ARTICLES ON VALVULOPATHIES
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.
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.
David procedure in patients older than 60 years: is there an age limit for this technique?
This observational, retrospective study includes data from two Italian centers, assessing in-hospital mortality and long-term survival in sexagenarians undergoing one of two procedures: aortic root and valve replacement using a valved conduit versus valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSRR) using the reimplantation technique.
A Canadian in America: long-term outcomes of the Svensson modification of the David operation
Report on the very long-term outcomes (15 years) of a single-surgeon experience at the Cleveland Clinic with aortic root reimplantation surgery.
Transcarotid access for TAVR: sustained safety and efficacy at five years
Prospective observational study evaluating 5-year clinical outcomes of transcarotid TAVR in moderate-to-high surgical risk patients with no viable femoral access.
Evolution of mitral regurgitation after TAVI: functional improvement or marker of poor prognosis?
This retrospective observational study evaluated 2250 patients who underwent TAVI, comparing outcomes based on the presence or absence of significant (moderate or greater) concomitant mitral regurgitation (MR).