Clinical research and outcome studies dominated the publication spectrum for the cardiothoracic anesthesiologist in 2016. Echocardiography is an important tool in the armamentarium of the cardiothoracic anesthesiologist. Technology is advancing at a fast pace: A new method to quantify the regurgitant volume in mitral regurgitation has been described in an experimental model and been validated in humans. Interesting studies on key elements of our daily practice have been published: Does tranexamic acid decrease the transfusion requirements after cardiac surgery? Are patients with a postoperative cognitive deficit at risk for dementia 7.5 years after surgery? What is the best strategy for post-cardiac surgery atrial fibrillation? What is the mechanism of preconditioning with remifentanil? Large multicenter looked at the treatment strategies for moderate and severe ischemic mitral regurgitation and benefits of transcatheter aortic valve replacement versus the surgical approach. These studies may give us ideas on how to tailor treatment to optimize the patients' outcome and to minimize the associated risks.
Keywords: atrial fibrillation; dementia; mitral valve surgery; myocardial ischemia; post-operative cognitive deficit; preconditioning; transcatheter aortic valve replacement; transesophageal echocardiography.