Mechanical Circulatory Support for Heart Failure: Past, Present and a Look at the Future
This review provides a perspective on the past, present and future of mechanical circulatory support and addresses the changes in technology, patient selection and management strategies needed to have this therapy fully embraced by the heart failure community, and perhaps replace heart transplantation either as the therapy of choice or as a strategy by which to delay transplantation in younger patients.
Anticoagulation in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Low Ejection Fraction and Sinus Rhythm: Back to the Drawing Board
Heart failure patients present an important thrombo-embolic risk, including symptomatic or silent peripheral arterial embolism, pulmonary embolism and stroke.
Potential of Gene Therapy as a Treatment for Heart Failure
Advances in understanding the molecular basis of myocardial dysfunction, together with the evolution of increasingly efficient gene transfer technology, make gene-based therapy a promising treatment option for heart conditions.
Tirone David Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement and Cusp Repair for Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease
The durability of valve-sparing aortic root replacement with or without cusp repair in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease is questioned. We analyzed the results of 75 patients with a BAV undergoing Tirone David reimplantation valve-sparing aortic root replacement.
Minimal-Access Aortic Valve Replacement with Concomitant Aortic Procedure: A 9-Year Experience
Minimal-access approaches through upper hemisternotomy is an established technique for aortic valve replacement (AVR) and aortic surgery in our institution. We assessed the outcome of undergoing AVR with concomitant aortic surgery through upper hemisternotomy.
Clinical Outcome of Mechanical Circulatory Support for Refractory Cardiogenic Shock in the Current Era
Mortality for refractory cardiogenic shock (RCS) remains high. However, with improving mechanical circulatory support device (MCSD) technology, the treatment options for RCS patients are expanding. We report on a recent 5-year single-center experience with MCSD for treatment of RCS.
Prognostic Value of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Aortic Regurgitation
These results demonstrate a potential role for CMR for risk stratification of patients with asymptomatic moderate or severe AR, given the ability of CMR to accurately quantify AR and LV volumes. Based on the data presented, it is possible that we may be waiting too long to offer surgery in patients with severe AR.
Isolated Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients with Small Aortic Annulus-A High-Risk Group on Long-Term Follow-Up
Patients with small aortic annulus undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement face an often underestimated surgical risk. We describe initial clinical results and long-term follow-up of this particular high-risk group.
Does an Allergy to Fish Pre-empt an Adverse Protamine Reaction? A Case Report and a Literature Review
We report on the outcome for our patient and also discuss other risk factors and the types of reactions that can result when an adverse reaction to protamine occurs.
Successful Intraoperative Reversal of Heparin With Factor VII in a Patient With Protamine Reaction
We report the case of a patient who developed intractable bleeding after a severe protamine reaction following emergency repair of type A aortic dissection and was successfully treated with factor VII.