European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader or to display this data on your own website or blog.

Off-pump mitral valved stent implantation: comparison of apical and subannular fixation techniques [EXPERIMENTAL]
CONCLUSIONS The proof-of-principle for the subannular fixation was shown with haemodynamic stability, low gradients and physiological longitudinal function. A decreased ejection fraction, survival time and fractures identify potential areas for improvement. With regard to the long-term outcome, the group with subannular fixation did not reach the results of the group with apical fixation in this study. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)
Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery - January 10, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Pokorny, S., Huenges, K., Hansen, J. H., Schadow, Y., Fischer, G., Morlock, M. M., Cremer, J., Lutter, G. Tags: History EXPERIMENTAL Source Type: research

Fibrillin 2 is upregulated in the ascending aorta of patients with bicuspid aortic valve [CONVENTIONAL AORTIC SURGERY]
CONCLUSIONS: BAV patients have an increased FBN (especially FBN2) gene expression level in the ascending aorta, irrespective of dilatation, whereas MMP expression does not change significantly. These results add a new piece of information to the pathophysiology of BAV disease and point to FBN2 as a new molecular player. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)
Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery - January 10, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Rueda-Martinez, C., Lamas, O., Mataro, M. J., Robledo-Carmona, J., Sanchez-Espin, G., Moreno-Santos, I., Carrasco-Chinchilla, F., Gallego, P., Such-Martinez, M., de Teresa, E., Jimenez-Navarro, M., Fernandez, B. Tags: CONVENTIONAL AORTIC SURGERY Source Type: research

Fifteen years of surgery for acute type A aortic dissection in moderate-to-mild systemic hypothermia{dagger} [CONVENTIONAL AORTIC SURGERY]
CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that selective antegrade cerebral perfusion in combination with moderate-to-mild systemic hypothermia (≥28 °C) can be safely and reproducibly applied to surgery for acute type A aortic dissection and offers sufficient neurological and visceral organ protection. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)
Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery - January 10, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Zierer, A., El-Sayed Ahmad, A., Papadopoulos, N., Detho, F., Risteski, P., Moritz, A., Diegeler, A., Urbanski, P. P. Tags: CONVENTIONAL AORTIC SURGERY Source Type: research

Subannular perforation of left ventricular outflow tract associated with transcatheter valve implantation: pathophysiological background and clinical implications [CATHETER-BASED VALVE OPERATIONS]
CONCLUSIONS Subannular calcification in close proximity of the anatomically unprotected muscular LVOT might represent an important risk factor for the occurrence of subannular LVOT injury. Precise CT-based analysis of patient-specific aortic root anatomy/subannular calcification patterns may be helpful to predict this TAVI-associated complication preoperatively and hence to avoid it in future patients. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)
Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery - January 10, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Girdauskas, E., Owais, T., Fey, B., Kuntze, F., Lauer, B., Borger, M. A., Conradi, L., Reichenspurner, H., Kuntze, T. Tags: History, Basic research vascular CATHETER-BASED VALVE OPERATIONS Source Type: research

Re: The impact of the development of transcatheter aortic valve implantation on the management of severe aortic stenosis in high-risk patients: treatment strategies and outcome [CATHETER-BASED VALVE OPERATIONS]
(Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)
Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery - January 10, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Svensson, L. G. Tags: Basic research vascular CATHETER-BASED VALVE OPERATIONS Source Type: research

The impact of the development of transcatheter aortic valve implantation on the management of severe aortic stenosis in high-risk patients: treatment strategies and outcome [CATHETER-BASED VALVE OPERATIONS]
CONCLUSIONS In this single-centre study, medically treated patients with severe AS have a higher risk profile than those undergoing surgery or TAVI. Their survival is particularly poor and not improved by compassionate PBAV. When comparing TAVI and surgical AVR, there was no difference in 30-day and 6-year survival rates after adjusting for comorbidities. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)
Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery - January 10, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Bouleti, C., Chauvet, M., Franchineau, G., Himbert, D., Iung, B., Alos, B., Brochet, E., Urena, M., Ghodbane, W., Ou, P., Provenchere, S., Nataf, P., Vahanian, A. Tags: History, Basic research vascular CATHETER-BASED VALVE OPERATIONS Source Type: research

MicroRNAs and post-operative atrial fibrillation: a step in the understanding of the mechanism and identifying reliable biomarkers [MYOCARDIAL REVASCULARIZATION]
(Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)
Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery - January 10, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Ad, N. Tags: MYOCARDIAL REVASCULARIZATION Source Type: research

Elevated serum microRNA 483-5p levels may predict patients at risk of post-operative atrial fibrillation [MYOCARDIAL REVASCULARIZATION]
CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first description of atrial myocardial and circulating plasma microRNA in POAF patients. Our findings suggest POAF may be associated with pre-existing atrial substrate differences predisposing to arrhythmogenesis. Moreover, this study highlights the potential for miR-483-5p in biomarker development. Further work must now perform prospective, targeted validation of these results in a larger patient cohort. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)
Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery - January 10, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Harling, L., Lambert, J., Ashrafian, H., Darzi, A., Gooderham, N. J., Athanasiou, T. Tags: History, Myocardial infarction MYOCARDIAL REVASCULARIZATION Source Type: research

Prevention of surgical site sternal infections in cardiac surgery: a two-centre prospective randomized controlled study [GENERAL ADULT CARDIAC]
CONCLUSIONS The application of InteguSeal® or Genta-Coll® resorb had no significant influence on the incidence of the sternal SSI rate in 996 consecutive cardiac surgery patients but demonstrated a trend towards a benefit from using these prophylactic approaches. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated a preoperative BMI of >30 kg/m2, re-thoracotomy for bleeding and sternum instability as independent predictors for an increased sternal SSI rate. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)
Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery - January 10, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Schimmer, C., Gross, J., Ramm, E., Morfeld, B.-C., Hoffmann, G., Panholzer, B., Hedderich, J., Leyh, R., Cremer, J., Petzina, R. Tags: Electrophysiology - arrhythmias, History GENERAL ADULT CARDIAC Source Type: research

Early, dedicated follow-up and treatment of pleural effusions enhance the recovery rate after open cardiac surgery: results from a randomized, clinical trial [GENERAL ADULT CARDIAC]
CONCLUSIONS Supplemental dedicated follow-up and treatment of postoperative effusions enhance recovery by 15% compared with standard care, measured by improvement in the walking distance 1 month after cardiac surgery. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02045641. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER NCT02045641. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)
Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery - January 10, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Hansen, L. S., Hjortdal, V. E., Jakobsen, C.-J., Heiberg, J., Maagaard, M., Sloth, E. Tags: Congenital - acyanotic, Molecular biology, History, Basic research vascular GENERAL ADULT CARDIAC Source Type: research

Right ventricular morphology and function following stage I palliation with a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt versus a right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit [CONGENITAL]
CONCLUSIONS Computational modelling analysis reveals differences in ventricular remodelling in patients with HLHS undergoing an RVPA conduit insertion with focal scarring and volume loading leading to decreased functional markers of strain. The need for continued surveillance is warranted, as deleterious effects may not become apparent until later years. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)
Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery - January 10, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Wong, J., Lamata, P., Rathod, R. H., Bertaud, S., Dedieu, N., Bellsham-Revell, H., Pushparajah, K., Razavi, R., Hussain, T., Schaeffter, T., Powell, A. J., Geva, T., Greil, G. F. Tags: Mechanical Circulatory Assistance CONGENITAL Source Type: research

Aortic valve repair in the paediatric population: insights from a 38-year single-centre experience [CONGENITAL]
CONCLUSIONS In our experience, AV repair in the paediatric population provides excellent results in terms of both overall survival and valve-related reoperation. It obviates the need for chronic anticoagulation and in most cases delays the time at which more complex surgery such as the Ross procedure should be undertaken. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)
Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery - January 10, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Poncelet, A. J., El Khoury, G., De Kerchove, L., Sluysmans, T., Moniotte, S., Momeni, M., Detaille, T., Rubay, J. E. Tags: Basic research vascular CONGENITAL Source Type: research

Reoperations and catheter interventions in patients with transposition of the great arteries after the arterial switch operation [CONGENITAL]
CONCLUSION: The frequency of reoperations and percutaneous interventions in patients with TGA after the ASO remains low. The majority of the procedures are performed because of pulmonary stenosis and recoarctation of aorta. Cardiac anomalies associated with TGA have a significant impact on the incidence of reoperation and reintervention. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)
Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery - January 10, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Michalak, K. W., Moll, J. A., Sobczak-Budlewska, K., Moll, M., Dryzek, P., Moszura, T., Szymczyk, K., Moll, J. J. Tags: CONGENITAL Source Type: research

Techniques and standards in intraoperative graft verification by transit time flow measurement after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a critical review [REVIEW]
Transit time flow measurement (TTFM) is a quality control tool for intraoperative graft evaluation in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. A critical review of the literature available using TTFM in CABG surgery is the focus of this article. The main objectives will be to detail precise parameters for flow evaluation, to show limitations of TTFM and to prove its predictive impact on postoperative graft failure rate. Publications listed in the PubMed database were reviewed, searching for intraoperative graft verification in coronary surgery by TTFM, with postoperative imaging follow-up (FU) modality and with a speci...
Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery - January 10, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Niclauss, L. Tags: Education, Molecular biology, History REVIEW Source Type: research

European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery expert consensus statement on the prevention and management of mediastinitis [POSITION STATEMENT]
Mediastinitis continues to be an important and life-threatening complication after median sternotomy despite advances in prevention and treatment strategies, with an incidence of 0.25–5%. It can also occur as extension of infection from adjacent structures such as the oesophagus, airways and lungs, or as descending necrotizing infection from the head and neck. In addition, there is a chronic form of ‘chronic fibrosing mediastinitis’ usually caused by granulomatous infections. In this expert consensus, the evidence for strategies for treatment and prevention of mediatinitis is reviewed in detail aiming at ...
Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery - January 10, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Abu-Omar, Y., Kocher, G. J., Bosco, P., Barbero, C., Waller, D., Gudbjartsson, T., Sousa-Uva, M., Licht, P. B., Dunning, J., Schmid, R. A., Cardillo, G. Tags: POSITION STATEMENT Source Type: research