Journal of cardiac surgery
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We present a case of total occlusion of the superior vena cava (SVC) with extensive thrombosis of the adjacent large veins secondary to multiple abandoned pacemaker leads with a superimposed chronic lead infection by Corynebacterium jeikeium. A surgical lead extraction was performed with an extensive en-bloc resection of the SVC together with the right subclavian vein and the right innomate vein. No venous reconstruction was required because of an unobstructed runoff via a well-developed azygos system.
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Comparative Study
Beyond the learning curve: transapical versus transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the treatment of severe aortic valve stenosis.
Most studies comparing transapical and transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement include the center's early operative experience, which may negatively impact the outcomes. This study reports our experience beyond the learning curve with transapical and transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement. ⋯ Transapical transcatheter aortic valve replacement is associated with less prevalence of vascular complications and mild-moderate paravalvular regurgitation in comparison to the transfemoral approach. Further study is necessary to determine if the transapical technique is the preferred option. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12323 (J Card Surg 2014;29:303-307).
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Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for failing aortic root and valve homografts has been described primarily via a transapical approach. We report the successful treatment of two patients with failing homografts by transfemoral (TF) TAVI. In both cases, TF TAVI was accomplished without technical difficulty and with good clinical outcomes.
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The use of platelet function testing has been advocated to individualize the time needed between discontinuation of P2Y12 inhibitors and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, the use of specific point-of-care assays to predict bleeding risk in patients on P2Y12 inhibitors prior to CABG has not been fully validated. ⋯ In patients on P2Y12 inhibitors undergoing CABG surgery, discontinuation of P2Y12 inhibitors three days prior to surgery rather than VerifyNow PRU values predicts postoperative bleeding and the need for platelet transfusions. Sole reliance on platelet function testing to determine the timing of surgery for patients on P2Y12 inhibitors should therefore be done with caution.
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Percutaneous cannulation allows a prompt approach for establishing veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in acute cardiopulmonary failure. Access to an artery or a vein can sometimes be difficult with severe complications also with percutaneous approach. To reduce morbidity, we describe our technique of a real-time ultrasound cannulation of the femoral vessels.