The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Comparative Study
Trilogy pericardial valve: hemodynamic performance and calcification in adolescent sheep.
We assessed the hemodynamic performance and calcification potential of a new design of bovine pericardial valve, the Trilogy valve (Arbor Surgical Technologies Inc, Irvine, CA). We compared this new valve with the Perimount valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA) in a randomized prospective study in adolescent sheep. ⋯ These findings demonstrate that a valve designed to reduce stress in the tissue, improve leaflet kinematics, with advanced antimineralization treatment, can exhibit superior calcification resistance in the mitral position of adolescent sheep. The trilobal geometry and independent leaflet suspension design, combined with an advanced tissue treatment, appears to be a promising breakthrough in the effort to develop a more durable and hemodynamically efficient bioprosthetic valve.
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Intraoperative echocardiography has become a mainstay monitor of cardiac function and a popular diagnostic tool in patients undergoing cardiac procedures. Previous reports suggest that epiaortic ultrasonography (EU) is superior to transesophageal echocardiography and manual palpation in identifying ascending aortic atheroma. Its impact on surgical decision making has not been thoroughly investigated, however. ⋯ Epiaortic ultrasonography is a useful technique to detect ascending aortic atheroma, has a significant impact on surgical decision making in more than 4% of cardiac surgical patients, and might result in improved perioperative neurologic outcome.
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In order to optimize the Fontan circulation, a technique for direct superior and inferior cavopulmonary connections was devised. Such pathways retain growth potential, obviate suture lines within the right atrium, and avoid prosthetic implants. They thus enable definitive, single-stage ventricular unloading, regardless of patient size or great artery position.
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The primary goal of this study is to identify clinical variables associated with successful surgical treatment for hyperhidrosis and facial blushing. ⋯ Significant improvement in quality of life can result from surgery for hyperhidrosis. However, the incidence of postoperative compensatory sweating may be dependent on the level of sympathicotomy performed. The choice of sympathicotomy level(s) should be directed toward reducing the incidence of significant compensatory sweating while simultaneously ensuring relief of primary preoperative symptoms.