Quality Indicators for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Ontario, Canada: A Population-Based Study

September 5, 2026 No Comments

This population-based study evaluated quality indicators for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) among 9,748 procedures at 11 Ontario hospitals. Five measurable indicators showed generally high adherence. Heart-team involvement, transfemoral procedures without general anesthesia, and transfemoral access were associated with better outcomes. However, residual confounding suggests patient factors explain much of the observed variation.

Thrombotic Mitral Valve Obstruction During Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation With Left Ventricular Venting Following Complex Valve Surgery

April 14, 2026 No Comments

This case report describes a 69-year-old woman who developed thrombotic obstruction of a mitral bioprosthesis while receiving VA-ECMO with left ventricular venting after complex multivalve surgery. Delayed anticoagulation, prosthetic material, altered intracardiac flow, and postoperative bleeding likely combined to trigger thrombosis. The report highlights diagnostic difficulty during ECMO weaning and stresses individualized anticoagulation, echocardiographic monitoring, and careful unloading strategy selection.

OCEAN Trial Crossroads: M-TEER in Advanced Heart Failure

Outcomes of Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair in Potentially Favorable Candidates for Left Ventricular Assist Device: Evidence From the OCEAN-Mitral Registry

March 26, 2026 No Comments

This study evaluated mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) in advanced heart failure patients who might otherwise have been reasonable candidates for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy. Among 129 such patients from the OCEAN-Mitral Registry, procedural success was high at 96%, but long-term outcomes were less reassuring, especially in those with marked left ventricular enlargement. Larger LV size predicted cardiovascular death after M-TEER.

Equity in Cardiac Surgery: Bridging the Gap in Mitral Valve Care

Sex-Based Differences in Outcomes Following Mitral Valve Surgery: A Contemporary Analysis From 2 Institutions

March 22, 2026 No Comments

This retrospective study of 3,313 patients undergoing mitral valve surgery found that women presented older, with more advanced heart failure, and were less likely to receive valve repair. Despite these differences, operative mortality did not significantly differ between sexes after adjustment. Women experienced longer ICU and hospital stays, highlighting disparities in recovery rather than survival outcomes.

Malignancy-Induced Functional Tricuspid Obstruction Complicated by Cardiopulmonary Collapse Treated Using Combination VA-ECMO and AngioVac

April 12, 2025 No Comments

This clinical case report details the rescue of a critically ill patient with malignancy-induced tricuspid obstruction and cardiopulmonary collapse. A large intracardiac mass was removed using vacuum-assisted aspiration thrombectomy (AngioVac), combined with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). This approach enabled hemodynamic stabilization and definitive diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, followed by successful oncologic treatment.

Survival Analysis of Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery Versus Conventional Median Sternotomy in the United States

April 11, 2025 No Comments

This retrospective cohort study compares survival outcomes and surgical efficiency between minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MiMVS) via mini-thoracotomy and conventional sternotomy. Among 422 elective cases, MiMVS was associated with shorter hospital stays, less postoperative bleeding, and shorter operative times. Although no significant survival difference was found, mitral valve replacement showed higher mortality risk than repair.

5-Year Outcomes After Transcatheter or Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Low-Risk Patients With Aortic Stenosis

April 5, 2025 No Comments

This study presents 5-year outcomes from the Evolut Low Risk trial, comparing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with surgery in low-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. Results showed no significant difference in all-cause mortality or disabling stroke between the groups, affirming TAVR as a noninferior option. Both treatments maintained excellent valve performance, similar quality-of-life improvements, and low reintervention rates.

Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Cross-Clamping Times in Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery by Ministernotomy with Sutureless Prosthesis Implantation Compared to Conventional Prosthesis: A Cross-Sectional Study

March 21, 2025 No Comments

This study compares cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and cross-clamping times in aortic valve replacement surgeries performed via ministernotomy using either sutureless PERCEVAL® or conventional bioprostheses. Among 93 patients, both techniques showed similar outcomes regarding CPB and cross-clamping times, hospital stays, and early postoperative complications. Echocardiographic results improved postoperatively in both groups.

Buckberg vs. Del Nido in Isolated Aortic Valve Replacement: A Prospective, Two-Center, Randomized Trial

March 16, 2025 No Comments

This study compares Buckberg (BS) and Del Nido (DNS) cardioplegia in isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) through a two-center randomized trial with 311 patients. While postoperative creatine kinase and troponin levels showed no significant differences, the DNS group had better intraoperative glycemic control, higher spontaneous rhythm rates, and fewer cases of ventricular fibrillation requiring defibrillation. The study supports DNS as a viable alternative with workflow advantages.

Assistance from a Mixing Zone Model to Perform Aortic Femoral Perfusion Strategy with Severe Atherosclerotic and Artheromic Aortic Disease for Endoscopic Minimally Invasive Redo Mitral Valve Repair

March 15, 2025 No Comments

This study explores a novel perfusion strategy for minimally invasive redo mitral valve surgery in patients with severe atherosclerotic and artheromic aortic disease. Using a combination of antegrade and retrograde perfusion, the study evaluates the mixing zone during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to optimize outcomes. A case study demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach, with no postoperative cerebral complications. Findings suggest that adjusting cannulation sizes can improve perfusion safety.