One single dose of antegrade cold HTK cardioplegic solution in elective mitral valve surgery protects the myocardium equally well as repetitive antegrade cold blood cardioplegia.

The indication for immediate antiplatelet therapy in patients later operated for acute aortic dissection was weak or absent in the majority of cases. Patients with ongoing platelet inhibition had more bleeding complications. Dual antiplatelet therapy was associated with increased early mortality.

Postinfarction rupture of ventricular free wall treated surgically gives excellent long-term results. Our first choice for repair is the covering technique with a large pericardial patch anchored with biological glue and epicardial sutures.

Treatment of descending thoracic aortic diseases with an endovascular approach has acceptable early mortality and morbidity in high-risk patients. In selected cases, stent-grafts may afford the best therapy.