The Annals of thoracic surgery
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A new intraaortic balloon is described that can be inserted percutaneously through a 12F sheath by the standard Seldinger technique. Insertion and removal are rapid, and the hemodynamics of balloon pumping are similar to our previous clinical experience with standard single- and dual-chambered intraaortic balloons. The initial clinical experience is detailed.
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Optimal exposure greatly facilitates reconstructive mitral valve procedures. We describe an effective method for exposing this valve using a specially designed mitral valve retractor. This technique proved useful in 321 patients who underwent operation on the mitral valve.