Transcatheter mitral valve in ring, hazards of long anterior mitral leaflet and 3-dimensional rings.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to define anterior mitral leaflet (AML) length and mitral ring characteristics associated with LVOT obstruction and PVL following MViR.

Background: Transcatheter Mitral Valve in Ring (MViR) procedural complications including parvalvular leak (PVL) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction are frequent.

Methods: Clinical records, computer tomographic scans (CTs) and echocardiograms of consecutive MViR patients were retrospectively reviewed for anterior mitral leaflet length, CT-simulated neoLVOT, and aortomitral angle among patients with and without MViR-induced LVOT obstruction.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve-in-Valve Replacement for Degenerated Stentless Bioprosthetic Aortic Valves: Results of a Multicenter Retrospective Analysis.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of valve-in-valve (ViV) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for stentless bioprosthetic aortic valves (SBAVs) and to identify predictors of adverse events.

Background: ViV TAVR in SBAVs is associated with unique technical challenges and risks.

Methods: Clinical records and computer tomographic scans were retrospectively reviewed for procedural complications, predictors of coronary obstruction, mortality, and echocardiographic results.

Comparing velour versus silicone interfaces at the driveline exit site of HeartMate II devices: infection rates, histopathology, and ultrastructural aspects.

Background: Driveline exit site (DLES) infection is a major complication of ventricular assist devices (VADs). Differences in the sheath material interfacing with exit site tissue appear to affect healing time and infection risk more than site hygiene, but the mechanistic basis for this is not clear.

Methods: Health record data from Utah Artificial Heart Program patients with HeartMate II (HMII) devices implanted from 2008 to 2012 were retrospectively reviewed, with particular attention to interface type, incorporation (healing) time, and infections.

Surgical treatment of isolated (lone) atrial fibrillation with Gemini-S Ablation and Left Atrial Appendage Excision (GALAXY procedure).

Objective: Surgical ablation with radiofrequency is a safe and effective treatment for atrial fibrillation. Recent advances in instrumentation have allowed for the application of bipolar radiofrequency through a minimally invasive approach using small bilateral thoracotomies for pulmonary vein isolation, destruction of autonomic ganglia, and excision of the left atrial appendage (GALAXY procedure).

Methods: Thirty-two patients underwent surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation with the GALAXY procedure over a 43-month period.

Allograft rejection in patients supported with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices.

Background: Both pulsatile-flow and continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) successfully provide patients a bridge to transplantation. Some data suggest that continuous-flow pumps increase the risk of allograft rejection, contributing to posttransplantation morbidity and mortality. We sought to analyze the relationship between LVAD flow characteristics and subsequent allograft rejection in bridge to transplant (BTT) patients.