A 20-year experience with cryopreserved allografts as the valve replacement of choice in aortic root reconstruction for destructive endocarditis with abscess formation.

Objectives: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the early- and long-term outcomes following the use of cryopreserved allografts in aortic valve endocarditis with peri-annular abscess formation.

Methods: From 2001 to 2021, 110 consecutive patients with active infective endocarditis and peri-annular abscess, underwent a cryopreserved allograft root replacement. In 100 patients (91%), the operation was performed <48 h after admission due to refractory heart failure and or septic shock.

Is aortic valve replacement with a minimally invasive extracorporeal circuit a contemporary option for octogenarians?

Objectives: Minimally invasive extracorporeal circuits have been introduced to cardiac surgery in an attempt to reduce the negative effects of cardiopulmonary bypass on patient outcome. On the other hand, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) provides an excellent option to replace the aortic valve without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass. Several studies have compared TAVR to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) but none have utilized a minimally invasive extracorporeal circuit.

The immune response to crosslinked tissue is reduced in decellularized xenogeneic and absent in decellularized allogeneic heart valves.

Background: The degeneration and failure of xenogeneic heart valves, such as the Matrix P Plus valve (MP-V) consisting of decellularized porcine valves (dec-pV) and equine glutaraldehyde-fixed conduits (ga-eC) have been linked to tissue immunogenicity accompanied by antibody formation. In contrast, decellularized allograft valves (dec-aV) are well-tolerated. Here, we determined tissue-specific antibody levels in patients after implantation of MP-V or dec-aV and related them to valve failure or time period after implantation.

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm following transfemoral aortic valve implantation.

In spite of being a less-invasive technique, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains associated with potential serious complications. Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm (LVP) is a known, serious complication of transapical TAVI. However, this complication has not been described after the trans-femoral approach.

Handling of extensive aneurysm of the aorta with bronchomalacia in a Marfan patient.

Surgical management of extensive aneurysms of the aorta still remains demanding. Herein, we describe the successful treatment of a 59-year-old Marfan patient with extensive aneurysm of the aorta complicated by bronchomalacia.

Atrioventricular disruption managed by ex-situ repair and autotransplantation.

Atrioventricular groove disruption remains one of the most devastating complications following mitral valve replacement. Herein are described two cases that were successfully managed by ex-situ repair and autotransplantation.

A new minimized perfusion circuit provides highly effective ultrasound controlled deairing.

Minimized perfusion circuits (MPCs) have been criticized for insufficient air elimination. The deairing capabilities of a new MPC, including an ultrasound controlled deairing unit, were compared to a standard extracorporeal circuit (ECC) in a laboratory setup. During blood flow of 4.

Six-month angiographic follow-up of the PAS-Port II clinical trial.

Background: The PAS-Port device (Cardica, Redwood City, CA) allows the rapid deployment of a clampless proximal anastomosis between a vein graft and the aorta.

Methods: Fifty-four patients awaiting elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery were enrolled. Outcome variables were intraoperative device performance, early and 6- month angiographic graft patency, and 12-month clinical follow-up.

The Cardica C-Port System: clinical and angiographic evaluation of a new device for automated, compliant distal anastomoses in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery--a multicenter prospective clinical trial.

Objectives: The C-Port System (Cardica, Inc, Redwood City, Calif) integrates in one tool all functions necessary to enable rapid automated distal coronary anastomoses. The goal of this prospective, nonrandomized, and multicenter study is to determine the safety and efficacy of this novel anastomotic system.

Methods: Five centers enrolled 133 patients awaiting elective coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.