[The pulmonary artery catheter in the intensive cardiac care unit]. / Il catetere arterioso polmonare in terapia intensiva cardiologica.

More than 50 years after its introduction in clinical practice, the increase in the intensity of care offered by the cardiac intensive care units, the shift in the population of patients treated and the wider availability of circulatory supports, still makes the pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) an essential tool for diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis in patients suffering from cardiogenic shock. In this review, we will discuss how to identify those patients who can benefit most from its use, the configuration and the correct insertion technique of a PAC. A pragmatic guide will also be provided for the interpretation of the hemodynamic indexes (direct and calculated) that the PAC is able to reveal as well as a summary of the most common errors in reading or interpreting the pressure curves provided by the PAC. In this article, we will then present a practical guide on how to use the PAC in a modern cardiac intensive care unit.

Myocardial viability assessment during Impella support with 18-fluorodesoxyglucose PET imaging.

Formal assessment of myocardial viability (MV) is challenging in acute myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) patients receiving Impella mechanical circulatory support, as the cardiac magnetic resonance gold standard technique is not feasible due to the metallic components of the device. 18-fluorodesoxyglucose metabolic myocardial positron emission tomography (18FDG-PET) may represent a valid and feasible alternative to obtain semi-quantitative and objective evidence of MV during Impella support. We hereby report the first series of sequential AMI-CS patients who received 18FDG-PET scanning to assess MV during Impella support to demonstrate the safety and feasibility of this approach. In this cohort no adverse events occurred during 18FDG-PET scans, and all images were of excellent quality. This study provides a pragmatic guidance on how to perform this imaging modality during Impella support and finally confirms the safety and feasibility of this advanced imaging method also in this vulnerable cohort of patients.

Haptoglobin Administration for Intravascular Hemolysis: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Exogenous haptoglobin administration may enhance plasma-free hemoglobin (pfHb) clearance during hemolysis and reduce its end-organ damage: we systematically reviewed and summarized available evidence on the use of haptoglobin as a treatment for hemolysis of any cause. METHODS: We included studies describing haptoglobin administration as treatment or prevention of hemolysis-related complications. Only studies with a control group reporting at least one of the outcomes of interest were included in the quantitative synthesis. Primary outcome was the change in pfHb concentration 1 h after haptoglobin infusion. RESULTS: Among 573 articles, 13 studies were included in the review (677 patients, 52.8% received haptoglobin). Median initial haptoglobin intravenous bolus was 4,000 (2,000, 4,000) IU. Haptoglobin was associated with lower pfHb 1 h (SMD -11.28; 95% CI: -15.80 to -6.75; p < 0.001) and 24 h (SMD -2.65; 95% CI: -4.73 to -0.57; p = 0.001) after infusion. There was no difference in all-cause mortality between haptoglobin-treated patients and control group (OR 1.41; 95% CI: 0.49-4.95; p = 0.520). Haptoglobin was associated with a lower incidence of acute kidney injury (OR 0.64; 95% CI: 0.44-0.93; p = 0.020). No adverse events or side effects associated with haptoglobin use were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Haptoglobin administration has been used in patients with hemolysis from any cause to treat or prevent hemolysis-associated adverse events. Haptoglobin may reduce levels of pfHb and preserve kidney function without increase in adverse events.

Prolonged Impella 5.0/5.5 support within different pathways of care for cardiogenic shock: the experience of a referral center.

Aims: Impella 5.0 and 5.5 are promising low-invasive left ventricle (LV) temporary mechanical circulatory supports (tMCS) for cardiogenic shock due to LV mechanical unloading and are paired with powerful hemodynamic support. This study aimed to analyze data and destinies of patients supported with Impella 5.0/5.5 at a national referral center for cardiogenic shock and to assess the parameters associated with myocardial recovery and successful weaning. Methods: A single-center observational study was conducted on all patients treated with Impella 5.0 or 5.5 from March 2018 to July 2023. Results: A total of 59 patients underwent Impella 5.0/5.5 implantation due to profound cardiogenic shock, with acute myocardial infarction being the most frequent cause of shock (42 patients, 71%). The median duration of Impella support was 13 days (maximum duration of 52 days). Axillary cannulation was feasible in almost all patients, and 36% were mobilized during support. A total of 44 patients (75%) survived to the next therapy/recovery: 21 patients experienced recovery and 15 and 8 were bridged to long-term LVAD and heart transplantation, respectively. The global survival rate was 66%. The predictors of native heart recovery at multivariate analysis were the number of days on tMCS before upgrade to Impella 5.0/5.5 [hazard ratio (HR) 0.68 (0.51-9) p = 0.0068] and improvement of LVEF within the first 7-10 days of support [HR 4.72 (1.34-16.7), p = 0.016]. Conclusions: Transcatheter systems such as Impella 5.0/5.5 revolutionized the field of tMCS. Myocardial recovery is the primary clinical target. Its prognostication and promotion are key to ensure the most proficuous course for each patient from cardiogenic shock to long-term event-free survival.

Mixed Shock Complicating Cardiogenic Shock: Frequency, Predictors, and Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Patients presenting with cardiogenic shock (CS) are at risk of developing mixed shock (MS), characterized by distributive-inflammatory phenotype. However, no objective definition exists for this clinical entity. METHODS: We assessed the frequency, predictors, and prognostic relevance of MS complicating CS, based on a newly proposed objective definition. MS complicating CS was defined as an objective shock state secondary to both an ongoing cardiogenic cause and a distributive-inflammatory phenotype arising at least 12 hours after the initial CS diagnosis, as substantiated by predefined longitudinal changes in hemodynamics, clinical, and laboratory parameters. RESULTS: Among 213 consecutive patients admitted at 2 cardiac intensive care units with CS, 13 with inflammatory-distributive features at initial presentation were excluded, leading to a cohort of 200 patients hospitalized with pure CS (67±13 years, 96% Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions CS stage class C or higher). MS complicating CS occurred in 24.5% after 120 (29-216) hours from CS diagnosis. Lower systolic arterial pressure (P=0.043), hepatic injury (P=0.049), and suspected/definite infection (P=0.013) at CS diagnosis were independent predictors of MS development. In-hospital mortality (53.1% versus 27.8%; P=0.002) and hospital stay (21 [13-48] versus 17 [9-27] days; P=0.018) were higher in the MS cohort. At logistic multivariable analysis, MS diagnosis (odds ratio [OR], 3.00 [95% CI, 1.39-6.63]; Padj=0.006), age (OR, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.03-1.10] years; Padj<0.001), admission systolic arterial pressure <100 mm Hg (OR, 2.41 [95% CI, 1.19-4.98]; Padj=0.016), and admission serum creatinine (OR, 1.61 [95% CI, 1.19-2.26]; Padj=0.003) conferred higher odds of in-hospital death, while early temporary mechanical circulatory support was associated with lower in-hospital death (OR, 0.36 [95% CI, 0.17-0.75]; Padj=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: MS complicating CS, objectively defined leveraging on longitudinal changes in distributive and inflammatory features, occurs in one-fourth of patients with CS, is predicted by markers of CS severity and inflammation at CS diagnosis, and portends higher hospital mortality.

Acute normovolemic hemodilution in cardiac surgery: Rationale and design of a multicenter randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Minimizing the use of blood component can reduce known and unknown blood transfusion risks, preserve blood bank resources, and decrease healthcare costs. Red Blood Cell (RBC) transfusion is common after cardiac surgery and associated with adverse perioperative outcomes, including mortality. Acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) may reduce bleeding and the need for blood product transfusion after cardiac surgery. However, its blood-saving effect and impact on major outcomes remain uncertain. METHODS: This is a single-blinded, multinational, pragmatic, randomized controlled trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio conducted in Tertiary and University hospitals. The study is designed to enroll patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery with planned cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Patients are randomized to receive ANH before CPB or the best available treatment without ANH. We identified an ANH volume of at least 650 ml as the critical threshold for clinically relevant benefits. Larger ANH volumes, however, are allowed and tailored to the patient's characteristics and clinical conditions. RESULTS: The primary outcome is the percentage of patients receiving RBCs transfusion from randomization until hospital discharge, which we hypothesize will be reduced from 35% to 28% with ANH. Secondary outcomes are all-cause 30-day mortality, acute kidney injury, bleeding complications, and ischemic complications. CONCLUSION: The trial is designed to determine whether ANH can safely reduce RBC transfusion after elective cardiac surgery with CPB. STUDY REGISTRATION: This trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov in April 2019 with the trial identification number NCT03913481.

A Randomized Trial of Intravenous Amino Acids for Kidney Protection.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious and common complication of cardiac surgery, for which reduced kidney perfusion is a key contributing factor. Intravenous amino acids increase kidney perfusion and recruit renal functional reserve. However, the efficacy of amino acids in reducing the occurrence of AKI after cardiac surgery is uncertain. METHODS: In a multinational, double-blind trial, we randomly assigned adult patients who were scheduled to undergo cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass to receive an intravenous infusion of either a balanced mixture of amino acids, at a dose of 2 g per kilogram of ideal body weight per day, or placebo (Ringer's solution) for up to 3 days. The primary outcome was the occurrence of AKI, defined according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes creatinine criteria. Secondary outcomes included the severity of AKI, the use and duration of kidney-replacement therapy, and all-cause 30-day mortality. RESULTS: We recruited 3511 patients at 22 centers in three countries and assigned 1759 patients to the amino acid group and 1752 to the placebo group. AKI occurred in 474 patients (26.9%) in the amino acid group and in 555 (31.7%) in the placebo group (relative risk, 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77 to 0.94; P = 0.002). Stage 3 AKI occurred in 29 patients (1.6%) and 52 patients (3.0%), respectively (relative risk, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.87). Kidney-replacement therapy was used in 24 patients (1.4%) in the amino acid group and in 33 patients (1.9%) in the placebo group. There were no substantial differences between the two groups in other secondary outcomes or in adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Among adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery, infusion of amino acids reduced the occurrence of AKI. (Funded by the Italian Ministry of Health; PROTECTION ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03709264.).

Impella versus VA-ECMO for the treatment of patients with cardiogenic shock: the Impella Network Project - observational study protocol for cost-effectiveness and budget impact analyses.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) encompasses several health technologies including Impella pumps and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). However, while they are widely used in clinical practice, information on resource use and quality of life (QoL) associated with these devices is scarce. The aim of this study is, therefore, to collect and comparatively assess clinical and socioeconomic data of Impella versus VA-ECMO for the treatment of patients with severe CS, to ultimately conduct both a cost-effectiveness (CEA) and budget impact (BIA) analyses. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a prospective plus retrospective, multicentre study conducted under the scientific coordination of the Center for Research on Health and Social Care Management of SDA Bocconi School of Management and clinical coordination of Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan. The Impella Network stemmed for the purposes of this study and comprises 17 Italian clinical centres from Northern to Southern Regions in Italy. The Italian network qualifies as a subgroup of the international Impella Cardiac Surgery Registry. Patients with CS treated with Impella pumps (CP, 5.0 or 5.5) will be prospectively recruited, and information on clinical outcomes, resource use and QoL collected. Economic data will be retrospectively matched with data from comparable patients treated with VA-ECMO. Both CEA and BIA will be conducted adopting the societal perspective in Italy. This study will contribute to generate new socioeconomic evidence to inform future coverage decisions. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: As of May 2024, most of the clinical centres submitted the documentation to their ethical committee (N=13; 76%), six centres received ethical approval and two centres started to enrol patients. Study results will be published in peer-reviewed publications and disseminated through conference presentations.

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.

The intelligent Impella: Future perspectives of artificial intelligence in the setting of Impella support.

AIMS: Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a potential useful tool to support clinical treatment of heart failure, including the setting of mechanical circulatory support (MCS). Modern Impella pumps are equipped with advanced technology (SmartAssist), enabling real-time acquisition and display of data related to both pump performance and the patient's haemodynamic status. These data emerge as an 'ideal' source for data-driven AI applications to predict the clinical course of an ongoing therapeutic protocol. Yet, no evidence of effective application of AI tools in the setting of Impella support is available. On this background, we aimed at identifying possible future applications of AI-based tools in the setting of temporary MCS with an Impella device. METHODS: We explored the state of research and development at the intersection of AI and Impella support and derived future potential applications of AI in routine Impella clinical management. RESULTS: We identified different areas where the future implementation of AI tools may contribute to addressing important clinical challenges in the setting of Impella support, including (i) early identification of the best suited pathway of care according to patients' conditions at presentation and intention to treat, (ii) prediction of therapy outcomes according to different possible therapeutic actions, (iii) optimization of device implantation procedures and evaluation of proper pump position over the whole course of support and (iv) prevention and/or rationale management of haemocompatibility-related adverse events. For each of those areas, we discuss the potential advantages, challenges and implications of harnessing AI-driven insights in the setting of MCS with an Impella device. CONCLUSIONS: Temporary MCS with an Impella device has great potential to benefit from the integration of AI-based tools. Such tools may indeed translate into groundbreaking innovation supporting clinical decision-making and therapy regulation, in particular in complex scenarios such as the multidevice MCS strategy.

Pulmonary artery elastance as a predictor of hospital mortality in heart failure cardiogenic shock.

AIMS: The initial bundle of cares strongly affects haemodynamics and outcomes in acute decompensated heart failure cardiogenic shock (ADHF-CS). We sought to characterize whether 24 h haemodynamic profiling provides superior prognostic information as compared with admission assessment and which haemodynamic parameters best predict in-hospital death. METHODS AND RESULTS: All patients with ADHF-CS and with available admission and 24 h invasive haemodynamic assessment from two academic institutions were considered for this study. The primary endpoint was in-hospital death. Regression analyses were run to identify relevant predictors of study outcome. We included 127 ADHF-CS patients [65 (inter-quartile range 52-72) years, 25.2% female]. Overall, in-hospital mortality occurred in 26.8%. Non-survivors were older, with greater CS severity. Among admission variables, age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.06; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.11; Padj = 0.005] and CPIRAP (OR = 0.62 for 0.1 increment; 95% CI: 0.39-0.95; Padj = 0.034) were found significantly associated with in-hospital death. Among 24 h haemodynamic univariate predictors of in-hospital death, pulmonary elastance (PaE) was the strongest (area under the curve of 0.77; 95% CI: 0.68-0.86). PaE (OR = 5.98; 95% CI: 2.29-17.48; Padj < 0.001), pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi, OR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.62-0.92; Padj = 0.013) and age (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.02-1.11; Padj = 0.010) were independently associated with in-hospital death. Best cut-off for PaE was 0.85 mmHg/mL and for PAPi was 2.95; cohort phenotyping based on these PaE and PAPi thresholds further increased in-hospital death risk stratification; patients with 24 h high PaE and low PAPi exhibited the highest in-hospital mortality (56.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary artery elastance has been found to be the most powerful 24 h haemodynamic predictor of in-hospital death in patients with ADHF-CS. Age, 24 h PaE, and PAPi are independently associated with hospital mortality. PaE captures right ventriclar (RV) afterload mismatch and PAPi provides a metric of RV adaptation, thus their combination generates four distinct haemodynamic phenotypes, enhancing in-hospital death risk stratification.

A rare case report of an acquired aortopulmonary artery fistula after Bentall procedure: multimodality imaging approach may be the key?

Background: The acquired communication between the aorta and the pulmonary artery is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition. Its diagnosis is challenging and may require a multimodality imaging approach. Case summary: A 67-year-old Caucasian man, admitted for acute respiratory failure unresponsive to medical therapy and non-invasive ventilation, was diagnosed with an aortopulmonary fistula (APF) complicating a pseudoaneurysm of the aortic root. This condition developed after Bentall cardiac surgery, which entailed the use of a straight Dacron aortic graft coupled with a mechanical prosthesis. A multimodal imaging approach, combining echocardiography and computed tomography angiography, was diagnostic and supported the development of a surgical treatment strategy. The patient underwent successful surgical closure of the APF and correction of the aortic pseudoaneurysm. Discussion: Aortopulmonary fistula can result in rapid clinical deterioration if left untreated. The combination of echocardiography and computed tomography angiography techniques allowed for the diagnosis and surgical correction of the APF.

Low Versus High Blood Pressure Targets in Critically Ill and Surgical Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVES: Hypotension is associated with adverse outcomes in critically ill and perioperative patients. However, these assumptions are supported by observational studies. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials aims to compare the impact of lower versus higher blood pressure targets on mortality. DATA SOURCES: We searched PubMed, Cochrane, and Scholar from inception to February 10, 2024. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized trials comparing lower versus higher blood pressure targets in the management of critically ill and perioperative settings. DATA EXTRACTION: The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at the longest follow-up available. This review was registered in the Prospective International Register of Systematic Reviews, CRD42023452928. DATA SYNTHESIS: Of 2940 studies identified by the search string, 28 (12 in critically ill and 16 in perioperative settings) were included totaling 15,672 patients. Patients in the low blood pressure target group had lower mortality (23 studies included: 1019/7679 [13.3%] vs. 1103/7649 [14.4%]; relative risk 0.93; 95% CI, 0.87-0.99; p = 0.03; I2 = 0%). This corresponded to a 97.4% probability of any increase in mortality with a Bayesian approach. These findings were mainly driven by studies performed in the ICU setting and with treatment lasting more than 24 hours; however, the magnitude and direction of the results were similar in the majority of sensitivity analyses including the analysis restricted to low risk of bias studies. We also observed a lower rate of atrial fibrillation and fewer patients requiring transfusion in low-pressure target groups. No differences were found in the other secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Based on pooled randomized trial evidence, a lower compared with a higher blood pressure target results in a reduction of mortality, atrial fibrillation, and transfusion requirements. Lower blood pressure targets may be beneficial but there is ongoing uncertainty. However, the present meta-analysis does not confirm previous findings and recommendations. These results might inform future guidelines and promote the study of the concept of protective hemodynamics.

Organ donation after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in a metropolitan cardiac arrest centre in Milan, Italy.

INTRODUCTION: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) may improve survival in refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) but also expand the donor pool as these patients often become eligible for organ donation. Our aim is to describe the impact of organ donation in OHCA patients treated with ECPR in a high-volume cardiac arrest centre. METHODS: Rate of organ donation (primary outcome), organs harvested, a composite of patient survival with favourable neurological outcome or donation of ≥1 solid organ (ECPR benefit), and the potential total number of individuals benefiting from ECPR (survivors with favourable neurological outcome and potential recipients of one solid organ) were analysed among all-rhythms refractory OHCA patients treated with ECPR between January 2013-November 2022 at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, Italy. RESULTS: Among 307 adults with refractory OHCA treated with ECPR (95% witnessed, 66% shockable, low-flow 70 [IQR 58-81] minutes), 256 (83%) died during hospital stay, 33% from brain death. Donation of at least one solid organ occurred in 58 (19%) patients, 53 (17%) after determination of brain death and 5 (1.6%) after determination of circulatory death, contributing a total of 167 solid organs (3.0 [IQR 2.5-4.0] organs/donor). Overall, 196 individuals (29 survivors with favourable neurological outcome and 167 potential recipients of 1 solid organ) possibly benefited from ECPR. ECPR benefit composite outcome was achieved in 87 (28%) patients. Solid organ donation decreased from 19% to 16% in patients with low-flow <60 min and to 11% with low-flow <60 min and initial shockable rhythm. CONCLUSIONS: When ECPR fails in patients with refractory OHCA, organ donation after brain or circulatory death can help a significant number of patients awaiting transplantation, enhancing the overall benefit of ECPR. ECPR selection criteria may affect the number of potential organ donors.

Impella as Bridge to Durable Left Ventricular Assist Device in Acute Myocardial Infarction Cardiogenic Shock Patients.

Implantation of durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in cardiogenic shock (CS) patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) poses specific challenges (small left ventricular size, acute infarct area, need for antithrombotic therapy, status Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) 1 with impaired organ function and derangements in coagulation and inflammatory parameters) which may affect outcomes. We reviewed data of all AMI-CS patients who were implanted LVAD after Impella support at a referral center with the aim to analyze feasibility, timing, and outcomes of durable LVAD implantation after tMCS with Impella due to AMI-CS. Twenty-one patients were treated between 2013 and 2023: all were in Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) class D-E and INTERMACS 1-2 at presentation, median LV ejection fraction (EF) and LV end-diastolic diameter (EDD) were 15 (10-20)% and 57 (54-60) mm, respectively. Eleven patients (52%) were supported with Impella CP, seven with Impella 5.0 (33%), and three (14%) with Impella 2.5. Axillary cannulation was performed in nine patients (43%). Five patients (24%) had concomitant venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support. Median duration of Impella support was 12 (8-14) days. Overall, the use of Impella was characterized by low rate of complications and allowed successful bridge to durable LVAD in all patients, with 100% 30 day survival rate.

Long-term quality of life, psychological distress, and caregiver burden in octogenarians with LVAD: A single-centre experience.

With the general population aging, both life expectancy and the number of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantations in elderly patients are growing. Nevertheless, their perceived long-term quality of life, including psychological aspects, coupled with the respective caregiver's burden, remain under-reported. In light of the rising number of octogenarians with LVAD who necessitate broader healthcare provider involvement, we assessed the long-term quality of life, as defined by both the 36-item short-form health (SF-36) survey and the EuroQol 5 dimensions, 5-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L)-including the visual analog scale-in octogenarian LVAD patients who had received treatment at our institution. Additionally, we evaluated the psychological health of octogenarian LVAD patients using the psychological general well-being index (PGWBI), alongside their caregivers' well-being through the 22-item version of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Of 12 octogenarian LVAD patients, 5 were alive and willing to answer questionnaires. Mean age at implant was 74 ± 2 years. Median follow-up was 2464 (IQR = 2375-2745) days. Although variable, the degree of health and psychological well-being perceived by octogenarian patients with LVAD was "good." Interestingly, the burden of assistance reported by caregivers, though relevant, was greatly varied, suggesting the need to better define and address psychological long-term aspects related to LVAD implantation for both patients and caregivers with a broad-spectrum approach.

Cat Scratch Endocarditis.

We reported a case of blood culture-negative infective endocarditis on a native valve, where the clinical presentation was exclusively related to extensive cerebral ischemia secondary to multiple systemic septic cardioembolic events. The cause was ascribed to subacute Bartonella henselae infection, presumably transmitted by cat scratch, documented by positive serologic findings.