{"title":"Surgical Implantation of Melody Valve in Mitral Position in Infants and Small Children: Toronto SickKids Method","authors":"Osami Honjo MD, PhD , Mimi X. Deng MD","doi":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2024.11.002","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2024.11.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In infants and small children with critical mitral valve disease nonamenable to repair is a high-risk population with high mortality after mechanical mitral valve replacement (MVR). Placement of the Melody™ valve (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) in the mitral position has emerged as a palliative surgical strategy that provides time for somatic growth, until mechanical MVR becomes an appropriate option. Advantages of the Melody valve include its excellent early hemodynamics, no necessary extensive anticoagulation, and relative ease of implantation. Valve sizing is determined by preoperative echocardiography and intraoperative Hegar insertion. Toronto Melody valve modification includes a polytetrafluoroethylene skirt for anchoring to the mitral annulus and a large wedge resection of the stent to prevent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Once implanted and tied in standard fashion to conventional MVR, serial balloon dilations are performed to ensure that the valve is well expanded along the length of the stent. Left atrial augmentation may be required to ensure the valve is not obstructing pulmonary vein orifices. Our experience suggests that close surveillance for structural valve deterioration is imperative beyond 2-years post-implantation. In summary, the Melody valve is a safe and efficient temporizing strategy for infants requiring MVR.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":35965,"journal":{"name":"Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery","volume":"30 2","pages":"Pages 109-127"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144557061","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Adult Articles in AATS Journals","authors":"","doi":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2025.05.001","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2025.05.001","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":35965,"journal":{"name":"Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery","volume":"30 2","pages":"Pages e4-e6"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144557067","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hani K. Najm MD, MSc, Munir Ahmad MD, John P. Costello MD, Tara Karamlou MD, MSc
{"title":"The Ventricular Switch Procedure Atlas: Adopting the Right Ventricle for the Systemic Circulation","authors":"Hani K. Najm MD, MSc, Munir Ahmad MD, John P. Costello MD, Tara Karamlou MD, MSc","doi":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2024.07.007","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2024.07.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Patients born with complex heterotaxy syndromes and patients with complex intra-cardiac connections are generally routed to univentricular pathways. This subgroup of patients typically carries poor long-term prognosis due to the frequent presence of unpartitioned atrioventricular valve and other morphological determinants that are associated with univentricular failure. Adopting the left ventricle in the systemic circulation would be the ideal choice if achievable. However, the presence of complex venous or arterial connections may make this infeasible. To overcome these limitations, we have introduced the concept of the “Ventricular Switch Procedure” (VSP) wherein the right ventricle is harnessed to serve as the systemic ventricle, while utilizing the left ventricle for the subpulmonary ventricle. The VSP paradigm offers prospect of a either a one-and-a-half or biventricular circulation for these patients. Here, we present 4 examples of complex congenital cardiac malformations and their surgical management to exemplify the principles of this surgical concept and illustrate how different techniques may be employed to achieve a right ventricle-based biventricular circulation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":35965,"journal":{"name":"Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery","volume":"30 2","pages":"Pages 144-153"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144557063","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Valve Sparing Root Replacement in Acute Type A Dissection","authors":"Alexander P. Nissen MD, Bradley G. Leshnower MD","doi":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2025.04.001","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2025.04.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><span><span>Acute Type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) remains a life-threatening diagnosis, requiring rapid diagnosis and surgical management for optimal outcomes. In many cases, whether due to root aneurysm or destruction by the dissection process, </span>aortic root replacement is required for complete repair, and to ensure adequate </span>aortic valve<span><span> competency. While the reimplantation technique for valve sparing root replacement (VSRR) was originally conceived for treating aneurysmal, nondissected, isolated root pathology, expertise with this procedure has led to expansion of indications and application to include bicuspid </span>aortopathy<span>, cases requiring complex aortic valve repair, and ATAAD in well-selected patients at high volume centers. Here we outline our operative technique for the application of VSRR in ATAAD.</span></span></div></div>","PeriodicalId":35965,"journal":{"name":"Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery","volume":"30 3","pages":"Pages 198-212"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144891848","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Step-by-Step Approach for Septal Myectomy in Patients With Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy","authors":"Tedy Sawma MD, Hartzell V. Schaff MD","doi":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2025.03.005","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2025.03.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy<span> is a relatively common cardiac disorder, and associated left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction may significantly impair quality of life<span> and long-term survival. A comprehensive understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the disease is important in planning surgical septal reduction (septal myectomy) in order to minimize operative risk and achieve optimal late outcomes. Depending on the location of the obstruction, surgical relief may involve a transaortic, transapical, or a combined approach. In the present article, we illustrate our operative techniques derived from an experience in the surgical management of more than 4000 patients with HCM.</span></span></div></div>","PeriodicalId":35965,"journal":{"name":"Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery","volume":"30 3","pages":"Pages 184-197"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144892281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Muhammed Hebala FRCS(CTh) , Mohamed Nassar FRCS(CTh) , Conal Austin FRCS(CTh) , Louise Kenny FRCS(CTh)
{"title":"Personalized External Root Support for the Pulmonary Autograft in the Aortic Position: The ROSS-PEARS Procedure","authors":"Muhammed Hebala FRCS(CTh) , Mohamed Nassar FRCS(CTh) , Conal Austin FRCS(CTh) , Louise Kenny FRCS(CTh)","doi":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2025.01.004","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2025.01.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The ROSS-PEARS describes the addition of a Personalized External Aortic Root Support to the pulmonary autograft<span> in the aortic position. It is well documented that the vulnerability of the free root Ross is autograft<span> dilatation, and various techniques have been described to prophylactically manage this. A bespoke PEARS prosthesis supporting the autograft when performing an elective Ross in patients with adult size aortic root may avoid such vulnerability. Here we describe our indications, rationale and technical considerations.</span></span></div></div>","PeriodicalId":35965,"journal":{"name":"Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery","volume":"30 3","pages":"Pages 232-243"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144891851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yishay Orr MBBS BSc (med) PhD FRACS , Richard B. Chard MBBS FRACS
{"title":"Comprehensive surgical technique for the neonatal and infant Ross Konno procedure – technical pearls","authors":"Yishay Orr MBBS BSc (med) PhD FRACS , Richard B. Chard MBBS FRACS","doi":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2024.07.006","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2024.07.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Ross Konno procedure is a technically demanding operation in neonates and infants, particularly in small babies and those with significant aortic annular and left ventricular outflow tract hypoplasia. There are several key technical considerations for harvesting the pulmonary autograft with care to preserve the left main coronary artery and the septal perforating arteries in addition to ensuring an optimal muscle cuff on the base of the autograft. Accommodation of the autograft deep within the native aortic valve annulus by performing an appropriate Konno incision and ensuring correct suture placement is essential. Adequate epicardial mobilisation and subsequent reimplantation of the coronary arteries into the autograft neo-aortic root is also a key consideration given the significant radial displacement of the coronary arteries required to accommodate the often much larger autograft into the space of a previously very small aortic root. Although the overall technical details of the Ross Konno procedure have previously been described by others the specific granular technical detail and meticulous approach required for a successful procedural outcome in neonates and infants remains to be fully elucidated. Key technical considerations such as suture spacing, positioning of the autograft with in the Konno incision and management of the coronary arteries require detailed description. We describe our institutional approach to the Ross Konno procedure in neonates and infants to clarify these important technical considerations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":35965,"journal":{"name":"Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery","volume":"30 1","pages":"Pages 46-66"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143642917","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Commentary: The more the merrier. Another technique to treat left ventricular outflow tract obstruction","authors":"Nicholas G. Smedira MD","doi":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2024.09.001","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2024.09.001","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":35965,"journal":{"name":"Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery","volume":"30 1","pages":"Pages 11-12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143642915","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Commentary: Avoid Flying Blind During TEVAR for Acute Type B Aortic Dissection","authors":"Alexander P. Nissen MD, Bradley G. Leshnower MD","doi":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2025.01.003","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2025.01.003","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":35965,"journal":{"name":"Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery","volume":"30 1","pages":"Pages 44-45"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143642911","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Adult Articles in AATS Journals","authors":"","doi":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2025.03.001","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2025.03.001","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":35965,"journal":{"name":"Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery","volume":"30 1","pages":"Pages e4-e6"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143642921","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}