Selective visceral perfusion is a safe procedure that provides a better urine output, hepatic function and tissue perfusion. This technique allows for the repair of complex aortic arch anomalies in neonates without deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.

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OBJECTIVES The Edwards Intuity valve is a rapid deployment aortic prosthesis that favours less invasive approaches. However, evidence about the clinical behaviour of their smaller sizes is scarce. Herein, we studied haemodynamic behaviours and clinical outcomes of small Intuity prostheses (19–21 mm) in comparison to larger Intuity prostheses (>21 mm). METHODS This is an observational study including patients implanted with an Edwards Intuity rapid deployment aortic prosthesis. Patients with prosthesis sizes 19–21 and >21 mm were included. Baseline and perioperative variables, as well as adverse events during the follow-up were recorded and compared between groups. RESULTS A total of 122 patients (37% female, mean age 75 ± 4.5 years) were included, of whom 54 (45%) were implanted with a small prosthesis and 68 (55%) with a prosthesis >21 mm. There were no significant differences between patients with small Intuity prostheses and patients with larger prostheses regarding in-hospital mortality (2% vs 4%, P = 0.43) or mortality during the follow-up (3.41 vs 2.45 per 100 patients-years; P = 0.58). Survival in the small Intuity valve group was 95% at 1 year and 83% at 6 years, whereas in the larger Intuity valve group was 96% at 1 year and 78% at 6 years. The presence of a small prosthesis did not influence mid-term survival (log-rank P-value = 0.62). CONCLUSIONS This study showed good clinical performance of Intuity aortic prostheses with appropriate mid-term survival in patients with the small aortic annulus. Thus, the Edwards Intuity rapid deployment aortic prosthesis may be considered as a potential option in patients with the small aortic annulus.

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Surgical palliation of many types of congenital heart defects requires the use of a conduit between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. Dissections of these conduits are very infrequent. We report a case of a ten-year-old girl who developed acute right heart failure related to a Contegra conduit dissection. She underwent a new conduit replacement on an emergency basis.

Sternal surgical wound infection (SSWI) in cardiac surgery is associated with increased morbidity. We investigated the incidence of SSWI, the main germs implicated and predictors of SSWI. Prospective study including patients undergoing full median sternotomy between January 2017 and December 2019. Patients were followed‐up for 3 months after hospital discharge. All sternal wound infections up to 90 days after discharge were considered SSWI. 1004 patients were included. During follow‐up, 68 (6.8%) patients presented SSWI. Patients with SSWI had a higher incidence of postoperative renal failure (29.4% vs 17.1%, P = .007), a higher incidence of early postoperative reoperation for non‐infectious causes (42.6% vs 9.1%, P < .001), longer ICU stay (3 [2–9] days vs 2 [2–4] days, P = .006), and longer hospital stay (24.5 [14.8–38.3] days vs 10 [7–18] days, P < .001). Gram‐positive germs were presented in 49% of the cultures, and gram‐negative bacteria in 35%. Early reoperation for non‐infectious causes (OR 4.90, 95% CI 1.03–23.7), and a longer ICU stay (OR 1.37 95% CI 1.10–1.72) were independent predictors of SSWI. SSWI is rare but leads to more postoperative complications. The need for early reoperation because of non‐infectious cause and a longer ICU stay were independently associated with SSWI.

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