Investigation of von Willebrand factor multimer abnormalities before and after aortic valve replacement using the Hydragel-5 assay.

Background: Severe aortic stenosis (sAS) is associated with acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) by loss of high-molecular-weight multimers (HMWM) of von Willebrand factor (VWF), potentially resulting in perioperative bleeding. Analysis of VWF multimers remains challenging. Recently, the new, rapid Hydragel 5 assay has been developed, using electrophoretic protein separation for dividing VWF-multimers into low (LMWM), intermediate (IMWM), and HMWM, the hemostatically active part of VWF.

Totally Endoscopic Replacement of the Ascending Aorta and the Aortic Root including the Aortic Valve via Right Mini-Thoracotomy: A Multicenter Study.

: Recently, minimally invasive access via right anterolateral mini-thoracotomy (RAMT) has been gaining popularity in cardiac surgery. This approach is also an option for surgeons performing aortic surgery. The aim of this study is to present our surgical method, highlighting the total endoscopic minimally invasive approach via RAMT for replacement of the ascending aorta (AAR) with or without involvement of the aortic root and the aortic valve.

Carotid Artery Stenosis as a Predictor for Stroke Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Stroke remains a clinical risk in the long-term follow-up of patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We aimed to investigate the association between existing carotid artery stenosis (CS) and the risk of stroke after TAVI. The study participants were consecutive patients who underwent TAVI between 2008 and 2020 and were screened for CS at baseline and at the 30-day follow-up.

The Long-Term Outcome and Quality of Life after Replacement of the Ascending Aorta.

(1) Background: Despite optimal surgical therapy, replacement of the ascending aorta leads to a significant reduction in the quality of life (QoL). However, an optimal result includes maintaining and improving the QoL. The aim of our study was to evaluate the long-term outcome and the QoL in patients with aneurysms in the ascending aorta; (2) Methods: Between 2014 and 2020, 121 consecutive patients who underwent replacement of the ascending aorta were included in this study.

Follow-Up and Outcome after Coronary Bypass Surgery Preceded by Coronary Stent Implantation.

Background:  Guidelines on myocardial revascularization define recommendations for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Only little information exists on long-term follow-up and quality of life (QoL) after CABG preceded by PCI. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of prior PCI on outcome and QoL in patients with stable coronary artery disease who underwent CABG.

The Frozen Elephant Technique Using a Novel Hybrid Prosthesis for Extensive Aortic Arch Disease: A Multicentre Study.

Introduction: The frozen elephant trunk technique (FET) has become routine for aortic arch and descending aortic repair. New hybrid prosthesis models are constantly being developed to increase effectiveness and durability of aortic repair. Recently, concerns were raised regarding increased post-operative bleeding using a new-generation hybrid prosthesis (E-vita OPEN NEO, CryoLife Inc.

Risk Factors for High Blood Product Use in Patients with Stanford Type A Dissection.

Background: Intraoperative and postoperative bleeding associated with allogeneic blood transfusion and reoperation is still a common and feared complication in patients undergoing surgery due to acute Type A Aortic Dissection (aTAAD). The aim of our study was to identify risk factors for higher transfusion rates.

Methods: In this retrospective single center study we evaluated pre -, intra-, and postoperative data of 121 patients with aTAAD.

Mannitol Is Associated with Less Postoperative Delirium after Aortic Valve Surgery in Patients Treated with Bretschneider Cardioplegia.

Background: Heart surgery with extracorporeal circulation (ECC) often leads to postoperative delirium (POD). This is associated with increased morbidity resulting in longer hospital stay and associated costs. The purpose of our study was to analyze the effect of intraoperative mannitol application on POD in patients undergoing elective aortic valve replacement (AVR).

Impact of Crystalloid or Albumin Priming of the Heart-Lung Machine on Inhospital Outcome after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

Background:  Crystalloid priming is a cost-effective, free from immunological reactions, and independent from human plasma delivery. However, there is some debate on the negative impact of low plasma colloid pressure and higher incidence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). The aim of the study was to rule out any adverse effects of crystalloid priming on the postoperative outcome.

Endovascular and Operative Treatment of the Aortic Arch in a High-Risk Marfan Patient.

In this case, we describe a combined endovascular and operative management for aortic arch repair in a 57-year-old Marfan patient with complex aortic arch geometry previously treated with several open surgeries for acute type A dissection. The patient, who was presented to our department with dorsal pain, deemed to be at high operative risk for another open aortic surgery due to massive aortic calcification. It is an unusual method of placing a custom-made stent-graft system in the false aortic lumen with operative and endovascular treatment of the supra-aortic vessels.

Dilatation of Vascular Prostheses in Ascending Aortic Position: A Long-Term Follow-Up Computed Tomography Study with Comparison of Different Measurement Methods.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term dilatation of Hemashield Gold and Hemashield Platinum vascular prostheses in ascending aortic position using different measurement methods to obtain precise results.

Methods: Between 1999 and 2007, 73 patients with Stanford type A dissection received ascending aortic replacement with Hemashield Gold and Hemashield Platinum prostheses. Measurements were performed using multiplanar reconstruction mode of electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated, multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) in strictly orthogonal cross-sectional planes.

Long-Term Outcome and Quality of Life in Aortic Type A Dissection Survivors.

Background: Aortic dissection is a severe and sophisticated disease that is often linked with a number of possible complications. Our study concerns with long-term outcome and quality of life (QoL) in acute aortic dissection type A (AADA) survivors.

Methods: From January 1999 until December 2006, 120 consecutive patients with AADA received an emergency operation.