eComment. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: where is the real controversy?
(Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery)
Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery - January 3, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Chen, L.-Q., Deng, H.-Y., Wang, Z.-Q. Tags: Thoracic Source Type: research

Does neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy increase survival in patients with resectable oesophageal cancer?
A best evidence topic in cardiothoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether trimodal therapy [neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in addition to surgery] improves survival in patients with resectable oesophageal cancer. Altogether 565 studies were identified using the below-mentioned search. Eleven represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, journal, date and country of publication, patient group, relevant outcomes and weaknesses are tabulated. All 11 studies were randomized controlled trials comparing surgery with trimodal therapy, 5 of...
Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery - January 3, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Buderi, S. I., Shackcloth, M., Page, R. D. Tags: Esophagus - cancer Thoracic Source Type: research

Can mitomycin facilitate endoscopic dilatation treatment of benign oesophageal stricture?
A best evidence topic in cardiothoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was ‘Can mitomycin facilitate endoscopic dilatation treatment of benign esophageal stricture (mainly including caustic and anastomotic esophageal stricture)?’ Altogether, 115 papers were found using the reported search, of which 6 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question, which included 1 randomized controlled trial, 1 systematic review and 4 cohort studies. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and resul...
Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery - January 3, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Deng, H.-Y., Wang, W.-P., Lin, Y.-D., Chen, L.-Q. Tags: Esophagus - other Thoracic Source Type: research

The totally thoracoscopic maze procedure for the treatment of atrial fibrillation
The purpose of this study was to update the current evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of the totally thoracoscopic maze (TT-maze) procedure for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Fourteen studies published between 2011 and 2016 and comprising 1171 patients were included as follows: 545 (46%) patients had paroxysmal AF (pAF), 268 (23%) persistent AF (persAF) and 358 (31%) longstanding persistent AF (LSPAF). Fixed- and random-effect models were used to calculate the pooled overall freedom from atrial arrhythmias. The 1- and 2-year pooled overall antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) free (off-AAD) success rates were 78%...
Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery - January 3, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: van Laar, C., Kelder, J., van Putte, B. P. Tags: Myocardial infarction, Transplantation - heart Adult Cardiac Source Type: research

Surgical revascularization for premature coronary artery disease in second and third decade of life
We report a case series of seven patients who underwent surgical revascularization in their second and third decade of life for significant multivessel coronary artery occlusive disease due to unusual causes. (Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery)
Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery - January 3, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Reddy, S. M., Byrapaneni, R. B., Rangappa, C., Gouni, U. K., Vakati, C., Suryavanshi, S., Kola, P. R. Tags: Molecular biology Adult Cardiac Source Type: research

CorMatrix valved conduit in a porcine model: long-term remodelling and biomechanical characterization
CONCLUSIONS CorMatrix is biodegradable; however, it failed to remodel in a structured and anatomical fashion in an arterial environment. Progressive mechanical and remodelling failure in this scenario might be explained by the complexity of the conduit design and the host's chronic inflammatory response, leading to early fibrosis and calcification. (Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery)
Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery - January 3, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Mosala Nezhad, Z., Poncelet, A., de Kerchove, L., Fervaille, C., Banse, X., Bollen, X., Dehoux, J.-P., El Khoury, G., Gianello, P. Tags: History ADULT CARDIAC Source Type: research

The extracellular matrix patch implanted in the right ventricle evaluated with cardiovascular magnetic resonance protocol to assess regional physio-mechanical properties
CONCLUSIONS With the cardiovascular magnetic resonance protocol, we successfully confirmed early signs of functional myocardial regeneration in implanted extracellular matrix patches. This approach is promising in assessing in situ regional physio-mechanical properties and degree of regeneration of implanted tissue-engineered materials. (Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery)
Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery - January 3, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Tanaka, A., Kawaji, K., Patel, A. R., Ota, T. Tags: Electrophysiology - arrhythmias ADULT CARDIAC Source Type: research

Laser lead extraction allows for safe and effective removal of single- and dual-coil implantable cardioverter defibrillator leads: A single-centre experience over 12 years
CONCLUSIONS Laser lead extraction allows for safe and effective removal of ICD leads. Compared with single-coil leads, the extraction of dual-coil leads is associated with longer laser treatment times but without statistically significant differences in complications and procedural success rates. (Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery)
Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery - January 3, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Pecha, S., Yildirim, Y., Gosau, N., Aydin, M. A., Willems, S., Treede, H., Reichenspurner, H., Hakmi, S. Tags: Myocardial infarction ADULT CARDIAC Source Type: research

Trends in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting over the last decade
CONCLUSIONS Despite the increasing risk profiles of patients undergoing CABG, extensive myocardial revascularization using arterial grafts is associated with good early results. (Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery)
Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery - January 3, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Kindo, M., Hoang Minh, T., Perrier, S., Bentz, J., Mommerot, A., Billaud, P., Mazzucotelli, J.-P. Tags: Molecular biology, History ADULT CARDIAC Source Type: research

Transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation versus redo surgical aortic valve replacement in patients with failed aortic bioprostheses
CONCLUSIONS Despite a higher risk profile in the ViV group, early mortality rates were not different compared with those of surgery. Although ViV resulted in elevated transvalvular gradients and therefore a lower rate of device success, mortality rates were similar to those with redo-SAVR. At present, both techniques serve as complementary approaches, and allow individualized patient care with excellent outcomes. (Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery)
Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery - January 3, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Silaschi, M., Wendler, O., Seiffert, M., Castro, L., Lubos, E., Schirmer, J., Blankenberg, S., Reichenspurner, H., Schäfer, U., Treede, H., MacCarthy, P., Conradi, L. Tags: History, Basic research vascular ADULT CARDIAC Source Type: research

Transaortic transcatheter aortic valve implantation: experience from the Kiel study
CONCLUSIONS The efficacy and safety of the Edwards SAPIEN-XT or SAPIEN-3 heart valves via TAo access were demonstrated by high procedural success and low complication rates. The data indicate that this approach is a viable alternative to established access routes. (Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery)
Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery - January 3, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Petzina, R., Lutter, G., Wolf, C., Kühl, C., Freitag-Wolf, S., Panholzer, B., Bramlage, P., Frey, N., Cremer, J., Frank, D. Tags: History, Transplantation - heart, Basic research vascular ADULT CARDIAC Source Type: research

Impact of prosthesis-patient mismatch on early haemodynamic status after aortic valve replacement
CONCLUSIONS PPM is not associated with early haemodynamic status impairment and end-organ perfusion after AVR. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00699673. (Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery)
Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery - January 3, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Kindo, M., Minh, T. H., Perrier, S., Petit-Eisenmann, H., Bentz, J., Cristinar, M., Ajob, G., Collange, O., Mazzucotelli, J.-P. Tags: History, Basic research vascular ADULT CARDIAC Source Type: research

Is the Ross procedure a riskier operation? Perioperative outcome comparison with mechanical aortic valve replacement in a propensity-matched cohort
CONCLUSIONS There are no differences in mortality or major perioperative outcomes in adults undergoing an isolated Ross procedure or mechanical AVR. (Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery)
Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery - January 3, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Bouhout, I., Noly, P.-E., Ghoneim, A., Stevens, L.-M., Cartier, R., Poirier, N., Bouchard, D., Demers, P., El-Hamamsy, I. Tags: Basic research vascular ADULT CARDIAC Source Type: research

Meta-analysis of open surgical repair versus hybrid arch repair for aortic arch aneurysm
CONCLUSIONS We found no strong evidence indicating that hybrid arch repair is superior to open surgical repair. Furthermore, the hybrid arch repair resulted in more reinterventions despite the fact that it was a less invasive procedure; it also required fewer days in the hospital. Further studies with large numbers of participants and long-term follow-ups are necessary to confirm the effectiveness of hybrid arch repair. (Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery)
Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery - January 3, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Miao, L., Song, L., Sun, S.-K., Wang, Z.-G. Tags: Vascular malformations ADULT CARDIAC Source Type: research

Adaptive servo-ventilation suppresses elevation of C-reactive protein and sympathetic activity in acute uncomplicated type B aortic dissection
CONCLUSIONS In acute type B aortic dissection, ASV was considered to have suppressed the development of sympathetic nervous activity, pleural effusion and elevation of peak CRP. (Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery)
Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery - January 3, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Hiraoka, A., Suzuki, K., Chikazawa, G., Nogami, S., Sakaguchi, T., Yoshitaka, H. Tags: Vascular malformations Source Type: research