Publications by authors named "R Heck"

The HeartMate 3 (HM3, Abbott) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is the only commercially available option considered suitable for long-term circulatory support. External compression of the outflow graft causing obstruction (eOGO) is a serious adverse event affecting patients on long-term support. The obstruction occurs due to the accumulation of gelatinous substance between the bend relief and outflow graft.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering disease mainly seen in older adults, significantly affecting their quality of life.
  • The disease involves autoantibodies against specific proteins and displays characteristics of type 2 inflammation, including high levels of IgE and eosinophils, along with increased type 2 cytokines in skin lesions.
  • This review highlights the pathophysiology of BP, the impact of biologics targeting type 2 immune mediators, and the potential for future targeted therapies to improve treatment options.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objectives: The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of onset-to-cut time on mortality in patients undergoing surgery for stable acute type A aortic dissection.

Methods: Patients who underwent surgery for acute type A aortic dissection between January 2006 and December 2021 and available onset-to-cut times were included. Patients with unstable aortic dissection (preoperative shock, intubation, resuscitation, coma, pericardial tamponade and local/systemic malperfusion syndromes) were excluded.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objectives: Managing acute type A aortic dissection with coronary malperfusion is challenging. This study outlines our revascularization strategy for these patients.

Methods: Patients undergoing surgery for acute type A aortic dissection with coronary malperfusion and aortic root involvement from January 2000 to December 2021 were included.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Aims: Debulking of infective mass to reduce the burden if infective material is a fundamental principle in the surgical management of infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity of this principle in patients undergoing transvenous lead extraction in the context of bloodstream infection (BSI).

Methods And Results: We performed an observational single-centre study on patients that underwent transvenous lead extraction due to a BSI, with or without lead-associated vegetations, in combination with a percutaneous aspiration system during the study period 2015-22.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF