Staged left ventricular assist device reimplantation via the left anterior wall approach for a patient with severe pump pocket infection.

Pump pocket infection (PPI) is a refractory condition that can cause lethal complications in patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). We report a case of PPI after LVAD implantation for ischemic cardiomyopathy that was successfully treated with staged pump reimplantation into the left ventricular anterior wall with the pedicled omental transfer. Major modification of the pump implantation site might be a useful strategy for local infection control of severe PPI.

Aortic thrombosis with visceral malperfusion during circulatory support with a combination of Impella and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock.

Although veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) has been used to aid myocardial recovery in patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCCS), it has been associated with adverse effects. The combined use of VA-ECMO and Impella (ECPELLA) for PCCS, however, has been reported to be efficacious with few reports of thromboembolic events. We present a case of aortic thrombosis with visceral malperfusion during ECPELLA management for PCCS.

Aortic angioscopy assisted thoracic endovascular repair for chronic type B aortic dissection.

Background: Non-obstructive general angioscopy is a powerful modality for detecting areas in the aorta with vulnerable plaque, which are difficult to visualize using conventional diagnostic tools such as computed tomography (CT). The aim of the present study was to clarify the efficacy and usefulness of aortic angioscopy in patients with chronic type B aortic dissection scheduled for thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR).

Methods: Ten patients with chronic type B aortic dissection who underwent elective TEVAR were enrolled.

Prognostic implications of preoperative chronic kidney disease and anemia in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Purpose: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and anemia are independent preoperative risk factors for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. We evaluated the implications of the coexistence of these two factors and their associated prognosis for CABG surgery.

Methods: We analyzed, retrospectively, consecutive patients who underwent elective CABG surgery between 2004 and 2014.