Aortic valve calcium score for paravalvular aortic insufficiency (AVCS II) study in transapical aortic valve implantation.

Background: Transapical aortic valve implantation (TAAVI) has evolved into a routine procedure for select high-risk patients. The aim was to study the impact of native aortic valve calcification on paravalvular leaks in cardiac contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT).

Methods: The degree and distribution of valve calcification were quantified using an Aortic Valve Calcium Score (AVCS) for each cusp separately (3mensio Valves).

Improved mitral valve performance after transapical aortic valve implantation.

Background: Concomitant mitral regurgitation (MR) is frequently present before the performance of transapical aortic valve implantation (TA-AVI). Our aim was to study the impact of MR on outcome and the effect of TA-AVI on MR using the Edwards SAPIEN prosthesis (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA).

Methods: A total of 439 patients aged 81.

Is the new EuroSCORE II a better predictor for transapical aortic valve implantation?

Objectives: Conventional surgical risk scores are used to identify suitable candidates for transapical aortic valve implantation (TA-AVI) at present. However, these scores do not consider multiple high-risk conditions, including porcelain aorta, mediastinal irradiation or frailty. The aim of this study was to compare the predictive ability of the new EuroSCORE II with the surgical risk scores currently in use.

Experience with anatomically orientated devices for transapical aortic valve implantation.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a new technology, which is rapidly growing to a routine procedure amenable for patients with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis and higher than average risk for conventional aortic valve surgery. The crucial disadvantage of TAVI remains the not well foreseeable risk of more than trivial degree of paravalvular leakage and a high rate of atrioventricular block and consecutive pacemaker implantation. In addition, current implantation techniques do not allow controlling the rotation of first-generation devices that might be beneficial regarding optimal physiological valve performance, optimal coronary flow and avoidance of placement of covered commissures in front of the coronary ostia.

Outcome of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to lung transplantation and graft recovery.

Background: Indications for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use in lung transplantation are (1) temporary assistance as a bridge to transplantation, (2) stabilization of hemodynamics during transplantation in place of cardiopulmonary bypass, and (3) treatment of severe lung dysfunction and primary graft failure after transplantation. This study compares the survival of lung transplant recipients requiring ECMO support with survival of patients without ECMO.

Methods: A retrospective database review was performed for 108 consecutive patients who underwent single-lung or bilateral-lung transplantation at our center between 2002 and 2009.

Impact of clopidogrel on bleeding complications and survival in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

This study investigated the impact of preoperative clopidogrel on bleeding complications and survival during and after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) and assessed the possible role of the antifibrinolytic agent aprotinin for attenuating blood loss after clopidogrel exposure. Prospectively collected data of 753 consecutive adult patients undergoing OPCABG were retrospectively reviewed; 139 (18.5%) patients received clopidogrel preoperatively.

The impact of aprotinin on blood loss and blood transfusion in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Background: Administration of the serine protease inhibitor aprotinin has been proven efficacious in cardiopulmonary bypass-supported cardiac surgery to reduce bleeding and transfusion requirements. Its role in off-pump surgery is not so well defined. The present study assessed the effect of aprotinin in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting on perioperative blood loss and transfusion rates.