Right atrial and septal reconstruction after tumor excision: the single-patch technique.

Surgical excision is the only therapy for benign atrial tumors, if serious complications are to be avoided. We propose a simplified technique whereupon a single autologous pericardial patch is used to not only close the septal defect, but to also reconstruct the right atrium. This new technique allows for wide excision of tumors without reduction of the right atrium, distortion of the tricuspid valve or traction on the atrioventricular node.

Combined transapical aortic valve implantation with coronary artery bypass grafting in a young patient with porcelain aorta.

The surgical management of porcelain aorta in patients requiring aortic valve replacement or coronary artery surgery carries a high morbidity and mortality and remains controversial. We report a successful transapical aortic valve implantation in combination with on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in a young patient with severe aortic stenosis, left main coronary artery disease and porcelain aorta. Transapical aortic valve implantation is a minimally invasive surgical alternative that can be safely performed in combination with coronary artery bypass grafting and may become the treatment of choice, even in young patients with porcelain aorta.