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Swiss Med Wkly 2019 Feb 10;149:w20023. Epub 2019 Mar 10.

Department of Cardiology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.

Mitral regurgitation is a highly prevalent condition among elderly patients, affecting almost 10% of the general population aged 75 and older. Left untreated, severe mitral regurgitation results in high mortality and frequent hospitalisation for treatment of heart failure. Surgical treatment remains the first-line therapy for symptomatic, severe mitral regurgitation , especially for patients presenting with a primary aetiology. Read More

Heart 2019 Mar;105(Suppl 2):s28-s33

Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.

Patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) occurs when an implanted prosthetic valve is too small for the patient; severe PPM is defined as an indexed effective orifice area (iEOA) <0.65 cm/m following aortic valve replacement (AVR). This review examines articles from the past 10 years addressing the prevalence, outcomes and options for prevention and treatment of PPM after AVR. Read More

Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 2019 Jan-Feb;34(1):93-97

Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Pronto-Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco (PROCAPE), Recife, Brazil.

The best treatment for patients with ischemic heart failure (HF) is still on debate. There is growing evidence that coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) benefits these patients. The current recommendations for revascularization in this context are that CABG is reasonable when it comes to decreasing morbidity and mortality rates for patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction <35%), and significant coronary artery disease (CAD) and should be considered in patients with operable coronary anatomy, regardless whether or not there is a viable myocardium (class IIb). Read More

Breast Care (Basel) 2018 Dec 14;13(6):419-424. Epub 2018 Nov 14.

Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.

Gynecomastia is defined as a unilateral or bilateral persistent benign mammary gland enlargement in men. Prevalence of asymptomatic gynecomastia is up to 65%. True gynecomastia must be distinguished from pseudogynecomastia. Read More

J Thorac Dis 2018 Dec;10(12):6969-6986

Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, Spain.

Ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is a frequent complication after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) associated with a worse prognosis. The pathophysiological mechanisms of IMR are not fully understood, but it is known to be a complex process in which ventricular remodelling is the main causal factor. The various imaging techniques in cardiology and echocardiography fundamentally have contributed significantly to clarify the mechanisms that cause and progressively aggravate IMR. Read More

J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2018 Dec 21. Epub 2018 Dec 21.

Department of Cardiac Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Objective: The study objective was to evaluate the perioperative and long-term outcomes of aortic root repair and aortic root replacement and provide evidence for root management in acute type A aortic dissection.

Methods: From 1996 to 2017, 491 patients underwent aortic root repair (n = 307) or aortic root replacement (n = 184) (62% bioprosthesis) for acute type A aortic dissection. Indications for aortic root replacement were intimal tear at the aortic root, root measuring 4. Read More

Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med 2019 Feb 7;21(1). Epub 2019 Feb 7.

The Cardiovascular Center, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.

Purpose Of Review: Ischemic heart disease is the most common cause of heart failure with systolic dysfunction. The progressive course of heart failure characterized by increasing levels of care and worsening quality of life often indicates an advanced stage. Similarly, cardiogenic shock remains a major clinical problem with prohibitively high mortality rates despite major advances in clinical care. Read More

Ann Cardiothorac Surg 2018 Nov;7(6):716-723

CORE Research Group, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.

Background: Valvular heart disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world; in industrialized nations, mitral regurgitation (MR) is the most common valvular lesion. Untreated, severe MR has a poor prognosis, with a 5-year mortality rate of up to 50%. Surgical repair of symptomatic, severe primary MR has been demonstrated to improve survival. Read More

J Intensive Care 2018 16;6:73. Epub 2018 Nov 16.

1Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6 Canada.

Purpose: It is not clear whether vasopressin versus norepinephrine changed mortality in clinical practice in the Vasopressin and Septic Shock Trial (VASST) coordinating center hospital after VASST was published. We tested the hypothesis that vasopressin changed mortality compared to norepinephrine using propensity matching of vasopressin to norepinephrine-treated patients in the VASST coordinating center hospital before (SPH1) and after (SPH2) VASST was published.

Methods: Vasopressin-treated patients were propensity score matched to norepinephrine-treated patients based on age, APACHE II, respiratory, renal, and hematologic dysfunction, mechanical ventilation status, medical/surgical status, infection site, and norepinephrine dose. Read More

Crit Care Clin 2019 Jan 25;35(1):1-9. Epub 2018 Oct 25.

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, J4-1, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. Electronic address:

Lung transplantation, heart transplantation, and heart-lung transplantation are life-saving treatment options for patients with lung and/or cardiac failure. Evolution in these therapies over the past several decades has led to better outcomes with application to more patients. The complexity and severity of illness of patients in the pretransplant phase has steadily increased, making posttransplant intensive care unit management more difficult. Read More

Respir Med Case Rep 2018 23;25:327-329. Epub 2018 Oct 23.

University of Florida College of Medicine, Pulmonary & Critical Care, USA.

Asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy (ATD also known as Jeune syndrome) is a very rare disorder with an incidence in the United States of 1 case per 100,000-130,000 live births. Chronic alveolar hypoventilation leading to concurrent hypoxia is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients due to its complications. A 22-year-old male with past medical history of ATD and severe kyphoscoliosis presented with progressively worsening shortness of breath for several days. Read More

Semin Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2019 Mar 8;23(1):48-56. Epub 2018 Nov 8.

1 Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.

The advent of percutaneous therapies has significantly altered therapeutic options for patients with valvular heart disease. Building on the success of transcatheter aortic valve replacement, both expanded indications and purpose-built devices are now being used to address percutaneous approaches for mitral valve pathology. While surgical mitral valve repair remains the gold standard for addressing significant mitral valve pathology, there has been a progressive increase in the utilization of bioprosthetic valves despite their limited lifespan. Read More

Cardiol Clin 2018 Nov;36(4):519-529

Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant, Pauley Heart Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1200 East Broad Street, PO Box: 980204, Richmond, VA 23298-0036, USA. Electronic address:

Continuous-flow (CF) left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are a safe and durable therapeutic option for patients with advanced heart failure as a bridge to transplant or as destination therapy. Despite the remarkable technological advances in device design and increasing familiarity with the physiologic effects of CF, major complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) continue to cause significant morbidity. The causes underlying CF-LVAD-related GIB are multifactorial. Read More

Cardiol Clin 2018 Nov;36(4):487-494

Department of Cardiology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.

Severe systolic dysfunction combined with symptoms of heart failure has a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Medical management remains the mainstay of therapy but mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is one of the treatment options for end-stage heart failure. The left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is the most common type of device used for durable MCS. Read More

Eur Surg Res 2018 21;59(3-4):286-299. Epub 2018 Sep 21.

Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery and Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.

Background: Most of the current treatment options for large-scale tissue defects represent a serious burden for the patients, are often not satisfying, and can be associated with significant side effects. Although major achievements have already been made in the field of tissue engineering, the clinical translation in case of extensive tissue defects is only in its early stages. The main challenge and reason for the failure of most tissue engineering approaches is the missing vascularization within large-scale transplants. Read More

Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med 2018 Sep 21;20(11):87. Epub 2018 Sep 21.

Department of Cardiovascular Disease, 200 1st street SW, Rochester, MN, 55901, USA.

Purpose Of Review: Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women. The goal of this review is to address known disparities in cardiovascular care with regard to diagnosis and treatment of heart disease in women.

Recent Findings: Gender-specific differences in regard to the incidence, treatment, and outcomes of common cardiovascular pathology are increasingly recognized. Read More

Adv Exp Med Biol 2018;1098:199-211

School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.

Human trials of cardio-regenerative biologic therapies are being performed worldwide to address a growing, unmet need for durable treatments of cardiovascular disease. A well-constructed clinical trial design for these novel therapies requires careful attention to defining a clear hypothesis, a patient population, and anticipated outcomes. The scope of screening, method of randomization, blinding approach, data monitoring, and statistical analysis plan are the foundational elements that must be addressed in any clinical trial. Read More

Curr Atheroscler Rep 2018 Sep 17;20(11):54. Epub 2018 Sep 17.

Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy.

Purpose Of Review: Resting heart rate is an independent risk factor for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with heart failure. The main objectives are to discuss the prognosis of heart rate, its association with coronary atherosclerosis, and the modalities of control of the heart rate in sinus rhythm and in the rhythm of atrial fibrillation in patients with chronic heart failure.

Recent Findings: As a therapeutic option for control heart rate, medications such as beta-blockers, digoxin, and finally ivabradine have been studied. Read More

Cardiol Young 2018 Nov 12;28(11):1295-1298. Epub 2018 Sep 12.

7Department of Paediatric Cardiology and Transplant Cardiology,Great Ormond Street Hospital,London,UK.

Advanced medical and surgical treatment of heart failure and management of patients following heart transplantation is an emerging area. Treatment options at various levels are becoming available in an increasing number of countries. This rapidly evolving field involves a complex multi-disciplinary approach with a number of complementary medical and surgical strategies, including pharmacotherapy, structural cardiac interventions, electrophysiological optimisation, mechanical circulatory support, and heart transplantation. Read More

Indian Heart J 2018 Jul - Aug;70(4):506-510. Epub 2017 Nov 14.

Associate Professor of Cardiology, Institute of Cardiology, Madras Medical College - Rajiv Gandhi Govt General Hospital, Poonamalliee High road, Chennai - 3, India.

Objective: Prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) is a dreadful complication of mechanical prosthetic valves. Thrombolytic therapy (TT) for PVT is an alternative to surgery and currently making a leading role. This study compares TT with tenecteplase (TNK) and streptokinase (SK) head to head in patients with mitral PVT. Read More

Eur Heart J 2018 Aug 21. Epub 2018 Aug 21.

Adult Congenital Heart Centre, Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney St, Chelsea London, UK.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common inborn defect. Due to advances in paediatric care, surgical, and catheter procedures the number of adults with CHD has grown remarkably in recent years. Most of these patients, however, have residua from their original operation/s and require life-long care, many of them are subjected to further haemodynamic and electrophysiological interventions during adulthood. Read More

Int Heart J 2018 Sep 11;59(5):1041-1046. Epub 2018 Aug 11.

Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Tokyo Hospital.

The prevalence of arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) and critical limb ischemia (CLI) is currently increasing, and arterial reconstruction is often attempted to salvage the limb. Some patients cannot undergo attempted revascularization because of contraindications, and they only receive conservative treatment. In this study, we investigate the comorbidities and survival rates of patients with CLI who receive conservative treatment. Read More

J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2018 Nov;19(11):613-623

Cardiology Section, Department of Clinical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia.

: The right ventricle has become increasingly studied in cardiovascular research. In this article, we describe specific pathophysiological characteristics of the right ventricle, with special focus on functional and molecular modifications as well as therapeutic strategies in right ventricular dysfunction, underlining the differences with the left ventricle. Then we analyze the main imaging modalities to assess right ventricular function in different clinical settings. Read More

Kyobu Geka 2018 Jul;71(7):484-487

Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.

Surgical strategy for non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) is currently controversial. Subjects were 20 patients who underwent left ventriculoplasty(LVP) from 2006 to 2013 and 6 patients who underwent papillary muscle tugging approximation (PMTA) after 2015. PMTA is a new trans-mitral approach combined with valve replacement without left ventriculotomy. Read More

J Thorac Dis 2018 Jun;10(Suppl 15):S1785-S1789

Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.

Growing worldwide incidences of end-stage heart failure and declining rates of cardiac transplants have given rise to the need for alternative treatment options, based on mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices such as left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Technologically advanced LVADs such as the HVAD (HeartWare, Medtronic) facilitate safe and efficient treatment of heart failure patients with reduced post-operative complications, which is attributed to their considerably miniaturized size. This also facilitates the development and implementation of novel, minimally-invasive surgical techniques. Read More

Cardiovasc Res 2018 Dec;114(14):1871-1882

Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, AV Groningen, The Netherlands.

Aims: The prevalence of heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is increasing, but therapeutic options are limited. Oxidative stress is suggested to play an important role in the pathophysiology of HFpEF. However, whether oxidative stress is a bystander due to comorbidities or causative in itself remains unknown. Read More

Int J Artif Organs 2018 Nov 18;41(11):764-771. Epub 2018 Jul 18.

1 Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.

Introduction:: Pump thrombosis of left ventricular assist devices remains a devastating complication with high morbidity and mortality. Despite the improvements made, the matter affects many patients and the treatment options are limited to thrombolysis and surgical replacement. An alternative approach using the aspiration Indigo catheter was tested. Read More

BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2018 Jul 16;18(1):148. Epub 2018 Jul 16.

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kajii-cho 465, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan.

Background: In patients with Noonan syndrome (NS), cardiac disorders such as pulmonary valve stenosis (PS) or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are common. While some patients can develop heart failure associated with HCM, the long-term outcome of adult patients with NS is reported to be good. Fatal outcomes of heart failure in patients with NS but without HCM are rare. Read More

Case Rep Cardiol 2018 1;2018:6485831. Epub 2018 Apr 1.

Department of Cardiology, Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, PA, USA.

Anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare congenital coronary anomaly with high mortality. It is associated with cardiovascular complications and is usually diagnosed soon after birth. Those who survive into adulthood can present with signs of myocardial infarction, heart failure, mitral regurgitation, severe pulmonary hypertension, or sudden cardiac death. Read More

J Card Surg 2018 Sep 10;33(9):508-519. Epub 2018 Jul 10.

Department of Thoracic-Cardiovascular Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.

Background: Transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve (TMVIV) and valve-in-ring (TMVIR) implantation for degenerated mitral bioprostheses and failed annuloplasty rings have recently emerged as treatment options for patients deemed unsuitable for repeat surgery.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted to summarize the data regarding the baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing TMVIV and TMVIR procedures.

Results: A total of 245 patients (172 patients who underwent TMVIV surgery and 73 patients who underwent TMVIR surgery) were included in the study; 93. Read More

J Vasc Interv Neurol 2018 Jun;10(1):52-56

Department of Neurology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.

Background: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) are both viable treatment options for carotid artery stenosis. We sought to compare perioperative outcomes after CEA and CAS for the management of carotid stenosis using a "real-world" sample.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to compare 30-day (periprocedural) outcomes in patients with carotid stenosis undergoing CEA versus CAS from 2005 to 2012. Read More

Lakartidningen 2018 06 11;115. Epub 2018 Jun 11.

Umeå Universitet - Institutionen för folkhälsa och klinisk medicin, Umeå Universitet Umeå, Sweden Umeå Universitet - Institutionen för folkhälsa och klinisk medicin, Umeå Universitet Umeå, Sweden.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common cardiogenetic disease affecting 1/500-1/1 000 individuals. Dyspnea is common but chest pain, dizziness or fainting may also cause considerable limitation for the patient. The diagnosis can be suspected from ECG. Read More

Transpl Int 2018 11 16;31(11):1223-1232. Epub 2018 Jul 16.

Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Internationally 3% of the donor hearts are distributed to re-transplant patients. In Eurotransplant, only patients with a primary graft dysfunction (PGD) within 1 week after heart transplantation (HTX) are indicated for high urgency listing. The aim of this study is to provide evidence for the discussion on whether these patients should still be allocated with priority. Read More

Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2018 Dec;54(6):977-985

Department of Cardiovascular Diseases and Cardiovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.

The optimal management of aortic surgical bioprosthesis presenting with severe symptomatic structural valve deterioration is currently a matter of debate. Over the past 20 years, the number of implanted bioprostheses worldwide has been rapidly increasing at the expense of mechanical prostheses. A large proportion of patients, however, will require intervention for bioprosthesis structural valve deterioration. Read More

Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2018 Jun 5;51(3):195-201. Epub 2018 Jun 5.

Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine.

Background: We investigated the surgical outcomes of patients who underwent therapeutic surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) at a single center.

Methods: A retrospective review of 21 patients who underwent therapeutic surgery for MPM from January 2001 to June 2015 was conducted to assess their outcomes. The patients' characteristics and postoperative course, including complications, mortality, overall survival, and recurrence-free survival, were analyzed. Read More

Perfusion 2018 05;33(1_suppl):7-17

1 Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, The Edmond J Safra International Congenital Heart Center; The Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital; The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a prothrombotic, immune-mediated complication of unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low molecular weight heparin therapy. HIT is characterized by moderate thrombocytopenia 5-10 days after initial heparin exposure, detection of platelet-activating anti-platelet factor 4/heparin antibodies and an increased risk of venous and arterial thrombosis. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of mechanical circulatory support used in critically ill patients with respiratory or cardiac failure. Read More

Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg 2018 Nov;27(5):657-663

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of left ventricular reverse remodelling (LVRR) and recurrent mitral regurgitation (MR) at mid-term follow-up (1-2 years after surgery) in patients after personalized surgical treatment of heart failure and functional MR due to non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy and to assess their prognostic impact on long-term clinical outcomes.

Methods: Consecutive patients with refractory heart failure and non-ischaemic MR, who underwent mitral valve surgery with or without additional procedures, were identified. Patients with complete preoperative and mid-term echocardiographic data were included. Read More

Multimed Man Cardiothorac Surg 2018 Apr 25;2018. Epub 2018 Apr 25.

University Hospital Lausanne - Switzerland University Hospital Geneva - Switzerland.

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are currently the best alternative to cardiac transplantation for patients with end-stage heart failure (HF) as a bridge to transplant or to decision, or as destination therapy. Full median sternotomy or minimally invasive techniques are the more standard approaches used at present.  LVADs are usually implanted between the left ventricle apex and the ascending aorta. Read More

Cardiol Rev 2018 Sep/Oct;26(5):239-244

Division of Cardiology, New York Medical College at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited disease characterized by unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy. Although it is estimated to affect 1 out of 500 people, the HCM gene carrier prevalence is much more common, probably as high as 1 in 200 people. Most affected individuals have a normal life expectancy, whereas some patients may develop sudden cardiac death or end-stage heart failure. Read More

Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J 2017 Jul-Sep;13(3):126-131

HOUSTON METHODIST DEBAKEY HEART & VASCULAR CENTER, HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL, HOUSTON, TEXAS.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has exploded into medical care for aortic stenosis, thus changing the treatment options for patients. TAVR is currently approved for extreme-risk, high-risk, and intermediate-risk patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis, and randomized trials for low-risk patients are underway. This article traces the trajectory of TAVR as a viable option for higher-risk patients and examines current outcomes. Read More

Trends Cardiovasc Med 2018 10 4;28(7):469-480. Epub 2018 Apr 4.

Yale University, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Department of Cardiology, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT, United States. Electronic address:

Atrial fibrillation is a common diagnosis affecting nearly 3 million adults in the United States. Morbidity and mortality in these patients is driven largely by the associated increased risk of thromboembolic complications, especially stroke. Atrial fibrillation is a stronger risk factor than hypertension, coronary disease, or heart failure and is associated with an approximately five-fold increased risk. Read More

Anaesthesist 2018 May 7. Epub 2018 May 7.

Herzchirurgische Klinik und Poliklinik, Transplantationszentrum, Klinikum Großhadern, LMU München, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, München, Deutschland.

Expert Rev Med Devices 2018 May 8;15(5):357-365. Epub 2018 May 8.

a Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine , University of Leeds , Leeds , UK.

Introduction: Mitral regurgitation is a common finding in patients with chronic heart failure and is associated with a progressive worsening of symptoms, reduced survival and increased cost of care. However, the use of mitral valve surgery for these patients remains controversial and has not been shown to improve survival. Consequently, research has been increasingly directed towards the nonsurgical management of this important co-morbidity of heart failure. Read More

Ther Clin Risk Manag 2018 19;14:741-751. Epub 2018 Apr 19.

Department of Anesthesiology, Reanimatology, and Intensive Medicine, Karlovac General Hospital, Karlovac, Croatia.

Purpose: There are no evidence-based guidelines for volume replacement during surgical procedures such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, the administration of a restrictive volume of crystalloids could be more cost-effective and safe. This trial aimed to determine the effectiveness and safety of a restrictive regimen of crystalloids in patients during laparoscopic cholecystectomy by analyzing its cost-effectiveness and 1-year morbidity rate. Read More

JACC Heart Fail 2018 May 11;6(5):353-363. Epub 2018 Apr 11.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Institute, Division of Cardiology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts. Electronic address:

Heart failure (HF), characterized by excessive exertional dyspnea, is a common complication within the broad clinical spectrum of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). HF has become an increasingly prominent management issue with the reduction in sudden deaths due to use of implantable defibrillators in this disease. Exertional dyspnea ranges in severity from mild to severe (New York Heart Association functional classes II to IV) and not uncommonly becomes refractory to medical management, leading to progressive disability, but largely in the absence of pulmonary congestion and volume overload requiring hospitalization. Read More

Anaesthesist 2018 May;67(5):326-335

Klinik für Operative Intensivmedizin und Intermediate Care, Medizinische Fakultät RWTH Aachen, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Deutschland.

Background: After exhaustion of all conservative measures in the treatment of acute and chronic heart insufficiency, there is the possibility to temporarily or permanently support or replace the pump performance of the heart by mechanical circulatory support (MCS) systems.

Objective: Presentation of the most important cardiac support systems for intensive care medicine, their indications and important risk factors.

Material And Methods: Critical review of device manufacturer's specifications, current research and expert opinions. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Feb 3;60(1):128-135. Epub 2018 Apr 3.

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center, Regensburg, Germany.

Background: A retrospective study was designed to analyze the outcome of patients with extracorporeal life support (ECLS) who needed a consecutive cardiac or pulmonary support system.

Methods: From 2006 to 2016, 93 out of 587 patients with their age ranging from 2.4 to 77. Read More

Minerva Cardioangiol 2018 Dec 28;66(6):729-734. Epub 2018 Mar 28.

Swedish Heart and Vascular Institute, Seattle, WA, USA -

The tricuspid valve has long been described as the "forgotten valve", leaving tricuspid valve disease relatively neglected. However, the number of people in the United States affected by severe tricuspid regurgitation is growing. Isolated surgery for severe tricuspid regurgitation in the setting of right ventricular heart failure carries a high mortality risk, and therefore, attention to corrective therapies has increased. Read More

J Geriatr Cardiol 2017 Dec;14(12):750-762

Heart Center, Department of Cardiology, Zentralklinik, Bad Berka, Germany.

Congenital left ventricular aneurysm or diverticulum are rare cardiac malformations described in 809 cases since the first description in 1816, being associated with other cardiac, vascular or thoraco-abdominal abnormalities in about 70%. It appears to be a developmental anomaly, starting in the 4 embryonic week. In an experimental study, targeted knockdown of cardiac troponin T in the chick was performed at day 3, after the heart tube has formed. Read More

Heart Fail Rev 2018 07;23(4):555-562

Pediatric Heart Center, University of Giessen and Marburg, Feulgenstrasse 12, 35390, Giessen, Germany.

While in adults major advances in heart failure therapy in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy were documented in the last two decades, research on the mechanism and therapies of heart failure in children with left ventricular dilated cardiomyopathy has lagged behind. Despite the lack of sufficient randomized prospective studies, ACE inhibitors are first line and ß-receptor antagonists are second-line strategies in children. Following the adult guidelines, without having data concerning the pediatric population, mineral corticoids are also accepted in the treatment of pediatric heart failure, while diuretics should only be used to achieve a euvolemic status. Read More