Robotic Redo Mitral Valve Replacement and Atrioventricular Groove Pseudoaneurysm Repair.

We report the use of robot-assisted right thoracotomy in the management of a patient who presented with acute-on-chronic congestive heart failure, associated with a contained atrioventricular dissection and 2 prior mitral valve replacements. Our patient had evidence of a contained rupture, as represented by preoperative cross-sectional imaging. The anatomic sequela from this was a ventricular pseudoaneurysm, which was likely survivable due to adhesions from prior operations buttressing the margins of the defect.

State of the art - Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to thoracic transplantation.

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has revolutionized the treatment of refractory cardiac and respiratory failure, and its use continues to increase, particularly in adults. However, ECMO-related morbidity and mortality remain high.

Main Text: In this review, we investigate and expand upon the current state of the art in thoracic transplant and extracorporeal life support (ELS).