Interposition of aortic valve leaflets for reinforcement of Bentall proximal anastomosis.

Bleeding from the proximal suture line is not uncommon after composite graft anastomosis in the Bentall procedure. The passage of valve sutures through the aortic valve leaflets interposed between the pledgets and the cuff of the composite valved conduit strengthens the repair.

Choledocholithiasis: endotherapy versus surgery.

When multiple treatment options are available, debate invariably persists regarding the optimal option. Confusion and controversy must then be resolved based on scientific evidence, but one needs to be practical because options depend on the available expertise. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of endotherapy vis-à-vis surgery in patients with choledocholithiasis.