Mechanical Wenckebach Phenomenon in Thrombosed Tricuspid Valve Prosthesis.

• Mechanical valve thrombosis is a serious complication. • Echocardiography and fluoroscopy are cornerstones of diagnosis. • Echocardiography in more than two loops can identify intermittent valve obstruction.

Urine NGAL as a biomarker of kidney damage after on- and off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a prospective pilot study.

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a relatively frequent complication after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). We compared the off- and on-pump CABG procedures with respect to changes in renal function as reflected by levels of urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (UrNGAL).

Methods: In a prospective design, we studied patients who underwent CABG, off- or on-pump, with respect to changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and UrNGAL pre- and postoperatively.

Do statins slow the progression of aortic valve stenosis?

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether therapy with statins significantly slows the progression of aortic valve stenosis. Altogether 226 papers were found using the reported search, of which twelve represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question.