Double papillary fibroelastoma: beautiful, innocent flowers in the left heart.

Papillary fibroelastoma is a rare, benign tumor, and multiple papillary fibroelastomas are even more uncommon. In an asymptomatic patient scheduled for carotid endarterectomy, transthoracic echocardiography discovered a fibroelastoma on the mitral valve. Then, transesophageal echocardiography showed another fibroelastoma on the aortic valve.

Case-matched comparison of early and long-term outcomes of everted cervical vein and saphenous vein carotid patch angioplasty.

Objectives: To compare outcomes after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with saphenous vein patch closure (SV), with cervical vein (external jugular and common facial) patch closure (CV).

Design: A total of 322 cases of CEA was achieved consecutively by using venous patch angioplasty. Propensity scores were calculated followed by a one-to-one basis case-matching.

Reoperation for ascending aorta false aneurysm using deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest.

Objectives: Ascending aorta false aneurysms after cardiac surgery are uncommon. Resternotomy is hazardous and may result in massive and uncontrollable hemorrhage if the false aneurysm is entered. Here we report our experience with the use of deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest to avoid this risk.

Does a concomitant Cox-maze procedure improve survival in atrial fibrillation?

In this review paper, the authors briefly describe the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation. The original technique to restore sinus rhythm is cited, with its subsequent technical variations. A literature review summarizes the outcome of patients who benefited from the Cox-MAZE procedure.