Volume 40 - Issue 6

We report the case of a surgical treatment after transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair failure in a 79-year-old patient who had undergone cardiac surgery 30 years earlier. The transcatheter procedure of mitral valve got complicated by single leaflet device attachment leading to recurrent severe regurgitation. Despite the extremely high surgical risk and a porcelain aorta, we deemed the patient operable thanks to his performant physical and cognitive status. He underwent mitral valve replacement with a bioprosthesis in deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and retrograde cerebral perfusion. The postoperative course was regular, and he is in good functional class at one-year follow-up.

Implanting sutureless aortic valves enables a reduction in surgical times and related complications. Nonetheless, their application has been limited in cases involving aortic aneurysms due to anchor system concerns. We present a case of aortic valve replacement using a Perceval^TM sutureless aortic valve in a patient with stage IV chronic kidney disease, an ascending aortic aneurysm, and a porcelain aorta. The procedure was performed concomitantly with coronary artery bypass grafting involving two grafts, as well as ascending aorta and hemiarch replacement. This case underscores the critical importance of time efficiency, technical modifications for valve implantation, and strategic surgical planning to mitigate potential intraoperative and postoperative complications.

We present a case of left atrial thrombus mimicking myxoma after orthotopic heart transplantation. Multimodality imaging established the diagnosis of atrial myxoma, and the patient was treated accordingly, but the definite diagnosis after surgical excision and histology showed left atrial thrombus. This report demonstrates the limitations of multimodality diagnosis in tumors with features highly suggestive of an atrial myxoma.

Introduction: Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices have evolved significantly over the past decades and play a vital role in managing end-stage heart failure, especially as a bridge to heart transplantation. From the pioneering heart-lung machines to third-generation ventricular assist devices (VADs), MCS technology has advanced to provide more durable, efficient, and safer options for both short- and long-term support. This review outlines the historical development of mechanical assist devices, the types of available supports – ranging from intra-aortic balloon pumps and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to implantable devices like HeartMate 3 – and their clinical indications and complications. Special attention is given to right ventricular dysfunction, thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications, and infections, which remain major challenges in the management of patients with MCS devices.
In Brazil, despite the growing evidence supporting MCS in critically ill patients, access remains limited due to financial and systemic constraints. The review explores the current landscape of device availability in the country, national guidelines, cost-effectiveness data, and the impact of recent changes in transplant allocation criteria that prioritize patients receiving mechanical support. Notably, the approval of long-term VADs for destination therapy in the public health system in 2024 marks a significant milestone.
This review offers a comprehensive perspective on MCS utilization, highlighting both global advances and Brazil-specific challenges. By identifying gaps in access and proposing future directions, it advocates for expanded use of these life-saving technologies to improve survival and quality of life in advanced heart failure patients.