Structural deterioration of the cryopreserved mitral homograft valve

Native Infective Endocarditis: A State-of-the-Art-Review

Native valve infective endocarditis (NVE) is a global phenomenon, defined by infection of a native heart valve and involving the endocardial surface. The causes and epidemiology of the disease have evolved in recent decades, with a doubling of the average patient age. A higher incidence was observed in patients with implanted cardiac devices that can result in right-sided infection of the tricuspid valve. The microbiology of the disease has also changed. Previously, staphylococci, which are most often associated with health-care contact and invasive procedures, were the most common cause of the disease. This has now been superseded by streptococci. While innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have emerged, mortality rates have not improved and remain at 30%, which is higher than that for many cancer diagnoses. The lack of randomized trials and logistical constraints impede clinical management, and long-standing controversies such as the use of antibiotic prophylaxis persist. This state of the art review addresses clinical practice, controversies, and strategies to combat this potentially devastating disease. A multidisciplinary team will be established to provide care for patients with presumptive NVE. The composition of the team will include specialists in cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, and infectious disease. The prompt administration of combination antimicrobial therapy is essential for effective NVE treatment. Additionally, a meticulous evaluation of each patient is necessary in order to identify any indications for immediate valve surgery. With the intention of promoting a more comprehensive understanding of the procedural management of native infective endocarditis and to furnish clinicians with a reference, the current evidence for the utilization of distinct strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of NVE are presented.

Bridging Molecular and Clinical Sciences to Achieve the Best Treatment of Enterococcus faecalis Endocarditis

Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is a commensal bacterium that causes various infections in surgical sites, the urinary tract, and blood. The bacterium is becoming a significant concern because it tends to affect the elderly population, which has a high prevalence of undiagnosed degenerative valvular disease and is often subjected to invasive procedures and implanted medical devices. The bacterium's actions are influenced by specific characteristics like pili activity and biofilm formation. This resistance significantly impedes the effectiveness of numerous antibiotic therapies, particularly in cases of endocarditis. While current guidelines recommend antimicrobial therapy, the emergence of resistant strains has introduced complexity in managing these patients, especially with the increasing use of transcatheter therapies for those who are not suitable for surgery. Presentations of the condition are often varied and associated with generalised symptoms, which may pose a diagnostic challenge. We share our encounter with a case study that concerns an octogenarian who had a TAVI valve and developed endocarditis. We also conducted a literature review to identify the essential treatment algorithms for such cases.

A Literature Review on the Use of Aortic Allografts in Modern Cardiac Surgery for the Treatment of Infective Endocarditis: Is There Clear Evidence or Is It Merely a Perception?

Infective valve endocarditis is caused by different pathogens and 60% of those involve the aortic valve with valve failure. Although S. aureus is recognized as the most frequently isolated causative bacterium associated with IE in high-income countries, Gram-positive cocci nevertheless play a crucial role in promoting infection in relation to their adhesive matrix molecules. The presence of pili on the surface of Gram-positive bacteria such as in different strains of Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus spp., grants these causative pathogens a great offensive capacity due to the formation of biofilms and resistance to antibiotics. The indications and timing of surgery in endocarditis are debated as well as the choice of the ideal valve substitute to replace the diseased valve(s) when repair is not possible. We reviewed the literature and elaborated a systematic approach to endocarditis management based on clinical, microbiological, and anatomopathological variables known to affect postoperative outcomes with the aim to stratify the patients and orient decision making. From this review emerges significant findings on the risk of infection in the allograft used in patients with endocarditis and no endocarditis etiology suggesting that the use of allografts has proved safety and effectiveness in patients with both pathologies.

Host-Bacterium Interaction Mechanisms in Staphylococcus aureus Endocarditis: A Systematic Review

Staphylococci sp. are the most commonly associated pathogens in infective endocarditis, especially within high-income nations. This along with the increasing burden of healthcare, aging populations, and the protracted infection courses, contribute to a significant challenge for healthcare systems. A systematic review was conducted using relevant search criteria from PubMed, Ovid's version of MEDLINE, and EMBASE, and data were tabulated from randomized controlled trials (RCT), observational cohort studies, meta-analysis, and basic research articles. The review was registered with the OSF register of systematic reviews and followed the PRISMA reporting guidelines. Thirty-five studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final systematic review. The role of Staphylococcus aureus and its interaction with the protective shield and host protection functions was identified and highlighted in several studies. The interaction between infective endocarditis pathogens, vascular endothelium, and blood constituents was also explored, giving rise to the potential use of antiplatelets as preventative and/or curative agents. Several factors allow Staphylococcus aureus infections to proliferate within the host with numerous promoting and perpetuating agents. The complex interaction with the hosts' innate immunity also potentiates its virulence. The goal of this study is to attain a better understanding on the molecular pathways involved in infective endocarditis supported by S. aureus and whether therapeutic avenues for the prevention and treatment of IE can be obtained. The use of antibiotic-treated allogeneic tissues have marked antibacterial action, thereby becoming the ideal substitute in native and prosthetic valvular infections. However, the development of effective vaccines against S. aureus still requires in-depth studies.

Biomechanics of Pulmonary Autograft as Living Tissue: A Systematic Review

Introduction: The choice of valve substitute for aortic valve surgery is tailored to the patient with specific indications and contraindications to consider. The use of an autologous pulmonary artery (PA) with a simultaneous homograft in the pulmonary position is called a Ross procedure. It permits somatic growth and the avoidance of lifelong anticoagulation. Concerns remain on the functionality of a pulmonary autograft in the aortic position when exposed to systemic pressure. Methods: A literature review was performed incorporating the following databases: Pub Med (1996 to present), Ovid Medline (1958 to present), and Ovid Embase (1982 to present), which was run on 1 January 2022 with the following targeted words: biomechanics of pulmonary autograft, biomechanics of Ross operation, aortic valve replacement and pulmonary autograph, aortic valve replacement and Ross procedure. To address the issues with heterogeneity, studies involving the pediatric cohort were also analyzed separately. The outcomes measured were early- and late-graft failure alongside mortality. Results: a total of 8468 patients were included based on 40 studies (7796 in pediatric cohort and young adult series and 672 in pediatric series). There was considerable experience accumulated by various institutions around the world. Late rates of biomechanical failure and mortality were low and comparable to the general population. The biomechanical properties of the PA were superior to other valve substitutes. Mathematical and finite element analysis studies have shown the potential stress-shielding effects of the PA root. Conclusion: The Ross procedure has excellent durability and longevity in clinical and biomechanical studies. The use of external reinforcements such as semi-resorbable scaffolds may further extend their longevity.

Surgical Aortic Mitral Curtain Replacement: Systematic Review and Metanalysis of Early and Long-Term Results

The Commando procedure is challenging, and aims to replace the mitral valve, the aortic valve and the aortic mitral curtain, when the latter is severely affected by pathological processes (such as infective endocarditis or massive calcification). Given the high complexity, it is seldomly performed. We aim to review the literature on early (hospitalization and up to 30 days) and long-term (at least 3 years of follow-up) results. Bibliographical research was performed on PubMed and Cochrane with a dedicated string. Papers regarding double valve replacement or repair in the context of aortic mitral curtain disease were included. The metaprop function was used to assess early survival and complications (pacemaker implantation, stroke and bleeding). Nine papers (540 patients, median follow-up 41 (IQR 24.5–51.5) months) were included in the study. Pooled proportion of early mortality, stroke, pacemaker implant and REDO for bleeding were, respectively 16.2%, 7.8%, 25.1% and 13.1%. The long-term survival rate ranged from 50% to 92.2%. Freedom from re-intervention was as high as 90.9% when the endocarditis was not the first etiology and 78.6% in case of valvular infection (one author had 100%). Freedom from IE recurrences reached 85% at 10 years. Despite the high mortality, the rates of re-intervention and infective endocarditis recurrences following the Commando procedure are satisfactory and confirm the need for an aggressive strategy to improve long-term outcomes.

The New Challenge for Heart Endocarditis: From Conventional Prosthesis to New Devices and Platforms for the Treatment of Structural Heart Disease

Infective endocarditis is a sinister condition with considerable morbidity and mortality. Its relevance in the current era is compounded by the increased use of implanted devices such as replacement valves or cardiac implantable electronic devices. These infections are caused by multiple different bacteria with different virulence, pathogenicity, and antimicrobial resistance. Unlike in native endocarditis, the presence of foreign tissue permits sustenance by inflammatory and thrombotic processes as the artificial surfaces promote inflammatory responses and hypercoagulability. Prevention of these infections has been suggested with the use of homografts in combination with antibiotics. Others have attempted to use "low fouling coats" with little clinical success thus far. The use of antibiotic prophylaxis plays a pivotal part in reducing the incidence of prosthesis-related endocarditis. This remains especially crucial with the increasing use of transcatheter heart valve therapies. The widespread use of cardiac implantable electronic devices such as permanent pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices has also heralded a noticeable increase in cases of infectious endocarditis affecting complex equipment which can be difficult to treat. Multimodality strategies are needed with input from surgeons and cardiologists to ensure treatment is both prompt and successful, tailored to the individual needs of the patients.

A narrative review of early surgery versus conventional treatment for infective endocarditis: do we have an answer?

The most appropriate strategy and timing for surgery in infective endocarditis (IE) remains an argument of debate. Despite some authors promote the adoption of an early surgical approach (within 48 hours) to limit mortality and complications, no robust randomized trials are available on this argument and the evidence on this subject remain at the "expert opinion" level. Additionally, the different messages promulgated by the American and European guidelines contributed to fuel confusion regarding the relative priority of the surgical over medical therapy in IE. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines individuates three level of urgency: emergency surgery, to be performed within 24 hours; urgent surgery, recommended within a few days; elective surgery to be performed after 1-2 weeks of antibiotic therapy. Urgent surgery is recommended for most cases of IE. In the American Heart Association (AHA)'s guidelines define early surgery as "during the initial hospitalization and before completion of a full course of antibiotics." Some of the available evidences showed that are no proven benefits in delaying surgery if a definite diagnosis of IE has been established. However, this argument is controversial across the literature and several factors including the center specific experience can play a role in decision-making. In this review the latest evidences on IE clinical and surgical characteristics along with the current studies on the adoption of an early surgical approach are analyzed to clarify whether enough evidence is available to inform an update of the guidelines.

A narrative review of the interpretation of guidelines for the treatment of infective endocarditis

The recommendations of the current guidelines and the position papers of professional societies from the European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons (ESC), the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Society of Thoracic Surgeon (ACC/AHA/STS) and American Association of Thoracic Surgeon (AATS) regarding management of patients with valvular heart endocarditis were updated over the past decade. However, some of the recommendations appear to contradict one another. Given the changing paradigms on how the disease manifests, our aim was to review the respective guidelines and highlight these differences whilst drawing attention to the subsequent studies from which they were derived. In particular, concerns regarding antibiotic prophylaxis and therapy, imaging modality for diagnosis and follow-up, cerebrovascular sequalae and timing of surgery are appraised in detail. We also identified the novel techniques used such as transcatheter therapies and advances in imaging modalities used for diagnosis and treatment of this condition. The lack of randomised control trials (RCTs) does raise several issues regarding applicability of findings in day-to-day practice. Therefore, the focus of upcoming studies should be on clearly defined multicenter RCTs to provide more robust evidence for the management and treatment of infective endocarditis as future guidelines will be based on the outcomes of these trials.

The quest for the optimal surgical management of tricuspid valve endocarditis in the current era: a narrative review

Tricuspid valve endocarditis (TVE) is a growing concern with increasing rates and mortality burden. The currently changing etiology, the antibiotic resistance and the raise in iatrogenic causes as with implantable cardiac devices [cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED)], represent a challenge for the management of these patients. The progressively widespread use of CIEDs is adding to the more commonly known intravenous (IV) drug abuse in the list of causes. Treatment strategies include medical therapy alone or surgery. From the surgical standpoint tricuspid valve repair, replacement or the staged procedure of valvectomy as bridge to replacement are available options. Treatment of endocarditis related to implantable device is another expanding field which requires a coordinated action with microbiologists in consideration of the microorganism antibiotic resistance. This review summarizes the currently available evidences on TVE including surgical indications, timing of interventions and technical considerations. The conflicting results of the available observational evidences and the non-unanimous consensus on many aspects of TVE impede to reach a definitive conclusion regarding the best management strategy and demands for randomized studies in this field.

Sharing of decision-making for infective endocarditis surgery: a narrative review of clinical and ethical implications

Infective endocarditis (IE) is nowadays one of the most challenging disease in cardiac surgery because of its multifaceted clinical and anatomical presentation. Despite the many clinical and surgical advances achieved in the past 60 years, there is a lack of evidence regarding the ideal strategy. The present review aims to investigate and highlight two main novel concepts for the decision-making of the best substitute. Firstly, the concept of an "endocarditis team": a coordinated multidisciplinary effort in the diagnostic work-up, especially in conditions of high risk of embolization or clinical deterioration. A good "endocarditis team" has the role to overcome such problem, in order to ensure a prompt and balanced strategy. Secondly, which ethical considerations are required to drive the choice of valvular substitute. The choice of best valve substitute is a relevant issue of debate, not only with operative but also prognostic and accordingly ethical aftermaths. Many different solutions have been developed to substitute the infected valve. Among these: mechanical prosthesis (MP), biological stented prosthesis (BP), sutureless bioprosthesis and cryopreserved homografts (CHs). Patients need to be informed in detail about the technical issues pertaining the use of these valve substitute. We will discuss the evidences regarding the risk of recurrent infections or future potentially severe calcification of aortic homograft valve and wall (in other words, the failure of the homograft) and the difficulties in managing the reoperation.

A management framework for left sided endocarditis: a narrative review

Left sided endocarditis (LSE) can include the entirety or portion of mitral and/or aortic valve and the structures in their anatomical contiguity and represent a significant portion of emergency surgical activity. Literature and guidelines on the management of LSE relies mainly on observational studies given the difficulty in designing randomized trials in emergency settings. Heart teams (HT) are often called in to difficult decisions on the most appropriate strategy to adopted in case of LSE. Decision-making should take into account the localization and the extension of the infection, patient preoperative status and comorbidities, presence of a previous valve prosthesis and best timing for surgery. Despite evidence suggests that early surgery may improve survival in patients with complicated infective endocarditis (IE), an increased risk of recurrence and postoperative valvular dysfunctions has been reported. The most important factors associated with long-term outcomes are preoperative multiorgan failure, prosthetic mechanical valve IE, vegetation size ≥15 mm, and timing of surgical treatment. Importantly, up to one third of potential candidates do not undergo surgery and these patients experience extremely high mortality rates. Another important point regards the choice of the optimal valve substitute to be used according to the different clinical situation. The lack of RCT in this field and the difficulty to design this type of studies in the case of non-elective conditions further complicates the possibility to achieve a univocal consensus on the best strategy to be adopted in each form of LSE and further validation studies are needed. On the basis of the current evidences a decisional algorithm is proposed summarizing all the crucial aspects in the management of LSE.

Learning From Controversy: Contemporary Surgical Management of Aortic Valve Endocarditis

Aortic valve replacement is the commonest cardiac surgical operation performed worldwide for infective endocarditis (IE). Long-term durability and avoidance of infection relapse are goals of the procedure. However, no detailed guidelines on prosthesis selection and surgical strategies guided by the comprehensive evaluation of the extension of the infection and its microbiological characteristics, clinical profile of the patient, and risk of infection recurrence are currently available. Conventional mechanical or stented xenografts are the preferred choice for localized aortic infection. However, in cases of complex IE with the involvement of the root or the aortomitral continuity, the use of homograft is suggested according to the surgeon and center experience. Homograft use should be counterbalanced against the risk of structural degeneration. Prosthetic bioroot or prosthetic valved conduit (mechanical and bioprosthetic) are also potentially suitable alternatives. Further development of preservation techniques enabling longer durability of allogenic substitutes is required. We evaluate the current evidence for the use of valve substitutes in aortic valve endocarditis and propose an evidence-based algorithm to guide the choice of therapy. We performed a systemic review to clarify the contemporary surgical management of aortic valve endocarditis.

Revisiting the guidelines and choice the ideal substitute for aortic valve endocarditis

Aortic valve replacement is the most commonly performed cardiac surgical operation worldwide for infective endocarditis (IE). Long-term durability and avoidance of infection relapse are the treatment goals. However, no detailed guidelines on prosthesis selection and surgical strategy are available. Management should be guided by a comprehensive evaluation of infection extension and its microbiological characteristics, the clinical profile of the patient and the risk of infection recurrence. We conducted a literature search of the PubMed database, EMBASE and Cochrane Library (through November 2019) for studies reporting to the use of biological substitutes in aortic valve endocarditis (AVE). Studies comparing long-term outcomes in the use of allogenic and autologous with conventional prostheses were investigated. Conventional mechanical or stented xenografts are the preferred choice for localized aortic infection. In cases of complex IE with the involvement of the root or the aorto-mitral continuity, the use of homografts are recommended, according to surgeon's and center experience. Homograft use needs to be balanced against the risk of structural degeneration. Prosthetic bioroot or prosthetic valved conduit with a mechanical or bioprosthetic valve are acceptable alternatives. The choice of aortic valves substitute and surgical strategy in IE is multifaceted. Principles guiding the selection of prosthesis and surgical approach rely on the long-term durability and the avoidance of infection relapse. A decisional algorithm considering the extension of the infection and its microbiological characteristics, the clinical profile of the patient and the risk of infection recurrence is provided. A multidisciplinary effort is required to achieve consistent outcomes.

The use of allogenic and autologous tissue to treat aortic valve endocarditis

The surgical treatment of aortic valve endocarditis (AVE) is generally performed using conventional mechanical or biological xenograft prosthesis, with limited use of aortic homograft (Ao-Homo) or pulmonary autograft (PA). Clinical evidence has demonstrated a clear contradiction between the proven benefits of Ao-Homo and PA in the context of infection and the very limited use of allogenic or autologous tissue in everyday clinical practice. This review aims to summarize the most recent and relevant literature in order to foster the scientific debate on the use of the use of allogenic and autologous tissue to treat AVE. The decisional process of the Heart Team should also include the preferences of the patient, his/her family, the general cardiologist or primary care physician. The use of allogenic or autologous valve substitute is beneficial if there is a high risk of recurrence of infection, avoiding extensive adhesiolysis and debridement of synthetic material. In any case, those procedures should be performed by highly trained centers to optimize outcomes.

Long-term outcome of cryopreserved allograft for aortic valve replacement

OBJECTIVE

The most efficient surgical approach to severe aortic valve disease in the young adult is still debated: cryopreserved aortic allograft offers excellent hemodynamic and avoid anticoagulation, but long-term durability is influenced by structural valve deterioration (SVD). This study aimed to describe long-term results of aortic allografts and to identify factors influencing long-term durability.

METHODS

From January 1993 to August 2010, 210 patients underwent aortic allograft replacement via the free-hand subcoronary implantation technique (N = 55) or root replacement with coronary reimplantation (N = 155). Clinic and echocardiographic follow-up was updated to April 2016.

RESULTS

Overall mortality and cardiac mortality occurred in 80 (38.1%) and 64 (30.5%) patients, respectively. Reoperation was required in 69 cases (32.8%), whereas SVD required reoperation in 57 cases (27.1%). No early endocarditis occurred, whereas late endocarditis occurred in 4 patients. The free-hand technique seems to be associated with improved left ventricular remodeling compared with the root-replacement technique, and smaller allograft size represents a predictor of reoperation independently on the surgical technique used. In the overall population, there were 44 women of childbearing age, and 37 patients remained pregnant during the follow-up of the study. No differences were found in the clinical outcomes among women who had children and who did not.

CONCLUSIONS

Cryopreserved allograft is a valid option, especially in complex infective endocarditis and in women of childbearing age. A careful choice of allograft size and implantation technique can reduce the risk of SVD.

Development and Characterization of a Porcine Mitral Valve Scaffold for Tissue Engineering

Decellularized scaffolds represent a promising alternative for mitral valve (MV) replacement. This work developed and characterized a protocol for the decellularization of whole MVs. Porcine MVs were decellularized with 0.5% (w/v) SDS and 0.5% (w/v) SD and sterilized with 0.1% (v/v) PAA. Decellularized samples were seeded with human foreskin fibroblasts and human adipose-derived stem cells to investigate cellular repopulation and infiltration, and with human colony-forming endothelial cells to investigate collagen IV formation. Histology revealed an acellular scaffold with a generally conserved histoarchitecture, but collagen IV loss. Following decellularization, no significant changes were observed in the hydroxyproline content, but there was a significant reduction in the glycosaminoglycan content. SEM/TEM analysis confirmed cellular removal and loss of some extracellular matrix components. Collagen and elastin were generally preserved. The endothelial cells produced newly formed collagen IV on the non-cytotoxic scaffold. The protocol produced acellular scaffolds with generally preserved histoarchitecture, biochemistry, and biomechanics.

The effects of decellularization and cross-linking techniques on the fatigue life and calcification of mitral valve chordae tendineae

In cases of severely diseased mitral valves (MV), the required treatment is often valve replacement. Bioprosthetic and stentless replacement valves are usually either fully or partially composed of animal derived tissue treated with a decellularization process, a cross-linking process, or both. In this study, we analysed the effects of these treatments on the fatigue properties of porcine MV chordae tendineae (CT), as well as on the calcification of the CT using an in vitro technique. CT were tested in 4 groups; (1) native, (2) decellularized (DC), (3) decellularized and cross-linked with glutaraldehyde (DC-GTH), and (4) decellularized and cross-linked with 1-ehtyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC)(DC-EDC). CT were tested in both uniaxial tension, and in fatigue at 10MPa peak stress (1Hz). The cycles to failure (mean±SD) for the four groups are as follows; Native- 53,397±55,798, DC- 28,013±30,634, DC-GTH- 97,665±133,556, DC-EDC- 318,601±322,358. DC-EDC CT were found to have a slightly longer fatigue life than the native and DC groups. The DC-EDC group also had a marginally lower dynamic creep rate, meaning those CT elongate more slowly. After in vitro calcification, X-ray microtomography was used to determine relative levels of calcification. The DC-EDC and DC-GTH groups had the lowest volume of calcific deposits. Under uniaxial testing, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the DC-GTH CT was statistically significantly reduced after calcification, while the UTS was relatively unchanged for the DC-EDC group. Overall, these results indicate that a treatment of decellularization plus cross-linking with EDC may improve the fatigue life of porcine CT, reduce the rate of elongation, and help the CT resist the negative effects of calcification. This may be a preferable treatment in the preparation of porcine MVs for the replacement of diseased MVs.

One-year results from cryopreserved mitral allograft transplantation into the tricuspid position in a sheep experimental model

Mitral allografts are still used only exceptionally in the mitral or tricuspid position. The main indication remains infectious endocarditis of atrioventricular valves for its flexibility and low risk of infection. The aim of our study was to evaluate 1-year results of mitral allografts transplantation into the tricuspid position in a sheep model. Mitral allografts were processed, cryopreserved, and transplanted into the tricuspid position anatomically (Group I - 11 animals) or antianatomically (Group II - 8 animals). All survivors (4 from Group I, and 3 from Group II) were checked at 3, 6, and 12 months by echocardiography with the exception of one survivor from Group II (which was examinated only visually). Examination throughout follow-up included for mitral allograft regurgitation and annuli dilatation. At postmortem, the papillary muscles were healed and firmly anchored to the right ventricular wall in all subjects. Transventricular fixation of the papillary muscles with buttressed sutures was proven to be a stable, reproducible, and safe method for anchoring mitral allograft leaflets. There were no significant differences between the two implantation methods. Annulus support of mitral allografts might be very useful in this type of operation and could prevent annular dilatation.

Pregnancy and postpartum infective endocarditis: a systematic review

The objective of this review was to describe the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of infective endocarditis (IE) in pregnancy and the postpartum period. We conducted a systematic review of Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus from January 1, 1988, through October 31, 2012. Included studies reported on women who met the modified Duke criteria for the diagnosis of IE and were pregnant or postpartum. We included 72 studies that described 90 cases of peripartum IE, mostly affecting native valves (92%). Risk factors associated with IE included intravenous drug use (14%), congenital heart disease (12%), and rheumatic heart disease (12%). The most common pathogens were streptococcal (43%) and staphylococcal (26%) species. Septic pulmonary, central, and other systemic emboli were common complications. Of the 51 pregnancies, there were 41 (80%) deliveries with survival to discharge, 7 (14%) fetal deaths, 1 (2%) medical termination of pregnancy, and 2 (4%) with unknown status. Maternal mortality was 11%. Infective endocarditis is a rare, life-threatening infection in pregnancy. Risk factors are changing with a marked decrease in rheumatic heart disease and an increase in intravenous drug use. The cases reported in the literature were commonly due to streptococcal organisms, involved the right-sided valves, and were associated with intravenous drug use.

Tissue engineering of autologous heart valves: a focused update

The prevalence of valvular heart disease is expected to increase in the coming decades, with an associated rise in valve-related surgeries. Current options for valve prostheses remain limited, essentially confined to mechanical or biological valves. Neither selection provides an optimal balance between structural integrity and associated morbidity. Mechanical valves offer exceptional durability coupled with a considerable risk of thrombogenesis. Conversely, a biological prosthesis affords freedom from anticoagulation, but with a truncated valve lifespan. Tissue-engineered heart valves have been touted as a solution to this dilemma, by offering an immunopriviledged prosthesis combined with resistance from degeneration and the potential to grow. Although the reality of commercially available tissue-engineered heart valves remains distant, this article will highlight the cellular and clinical advancements in recent years.