Factors influencing survival and postoperative quality of life after mitral valve reconstruction.

Objective: Mitral valve reconstruction (MVR) is the preferred treatment for regurgitant lesions. Clinical benefit is well documented, but comparative data scrutinising factors influencing survival and postoperative quality of life (QOL) in different subsets of patients are missing. We hypothesised that mitral valve reconstruction for mitral regurgitation benefits the patients, regardless of the valve pathology.

Hemodynamic performance of the Medtronic Mosaic porcine bioprosthesis up to ten years.

Background: The Mosaic bioprosthesis (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) is a third-generation stented porcine bioprosthesis combining physiologic fixation and amino oleic acid antimineralization treatment to improve hemodynamic performance and durability. The findings of this single-center experience with this valve were evaluated to determine the clinical and hemodynamic performance.

Methods: Between February 1994 and October 1999, we enrolled 255 patients with aortic valve replacement (AVR) with a mean age of 67 years (range, 23 to 82 years) and 47 patients with mitral valve replacement (MVR) with a mean age of 67 years (range, 41 to 84 years) in this post-United States Food and Drug Administration approval prospective and nonrandomized clinical trial.

Congenital fistula between the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) and the pulmonary artery: cause of LIMA bypass occlusion?

Congenital fistulas from the left internal mammary artery to the pulmonary artery are rare. We describe a 49-year-old patient with severe aortic valve regurgitation and coronary artery disease. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and left anterior descending artery (LAD) stenting had been performed because of a significant proximal LAD lesion.

Surgical treatment of interrupted aortic arch with extraanatomical bypass simultaneous to coronary artery bypass grafting and aortic valve replacement.

An interrupted aortic arch accompanied by further surgically reparable cardiac lesions is a rare combination in adult patients. We describe treatment of an interrupted aortic arch, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and aortic valve replacement (AVR) performed simultaneously through median sternotomy in a 64-year-old man. The patient underwent surgery performed using standard cardiopulmonary bypass with cannulation of the ascending aorta and the right atrium, hypothermia (24.

A steel band in addition to 8 wire cerclages reduces the risk of sternal dehiscence after median sternotomy.

Background: Sternal dehiscence after full median sternotomy may result in wound-healing disorders, including osteomyelitis. The consequences are extended hospitalization, plastic surgery, stress for the patient, and increased costs. Stable closure of the median sternotomy plays a crucial role in the avoidance of sternal dehiscence and osteomyelitis.

The mosaic valve clinical performance at seven years: results from a multicenter prospective clinical trial.

Background And Aim Of The Study: The Mosaic valve is a third-generation stented porcine bioprosthesis built upon the historical durability of the Hancock II valve in an attempt to improve hemodynamic performance and durability.

Methods: This multicenter trial was prospective and non-randomized in design. Between February 1994 and October 1999, six centers following a common study protocol enrolled 797 patients (mean age 70 years: range: 21-88 years) who underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR), and 232 patients (mean age 68 years; range: 17-84 years) who underwent mitral valve replacement (MVR).

Off-Pump Arterial Revascularization Using a New Reusable Device for Coronary Occlusion and Local Stabilization.

Abstract Background: Optimal local stabilization, an unobstructed view, and a free field for operation are of most importance during off-pump surgery to facilitate high-quality anastomoses. We report on a new reusable stabilizing platform for complete off-pump coronary revascularization. Methods: From May 2001 until June 2002, 118 consecutive patients (82 men, 36 women) with coronary artery disease (61 with 1-vessel, 42 with 2-vessel, and 15 with 3-vessel disease) and a mean age of 63.

Clinical experience with the CorLink device for proximal anastomosis of the saphenous vein to the aorta: a clinical, prospective, and randomized study.

Background: Avoiding tangential clamping of the ascending aorta during coronary bypass operations reduces the trauma to the aorta and may avoid local particulate embolization.

Methods: From December 2000 to May 2001, 21 male patients, mean age 64.1 +/- 7.

European experience with the Mosaic bioprosthesis.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the clinical and hemodynamic performance of the Mosaic bioprosthesis (Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, Minn).

Methods: The stented porcine bioprosthesis combines the amino-oleic acid antimineralization treatment and the zero-pressure differential fixation technique for improved tissue durability. From February 1994 to May 1999, a total of 561 patients underwent valve replacement with the Mosaic bioprosthesis at 5 centers in Europe: 461 in the aortic and 100 in the mitral position.

Left ventricular mass regression after aortic valve replacement with the mosaic bioprosthesis.

Background And Aims Of The Study: The study aim was to evaluate the hemodynamic performance and extent of left ventricular (LV) mass regression after aortic valve replacement (AVR) with the Mosaic bioprosthesis within the first postoperative year.

Methods: Between 1994 and 1999, 366 patients (203 males, 163 females) underwent AVR with the Mosaic bioprosthesis at five centers in Europe. Mean age at implant was 71.

Coronary hybrid revascularization from January 1997 to January 2001: a clinical follow-up.

Background: Hybrid revascularization (HyR), combining minimally invasive left internal mammary artery (LIMA) bypass grafting to the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and catheter interventional treatment of the remaining coronary lesions, avoids the disadvantages associated with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We investigated the clinical follow-up of 57 patients with multivessel disease undergoing this procedure in the last 4 years.

Methods: Between January 1997 and January 2001, 57 consecutive patients (41 men and 16 women, aged 65.