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Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2020 Jul 7. Epub 2020 Jul 7.

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Electronic address:

The pursuit for an ideal tissue valve has been ongoing for decades. Any prosthetic valve, in an ideal world, should function like a native tissue valve and possess all the desirable characteristics such as durability, nonthrombotic, noninflammatory, competent, easier to implant and inexpensive [1]. It is apparent that no such valve exists as we have numerous options to choose from. Read More

Cureus 2020 May 31;12(5):e8370. Epub 2020 May 31.

Cardiothoracic Surgery, Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Upland, USA.

Intravascular hemolysis is a known complication of prosthetic heart valves. Severe hemolysis is rare (<1%) with the use of newer generation prosthetic valves. This usually occurs due to paravalvular leaks (PVLs). Read More

Heart Lung Circ 2020 Jun 11. Epub 2020 Jun 11.

Section of Cardiovascular Imaging, Robert and Suzanne Tomsich Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA. Electronic address:

Background: Limited data exist regarding the clinical characteristics and contemporary outcomes of patients with pulmonary valve (PoV) infective endocarditis (IE).

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of IE affecting the PoV at our centre between January 2002 and October 2018. Electronic medical records were reviewed to gather the clinical and echocardiographic variables. Read More

J Invasive Cardiol 2020 Jul;32(7):E182-E185

Sentara Heart Valve and Structural Disease Center, Sentara Heart Hospital, 600 Gresham Drive, Norfolk, VA 23507 USA.

Background: Patient prosthesis mismatch (PPM) is an iatrogenic complication that occurs in patients who undergo surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). PPM occurs when the implanted surgical valve has an effective orifice area (EOA) that is too small for the patient, resulting in a gradient across the valve despite an otherwise normally functioning prosthesis. PPM has been associated with mid- and long-term increased morbidity and mortality. Read More

Biomater Sci 2020 Jul 1. Epub 2020 Jul 1.

Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.

Clinically available prosthetic heart valves are life-saving, but imperfect: mechanical valves requiring anticoagulation therapy, whilst bioprosthetic valves have limited durability. Polymer valves offer the prospect of good durability without the need for anticoagulation. We report the design and development of a polymeric heart valve, its bench-testing at ISO standards, and preliminary extra-vivo and in vivo short-term feasibility. Read More

Trials 2020 Jun 26;21(1):574. Epub 2020 Jun 26.

Servizio Formazione, Ricerca e Innovazione, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Ospedale Policlinico, Modena, Italy.

Objectives: To assess whether high doses of Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) (i.e. Enoxaparin 70 IU/kg twice daily) compared to standard prophylactic dose (i. Read More

Int J Clin Pract 2020 Jun 23:e13589. Epub 2020 Jun 23.

Department of Cardiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.

Aims: The risks of thromboembolism and bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and valvular heart disease (VHD) are sparsely described. We described the risk of events in non-anticoagulated and anticoagulated patients with AF and VHD according to the evaluated heart valves, rheumatic or artificial valve classification (EHRA classification), EHRA Type 1 and Type 2 VHD, and within subgroups of EHRA Type 1 and Type 2 VHD.

Methods And Results: Cohort study of AF patients with coexisting VHD, identified in nationwide Danish registries from 2000 to 2018. Read More

Xenotransplantation 2020 Jun 18:e12617. Epub 2020 Jun 18.

Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.

The use of decellularized xenogeneic heart valves might offer a solution to overcome the issue of human valve shortage. The aim of this study was to revise decellularization protocols in combination with enzymatic deglycosylation, in order to reduce the immunogenicity of porcine pulmonary heart valves, in means of cells, carbohydrates, and, primarily, Galα1-3Gal (α-Gal) epitope removal. In particular, the valves were decellularized with sodium dodecylsulfate/sodium deoxycholate (SDS/SD), Triton X-100 + SDS (Tx + SDS), or Trypsin + Triton X-100 (Tryp + Tx) followed by enzymatic digestion with PNGaseF, Endoglycosidase H, or O-glycosidase combined with Neuraminidase. Read More

Cardiovasc Revasc Med 2020 May 25. Epub 2020 May 25.

Thomas Jefferson University, PA, USA. Electronic address:

Background: The risk of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is presumed to be high.

Methods: Electronic databases were searched to identify articles comparing the rate of PVE in post-TAVR and post-surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) patients. Pooled adjusted odds ratio (OR) was computed using a random-effects model. Read More

Heart 2020 Jun 16. Epub 2020 Jun 16.

Division of structural heart disease, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan, USA.

Ann Thorac Surg 2020 Jun 8. Epub 2020 Jun 8.

Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, Germany.

Background: Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is a standard of care in the treatment of aortic valve stenosis (AS). The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term outcome and quality of life (QoL) after biological AVR in patients younger than 60 years.

Methods: 354 consecutive patients ≤ 60 years who underwent biological AVR at our institution (2005-2015) were included. Read More

Int J Cardiol 2020 May 26. Epub 2020 May 26.

Christiaan Barnard Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Cape Town, South Africa. Electronic address:

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) still affects more patients globally than degenerative valve disease. The vast majority of these patients live in low- to middle-income countries. Once symptomatic, they will need heart valve surgery. Read More

Cardiology 2020 26;145(7):439-445. Epub 2020 May 26.

Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA,

Background: After aortic valve replacement (AVR), suspected prosthetic valve dysfunction (mechanical or biological) may arise based on echocardiographic transvalvular velocities and gradients, leading to reoperative surgical intervention being considered. Our experience has found that 4-dimensional (space and time) image reconstruction of ECG-gated computed tomography, termed cine-CT, may be helpful in such cases. We review and illustrate our experience. Read More

Echocardiography 2020 Jun 26;37(6):945-953. Epub 2020 May 26.

Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA.

Background: Transcatheter mitral valve replacement technologies have been developed to treat a wide range of mitral valve pathologies including primary and secondary mitral regurgitation, mitral stenosis, in addition to degenerative bioprosthetic valves and failed annuloplasty rings.

Objective: Transesophageal echocardiography, particularly with use of 3-dimensional imaging is key in successfully guiding these interventions. In this review, we highlight the key role of 3D transesophageal echocardiography in guiding TMVR, including valve-in-native valve, valve-in-prosthetic valve, valve-in-prosthetic ring, and valve-in-mitral annular calcification interventions. Read More

S D Med 2020 Apr;73(4):164-167

Sanford Cardiovascular Institute, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Right heart thrombus (RHT) occurs secondary to deep venous thrombus in transit to pulmonary veins, intra cardiac devices and prosthetic valves. When RHT is present in a patient with pulmonary embolism (PE) it is generally shown to be associated with worse outcomes. Even though multiple trials have studied treatment of PE, the optimal treatment of PE associated with RHT is still largely based on clinical judgment. Read More

Open Forum Infect Dis 2020 May 13;7(5):ofaa127. Epub 2020 Apr 13.

Maladies Infectieuses et Reanimation Médicale, Inserm CIC 1414, Hôpital Pontchaillou, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire, Université Rennes 1, Rennes, France.

Background: Increased access to heart valves through early surgery and progress in molecular microbiology have reduced the proportion of infective endocarditis (IE) with no microbiological documentation and increased the proportion of IE associated with unusual microorganisms.

Methods: We performed an ancillary study of a large prospective population-based survey on IE. Unusual-microorganism IE was defined as definite IE (Duke-Li criteria) due to microorganisms other than streptococci, staphylococci, or enterococci. Read More

J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2020 Apr 13. Epub 2020 Apr 13.

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

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of an aortic root abscess on perioperative outcomes and long-term survival in patients with active infectious endocarditis that was treated surgically.

Methods: From 1996 to 2017, 336 consecutive patients were treated with aortic valve or root replacement for infective endocarditis, including patients with (n = 179) or without (n = 157) a root abscess. Data were obtained from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons data warehouse, through chart review, patient surveys, and National Death Index data. Read More

Echocardiography 2020 Jun 16;37(6):876-882. Epub 2020 May 16.

Dipartimento Ingegneria e Architettura, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.

Introduction: Microbubbles (MBs) or cavitation is high-velocity, echo-bright findings present during the closing or opening of a mechanical valve (MVP). Cavitation bubble growth or gas emboli are less frequently described. We evaluated the hemodynamic parameters involved in the formation of gas emboli and the impact of gas emboli on requests for additional investigations. Read More

IDCases 2020 May 12:e00787. Epub 2020 May 12.

Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States.

Infective endocarditis (IE) caused by is extremely uncommon. Reported cases have usually been associated with intravenous drug use, prosthetic heart valves, and/or implanted cardiac devices. Traditionally, successful treatment has necessitated a combination of antimicrobial(s) and valve replacement. Read More

Open Heart 2020 May;7(1)

General und Interventional Cardiolgy/Angiology, Heart and Diabetes Center North Rhine-Westphalia, Bad Oeynhausen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

Objective: Residual paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) has been associated to adverse outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This study sought to evaluate the impact of device landing zone (DLZ) calcification on residual PVR after TAVR with different next-generation transcatheter heart valves.

Methods: 642 patients underwent TAVR with a SAPIEN 3 (S3; n=292), ACURATE (NEO; n=166), Evolut R (ER; n=132) or Lotus (n=52). Read More

Am J Cardiol 2020 Jul 19;127:113-119. Epub 2020 Apr 19.

Department of Cardiology, Koşuyolu Kartal Heart Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey; Faculty of Health Sciences, Ardahan University, Ardahan, Turkey.

Mechanical prosthetic heart valves (MPHVs) are highly thrombogenic, and a pregnancy-induced procoagulant status increases the risk of MPHV thrombosis. Despite numerous case reports, 2 major registries and meta-analyses/systematic reviews, optimal anticoagulation therapy during pregnancy remains controversial. The goal of this study was to evaluate different anticoagulation regimens in pregnant patients with MPHVs. Read More

GMS Infect Dis 2020 26;8:Doc08. Epub 2020 Mar 26.

Klinische Abteilung für Infektiologie und Tropenmedizin, Medizinische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria.

This is the twelfth chapter of the guideline "Calculated initial parenteral treatment of bacterial infections in adults - update 2018" in the 2 updated version. The German guideline by the Paul-Ehrlich-Gesellschaft für Chemotherapie e.V. Read More

Infection 2020 Apr 30. Epub 2020 Apr 30.

Children's Research Center, Zurich, Switzerland.

Purpose: In 2007, antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) guidelines for infective endocarditis (IE) changed, but the possible influence on the annual incidences of pediatric IE is unclear.

Methods: We studied the clinical and epidemiologic impact of AP change by comparing two time periods before and after change of AP guidelines in a tertiary care center as referral center for a total population of more than 4,500,000 inhabitants.

Results: After change of AP guidelines, twenty-five patients were diagnosed for IE at a median age of 6. Read More

Rev Port Cardiol 2020 Mar 25;39(3):137-149. Epub 2020 Apr 25.

Serviço de Cardiologia do Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.

Introduction: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious disease with significant in-hospital mortality (15-30%) despite advances in medical and surgical therapy.

Aims: To perform a clinical characterization of patients undergoing cardiac surgery for IE and to identify factors that predict in-hospital mortality.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 145 patients with IE admitted between January 2006 and October 2017. Read More

Cardiol Young 2020 Apr 24:1-2. Epub 2020 Apr 24.

Department of Cardiology, Kosuyolu Kartal Heart Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.

Future Cardiol 2020 Apr 23. Epub 2020 Apr 23.

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Jolanda Kluin speaks to Julia Titova, Commissioning Editor at Jolanda Kluin started her medical training at the Erasmus University Rotterdam in 1989 and obtained her medical degree cum laude in 1996. Thereafter, she worked as a PhD student on the project: "", receiving her PhD degree cum laude in 1999. In 2006 she finished her residency in cardiothoracic surgery. Read More

JACC Cardiovasc Interv 2020 May 15;13(9):1071-1082. Epub 2020 Apr 15.

Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg, Germany.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and echocardiographic outcome data of the CHOICE (Randomized Comparison of Transcatheter Heart Valves in High Risk Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis: Medtronic CoreValve Versus Edwards SAPIEN XT) trial at 5 years.

Background: The CHOICE trial was designed to compare device performance of a balloon-expandable (BE) transcatheter heart valve (THV) versus a self-expanding (SE) THV.

Methods: The CHOICE trial is an investigator-initiated trial that randomized 241 high-risk patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis and an anatomy suitable for treatment with both BE and SE THVs to transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement with either device. Read More

Ann Thorac Surg 2020 Apr 11. Epub 2020 Apr 11.

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Institute, Houston, Texas.

Background: Cardiac Surgical Societies Valve Labeling Task Force consensus document acknowledged inconsistent sizing and labelling of prosthetic heart valves. This study compared labeled size, internal diameter, and hemodynamics of different surgical and transcatheter valve types implanted into the same size annulus, measured by pre-procedural computed tomography (CT).

Methods: Patients were retrospectively sorted into 3 CT- annular diameter size groups: small (<23mm), medium (23-26mm), and large (>26mm). Read More

Artif Organs 2020 Apr 12. Epub 2020 Apr 12.

Division of Cardiac Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Based on Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network data as of December 2019, more than 113 000 patients require an organ transplantation, yet, over the course of this past year, only 36 000 patients received a transplant. This discrepancy between those that need a donor organ and those that receive one remains one of medicine's biggest challenges. Multiple solutions, both biologic and artificial, have been proposed to mitigate this difference. Read More

J Thorac Dis 2020 Mar;12(3):893-906

Clinical Department of Cardiac Surgery, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland.

Background: Frequent occurrence of paravalvular leak (PVL) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) was the main concern with early-generation devices and focused technological improvements. Current systematic review and meta-analysis sought to compare outcomes of TAVR for severe native valve stenosis with next-generation devices: Lotus and Sapien 3.

Methods: Electronic databases were screened for studies comparing outcomes of TAVR with Lotus and Sapien 3. Read More

J Thorac Dis 2020 Mar;12(3):724-732

Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, West German Heart and Vascular Centre Essen, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.

Background: Many techniques in mitral valve repair (MVR) have been reported with successful long-term results. The aim of this study is to present our simplified technique in artificial chordae replacement for MVR, and reporting its short-term outcomes.

Methods: We present a prospective single-surgeon experience. Read More

Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 2020 02 1;35(1):65-74. Epub 2020 Feb 1.

Rey Juan Carlos University Health Sciences Faculty Preventive Medicine and Public Health Teaching and Research Unit Madrid Spain Preventive Medicine and Public Health Teaching and Research Unit, Health Sciences Faculty, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain.

Objective: The aims of this study were to examine the incidence and in-hospital outcomes of surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and to identify factors associated with in-hospital mortality (IHM) among patients according to the type of implanted valve used in SAVR.

Methods: We performed a retrospective study using the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database, 2001-2015. We included patients who had SAVR listed as a procedure in their discharge report. Read More

Expert Rev Med Devices 2020 May 20;17(5):399-404. Epub 2020 Apr 20.

Division of Cardiac Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

: A preexisting mechanical mitral valve (MMV) is thought to be a thrombogenic risk factor after continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) implantation. We sought to evaluate the management and outcomes of preexisting MMVs in patients following CF-LVAD implantation.: An electronic search was performed to identify the presence of an MMV at the time of CF-LVAD implantation. Read More

Sci Rep 2020 Apr 7;10(1):6020. Epub 2020 Apr 7.

Division of Surgical Research, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.

The pig (Sus Scrofa Domestica) is an accepted model for preclinical evaluation of prosthetic heart valves and trans-catheter implantation techniques. Understanding porcine cardiac dimensions through three-dimensional computed tomography (CT), increases preclinical study success, leading to higher cost efficiency and to the observance of the obligation to the 3 R principles. Cardiac CT images of twenty-four Swiss large white pigs were segmented; aortic root, mitral valve, pulmonary trunk, tricuspid valve, as well as the aorto-mitral angle and left atrial height were analyzed. Read More

J Cardiothorac Surg 2020 Mar 30;15(1):53. Epub 2020 Mar 30.

Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kokura Memorial Hospital, Asano 3-2-1, Kokura Kita-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, 802-8555, Japan.

Background: Reoperative aortic valve replacement (AVR) is associated with increased mortality compared with initial surgery, and a smaller valve might be implanted during repeat AVR (re-AVR; AVR after prior AVR). We describe the clinical outcomes and incidence of prosthesis-patient mismatches (PPM) after reoperative AVR.

Methods: Among 113 patients who underwent reoperative AVR between 2007 and 2018, 44 underwent re-AVR and 69 underwent a first replacement of a diseased natural valve after any cardiac surgery except AVR (primary AVR). Read More

Mater Today Bio 2020 Jan 5;5:100038. Epub 2019 Dec 5.

School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.

Valvular heart diseases (VHD) are a major health burden, affecting millions of people worldwide. The treatments for such diseases rely on medicine, valve repair, and artificial heart valves including mechanical and bioprosthetic valves. Yet, there are countless reports on possible alternatives noting long-term stability and biocompatibility issues and highlighting the need for fabrication of more durable and effective replacements. Read More

Sci Rep 2020 Mar 24;10(1):5271. Epub 2020 Mar 24.

Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases, Kemerovo, Russian Federation.

Polymeric heart valves seem to be an attractive alternative to mechanical and biological prostheses as they are more durable, due to the superior properties of novel polymers, and have the biocompatibility and hemodynamics comparable to tissue substitutes. This study reports a comprehensive assessment of a nanocomposite based on the functionalised graphene oxide and poly(carbonate-urea)urethane with the trade name "Hastalex" in comparison with GORE-TEX, a commercial polymer routinely used for cardiovascular medical devices. Experimental data have proved that GORE-TEX has a 2. Read More

Heart 2020 Jul 22;106(13):970-976. Epub 2020 Mar 22.

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a common valve disorder in an ageing population in western countries, and women, with longer life expectancy, comprise a substantial percentage of elderly patients with AS. Compared with men, women exhibit distinctive characteristics at the level of stenotic valve leaflets and subsequent compensatory responses of the left ventricle to chronic pressure overload, and in clinical presentation, consequences and response to intervention. Randomised controlled trials of transcatheter aortic valve implantation have yielded new evidence of sex differences in both short-term and long-term outcomes after intervention. Read More

Rev Med Chil 2019 Dec;147(12):1535-1542

Hospital Dr. Gustavo Fricke, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.

Background Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious disease with high mortality, especially among the most severe cases undergoing surgery. Aim To analyze the clinical features, perioperative mortality and long-term survival of patients with infective endocarditis requiring surgery. Material and Methods Review of medical records of patients who underwent heart valve surgery for active infective endocarditis in a public hospital between 1995 and 2008. Read More

J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2020 06 10;159(6):e330-e332. Epub 2020 Mar 10.

Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn.

Turk Kardiyol Dern Ars 2020 Mar;48(2):127-136

Division of Health Sciences, Ardahan University, Ardahan, Turkey; Department of Cardiology, Koşuyolu Kartal Heart Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.

Objective: Spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) is defined as dynamic, smoke-like echoes within the cardiac cavities with a characteristic swirling motion seen on echocardiography. Clinical studies have demonstrated that SEC is a risk factor for left atrial thrombus formation and an important indicator for potential systemic embolism. Platelet indices have been associated with the presence of SEC in patients with mitral stenosis. Read More

PET Clin 2020 Apr 28;15(2):187-195. Epub 2020 Jan 28.

Meander Medical Center, Nuclear Medicine, Afd.Nucleaire Geneeskunde, Maatweg 3, Amersfoort 3813TZ, the Netherlands. Electronic address:

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/computed tomography (CT) is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of endocarditis, especially in the setting of infection of prosthetic materials. Adequate knowledge of physiologic variants and possible confounders is key in the correct interpretation of FDG-PET/CT findings. Read More

Ann Thorac Surg 2020 Feb 27. Epub 2020 Feb 27.

Department of Cardiac and Vascular Surgery, Robert-Bosch-Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany.

Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening condition requiring fast and efficient diagnostic and therapeutic measures. In this case, the history of several cardiac surgeries hindered finding the correct diagnosis initially. Only after indication of ultima ratio cardiac redo operation the underlying cause was found intraoperatively: a defective mechanical valve prosthesis with migration of one of the two leaflets. Read More

Cureus 2020 Jan 18;12(1):e6695. Epub 2020 Jan 18.

Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA.

Infective endocarditis is a significant healthcare burden due to the associated high mortality and complications. Endocarditis caused by both  and non- (NCAC) species has been associated with a substantial rise in in-hospital morbidity and mortality. We used the Pubmed database to identify 47 out of 101 articles that had met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Read More

J Med Eng Technol 2020 Feb 24;44(2):76-81. Epub 2020 Feb 24.

The Heart Valve Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Applied Science, School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, Canada.

In this study, we describe the design, fabrication and computational testing of a new prosthetic device for aortic valve replacement. The device is an active stent composed of a silicone rubber during initial prototyping, with adaptation towards a hydrogel, poly-vinyl alcohol reinforced with bacterial cellulose nanofibres underway. The nature of the stent is soft robotic (SR), where an increase in internal pressure of the pneumatic network causes an increase in the internal diameter of the device. Read More

Turk Gogus Kalp Damar Cerrahisi Derg 2019 Apr 24;27(2):159-164. Epub 2019 Apr 24.

Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Turkey.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the surgical outcomes of prosthetic valve endocarditis.

Methods: A total of 21 patients (6 males, 15 females; mean age 58.9±12. Read More

Br J Haematol 2020 Feb 20. Epub 2020 Feb 20.

I Clinica Medica, Atherothrombosis Centre, Department of Clinical Internal, Anaesthetic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.

Quality of warfarin therapy in patients with a mechanical prosthetic heart valve (MPHV) has been barely investigated. We analysed determinants of low time in the therapeutic range (TiTR <60%) in 2111 patients with MPHVs from the nationwide PLECTRUM study by the Italian Federation of Anticoagulation Clinics. Overall, 48·5% of patients had a TiTR of < 60%. Read More

Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019 31;7:477. Epub 2020 Jan 31.

School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.

Prosthetic pulmonary valves are widely used in the management procedures of various congenital heart diseases, including the surgical pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) and right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction (RVOT). The discouraging long-term outcomes of standard prostheses, including homografts and bioprosthetic, constrained their indications. Recent developments in the expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) pulmonary prosthetic valves provide promising alternatives. Read More