Aortic valved homograft degeneration: surgical or transcatheter approach for repeat aortic valve replacement?

Objectives: Aortic valved allografts (homografts) have been used alternatively to mechanical or biological valve prostheses in expectation of better durability; however, homograft valves do degenerate, and redo procedures have proven challenging due to heavy wall calcification. The aim of the study was to compare the outcome of open surgical (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in degenerated homografts.

Methods: Between 1993 and 2022, 81 patients underwent repeat aortic valve procedures having previously received an aortic homograft.

Case Report: Incidental finding of an atresia of the inferior vena cava-a challenge for cardiac surgery.

Inferior vena cava atresia is a rare and usually asymptomatic condition. However, when these patients undergo cardiac surgery, it can present an unexpected and challenging situation for the surgeon. Specifically, adequate venous drainage during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a critical issue here and may require an extension of cannulation strategies.

Visceral and renal malperfusion syndromes in acute aortic dissection type A: the fate of the branch vessel.

Background: Malperfusion in acute aortic dissection is not uncommonly observed and associated with a highly significant increase in mortality and morbidity. Of the various malperfusion syndromes, visceral and renal involvement is the most challenging in terms of correct and timely diagnosis as well as the choice of management strategy. The aim of this study was to identify the pathology and associated fate of each visceral and renal vessel in acute type A dissections.

Bridging patients in cardiogenic shock with a paracorporeal pulsatile biventricular assist device to heart transplantation-a single-centre experience.

Objectives: We evaluated the outcome of patients in cardiogenic shock receiving a paracorporeal pulsatile biventricular assist device as a bridge to transplantation.

Methods: We performed a retrospective single-centre analysis of all patients who received a Berlin Heart Excor® at our institution between 2004 and 2019.

Results: A total of 97 patients (90 adults, 7 paediatric) were analysed.

Time is of the essence: where can we improve care in acute aortic dissection?

Objectives: In acute aortic dissection type A various components of the diagnostic and logistic pathways may affect the time to definitive treatment. This study aimed to characterize these components and to identify factors delaying the optimal management within our institutional referral network.

Methods: Between January 2017 and January 2020, 96 consecutive patients with classical aortic dissection type A were admitted (28%) or referred (72%) to our tertiary care centre and analysed retrospectively.