Publications by authors named "N Kogerakis"
Article Synopsis
- Heart transplantation is the most effective treatment for advanced heart failure, but due to limited organ donation, many patients rely on left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation as a temporary solution.
- A study of 68 advanced heart failure patients showed that those using the HeartMate 3 LVAD had better survival rates and fewer complications compared to those using the HeartWare device.
- Out of the patients studied, 35 successfully received heart transplants, and the study highlighted the importance of reliable LVADs in improving patient outcomes while waiting for transplantation.
Article Synopsis
- Infective endocarditis (IE) is a severe complication after valve replacement surgeries, occurring in 1.8% to 5.8% of cases, with up to 20% in-hospital mortality; common pathogens include Streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococci, and fungi.
- The treatment for IE often requires lengthy antibiotic courses, and cases involving aortic prosthetic valves may need complex surgical interventions due to root abscess formations.
- A recent case series from Greece reported successful outcomes in 8 patients who underwent surgery for prosthetic valve endocarditis with significant aortic root abscesses, highlighting the effectiveness of using aortic homografts for aortic root replacement in these challenging
Background: Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) has emerged as an effective rescue therapy in patients with cardiogenic shock refractory to standard treatment protocols, and its use has been rising worldwide in the last decade. Although experience and availability are growing, outcomes remain poor. There is need for evidence to improve clinical practice and outcomes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe perioperative management of patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) undergoing cardiac surgery is challenging, mainly due to the potential risk of right ventricular failure (RVF). Levosimendan is a calcium-sensitizing agent that has primarily been used in the treatment of decompensated heart failure. However, recently levosimendan has been shown to be an effective and safe therapeutic strategy for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and PH associated with left heart disease.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Skeletal muscle wasting (SMW) is highly prevalent in patients with heart failure (HF) at left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation and is associated with morbidity and mortality. At the same time, SMW is clinically under-recognized, while exercise training (ET) studies in weak LVAD patients are lacking.
Case Summary: A 60-year-old man with advanced HF, SMW, cardiac cachexia, and frailty was confined in bed for 6 months initially supported with intravenous inotropes and subsequently with an intra-aortic balloon pump.