The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) may be used (1) as a bridging device to cardiac transplantation, (2) for permanent replacement of left ventricular function, and (3) as a bridge to recovery of ventricular function, for example, in recoverable myocardial disease. In this third group of patients, it is important that the LVAD does not produce changes in the heart that will have a deleterious effect on cardiac function once the device is removed. Furthermore, if the LVAD fails, survival depends on optimal function of the diseased heart. ⋯ Normal function of the LVAD produces permanent closure of the native aortic valve. Stasis on the ventricular aspect of the aortic valve, combined with a low level of anticoagulation, favors thrombosis at this site. Thrombus organization leads to aortic stenosis of variable severity. This previously unsuspected complication was not detected clinically in any of our patients. Aortic stenosis may hold serious implications for patients in whom the LVAD acts as a bridge to recovery or in those in whom the LVAD fails. Prevention may be achieved by intermittently reducing LVAD pumping action. A built-in venting cycle would be of value in long-term implants. Thrombi on the aortic valve may also predispose patients to infective endocarditis, because bloodstream infection is common in patients with LVADs.
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Comparative Study
Evaluation of graft patency during minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting with Doppler flow analysis.
An objective method for determining intraoperative graft patency is an essential part of minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass. This study compares angiography and Doppler methods for graft analysis during minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass and presents long-term outcome in a cohort of patients. ⋯ Objective analysis of graft flow in the operating room is necessary to achieve 100% early graft patency with minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass operations. Doppler analysis is the preferred initial method, because it is safe, accurate, and rapid.
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The aim of this study was to determine the durability of aortic valve preservation and root reconstruction in type A aortic dissection with involvement of the aortic root. ⋯ Aortic valve preservation in acute type A dissection provides relatively durable results. The use of fibrinous glue for root reconstruction seems to compromise the long-term durability of the repair compared with Teflon felt and GRF-glue. A dilated aortic annulus requires a more extensive root procedure.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
A randomized trial of antithrombin concentrate for treatment of heparin resistance.
Heparin resistance is an important clinical problem traditionally treated with additional heparin or fresh frozen plasma. We undertook a randomized clinical trial to determine if treatment with antithrombin (AT) concentrate is effective for treating this condition. ⋯ Heparin resistance is frequently associated with AT deficiency. Treating this deficiency with AT concentrate is more effective and faster for obtaining adequate anticoagulation than using additional heparin.