Beyond the Valve: Incidence, Outcomes, and Modifiable Factors of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Infective Endocarditis Undergoing Valve Surgery-A Retrospective, Single-Center Study.

: Infective endocarditis (IE) often requires surgical intervention, with postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI), posing a significant concern. This retrospective study aimed to investigate AKI incidence, its impact on short-term mortality, and identify modifiable factors in patients with IE scheduled for valve surgery. : This single-center study enrolled 130 consecutive IE patients from 2013 to 2021 undergoing valve surgery.

Impact of concomitant replacement of the ascending aorta in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement on operative morbidity and mortality.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of concomitant ascending aortic replacement on operative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR).

Methods: We retrospectively analysed our institutional database for all patients undergoing elective isolated AVR and AVR with concomitant replacement of the ascending aorta between January 2009 and May 2020. Patients undergoing surgery for infective endocarditis or requiring hypothermic circulatory arrest were excluded.

Lower hemisternotomy: infrequently used but versatile.

Background: A lower hemisternotomy is an infrequently used approach in cardiac surgery. This single center report evaluates applicability and clinical outcomes of procedures performed through a lower hemisternotomy.

Methods: The institutional database was reviewed.

Aortic Root Pressurizing Device: Aortic Valve Evaluation During Cardioplegic Arrest.

Purpose: The aortic root pressurizing device was developed for aortic valve repair surgery. It allows echocardiographic evaluation of the aortic valve during cardioplegic arrest by mimicking diastolic afterload.

Description: This polyoxymethylene or polyether ether ketone-based device consists of a sealing cap nut, a sealing ring, a plug screw, and both a filling and a ventilation line.

Comparison of the conventional frozen elephant trunk implantation technique with a modified implantation technique in zone 1.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the conventional frozen elephant trunk implantation technique with a modified implantation technique with an aortic anastomosis in zone 1 and extra-anatomic revascularization of the left subclavian artery during reperfusion.

Methods: Between May 2014 and March 2018, 40 patients (26 male; mean age 60.2 ± 11.