Lifestyle Walking Intervention for Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: The WATCHFUL Trial.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is pivotal in managing heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, and walking integrated into daily life is an especially suitable form of physical activity. This study aimed to determine whether a 6-month lifestyle walking intervention combining self-monitoring and regular telephone counseling improves functional capacity assessed by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in patients with stable heart failure with reduced ejection fraction compared with usual care. METHODS: The WATCHFUL trial (Pedometer-Based Walking Intervention in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction) was a 6-month multicenter, parallel-group randomized controlled trial recruiting patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction from 6 cardiovascular centers in the Czech Republic. Eligible participants were ≥18 years of age, had left ventricular ejection fraction <40%, and had New York Heart Association class II or III symptoms on guidelines-recommended medication. Individuals exceeding 450 meters on the baseline 6MWT were excluded. Patients in the intervention group were equipped with a Garmin vívofit activity tracker and received monthly telephone counseling from research nurses who encouraged them to use behavior change techniques such as self-monitoring, goal-setting, and action planning to increase their daily step count. The patients in the control group continued usual care. The primary outcome was the between-group difference in the distance walked during the 6MWT at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included daily step count and minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity as measured by the hip-worn Actigraph wGT3X-BT accelerometer, NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein biomarkers, ejection fraction, anthropometric measures, depression score, self-efficacy, quality of life, and survival risk score. The primary analysis was conducted by intention to treat. RESULTS: Of 218 screened patients, 202 were randomized (mean age, 65 years; 22.8% female; 90.6% New York Heart Association class II; median left ventricular ejection fraction, 32.5%; median 6MWT, 385 meters; average 5071 steps/day; average 10.9 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day). At 6 months, no between-group differences were detected in the 6MWT (mean 7.4 meters [95% CI, -8.0 to 22.7]; P=0.345, n=186). The intervention group increased their average daily step count by 1420 (95% CI, 749 to 2091) and daily minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity by 8.2 (95% CI, 3.0 to 13.3) over the control group. No between-group differences were detected for any other secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Whereas the lifestyle intervention in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction improved daily steps by about 25%, it failed to demonstrate a corresponding improvement in functional capacity. Further research is needed to understand the lack of association between increased physical activity and functional outcomes. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03041610.

Dapagliflozin in Heart Failure with Mildly Reduced or Preserved Ejection Fraction.

BACKGROUND: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure and cardiovascular death among patients with chronic heart failure and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% or less. Whether SGLT2 inhibitors are effective in patients with a higher left ventricular ejection fraction remains less certain. METHODS: We randomly assigned 6263 patients with heart failure and a left ventricular ejection fraction of more than 40% to receive dapagliflozin (at a dose of 10 mg once daily) or matching placebo, in addition to usual therapy. The primary outcome was a composite of worsening heart failure (which was defined as either an unplanned hospitalization for heart failure or an urgent visit for heart failure) or cardiovascular death, as assessed in a time-to-event analysis. RESULTS: Over a median of 2.3 years, the primary outcome occurred in 512 of 3131 patients (16.4%) in the dapagliflozin group and in 610 of 3132 patients (19.5%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73 to 0.92; P<0.001). Worsening heart failure occurred in 368 patients (11.8%) in the dapagliflozin group and in 455 patients (14.5%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.69 to 0.91); cardiovascular death occurred in 231 patients (7.4%) and 261 patients (8.3%), respectively (hazard ratio, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.74 to 1.05). Total events and symptom burden were lower in the dapagliflozin group than in the placebo group. Results were similar among patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 60% or more and those with a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 60%, and results were similar in prespecified subgroups, including patients with or without diabetes. The incidence of adverse events was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Dapagliflozin reduced the combined risk of worsening heart failure or cardiovascular death among patients with heart failure and a mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction. (Funded by AstraZeneca; DELIVER ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03619213.).

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in the Therapy of Cardiogenic Shock: Results of the ECMO-CS Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is increasingly being used for circulatory support in patients with cardiogenic shock, although the evidence supporting its use in this context remains insufficient. The ECMO-CS trial (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in the Therapy of Cardiogenic Shock) aimed to compare immediate implementation of VA-ECMO versus an initially conservative therapy (allowing downstream use of VA-ECMO) in patients with rapidly deteriorating or severe cardiogenic shock. METHODS: This multicenter, randomized, investigator-initiated, academic clinical trial included patients with either rapidly deteriorating or severe cardiogenic shock. Patients were randomly assigned to immediate VA-ECMO or no immediate VA-ECMO. Other diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were performed as per current standards of care. In the early conservative group, VA-ECMO could be used downstream in case of worsening hemodynamic status. The primary end point was the composite of death from any cause, resuscitated circulatory arrest, and implementation of another mechanical circulatory support device at 30 days. RESULTS: A total of 122 patients were randomized; after excluding 5 patients because of the absence of informed consent, 117 subjects were included in the analysis, of whom 58 were randomized to immediate VA-ECMO and 59 to no immediate VA-ECMO. The composite primary end point occurred in 37 (63.8%) and 42 (71.2%) patients in the immediate VA-ECMO and the no early VA-ECMO groups, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.46-1.12]; P=0.21). VA-ECMO was used in 23 (39%) of no early VA-ECMO patients. The 30-day incidence of resuscitated cardiac arrest (10.3.% versus 13.6%; risk difference, -3.2 [95% CI, -15.0 to 8.5]), all-cause mortality (50.0% versus 47.5%; risk difference, 2.5 [95% CI, -15.6 to 20.7]), serious adverse events (60.3% versus 61.0%; risk difference, -0.7 [95% CI, -18.4 to 17.0]), sepsis, pneumonia, stroke, leg ischemia, and bleeding was not statistically different between the immediate VA-ECMO and the no immediate VA-ECMO groups. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate implementation of VA-ECMO in patients with rapidly deteriorating or severe cardiogenic shock did not improve clinical outcomes compared with an early conservative strategy that permitted downstream use of VA-ECMO in case of worsening hemodynamic status. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT02301819.

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with infarct-related cardiogenic shock: an individual patient data meta-analysis of randomised trials.

BACKGROUND: Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is increasingly used in patients with cardiogenic shock despite the lack of evidence from adequately powered randomised clinical trials. Three trials reported so far were underpowered to detect a survival benefit; we therefore conducted an individual patient-based meta-analysis to assess the effect of VA-ECMO on 30-day death rate. METHODS: Randomised clinical trials comparing early routine use of VA-ECMO versus optimal medical therapy alone in patients presenting with infarct-related cardiogenic shock were identified by searching MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, and trial registries until June 12, 2023. Trials were included if at least all-cause death rate 30 days after in-hospital randomisation was reported and trial investigators agreed to collaborate (ie, providing individual patient data). Odds ratios (ORs) as primary outcome measure were pooled using logistic regression models. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023431258). FINDINGS: Four trials (n=567 patients; 284 VA-ECMO, 283 control) were identified and included. Overall, there was no significant reduction of 30-day death rate with the early use of VA-ECMO (OR 0·93; 95% CI 0·66-1·29). Complication rates were higher with VA-ECMO for major bleeding (OR 2·44; 95% CI 1·55-3·84) and peripheral ischaemic vascular complications (OR 3·53; 95% CI 1·70-7·34). Prespecified subgroup analyses were consistent and did not show any benefit for VA-ECMO (pinteraction ≥0·079). INTERPRETATION: VA-ECMO did not reduce 30-day death rate compared with medical therapy alone in patients with infarct-related cardiogenic shock, and an increase in major bleeding and vascular complications was observed. A careful review of the indication for VA-ECMO in this setting is warranted. FUNDING: Foundation Institut für Herzinfarktforschung.

Hypothermia versus Normothermia after Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest.

BACKGROUND: Targeted temperature management is recommended for patients after cardiac arrest, but the supporting evidence is of low certainty. METHODS: In an open-label trial with blinded assessment of outcomes, we randomly assigned 1900 adults with coma who had had an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest of presumed cardiac or unknown cause to undergo targeted hypothermia at 33°C, followed by controlled rewarming, or targeted normothermia with early treatment of fever (body temperature, ≥37.8°C). The primary outcome was death from any cause at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included functional outcome at 6 months as assessed with the modified Rankin scale. Prespecified subgroups were defined according to sex, age, initial cardiac rhythm, time to return of spontaneous circulation, and presence or absence of shock on admission. Prespecified adverse events were pneumonia, sepsis, bleeding, arrhythmia resulting in hemodynamic compromise, and skin complications related to the temperature management device. RESULTS: A total of 1850 patients were evaluated for the primary outcome. At 6 months, 465 of 925 patients (50%) in the hypothermia group had died, as compared with 446 of 925 (48%) in the normothermia group (relative risk with hypothermia, 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94 to 1.14; P = 0.37). Of the 1747 patients in whom the functional outcome was assessed, 488 of 881 (55%) in the hypothermia group had moderately severe disability or worse (modified Rankin scale score ≥4), as compared with 479 of 866 (55%) in the normothermia group (relative risk with hypothermia, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.09). Outcomes were consistent in the prespecified subgroups. Arrhythmia resulting in hemodynamic compromise was more common in the hypothermia group than in the normothermia group (24% vs. 17%, P<0.001). The incidence of other adverse events did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with coma after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, targeted hypothermia did not lead to a lower incidence of death by 6 months than targeted normothermia. (Funded by the Swedish Research Council and others; TTM2 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02908308.).

Bilateral Femoral Cannulation Is Associated With Reduced Severe Limb Ischemia-Related Complications Compared With Unilateral Femoral Cannulation in Adult Peripheral Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Results From the Extracorporeal Life Support Registry.

OBJECTIVES: Peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with femoral access is obtained through unilateral or bilateral groin cannulation. Whether one cannulation strategy is associated with a lower risk for limb ischemia remains unknown. We aim to assess if one strategy is preferable. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study based on the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry. SETTING: ECMO centers worldwide included in the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry. PATIENTS: All adult patients (≥ 18 yr) who received peripheral venoarterial ECMO with femoral access and were included from 2014 to 2020. INTERVENTIONS: Unilateral or bilateral femoral cannulation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was the occurrence of limb ischemia defined as a composite endpoint including the need for a distal perfusion cannula (DPC) after 6 hours from implantation, compartment syndrome/fasciotomy, amputation, revascularization, and thrombectomy. Secondary endpoints included bleeding at the peripheral cannulation site, need for vessel repair, vessel repair after decannulation, and in-hospital death. Propensity score matching was performed to account for confounders. Overall, 19,093 patients underwent peripheral venoarterial ECMO through unilateral ( n = 11,965) or bilateral ( n = 7,128) femoral cannulation. Limb ischemia requiring any intervention was not different between both groups (bilateral vs unilateral: odds ratio [OR], 0.92; 95% CI, 0.82-1.02). However, there was a lower rate of compartment syndrome/fasciotomy in the bilateral group (bilateral vs unilateral: OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.66-0.97). Bilateral cannulation was also associated with lower odds of cannulation site bleeding (bilateral vs unilateral: OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.76-0.99), vessel repair (bilateral vs unilateral: OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.38-0.79), and in-hospital mortality (bilateral vs unilateral: OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.81-0.91) compared with unilateral cannulation. These findings were unchanged after propensity matching. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed no risk reduction for overall limb ischemia-related events requiring DPC after 6 hours when comparing bilateral to unilateral femoral cannulation in peripheral venoarterial ECMO. However, bilateral cannulation was associated with a reduced risk for compartment syndrome/fasciotomy, lower rates of bleeding and vessel repair during ECMO, and lower in-hospital mortality.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Prolonged Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation After Cardiac Surgery: The Post-Cardiotomy Extracorporeal Life Support (PELS-1) Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: Most post-cardiotomy (PC) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) runs last less than 7 days. Studies on the outcomes of longer runs have provided conflicting results. This study investigates patient characteristics and short- and long-term outcomes in relation to PC ECMO duration, with a focus on prolonged (> 7 d) ECMO. DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort study. SETTING: Thirty-four centers from 16 countries between January 2000 and December 2020. PATIENTS: Adults requiring post PC ECMO between 2000 and 2020. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Characteristics, in-hospital, and post-discharge outcomes were compared among patients categorized by ECMO duration. Survivors and nonsurvivors were compared in the subgroup of patients with ECMO duration greater than 7 days. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Two thousand twenty-one patients were included who required PC ECMO for 0-3 days (n = 649 [32.1%]), 4-7 days (n = 776 [38.3%]), 8-10 days (n = 263 [13.0%]), and greater than 10 days (n = 333 [16.5%]). There were no major differences in the investigated preoperative and procedural characteristics among ECMO duration groups. However, the longer ECMO duration category was associated with multiple complications including bleeding, acute kidney injury, arrhythmias, and sepsis. Hospital mortality followed a U-shape curve, with lowest mortality in patients with ECMO duration of 4-7 days (n = 394, 50.8%) and highest in patients with greater than 10 days ECMO support (n = 242, 72.7%). There was no significant difference in post-discharge survival between ECMO duration groups. In patients with ECMO duration greater than 7 days, age, comorbidities, valvular diseases, and complex procedures were associated with nonsurvival. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 30% of PC ECMO patients were supported for greater than 7 days. In-hospital mortality increased after 7 days of support, especially in patients undergoing valvular and complex surgery, or who had complications, although the long-term post-discharge prognosis was comparable to PC ECMO patients with shorter support duration.

Beyond one-size-fits-all in cardiogenic shock: impella, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or tailored use of mechanical circulatory support?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article offers an overview of recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing the efficacy of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) and microaxial flow pump (mAFP) in treating cardiogenic shock, including findings from the DanGer shock trial. It summarizes the clinical implications and limitations of these studies and key decision-making considerations for cardiogenic shock device use. RECENT FINDINGS: Despite important limitations in all published RCTs, the routine use of VA ECMO for acute myocardial infarction related cardiogenic shock did not demonstrate benefit and should be reserved for selected patients with extreme forms of cardiogenic shock. Conversely, mAFP (Impella CP) appears promising for cardiogenic shock due to ST elevation myocardial infarction. A stepwise approach - initial mAFP use for cardiogenic shock with left ventricular failure, supplemented by VA ECMO if mAFP is inadequate or if severe right ventricular failure is present - may be preferable, but requires validation through RCTs. High complication rates in device arms underscore the need for careful patient selection, preventive strategies, education for centers and operators, and further research. SUMMARY: Recent trials offer insights into mechanical circulatory support in cardiogenic shock, but their real-world applicability is limited. Despite potential benefits, the use of VA ECMO and mAFP is associated with significant complication rates, emphasizing the need for personalized use.

What is cardiogenic shock? New clinical criteria urgently needed.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cardiogenic shock is a clinical syndrome with different causes and a complex pathophysiology. Recent evidence from clinical trials evokes the urgent need for redefining clinical diagnostic criteria to be compliant with the definition of cardiogenic shock and current diagnostic methods. RECENT FINDINGS: Conflicting results from randomized clinical trials investigating mechanical circulatory support in patients with cardiogenic shock have elicited several extremely important questions. At minimum, it is questionable whether survivors of cardiac arrest should be included in trials focused on cardiogenic shock. Moreover, considering the wide availability of ultrasound and hemodynamic monitors capable of arterial pressure analysis, the current clinical diagnostic criteria based on the presence of hypotension and hypoperfusion have become insufficient. As such, new clinical criteria for the diagnosis of cardiogenic shock should include evidence of low cardiac output and appropriate ventricular filling pressure. SUMMARY: Clinical diagnostic criteria for cardiogenic shock should be revised to better define cardiac pump failure as a primary cause of hemodynamic compromise.

Effect of intra-arrest transport, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation and immediate invasive assessment in refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a long-term follow-up of the Prague OHCA trial.

BACKGROUND: Randomized data evaluating the impact of the extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) approach on long-term clinical outcomes in patients with refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) are lacking. The objective of this follow-up study was to assess the long-term clinical outcomes of the ECPR-based versus CCPR approach. METHODS: The Prague OHCA trial was a single-center, randomized, open-label trial. Patients with witnessed refractory OHCA of presumed cardiac origin, without return of spontaneous circulation, were randomized during ongoing resuscitation on scene to conventional CPR (CCPR) or an ECPR-based approach (intra-arrest transport, ECPR if ROSC is not achieved prehospital and immediate invasive assessment). RESULTS: From March 2013 to October 2020, 264 patients were randomized during ongoing resuscitation on scene, and 256 patients were enrolled. Long-term follow-up was performed 5.3 (interquartile range 3.8-7.2) years after initial randomization and was completed in 255 of 256 patients (99.6%). In total, 34/123 (27.6%) patients in the ECPR-based group and 26/132 (19.7%) in the CCPR group were alive (log-rank P = 0.01). There were no significant differences between the treatment groups in the neurological outcome, survival after hospital discharge, risk of hospitalization, major cardiovascular events and quality of life. Of long-term survivors, 1/34 (2.9%) in the ECPR-based arm and 1/26 (3.8%) in the CCPR arm had poor neurological outcome (both patients had a cerebral performance category score of 3). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with refractory OHCA, the ECPR-based approach significantly improved long-term survival. There were no differences in the neurological outcome, major cardiovascular events and quality of life between the groups, but the trial was possibly underpowered to detect a clinically relevant difference in these outcomes. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01511666, Registered 19 January 2012.

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation versus standard treatment for refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a Bayesian meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The outcomes of several randomized trials on extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) in patients with refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest were examined using frequentist methods, resulting in a dichotomous interpretation of results based on p-values rather than in the probability of clinically relevant treatment effects. To determine such a probability of a clinically relevant ECPR-based treatment effect on neurological outcomes, the authors of these trials performed a Bayesian meta-analysis of the totality of randomized ECPR evidence. METHODS: A systematic search was applied to three electronic databases. Randomized trials that compared ECPR-based treatment with conventional CPR for refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest were included. The study was preregistered in INPLASY (INPLASY2023120060). The primary Bayesian hierarchical meta-analysis estimated the difference in 6-month neurologically favorable survival in patients with all rhythms, and a secondary analysis assessed this difference in patients with shockable rhythms (Bayesian hierarchical random-effects model). Primary Bayesian analyses were performed under vague priors. Outcomes were formulated as estimated median relative risks, mean absolute risk differences, and numbers needed to treat with corresponding 95% credible intervals (CrIs). The posterior probabilities of various clinically relevant absolute risk difference thresholds were estimated. RESULTS: Three randomized trials were included in the analysis (ECPR, n = 209 patients; conventional CPR, n = 211 patients). The estimated median relative risk of ECPR for 6-month neurologically favorable survival was 1.47 (95%CrI 0.73-3.32) with a mean absolute risk difference of 8.7% (- 5.0; 42.7%) in patients with all rhythms, and the median relative risk was 1.54 (95%CrI 0.79-3.71) with a mean absolute risk difference of 10.8% (95%CrI - 4.2; 73.9%) in patients with shockable rhythms. The posterior probabilities of an absolute risk difference > 0% and > 5% were 91.0% and 71.1% in patients with all rhythms and 92.4% and 75.8% in patients with shockable rhythms, respectively. CONCLUSION: The current Bayesian meta-analysis found a 71.1% and 75.8% posterior probability of a clinically relevant ECPR-based treatment effect on 6-month neurologically favorable survival in patients with all rhythms and shockable rhythms. These results must be interpreted within the context of the reported credible intervals and varying designs of the randomized trials. REGISTRATION: INPLASY (INPLASY2023120060, December 14th, 2023, https://doi.org/10.37766/inplasy2023.12.0060 ).

Neurologic complications in patients receiving aortic versus subclavian versus femoral arterial cannulation for post-cardiotomy extracorporeal life support: results of the PELS observational multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral perfusion may change depending on arterial cannulation site and may affect the incidence of neurologic adverse events in post-cardiotomy extracorporeal life support (ECLS). The current study compares patients' neurologic outcomes with three commonly used arterial cannulation strategies (aortic vs. subclavian/axillary vs. femoral artery) to evaluate if each ECLS configuration is associated with different rates of neurologic complications. METHODS: This retrospective, multicenter (34 centers), observational study included adults requiring post-cardiotomy ECLS between January 2000 and December 2020 present in the Post-Cardiotomy Extracorporeal Life Support (PELS) Study database. Patients with Aortic, Subclavian/Axillary and Femoral cannulation were compared on the incidence of a composite neurological end-point (ischemic stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, brain edema). Secondary outcomes were overall in-hospital mortality, neurologic complications as cause of in-hospital death, and post-operative minor neurologic complications (seizures). Association between cannulation and neurological outcomes were investigated through linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS: This study included 1897 patients comprising 26.5% Aortic (n = 503), 20.9% Subclavian/Axillary (n = 397) and 52.6% Femoral (n = 997) cannulations. The Subclavian/Axillary group featured a more frequent history of hypertension, smoking, diabetes, previous myocardial infarction, dialysis, peripheral artery disease and previous stroke. Neuro-monitoring was used infrequently in all groups. Major neurologic complications were more frequent in Subclavian/Axillary (Aortic: n = 79, 15.8%; Subclavian/Axillary: n = 78, 19.6%; Femoral: n = 118, 11.9%; p < 0.001) also after mixed-effects model adjustment (OR 1.53 [95% CI 1.02-2.31], p = 0.041). Seizures were more common in Subclavian/Axillary (n = 13, 3.4%) than Aortic (n = 9, 1.8%) and Femoral cannulation (n = 12, 1.3%, p = 0.036). In-hospital mortality was higher after Aortic cannulation (Aortic: n = 344, 68.4%, Subclavian/Axillary: n = 223, 56.2%, Femoral: n = 587, 58.9%, p < 0.001), as shown by Kaplan-Meier curves. Anyhow, neurologic cause of death (Aortic: n = 12, 3.9%, Subclavian/Axillary: n = 14, 6.6%, Femoral: n = 28, 5.0%, p = 0.433) was similar. CONCLUSIONS: In this analysis of the PELS Study, Subclavian/Axillary cannulation was associated with higher rates of major neurologic complications and seizures. In-hospital mortality was higher after Aortic cannulation, despite no significant differences in incidence of neurological cause of death in these patients. These results encourage vigilance for neurologic complications and neuromonitoring use in patients on ECLS, especially with Subclavian/Axillary cannulation.

Post-cardiotomy extracorporeal life support: A cohort of cannulation in the general ward.

OBJECTIVES: Post-cardiotomy extracorporeal life support (ECLS) cannulation might occur in a general post-operative ward due to emergent conditions. Its characteristics have been poorly reported and investigated This study investigates the characteristics and outcomes of adult patients receiving ECLS cannulation in a general post-operative cardiac ward. METHODS: The Post-cardiotomy Extracorporeal Life Support (PELS) is a retrospective (2000-2020), multicenter (34 centers), observational study including adult patients who required ECLS for post-cardiotomy shock. This PELS sub-analysis analyzed patients´ characteristics, in-hospital outcomes, and long-term survival in patients cannulated for veno-arterial ECLS in the general ward, and further compared in-hospital survivors and non-survivors. RESULTS: The PELS study included 2058 patients of whom 39 (1.9%) were cannulated in the general ward. Most patients underwent isolated coronary bypass grafting (CABG, n = 15, 38.5%) or isolated non-CABG operations (n = 20, 51.3%). The main indications to initiate ECLS included cardiac arrest (n = 17, 44.7%) and cardiogenic shock (n = 14, 35.9%). ECLS cannulation occurred after a median time of 4 (2-7) days post-operatively. Most patients' courses were complicated by acute kidney injury (n = 23, 59%), arrhythmias (n = 19, 48.7%), and postoperative bleeding (n = 20, 51.3%). In-hospital mortality was 84.6% (n = 33) with persistent heart failure (n = 11, 28.2%) as the most common cause of death. No peculiar differences were observed between in-hospital survivors and nonsurvivors. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that ECLS cannulation due to post-cardiotomy emergent adverse events in the general ward is rare, mainly occurring in preoperative low-risk patients and after a postoperative cardiac arrest. High complication rates and low in-hospital survival require further investigations to identify patients at risk for such a complication, optimize resources, enhance intervention, and improve outcomes.

Stroke outcomes following durable left ventricular assist device implant in patients bridged with micro-axial flow pump: Insights from a large registry.

BACKGROUND: Stroke after durable left ventricular assist device (d-LVAD) implantation portends high mortality. The incidence of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and the impact on stroke outcomes of temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) management among patients requiring bridge to d-LVAD with micro-axial flow-pump (mAFP, Abiomed) is unsettled. METHODS: Consecutive patients, who underwent d-LVAD implantation after being bridged with mAFP at 19 institutions, were retrospectively included. The incidence of early ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke after d-LVAD implantation (<60 days) and association of pre-d-LVAD characteristics and peri-procedural management with a specific focus on tMCS strategies were studied. RESULTS: Among 341 patients, who underwent d-LVAD implantation after mAFP implantation (male gender 83.6%, age 58 [48-65] years, mAFP 5.0/5.5 72.4%), the early ischemic stroke incidence was 10.8% and early hemorrhagic stroke 2.9%. The tMCS characteristics (type of mAFP device and access, support duration, upgrade from intra-aortic balloon pump, ECMELLA, ECMELLA at d-LVAD implantation, hemolysis, and bleeding) were not associated with ischemic stroke after d-LVAD implant. Conversely, the device model (mAFP 2.5/CP vs. mAFP 5.0/5.5: HR 5.6, 95%CI 1.4-22.7, p = 0.015), hemolysis on mAFP support (HR 10.5, 95% CI 1.3-85.3, p = 0.028) and ECMELLA at d-LVAD implantation (HR 5.0, 95% CI 1.4-18.7, p = 0.016) were associated with increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke after d-LVAD implantation. Both early ischemic (HR 2.7, 95% CI 1.9-4.5, p < 0.001) and hemorrhagic (HR 3.43, 95% CI 1.49-7.88, p = 0.004) stroke were associated with increased 1-year mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients undergoing d-LVAD implantation following mAFP support, tMCS characteristics do not impact ischemic stroke occurrence, while several factors are associated with hemorrhagic stroke suggesting a proactive treatment target to reduce this complication.

Evolution of distal limb perfusion management in adult peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with femoral artery cannulation.

Limb ischaemia is a clinically relevant complication of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) with femoral artery cannulation. No selective distal perfusion or other advanced techniques were used in the past to maintain adequate distal limb perfusion. A more recent trend is the shift from the reactive or emergency management to the pro-active or prophylactic placement of a distal perfusion cannula to avoid or reduce limb ischaemia-related complications. Multiple alternative cannulation techniques to the distal perfusion cannula have been developed to maintain distal limb perfusion, including end-to-side grafting, external or endovascular femoro-femoral bypass, retrograde limb perfusion (e.g., via the posterior tibial, dorsalis pedis or anterior tibial artery), and, more recently, use of a bidirectional cannula. Venous congestion has also been recognized as a potential contributing factor to limb ischaemia development and specific techniques have been described with facilitated venous drainage or bilateral cannulation being the most recent, to reduce or avoid venous stasis as a contributor to impaired limb perfusion. Advances in monitoring techniques, such as near-infrared spectroscopy and duplex ultrasound analysis, have been applied to improve decision-making regarding both the monitoring and management of limb ischaemia. This narrative review describes the evolution of techniques used for distal limb perfusion during peripheral VA ECMO.

Efficacy and Safety of Dapagliflozin According to Frailty in Patients With Heart Failure: A Prespecified Analysis of the DELIVER Trial.

BACKGROUND: Frailty is increasing in prevalence. Because patients with frailty are often perceived to have a less favorable risk/benefit profile, they may be less likely to receive new pharmacologic treatments. We investigated the efficacy and tolerability of dapagliflozin according to frailty status in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction randomized in DELIVER (Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the Lives of Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure). METHODS: Frailty was measured using the Rockwood cumulative deficit approach. The primary end point was time to a first worsening heart failure event or cardiovascular death. RESULTS: Of the 6263 patients randomized, a frailty index (FI) was calculable in 6258. In total, 2354 (37.6%) patients had class 1 frailty (FI ≤0.210; ie, not frail), 2413 (38.6%) had class 2 frailty (FI 0.211-0.310; ie, more frail), and 1491 (23.8%) had class 3 frailty (FI ≥0.311; ie, most frail). Greater frailty was associated with a higher rate of the primary end point (per 100 person-years): FI class 1, 6.3 (95% CI 5.7-7.1); class 2, 8.3 (7.5-9.1); and class 3, 13.4 (12.1-14.7; P<0.001). The effect of dapagliflozin (as a hazard ratio) on the primary end point from FI class 1 to 3 was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.68-1.06), 0.89 (0.74-1.08), and 0.74 (0.61-0.91), respectively (Pinteraction=0.40). Although patients with a greater degree of frailty had worse Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire scores at baseline, their improvement with dapagliflozin was greater than it was in patients with less frailty: placebo-corrected improvement in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Overall Summary Score at 4 months in FI class 1 was 0.3 (95% CI, -0.9 to 1.4); in class 2, 1.5 (0.3-2.7); and in class 3, 3.4 (1.7-5.1; Pinteraction=0.021). Adverse reactions and treatment discontinuation, although more frequent in patients with a greater degree of frailty, were not more common with dapagliflozin than with placebo irrespective of frailty class. CONCLUSIONS: In DELIVER, frailty was common and associated with worse outcomes. The benefit of dapagliflozin was consistent across the range of frailty studied. The improvement in health-related quality of life with dapagliflozin occurred early and was greater in patients with a higher level of frailty. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT03619213.

Non-Occlusive Mesenteric Ischemia in Cardiac Arrest Patients.

Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is a severe complication in patients after cardiac arrest (CA). The diagnosis is complicated, the treatment options are limited. Given the susceptibility of enterocytes to ischemia, the incidence and severity of NOMI in the post-resuscitation period may reflect the intensity and duration of both ischemia and subsequent reperfusion injury. NOMI is considered to be associated with adverse neurological outcomes in CA patients. Therefore, NOMI should not only be regarded as a post-resuscitation complication but also as one of the prognostic markers in CA patients.This paper summarizes current knowledge on NOMI's pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic significance in CA patients.

Extracorporeal CPR after the INCEPTION trial: No one steps twice into the same river.

The use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients suffering out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, largely increased in the last decade despite evidence supporting this practice being limited to non-randomized studies. However, between 2020 and 2023, four randomized studies were published comparing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation to conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation with controversial findings that triggered great debates. In this controversy, we discuss merits and pitfalls, and provide a critical interpretation of the available evidence from randomized trials on the use of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, with a particular focus on the recent multi-center INCEPTION trial.

Monitoring MCS patients on the intensive care unit: integrating haemodynamic assessment, laboratory data, and imaging techniques for timely detection of deterioration and recovery.

Monitoring of the patient supported with a temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) is crucial in achieving the best possible outcome. Monitoring is a continuous and labour-intensive process, as cardiogenic shock (CS) patients can rapidly deteriorate and may require new interventions within a short time period. Echocardiography and invasive haemodynamic monitoring form the cornerstone of successful tMCS support. During monitoring, it is particularly important to ensure that adequate end-organ perfusion is achieved and maintained. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of best practices for monitoring the CS patient supported by a micro-axial flow pump, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and both devices simultaneously (ECMELLA approach). It is a complex process that encompasses device control, haemodynamic control and stabilization, monitoring of interventions, and assessment of end-organ function. The combined, continuous, and preferably protocol-based approach of echocardiography, evaluation of biomarkers, end-organ assessment, and haemodynamic parameters is crucial in assessing this critically ill CS patient population.

Efficacy and Safety of Dapagliflozin According to Frailty in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction : A Post Hoc Analysis of the DAPA-HF Trial.

BACKGROUND: Frailty may modify the risk-benefit profile of certain treatments, and frail patients may have reduced tolerance to treatments. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of dapagliflozin according to frailty status, using the Rockwood cumulative deficit approach, in DAPA-HF (Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Heart Failure). DESIGN: Post hoc analysis of a phase 3 randomized clinical trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03036124). SETTING: 410 sites in 20 countries. PATIENTS: Patients with symptomatic heart failure (HF) with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% or less and elevated natriuretic peptide. INTERVENTION: Addition of once-daily 10 mg of dapagliflozin or placebo to guideline-recommended therapy. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was worsening HF or cardiovascular death. RESULTS: Of the 4744 patients randomly assigned in DAPA-HF, a frailty index (FI) was calculable in 4742. In total, 2392 patients (50.4%) were in FI class 1 (FI ≤0.210; not frail), 1606 (33.9%) in FI class 2 (FI 0.211 to 0.310; more frail), and 744 (15.7%) in FI class 3 (FI ≥0.311; most frail). The median follow-up time was 18.2 months. Dapagliflozin reduced the risk for worsening HF or cardiovascular death, regardless of FI class. The differences in event rate per 100 person-years for dapagliflozin versus placebo from lowest to highest FI class were -3.5 (95% CI, -5.7 to -1.2), -3.6 (CI, -6.6 to -0.5), and -7.9 (CI, -13.9 to -1.9). Consistent benefits were observed for other clinical events and health status, but the absolute reductions were generally larger in the most frail patients. Study drug discontinuation and serious adverse events were not more frequent with dapagliflozin than placebo, regardless of FI class. LIMITATION: Enrollment criteria precluded the inclusion of very high-risk patients. CONCLUSION: Dapagliflozin improved all outcomes examined, regardless of frailty status. However, the absolute reductions were larger in more frail patients. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: AstraZeneca.