Transcatheter valve-in-ring implantation of a repositionable valve system for treatment of severe mitral regurgitation.

Introduction: Years after mitral valve surgery, progressive degeneration of reconstructed mitral valves or bioprostheses might lead to severe mitral valve regurgitation. Patients with significant comorbidity, or impaired left ventricular function are poor candidates for redo surgery at an acceptable risk at that later time point.

Methods And Results: This study reports the first-in-man transapical valve-in-ring implantations in the mitral position of the fully repositionable Lotus valve system approved for transcatheter aortic valve replacement in Europe.

Bacteriology of aspiration pneumonia in patients with acute coma.

Loss of protective airway reflexes in patients with acute coma puts these patients at risk of aspiration pneumonia complicating the course of the primary disease. Available data vary considerably with regard to bacteriology, role of anaerobic bacteria, and antibiotic treatment. Our objective was to research the bacteriology of aspiration pneumonia in acute coma patients who were not pre-treated with antibiotics or hospitalized within 30 days prior to the event.