Closed chest resection of left ventricular myxoma through thoracoscopic assistance.

We performed a totally endoscopic resection of a left ventricular myxoma using the Heart Port Endoclamp System and conventional endoscopic instruments in a young male patient. It is a feasible and safe procedure with good clinical results and an excellent cosmetic outcome.

Corpus sterni reinforcement improves the stability of primary sternal closure in high-risk patients.

Purpose: To compare standard sternal closure techniques with reinforcement longitudinal wire placement in the corpus sterni in high-risk patients undergoing open-heart surgery via median sternotomy.

Methods: The subjects of this study were 71 high-risk patients, 32 (45%) of whom underwent sternal closure by conventional methods (group 1) and 39 (55%) of whom underwent sternal closure with corpus sterni reinforcement. The patients were followed up for a mean period of 90 days.

A giant aortocaval fistula due to abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Although very rare, the fistula development between vena cava inferior and an abdominal aortic aneurysm is a pathology which can deteriorate the clinical status of the patient rapidly. Today, this pathology can be diagnosed very easily with non-invasive tests, and invasive tests can also be used for diagnostic purposes when needed. Especially spiral computed tomography scan with contrast is usually sufficient to diagnose this pathology.