The Perceval sutureless valve resulted in low 1-year event rates in intermediate-risk patients undergoing AVR. New York Heart Association class improved in more than three-quarters of patients and remained stable. These data support the safety and efficacy to 1 year of the Perceval sutureless valve in this intermediate-risk population.

ABSTRACT), age$75 years with a logistic EuroSCORE $15% or age>60 years plus additional specified risk factors were evaluated for TAVI. Examinations of study patients were performed before and 30 days after TAVI and comprised assessment of quality of life (Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire, [MLHFQ]) 6-minute walk test, measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide and echocardiography. Aortic valve prosthesis was inserted retrograde using a femoral arterial or a subclavian artery approach. Results In 44 consecutive patients (mean age 79.167 years, 50% women, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 55.868.5%) TAVI was successfully performed. Follow-up 30 days after TAVI showed a significantly improved quality of life (baseline 44619.1 vs 28617.5 MLHFQ Score, p<0.001) and an enhanced distance in the 6-minute walk test (baseline 2046103 vs 2666123 m, p<0.001). B-type natriuretic peptide levels were reduced (baseline 7256837 vs 4236320 pg/ml, p¼0.005). Conclusions Our preliminary results show a significant clinical benefit and a reduction of neurohormonal activation in patients with severe and symptomatic aortic valve stenosis early after TAVI.

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A left or bi-atrial Maze operation using intraoperatively cooled-tip RF ablation can safely be combined with open-heart surgery. A left atrial Maze procedure seems to be as effective as the bi-atrial procedure and restores SR in 82% of patients.

Intraoperative cooled-tip ablation in AF resulted in coagulation necrosis of endocardium, subendocardium, and the atrial myocardial layer to a depth of 5.5 mm bordered by an irregular zone of incomplete thermal damage. Transmurality of the lesions could only be found in 75% of intraoperatively applied lesions.