Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm Is a Major Feature of FLNA (Filamin A) Loss-of-Function Variants.

A 23-year-old woman underwent valve-sparing root replacement for an asymmetric aneurysm affecting the sinuses of Valsalva (SVA). Genetic analysis revealed a novel variant in the FLNA gene leading to frameshift and a premature stop codon in Filamin A. SVA, typically multiple and affecting the coronary sinus, is a cardinal feature and a handle for diagnosis of FLNA deficiency.

Valve sparing aortic root replacement in bicuspid aortic valves, the reimplantation technique: A multicenter study.

Objective: Reported outcome in patients with bicuspid aortic valves(BAV) undergoing valve-sparing root replacement(VSRR) is scarce. This study aims to evaluate outcomes in patients with BAV, utilizing the reimplantation (David)technique.

Methods: Consecutive adult patients, with BAV, aortic root aneurysm and/or valve insufficiency(AI) undergoing VSRR(reimplantation)), were included, from 5 centers experienced in reimplantation-procedure.

Current status of aortic valve repair surgery.

Severe aortic valve regurgitation, if not timely treated, can significantly impact patients' survival both for tricuspid aortic valve and bicuspid aortic valve patients, with the latter being significantly younger. Increased understanding of the root anatomy and its physiology has opened the way to techniques of aortic valve repair surgery. The techniques mainly relate to re-establishing a correct root and annular geometry and eliminating leaflet prolapse.

Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery in Elderly Patients: Results from a Multicenter Study.

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) has been increasingly adopted worldwide as an alternative to conventional sternotomy, especially for young patients. The remarkable results gained by MIMVS have encouraged its application in more complex and fragile patients, such as the elderly, though results in this subgroup remain controversial. It is the aim of this study to assess the postoperative outcomes of patients older than 75 years old undergoing MIMVS, and to compare these results to those of younger patients.

Different Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Patterns of Diseased Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery versus Internal Thoracic Artery.

Background: Oxidative stress and inflammation are typically implied in atherosclerosis pathogenesis and progression, especially in coronary artery disease (CAD). Our objective was to investigate the oxidative stress and inflammation burden directly associated with atherosclerotic plaque in patients with stable coronary disease undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Specifically, markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were compared in blood samples obtained from the atherosclerotic left anterior descending artery (LAD) and blood samples obtained from the healthy left internal thoracic artery (LITA), used as a bypass graft, within the same patient.