Transfemoral aortic valve replacement in a nonagenarian with aortic stenosis and cardiac amyloidosis: case report.

Background: Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is diagnosed with increasing frequency in the elderly population with severe aortic stenosis (AS), especially with the low-flow, low- gradient phenotype. Prognosis is poor with no treatment.

Case Presentation: The patient is a 94-year-old active male who presented with a stroke that fully resolved.

Emergency cardiac surgery in patients on oral anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications.

Background: Emergency surgery, blood transfusion, and reoperation for bleeding have been associated with increased operative morbidity and mortality. The recent increased use of direct oral anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications has made the above more challenging. In addition, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), with its associated hemodilution, fibrinolysis, and platelet consumption, may exacerbate the pre-existing coagulopathy and increase the risk of bleeding.

Retention of Bovie scratch pad radio-opaque marker during VATS Pleurodesis: case report.

Background: Surgical intervention for spontaneous pneumothorax typically includes mechanical pleurodesis that frequently utilizes a Bovie scratch pad given its universal presence, low cost and ease of use. The pad is folded on itself after dividing it in half, allowing easier passage through the smaller incisions. However, unintentional foreign body retention may occur during the course of an operation leading to reoperations or even worse complications.