Citations

AbstractRamp studies are utilized for speed optimization of continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (CF‐LVADs). We here report the utility of combined left and right heart catheterization during a ramp study to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the hemodynamic implications on both ventricles. Pressure‐volume loop (PV loop) monitoring uncovered compromised systolic and mildly compromised right ventricular function with increasing LVAD speeds, despite improvement in left ventricular unloading. These findings informed patient management and highlight the potential utility of PV loop monitoring as an adjunct to left and right heart catheterization during ramp studies of next‐generation LVADs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) unloading strategies in patients supported with peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). A retrospective review was conducted of all consecutive patients requiring VA-ECMO support for any indication, who underwent novel LV unloading strategies with either direct left atrial venoarterial (LAVA) cannulation or pulmonary artery venoarterial (PAVA) venting, in comparison to Impella and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). The primary outcome was successful bridge to transplant, LV assist device, or myocardial recovery. Forty-six patients (63% male, mean age 52.8 ± 17.6 years) were included. Fourteen patients (30%) underwent novel unloading with either LAVA or PAVA, 11 patients (24%) underwent IABP placement, and 21 patients (46%) underwent Impella insertion. In the novel LV unloading cohort, 10 patients (71%) survived to hospital discharge. Four patients (29%) were weaned from ECMO and eight patients (57%) underwent cardiac transplantation. Although a trend favoring cannula-based unloading for the primary outcome was noted, the cohort was too small for statistical significance (79% LAVA/PAVA, 57% Impella, 45% IABP; p = 0.21). However, probability of survival was greater in the LAVA/PAVA cohort compared to Impella and IABP (p < 0.05). Thus, we demonstrate the efficacy of LA and PA cannulation as an alternative LV unloading strategy for patients supported with peripheral VA-ECMO.

AbstractBackgroundGastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in patients with continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (CF‐LVADs) is often related to GI angiodysplasia (GIAD). We previously reported data on VEGF inhibition with IV bevacizumab in the treatment of LVAD‐associated GIAD bleeding, and now present follow‐up data on patients treated with IV bevacizumab and/or low‐dose oral pazopanib.MethodsAll consecutive adult patients with LVAD‐associated GIB from GIAD treated with bevacizumab or pazopanib, from July 20, 2017 to June 22, 2022, were included in the analysis. Data on hospitalizations, GI endoscopic procedures, and blood transfusions were obtained from first admission for GIB up to a median of 35.7 months following treatment initiation (range 1.3–59.8 months).ResultsEleven patients (91% male, mean 69.5 ± 8.9 years) were included. Eight patients (73%) received IV bevacizumab, two patients (18%) received oral pazopanib, and one patient (9%) received bevacizumab followed by pazopanib therapy. We observed a significantly decreased number of annualized hospitalizations for GIB (median difference − 2.87, p = 0.002), blood transfusions (median difference − 20.9, p = 0.01), and endoscopies (median difference − 6.95, p = 0.007) in patients pre‐ and post‐anti‐angiogenic therapy (bevacizumab and/or pazopanib). Similarly, a significant improvement in these clinical outcomes was noted in the bevacizumab group with decreased annualized hospitalizations (median difference − 2.75, p = 0.014), blood transfusions (median difference − 24.5, p = 0.047), and number of endoscopies (median differences −6.88, p = 0.006).ConclusionAnti‐angiogenic therapy with IV bevacizumab and/or low‐dose oral pazopanib appears to provide benefits in patients with LVAD‐associated GIB with reduced hospitalizations, blood transfusions, and need for GI endoscopic procedures.

Background: Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) can be found in 1-2/1000 individuals in the general population and are commonly associated with genetic disorders of connective tissue and bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). Larger size, distal aneurysms, high DBP and presence of BAV are some factors that can accelerate aneurysm growth. Case: A 37-year-old male without a history of recent trauma or stimulant use presented to the emergency room with 2 days of chest tightness. He had acute worsening overnight and awoke with chest pain, discomfort in the suprasternal notch and between the shoulder blades. He had no other medical history, however, was treated with a 10-day course of Ciprofloxacin for epididymitis 3 weeks prior. On presentation, the patient had active pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia and tachypnea with no abnormalities on cardiac auscultation. EKG showed sinus tachycardia, PVCs, and nonspecific ST elevations in leads II, III and aVF with normal troponins and chest X-ray. CT chest angiogram revealed a 60 mm ascending aortic aneurysm ( Fig. 1a ). Doming of the right cusp of the aortic valve in the parasternal view ( Fig. 1b ) raised suspicion for BAV which was confirmed with the classic fish mouth appearance on the TEE ( Fig. 1c ). The patient underwent successful aortic repair with graft placement. First degree relatives were offered screening for BAV. Ciprofloxacin was replaced with Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim for treating his residual epididymal infection. Discussion: TAA rupture is associated with a >90% mortality rate. It is important to be aware of echocardiographic features of BAV as this can predispose to accelerated aneurysm growth. Additionally, fluoroquinolones (FQs) are a commonly prescribed class of antibiotics that may affect the structural integrity of the aorta, associated with aneurysm enlargement and rupture. This case offers an important example to highlight why the FDA recommends against the use of FQs in patients with known TAA or risk factors for it.

Mechanical circulatory support is increasingly being used as bridge-to-transplant and destination therapy in patients with advanced heart failure. Technologic improvements have led to increased patient survival and quality of life, but infection remains one of the leading adverse events following ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation. Infections can be classified as VAD-specific, VAD-related, and non-VAD infections. Risk of VAD-specific infections, such as driveline, pump pocket, and pump infections, remains for the duration of implantation. While adverse events are typically most common early (within 90 days of implantation), device-specific infection (primarily driveline) is a notable exception. No diminishment over time is seen, with event rates of 0.16 events per patient-year in both the early and late periods postimplantation. Management of VAD-specific infections requires aggressive treatment and chronic suppressive antimicrobial therapy is indicated when there is concern for seeding of the device. While surgical intervention/hardware removal is often necessary in prosthesis-related infections, this is not so easily accomplished with VADs. This review outlines the current state of infections in patients supported with VAD therapy and discusses future directions, including possibilities with fully implantable devices and novel approaches to treatment.

This essay describes a physician’s experience of completing medical education and postgraduate clinical training in Ireland vs adjusting to residency in the US.

The effects of left ventricular unloading on septal function in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have not been well characterized in vivo. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between markers of septal function with echocardiography in relationship to RV dysfunction and late RV failure after LVAD implantation. A retrospective study was conducted of patients supported on centrifugal-flow LVADs implanted over a 10-year period. Echocardiographic data were collected pre-operatively and up to 2 years after implantation. Interventricular septum (IVS) measurements were taken at end-systole and end-diastole. Interventricular-septal output (ISO) was calculated using the formula: (IVSs–IVSd)×heart rate. A total of 110 patients were included. An immediate and sustained reduction in both lateral annulus systolic velocity (RVS’) and TAPSE were observed after implant (p < 0.0001). However, ISO gradually decreased over time (p < 0.0001). While ISO was not predictive of late RV failure, a decrease in ISO by 25% or greater from pre-implant to hospital discharge was associated with late RV failure (OR 4.8; 95% CI, 1.4–16.5; p = 0.012) even after adjusting for relevant clinical variables (p ≤ 0.01 for each model). RV function is known to be influenced by mechanical ventricular interdependence and we demonstrate that measurement of ISO may be a useful marker in assessing RV dysfunction and predicting RV failure in patients following LVAD implantation.