European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 2021
Essential information on surgical heart valve characteristics for optimal valve prosthesis selection: expert consensus document from the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS)-The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS)-American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) Valve Labelling Task Force.
Comprehensive information on the characteristics of surgical heart valves (SHVs) is essential for optimal valve selection. Such information is also important in assessing SHV function after valve replacement. Despite the existing regulatory framework for SHV sizing and labelling, this information is challenging to obtain in a uniform manner for various SHVs. ⋯ Previously, the EACTS-STS-AATS Valve Labelling Task Force identified the most important problems around SHV sizing and labelling. This Expert Consensus Document formulates recommendations for providing SHV physical dimensions, intended implant position and haemodynamic performance in a transparent, uniform manner. Furthermore, the Task Force advocates for the introduction and use of a standardized chart to assess the probability of prosthesis-patient mismatch and calls valve manufacturers to provide essential information required for SHV choice on standardized Valve Charts, uniformly for all SHV models.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 2021
Observational StudyRole of levosimendan in weaning children requiring veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after cardiac surgery.
Levosimendan use is associated with more successful decannulation from veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) in adults. We sought to determine the role of levosimendan in children who required VA ECMO after cardiac surgery. ⋯ Levosimendan administration in children requiring VA ECMO after cardiac surgery was associated with decreased risk of weaning failure and decreased in-hospital mortality.