Journal of cardiac surgery
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Stroke remains a significant complication of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy. We performed a single-center retrospective study evaluating patients undergoing first-time HeartWare HVAD (Medtronic Inc) or HeartMate 3 (Abbott Inc) implantation from September 2009-February 2018. ⋯ Different LVAD models appear to be associated with significantly different stroke risks.
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SEPSIS-3 DEFINITION: Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated host response to infection. The clinical criteria of sepsis include organ dysfunction, which is defined as an increase of two points or more on the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA). For patients with infection, an increase of 2 SOFA points yields an overall mortality rate of 10%. Patients with suspected infection who are likely to have a prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay or to have in-hospital mortality can be promptly identified at the bedside with a quick SOFA (qSOFA) score of 2 or higher.
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Current guidelines recommend root replacement when diameter of the sinuses of Valsalva are superior to 45 mm particularly for bicuspid valve. However, in case of tubular aorta aneurysms with moderate root dilatation (40-45 mm diameter), the approach is still debated regarding the increased risk of coronary reimplantation. We present a modified hemi-remodeling aortic repair technique that includes the replacement of the noncoronary sinus, ascending aorta, and valve repair with external ring annuloplasty in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and moderately dilated aortic root. ⋯ The standardized modified hemi-remodeling technique we present is a safe and reproducible procedure, with satisfactory durability at follow-up. This technique represents an interesting alternative to full valve sparing root replacement, as it avoids the operative risk of coronary reimplantation, allows shorter cross-clamping time and a better exposition on the valve for a symmetrical repair, placing the commissure at 180°, compared with valve sparing root replacement.
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The HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a novel, intrapericardial, centrifugal-flow pump with a fully magnetically-levitated rotor designed to provide hemodynamic support in patients with end-stage heart failure. Unique aspects of this LVAD have allowed for improved hemocompatibility and the development of minimally-invasive implantation techniques. ⋯ HeartMate 3 has reduced the rate of disabling stroke and pump thrombosis. However, despite increased hemocompatibility due to specialized design features, the residual risk of both surgical, and gastrointestinal bleeding remains a major adverse outcome. Different anticoagulation management and surgical techniques have been evaluated to address the remaining complications.