STS INTERMACS Database: The Key to Conduct Single-Arm Trials in Advanced Heart Failure Patients.

Background: Safe introduction of novel mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices into clinical practice is a challenging process. Single-arm trials using a control arm from existing database is an effective alternative that could be applied for regulatory approval. This study analyzes the capability of the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) database to establish objective performance criteria and select patient population that could be used for future single-arm MCS trials.

Creation of a COVID-19 Based Educational Curriculum: A Blueprint for Redesigning Surgical Education During Times of National Crisis.

Objective: To create a COVID-19 based educational curriculum for surgical residents.

Background Data: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in disruptions to operative volume and clinical education for surgery residents. This has placed a greater importance on didactic education.

An ambulatory counterpulsation system-a potential option for extended mechanical support.

As the incidence of heart failure increases, an organ shortage for cardiac transplant worsens. There has been development of both short and long-term mechanical circulatory devices for this population, each with unique advantages and different adverse event profiles. The long-term devices provide excellent mechanical circulatory support but are associated with significant morbidity.

Choosing the appropriate left ventricular assist device for your patient.

The increasing incidence of advanced heart failure and severe donor organ shortage for cardiac transplant has led to the development of implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) for long-term mechanical circulatory support. There has been tremendous improvement in the device technology of LVADs, and there are a number of devices in use throughout the world. This article reviews the evidence behind each device and their unique features that can help when choosing a durable LVAD for an individual patient.

Robotic-Assisted Third-Time Redo Mitral Valve Replacement.

Robotic-assisted approaches in cardiac surgery are becoming an increasingly common form of minimally invasive surgery. Recent literature has shown robotic-assisted techniques to be superior to traditional sternotomy in infection rates, bleeding, length of hospital stay, and postoperative quality of life. Although there are growing numbers of centers performing robotic mitral valve (MV) surgery, this approach is usually reserved for first-time MV repair.