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Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: None declared.

Background: Preoperative echocardiographic assessment is critical for patients with severe degenerative mitral regurgitation to ensure personalized surgical mitral valve repair. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3D TTE) and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE) in identifying valvular lesions, using surgical findings as the reference. Additionally, we evaluated whether annular dimensional parameters derived from TTE and TEE, using dedicated 3D software, could confirm whether 3D TTE alone offers a comprehensive preoperative evaluation., Methods: We enrolled 60 patients with severe organic mitral regurgitation scheduled for surgical valve repair. Each patient underwent preoperative 3D TTE, intraoperative 3D TEE prior to surgery, followed by annuloplasty. Mitral valve reconstructions from both TTE and TEE were compared, and dedicated 3D software (EchoPAC GE-Health-Care Software 3D-auto-MVQ) was employed to reconstruct annular geometries from both methods., Results: Both 3D TTE and 3D TEE demonstrated comparable accuracy in identifying diseased scallops (overall accuracy: 3D TTE 91.8%, 3D TEE 98.1%, p > 0.05). However, 3D TTE was inferior to 3D TEE in identifying multiple chordal ruptures (accuracy: 3D TTE 80%, 3D TEE 100%). Quantitative analysis of the mitral annulus revealed that 3D TTE and 3D TEE yielded overlapping results for static parameters (p > 0.05), whereas dynamic parameters differed significantly (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: In the selected population, 3D TTE demonstrated diagnostic accuracy comparable to transesophageal echocardiography in identifying mitral valve lesions. Furthermore, with the use of dedicated 3D software, TTE alone may provide a comprehensive and noninvasive preoperative evaluation, particularly for static annular parameters. Further studies are warranted to corroborate these findings., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Iatrogenic aortic dissection (IAD) is a life-threatening condition, primarily caused by arterial cannulation during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in cardiac surgeries. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the first-line diagnostic tool in the acute setting, but the presence of several artifacts can easily lead to misinterpretation. A 55-year-old man underwent coronary artery bypass grafting and implantation of central veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO). TEE revealed what appeared to be an intimal dissection flap in the aortic arch and descending thoracic aorta, raising concerns for an IAD, which was not confirmed by computed tomographic angiography. This case highlights the pitfalls and limitations of echocardiography in the diagnosis of IAD, especially in settings with complex flow patterns such as during CPB or V-A ECMO., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is defined as left ventricular enlargement accompanied by systolic dysfunction not explained by abnormal loading conditions or coronary heart disease. The DCM clinical spectrum is broad, ranging from subclinical to severe presentation with progression to end stage heart failure. To date, different genetic loci have been found to have moderate/definitive evidence for causality in DCM and pathogenic variants in the TTN gene represent the main genetic determinant. Here, we describe a family in which the co-occurrence of two genetic hits, one in the TTN and one in the BAG3 gene, was associated with heterogeneous clinical presentation ranging from subclinical phenotypes to acute cardiogenic shock mimicking fulminant myocarditis. We hypothesize that at least some specific BAG3 genotypes could be related to DCM presenting with acute heart failure and suggest that patients and relatives carrying BAG3 pathogenic variants should be addressed to a tertiary-level heart care center., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All authors disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Coronary allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality after heart transplantation. CAV is often diagnosed in later stages or during routine screening in asymptomatic subjects. Myocardial work (MW), calculated using left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) and systemic blood pressure, may be associated with the presence of CAV and outperform conventional echocardiographic parameters. In this retrospective observational study, heart transplant recipients who underwent regular follow-up at our institution between May 2022 and September 2023 were enrolled. All included patients underwent speckle-tracking echocardiography, including MW indexes. CAV was classified according to invasive coronary angiography or computed tomography performed within 12 months of index echocardiography. We collected all available clinical and echocardiographic parameters and evaluated the potential association with CAV. CAV was detected in 29 of 93 patients (31%) (CAV+). Of the MW indexes, the mean global work efficiency (GWE) was 90 ± 6% and was significantly lower in CAV+ than CAV- subjects (86 ± 7% vs 91 ± 4%, p <0.001). GWE (OR 0.86, CI 0.77 to 0.94, p = 0.002), E/e' ratio (OR 1.27, CI 1.08 to 1.52, p = 0.006), and left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 0.90; CI 0.81 to 0.98, p = 0.017) were independently associated with the presence of CAV. GWE (GWE vs LV-GLS, delta area under the curve 0.154, p = 0.047) and the proposed model (GWE+E/e' vs LV-GLS, delta area under the curve 0.198, p = 0.004) were significantly superior in stratifying the incremental risk for CAV compared with LV-GLS. In conclusion, GWE was observed to be independently associated with the presence of CAV. MW could represent a novel noninvasive screening method for CAV in heart transplant recipients. Larger and prospective studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no competing interests to declare., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The transfemoral (TF) approach is the most common route in TAVI, but it is still associated with a risk of bleeding and vascular complications. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes between surgical cut-down (SC) and percutaneous (PC) approach. (2) Methods: Between January 2018 and June 2022, 774 patients underwent a transfemoral TAVI procedure. After propensity matching, 323 patients underwent TAVI in each group. (3) Results: In the matched population, 15 patients (4.6%) in the SC group vs. 34 patients in the PC group (11%) experienced minor vascular complications ( p = 0.02), while no difference for major vascular complication (1.5% vs. 1.9%) were reported. The rate of minor bleeding events was higher in the percutaneous group (11% vs. 3.1%, p <.001). The SC group experienced a higher rate of non-vascular-related access complications (minor 8% vs. 1.2%; major 2.2% vs. 1.2%; p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: SC for TF-TAVI did not alter the mortality rate at 30 days and was associated with reduced minor vascular complication and bleeding. PC showed a lower rate of non-vascular-related access complications and a lower length of stay. The specific approach should be tailored to the patient's clinical characteristics.

Background/Objectives : Robotically assisted mitral valve (MV) surgery is the least invasive surgical approach to the MV. The aim of the present study is to report our experience with robotically assisted MV repair, trying to define how experience could impact on postoperative results. Methods : This is a retrospective study on 144 patients who underwent robotic MV repair from November 2011 to March 2023. Patients were divided in two groups: Group 1, including 39 patients (November 2011-January 2013) operated using the Da Vinci Si system, and Group 2, including 105 patients operated (February 2020-March 2023) using the new Da Vinci Xi system. Results : Mean age was 58 ± 10 years. Increased use of external aortic clamp was observed in Group 2. A significant reduction of surgical times was observed: cardiopulmonary bypass time was 155 ± 44 min in Group 1 and 121 ± 36 min in Group 2 ( p = 0.002), whereas cross-clamp time was 112 ± 25 min in Group 1 and 68 ± 39 min in Group 2 ( p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was 0.7%, and 10-year survival was 96 ± 2%. Freedom from reoperation was 100%. A higher percentage of complex and most complex MV repairs were performed in Group 2 (36% in Group 1 vs. 52% in Group 2, p = 0.001). Conclusions : Robotic-assisted MV repair is associated with excellent results. Experience is a key element to overcome the limitations of this technology. Finally, the robotic platform could improve results in difficult MV repair.

Aims: Septal myectomy is the treatment of choice for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Around 30-60% of patients with HOCM have a secondary mitral valve regurgitation due to systolic anterior motion (SAM). We report our experience with extended septal myectomy and its impact on the incidence of concomitant mitral valve procedures., Methods: This is a retrospective study on 84 patients who underwent SM from January 2008 to February 2022. Surgical procedure was performed according to the concept of 'extended myectomy' described by Messmer in 1994. Follow-up outcomes in terms of survival, hospital admissions for heart failure or MV disease, cardiac reoperations, and pacemaker (PMK) implantation were recorded., Results: Mean age was 61 ± 15 years. Mitral valve surgery was performed in seven cases (8%); particularly only one patient without degenerative mitral valve disease underwent mitral valve surgery, with a plicature of the posterior leaflet. In-hospital mortality was 5%. Mitral valve regurgitation greater than mild was present in four patients (5%) at discharge. Twelve-year survival was 78 ± 22%. Cumulative incidence of rehospitalization for heart failure and rehospitalization for mitral valve disease was 10 ± 4 and 2.5 ± 2.5%, respectively. PMK implantation was 5% at discharge, with a cumulative incidence of 15 ± 7%. Freedom from cardiac reoperations was 100%., Conclusion: Septal myectomy for HOCM is associated with good outcomes. Although concomitant surgery on the mitral valve to address SAM and associated regurgitation has been advocated, these procedures were needed in our practice only in patients with intrinsic mitral valve disease. Adequate myectomy addresses the underlying pathophysiology in most patients., (Copyright © 2024 Italian Federation of Cardiology - I.F.C. All rights reserved.)

Background: Procedural volume has been documented as an important contributor to operative outcomes for most complex surgical procedures. Mitral valve repair (MVRep) has been associated with excellent results, and it is increasingly adopted in many cardiac surgical centers. We sought to investigate if procedural volume is associated with better clinical long-term outcomes after MVRep., Methods: We analyzed the 10-year outcomes after MVRep by procedural volume for each cardiac surgery center in an Italian Region, Lazio, during the last 15 years, using a regional administrative dataset., Results: Between 2006 and 2020, 4961 patients were treated in seven cardiac surgery centers for an isolated mitral valve surgery (2677 underwent MVRep). At multivariate analysis, mitral valve replacement (MVR) (vs. MVRep) resulted one of the independent predictors of 30-day mortality [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.40; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.96-5.90; P  < 0.0001]. Notably, a clear association between hospital volume of mitral valve surgery (>40 per year) and high rate of MVRep (>50%) was found. At 10 years, the incidence of mortality and the rate of death and rehospitalization for heart failure after MVRep were significantly lower in high-volume vs. low-volume hospitals., Conclusion: Our data suggest that hospital volume is associated with a high rate of MVRep and long-term benefits in terms of mortality and recurrence of heart failure., (Copyright © 2023 Italian Federation of Cardiology - I.F.C. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The most common minimally invasive approach for aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the partial upper mini-sternotomy. The aim of this study is to understand which preoperative computed tomography (CT) features are predictive of longer operations in terms of cardio-pulmonary bypass timesand cross-clamp times., Methods: From 2011 to 2022, we retrospectively selected 246 patients which underwent isolated AVR and had a preoperative ECG-gated CT scan. On these patients, we analysed the baseline anthropometric characteristics and the following CT scan parameters: aortic annular dimensions, valve calcium score, ascending aorta length, ascending aorta inclination and aorta-sternum distance., Results: We identified augmented body surface area (>1.9 m 2 ), augmented annular diameter (>23 mm), high calcium score (>2500 Agatson score) and increased aorta-sternum distance (>30 mm) as independent predictors of elongated operation times (more than two-fold)., Conclusions: Identifying the preoperative predictive factors of longer operations can help surgeons select cases suitable for minimally invasive approaches, especially in a teaching context.

Epigenetic modifications play a fundamental role in the progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). This panoramic review aims to provide an overview of the current understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in CAD pathogenesis and highlights the potential implications for personalized medicine approaches. Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes that do not influence alterations in the DNA sequence of the genome. It has been shown that epigenetic processes, including DNA/histone methylation, acetylation, and phosphorylation, play an important role. Additionally, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs are also involved in epigenetics, regulating gene expression patterns in response to various environmental factors and lifestyle choices. In the context of CAD, epigenetic alterations contribute to the dysregulation of genes involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and vascular function. These epigenetic changes can occur during early developmental stages and persist throughout life, predisposing individuals to an increased risk of CAD. Furthermore, in recent years, the concept of personalized medicine has gained significant attention. Personalized medicine aims to tailor medical interventions based on an individual's unique genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. In the context of CAD, understanding the interplay between genetic variants and epigenetic modifications holds promise for the development of more precise diagnostic tools, risk stratification models, and targeted therapies. This review summarizes the current knowledge of epigenetic mechanisms in CAD and discusses the fundamental principles of personalized medicine.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is emerging as an appealing management strategy for patients with severe aortic stenosis at intermediate, high or exceedingly high risk, but its risk-benefit profile in younger patients is less certain. We aimed to explore the outlook of patients aged 70 years or less and undergoing TAVI at 2 high-volume Italian institutions., Methods: We retrospectively collected baseline, imaging, procedural and outcome features of patients with age ≤70 years in whom TAVI was attempted at participating centers between 2012 and 2021. Non-parametric tests and bootstrap resampling were used for inferential purposes., Results: A total of 39 patients were included, out of >3000 screened with heart team involvement and >1500 receiving TAVI. Most common or relevant indications for TAVI reduced life expectancy (e.g. cardiogenic shock or severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, morbid obesity, active or recent extra-cardiac cancer, porcelain aorta, neurologic disability, cirrhosis, or prior surgical aortic valve replacement, as well as extreme cachexia, and Hutchinson-Gilford progeria. At least two contemporary high-risk features were present in most cases. Transapical access was used in 5 (12.8%) cases, and a sheathless approach in 15 (38.5%). A variety of devices were used, including both balloon- and self-expandable devices. Clinical outcomes were satisfactory, despite the high-risk profile, at both short- and mid-term, with no in-hospital death, and 5.1% (95% confidence interval 0-12.8%) mortality at a median follow-up of 15 months (minimum 1; maximum 85). Notably, no case of significant valve deterioration requiring reintervention occurred., Conclusions: In carefully selected patients with 70 years or less of age and prohibitive risk for surgery or reduced life expectancy, TAVI represents a safe option with a favorable mid-term survival and low rate of adverse events.

Background: Degenerative mitral valve (MV) regurgitation (DMR) shows significative mitral annulus (MA) alterations; mitral valve repair (MVR) seeks to restore annular geometry and function, and the current use of flexible band seams to respect most annular mobility reducing parietal stress. Parameters of MV geometry obtained by 3D transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TTE) analysis are crucial for surgical planning and postoperative success. The aim of this study was to assess, by means of a dedicated software, the variations of MA geometry and function in patients affected by DMR compared to controls and after MVR with flexible band., Methods: We enrolled 32 patients (cases) with severe DMR who underwent MVR using flexible band; we compare this group with 20 controls. The TEE with 3D MV images acquisition was performed in both groups and then analyzed in postprocessing by using a dedicated software., Results: There were no anthropometrics differences between cases and controls, both presented normal left ventricular ejection fraction. DMR group showed a significant increase of annulus dimensional parameters (p = .001) and alteration of nonplanarity comparing to controls (p < .05). The annuloplasty with flexible band induces a considerable reduction of MV dimensions comparing to preoperative data and restores physiological mobility and nonplanarity. There were no statistical differences between postoperative DMR and controls data, except for nonplanarity parameters (p ~.05), maybe influenced by hemodynamic settings., Conclusions: MVR with annuloplasty using flexible band appears able to reinstate a more physiological anatomic conformation of the MA, without compromising its dynamic properties., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

In the complex spectrum of coronary anomalies, the origin of the left coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva with intramural course could represent a catastrophic life-threatening condition leading to extensive myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death, especially in young athletes. We report the case of a young female athlete with anomalous left coronary artery from the opposite sinus who survived a major non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction during the eighth kilometer of a running race. It was successfully treated by creating a neo-ostium of the left coronary artery in the left sinus at the point at which the artery left the aortic wall., (© 2022 by the Texas Heart® Institute, Houston.)

Background: Aim of this study is to analyse the performances of Clinical Risk Score (CRS) and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE)-II in isolated tricuspid surgery., Methods: Three hundred and eighty-three patients (54 ± 16 year; 54% female) were enrolled. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the true positive fraction of test results and the false-positive fraction for a procedure., Results: Considering the 30-day mortality the area under the curve was 0.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50-0.72) for EuroSCORE II and 0.7 (95% CI 0.56-0.84) for CRS-score. The ratio of expected/observed mortality showed underestimation when considering EuroSCORE-II (min. 0.46-max. 0.6). At multivariate analysis, the CRS score (p = .005) was predictor of late cardiac death., Conclusion: We suggest using both scores to obtain a range of expected mortality. CRS to speculate on late survival., (© 2022 The Authors. Journal of Cardiac Surgery published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Optimal access for transcatheter aortic valve implantation is still a matter of debate. A tailored approach for patient anatomy is mandatory to reduce vascular complications and improve outcomes., Aims: To optimize surgical technique in challenge scenario., Material and Methods: Here, we present a case of transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement performed using single arterial access., Results: A 92 years old patients affected by severe aortic stenosis showed no secondary arterial access. A single access approach was performed using the aortic valve calcification and the inferior margin of the second rib as lankdmarks for valve implantation., Discussion and Conclusions: Alternative options for TAVR are mandatory to deal with complex cases. The described technique is a simple and reproducible approach., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Isolated tricuspid surgery is a rarely performed procedure considered at high risk for mortality. Preoperative risk estimation is still a s missing process and currently used risk score system are not validated for this procedures., Aim: To discuss the external validation of the EuroSCORE II and STS-TVS score in the setting of isolated tricuspid valve surgery., Discussion: The stratification of the patient profile and risk estimation are still lacking in isolated tricuspid surgery. MELD Score, EuroSCORE II and STS-TVS score may help in the preoperative evaluation. Recently a dedicated score called TRI-SCORE has been introduced. We believe that the combination of these scores may determine a range of expected mortality rate and it could be an interesting approach to define the preoperative risk-profile of a patient planned for isolated tricuspid disease. Conclusion Further studies are needed to define the optimal risk stratification of patient affected by isolated tricuspid disease., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation inside a previously implanted bioprosthesis is an alternative treatment for patients with degenerated surgical aortic bioprosthesis (AB) at high surgical risk. Pre-operative computed tomography (CT) scan provides essential information to the procedure planning, although in case of acute presentation it is not always feasible., Case Summary: A 32-year-old man with history of surgical treatment of aortic coarctation and Bio-Bentall procedure was transferred to our department in cardiogenic shock with a suspected diagnosis of acute myocarditis. A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed a severely impaired biventricular function and AB degeneration causing severe stenosis. It was decided to undertake an urgent trans-apical valve-in-valve (ViV) procedure. Due to haemodynamic instability, a preoperative CT scan was not performed and transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) was the main intraprocedural guiding imaging technique. Neither intraprocedural nor periprocedural complications occurred. Serial post-procedural TTE exams showed good functioning of the bioprosthesis and progressive improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction. Patient was discharged from the hospital 8 days after the intervention., Discussion: A patient with cardiogenic shock due to severe degeneration of the AB was treated with urgent transapical ViV procedure. In this case, where urgent ViV technique was needed, TOE appeared to be a crucial alternative to CT scan and allowed us to perform a successful procedure., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology.)

In recent years, the treatment of mitral valve disease with robotic surgery has been increasingly successful, having produced excellent postoperative results and significant cost-savings. However, minimal  experience exists with robotic mitral valve repair using transareolar access. We demonstrate mitral valve repair using the DaVinci Robot Xi through a transareolar approach, showing the technical details of our surgical technique., (© The Author 2021. Published by MMCTS on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Left ventricular aneurysms (LVA) are a complication of myocardial infarction, that rarely involve the posterior wall; surgical repair of posterior LVA poses a technical challenge when associated with concomitant mitral regurgitation. We describe a minimally invasive treatment of ischemic MR and concomitant patch exclusion of posterior LVA through a right minithoracotomy. Using a transatrial approach, the aneurysm is closed with a "U" shaped dacron patch, whose base is anchored to the mitral annulus. Two patients were operated by this method with excellent results., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome is an autosomal dominant, rare, fatal pediatric segmental premature aging disease. Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases constitute the major cause of morbidity and mortality. Patients with the syndrome and severe aortic valve stenosis have been described in the literature, and for all of them a strategy of conservative management has been followed. We describe the first successful treatment of a 23-year-old Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome patient with severe aortic stenosis who underwent transapical transcatheter aortic valve replacement., (Copyright © 2020 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Surgical management of patients affected by structural valve deterioration of bioprostheses in tricuspid valve position represents a challenge. Furthermore, transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation (TVIVI) recently emerged as an interesting option in high-risk surgical patients. When surgery is performed, replacement of the dysfunctional tricuspid bioprosthesis could be a difficult procedure due to the risk of heart rupture during the prosthesis removal. Herein we report the case of a 52-year-old female patient in which a transcatheter TVIVI was successfully performed under direct vision as a bailout strategy due to the impossibility of bioprosthesis removal., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background and Aim of the Study: Today there is little experience with minimally invasive treatment of multiple valve disease and no standard techniques have been provided yet. We report our early experience with combined aortic and mitral valve surgery with or without tricuspid surgery through a right lateral minithoracotomy (RmT), describing the technical aspects of our approach., Methods: From April 2017 to April 2019 thirty patients with mitro-aortic valve disease or with triple valve pathology underwent surgery through a 3 to 4 cm lateral RmT into the third intercostal space. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established through femoral vessels cannulation. Surgery on the mitral valve (MV) was performed first and sutures put into the mitral annulus. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) was performed next. Then, the selected ring or prosthetic valve was implanted in a mitral position throughout previously placed sutures. Finally, if required, tricuspid valve surgery was performed., Results: In combined with AVR, MV replacement was performed in 20 patients (66%), and MV repair in 10 patients (34%). Concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty was performed in five patients (17%). There was no conversion to full sternotomy. Postoperatively, one patient died. Postoperative echocardiography showed no perivalvular leakage in aortic or in the mitral position. No residual mitral regurgitation was observed in patients who underwent MV repair., Conclusions: Minimally invasive surgery of double and triple valve disease is feasible. Our approach through a lateral RmT allows optimal visualization of the aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves, simplifies the surgical procedure and allows excellent results also in complex MV repair procedures., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a life-threatening complication of myocardial infarction. Surgical repair is generally performed through a left/right ventriculotomy. To avoid complications associated with ventriculotomy, a right transatrial approach has been proposed. We describe a modified transatrial approach through the left atrium for basal-inferior VSD. After left atriotomy, mitral valve is detached from the annulus to expose the defect, which is closed with a pericardial patch. Two patients were operated by this method. In both cases venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with a ventricular vent was utilized to unload the left ventricle. Echocardiography revealed no residual shunt in both cases., (Copyright © 2019 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Although the benefits of minimally invasive cardiac surgery are well recognized, most surgeons have little experience in the treatment of triple valve disease through a minithoracotomy approach. In this video tutorial, we present a case of concomitant aortic valve replacement with mitral and tricuspid valve repair through a lateral minithoracotomy., (© The Author 2016. Published by MMCTS on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Penetrating cardiac trauma has been increasing in clinical experience and is joined to important morbidity and mortality. A case of a 38-year-old female with history of postpartum depression was reported, admitted to our department for cardiac tamponade due to penetrating self-inflicted multiple stab wound of the chest complicated by rupture of anterior left ventricular wall and traumatic ventricular septal defect. Following the unstable hemodynamic instability, a combined therapeutic strategy was chosen: surgery and transcatheter implantation to correct free wall ventricle damage and traumatic ventricular septal defect, respectively.

Background: Uterine leiomyomas represent the gynecological neoplasm with the highest prevalence worldwide. This apparently benign pathological entity may permeate into the venous system causing the so-called intravenous leiomyomatosis of the uterus (IVL). IVL may seldom extend to large caliber veins and reach the right cardiac chambers or pulmonary arteries and cause signs of right sided congestive heart failure and sudden death. Due to its low incidence, however, IVL with intracardiac extension is often misdiagnosed resulting in deferred treatment. No consensus has been obtained regarding the standard surgical approach to be used for this rare condition. We describe the case of a massive pelvic recurrence of uterine leiomyomatosis with intracardiac extension and provide a review of the literature, analyzing management and surgical outcomes., Case Presentation: We present the case of a 46-year-old premenopausal woman presenting with lower-extremity edema, recurrent syncopes and a history of subtotal hysterectomy for multiple uterine fibroids. She was diagnosed with pelvic recurrence of uterine leiomyomatosis and IVL with cardiac involvement. A two-stage surgical excision of the intracardiac-intracaval mass and pelvic leiomyomatosis was performed. The patient had an uneventful recovery and no evidence of recurrence was observed on follow-up., Conclusions: By virtue of the rarity of the present pathology, awareness is widely scarce and diagnosis is often delayed. Early recognition is difficult due to initial aspecific and subtle clinical manifestations. Nevertheless, suspicion should be held high in premenopausal women with known history of uterine leiomyomata, presenting with cardiovascular symptoms and evidence of a free-floating mass within the right cardiac chambers. In-depth imaging is crucial for defining its anatomical origin and relations. Prompt surgical treatment with radical excision of pelvic and intravenous leiomyomatosis guarantees favorable outcomes and excellent prognosis with low rates of recurrence, whereas delayed diagnosis and treatment exposes to increased risk of congestive heart failure and sudden death.

During the past years, a rapid development and refinements of robotic heart valve techniques have led to consider robotic mitral valve (MV) surgery safe, effective, and durable. Robotic MV surgery has proven to be a cost-effective and cost-saving strategy in MV operations, being associated with reduced morbidity and mortality rates. We present a novel video-assisted transareolar approach to access the MV using the da Vinci Si HD telemanipulation system (Intuitive Surgical, Inc, Sunnyvale, CA USA). This technique is effective and reproducible, providing maximum patient satisfaction from both the clinical and cosmetic points of view.

Aim: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is an inherited connective tissue disorder in which fragile bones readily cause fractures. Aortic root dilatation, aortic valve regurgitation and mitral valve prolapse are uncommon cardiovascular manifestations of OI. Cardiac surgery in these patients carries a high risk of complications due to increased tissue and capillary fragility. We describe an open heart surgery in a woman with isolated aortic valve regurgitation secondary to OI., Material of Study: A 58-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for surgical correction of aortic valve regurgitation. She had a past history of recurrent long bone fractures, and OI was diagnosed in the childhood. A standard median sternotomy was performed; the sternum was found to be thin and brittle. The native aortic valve was replaced with a size 23 mm stented aortic bioprosthesis. The sternum was closed with stainless steel wires., Results: The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged home on the eighth postoperative day. We used thoracic band to avoid sternal diastasis. One year postoperatively, the echocardiogram showed a normal aortic bioprosthesis function without paravalvular leakage. The sternum was stable without dehiscence., Discussion: The mortality rate in cardiac surgery patients with heritable generalized connective tissue disorders, such as osteogenesis imperfecta, is high. Although tissue friability had no impact on surgical outcome, it should be kept in mind when operating on patients with OI., Conclusions: We highlight the importance of a meticulous surgical technique, together with a strategy for management of anticipated perioperative complications to ensure a successful outcome., Key Words: Aortic valve, Endocardirtis, Mitral valve, Replacement.

The novel Permanent Life Support (PLS; Maquet, Jostra Medizintechnik AG, Hirrlingen, Germany) as peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support system has been investigated as treatment for patients with refractory cardiogenic shock (CS). Between January 2007 and July 2011, 73 consecutive adult patients were supported on peripheral PLS ECMO system at our institution (55 men; age 60.3 ± 11.6 years, range: 23-84 years). Indications for support were failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass in the setting of postcardiotomy (n = 50) and primary donor graft failure (n = 8), post-acute myocardial infarction CS (n = 12), and CS on chronic heart failure (n = 3). Mean support time was 10.9 ± 7.6 days (range: 2-34 days). Overall, 26 (35.6%) patients died on ECMO. Among survivors on ECMO, 44 (60.2%) patients were successfully weaned from support, and three (4.1%) were switched to a mid-long-term ventricular assist device. Thirty-three (45.2%) were successfully discharged. The following variables were significantly different if survivors and nonsurvivors on ECMO were compared: age (P = 0.04), female gender (P < 0.01), cardiopulmonary resuscitation before ECMO (P < 0.01), lactate level before ECMO (P = 0.01), number of platelets, fresh frozen plasma units, and packed red blood cells (PRBCs) transfused during ECMO support (P = 0.03, P = 0.02, and P < 0.01), blood lactate level (P = 0.01), and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) relative index 72 h after ECMO initiation (P < 0.001), and multiple organ failure on ECMO (P < 0.01). Stepwise logistic regression identified blood lactate level and CK-MB relative index at 72 h after ECMO initiation, and number of PRBCs transfused on ECMO as significant predictors of mortality on ECMO (P = 0.011, odds ratio [OR] = 2.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11-3.12; P = 0.012, OR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.026-2.531; and P = 0.012, OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.02-5.21; respectively). Patients with an initial poor hemodynamic status could benefit by rapid peripheral installation of PLS ECMO. The blood lactate level, CK-MB relative index, and PRBCs transfused should be strictly monitored during ECMO support., (© 2012, Copyright the Authors. Artificial Organs © 2012, International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The Levitronix CentriMag (Levitronix LLC, Waltham, MA) ventricular assist device (VAD) is a magnetically levitated rotary pump designed for temporary extracorporeal support. Between February 2004 and May 2010, 42 consecutive adult patients were supported with Levitronix at our institution (32 men; age 62.3 ± 10.5 years, range: 31-76 years). Indications for support were (group A, n = 37) failure to wean from the cardiopulmonary bypass in the setting of postcardiotomy (n = 23), primary donor graft failure (n = 4), or right ventricular failure after axial left VAD (LVAD) placement (n = 10) and (group B, n = 5) refractory heart failure after acute myocardial infarction. The mean support time was 11.2 ± 6.8 days (range: 3-43 days) in group A and 8.6 ± 4.3 days (range: 5-11 days) in group B. In the postcardiotomy cohort (group A), 11 (47.8%) patients were weaned from support as all were supported graft failure patients. Eight patients of axial LVAD cohort were weaned from right VAD (RVAD). One patient was bridged to heart transplantation (Htx). Thirteen (35.1%) patients died on support in group A. In group B, one patient was bridged to Htx and four died on support. In overall population, bleeding requiring reoperation occurred in 15 (35.7%) cases and cerebral major events in four (9.5%). There were no device failures. Of the 23 (54.7%) patients who recovered and were discharged home, 20 (47.6%) are presently alive, and additionally, two patients of both groups who were bridged to Htx (overall n = 22, 52.3%). The Levitronix proved to be useful in patients previously considered nonsuitable for transplantation or long-term assist device. The device was technically easy to manage, and the results were encouraging.

A rare cause of valvular heart disease is the deposition of foreign material in the valvular tissues, including material accumulating as a result of inborn errors of metabolism of the essential amino acids. Alkaptonuria can result in accumulation of homogentisic acid. We report the case of a patient with alkaptonuria undergoing surgery for aortic valve replacement.

Objective: : Video-assisted minimally invasive mitral valve surgery can be performed through different approaches. The aim of the study was to report our early results and compare the external transthoracic aortic clamping with the endoaortic balloon occlusion techniques according to our experience., Methods: : Between January 2000 and March 2010, 138 patients (103 women, aged 58.4 ± 10.2 years) underwent video-assisted mitral valve surgery through a right thoracotomy. Cardiopulmonary bypass was instituted by femoral arterial and bicaval cannulation with active venous drainage and normothermia; cardioplegic arrest achieved with intermittent blood cardioplegia. In group A (93 patients, 68 women, aged 58.8 ± 7.8 years, 72 MV replacement, 21 MV repair), aortic clamping was achieved using the external transthoracic aortic clamp. In group B (45 patients, 35 women, aged 58.1 ± 11.4 years, 33 MV replacement, 12 MV repair), aortic clamping was achieved with endoaortic balloon occlusion., Results: : Intraoperative procedure-associated problems were experienced in one patient (0.7%) in group A (one conversion to sternotomy for pleural adhesions and bad exposure). At a mean follow-up of 36 ± 18 months, 135 patients (97.8%) were in New York Heart Association class I to II, with satisfactory echocardiographic follow-up. In group A, two patients had noncardiac-related deaths. No perioperative deaths were observed in both groups. There were four (2.8%) transient ischemic attacks and one (0.7%) peripheral ischemic event (group A) during the early postoperative period. Mitral valve repair patients had a 5-year freedom from reoperation of 100% in both groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding preoperative variables, such as age, sex, New York Heart Association class, and left ventricular ejection fraction (P > 0.05). Postoperative levels of myocardial cytonecrosis enzymes (MB fraction, creatine kinase, and troponine I) as well as operative time, extracorporeal circulation, and aortic cross-clamping times or ventilation and intensive care unit times were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). More microembolic events were observed in group A than in group B (total 143.4 ± 30.6 per patient vs 78.9 ± 28.6 per patient) by means of continuous automated intraoperative transcranial Doppler evaluations (P < 0.05) applied to part of population., Conclusions: : Both techniques proved safe and comparable with low risk of morbidity and mortality. Patients undergoing endoclamp technique resulted to be less subject to embolism.

Objectives: The excellent results with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have revolutionized the treatment options for end-stage heart failure. The use of pulsatile devices is associated with significant comorbidity and limited durability. The axial-flow HeartMate II LVAD represents the new generation of devices. The clinical use of this pump resulted in superior outcomes. We review the HeartMate II technology, management, clinical usage and our experience., Methods: Between 3/2002 and 12/2008, 18 transplantable adult patients were supported on long-term HeartMate II LVAD at our institution (13 men, age 52 +/- 8.4 years, range: 31-64 years). Primary indications were: ischemic cardiomyopathy (CMP) (n = 13), idiopathic CMP (n = 5). All patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class IV heart failure. None of patients had prior open-heart surgery. Implantation via cannulation of the left ventricular apex and the ascending aorta was always elective., Results: Mean support time was 217 +/- 212.3 days (range: 1-665 days). Early (30-day) mortality was 27.7% (five patients) with multiple organ failure and sepsis as main causes of death. Bleeding requiring reoperation occurred in six (33.3%) cases. Cerebral hemorrhage occurred in one patient. There were two driveline infections and no device failure. Twelve (66.6%) patients were successfully discharged home. Overall nine patients (50%) were transplanted and two patients are actually waiting for a suitable organ (n = 2 patients discharged home and n = 1 patient in hospital). At latest, follow-up survival rate after heart transplantation is 66.6% (six patients)., Conclusion: Long-term HeartMate II LVAD provides good mid-term, long-term results. This new technology requires delicate management. Functional status and quality of life greatly improve in patients who survive the perioperative period.