Fresh Frozen Plasma Versus Solvent Detergent Plasma for Cardiopulmonary Bypass Priming in Neonates and Infants Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objective: Compared with fresh frozen plasma (FFP), Omniplasma has been attributed to an increased coagulation potential and an increased fibrinolytic potential. This study aimed to compare Omniplasma and FFP used for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) priming regarding the incidence of postoperative thrombotic or hemorrhagic complications and outcomes in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Design: A retrospective observational cohort study SETTING: This single-center study was performed at the University Medical Center Groningen.

Multicentre experience with valve-sparing aortic root replacement by means of combined remodelling and external aortic ring annuloplasty in patients with Marfan syndrome.

Objectives: The most recent valve-sparing root replacement technique combines the advantages of the reimplantation (David) and remodelling (Yacoub) techniques. The aortic root is reconstructed according to the remodelling technique, the aortic valve is repaired according to the principle of effective height, and an external ring provides annular support. The purpose of this study was to evaluate operative and mid-term outcomes using this technique in patients with Marfan syndrome.

CeRebrUm and CardIac Protection with ALlopurinol in Neonates with Critical Congenital Heart Disease Requiring Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CRUCIAL): study protocol of a phase III, randomized, quadruple-blinded, placebo-controlled, Dutch multicenter trial.

Background: Neonates with critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are at risk of brain injury that may result in adverse neurodevelopment. To date, no therapy is available to improve long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of CCHD neonates. Allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, prevents the formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, thereby limiting cell damage during reperfusion and reoxygenation to the brain and heart.

Cerebrovascular Autoregulation in Preterm Infants During and After Surgical Ligation of the Ductus Arteriosus, a Comparison Between Two Surgical Approaches.

During ligation of the ductus arteriosus, cerebrovascular autoregulation (CAR) may deteriorate. It is unknown whether different surgical approaches affect changes in CAR differently. The objective of this study was to compare the potential change in CAR in preterm infants during and after ligation comparing two surgical approaches: sternotomy and posterolateral thoracotomy.

A homozygous variant in growth and differentiation factor 2 (GDF2) may cause lymphatic dysplasia with hydrothorax and nonimmune hydrops fetalis.

The etiology of nonimmune hydrops fetalis is extensive and includes genetic disorders. We describe a term-born female neonate with late onset extensive nonimmune hydrops, that is, polyhydramnios, edema, and congenital bilateral chylothorax. This newborn was successfully treated with repetitive thoracocentesis, total parenteral feeding, octreotide intravenously and finally surgical pleurodesis and corticosteroids.

Late management of the aortic root after repair of tetralogy of Fallot: A European multicentre study.

Objectives: We sought to determine the indications, type, and outcomes of reoperations on the aortic root after repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF).

Methods: Eleven centers belonging to the European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association contributed to the data collection process. We included 36 patients who underwent surgical procedures on the aortic root, including surgery on the aortic valve and ascending aorta, between January 1975 and December 2017.

Thoracotomy Versus Sternotomy for Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure in Preterm Neonates.

Background: To date, a posterolateral thoracotomy approach is considered the gold standard for surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), also in preterm neonates. However, a posterolateral thoracotomy approach can induce post-thoracotomy lung injury of the immature and vulnerable lungs of preterm neonates. Therefore, this study aims to compare a posterolateral thoracotomy and median sternotomy for surgical closure of PDA in preterm neonates.

A stented bovine pericardial prosthesis in the pulmonary position.

Background: Pulmonary valve replacement is very common among patients with congenital heart disease. The Carpentier Edwards Perimount valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, Calif), which was originally designed for the aortic position is among the most implanted valves. We aim to describe the follow-up of this valve in the pulmonary position.

Resection of Kommerell Diverticulum and Reimplantation of Aberrant Left Subclavian Artery in Right Aortic Arch Vascular Ring.

A right aortic arch vascular ring consists of an anomalous aortic arch course with a ligamentum arteriosum and an aberrant left subclavian artery arising from a Kommerell diverticulum. Division of the ligamentum arteriosum is required for the relief of symptoms in these patients. However, to prevent recurrent symptoms, resection of the Kommerell diverticulum and reimplantation of the subclavian artery to the left carotid artery is advocated.

Acute Type A Dissection 18 Years After a Ross Operation: The Old Prejudice.

An acute aortic dissection of the pulmonary autograft with a free rupture of the neoaortic wall is a rare complication after a Ross procedure. In this case, the intimal tear was localized in the noncoronary sinus of the pulmonary autograft and the neoaortic wall was ruptured in the involved sinus area. The dissection was contained in the pulmonary autograft.

Ross-Konno for Interrupted Aortic Arch: Simplified Arch Reconstruction Using Swing-Back Technique.

In neonates with interrupted aortic arch and severe left ventricular outflow tract obstruction full relief of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and adequate aortic arch repair is required. It has been shown that neonatal Ross-Konno provides adequate and durable relieve of left ventricular outflow tract gradient. Additional aortic arch repair using the swing-back technique provides a simplified reconstruction of the arch with a tension-free, direct anastomosis.

Does sinus rhythm conversion after cardiac surgery affect postoperative health- related quality of life?

Background: We investigated the impact and the predictive value of sinus rhythm at 12 months (SR12) on subscales of three different HrQoL questionnaires: SF-36., EuroQoL and MFI 20.

Methods: Data of 125 cardiac surgery patients with pre-operative AF from our previous randomized trial were used.

Maintenance of sinus rhythm after electrical cardioversion for recurrent atrial fibrillation following mitral valve surgery with or without associated radiofrequency ablation.

Background: This study reports the outcomes of patients who underwent electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation recurrence following mitral valve surgery and associated radiofrequency ablation compared to those who did not undergo concomitant atrial fibrillation ablation.

Methods: The population consisted of 116 patients with persistent/long-standing persistent AF who underwent mitral valve surgery with (Group A, n=54) or without (Group B, n=62) associated radiofrequency ablation between January 2007 and January 2011 at three institutions and who subsequently underwent cardioversion for persistent atrial fibrillation within 12 months of their initial procedure.

Results: The mean follow-up duration was 30.

Guideline adherence in antithrombotic treatment after concomitant ablation surgery in atrial fibrillation patients.

Objectives: We investigated real-life oral anticoagulation (OAC) treatment after surgical ablation and examined its adherence to current recommendations. We also explored factors related to OAC use preoperatively and at follow-up.

Methods: One hundred and fifteen patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) were evaluated during 12-month follow-up after surgery.

Hybrid coronary revascularization as a safe, feasible, and viable alternative to conventional coronary artery bypass grafting: what is the current evidence?

The "hybrid" approach to multivessel coronary artery disease combines surgical left internal thoracic artery (LITA) to left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) bypass grafting and percutaneous coronary intervention of the remaining lesions. Ideally, the LITA to LAD bypass graft is performed in a minimally invasive fashion. This review aims to clarify the place of hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) in the current therapeutic armamentarium against multivessel coronary artery disease.

Atrial trans-septal thrombus in massive pulmonary embolism salvaged by prolonged extracorporeal life support after thrombo-embolectomy. A bridge to right-sided cardiovascular adaptation.

Massive pulmonary embolism poses a therapeutic challenge, especially when thrombolytics are controversial. We describe the complicated course of an exceptional case of massive pulmonary embolism exhibiting paradoxic embolization with a thrombus lodged in the foramen ovale. Thrombolysis was considered contraindicated and surgical intervention was performed.

Cost-effectiveness of ablation surgery in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing cardiac surgery.

This study was performed to assess the cost-effectiveness of concomitant ablation surgery (AS) compared to regular cardiac surgery in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients over a one-year follow-up. Cost analysis was performed from a societal perspective alongside a prospective, randomised, double-blinded, multicentre trial. One hundred and fifty patients with documented AF were randomly assigned to undergo cardiac surgery with or without AS.

Unusual origin of the ansa cervicalis observed during carotid endarterectomy.

The surgical approach of the carotid artery for carotid endarterectomy demands knowledge of normal anatomy and anatomic variation. During carotid endarterectomy, a rare anatomic variant of the origin of the upper root of the ansa cervicalis was found. Contrary to commonly found anatomy, no upper root of the ansa cervicalis originating from the hypoglossal nerve was found.

Effects of intrapericardial sotalol and flecainide on transmural atrial electrophysiology and atrial fibrillation.

Introduction: Intrapericardial (IPC) delivery of antiarrhythmic agents is an appealing idea to increase the therapeutic width and reduce side effects of drugs, particularly in the thin atria. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of IPC versus intravenous (IV) d,l-sotalol and flecainide infusion on transmural atrial electrophysiology and sustained atrial fibrillation (AF) in the goat.

Methods And Results: Effects of IPC and IV sotalol and flecainide infusion on epi- and endocardial atrial electrophysiology, ECG, and tissue drug concentrations were studied in goats without and with persistent AF (>24 hours).

Combined Impella and intra-aortic balloon pump support to improve both ventricular unloading and coronary blood flow for myocardial recovery: an experimental study.

Some patients in need of hemodynamic support do not respond to intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) therapy. Hemodynamic stability can then be obtained by a more potent cardiac assist device, like the Impella catheter pump. Whether additional IABP support additional to Impella support can provide more optimal hemodynamic myocardial conditions is examined in this study.