Stentless aortic bioprostheses have been successfully used for over a decade. The 3f bioprosthesis is a new equine pericardial stentless valve, unique in its tubular design, preserving the native aortic sinuses post-implant. Forty-six consecutive aortic valve replacements with the 3f bioprosthesis were performed between June 2003 and January 2005. The patients were prospectively assessed and echocardiography was performed at 6 months, 12 months, and annually thereafter. The median follow-up was 2.1 + or - 0.9 years. There was one early and 4 late deaths; none were valve-related. The 2-year mean transvalvular gradient was 8.8 + or - 3.8 mm Hg, the mean echocardiographic aortic regurgitation grade was 0.4 + or - 0.7 (grade 1 being trivial). Echocardiographic sizing of the aortic annulus before surgery accurately predicted prosthesis size. The 3f bioprosthesis is easy to implant. Early clinical results are favorable, with hemodynamic profiles consistent with those of other stentless prostheses. Longer follow-up is required to confirm its durability.
We report three cases of symptomatic stenosis of the great vessels or supra-aortic trunks successfully treated surgically with aorto-subclavian and aorto-innominate bypass. Two were performed via manubriotomy and a third case via standard median sternotomy because of concomitant coronary revascularisation. There was complete symptomatic relief on follow-up, and radiological imaging confirmed good flow in the grafts and post-stenotic arteries.
Recently reported acute complications associated with biological tissue sealants in cardiac surgery have prompted the use of more rapidly polymerizing cyanoacrylate compounds. We describe, however, that de-airing after aortic valve replacement (AVR) represents a critical window during which these newer agents can lead to potentially life-threatening glue "thrombus" formation.
Type A aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition with a wide range of clinical manifestations. Dissection can sometimes mimic an acute myocardial infarction due to similar presenting symptoms and initial clinical investigations. We report the case of a 52-year-old male who presented with an inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with two drug-eluting stents inserted as a stabilizing intervention prior to surgical repair of an acute aortic dissection.
Background
COVID-19 has caused a global pandemic of unprecedented proportions. Elective cardiac surgery has been universally postponed with only urgent and emergency cardiac operations being performed. The National Health Service in the United Kingdom introduced national measures to conserve intensive care beds and significantly limit elective activity shortly after lockdown.
Case presentation
We report two cases of early post-operative mortality secondary to COVID-19 infection immediately prior to the implementation of these widespread measures.
Conclusion
The role of cardiac surgery in the presence of COVID-19 is still very unpredictable and further studies on both short term and long term outcomes are warranted.
The purpose of our study was to analyze current indications for surgery in pleuropulmonary tuberculosis (TB). We present our experience with TB patients presenting with indications for surgery between 1998 and 2003. Material and Methods: The indications for surgical intervention included 220 cases of empyema, mediastinal lymphadenopathy 48 cases, hemoptysis 25 cases, destroyed lung 24 cases, undiagnosed pleural effusion 24 cases, bronchiectasis 18 cases, cavitary lesion with MDRTB 13 cases and pulmonary aspergilloma 10 cases. Thirteen patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis required surgical intervention, although 26 were treated with second line drugs during this period. Results: The techniques utilized included decortication in 152 cases, lobectomy in 62 cases, rib resection for pleural drainage in 50 cases, anterior mediastinotomy in 48 cases, pneumonectomy in 28 cases, open pleural biopsy in 24 cases, and thoracoplasty in 18 cases. In 12 patients (3.1%), two procedures were performed, and in one case, 3 procedures. In 65 cases (17%) there were complications, of which persistent air leakage after decortication & pulmonary resection was the most frequent (n=26). There was a mortality rate of 2.8% (11 cases). Conclusions: In our experience, surgery in the treatment of TB is indicated to resolve sequalae or complications, since cases of simple or multidrug-resistant TB can be managed pharmacologically. The morbidity and mortality rates in our series were acceptable.
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