The standing of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation compared to surgery in a non-preselected cohort with dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tract - Reasons for failure and contraindications.

Background: Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) numbers are rising but are still minor compared to surgery due to several contraindications. We sought to analyze the impact of PPVI compared to standard surgery in an unselected cohort with dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). Reasons for PPVI failure and possible contraindications were explored.

The risk of bacterial endocarditis after percutaneous and surgical biological pulmonary valve implantation.

Objective: This single center study compared the risk of bacterial endocarditis (BE) after surgical and percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation.

Methods: Between Jan 1st 2010 and Dec 31st 2015 all patients who received a biological pulmonary valve (surgical/interventional) were identified. The clinical follow-up was analyzed with regard to BE applying the modified Duke criteria and echocardiographic findings.

The "Dog Bone Technique" A Novel Easy and Safe Catheter Maneuver for Aortic Arch and Coarctation Stenting.

Background: Various techniques are described to facilitate stable stent implantation in aortic arch stenosis or coarctation. We describe an alternative technique, which due to its unique appearance during stent implantation, we have named "Dog Bone Technique" (DBT).

Technique: The stent/balloon assembly is placed across the stenosis, the long sheath is retrieved to uncover the distal 20-50% of the stent.