Novel concepts and early results of repairing common arterial trunk.

Objectives: Common Arterial Trunk (CAT) continues to have a very poor prognosis globally. To address that, we have developed a novel technique targeting key concepts for the correction of all components of the anomaly, using autologous arterial tissue. This aims to enhance results, availability worldwide, and importantly to avoid the need for repeated reoperations.

Radial artery as a second conduit gains momentum: The RAPCO trial.

In coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), the use of an internal mammary artery (IMA) to graft the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) improves survival and reduces the need for repeat revascularization. The other IMA, radial artery (RA), and saphenous vein (SV) have contested to complete the surgical revascularization. For that purpose, SV remains the most commonly used conduit despite current evidence in favor of arterial grafts.

Clinical, cellular, and molecular characterisation of cardiac rhabdomyoma in tuberous sclerosis.

Background: Rhabdomyoma is the most common cardiac tumour in children. It is usually associated with tuberous sclerosis complex caused by mutations in TSC-1 or TSC-2 genes. This tumour typically regresses by unknown mechanisms; however, it may cause inflow or outflow obstruction that necessitates urgent surgery.

A New Technique for Shaping the Aortic Sinuses and Conserving Dynamism in the Remodeling Operation.

Background: Preserving dynamism and recreating the sinuses in the Dacron graft are thought to be important for optimizing results of aortic valve-conserving operations.

Methods: We describe a novel technique that preserves dynamism and recreates the sinotubular junction. In addition, it tailors 3 sinuses of defined longitudinal and transverse curvatures in a straight Dacron tube during the operation.

Cor Triatriatum Sinister (Divided Left Atrium): Histopathologic Features and Clinical Management.

Background: Cor triatriatum sinister (CTS), or divided left atrium, is a rare congenital cardiac disease in which the left atrium is divided into 2 chambers by a fibromuscular diaphragm that will cause blood flow obstruction to the left ventricle. Recent animal studies suggested the role of hyaluronidase-2 (HYAL-2) deficiency as a risk factor for developing CTS. The histopathologic features of this diaphragm and our surgical experience with the management of this disease are reviewed.

Revival and modification of the Mustard operation.

Objective: The neonatal arterial switch operation is currently the procedure of choice for patients with transposition of the great arteries. However, a large number of patients present too late for the arterial switch operation and are best managed with the atrial switch operation.

Methods: We have used the Mustard operation in its original form or following a new modification designed to enhance the atrial functions and filling of the left ventricle in an attempt to improve long-term results.

Congenital Coronary Aneurysm: Unusual Presentation of Myocardial Ischemia in Children.

Coronary artery aneurysms in children are usually associated with inflammatory disease such as Kawasaki disease or connective tissue disease. Congenital coronary aneurysm is a rare entity with few case reports published in the literature. We report an unusual case of congenital coronary aneurysm in an 11-year-old boy presented to our center with an ischemic cardiac event.

Giant left atrial appendage aneurysm compressing the left anterior descending coronary artery.

Left atrial appendage aneurysm (LAAA) is a rare congenital structural heart disease. It is often diagnosed by echocardiography; however, other imaging modalities can add to its diagnosis and its potential effects on the surrounding structures. A 16-year-old boy presented with dyspnea and palpitation.

Anatomic correction of ALCAPA in an adult presenting with sudden cardiac death.

We report on a young adult with ALCAPA, who was successfully resuscitated after collapsing in ventricular fibrillation while playing football. This was followed by anatomical correction of the anomaly with a smooth recovery and return to his daily activities. The advantages of this approach are discussed in this brief report.

Repair of very severe tricuspid regurgitation following detachment of the tricuspid valve.

We report on the case of 5-year-old girl with severe tricuspid regurgitation following previous repair of double outlet right ventricle with subaortic ventricular septal defect, performed through trans-atrial approach using detachment of tricuspid valve leaflet. The severe tricuspid regurgitation was found to be due to dehiscence at the site of the previous detachment and was repaired using a pericardial patch. In this report, we discuss the relative merits and risks of using this technique.