Current state of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography during adult cardiac surgery: considerations and recommendations
This update article, released by the American Heart Association (AHA), summarizes the main indications for intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), its association with clinical outcomes and prognostic value, and provides a hierarchy of specific considerations for different types of cardiac surgery.
Mitraclip in octogenarians with degenerative mitral regurgitation: the impossible comparison
A recent study compared outcomes of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (Abbott MitraClip®) versus surgical mitral repair in octogenarian patients with severe organic mitral regurgitation, aiming to evaluate safety, efficacy, and midterm outcomes
Transcarotid vascular access for transcatheter aortic valve implantation: is choosing the left side always right?
Retrospective analysis of 46 patients who underwent transcarotid TAVI at a single Swiss center, focusing on two quantifiable parameters derived from preoperative CT angiography.
Surgical treatment of tricuspid regurgitation: a new ally in patients with long-term ventricular assist devices?
A randomized US trial aimed to determine whether concomitant tricuspid valve surgery (TVS) at the time of durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation reduces tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and the incidence of long-term right heart failure (RHF).
TAVI in patients younger than 65 years: when evidence has not yet reached the age of the patients
A new U.S. study analyzes outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) versus conventional surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients younger than 65 years, highlighting the growing expansion of TAVI despite limited evidence on long-term durability.
Ventricular support in children with congenital heart disease: time to join “ACTION” promptly!
This study analyzes data from the ACTION registry to assess whether morbidity and mortality after ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation differ between children with and without congenital heart disease (CHD), and whether outcomes among those with CHD vary according to anatomy (single- vs. biventricular).
New european guidelines on valvular heart disease 2025: the most relevant changes for surgical practice
The 2025 ESC/EACTS update redefines the boundaries between surgery and transcatheter therapy. It advocates earlier intervention in severe aortic stenosis, lowers the age threshold for TAVI to 70 years, expands the use of MitraClip to lower-risk scenarios, promotes percutaneous tricuspid treatment, and grants a new central role to advanced imaging in decision-making.
Can we afford innovation? cost-effectiveness of robotic mitral surgery in the United States
This national study compares the efficiency of robotic-assisted versus conventional mitral valve repair in the United States, stratifying centers by surgical volume and experience.
