Atrial approaches in mitral valve surgery: a propensity analysis of differences in the incidence of clinically relevant adverse effects.

Background: The lack of evidence on complications using mitral valve approaches leaves the choice of risk exposure to the surgeon's preference, based on individual experience, speed, ease, and quality of exposure.

Methods: The present study analysed patients undergoing mitral valve surgery using a superior transseptal approach or a left-atrial approach between 2006 and 2018. We included first-time elective mitral valve procedures, isolated, or combined, without a history of rhythm disturbances.

Repair with a pulmonary neovalve in tetralogy of Fallot: does this avoid ventricular dysfunction?

Objectives: Given the anatomical variations of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), different surgical techniques can be used to achieve correction. Transannular patches (TAPs) are the most commonly used technique; they are associated with right ventricular dysfunction, the incidence of which can be reduced through pulmonary valve preservation.

Methods: Between January 2010 and July 2019, we performed 274 surgical corrections of tetralogy of Fallot at Fundación Cardioinfantil; 63 patients (23%) underwent repair with a TAP in addition to a pulmonary neovalve (Group I), 66 patients (24.

2640 Meters Closer to the Stars: Does High Altitude Affect Fontan Results?

Background: Risk factors for and postoperative results of the Fontan operation in patients living at high altitude (>2500 meters above sea level) in the Andean region remain unknown. This study was conducted to evaluate immediate postoperative outcomes and to assess short- and long-term functional class after the Fontan operation.

Methods: From June 2003 to February 2019, 104 patients receiving the Fontan procedure at 2640 meters (8661 feet) above sea level were retrospectively studied.

Intraoperative Diagnosis of ALCAPA Complicating an Aortopulmonary Window Repair.

We present the case of transient left ventricular dysfunction secondary to impaired left coronary artery filling after aortopulmonary window repair, caused by intraoperative diagnosis of anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary artery. Immediate recognition and repair allowed for uneventful recovery of the patient.

Development of an international standard set of clinical and patient-reported outcomes for children and adults with congenital heart disease: a report from the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement Congenital Heart Disease Working Group.

Aims: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common congenital malformation. Despite the worldwide burden to patient wellbeing and health system resource utilization, tracking of long-term outcomes is lacking, limiting the delivery and measurement of high-value care. To begin transitioning to value-based healthcare in CHD, the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement aligned an international collaborative of CHD experts, patient representatives, and other stakeholders to construct a standard set of outcomes and risk-adjustment variables that are meaningful to patients.

Staged repair of transposition of the great arteries with anomalous coronary anatomy and complete atrioventricular canal.

The association of complete atrioventricular canal with transposition of the great arteries is rare, with a prevalence of less than 3-5%. We present an 18-month-old patient with a complete atrioventricular canal, side-by-side transposition of the great arteries, and anomalous coronary anatomy, managed initially with pulmonary banding and then by arterial switch with complete atrioventricular canal repair at early infancy.

Reconstruction of a Previously Repaired Aortic Valve Destroyed by Infective Endocarditis: Case Report.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is an uncommon condition among patients with congenital heart disease, however it can be life threatening. The usual management includes replacement of the affected valve, especially in patients with aortic valve compromise, and is even more common in previously repaired valves. In this case report, we describe the successful reconstruction of an aortic root destroyed by IE, in a patient with history of ballooning of a congenital aortic stenosis.