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Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests and/or personal relationships that may be considered potential competing interests: All authors report financial support and employment by University Medical Centre Groningen.

Volatile anesthetics have been shown in different studies to reduce ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) facilitates graft evaluation, extends preservation time and potentially enables injury repair and improvement of lung quality. We hypothesized that ventilating lungs with sevoflurane during EVLP would reduce lung injury and improve lung function. We performed a pilot study to test this hypothesis in a slaughterhouse sheep DCD model. Lungs were harvested, flushed and stored on ice for 3 h, after which EVLP was performed for 4 h. Lungs were ventilated with either an FiO 2 of 0.4 (EVLP, n = 5) or FiO 2 of 0.4 plus sevoflurane at a 2% end-tidal concentration (C et ) (S-EVLP, n = 5). Perfusate, tissue samples and functional measurements were collected and analyzed. A steady state of the target C et sevoflurane was reached with measurable concentrations in perfusate. Lungs in the S-EVLP group showed significantly better dynamic lung compliance than those in the EVLP group ( p = 0.003). Oxygenation capacity was not different in treated lungs for delta partial oxygen pressure (PO 2 ; +3.8 (-4.9/11.1) vs. -11.7 (-12.0/-3.2) kPa, p = 0.151), but there was a trend of a better PO 2 /FiO 2 ratio ( p = 0.054). Perfusate ASAT levels in S-EVLP were significantly reduced compared to the control group (198.1 ± 93.66 vs. 223.9 ± 105.7 IU/L, p = 0.02). We conclude that ventilating lungs with sevoflurane during EVLP is feasible and could be useful to improve graft function.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to develop a mathematical model for mitral annular dilatation simulation and determine its effects on the individualized mitral valve (MV) coaptation reserve index (CRI)., Design: A retrospective analysis of intraoperative transesophageal 3-dimensionalechocardiographic MV datasets was performed. A mathematical model was created to assess the mitral CRI for each leaflet segment (A1-P1, A2-P2, A3-P3). Mitral CRI was defined as the ratio between the coaptation reserve (measured coaptation length along the closure line) and an individualized correction factor. Indexing was chosen to correct for MV sphericity and area of largest valve opening. Mathematical models were created to simulate progressive mitral annular dilatation and to predict the effect on the individual mitral CRI., Setting: At a single-center academic hospital., Participants: Twenty-five patients with normally functioning MVs undergoing cardiac surgery., Interventions: None., Measurements and Main Results: Direct measurement of leaflet coaptation along the closure line showed the lowest amount of coaptation (reserve) near the commissures (A1-P1 0.21 ± 0.05 cm and A3-P3 0.22 ± 0.06 cm), and the highest amount of coaptation (reserve) at region A2 to P2 0.25 ± 0.06 cm. After indexing, the A2-to-P2 region was the area with the lowest CRI in the majority of patients, and also the area with the least resistance to mitral regurgitation (MR) occurrence after simulation of progressive annular dilation., Conclusions: Quantification and indexing of mitral coaptation reserve along the closure line are feasible. Indexing and mathematical simulation of progressive annular dilatation consistently showed that indexed coaptation reserve was lowest in the A2-to-P2 region. These results may explain why this area is prone to lose coaptation and is often affected in MR., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Management of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is challenging. Current practice predominantly is based on data from experimental and small uncontrolled studies and includes augmentation of blood pressure. However, whether such intervention is effective in the clinical setting of cardiac surgery is unknown., Design: Randomized controlled trial., Setting: Single-center study in a tertiary teaching hospital., Participants: The study comprised 78 patients equipped with a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC), classified according to PAC-derived RV ejection fraction (RVEF); 44 patients had an RVEF of <20%, and 34 patients had an RVEF between ≥20% and <30%., Interventions: Patients randomly were assigned to either a normal target group (mean arterial pressure 65 mmHg) or a high target group [mean arterial pressure 85 mmHg]). The primary end- point was the change in RVEF over a one-hour study period., Measurements and Main Results: There was no significant between-group difference in change of RVEF <20% (-1% [-3.3 to 1.8] in the normal-target group v 0.5% [-1 to 4] in the high-target group; p = 0.159). There was no significant between-group difference in change in RVEF 20%-to-30% (-1% [-3 to 0] in the normal-target group v 1% [-1 to 3] in the high-target group; p = 0.074). These results were in line with the simultaneous observation that echocardiographic variables of RV and left ventricular function also remained unaltered over time, irrespective of either baseline RVEF or treatment protocol., Conclusion: In a mixed cardiac surgery population with RV dysfunction, norepinephrine-mediated high blood pressure targets did not result in an increase in PAC-derived RVEF compared with normal blood pressure targets., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim of the present study was to identify whether the decrease of longitudinal parameters after cardiothoracic surgery (ie, tricuspid annular systolic plane excursion [TAPSE] and systolic excursion velocity [S']) is accompanied by a reduction in global right ventricular (RV) performance., Design: Prospective, observational study., Setting: Single-center explorative study in a tertiary teaching hospital., Participants: The study comprised 20 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement with or without coronary artery bypass grafting., Interventions: During cardiac surgery, simultaneous measurements of RV function were performed with a pulmonary artery catheter and transesophageal echocardiography., Measurements and Main Results: TAPSE and S' were reduced significantly directly after surgery compared with the time before surgery (TAPSE from 20.8 [16.6-23.4] mm to 9.1 [5.6-15.5] mm; p < 0.001 and S' from 8.7 [7.9-10.7] cm/s to 7.2 [5.7-8.6] cm/s; p = 0.041). However, the reduction in TAPSE and S' was not accompanied by a reduction in RV performance, as assessed with the TEE-derived myocardial performance index (MPI) and pulmonary artery catheter-derived RV ejection fraction (RVEF). Both remained statistically unaltered before and after the procedure (MPI from 0.52 [0.43-0.58] to 0.50 [0.42-0.88]; p = 0.278 and RVEF from 27% [22%-32%] to 26% [22%-28%]; p = 0.294)., Conclusions: In the direct postoperative phase, the reduction of echocardiographic parameters of longitudinal RV contractility (TAPSE and S') were not accompanied by a reduction in global RV performance, expressed as MPI and RVEF. Solely relying on a single RV parameter as a marker for global RV performance may not be adequate to assess the complex adaptation of the right ventricle to aortic valve replacement., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Patients with bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) are heterogeneous with regard to patterns of root remodeling and valvular dysfunction. Two-dimensional echocardiography is the standard surveillance modality for patients with aortic valve dysfunction. However, ancillary computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is often necessary to characterize associated patterns of aortic root pathology. Conversely, the pairing of three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography with novel quantitative modeling techniques allows for a single modality description of the entire root complex. We sought to determine 3D aortic valve and root geometry with this quantitative approach., Methods: Transesophageal real-time 3D echocardiography was performed in five patients with tricuspid aortic valves (TAV) and in five patients with BAV. No patient had evidence of valvular dysfunction or aortic root pathology. A customized image analysis protocol was used to assess 3D aortic annular, valvular, and root geometry., Results: Annular, sinus and sinotubular junction diameters and areas were similar in both groups. Coaptation length and area were higher in the TAV group (7.25 ±  0.98 mm and 298 ± 118 mm 2 , respectively) compared to the BAV group (5.67 ± 1.33 mm and 177 ± 43 mm 2 ; P = .07 and P = .01). Cusp surface area to annular area, coaptation height, and the sub- and supravalvular tenting indices did not differ significantly between groups., Conclusions: Single modality 3D echocardiography-based modeling allows for a quantitative description of the aortic valve and root geometry. This technique together with novel indices will improve our understanding of normal and pathologic geometry in the BAV population and may help to identify geometric predictors of adverse remodeling and guide tailored surgical therapy., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Fluid responsiveness prediction is difficult during cardiac surgery. The micro-fluid challenge (micro-FC; rapid central infusion of 50 ml) and the extrasystolic method utilising post-extrasystolic preload increases may predict fluid responsiveness. Two study windows during coronary artery bypass graft surgery were defined, 1: After anaesthesia induction until surgical incision, 2: Left internal mammarian artery surgical preparation period. Each window consisted of 10-15 min observation for extrasystoles before a micro-FC was performed, after which a traditional fluid challenge (FC) was performed (5 ml/kg). Extrasystolic and micro-FC induced changes in hemodynamic variables were derived as predictors of fluid responsiveness defined as stroke volume increasing > 10% following FC. 61 patients were studied. Post-ectopic changes in pulse pressure (PP) predicted fluid responsiveness with receiver operating characteristic area (AUC) of 0.69 [CI 0.40;0.97] in the first study window and 0.64 [0.44;0.86] in the second window. Other post-ectopic predictors such as pre-ejection period (PEP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) had similar or lower AUCs. Heart rate was 52.9 (SD ±8.4) min - 1 and 53.6 (± 8.8) min - 1 in the two study windows. Micro-FC induced changes in PEP had AUC of 0.74 [0.57;0.90] in the first window and 0.60 [0.40;0.76] in the second window. Correcting micro-FC induced changes in PEP for the micro-FC induced changes in heart rate had AUCs of 0.84 [0.70;0.97] in the first window and 0.63 [0.47;0.79] in the second window. The investigated methods revealed insufficient validity during cardiac surgery. RR interval corrected changes during a micro-FC should be investigated further. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03002129.

Blood flow between the aorta and atrium is a rare but complex pathological condition, also known as aorto-atrial fistula (AAF). The exact incidence of this condition is unknown, as are the major precipitating factors and best treatment options. We carried out a systematic review of the available case report literature reporting AAF. We systematically reviewed literature on AAF formation and closure. Separate Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, and Cochrane database queries were performed. The following MESH headings were used: atrium, ventricle, fistula, cardiac, shunts, aortic, aorto-atrial tunnels and coronary cameral fistula. All papers were considered for analysis irrespective of their quality, or the journal in which they were published. Fistula formation from the ascending aorta to the atria occurred more often in the right atrium compared to the left. Endocarditis was the major cause of AAF formation, whilst congenital causes were responsible for nearly 12%. In a number of cases fistula formation occurred secondary to cardiac surgery, whilst chest traumas were a relatively rare cause of AAF. Correction via an open surgical approach occurred in 73.5% of cases, whilst percutaneous intervention was utilised in 10% of patients. In 74.3% of all studied cases the fistula repair was successful and patients survived the procedures. In 14.7% of the cases patients did not survive. Similar outcomes were observed between percutaneous and surgical interventions. Data from larger populations with AAF is lacking, meaning that specific data regarding incidence and prevalence does currently not exist., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Aorta-atrial fistulas (AAF) are a rare but complex pathological condition. These fistulas are characterised by aberrant blood flow between the aorta and either atrium. In the present manuscript, we present a comprehensive overview of the clinical characteristics, formation and treatment of this condition. A literature review was conducted using PubMed. Aorta-Atrial Fistula was used as the primary search term. The clinical presentation of AAF encompasses a wide range of signs and symptoms of heart failure including dyspnoea, chest pain, palpitations, fatigue, weakness coughing or oedema. Causes of fistulas can be congenital or acquired, whilst diagnosis is normally achieved via echocardiography or MRI. Due to the low incidence of AAF, no clinical trials have been performed in AAF patients and treatment strategies are based on expert opinion and consensus amongst the treating physicians. Uncorrected AAF may continue to impose a risk of progression to overt heart failure. The repair of an AAF can either be surgical or percutaneous. AAF is a relatively rare but very serious condition. Clinicians should consider the possibility of AAF, when a new continuous cardiac murmur occurs, especially in patients with a history of cardiac surgery or with signs of heart failure. Closure of the AAF fistula tract is generally recommended. Further studies are required to define optimal therapeutic strategies, but these are hindered by the rarity of the occurrence of this disorder., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Background: Surgical treatment of complicated aortic valve endocarditis often is challenging, even for experienced surgeons. We aim at demonstrating a standardized surgical approach by stentless bioprostheses for the treatment of aortic valve endocarditis complicated by paravalvular abscess formation., Methods: Sixteen patients presenting with aortic valve endocarditis (4 native and 12 prosthetic valves) and paravalvular abscess formation at various localizations and to different extents were treated by a standardized approach using stentless bioprostheses. The procedure consisted of thorough debridement, root replacement with reimplantation of the coronary arteries and correction of accompanying pathologies (aortoventricular and aortomitral dehiscence, septum derangements, Gerbode defect, total atrioventricular conduction block, mitral and tricuspid valve involvement)., Results: All highly complex patients included (14 males and 2 females; median age 63 years [range 31-77]) could be successfully treated with stentless bioprostheses as aortic root replacement. Radical surgical debridement of infected tissue with anatomical recontruction was feasible. Although predicted operative mortality was high (median logarithmic EuroSCORE I of 40.7 [range 12.8-68.3]), in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates were favorable (18.8 and 12.5% respectively)., Conclusions: Repair of active aortic valve endocarditis complicated by paravalvular abscess formation and destruction of the left ventricular outflow tract with stentless bioprosthesis is a valuable option for both native and prosthetic valves. It presents a standardized approach with a high success rate for complete debridement, is readily available, and yields comparable clinical outcomes to the historical gold standard, repair by homografts. Additionally, use of one type of prosthesis reduces logistical issues and purchasing costs.

Objectives: A thorough understanding of mitral and aortic valve motion dynamics is essential in mastering the skills necessary for performing successful valve intervention (open or transcatheter repair or replacement). We describe a reproducible and versatile beating-heart mitral and aortic valve assessment and valve intervention training model in human cadavers., Methods: The model is constructed by bilateral ligation of the pulmonary veins, ligation of the supra-aortic arteries, creating a shunt between the descending thoracic aorta and the left atrial appendage with a vascular prosthesis, anastomizing a vascular prosthesis to the apex and positioning an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in the vascular prosthesis, cross-clamping the descending thoracic aorta, and finally placing a fluid line in the shunt prosthesis. The left ventricle is filled with saline to the desired pressure through the fluid line, and the IABP is switched on and set to a desired frequency (usually 60-80 bpm). Prerepair valve dynamic motion can be studied under direct endoscopic visualization. After assessment, the IABP is switched off, and valve intervention training can be performed using standard techniques., Results: This high-fidelity simulation model has known limitations, but provides a realistic environment with an actual beating (human) heart, which is of incremental value. The model provides a unique opportunity to fill a beating heart with saline and to study prerepair mitral and aortic valve dynamic motion under direct endoscopic visualization., Conclusions: The entire set-up provides a versatile beating-heart mitral and aortic valve assessment model, which may have important implications for future valve intervention training., (© The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: A gender-neutral threshold aneurysm diameter (AD) of more than 5.5 cm for surgical intervention in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) ignores the fact that women have a smaller baseline AD. We hypothesized that women have a greater AD relative to body surface area (BSA) at the time of surgery and that this worsens outcome., Methods: The Vascular Study Group of New England database was queried for elective AAA repairs performed from 2003 to 2011 to compare BSA-indexed AD, ie, aortic size index (ASI), between men and women at the time of surgery and the impact of ASI on outcome., Results: Women were older and had higher ASI among both open-repair (n = 1,566) and endovascular repair (n = 2,172) patients (P < .001). Among open-repair patients, mean ASI for men undergoing repair at AD of 5.5 cm (2.75 cm/m²) was used to subdivide women into 2 categories: women with ASI of 2.75 or more were older (P < .001), had a larger aneurysm size (P < .001), and had a higher 1-year mortality (P = .042) than women with ASI less than 2.75., Conclusions: When indexed to BSA, women have a larger aneurysm size than men at the time of AAA repair., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Treatment of damaged cardiac tissue in patients with high bleeding tendency can be very challenging, damaged myocardial tissue has a high rupture risk when being sutured subsequently on-going bleeding is a major risk factor for poor clinical outcome. We present a case demonstrating the feasibility in using a novel haemostatic collagen sponge for the management of a myocardial wound. This report is the first description in cardiac surgery where Hemopatch sponges are used to successfully seal a left ventricle wound. Our patient was diagnosed with endocarditis, had a low pre-operative haemoglobin count and underwent cardiac surgery for multiple valve repairs. The procedure was performed on cardiopulmonary bypass, which meant our patient had to be heparinized. Despite these major risk factors for bleeding Hemopatch managed to contain bleeding and seal the wound, no sutures were needed.

Background: Papillary muscle rupture (PMR) is a rare, but dramatic mechanical complication of myocardial infarction (MI), which can lead to rapid clinical deterioration and death. Immediate surgical intervention is considered the optimal and most rational treatment, despite high risks. In this study we sought to identify overall long-term survival and its predictors for patients who underwent mitral valve surgery for post-MI PMR., Methods: Fifty consecutive patients (mean age 64.7±10.8 years) underwent mitral valve repair (n=10) or replacement (n=40) for post-MI PMR from January 1990 through May 2014. Clinical data, echocardiographic data, catheterization data, and surgical data were stored in a dedicated database. Follow-up was obtained in June of 2014; mean follow-up was 7.1±6.8 years (range 0.0-22.2 years). Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of long-term survival. Kaplan-Meier curves were compared with the log-rank test., Results: Kaplan-Meier cumulative survival at 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 years was 71.9±6.4%, 65.1±6.9%, 49.5±7.6%, 36.1±8.0% and 23.7±9.2%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed logistic EuroSCORE≥40% and EuroSCORE II≥25% as strong independent predictors of a lower overall long-term survival. After removal of the EuroSCOREs from the model, preoperative inotropic drug support and mitral valve replacement (MVR) without (partial or complete) preservation of the subvalvular apparatus were independent predictors of a lower overall long-term survival., Conclusions: Logistic EuroSCORE≥40%, EuroSCORE II≥25%, preoperative inotropic drug support and MVR without (partial or complete) preservation of the subvalvular apparatus are strong independent predictors of a lower overall long-term survival in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery for post-MI PMR. Whenever possible, the subvalvular apparatus should be preserved in these patients.

We present a case of a 71-year-old Caucasian male with a ventriculo-atrial defect due to infective endocarditis, originating from his aortic root near a bioprosthetic aortic valve, implanted 4 years earlier. Ventriculo-atrial defects are rare and can occur after endocarditis with abscess formation, usually in native tissue. We report a ventriculo-atrial defect due to a paravalvular aortic prosthetic defect, secondary to inflammation, a novel third type of a Gerbode defect. Case presentation, clinical decision making and surgical approach are discusses in this report.

Treatment of left ventricle wall rupture is very challenging, ruptured myocardial tissue is usually of poor quality and has a high risk of total rupture when being sutured. Furthermore, rapid decision-making is needed under stressful conditions. We present a series of three cases demonstrating the feasibility of using only hemostatic collagen sponges for the management of left ventricle wall rupture. All patients we Caucasian males, two patients were 65 years and one patient was 67 years old at the time of surgery. This report contains the first video images of solely use of hemostatic collagen sponges to seal a left ventricle wall rupture. Implication of our case series could be that the indication to use hemostatic collagen sponges, could be broadened towards other surgical specialties where suturing ruptured tissue can be difficult.

Background: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a complex endeavor involving both motor and cognitive skills. Current training requires extended time in the clinical setting. Application of an integrated approach for TEE training including simulation could facilitate acquisition of skills and knowledge., Methods: Echo-naive nonattending anesthesia physicians were offered Web-based echo didactics and biweekly hands-on sessions with a TEE simulator for 4 weeks. Manual skills were assessed weekly with kinematic analysis of TEE probe motion and compared with that of experts. Simulator-acquired skills were assessed clinically with the performance of intraoperative TEE examinations after training. Data were presented as median (interquartile range)., Results: The manual skills of 18 trainees were evaluated with kinematic analysis. Peak movements and path length were found to be independent predictors of proficiency (P < 0.01) by multiple regression analysis. Week 1 trainees had longer path length (637 mm [312 to 1,210]) than that of experts (349 mm [179 to 516]); P < 0.01. Week 1 trainees also had more peak movements (17 [9 to 29]) than that of experts (8 [2 to 12]); P < 0.01. Skills acquired from simulator training were assessed clinically with eight additional trainees during intraoperative TEE examinations. Compared with the experts, novice trainees required more time (199 s [193 to 208] vs. 87 s [83 to 16]; P = 0.002) and performed more transitions throughout the examination (43 [36 to 53] vs. 21 [20 to 23]; P = 0.004)., Conclusions: A simulation-based TEE curriculum can teach knowledge and technical skills to echo-naive learners. Kinematic measures can objectively evaluate the progression of manual TEE skills.

Objective: To compare the determination of stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) using 2-dimensional (2D) versus 3-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)., Design: Prospective observational study., Setting: Tertiary care university hospital., Participants: 35 patients without structural valve abnormalities undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting., Interventions: Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) diameter determined with 2D TEE was used to estimate LVOT cross-sectional area (CSALVOT). LVOT area was measured directly with 3D TEE by planimetry on an en face view. SV and CO were calculated for both methods using the continuity equation., Measurements and Main Results: The area of the LVOT differed significantly between methods, being significantly larger in the 3D method (3.57±0.70 cm(2)v 3.98±0.93 cm(2)) . This resulted in a 10% lower CO with the 2D method of LVOT area estimation., Conclusions: LVOT area is underestimated with the single- axis 2D method when compared with 3D planimetered area. This results in a CO that is approximately 10% lower with the 2D method., (© 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The case is presented of a 75-year-old man referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation. During the procedure the prosthetic aortic valve became dislocated into the left ventricle shortly after expansion. The subsequent steps taken to reposition the valve using only materials at hand are described.

Background: Owing to its elliptical shape, the left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT) area is underestimated by two-dimensional (2D) diameter-based calculations which assume a circular shape. This results in overestimation of aortic stenosis (AS) by the continuity equation. In cases of moderate to severe AS, this overestimation can affect intraoperative clinical decision making (expectant management versus replacement). The purpose of this intraoperative study was to compare the aortic valve area calculated by 2D diameter based and three-dimensional (3D) derived LVOT area via transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and its impact on severity of AS., Methods: The LVOT area was calculated using intraoperative 2D and 3D TEE data from patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery using the 2D diameter (RADIUS), 3D planimetry (PLANE), and 3D biplane (π·x·y) measurement (ELLIPSE) methods. For each method, the LVOT area was used to determine the aortic valve area by the continuity equation and the severity of AS categorized as mild, moderate, or severe., Results: A total of 66 patients completed the study. The RADIUS method (3.5 ± 0.9 cm(2)) underestimated LVOT area by 21% (p < 0.05) compared with the PLANE method (4.1 ± 0.1 cm(2)) and by 18% (p < 0.05) compared with the ELLIPSE method (4.0 ± 0.9 cm(2)). There was no significant difference between the two 3D methods, namely, PLANE and ELLIPSE. Seven AVR patients (18%) and 1 CABG surgery patient (6%) who had originally been classified as severe AS by the 2D method were reclassified as moderate AS by the 3D methods (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Three-dimensional echocardiography has the potential to impact surgical decision making in cases of moderate to severe AS., (Copyright © 2013 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The purpose of this review was to evaluate new computer software available for 3-dimensional right ventricular (RV) volume estimation., Description: Based on 2-dimensional echocardiography, various algorithms have been used for RV volume estimation. These are complex, time-consuming techniques and are prone to significant error. The current clinical paradigm of RV volume assessment is based on the visual quantitative assessment of chamber size and the use of tricuspid annular and RV internal diameters as a surrogate measure of RV volume. Hence, there is a need for a practical method for the intraoperative assessment of RV volume., Evaluation: The evaluation consists of an objective review of the capabilities of this software and its potential application in the operating room. The authors also performed a detailed review of the potential limitations and possible improvements., Conclusions: This new software has the potential to be incorporated into the existing workflow environment of the ultrasound systems in the future, making it clinically feasible to perform perioperative RV volume analysis., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Bioresorbable implants for musculoskeletal injuries involving bone and ligaments in adults might have significant advantages compared to the conventionally used non-resorbable metal implants because they lead to a gradual transfer of the mechanical load from the implant to the healing bone and do not require a secondary removal operation. Tissue reactions may present a problem and bioresorbable screws are mechanically not as strong as their metal counterparts., Objectives: To compare bioresorbable implants to non-resorbable implants with respect to functional outcome, wound infections, other complications and reoperation rate,in the fixation of bone fractures or re-attachment of soft tissue to bone., Search Strategy: We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (March 2004), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 1, 2004), MEDLINE (1966 to February 2004), EMBASE (1988 to February 2004), BL Inside (to February 2004), SIGLE (to February 2004), the metaRegister of Controlled Trials at http//:controlled-trials.com/, and reference lists of articles., Selection Criteria: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomised trials, comparing bioresorbable osteosynthesis with metal osteosynthesis (including titanium and stainless steel implants) were included., Data Collection and Analysis: Review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Data were pooled where relevant and possible. Sub-analyses for specific type of fractures and for specific type of tissue reactions were performed. Requests for more information were sent to trialists., Main Results: No significant difference between the bioresorbable and other implants could be demonstrated with respect to functional outcome, infections and other complications. Reoperation rates were lower in some of the groups of people treated with bioresorbable implants., Authors' Conclusions: In a selected group of compliant patients with simple fractures, the use of bioresorbable fixation devices might be advantageous.