The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Left atrial dissection, a rare complication occurring mainly after mitral repair, is reported after double valve replacement in a patient with a connective tissue disease. A 63-year-old woman with systemic sclerosis underwent double valve replacement. Laceration of the tissue between the two mechanical prostheses and dissection of the left atrial wall emerged postoperatively and regurgitation through the dissection caused heart failure, which later improved without surgery. The possible causes of the dissection were thought to be shear forces against the tissue between the two prostheses and tissue fragility due to systemic sclerosis and corticosteroid therapy.
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Successful treatment of destructive aortic valve endocarditis with annular abscess formation requires extensive surgical debridement and reconstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract and aortic root. Homograft aortic roots are the conduits of choice, but because they are not available in all cases, alternative conduits are needed. ⋯ The Freestyle aortic root appears to be an acceptable alternative to homografts in the treatment of severe endocarditis. Long-term valve durability in younger patients, however, remains to be determined.
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The valved stentless composite graft has become well established in our hospital for replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic valve in elderly patients and those with contraindication for lifelong anticoagulation. This study was conducted to evaluate the postoperative hemodynamic characteristics and clinical outcomes after implantation of this device. ⋯ A stentless composite graft for replacement of the aortic valve and ascending aorta offers excellent hemodynamic results and is a suitable device for patients in whom anticoagulation should be avoided.
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The use of cardiopulmonary bypass is still necessary for the repair of many congenital cardiac defects. However, exposure to cardiopulmonary bypass can still lead to major morbidity and sometimes mortality, especially in neonates and infants, despite a perfect surgical repair. Various research-based strategies have been used to minimize some of the complications related to cardiopulmonary bypass, including the systemic inflammatory response, hemodilution, and transfusion requirement. This overview provides some of the strategies that we use in our practice in applying cardiopulmonary bypass in the repair of congenital cardiac defects in neonates and infants.