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The evaluation of the current randomised trials demonstrates that concomitant surgical ablation and cardiac surgery is safe and effective at restoring sinus rhythm.

Background: Establishing the relative merits of ministernotomy (MS) and minithoracotomy (MT) approaches to minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MIAVR) is difficult given the limited available direct evidence. Network meta-analysis is a Bayesian approach that can combine direct and indirect evidence to better define the benefits and risks of MS and MT.Methods: Electronic searches were performed using six databases from their inception to June 2014.Relevant studies utilizing a minimally invasive approach for aortic valve replacement were identified. Data were extracted and analyzed according to predefined clinical endpoints. Both traditional and Bayesian metaanalysis approaches were conducted.Results: Compared to full sternotomy, MT was associated with longer cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) duration (WMD, 9.99; 95% CI, 3.91, 16.07; I 2 =55%; P=0.001) and cross-clamp duration (WMD, 7.64; 95% CI, 2.86, 12.42; P=0.002; I 2 =74%). When compared to MS using network meta-analysis, no significant difference in duration was detected. Postoperative outcomes including 30-day mortality, stroke, and reoperation for bleeding and wound infection were comparable between MS and MT using both traditional and Bayesian meta-analysis techniques. Conclusions:The current evidence demonstrates that MIAVR via MS or MT is a safe and efficacious alternative to conventional median sternotomy. MT may be associated with longer CPB and cross-clamp durations, but has similar post-operative outcomes compared to MS. An individualized approach tailored to both the patient and surgical team is likely to provide optimal outcomes.

Biatrial and LA ablations produced comparable 30-day and late mortality but LA was associated with significantly reduced permanent pacemaker implantation rates. Biatrial ablation appeared to be more efficacious than LA ablation in achieving SR at 1 year, but this difference was not maintained beyond 1 year. Trends appear to be driven by the preferential selection of long-standing and persistent AF patients for the BA approach. Future randomized studies of adequate follow-up are required to validate risks and benefits of BA vs. LA surgical ablation.

Background: Despite the survival benefit of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for treatment of refractory cardiogenic shock, it can also have potentially deleterious effects of left ventricular overload and pulmonary edema. The objective of this review was to investigate the current evidence on the incidence, diagnosis, risk factors, prevention, and interventions for left ventricular overload in adult and pediatric VA-ECMO patients. Methods: Five electronic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, were searched for original published studies from their dates of inception to January 2018. All types of adult and pediatric studies that investigated LV overload in VA-ECMO and were published in the English language were reviewed. Exclusion criteria included abstracts and conference presentations. Results: The reported incidence and sequelae of LV overload in VA-ECMO are highly variable, with presentations ranging from pulmonary arterial diastolic pressures of greater than 25 mmHg and LV distention on echocardiography, to severe pulmonary edema, LV thrombosis, and refractory ventricular arrhythmias. Currently, there are no standardized diagnostic criteria or guidelines for the type and timing of intervention for LV overload. Techniques for LV decompression have included direct surgical LV venting with catheter insertion via sternotomy or a minimally invasive incision; percutaneous catheterization via a transaortic, transseptal, or transpulmonary approach; ventricular assist devices; and intra-aortic balloon pumps. Conclusions: Left ventricular volume distention is a significant problem in VA-ECMO patients, with sequelae including myocardial ischemia, severe pulmonary edema, and intracardiac thrombosis. Further research is required on its incidence, diagnostic criteria, and risk factors, as well as the optimal timing and method for LV decompression, given the diversity of surgical and percutaneous techniques that are available.

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