Abstract: Background: Eptifibatide is a known antiplatelet that is used in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for ACS, and it is proven to have a positive outcome. Despite thrombocytopenia not being reported in the pivotal trials, the emerging literature associated this link. We aim to further investigate this association and provide real-world data from a single centre. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in Heart Hospital... [...] Read more

Abstract: Objective: Infective endocarditis requires prompt recognition and treatment due to its high mortality and morbidity rates. Few studies compare long-term patient outcomes after mitral and aortic valve endocarditis surgery. Hence, we aim to assess this in our cohort. Methods: We included adult patients aged 18 and above who underwent surgery between April 2011 and April 2021 for first-time native aortic or mitral valve endocarditis in our... [...] Read more

Abstract: Background and aim of the study: During the COVID-19 pandemic in Bavaria, surgical ICU resources were reallocated, and elective procedures were postponed, impacting the management of infective endocarditis (IE). This study evaluated early surgical outcomes in patients with native valve endocarditis (NVE) and prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) before and during the pandemic. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 94 patients (66% male) treated... [...] Read more

Abstract: Background and Study Aims: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a leading cause of mitral valve disease globally, particularly in developing countries, where it poses a significant burden on cardiovascular health. Mitral valve repair (MVP) and replacement are the primary surgical interventions; however, the optimal selection between these procedures remains a subject of ongoing debate. This study aims to systematically review the clinical... [...] Read more

Abstract: Background and aim of the study: Minimally invasive approaches for aortic valve replacement (AVR) are clinically beneficial for patients but are more technically demanding for surgeons. Sutureless AVR is a new and minimally invasive approach. The study aim was to evaluate initial AVR outcomes in patients aged >75 years after setting up a sutureless minimally invasive surgery program. Methods: Between January 2014 and December 2015, a total... [...] Read more

Abstract: Background and Aim of the Study: An incompetent bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) can be treated through valve replacement or repair using various surgical techniques. This study presents the outcomes of a 13-year single-surgeon experience in BAV repair and compares two annuloplasty techniques: external and subcommissural aortic annuloplasty. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 consecutive patients (111 males; mean age: 43.2 ± 17.5 years)... [...] Read more

Abstract: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare but life-threatening cardiac condition. Healthcare-associated infective endocarditis (HAIE) is an emerging subtype that occurs more than 48 hours after hospital admission, often following invasive procedures. Its occurrence in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is not uncommon. Prosthetic valve endocarditis may also be healthcare-associated (HA-PVE) when it develops within one year of valve... [...] Read more

Abstract: Calcific aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common valvular heart disease requiring invasive intervention. While the implantation of an artificial heart valve restores normal intracardiac hemodynamics, baseline left ventricular (LV) parameters can significantly influence both early and long-term postoperative outcomes. It is well-established that patients with LV dilation experience worse outcomes after surgical or transcatheter treatment of... [...] Read more

Abstract: Heart valve replacements are life-saving procedures essential for patients with dysfunctional heart valves. The global market for prosthetic heart valves is valued at approximately USD 8.71 billion in 2024, with devices available in various forms, including mechanical, transcatheter, and biological valves used for both replacement and repair procedures. While traditional prosthetic valves have improved survival, they present several... [...] Read more