mehmet biçer - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by mehmet biçer

Research paper thumbnail of Giant mycotic pseudoaneurysm of the aorta protruding over the sternal notch in a child

Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery, 2016

Aortic mycotic pseudoaneurysms are rare pathologies in children, which are mostly caused by an in... more Aortic mycotic pseudoaneurysms are rare pathologies in children, which are mostly caused by an infection or trauma. Surgical and perioperative antibiotic therapies are mandatory in the treatment. Surgical timing and operational strategy are also critical factors. Herein, we report the successful repair of a giant mycotic pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta following a previous cardiac surgery in a 7-year old girl.

Research paper thumbnail of Increase in Graft Blood Flow in the Early Postoperative Period

The Heart Surgery Forum, 2010

Flow has been suitably measured by transit-time fl ow measurement, but measurements in the early ... more Flow has been suitably measured by transit-time fl ow measurement, but measurements in the early period after cardiopulmonary bypass do not refl ect expected values because of several factors. We documented that fl ow measurements during immediate revision of bleeding increased 3 times for the left internal thoracic artery and 2 times for the saphenous vein graft over previous measurements made after cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery.

Research paper thumbnail of Predictors of Extubation in the Operating Room after Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: A Single Center Retrospective Study

Research Square (Research Square), Nov 30, 2022

Objective Despite various clinical bene ts of early extubation following congenital cardiac surge... more Objective Despite various clinical bene ts of early extubation following congenital cardiac surgery, the feasibility of this strategy has been widely debated. In this study, we present the outcomes of our on-table extubation strategy in patients with congenital cardiac disease. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 91 patients from all age groups, operated on for congenital heart diseases. Patients were evaluated according to the STS-EACTS scoring system. Perioperative patient data were analyzed and correlated with the extubation status. Results Overall, 56% of the patients were extubated in the operating room. There was an association between younger age, longer bypass and cross-clamp times and on-table extubation. In addition, lactate as well as partial carbon dioxide pressure values in the blood gas analysis taken prior to extubation were shown to be signi cant with regards to extubation success. Patients with STAT expected mortality rates below 4.3% and estimated major complication rates below 6.9% were more likely to be extubated. Further, the blood gas analysis with lactate values below 3.9mmol/L and partial carbon dioxide pressures below 35.3mmHg would direct the strategy in favor of on-table extubation. Moreover, there was a signi cant correlation between a decreased length of hospital stay and on-table extubation. Conclusion The outcomes of our on-table extubation strategy for patients with congenital cardiac disease reveal the feasibility of this approach. Higher lactate levels, younger age, increased surgical complexity are indicators of on-table extubation failure. Further, this strategy is associated with shorter ICU and hospital length of stays as an additional clinical bene t.

Research paper thumbnail of An approach to cultural adaptation and validation: the Intermittent Claudication Questionnaire

Vascular Medicine, 2009

The objective of this study was to perform a cultural adaptation and define the validity of the T... more The objective of this study was to perform a cultural adaptation and define the validity of the Turkish version of the Intermittent Claudication Questionnaire (ICQ) in order to provide a practical instrument for the evaluation of the impact of intermittent claudication (IC) on patients’ quality of life and response to therapy. A standard ‘forward–backward’ translation method was used to translate the questionnaire into Turkish. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency of the questionnaire reporting Cronbach’s α coefficient, test–retest reliability that was assessed with the intraclass correlation between instrument scores over time and with the Spearman–Brown coefficient as a variant of split-half reliability. Validity was examined by correlation of the ICQ with the scores of the SF-36 and its eight domains. Eighty-four patients (mean age, 60.7 ± 7.3 years; male, 57%) were given the ICQ and a final completion rate of 98.8% (83 patients) was reached. The mean total ICQ score ...

Research paper thumbnail of Fontan completion of a 10-year-old Kawashima patient with extensive arteriovenous malformations: consideration for a lobectomy

Cardiology in the Young

A significant contributing factor to the progression of late cyanosis in individuals undergoing K... more A significant contributing factor to the progression of late cyanosis in individuals undergoing Kawashima operation is pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. Following the Fontan procedure, arteriovenous malformations may regress. However, in cases with extensive malformations causing severe cyanosis, lobectomy can also be a possible treatment approach. Thereby, we present our two-step treatment strategy in a late Fontan completion complicated by arteriovenous malformations in a Kawashima patient.

Research paper thumbnail of Surgical management of cardiac cystic echinococcosis in a paediatric patient: a case report

Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery

Cystic echinococcosis, a zoonotic parasitic disease, is endemic to many countries worldwide. This... more Cystic echinococcosis, a zoonotic parasitic disease, is endemic to many countries worldwide. This slowly progressing disease is seen rarely in the paediatric age group. In terms of cyst localization, cardiac involvement is infrequent. We report the case of a successful surgical and medical management of a paediatric hydatid disease patient with involvement of the heart.

Research paper thumbnail of Outcomes of Norwood procedure with hypoplastic left heart syndrome: Our 12-year single-center experience

Turkish Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, 2022

Background: In this study, we aimed to analyze the predictors and risk factors of mortality in pa... more Background: In this study, we aimed to analyze the predictors and risk factors of mortality in patients who underwent Norwood I procedure with the diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Methods: Between January 2009 and December 2020, a total of 139 patients (95 males, 44 females) who underwent Norwood I procedure with the diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome in our center were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The median birth weight was 3,200 (range, 3,000 to 3,350) g and the median age at the time of operation was seven (range, 5 to 10) days. Pulmonary flow was achieved with a Sano shunt in the majority (72%) of patients. Survival rate was 41% after the first stage. Reoperation for bleeding (p=0.017), reoperation for residual lesion (p=0.011), and postoperative peak lactate level (p=0.029), were associated with in-hospital mortality. Nineteen (33%) of 57 patients died before the second stage. Thirty-three (58%) patients underwent second stage, and survival after t...

Research paper thumbnail of Anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery repair outcomes: Preoperative mitral regurgitation persists in the follow‐up

Journal of Cardiac Surgery, 2020

This study aims to present the midterm outcomes of surgical correction of the anomalous left coro... more This study aims to present the midterm outcomes of surgical correction of the anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) with a focus on mitral regurgitation (MR).

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of Doty and McGoon techniques for surgical reconstruction of congenital supravalvular aortic stenosis

Cardiology in the Young, 2021

Background:We aimed to compare the results of two surgical methods for the treatment of congenita... more Background:We aimed to compare the results of two surgical methods for the treatment of congenital supravalvular aortic stenosis.Methods:From May 2004 to January 2020, 29 patients underwent surgical repair for supravalvular aportic stenosis in a single centre. The perioperative evaluation of the patients was retrospectively reviewed.Results:Fifteen (51.7%) and 14 (48.2%) patients were treated with the Doty and the McGoon methods, respectively. The median age of our cohort was 4.5 (3.0–9.9) years. Ten (34.5%) patients had Williams–Beuren syndrome, and pulmonary stenosis was observed in 12 (41.3%) patients. The median follow-up time was 2.5 (0.7–7.3) years. On follow-up, five patients had residual stenosis with the McGoon technique and one with the Doty technique (p = 0.05). One patient died early in the post-operative period in the Doty group, and three patients were re-operated on due to restenosis in the McGoon group. Freedom from re-operation in the Doty group at 1, 3, 5, and 10 y...

Research paper thumbnail of First Harvest of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery Multicenter Database in Turkey: Novel Application of Real-Time Online Reporting

World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, 2021

Objectives: A new congenital heart surgery database (CKCV) with real-time online reporting functi... more Objectives: A new congenital heart surgery database (CKCV) with real-time online reporting function was recently developed in Turkey. All standard international parameters were used, but Aristotle Comprehensive Complexity score was modified. In this study, the first analysis of the CKCV Database is reported. Methods: The CKCV Database included 2307 procedures from 12 centers between January 2018 and March 2020. All parameters, including 10 real-time online reports, which represent the number of centers, number and mortality rates of all procedures, number of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and results, details of postoperative complications, age-group statistics, analysis for priority status, mean intensive care and hospital stay durations of the procedures, results of Aristotle Basic, Modified Aristotle Comprehensive (MACC) and Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association (STAT) Score Categories, comparison of centers were analyzed. Results: Most common 10 procedure...

Research paper thumbnail of Modified Closed Coronary Transfer is a Good Alternative to the Trap-Door Method During Arterial Switch Operation: a Retrospective Propensity-Matched Comparison

Brazilian Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery, 2020

Objective: To compare the early and long-term results of patients in whom was performed modified ... more Objective: To compare the early and long-term results of patients in whom was performed modified closed coronary transfer with the results of patients in whom was performed trapdoor transfer techniques by utilizing propensity-matching analysis to provide optimal identical patient matching for the groups. Methods: From August 2015 to December 2017, 127 consecutive patients underwent arterial switch operation due to simple and complex transposition of the great arteries, with or without additional arch and complex coronary pattern, by a single surgical team included into the study. Of these, in 70 patients it was performed modified closed coronary transfer technique and in 57 patients it was performed trap-door style coronary transfer technique. The patients were divided into two groups in terms of coronary transfer method. In the final model, after propensity matching, 47 patients from each group having similar propensity score were included into the study. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups regarding patient characteristics. Cross-clamp time and operation time were significantly lower in the modified technique group compared with the other group (P=0.03 and P=0.05, respectively). When compared the early and late postoperative outcomes, there was no significant difference between the groups. Postoperative echocardiographic findings were mostly similar between the groups. Conclusion: The patients in whom was performed our modified technique demonstrate overall good outcomes and the current technique ensures shorter arterial cross-clamp and operation times. It may be an alternative method to the trap-door technique for the coronary transfer during the arterial switch operation.

Research paper thumbnail of Enfektif Endokarditin Nadir Bir Komplikasyonu

Turkish Journal of Pediatric Disease, 2016

A 16-year-old male was admitted to hospital after presenting with complaints of fever and weaknes... more A 16-year-old male was admitted to hospital after presenting with complaints of fever and weakness. The medical history revealed osteomyelitis of the right leg after a knife injury during a game at home. The osteomyelitis had been treated surgically. After 2 months he presented to pediatric outpatients with intermittent mild fever and dizziness that had started 3 days ago. Physical examination was normal except for tonsillopharyngeal hyperemia. Cardiac examination was normal. There was no cardiac murmur. Electrocardiography (ECG) showed first degree AVB. Echocardiography performed to evaluate the IE possibility and to exclude the causes AVB such as car-ABSTRACT Complete atrioventricular block (AVB) is one of the well described but uncommon complications of infective endocarditis (IE). The degree of AVB reflects the extension of infection. The degree of AVB is thought to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. It is recommended to evaluate newly developed AVBs as predictors of IE, to diagnose and treat IE as soon as possible. We report a case with delayed diagnosis of aortic valve endocarditis that revealed first degree AVB in the earlier phase of disease and followed by complete AVB until accurate treatment was started. Successful surgical intervention and antibiotherapy resulted in a downgrading and diminishing of the high-grade conduction block without any complications.

Research paper thumbnail of A rare complication after an interventional procedure using the common carotid: carotid pseudoaneurysm in an infant

Cardiology in the Young

The carotid artery is a valuable vascular access that can be used in patients who have undergone ... more The carotid artery is a valuable vascular access that can be used in patients who have undergone repetitive interventional and surgical procedures and premature babies. In the past, cut-down was used but nowadays, mostly the procedure is performed under ultrasonographic guidance. Complications such as bleeding, haematoma, and pseudoaneurysm may occur when the carotid artery is used as a vascular access for the procedures such as aortic balloon valvuloplasty, coarctation balloon angioplasty, or after interventional or surgical treatments to the carotid artery. Although pseudoaneurysm is very rare, prompt diagnosis and accurate treatment planning are life-saving. In this article, the diagnosis and treatment of pseudoaneurysm in the left common carotid after transcatheter coarctation balloon angioplasty in a 6-month-old infant will be presented.

Research paper thumbnail of The poor long-term outcomes of owl’s eye pulmonary reconstruction technique after arterial switch operation

Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery

OBJECTIVES This study aims to compare the early- and long-term outcomes of patients who undergo o... more OBJECTIVES This study aims to compare the early- and long-term outcomes of patients who undergo owl’s eye pulmonary artery (PA) reconstruction to those of patients who undergo conventional PA reconstruction. METHODS From January 2016 to January 2017, 64 consecutive patients underwent an arterial switch operation. The patients were divided into 2 groups in terms of neo-PA reconstruction method: 30 patients who underwent neo-PA reconstruction by owl’s eye technique were defined as group 1 and 34 patients who underwent neo-PA reconstruction by the conventional approach were defined as group 2. In the final model, after propensity matching, 23 patients from each group with similar propensity scores were included in the study. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the groups regarding patient characteristics and operative findings. In the early period, the duration of intensive care unit and hospital stays and the rate of mild neo-pulmonary stenosis (neo-PS) were significan...

Research paper thumbnail of Giant mycotic pseudoaneurysm of the aorta protruding over the sternal notch in a child

Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery, 2016

Aortic mycotic pseudoaneurysms are rare pathologies in children, which are mostly caused by an in... more Aortic mycotic pseudoaneurysms are rare pathologies in children, which are mostly caused by an infection or trauma. Surgical and perioperative antibiotic therapies are mandatory in the treatment. Surgical timing and operational strategy are also critical factors. Herein, we report the successful repair of a giant mycotic pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta following a previous cardiac surgery in a 7-year old girl.

Research paper thumbnail of Increase in Graft Blood Flow in the Early Postoperative Period

The Heart Surgery Forum, 2010

Flow has been suitably measured by transit-time fl ow measurement, but measurements in the early ... more Flow has been suitably measured by transit-time fl ow measurement, but measurements in the early period after cardiopulmonary bypass do not refl ect expected values because of several factors. We documented that fl ow measurements during immediate revision of bleeding increased 3 times for the left internal thoracic artery and 2 times for the saphenous vein graft over previous measurements made after cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery.

Research paper thumbnail of Predictors of Extubation in the Operating Room after Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: A Single Center Retrospective Study

Research Square (Research Square), Nov 30, 2022

Objective Despite various clinical bene ts of early extubation following congenital cardiac surge... more Objective Despite various clinical bene ts of early extubation following congenital cardiac surgery, the feasibility of this strategy has been widely debated. In this study, we present the outcomes of our on-table extubation strategy in patients with congenital cardiac disease. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 91 patients from all age groups, operated on for congenital heart diseases. Patients were evaluated according to the STS-EACTS scoring system. Perioperative patient data were analyzed and correlated with the extubation status. Results Overall, 56% of the patients were extubated in the operating room. There was an association between younger age, longer bypass and cross-clamp times and on-table extubation. In addition, lactate as well as partial carbon dioxide pressure values in the blood gas analysis taken prior to extubation were shown to be signi cant with regards to extubation success. Patients with STAT expected mortality rates below 4.3% and estimated major complication rates below 6.9% were more likely to be extubated. Further, the blood gas analysis with lactate values below 3.9mmol/L and partial carbon dioxide pressures below 35.3mmHg would direct the strategy in favor of on-table extubation. Moreover, there was a signi cant correlation between a decreased length of hospital stay and on-table extubation. Conclusion The outcomes of our on-table extubation strategy for patients with congenital cardiac disease reveal the feasibility of this approach. Higher lactate levels, younger age, increased surgical complexity are indicators of on-table extubation failure. Further, this strategy is associated with shorter ICU and hospital length of stays as an additional clinical bene t.

Research paper thumbnail of An approach to cultural adaptation and validation: the Intermittent Claudication Questionnaire

Vascular Medicine, 2009

The objective of this study was to perform a cultural adaptation and define the validity of the T... more The objective of this study was to perform a cultural adaptation and define the validity of the Turkish version of the Intermittent Claudication Questionnaire (ICQ) in order to provide a practical instrument for the evaluation of the impact of intermittent claudication (IC) on patients’ quality of life and response to therapy. A standard ‘forward–backward’ translation method was used to translate the questionnaire into Turkish. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency of the questionnaire reporting Cronbach’s α coefficient, test–retest reliability that was assessed with the intraclass correlation between instrument scores over time and with the Spearman–Brown coefficient as a variant of split-half reliability. Validity was examined by correlation of the ICQ with the scores of the SF-36 and its eight domains. Eighty-four patients (mean age, 60.7 ± 7.3 years; male, 57%) were given the ICQ and a final completion rate of 98.8% (83 patients) was reached. The mean total ICQ score ...

Research paper thumbnail of Fontan completion of a 10-year-old Kawashima patient with extensive arteriovenous malformations: consideration for a lobectomy

Cardiology in the Young

A significant contributing factor to the progression of late cyanosis in individuals undergoing K... more A significant contributing factor to the progression of late cyanosis in individuals undergoing Kawashima operation is pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. Following the Fontan procedure, arteriovenous malformations may regress. However, in cases with extensive malformations causing severe cyanosis, lobectomy can also be a possible treatment approach. Thereby, we present our two-step treatment strategy in a late Fontan completion complicated by arteriovenous malformations in a Kawashima patient.

Research paper thumbnail of Surgical management of cardiac cystic echinococcosis in a paediatric patient: a case report

Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery

Cystic echinococcosis, a zoonotic parasitic disease, is endemic to many countries worldwide. This... more Cystic echinococcosis, a zoonotic parasitic disease, is endemic to many countries worldwide. This slowly progressing disease is seen rarely in the paediatric age group. In terms of cyst localization, cardiac involvement is infrequent. We report the case of a successful surgical and medical management of a paediatric hydatid disease patient with involvement of the heart.

Research paper thumbnail of Outcomes of Norwood procedure with hypoplastic left heart syndrome: Our 12-year single-center experience

Turkish Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, 2022

Background: In this study, we aimed to analyze the predictors and risk factors of mortality in pa... more Background: In this study, we aimed to analyze the predictors and risk factors of mortality in patients who underwent Norwood I procedure with the diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Methods: Between January 2009 and December 2020, a total of 139 patients (95 males, 44 females) who underwent Norwood I procedure with the diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome in our center were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The median birth weight was 3,200 (range, 3,000 to 3,350) g and the median age at the time of operation was seven (range, 5 to 10) days. Pulmonary flow was achieved with a Sano shunt in the majority (72%) of patients. Survival rate was 41% after the first stage. Reoperation for bleeding (p=0.017), reoperation for residual lesion (p=0.011), and postoperative peak lactate level (p=0.029), were associated with in-hospital mortality. Nineteen (33%) of 57 patients died before the second stage. Thirty-three (58%) patients underwent second stage, and survival after t...

Research paper thumbnail of Anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery repair outcomes: Preoperative mitral regurgitation persists in the follow‐up

Journal of Cardiac Surgery, 2020

This study aims to present the midterm outcomes of surgical correction of the anomalous left coro... more This study aims to present the midterm outcomes of surgical correction of the anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) with a focus on mitral regurgitation (MR).

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of Doty and McGoon techniques for surgical reconstruction of congenital supravalvular aortic stenosis

Cardiology in the Young, 2021

Background:We aimed to compare the results of two surgical methods for the treatment of congenita... more Background:We aimed to compare the results of two surgical methods for the treatment of congenital supravalvular aortic stenosis.Methods:From May 2004 to January 2020, 29 patients underwent surgical repair for supravalvular aportic stenosis in a single centre. The perioperative evaluation of the patients was retrospectively reviewed.Results:Fifteen (51.7%) and 14 (48.2%) patients were treated with the Doty and the McGoon methods, respectively. The median age of our cohort was 4.5 (3.0–9.9) years. Ten (34.5%) patients had Williams–Beuren syndrome, and pulmonary stenosis was observed in 12 (41.3%) patients. The median follow-up time was 2.5 (0.7–7.3) years. On follow-up, five patients had residual stenosis with the McGoon technique and one with the Doty technique (p = 0.05). One patient died early in the post-operative period in the Doty group, and three patients were re-operated on due to restenosis in the McGoon group. Freedom from re-operation in the Doty group at 1, 3, 5, and 10 y...

Research paper thumbnail of First Harvest of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery Multicenter Database in Turkey: Novel Application of Real-Time Online Reporting

World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, 2021

Objectives: A new congenital heart surgery database (CKCV) with real-time online reporting functi... more Objectives: A new congenital heart surgery database (CKCV) with real-time online reporting function was recently developed in Turkey. All standard international parameters were used, but Aristotle Comprehensive Complexity score was modified. In this study, the first analysis of the CKCV Database is reported. Methods: The CKCV Database included 2307 procedures from 12 centers between January 2018 and March 2020. All parameters, including 10 real-time online reports, which represent the number of centers, number and mortality rates of all procedures, number of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and results, details of postoperative complications, age-group statistics, analysis for priority status, mean intensive care and hospital stay durations of the procedures, results of Aristotle Basic, Modified Aristotle Comprehensive (MACC) and Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association (STAT) Score Categories, comparison of centers were analyzed. Results: Most common 10 procedure...

Research paper thumbnail of Modified Closed Coronary Transfer is a Good Alternative to the Trap-Door Method During Arterial Switch Operation: a Retrospective Propensity-Matched Comparison

Brazilian Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery, 2020

Objective: To compare the early and long-term results of patients in whom was performed modified ... more Objective: To compare the early and long-term results of patients in whom was performed modified closed coronary transfer with the results of patients in whom was performed trapdoor transfer techniques by utilizing propensity-matching analysis to provide optimal identical patient matching for the groups. Methods: From August 2015 to December 2017, 127 consecutive patients underwent arterial switch operation due to simple and complex transposition of the great arteries, with or without additional arch and complex coronary pattern, by a single surgical team included into the study. Of these, in 70 patients it was performed modified closed coronary transfer technique and in 57 patients it was performed trap-door style coronary transfer technique. The patients were divided into two groups in terms of coronary transfer method. In the final model, after propensity matching, 47 patients from each group having similar propensity score were included into the study. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups regarding patient characteristics. Cross-clamp time and operation time were significantly lower in the modified technique group compared with the other group (P=0.03 and P=0.05, respectively). When compared the early and late postoperative outcomes, there was no significant difference between the groups. Postoperative echocardiographic findings were mostly similar between the groups. Conclusion: The patients in whom was performed our modified technique demonstrate overall good outcomes and the current technique ensures shorter arterial cross-clamp and operation times. It may be an alternative method to the trap-door technique for the coronary transfer during the arterial switch operation.

Research paper thumbnail of Enfektif Endokarditin Nadir Bir Komplikasyonu

Turkish Journal of Pediatric Disease, 2016

A 16-year-old male was admitted to hospital after presenting with complaints of fever and weaknes... more A 16-year-old male was admitted to hospital after presenting with complaints of fever and weakness. The medical history revealed osteomyelitis of the right leg after a knife injury during a game at home. The osteomyelitis had been treated surgically. After 2 months he presented to pediatric outpatients with intermittent mild fever and dizziness that had started 3 days ago. Physical examination was normal except for tonsillopharyngeal hyperemia. Cardiac examination was normal. There was no cardiac murmur. Electrocardiography (ECG) showed first degree AVB. Echocardiography performed to evaluate the IE possibility and to exclude the causes AVB such as car-ABSTRACT Complete atrioventricular block (AVB) is one of the well described but uncommon complications of infective endocarditis (IE). The degree of AVB reflects the extension of infection. The degree of AVB is thought to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. It is recommended to evaluate newly developed AVBs as predictors of IE, to diagnose and treat IE as soon as possible. We report a case with delayed diagnosis of aortic valve endocarditis that revealed first degree AVB in the earlier phase of disease and followed by complete AVB until accurate treatment was started. Successful surgical intervention and antibiotherapy resulted in a downgrading and diminishing of the high-grade conduction block without any complications.

Research paper thumbnail of A rare complication after an interventional procedure using the common carotid: carotid pseudoaneurysm in an infant

Cardiology in the Young

The carotid artery is a valuable vascular access that can be used in patients who have undergone ... more The carotid artery is a valuable vascular access that can be used in patients who have undergone repetitive interventional and surgical procedures and premature babies. In the past, cut-down was used but nowadays, mostly the procedure is performed under ultrasonographic guidance. Complications such as bleeding, haematoma, and pseudoaneurysm may occur when the carotid artery is used as a vascular access for the procedures such as aortic balloon valvuloplasty, coarctation balloon angioplasty, or after interventional or surgical treatments to the carotid artery. Although pseudoaneurysm is very rare, prompt diagnosis and accurate treatment planning are life-saving. In this article, the diagnosis and treatment of pseudoaneurysm in the left common carotid after transcatheter coarctation balloon angioplasty in a 6-month-old infant will be presented.

Research paper thumbnail of The poor long-term outcomes of owl’s eye pulmonary reconstruction technique after arterial switch operation

Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery

OBJECTIVES This study aims to compare the early- and long-term outcomes of patients who undergo o... more OBJECTIVES This study aims to compare the early- and long-term outcomes of patients who undergo owl’s eye pulmonary artery (PA) reconstruction to those of patients who undergo conventional PA reconstruction. METHODS From January 2016 to January 2017, 64 consecutive patients underwent an arterial switch operation. The patients were divided into 2 groups in terms of neo-PA reconstruction method: 30 patients who underwent neo-PA reconstruction by owl’s eye technique were defined as group 1 and 34 patients who underwent neo-PA reconstruction by the conventional approach were defined as group 2. In the final model, after propensity matching, 23 patients from each group with similar propensity scores were included in the study. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the groups regarding patient characteristics and operative findings. In the early period, the duration of intensive care unit and hospital stays and the rate of mild neo-pulmonary stenosis (neo-PS) were significan...