Posterior left pericardiotomy for the prevention of atrial fibrillation during cardiac surgery seems to significantly reduce atrial fibrillation risk (AF) after procedure. The procedure consists of a 4-5 cm incision in the posterior pericardium to allow drainage of fluids and thrombi from the pericardium to the pleural cavity during postoperative period. Patients receiving the incision during surgery…
AHA 2021 | AVATAR: Early Intervention in Asymptomatic Aortic Stenosis
Early surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with severe asymptomatic aortic stenosis can be beneficial in selected patients vs. waiting for symptoms. Severe AS in patients with no symptoms and conserved ventricular function raises few questions, clinically speaking. However, there is little evidence in favor of early intervention vs. close observation. The best data…