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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVES: Because of the limited availability of pulmonary homografts (PH), porcine stentless xenografts (SX) have been proposed as an alternative for pulmonary valve replacement in the Ross operation. However, it is unknown whether they have similar good long-term durability. Therefore, we compared mid- to long-term outcomes between those two right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) substitutes. METHODS: In 288 adults (>18 years) undergoing a Ross operation between 1991 and 2012, Freestyle(®) SX was used in 18 patients and a cryopreserved PH was used in 270 for RVOT reconstruction. Only patients with follow-up >2 years were included. According to the operative period, gender and age, 37 patients with PH could be matched with 17 SX patients. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up were obtained. In a subset of patients (SX, n = 11 and PH, n = 25), a cardiac computed tomographic (CT) scan was performed to analyse graft calcification. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 8.2 ± 4.0 (range 2-14.6 years). During this period, 3 patients died from cancer, 2 in the SX group and 1 in the PH group (P = 0.15). No patient needed RVOT reoperation. At follow-up, RVOT peak gradient was 21 ± 5.9 mmHg in the SX and 16.3 ± 8.7 in the PH groups (P = 0.07). Peak gradient >40 mmHg was observed in only 1 patient in the PH group. Mean RVOT regurgitation was 0.1 ± 0.4 in the SX group and 0.8 ± 0.6 in the PH group (P = 0.008). CT scan analyses showed progressive calcification mainly of the graft wall, while the valve remained relatively free of calcium. Patients with the SX presented significantly higher calcium scores than those with PH (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In adult patients having the Ross operation, calcic degeneration is observed in both the PH and the SX used as pulmonary substitutes. Calcification progresses more rapidly in the SX compared with the PH. In both grafts, calcifications affect mainly the wall, while the valve remains relatively free of calcium. As a consequence, both grafts show good and similar haemodynamic outcomes at mid- to long-term follow-up. The Freestyle(®) SX can be considered as an acceptable alternative for RVOT reconstruction when PH is not available.
European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery: official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery 03/2013; · 2.40 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The spread of drug-eluting stents (DES) has reduced the incidence of early restenosis following percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Meanwhile, development of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery (MIDCAB) has offered a valuable alternative to conventional sternotomy with preservation of the benefit of the internal mammary artery use. Therefore, the revascularization of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery is suitable for both techniques. However, few data with long-term comparison of these two techniques exist. METHODS: Prospective data were collected for 456 patients undergoing isolated LAD revascularization between 1997 and 2011. Two hundred and sixty patients were treated with MIDCAB and 196 with first-generation DES implantation. A propensity score model was created to adjust for 19 relevant confounding variables. Primary and secondary end-points were, respectively, 5-year survival and freedom from major adverse cerebro-cardiovascular events (MACCE). RESULTS: Both groups were similar in age, EuroSCORE and mean duration of follow-up. Five-year survival was similar after MIDCAB or DES (hazard ratio (HR): 0.95; P = 0.89). Freedom from MACCE was significantly in favour of the MIDCAB group (HR: 0.32, P < 0.0001), mainly triggered by high subsequent need for revascularization of the targeted vessel in the DES group (HR: 0.17, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: MIDCAB and DES implantation showed similar rates of survival but despite an expected lower rate of reintervention on the targeted vessel with DES use, a highly significant higher MACCE rate was observed in the PCI group at 5-year follow-up.
European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery: official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery 03/2013; · 2.40 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVES: We have recently shown that valve sparing reimplantation (VSR) improves the durability of bicuspid aortic valve repair in comparison with subcommissural annuloplasty. The aim of this study was to assess the degree of annular reduction provided by these techniques and to correlate these findings with repair durability. METHODS: From 1995 to 2010, 161 patients underwent bicuspid valve repair. We included only patients with subcommissural annuloplasty or reimplantation having intraoperative pre- and post-repair transoesophageal echocardiography images. Pre- and post-repair ventriculo-aortic junction (VAJ) diameters were measured on long axis views. Inclusion criteria were met by 53 patients with subcommissual annuloplasty and 65 with reimplantation. Median follow-up was 53 months in the subcommissual annuloplasty group and 42 months in the reimplantation group. Follow-up completeness was 100% in subcommissural annuloplasty and 94% in reimplantation. RESULTS: There was no operative or late mortality. Mean preoperative VAJ was similar in both groups (reimplantation: 28 ± 3 mm vs subcommissural annuloplasty: 28 ± 3, P = 0.16). Preoperative VAJ was larger in patients <40 years and with aortic regurgitation (AR) ≥ 3+ (P < 0.01). Mean postoperative VAJ was smaller in reimplantation compared with subcommissural annuloplasty (21 ± 2 mm vs 24 ± 3 mm, P < 0.01). In univariate analyses, subcommissural annuloplasty, preoperative VAJ ≥30 mm, postoperative VAJ≥25 mm and cusp repair with patch were predictive of recurrent AR > 1+. In the subcommissural annuloplasty group, VAJ≥ 30 mm preoperatively and ≥25 mm postoperatively were associated with decreased 6 years freedom from recurrent AR>1+ (<30 mm: 74% vs ≥30 mm: 39%, P = 0.01; <25 mm: 80% vs ≥25 mm 31%, P = 0.02) In the reimplantation group, VAJ dimension had no effect on recurrent AR >1+ (P = 0.93). CONCLUSIONS: In bicuspid aortic valve repair, the circumferential annuloplasty of VSR offers greater reduction of VAJ compared with the non-circumferential annuloplasty provided by the subcommissural annuloplasty. The degree and extent of VAJ reduction in reimplantation seem to be factors among others that positively influence repair durability particularly in patients with a large VAJ (≥30 mm).
European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery: official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery 03/2013; · 2.40 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Valve repair has emerged as an important intervention for the management of bicuspid aortic valve disease. This systematic review aims to assess the safety, efficacy and durability of bicuspid aortic valve repair. Initial searches yielded 682 abstracts, reduced by de-duplication to 370, of which 56 full papers were accessed and 30 met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 163 unique outcomes for bicuspid aortic valve-preserving surgery were reported on 280 occasions. Bicuspid aortic valve-preserving surgery exhibited low operative mortality (0.0-5.2%), excellent 5-year survival (82-100%) and 43-100% 5-year freedom from reoperation. Bicuspid aortic valve repair is safe and efficacious, but concerns regarding its durability necessitate further standardized outcome assessments.
European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery: official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery 01/2013; · 2.40 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The impetus for aortic valve (AV) repair is to decrease valve-related complications in comparison to prosthetic valve replacement. However, relatively few data are available to confirm this hypothesis. We analyzed valve-related complications in a large series of patients undergoing AV repair. METHODS: Between 1995 and 2010, 475 patients underwent elective AV repair for aortic insufficiency or aortic aneurysm. The mean age was 53 years, and 81% were male. Valve-related outcomes were defined as per published guidelines. Survival and freedom from valve-related events were reported using the Kaplan-Meier method and linearized event rates. Clinical follow-up was 98.3% complete with a mean follow-up time of 4.6 years. RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality was 0.8% (n = 4). At 10 years, overall survival was 73% ± 5%, freedom from cardiac death was 81% ± 4%, and freedom from valve-related death was 90% ± 3%. Freedom from significant aortic insufficiency was 84% ± 3%. A total of 28 patients needed early (n = 7) or late (n = 21) AV reoperation; all of them survived reoperation, and 8 had repeat repair. Ten-year freedom from AV reoperation was 86% ± 3%, and freedom from AV replacement was 90% ± 3%. Freedom from AV reoperation was similar in tricuspid and bicuspid valve. During the follow-up period, linearized rate of thromboembolic event, bleeding, and AV endocarditis was 1.1%, 0.23%, and 0.19% per year, respectively. Ten-year freedom from valve-related events including AV reoperation, thromboembolic event, bleeding, and endocarditis was 74% ± 3%. CONCLUSIONS: The current findings confirm that AV repair is associated with low mortality, acceptable durability, and a low risk of valve-related events.
The Annals of thoracic surgery 09/2012; · 3.74 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Acute aortic dissection is very uncommon in pregnant women and the acute type A aortic dissection carries a high mortality rate outside specialized centres. There are a few cases reported with successful outcomes for the mother and the foetus from major cardiac centres. We are reporting our first experience of acute aortic dissection during the third trimester of pregnancy in a patient with Marfan features, profound haemodynamic compromise on arrival and a bovine aortic arch. Both the mother and the baby are doing well two years postoperatively.
Interactive cardiovascular and thoracic surgery 04/2012; 15(2):309-10.
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ABSTRACT: The long-term advantages of multiple arterial grafts, particularly a third arterial conduit, for coronary artery bypass (CABG) are not clear. This study was designed to test whether multiple arterial grafts would provide better long-term outcomes when compared with approaches using fewer arterial conduits.
Between 1985 and 1995, prospective data were collected for 588 patients undergoing isolated CABG at our institution. We examined long-term survival and freedom from cardiac death. The primary analysis compared patients receiving bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) vs. single ITA (SITA). In a subgroup analysis, BITA patients receiving a right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) were compared with those receiving a saphenous vein graft (SVG) as a third conduit. Cox proportional hazard modelling was used to adjust for relevant confounders. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to create survival curves over the follow-up period.
The mean age was 59 ± 9 years and 49% received BITA. Mean follow-up was 16.1 ± 5.4 years. Multivariable analysis revealed that overall survival [hazard ratio (HR): 0.74, P = 0.017] and cardiac survival (HR: 0.61, P = 0.004) was significantly improved in the presence of BITA compared with SITA. The survival at 10 and 20 years was 90.2 ± 3.4 and 56.9 ± 6.4% for the BITA vs. 82 ± 4.4 and 40.9 ± 6% for the SITA, respectively. In the subgroup of BITA patients, those receiving the RGEA as a third conduit had superior overall survival (HR: 0.41, P = 0.0032) and cardiac survival (HR: 0.18, P = 0.004) compared with those receiving an SVG. The survival at 10 and 20 years was 98.9 ± 2 and 68.9 ± 18% for the BITA/RGEA vs. 87.2 ± 4.6 and 50.3 ± 7% for the BITA/SVG, respectively.
In a single-institution experience, the use of multiple arterial grafting is independently associated with superior outcomes. Furthermore, the use of a third arterial conduit (RGEA) targeted to the right coronary artery should be considered to improve long-term survival.
European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery: official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery 01/2012; 42(2):284-90; discussion 290-1. · 2.40 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In aortic valve repair, reduction and stabilization of the ventriculo-aortic junction (VAJ) is generally recommended. In this in vitro study, we compare three techniques of annuloplasty: the subcommissural annuloplasty (SCA), the internal ring (IR) and the external ring (ER) annuloplasty.
Ten fresh porcine aortic valve preparations were tested in a pulsatile mock loop. Each sample was tested untreated (baseline: B). The annuloplasty techniques were then performed successively in each sample. Each technique was tested, then removed and the following technique performed. SCA was applied at 50% of interleaflet triangle height; the ER and IR were applied with a moderate reduction (15-20%) of the VAJ. Hydrodynamic, video and echographic parameters were collected. Flow rate and arterial pressure were maintained consistently between groups.
Effective orifice area decreased significantly with each annuloplasty technique compared with baseline (P < 0.001). Mean transvalvular pressure drop was significantly higher in the ER and IR vs SCA (P = 0.007). Annuloplasty reduced valve opening and closing time in comparison to baseline. Echocardiography confirmed that the VAJ experienced a greater reduction with the ER and IR vs SCA. A narrowing of the lower third of the sinuses of Valsalva was observed after the ER, and subvalvular narrowing was observed after the IR. Valve coaptation increased with all annuloplasty techniques.
The three annuloplasty techniques examined demonstrated differential effects on aortic valve function and root morphology. The ER and IR have greater potential to reduce VAJ diameter in comparison to SCA. The IR induced a subvalvular remodelling of the VAJ, whereas the ER induced a paravalvular remodelling.
European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery: official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery 01/2012; 41(5):1117-23; discussion 1123-4. · 2.40 Impact Factor
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European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery: official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery 01/2012; 41(1):2-3. · 2.40 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The introduction of effective and durable leaflet repair techniques have enabled repair of the regurgitant aortic valve. Aortic valve repair is favored to avoid the placement of a prosthesis that the patient will likely outgrow. Furthermore, repair has the potential to reduce the incidence of prosthesis-related complications, including endocarditis, thromboembolism, anticoagulant-related hemorrhage, and reoperation. The primary goal of all aortic valve repair is to restore a durable surface of coaptation to the regurgitant valve. The key to successful leaflet repair for aortic insufficiency is a thorough understanding of the mechanism of dysfunction. We have developed a systematic approach to the assessment and repair of aortic insufficiency because of leaflet disease. The combination of leaflet repair and functional aortic annulus annuloplasty can restore the proper geometry of the aortic valve complex and allow for successful repair of aortic insufficiency caused by both restriction and prolapse.
Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Annual of the Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 01/2012; 15(1):3-8.
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ABSTRACT: Saphenous vein, in situ right gastroepiploic artery, and right internal thoracic artery grafts are routinely used to revascularize the right coronary artery. Little is known about the predictive value of objective preoperative angiographic parameters on midterm graft patency.
We prospectively enrolled 210 consecutive patients undergoing coronary revascularization. Revascularization of the right coronary artery was randomly performed with the saphenous vein grafts in 81 patients and the right gastroepiploic artery in 92 patients. During the same study period, 37 patients received right coronary artery revascularization with the right internal thoracic artery used in a Y-composite fashion. All patients underwent a protocol-driven coronary angiogram 3 years after surgery. Preoperative angiographic parameters included minimum lumen diameter percent stenosis measured by quantitative angiography. A graft was considered "not functional" with patency scores of 0 to 2 and "functional" with patency scores of 3 or 4.
Angiographic follow-up was 100% complete. A significant difference in the distribution of flow patterns was observed in the 3 groups. In multivariate analysis, the use of a saphenous vein graft was associated with superior graft functionality compared with the other conduits (odds ratio, 6.1; 95% confidence interval, 2.4-15). Graft function was negatively influenced by the minimum lumen diameter (odds ratio, 0.11; confidence interval, 0.05-0.25). In the right gastroepiploic artery and right internal thoracic artery groups, the proportion of functional grafts was higher when the minimum lumen diameter was below a threshold value in the third minimum lumen diameter quartile (0.64-1.30 mm).
Preoperative angiography predicts graft patency in the right gastroepiploic artery and right internal thoracic artery, whereas the flow pattern in saphenous vein grafts is significantly less influenced by quantitative angiographic parameters.
The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery 11/2011; 142(5):980-8. · 3.41 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To assess root replacement and annular stabilization in bicuspid aortic valve repair, we compared results of reimplantation technique versus subcommissural annuloplasty or no annuloplasty.
Between 1995 and 2010, 161 consecutive patients underwent bicuspid aortic valve repair. Patients undergoing subcommissural annuloplasty or no annuloplasty (group 1, n = 87) had larger root dimensions and less aortic insufficiency than did patients undergoing reimplantation technique (group 2, n = 74). We matched groups 1 to 1 on basis of those criteria. After matching (n = 106, n = 53 per group), root dimensions (41.5 ± 5 vs 40 ± 4 mm; P = .2) and degree of insufficiency (2.6 ± 1.2 vs 2.7 ± 1; P = .6) were similar between groups.
Techniques of cusp repair were similar between groups. Group 2 had smaller preoperative left ventricular size (P = .02), fewer concomitant procedures (P = .02), and shorter follow-up (41 ± 30 vs 63 ± 40 months; P = .003). There were no in-hospital deaths. At discharge, residual aortic insufficiency was similar between groups, but peak gradient greater than 25 mm Hg was more frequent in group 1 (13% vs 30%; P = .04). At 6 years, overall survival was 98% ± 3% in both groups. Freedoms from reoperation and aortic insufficiency greater than 2+ were significantly better in group 2 (100% vs 90% ± 8%; P = .03; 100% vs 77% ± 14%; P = .002).
In bicuspid aortic valve repair, root replacement with the reimplantation technique stabilizes the ventriculoaortic junction, improves valve mobility (low gradient), and is associated with improved outcomes.
The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery 09/2011; 142(6):1430-8. · 3.41 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The methods of graft sizing in valve-sparing surgery are criticized for their complexity and subjectivity in application. We propose a simple method for graft sizing in valve-sparing root replacement using the reimplantation technique. Practically, the height of the commissure between the noncoronary cusp and the left coronary cusp give the size of the graft. This new method of graft sizing was successfully applied in the last 27 consecutive patients with good immediate results. Graft sizing with this objective and reproducible simple method results in restoration of normal aortic valve geometry and function.
The Annals of thoracic surgery 08/2011; 92(2):749-51. · 3.74 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Prosthesis embolization represents a severe complication following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We describe a case of ventricular embolization of the Edwards Sapien valve following transapical TAVI. The prosthesis was extracted successfully using the same transapical access. This approach obviated the need for conversion to a median sternotomy to explant the embolized valve.
Interactive cardiovascular and thoracic surgery 06/2011; 13(1):1-2.
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ABSTRACT: Selected patients, presenting for reoperative coronary surgery with patent internal thoracic arteries (ITAs), may benefit from techniques to salvage and reuse these ITA grafts. We have termed this practice the recycling of ITAs. The purpose of this study is to report our short-term and midterm results using various recycling techniques.
Between April 1996 and February 2009, 60 patients underwent ITA recycling at our institution. Information regarding survival and cardiac events was obtained from a prospectively maintained, institutional database. Survival and freedom from major adverse cardiac events were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Mean follow-up duration was 60 ± 36 months.
Mean age was 64 ± 9 years and the mean time to reoperation was 117 ± 68 months. The patent ITA served as an inflow for a composite Y graft in 39 patients and was distally reimplanted on the same coronary vessel in 9 patients. A combination of these two techniques was used in 8 patients. Other techniques were used in the remaining 4 patients. Freedom from cardiac death was 93% ± 7% and 85% ± 9% at 1 and 5 years and freedom from major adverse cardiac events was 93% ± 7% and 81% ± 11% at 1 and 5 years, respectively.
Recycling of ITA grafts during reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting is safe and feasible in selected patients. These techniques can be useful in selected young patients to avoid saphenous vein graft or in patients with a lack of graft conduits.
The Annals of thoracic surgery 04/2011; 91(4):1165-8. · 3.74 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Cusp prolapse causing aortic insufficiency is associated with unique echocardiographic, clinical, and surgical features. Recognition and appropriate surgical repair of this pathologic condition can not only treat affected patients but also improve results of aortic valve-sparing procedures, for which pre-existing or induced cusp prolapse is an important cause of failure.
Of 428 patients undergoing aortic valve repair, 195 (46%) were treated for cusp prolapse, and 111 (57%) of those had trileaflet aortic valve and make up this cohort. Cusp disease was the sole mechanism for aortic insufficiency (isolated group) in 50 patients whereas aortic dilatation was contributory in 61 (associated group). In total, 144 cusps were repaired in 111 patients. Preoperative echocardiograms, intraoperative findings, and clinical and echocardiographic outcomes were reviewed.
On preoperative echocardiography, presence of an eccentric aortic insufficiency jet, regardless of severity, had 92% sensitivity and 96% specificity for the detection of single cusp prolapse. A transverse fibrous band was characteristically identified on the prolapsing cusp (sensitivity 57%; specificity 92%), correctly localizing a prolapsing cusp in all cases. Freedom from aortic valve reoperation at 8 years was 100% in the isolated group and 93% ± 5% in the associated group (p = 0.33). Freedom from recurrent aortic insufficiency (>2+) at 5 years was 90% ± 5% in the isolated and 85% ± 8% in the associated group (P = .54). The choice of surgical technique did not affect aortic insufficiency recurrence at follow-up (P = .6).
Recognition and repair of isolated aortic cusp prolapse provides durable midterm outcome. An eccentric aortic insufficiency jet and a fibrous band can aid in the diagnosis and localization of cusp prolapse associated with ascending aortic disease and may help to improve results of aortic valve-sparing procedures.
The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery 02/2011; 141(4):917-25. · 3.41 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Patients with supracoronary ascending aortic aneurysms can have aortic insufficiency (AI) due to dilatation of the sinotubular junction and/or associated cusp pathology. The incidence and types of cusp lesions as well as the effect of AI severity and cusp repair techniques on outcome in this patient population is not well defined.
Since 1996, 55 patients (mean age: 65 ± 13 years, 17 bicuspid valves) presented with supracoronary ascending aortic aneurysms and AI that was mild/moderate in 27 (49%) and severe in 28 (51%). Associated pathology included cusp prolapse in 18 (33%), cusp restriction in nine (16%) and both in three (5%). All patients underwent aortic replacement and remodeling of the sinotubular junction. Adjunctive techniques included subcommissural annuloplasty in 38(69%) and cusp repair in 28 (51%).
AI severity was not significantly associated with the presence of cusp pathology (p=0.35). Cusp disease was present in 100% of bicuspid aortic valves compared with only 34% of trileaflet valves (p<0.001). There was no hospital mortality and overall survival was 94 ± 4% and 75 ± 10%, respectively, at 5 and 7 years. Freedom from re-operation was 100% at 7 years and freedom from recurrent AI (>2+) was 87 ± 7% at 5 years. Neither the presence of preoperative severe AI, nor the need for cusp repair was predictive of late outcome.
Cusp pathology is frequently encountered in patients with ascending aortic dilatation and AI. Severe AI is not a contraindication to valve-preserving surgery, but careful identification and repair of cusp pathology, in addition to sinotubular junction reduction, is critical for durable, long-term outcome.
European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery: official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery 01/2011; 40(2):424-8. · 2.40 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The manner in which a blood vessel is for used as a coronary graft may be important in maintaining a viable and functional endothelial lining. Composite internal thoracic arteries (ITAs) in a Y-graft configuration are characterized by the connection of an in situ left ITA with preserved innervation and lymphatics and of a free semi-skeletonized right ITA.
To determine whether endothelial function differs between left and right ITA segments in a Y-graft configuration, 11 patients were studied 3 years after surgery. The endothelium-dependent vasodilator substance P was selectively infused (1.4-22.4 pmol min⁻¹ in doubling dose increments) in the ostium of ITA Y-grafts. A maximal endothelium-independent vasodilatory response was then obtained by intragraft infusion of 2mg isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN). Biplane angiograms obtained at 3-min intervals using an automated contrast injection system with fixed preset volume and pressure parameters were analyzed off-line using a quantitative analysis system (CAAS, Pie Medical).
A similar dose-dependent vasodilatory response to substance P was observed in the left and in the right ITA. No difference in maximal endothelium-dependent response to substance P (7.4 ± 4.3% in the left ITA and 8.1 ± 5.3% in the right ITA) or in maximal endothelium-independent response to ISDN (12.2 ± 4.4% in the left ITA and 10.6 ± 8.1% in the right ITA) was observed.
The endothelium-dependent and the endothelium-independent vasodilator capacity of the two branches of a Y-graft ITA configuration appear similar 3 years after bypass surgery. This suggests that the preservation of the ITA pedicle does not significantly affect basal vasomotor tone, long-term endothelial function, or vasodilator reserve.
European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery: official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery 01/2011; 40(2):389-93. · 2.40 Impact Factor
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Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 01/2011; 23(2):149-51.
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The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery 12/2010; 140(6 Suppl):S20-2; discussion S45-51. · 3.41 Impact Factor
