The GermAn Laser Lead Extraction RegistrY: GALLERY.

Aims: The GermAn Laser Lead Extraction RegistrY: GALLERY is a retrospective, national multicentre registry, investigating the safety and efficacy of laser lead extraction procedures in Germany.

Methods And Results: Twenty-four German centres that are performing laser lead extraction have participated in the registry. All patients, treated with a laser lead extraction procedure between January 2013 and March 2017, were consecutively enrolled.

Wearable cardioverter defibrillator multicentre experience in a large cardiac surgery cohort at transient risk of sudden cardiac death.

Objectives: The wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) is an established, safe, effective solution, protecting patients at risk of sudden cardiac death. We specifically investigated WCD use in cardiac surgery patients since data for this patient group are rare.

Methods: Retrospective data analysis in 10 German cardiac surgery centres was performed.

Cardiac reoperations in octogenarians: Do they really benefit?

Aim: According to the demographic development of our society, the numbers of octogenarians referred to cardiac surgery are continuously growing. Although the benefit of first-time cardiac procedures for these patients is well documented, the fate of octogenarians after redo-procedures, with special regard to long-term survival, functional status and quality of life, is poorly investigated.

Methods: We retrospectively identified 84 consecutive patients aged ≥80 years, who underwent a cardiac reoperation at the department for Cardiothoracic Surgery in the Heart & Vessel Center Bad Bevensen between January 2007 and 2013.

Non-elective cardiac surgery in octogenarians: Do these patients benefit in terms of clinical outcomes and quality of life?

Aim: The general assumption that non-elective cardiac procedures in octogenarians are related to poor postoperative outcomes and quality of life (QOL) might lead to a non-justified exclusion of elderly patients from surgical treatment. The aim of the present study was to assess survival, functional outcome and quality of life of octogenarians undergoing non-elective cardiac surgery.

Methods: Between 2009 and 2011, 62 consecutive octogenarians (mean age 83.

European experience of the convergent atrial fibrillation procedure: multicenter outcomes in consecutive patients.

Background: The objective of this collaborative, multicenter, European effort was to evaluate the outcomes of the convergent procedure for the treatment of persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) in consecutive patients at 4 European centers.

Methods: Outcomes of consecutive patients, undergoing the convergent procedure at 4 European centers, were evaluated in this study. Epicardial ablation was performed before endocardial ablation.

Prolonged intensive care treatment of octogenarians after cardiac surgery: a reasonable economic burden?

Objectives: In accordance with the rising prevalence of octogenarians undergoing cardiac surgery, these patients utilize an increasing portion of intensive care unit (ICU) capacities, provoking economic and ethical concerns. In this study, we evaluated the outcomes and costs generated by the prolonged postoperative ICU treatment of octogenarians.

Methods: Between July 2009 and August 2010, 109 of 1063 patients required ICU treatment of at least 5 days after cardiac surgery.

Survival, functional capacity, and quality of life after cardiac surgery followed by long-term intensive care stay.

Background: The rising prevalence of multimorbid patients undergoing cardiac surgery often leads to prolonged postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) treatment. The fate of these patients after discharge is poorly investigated. This study is aimed to assess survival, functional outcome, and quality of life (QOL) in patients after an ICU stay of at least 5 days.

Suction-irrigation drainage: an underestimated therapeutic option for surgical treatment of deep sternal wound infections.

Objectives: Deep sternal wound infections are significant and severe complications following cardiac surgery and substantially influence perioperative morbidity and mortality. We present the experience of our department using two different surgical treatments over a three-year period.

Methods: Between January 2009 and December 2011, a total of 3274 cardiac procedures with complete median sternotomy were performed in our department.

Surgery of the ascending aorta, root remodelling and aortic arch surgery with circulatory arrest through partial upper sternotomy: results of 50 consecutive cases.

Objectives: Partial upper sternotomy is a routine approach to aortic valve surgery. For surgery of the ascending aorta or the aortic arch, this method is not well established yet.

Methods: From October 2007 to October 2010, 50 consecutive patients underwent procedures of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch using partial upper sternotomy.