New developments in cardiac surgery
Wellens, F.; Goldstein, J.
Acta Cardiologica 59(Suppl): 35-38
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5385 PMID: 15291433 Document Number: 583501
In cardiac surgery new developments in the current area are mainly directed towards minimally invasive surgery techniques. New anastomotic devices for CABG are clinically available and will facilitate partial and total endoscopic CABG techniques. In valve surgery percutaneous techniques are already available for AVR and PVR. Single percutaneous mitral valve repair is not a too far away procedure. Tissue engineering will offer biocompatible heart valves. New developments for heart failure therapy are booming. The major drawback for the achievements of this amazing progress is the financial cost. An open debate between all the parties concerned in healthcare is urgently needed in order to maintain the quality of surgical care for the decades to come.