The rGEA can be considered as a valid arterial conduit, relatively easy to harvest, safe to use with low perioperative risks, and good mid- and long-term results. The low early and late rate mortality and the satisfactory clinical results are good reasons for using routinely this conduit in selected patients.

Early and mid-term mitral valve function is satisfactory with trigone-to-trigone semirigid band annuloplasty, with excellent repair durability immediately after the operation and at two years. Moreover, after annuloplasty repair, an improvement in clinical functional status is obtained. A wider use of this semirigid annuloplasty band can be recommended.

No abstract

Patients with aortic pathology involving the ascending aorta, the arch, and the descending aorta present a complex surgical challenge. A one-step hybrid procedure with ascending aorta repair, arch debranching, and frozen elephant trunk is reported in five patients. Left subclavian artery side graft cannulation is used to perfuse the spinal cord during circulatory arrest time.