease repaired in paediatric patients.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on paediatric patients who underwent open-heart surgery at our tertiary centre over a four-year period.

Mind the gap-missing device on the shelf? Retrospective experience with 5/7 Occlutech duct Occluder.

Aim: To describe our initial experience with the indications and results of the 5/7 Occlutech® duct Occluder (ODO, Occlutech International AB, Helsingborg, Sweden). A small incremental increase in occluder sizes is of utmost importance for successful outcomes, especially in smaller patients in whom protrusion of the distal disk towards the aorta should be minimised.

Methods: Retrospective study of all patients undergoing PDA closure with the 5/7 ODO in three institutions since 2018.

A Modified Technique for Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Implantation of SAPIEN 3 Valves in Large Right Ventricular Outflow Tract: A Matched Comparison Study.

Introduction: Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) with a SAPIEN 3 valve is effective for treating treat right ventricle outflow (RVOT) dysfunction. A modified technique was developed without prestenting using a protective valve delivery method. We aimed to compare the procedural results of the modified technique group (MTG) to those of patients in a conventional technique group (CTG).

Advancing paediatric cardiac imaging: a comprehensive analysis of the feasibility and accuracy of a novel 3D paediatric transoesophageal probe.

Aims: Pediatric transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) probes have remained two-dimensional (2D) limiting their use compared to adults. While critical in pediatrics for interventions and post-surgery assessments, technological advancements introduced a three-dimensional (3D) pediatric TOE probe. This study assessed the new 3D pediatric TOE probe (GE 9VT-D) for feasibility, handling, and imaging quality.

Transcatheter correction of sinus venosus defect in a patient with a challenging anatomical configuration: From bench testing to clinical success.

We report successful transcatheter correction of a sinus venosus defect in a 72-year-old woman with anomalous pulmonary venous return in a challenging anatomical configuration. The procedure was facilitated by hands-on simulation training on a newly developed, perfused, 3D-printed model.

Outcomes of transcatheter pulmonary SAPIEN 3 valve implantation: an international registry.

Background And Aims: Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) is indicated to treat right-ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction related to congenital heart disease (CHD). Outcomes of TPVI with the SAPIEN 3 valve that are insufficiently documented were investigated in the EUROPULMS3 registry of SAPIEN 3-TPVI.

Methods: Patient-related, procedural, and follow-up outcome data were retrospectively assessed in this observational cohort from 35 centres in 15 countries.

Transcatheter Closure of Superior Sinus Venosus Defects.

Superior sinus venosus defect is a communication between the right and left atrium located above the upper margin of the oval fossa, immediately inferior to the junction of the superior vena cava and the right atrium. It is systematically associated with partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, especially of the right upper pulmonary vein. Surgical repair has been the gold standard approach to close that defect.

Cardiac Drugs in ACHD Cardiovascular Medicine.

Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) is a growing population that requires life-long care due to advances in pediatric care and surgical or catheter procedures. Despite this, drug therapy in ACHD remains largely empiric due to the lack of clinical data, and formalized guidelines on drug therapy are currently lacking. The aging ACHD population has led to an increase in late cardiovascular complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and pulmonary hypertension.