Prognostic analysis of acute type A aortic dissection after different surgical interventions: a cohort study.

Background: Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) requires emergency surgery, but the choice of primary surgery remains controversial. It is believed that simple ascending aorta replacement may lead to higher postoperative survival rate, while the Sun procedure [frozen elephant trunk (FET) + total arch replacement (TAR)] performed in the first stage may obtain better long-term results. The study aimed to compare the outcome of ATAAD patients who underwent the Sun procedure with those without TAR + FET.

The proximal extension of acute type A aortic dissection is associated with ascending aortic wall degeneration.

Background: Aortic root involvement during acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) may depend on ascending aortic wall degeneration. Surgical decision-making for extended resection of the aortic root is clinically made without histopathology. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the degree of degeneration of the ascending aortic wall found in patients with ATAAD is associated with the aortic root involvement.

Histopathology reveals concealed aortic valve inflammation.

Background: The extent of aortic valve inflammation in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) is unsettled. The significance of aortic valve histopathology in patients undergoing AVR is undetermined.

Methods: A total of 145 resected aortic valves of consecutive patients undergoing surgery for a local aortic valve disease with or without ascending aorta were investigated for histopathology.

Rapid-deployment aortic valve replacement during challenging aortic valve reoperation: a case report.

A previously implanted stenotic aortic valve bioprosthesis with stenotic coronary ostia and intramyocardial calcium was surgically debrided resulting in disruption of the left outflow track. A rapid-deployment aortic valve bioprosthesis was implanted to cover the remnant aortic valve annulus, ensure open coronary ostia, and secure a well-functioning aortic valve bioprosthesis with low postoperative gradient.

Ascending aortic wall degeneration in patients with bicuspid versus tricuspid aortic valve.

Background: The magnitude of ascending aortic degeneration in patients with bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) is controversial.

Methods: The aim of this study was to investigate ascending aortic wall degeneration in patients with BAV as compared with tricuspid aortic valves (TAV). The ascending aortic wall of 67 consecutive patients was processed for histology and immunohistochemistry.

Global perspectives on cardiothoracic, cardiovascular, and cardiac surgical training.

Objective: Various methods for cardiothoracic, cardiovascular, and cardiac surgical training exist across the globe, with the common goal of producing safe, independent surgeons. A comparative analysis of international training paradigms has not been undertaken, and our goal in doing so was to offer insights into how to best prepare future trainees and ensure the health of our specialty.

Methods: We performed a comparative analysis of available publications offering detailed descriptions of various cardiothoracic, cardiovascular, and cardiac surgical training paradigms.