Midterm outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Objective: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become a therapeutic option for high-risk or nonoperable patients with severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis. The best known and most frequently implanted prostheses are the CoreValve and SAPIEN prostheses. We report our experiences and analyze the results of our TAVI program.

Oxygenated shunting from right to left: a feasibility study of minimized atrio-atrial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for mid-term lung assistance in an acute ovine model.

Objectives: Right ventricular failure is often the final phase in acute and chronic respiratory failure. We combined right ventricular unloading with extracorporeal oxygenation in a new atrio-atrial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Methods: Eleven sheep (65 kg) were cannulated by a 28-Fr inflow cannula to the right atrium and a 25-Fr outflow cannula through the lateral left atrial wall.

A new approach to the interventional therapy of tricuspid regurgitation.

Currently, there are no fully developed interventional approaches for the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of orthotopic interventional placement of a biological prosthetic valve in the tricuspid position by inserting, with a transvenous approach, a self-expandable valve-bearing stent into the right atrium. Based on findings of computerized tomography (CT), a model of the porcine right heart was obtained.

Low stroke rate and few thrombo-embolic events after HeartMate II implantation under mild anticoagulation.

Objectives: Bleeding and thrombo-embolism are two of the most threatening adverse events associated with the use of continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) in the treatment of severe heart failure. We analysed our LVAD patients treated with the HeartMate II (HM II) device by following a low anticoagulation regimen.

Methods: Between 2008 and February 2011, we implanted 40 HM II LVADs in our institution.

Feasibility and efficacy of bypassing the right ventricle and pulmonary circulation to treat right ventricular failure: an experimental study.

Background: Right ventricular failure (RVF) and -support is associated with poor results. We aimed for a new approach of right - sided assistance bypassing the right ventricle and pulmonary circulation in order to better decompress the right ventricle and optimize left ventricular filling.

Methods: From a microaxial pump (Abiomed), a low resistance oxygenator (Maquet and Novalung) and two cannulas (28 and 27 Fr) a system was set up and evaluated in an ovine model (n = 7).

An unusual case of pacemaker failure: complete disconnection of connector block and battery of a subpectorally implanted dual chamber pacemaker.

Local trauma to patients with implanted pacemaker devices may result in lead fracture or breakage of the lead socket with leakage of fluid into the connector system. This report describes an unusual case of complete entrance and exit block in a subpectorally implanted dual chamber pacemaker due to total disconnection and dislodgement of header block and battery part. Damage may be caused by an interaction of machine fatigue/manufacturing defective and fixation of the header with unusual movability of the battery, leading to breakage with intermittent malfunction and consecutive bradycardia and syncope.