Aortic valve disease (AVD) is a highly prevalent condition worldwide. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the surgical treatment for those with severe disease. Common etiologies of AVD include aortic stenosis (AS), aortic insufficiency (AI), endocarditis, and congenital diseases. Shared decision-making plays a large role in the treatment methodology chosen for each patient. Selection of valve type and surgical intervention requires strong considerations of age and compatibility with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) to ensure optimal post-operative outcomes. Due to the development of novel surgical techniques, including transcatheter AVR (TAVR) and placement of sutureless valves, patients who previously had limited access to AVD surgical options can now be considered for AVR. Further research into therapeutic development is imperative to improve patient short- and long-term outcomes as well as widen surgical candidacy for those seeking AVR for the management of AVD. Overall, AVR will continue to hold its prominent role in the treatment of AVD.

Right heart failure (RHF) is a common manifestation after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement and is associated with a high mortality rate. Historically, RV failure requiring an RVAD at the time of LVAD implantation has been associated with an especially high mortality. However, more recently, some studies have shown reasonable outcomes after LVAD implantation even when an RVAD is required, especially if RV failure is recognized early and treated with RV mechanical support. This article analyzes the current trends and studies investigating the use of RVAD placement post-LVAD implantation with an emphasis on the newest devices and treatment paradigms.

Aortic valve disease (AVD) is a highly prevalent condition worldwide. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the surgical treatment for those with severe disease. Common etiologies of AVD include aortic stenosis (AS), aortic insufficiency (AI), endocarditis, and congenital diseases. Shared decision making plays a large role in the treatment methodology chosen for each patient. Selection of valve type and surgical intervention require strong considerations to age and compatibility with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) to ensure optimal post-operative outcomes. Due to the development of novel surgical techniques, including transcatheter AVR (TAVR) and placement of sutureless valves, patients who previously had limited access to AVD surgical options can now be considered for AVR. Further research into therapeutic development is imperative to improve patient short- and long-term outcomes as well as widening surgical candidacy for those seeking AVR for management of AVD. Overall, AVR will continue to hold its prominent role in the treatment of AVD.