Improvements in medical imaging and a steady increase in computing power are leading to new possibilities in the field of cardiovascular interventions. Interventions can be planned in advance in greater detail, even to the point of simulating procedures. Nevertheless, all techniques are at an early stage of development. It is of utmost importance that tools, especially if they can be used as decision support are intensively validated and their accuracy is demonstrated. In our commentary, we summarize current techniques for guiding improvement planning, but also critically discuss the downsides of these techniques. Following the work of Kenichi and colleagues, we also discuss necessary steps in advancing new tools and techniques, particularly as they are used in routine clinical practice. We also discuss the role of artificial intelligence, which could play a crucial role in this context in the future.

Transcatheter repair systems are becoming increasingly popular as a potential solution for high-risk and inoperable patients with mitral regurgitation. The Cardioband (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, California) is a transcatheter direct annuloplasty device, based on the concept of an undersized ring annuloplasty. We report a case of minimally invasive surgical explantation of a failed Cardioband device 21 months after its implantation. Intraoperatively, it was found that3 anchors of the Cardioband device were detached from the posterior annulus at P2. In this report, a “cut and unscrew” technique with some tips and tricks is presented for the removal of the device.

Less invasive techniques for cardiothoracic surgical procedures are designed to limit surgical trauma, but technical requirements and preoperative planning are more demanding than those for conventional sternotomy. Patient selection, interdisciplinary collaboration, and surgical skills are key factors for procedural success. Aortic valve replacement is frequently performed through an upper hemisternotomy, but the right anterior minithoracotomy represents an even less traumatic, technical advancement. Preoperative assessment of the ascending aorta in relation to the sternum is mandatory to select patients and the intercostal access site. This description of the surgical technique focuses on the specific procedural details including the obligatory planning with computed tomography, and our cannulation strategy. We also sought to define the anatomical ascending aorto-sternal relationship, as it is of utmost importance in preoperative computed tomographic planning.