Comparison of TransFemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Performed With a Minimally Invasive Simplified Technique: "FAST" Versus a Standard Approach.

Objectives: To assess the safety and efficacy of a new simplified procedure for transfemoral (TF) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR): the FAST protocol.

Background: A minimalist approach for TF-TAVR has been reported. The goal of this simplified strategy is to reduce the rate of specific complications associated with general anesthesia, second vascular access, and use of temporary pacemaker, and to reduce the length of stay.

Results of elective cardiac surgery in patients with severe obesity (body mass index≥35 kg/m2).

Background: The increasing number of obese patients eligible for cardiac surgery requires risks and benefits to be balanced in this population.

Aims: To study the results of cardiac surgery in severely obese patients (body mass index [BMI]≥35 kg/m2).

Methods: In this retrospective study of 3564 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery between 2004 and 2012, the population was divided into two groups: BMI 20-34.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with direct axillary artery perfusion.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can be done through several cannulation sites. Axillary artery cannulation is commonly performed through a Dacron graft sutured in an end-to-side fashion to the axillary artery. Direct cannulation of the axillary artery appears a reliable technique with low rate of complications.