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INTRODUCTION Cor triatriatum sinister (CTS) is a rare congenital heart defect characterized by fibromuscular septation of the left atrium associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). The incidence of hemodynamically insignificant CTS in the AF ablation population and effect on ablation success are not known. Furthermore, little is known about the potential effect of CTS on arrhythmogenic substrate. OBJECTIVE We define the incidence of hemodynamically insignificant CTS in patients undergoing AF ablation with RF and cryoballoon ablation, the technical challenges created by the left atrial partitioning, and the potentially arrhythmogenic effects of the membrane. We also review the literature of CA in patients with CTS. METHODS First-time AF ablation cases at our institution over a 10-year period were screened to identify patients with CTS. Retrospective review was performed to obtain clinical characteristics and ablation data. RESULTS Of the 3953 consecutive patients undergoing initial AF ablation during the study period, four patients (0.10%) had CTS. Ablation was successful acutely in all patients. One patient had recurrent AF and required repeat ablation for a single procedure success rate of 75% and multi-procedure success rate of 100%. The CTS membrane was associated with low voltage zones in the two patients in whom it was measured and with substrate for macro-reentrant atrial tachycardia in one of these patients. CONCLUSION The incidence of hemodynamically insignificant CTS in patients undergoing CA for AF is very low, but does not serve as a significant barrier to successful ablation as long as directed access to the superoposterior chamber is obtained.

Purpose of review The number of cancer survivors is increasing, and cardiovascular events are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients. Preexisting cardiovascular conditions as well as the development of cancer therapeutics-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD), in particular left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure, limit the options for cancer therapies for these patients and contribute to reduced cancer survival. Recent findings Recent guidelines and position statements from various cardiology and oncology societies provide an outline for the practicing physician for the management of CTRCD. However, this is largely based on data extrapolated from the general heart failure population (including patients without cancers) and is not based on strong evidence. There is now emerging evidence for the prevention and treatment of heart failure related to certain established chemotherapeutic drugs, whereas there is lack of trials for specific cardioprotective strategies to reduce cardiotoxicity of newer targeted cancer therapies. Summary In this article, we discuss the most recent literature for the management of asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure related to chemotherapy, from prevention to the use of goal-directed medical therapies as well as discuss the role for advanced heart failure treatment in this population.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, heart failure (HF) remains a pervasive condition with high morbidity and mortality, affecting 5.8 million people in the United States and 23 million worldwide. For patients with refractory end-stage HF, heart transplantation is the "gold standard" for definitive treatment. However, the demand for heart transplantation has consistently exceeded the availability of donor hearts, with approximately 2331 orthotopic heart transplantations performed in the United States in 2015 despite an estimated 100 000 to 250 000 patients with New York Heart Association class IIIB or IV symptoms that are refractory to medical treatment, making such patients potential transplant candidates. As such, the need for mechanical circulatory support (MCS) to treat patients with end-stage HF has become paramount. In this review, we focus on the history, advancements, and current use of durable MCS device therapy in the treatment of advanced heart failure.

Postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCS) comprises a heterogeneous group of symptoms and disorders in patients who have previously undergone cholecystectomy. While it is relatively uncommon, it is defined by chronic recurring pain, often with no clear source. Recent studies suggest its pathogenesis depends on different factors, but it remains poorly understood and complex to treat. Here, we present a brief overview of this syndrome, review recent literature regarding its etiology, and present a systematic approach to diagnosis and management.

Objective Urethral strictures are among the most common complications after hypospadias repair. We report our 10-year experience with endoscopic incision or dilation of urethral strictures after hypospadias repair, to determine the best management technique. Methods All cases of urethral strictures after hypospadias repair treated with direct vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU), dilation or urethroplasty at our institution from 1997 to 2007 were included. Records were reviewed and clinical parameters analyzed. Data were statistically analyzed to identify risk factors for stricture recurrence after initial or subsequent treatment(s). Results Of 2273 patients, 73 were treated for a postoperative urethral stricture and 15 others were referred for stricture treatment. Of these 88 patients, 39 were treated with initial dilation or DVIU and 49 underwent urethroplasty or reoperative hypospadias repair. Fifteen (38%) of the patients treated with initial DVIU or dilation showed no recurrence. Of the patients that did have a recurrence, a repeat DVIU or dilation had a success rate of 17% with no difference in success between these two groups. Choice of therapy between repeat dilation/DVIU and urethroplasty at the second procedure showed a statistically significant higher success rate in the urethroplasty group (67% vs 17%, P = 0.03). Conclusion Although numbers are small, our data suggest that if there is recurrent stricture after initial DVIU/dilation then a formal urethroplasty has a significantly higher success rate than repeat DVIU/dilation.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Authorities recommend an exercise energy expenditure of 1400 kcal/week for overall general health. Previous studies in middle-aged men have shown a direct correlation between exercise expenditures of >1000 kcal/week and IIEF scores as well as improved erectile function scores for those started on a regimen of increased physical activity. However, data linking erectile function and physical activity are lacking in young men. METHODS: 74 male patients, aged 18-40 years, selfadministered validated questionnaires for both erectile function (IIEF) and physical activity (Paffenberger Physical Activity Questionnaire). Subjects were stratified based on weekly energy expenditure [