Anterior Mitral Leaflet Augmentation for Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation Performed Via a Right Thoracotomy Approach
Abstract: Ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) after myocardial infarction is associated with poor long-term survival, and the optimal treatment strategy remains debated. The most common repair technique used is a restrictive annuloplasty. However, up to 15% to 30% of patients experience recurrent MR owing to progressive left ventricular remodeling and geometric distortion of the mitral valve apparatus. Anterior mitral leaflet augmentation using a pericardial patch, in combination with a true-sized mitral annuloplasty, has been proposed as an adjunctive technique to increase the durability of valve repair for ischemic MR. He...
Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery - July 1, 2016 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

A Novel Technique to Reconstruct Tricuspid Valve Anterior Leaflet in Massive Endocarditis
Abstract: Tricuspid valve (TV) endocarditis is a common complication in intravenous drug addicts. In case of TV replacement, the main issue is the high risk of new endocarditis on TV prosthesis. On November 2014, a 44 year-old male patient with a history of intravenous drug addiction was referred for TV endocarditis owing to Staphylococcus aureus and severe regurgitation complicated by pulmonary embolism and heart failure. Preoperative echocardiography showed a large vegetation of the anterior leaflet (1.95 × 0.92 cm) covering a huge hole in the leaflet itself. Herein, a novel technique for the treatment of massive endoca...
Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery - July 1, 2016 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

Computed Tomography–Guided Percutaneous Thoracic Duct Sclero-Embolization for Persistent Chylothorax
Abstract: Postoperative chylous leak is often a consequence of thoracic duct injury during surgical procedures. Persistent chylothorax can be an extremely morbid condition. The authors describe a case of a refractory and long-standing chylous leak after thoracotomy for mediastinal lymphangioma removal. The patient was treated with a computed tomography–guided percutaneous thoracic duct sclero-embolization after failure of the conventional therapies. The chest tube output abruptly decreased after the procedure and was removed at 13th day. Percutaneous thoracic duct sclero-embolization proved to be safe and effective in th...
Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery - July 1, 2016 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

Edwards SAPIEN XT in Native Stenotic Mitral Valve, Open Technique on Cardiopulmonary Bypass: An Option, But Safe?
Abstract: A 73-year-old woman underwent open mitral valve replacement with the transcatheter Edwards SAPIEN XT valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Corp, Irvine, CA USA) on cardiopulmonary bypass in a native, stenotic mitral valve. Because of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, the patient died 25 days after implantation. There are previous reports of transcatheter valve implantation in native mitral valve with procedural success. However, in one case report, the patient died 10 days postoperatively. (Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery)
Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery - July 1, 2016 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

Complete Obliteration of the Left Atrial Appendage: An Analysis of Epicardial Excision and Novel Pericardial Patch Exclusion
Conclusions: Conventional epicardial excision of the LAA results in significantly more residual LAA volume, which may have important implications in persistent stroke risk. Pericardial patch exclusion seems to achieve near-total elimination of the LAA and may be a superior surgical option. (Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery)
Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery - July 1, 2016 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

New, Virtually Wall-less Cannulas Designed for Augmented Venous Drainage in Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
Conclusions: At the well-accepted pump inlet pressure of −80 mm Hg, the new, thinner, virtually wall-less, braided cannulas provide unmatched venous drainage in vivo. Early clinical analyses have confirmed these findings. (Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery)
Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery - July 1, 2016 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Comparison of Endoscopic Robotic Versus Sternotomy Approach for the Resection of Left Atrial Tumors
Objective: Primary cardiac tumors most commonly occur in the left atrium. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes among patients undergoing isolated left atrial tumor resection via sternotomy or robotic approach. Methods: From 2003 to 2013, 69 patients underwent isolated left atrial tumor resection at 3 affiliated hospitals with either a sternotomy (n = 39) or robotic approach (n = 30). A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed, and outcomes were compared between the sternotomy and robotic groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses controlling for pertinent preoperative characteristics w...
Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery - July 1, 2016 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Attaining Proficiency in Robotic-Assisted Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy While Maximizing Safety During Procedure Development
Conclusions: Excellent perioperative and short-term patient outcomes with minimal mortality can be achieved using a standardized RAMIE procedure and a dedicated team approach. The structured process described may serve as a model to maximize patients' safety during development and assessment of complex novel procedures. (Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery)
Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery - July 1, 2016 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery III: Training and Robotic-Assisted Approaches
Abstract: Minimally invasive mitral valve operations are increasingly common in the United States, but robotic-assisted approaches have not been widely adopted for a variety of reasons. This expert opinion reviews the state of the art and defines best practices, training, and techniques for developing a successful robotics program. (Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery)
Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery - July 1, 2016 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery II: Surgical Technique and Postoperative Management
Abstract: Techniques for minimally invasive mitral valve repair and replacement continue to evolve. This expert opinion, the second of a 3-part series, outlines current best practices for nonrobotic, minimally invasive mitral valve procedures, and for postoperative care after minimally invasive mitral valve surgery. (Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery)
Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery - July 1, 2016 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery I: Patient Selection, Evaluation, and Planning
Abstract: Widespread adoption of minimally invasive mitral valve repair and replacement may be fostered by practice consensus and standardization. This expert opinion, first of a 3-part series, outlines current best practices in patient evaluation and selection for minimally invasive mitral valve procedures, and discusses preoperative planning for cannulation and myocardial protection. (Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery)
Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery - July 1, 2016 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Current Technology and Future Directions
Abstract: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement as an alternative to open surgical repair is rapidly becoming more used in high-risk patients with aortic stenosis. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement offers the benefit of being much less invasive than traditional surgical repair and has evolved as a therapeutic option for patients with prohibitive surgical risk or those deemed surgically inoperable. Nevertheless, despite its potential to mitigate risk in this frail population, it comes with its own unique set of complications. Technological advancements in valve structure, function, and delivery have and continue to at...
Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery - July 1, 2016 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery: Moving Toward Consensus and Standardization
No abstract available (Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery)
Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery - July 1, 2016 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Tags: Editorial Source Type: research

Novel Utilization of the Bridge During Weaning Off Venoarterial ECMO: The Hoffman Clamp Method
Abstract: Standard practice for weaning patients off venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) occurs by decreasing pump flows until idle flow is achieved. This method is limited in its use because it is difficult to assess a patient's true potential to successfully come off ECMO when supported by idle flow. We have developed a weaning technique that uses a Hoffman clamp on the bridge to decrease blood flow to the patient beyond idle flow. This method was used to wean eight patients from venoarterial ECMO. No patients weaned with this technique required emergent reinstitution of ECMO. The Hoffman clamp techni...
Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery - May 1, 2016 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Tags: How-To-Do-It Articles Source Type: research

Right Ventricular Assist Device Configuration for Remote Decannulation
Abstract: Preoperative risk factors, intraoperative fluid shifts, and transfusions place patients at increased risk for right ventricular failure during left ventricular assist device implantation. Despite aggressive use of inotropes and pulmonary vasodilators, in severe cases of RV failure, a right ventricular assist device may be required. For the past several years, we have been implanting right ventricular assist devices in the presented configuration, allowing less invasive removal without sternotomy. The method is presented herein. (Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery)
Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery - May 1, 2016 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Tags: How-To-Do-It Articles Source Type: research