The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Mar 2016
Prolonged continuous-flow left ventricular assist device support and posttransplantation outcomes: A new challenge.
To assess outcomes after cardiac transplantation in patients receiving long-term continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) support. ⋯ A bridge-to-transplant (BTT) strategy with a CF-LVAD has become standard care for patients with advanced heart failure. Duration of CF-LVAD support is associated with increased midterm mortality, warranting early transplantation in the modern BTT era.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Mar 2016
North American single-center experience with a sutureless aortic bioprosthesis.
Surgical sutureless aortic valves have the potential for shorter procedural times and could benefit patients with increased risk. The Enable (Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, Minn) valve is a bioprosthesis housed in a Nitinol cage allowing folding and deployment once implanted. We aimed to evaluate the early clinical and echocardiographic results with the Enable valve. ⋯ The Enable bioprosthesis is an acceptable alternative to conventional aortic valve replacement in higher-risk patients. The early hemodynamic performance seems favorable.