Prospective Phenotyping of Right Ventricle Function Following Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Counterpulsation in Left Ventricular Assist Device Candidates: Outcomes and Predictors of Response.

Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) may be applied to optimize advanced heart failure (AHF) patients and improve right ventricular (RV) function before left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We aimed to evaluate the outcome of this intervention and define RV response predictors. Decompensated AHF patients, not eligible for LVAD because of poor RV function, who required IABP for stabilization were enrolled.

The effect of paracorporeal pulsatile biventricular assist devices on allosensitization in adults: A comparison with left ventricular assist devices.

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) have been associated with the development of anti-HLA antibodies ('allosensitization'), but data on devices providing biventricular support in adults are limited. We sought to characterize differences in anti-HLA antibody formation in adult patients receiving left- (LVAD) versus biventricular- (BiVAD) assist devices as bridge to transplantation (BTT) by retrospectively reviewing the records of adult patients who have undergone VAD implantation at our institution. We assessed 82 patients supported with a pulsatile-flow paracorporeal BiVAD and compared them with 40 patients receiving LVAD till 2018.

Reversible right heart failure after redo operation of a post-traumatic Gerbode defect.

Introduction: Gerbode defect is a rare entity and represents a small percent of all congenital defects. If left untreated, right heart failure may occur.

Case Report: We describe a redo case of a 47-year-old patient complaining about the signs and symptoms of decompensating right heart failure after a surgically treated post-traumatic Gerbode defect 8 years prior.

What is the role of sutureless aortic valves in today's armamentarium?

Sutureless and rapid-deployment aortic bioprostheses represent an emerging and promising technology for the treatment of aortic valve stenosis. Unlike traditional aortic bioprostheses, these devices are not hand-sewn, thus allowing a significant reduction in operative times, while facilitating minimally invasive surgery and complex cardiac interventions. Sutureless aortic valve replacement represents a less invasive treatment option and an excellent alternative to conventional aortic valve replacement in elderly and higher risk patients.

Treatment of a pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta in association with aortopulmonary fistula following acute Type A dissection.

This report describes a rare case of aortic pseudoaneurysm with an aortopulmonary fistula in a 69-year-old woman two years following repair of a Type A aortic dissection. The patient presented with NYHA Class IV symptoms having deteriorated rapidly over a course of six weeks. We describe our successful surgical repair following a failed attempt of percutaneous closure with an atrial septal occlusion device.