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Embolization of a transcatheter aortic valve is a rare complication. Surgery is required if percutaneous retrieval is not possible. We present a case of embolization of an Evolut R device (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) into the ascending aorta. This device, owing to its taller profile, presents unique surgical challenges in retrieval with respect to arterial access and cross clamping of the aorta. Prior knowledge of the profile of the various devices is critical to ensure a safe retrieval and smooth conduct of the operation.

Modified Bentall's procedure done as part of the primary repair in Laubry-Pezzi syndrome is very rarely described in the literature. We present a case of a 33-year-old man with a subpulmonic venticular septal defect, aneurysmal dilatation of the aortic root and ascending aorta, with an associated patent ductus arteriosus, corrected by the incorporation of Yacoub's techique for ventricular septal defect closure with a modified Bentall's procedure and transpulmonary patent ductus arteriosus ligation. The postoperative course was unremarkable. Early follow-up reports show good biventricular function without residual ventricular septal defect or iatrogenic ventricular outflow tract obstructions.

Superior vena cava syndrome is one of the rare adverse events associated with pacemaker leads. We describe a 47-year-old woman with a pacemaker implanted 10 years earlier who presented to us with superior vena cava syndrome managed surgically. We report the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of this patient and the causes and management options of superior vena cava obstruction associated with pacemaker leads.

Background This retrospective study was designed to study the clinical profile, indications, postoperative complications and long-term outcome of pulmonary aspergilloma operated in our institute. Methods From 1985 to 2003, 60 patients underwent surgery for pulmonary aspergilloma at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology. Results The group consisted of 36 male patients and 24 female patients with a mean age of 42.7 ± 11.8 years. The most common indication for surgery was hemoptysis (93.3%). The common underlying lung diseases were tuberculosis (45%), bronchiectasis (28.3%), and lung abscess (11.6%). Fourteen patients (23%) had simple aspergilloma (SA) and 46 (77%) had complex aspergilloma (CA). The procedures performed were lobectomy (n = 55), pneumonectomy (n = 2), segmental resection (n = 2), and cavernoplasty (n = 2). One patient underwent bilateral lobectomy at 14 months interval. The operative mortality was 4.3% and 0% in CA and SA, respectively ( p = 1.0). Major complications occurred in 26.1% patients of CA, whereas none occurred in SA ( p = 0.052). The complications included bleeding (n = 2), prolonged air leak (n = 4), empyema (n = 4), repeated pneumothorax (n = 1), and wound dehiscence (n = 1). Three patients needed thoracoplasty. The mean follow-up period was 40 ± 24 months. The actuarial survival at 10 years was 78% and 92% for CA and SA, respectively. There was no recurrence of disease or hemoptysis. Conclusions Surgical resection of pulmonary aspergilloma prevents recurrence of hemoptysis. Complex aspergilloma resection was associated with low mortality but significant morbidity, whereas SA had no associated early mortality and morbidity. Long-term outcome is good for SA and satisfactory for CA.