Mitral valve repair on the beating perfused heart.

It is difficult to assess the success of mitral valve repair in the arrested heart. Various techniques have been described. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) provides excellent two-dimensional evaluation of the repair, but three-dimensional anatomic characteristics are limited.

Application of robotic-assisted techniques to the surgical evaluation and treatment of the anterior mediastinum.

Background: We report our initial experience with the application of robotic-assisted technologies to the treatment of diseases of the anterior mediastinum.

Methods: Between October 2001 and December 2003, 18 consecutive patients with anterior mediastinal masses were referred for diagnosis and treatment. Fifteen patients underwent robotic-assisted surgery with the da Vinci robotic system.

Off-pump coronary artery revascularization: ideal indication for patients with porcelain aorta and calcification of great vessels.

Patients with porcelain aorta and severe calcification of the great vessels are a challenging dilemma for the cardiovascular surgeon regarding bypass technique, choice of conduit, and selection of proximal anastomotic sites due to the high incidence of devastating thromboembolization and aortic injury. No currently proposed surgical approach avoids manipulation of the heavily calcified ascending aorta. Three patients presented with unstable angina and decreased ventricular function secondary to significant left main coronary artery stenosis and 3-vessel coronary artery disease.