Clinical Research Directory

Pathogenetic Basis of Aortopathy and Aortic Valve Disease

The main purpose of this study is to define the complex genetic and pathogenic basis of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and other forms of aortopathy and/or aortic valve disease by identifying novel disease-causing genes and by identifying important genetic modifiers for aortic and aortic valve disease severity.

Full Sternotomy vs Mini-sternotomy for Ascending Aortic Pathology

This study investigates outcomes after hemiarch repair in patients with chronic ascending aortic disease. The patients will be divided into two groups according to surgical approach: 100 patients will undergo hemiarch repair via full sternotomy (FS group) and 100 patients will receive hemiarch repair via J-shaped mini-sternotomy (MS group). Early and late outcomes will be recorded.

Prospective Evaluation of Adventitial Histopathology in Borderline Ascending Aortic Dilatatio

This prospective study investigates microscopic changes in the outer layer (adventitia) of the ascending aorta in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. The study includes two groups of patients: (1) those with borderline ascending aortic dilatation (4.0-5.0 cm), and (2) a control group with normal aortic diameter (\<4.0 cm), all undergoing the same surgical procedure. During CABG, a small circular punch is routinely made in the ascending aorta for the proximal saphenous vein graft anastomosis. The tissue removed from this punch site is collected and used for histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. The study aims to determine whether adventitial changes correlate with aortic size and whether these changes can help identify patients at risk for future aortic dissection or rupture. The findings may guide surgical decision-making in patients with borderline aortic enlargement.

Influence of Lung Ultrasonography on the Prognosis and Postoperative Outcomes in Cardiac Surgical Patients

The goal of this interventional is to assess advantages of the ultrasound examination of the lungs in the early postoperative period in cardiac surgical patients after heart surgeries requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. Evaluation of pulmonary complications and outcomes during mid-term follow-up, as well as comparison of ultrasound examination and traditional roentgenologic methods (X-ray examination and CT of the chest) will be performed. The main question\[s\] it aims to answer are: * Is ultrasound examination of the lungs a more specific and sensitive method in identification of early postoperative pulmonary complications after on-pump cardiac surgical procedures, in comparison with traditional X-ray methods. * Does early identification of interstitial pulmonary edema (based on number of visualised B-lines in the early postoperative period), influences mid-term outcomes in this cohort of patients Participants will undergo ultrasound examination of the lungs on postoperative day 1, 3, 5 and 7 after heart surgery. Based on ultrasound findings and degree of interstitial pulmonary edema, medical (diuretics, anti-inflammatory, e.t.c) therapy will be modified. Researchers will compare this group of patients with control group, in which ultrasound examination will be performed in the same time frames, but no changes in medical management based on ultrasound findings will be made to see if timely administered medical therapy, based on ultrasound findings, can significantly improve symptoms, hospital lengths of stay and outcomes of this patients.