Comparative study of quality of life after aortic valve replacement through partial upper ministernotomy versus full median sternotomy.

Background: Upper ministernotomy for sutureless aortic prosthesis implantation provides an attractive opportunity compared to conventional access. Although in the last decade, the former has gained popularity, data comparing quality of life (QoL) following these procedures are scarce.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the patient's QoL after aortic valve replacement (AVR) using a ministernotomy approach compared to a full sternotomy.

A comparative study of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with sutureless biological versus mechanical prostheses.

Introduction: The ministernotomy approach with sutureless aortic bioprosthesis may provide an attractive and safe option for aortic valve disease patients.

Aim: To assess the early and mid-term outcomes of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (miniAVR) with sutureless vs. standard prostheses.

Open-Heart Cardio-Thoracic Biological Valve Replacement Following Complicated Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is currently becoming the method of choice in high-risk patients with severe aortic valve stenosis. Post-TAVI complications are more common owing to the increasing use of the method. The majority of TAVI complications derive from concomitant aortic stenosis with moderate/severe aortic insufficiency, paravalvular leak, and atrioventricular block.

Emergency Endovascular Interventions on Descending Thoracic Aorta: A Single-Center Experience.

Background: Implementation of emergency endovascular aortic repair provides an attractive opportunity in the treatment of complicated acute aortic syndromes involving descending aorta.

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for the treatment of acute surgical emergencies involving the descending thoracic aorta.

Methods: A retrospective review of the medical records of all patients undergoing TEVAR in a single center since 2007 was undertaken.

Neutrophil Counts, Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, and Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI) Predict Mortality after Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

Background: Several perioperative inflammatory markers are postulated to be significant factors for long-term survival after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB). Hematological parameters, whether single or combined as indices, provide higher predictive values. Methods: The study group comprised 538 consecutive patients (125 (23%) females and 413 (77%) males) with a mean age of 65 ± 9 years, who underwent OPCAB with a mean follow-up time of 4.

The Significance of Systemic Immune-Inflammatory Index for Mortality Prediction in Diabetic Patients Treated with Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents a complex carbohydrate metabolism disorder characterized by inflammatory over-reactivity. The study aimed to investigate the potential influence of postoperative inflammatory activation on mortality risk after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in diabetic patients. There were 510 patients treated with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting due to stable complex coronary artery disease, including 175 patients with type-2 DM (T2DM.

How the COVID-19 pandemic changed treatment of severe aortic stenosis: a single cardiac center experience.

Background: Currently, two effective therapeutic options for severe aortic stenosis (AS) are available, one catheter-based [transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)], the other open surgical approach [surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR)]. The COVID-19 pandemic has limited the availability of medical procedures. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess if this pandemic had any impact on the treatment strategy of severe AS in a single cardiac center.

Best practice in radiofrequency denervation of the lumbar facet joints: a consensus technique.

Background: Radiofrequency denervation is used to treat selected people with low back pain. Recent trials have been criticised for using a sub-optimal intervention technique.

Objectives: To achieve consensus on a best practice technique for administering radiofrequency denervation of the lumbar facet joints to selected people with low back pain.

Off pump hybrid extra-anatomic techniques for aortic arch repair-own experience.

Background: Treatment of the aortic arch pathologies is technically challenging. In this study we assess early and late outcomes of hybrid aortic arch repairs that comprise extra-anatomic surgical procedures completed by thoracic endovascular interventions [thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR)].

Methods: Since 2007, 21 patients (8 women and 13 men) with a median age of 48 years have undergone hybrid procedures for aortic arch pathologies.

Endovascular treatment of complex diseases of the thoracic aorta-10 years single centre experience.

Background: Introduction of invasive endovascular techniques constituted a real a breakthrough in the treatment of aortic aneurysm dissection and rupture. We assessed the effectiveness and safety of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in patients with thoracic aortic pathologies.

Methods: Between 2007 and 2017, 118 patients with thoracic aortic pathology underwent TEVAR.

Prototype of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy simulator used in regional ECMO program.

Background: Simulation is widely accepted as an important tool in training and educating healthcare providers. The first regional polish extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program called "ECMO for Greater Poland" was recently started.

Methods: We present a prototype for ECMO prepared for high-fidelity medical simulation in extracorporeal life support.

An innovative panel to assess endothelial integrity of pedicled and skeletonized internal thoracic artery used as aortocoronary bypass graft: a randomized comparative histologic and immunohistochemical study.

Background: Optimal preservation of endothelial integrity of the vessels used as aortocoronary grafts is a crucial determinant of long-term clinical success of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The purpose of this study was to evaluate an impact of two common techniques to harvest left internal thoracic artery (LITA) on endothelial integrity.

Methods: One hundred twenty consecutive patients (84 males and 36 females) with a mean age of 64.

Preoperative blood morphology and incidence of acute kidney injury after on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting - a single-center preliminary report.

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) performed in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may complicate the postoperative course and has a negative impact on outcome. In some cases, postoperative AKI develops in spite of normal baseline creatinine concentration and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Aim: To examine whether there is any association between the preoperative blood morphology and incidence of post-operative AKI.

Post-traumatic acute thoracic aortic injury (TAI)-a single center experience.

Background: We assess the effectiveness and our experience in emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in patients with post-traumatic acute thoracic aortic injury (TAI) and associated multiorgan trauma. TAI is a life-threatening condition. It usually results from a sudden deceleration caused by vehicle accident, a fall or some other misfortune.

Transapical aortic valve implantation using a Symetis Acurate self-expandable bioprosthesis: initial outcomes of 10 patients.

Introduction: Transapical aortic valve implantation (TA-AVI) has been widely introduced for treatment of patients with severe aortic stenosis in the last decade. Here we report our first clinical experience with 10 patients using the second-generation transapical Symetis Acurate TA aortic valve designed for transapical implantation.

Aim: To evaluate the results of transapical access in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) among patients with unsuitable vascular access.

Preoperative factors predicting saphenous vein graft occlusion in coronary artery bypass grafting: a multivariate analysis.

Saphenous vein segments are frequently used as aortocoronary bypass grafts, particularly in patients over 65 years of age. In the majority of patients, venous grafts maintain their patency for 5-6 years; however, some become occluded within 12 months after surgery. There are some defined predictive biological factors used to assess saphenous vein graft long-term patency rates, but little is known about molecular parameters for estimating the risk of early vein occlusion.

Brain activity monitoring by compressed spectral array during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in acute aortic dissection surgery.

Introduction: Monitoring the central nervous system during aortic dissection repair may improve the understanding of the intraoperative changes related to its bioactivity.

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of deep hypothermia on intraoperative brain bioactivity measured by the compressed spectral array (CSA) method and to assess the influence of the operations on postoperative cognitive function.

Material And Methods: The study enrolled 40 patients (31 men and 9 women) at the mean age of 60.

The impact of coronary artery disease severity on late survival after combined aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting - experience of a single cardiac surgery center.

Introduction: The severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) may have an impact on the outcomes of patients (pts) after aortic valve replacement (AVR) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze survival after simultaneous AVR and CABG with respect to CAD severity.

Material And Methods: The study involved 143 consecutive pts (40 women and 103 men) with a mean age of 65.

Early and long-term results of cardiosurgical treatment of coronary artery disease and aortic stenosis in patients over 80 years old.

Background: In recent years, patients over 80 years of age have been a growing group of individuals referred to cardiac surgeons. They pose a serious challenge and usually require a multidisciplinary approach.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the early and late outcomes of cardiosurgical treatment of patients over 80 years of age suffering from coronary artery disease and aortic stenosis.