Aortic valve visualization and pressurization device: a novel device for intraoperative evaluation of aortic valve repair procedures.

Objectives: Aortic valve repair procedures are technically challenging, and current intraoperative evaluation methods often fail to predict the final echocardiographic result. We have developed a novel intraoperative aortic valve visualization and pressurization (AVP) device, enabling valve inspection under physiological conditions, and measuring aortic valve insufficiency (AI) during cardioplegic arrest.

Methods: The AVP device is attached to the (neo)aorta, after any type of aortic valve repair, while the heart is arrested.

Recovery of skeletal muscle strength and physical function in a patient with (post) COVID-19 requiring extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation.

Background: The ongoing coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) has taught us that early mobilization is essential for functional recovery during and after prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay. This especially applies for patients receiving a challenging combination of prolonged invasive treatments such as mechanical ventilation (MV) and extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This case report describes the recovery of skeletal muscle strength and physical function in a patient (post) COVID-19 during ICU stay.

Laser speckle contrast analysis for quantifying the Allen test: a feasibility study.

Background And Objective: The radial artery has become a routinely used conduit for coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Prior to surgery the Allen test is performed to test the patency of the ulnar artery. A positive Allen test, reperfusion >5 seconds, suggests an insufficient perfusion of the hand by the ulnar artery.

Adventitial dissection: a simple and effective way to reduce radial artery spasm in coronary bypass surgery.

Objectives: Over the last two decades, the radial artery (RA) has become a routinely used conduit for coronary artery bypass graft surgery. One potential disadvantage of the radial artery is its higher susceptibility to vasospasm compared with other arterial grafts. We investigated whether adventitial dissection of the radial artery can reduce vasoconstriction and increase free blood flow.