Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease. It is characterized by an interventricular communication with an overriding aorta, subpulmonary obstruction, and consequent right ventricular hypertrophy. The potential for late complications is an important concern for growing number of survivors after surgical repair, although long-term survival rates are excellent. Progressive pulmonary valve regurgitation leading to right heart failure and arrhythmias are common late complications and major reasons of mortality. In this review, we focus on research progress of pathogenesis and treatment of late complications after TOF repair, and the importance of long-term follow-up is emphasized.
Hybrid cardiovascular surgical procedure is an emerging concept that combines the skills and techniques of minimally invasive surgery and interventional catheterization. It allows surgeons to use interventional equipment and techniques during operations, which are traditionally used by physicians, in order to reduce the magnitude of therapeutic interventions and to increase therapeutic effectiveness. This review provides a snapshot of the main application and progress of current hybrid procedures in the field of cardiovascular surgery, including the hybrid therapy of coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease and thoracic aortic aneurysm, also discusses the precondition with which the hybrid procedure should ideally be performed.
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a disease with severe complications and high mortality. It is heterogeneous in etiology, clinical manifestations, and course. At the same time, there are many disputes on the clinical practice of antibiotic treatment, surgical indications and timing. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of IE, especially the latest advances in surgical treatment after the release of European Society of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines in 2015.