Surgical repair of postinfarction ventricular septal rupture: current state of the art.

The incidence of postacute myocardial infarction ventricular septal rupture (post-AMI VSR) has decreased over the past two decades. Nevertheless, individuals who suffer from post-AMI VSR continue to represent a subgroup of patients with high morbidity and mortality. The care for these patients is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach.

St. Jude Medical Trifecta aortic valve: results from a prospective regional multicentre registry.

Background: The Trifecta aortic bioprosthesis (St. Jude Medical, Inc., St.

The effect of timing of cardiac catheterization on acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery is influenced by the type of operation.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a vexing complication of cardiac surgery. Since exposure to contrast agents is a relevant contributing factor in the development of postoperative AKI, the optimal timing between cardiac catheterization and surgery is decisive.

Methods: A total of 2504 consecutive nonemergent patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve surgery (with or without concomitant CABG), and proximal aortic procedures were enrolled.

Optimal timing of discontinuation of clopidogrel and risk of blood transfusion after coronary surgery. Propensity score analysis.

Background: The optimal time delay between last clopidogrel dose and surgery is controversial. The aim of the present study was to analyze the impact of preoperative clopidogrel on the need for blood transfusions with reference to the proper timing of discontinuation.

Methods And Results: Between January 2005 and December 2010, 1,947 consecutive patients undergoing coronary surgery were enrolled.

Preoperative n-3 polyunsatured fatty acids are associated with a decrease in the incidence of early atrial fibrillation following cardiac surgery.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiac surgery is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, and expenditure. Controversial data exist on possible preventive effects of n-3 polyunsatured fatty acids (PUFAs) against postoperative AF. We investigated whether preoperative PUFA therapy is effective in reducing AF after cardiac surgery during the surgical hospitalization and/or the cardiac rehabilitation period.