New developments in cardiac surgery.
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.
Wellens
Francis
F
Cardiovasculaire en Thoracale Heelkunde, Moorselbaan 164, B-9300 Aalst, Belgium. francis.wellens@olvz-aalst.be
Goldstein
Jacques
J
D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D005544:Forecasting; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000639:trends; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D013903:Thoracic Surgery / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*