A Novel Hemodynamic Index Characterizing Mitral Regurgitation Undergoing Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair: The MPF.

Background: Hemodynamic impact of residual mitral regurgitation (MR) after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) is not always univocally measured by transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) assessment alone. When analyzing TEER procedure result, operators often encounter discrepancy between TEE guidance and invasive hemodynamic monitoring. Objectives: This study sought to investigate the role of invasive hemodynamic monitoring during mitral valve TEER procedure on top of TEE guidance. Methods: We analyzed 78 patients with moderate-to-severe or severe MR who underwent TEER. Mitral pulse pressure fraction (MPF) was extracted from intraprocedural continuous left atrial pressure monitoring. Twenty-three patients with the same grade of MR not undergoing TEER were included as a control group. At follow-up, clinical and functional status in the majority of patients undergoing TEER were reassessed by NYHA classification and the 12-item Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). Results: TEER significantly reduced MR burden on both TEE guidance and invasive hemodynamic monitoring. Post-TEER MPF was significantly reduced compared to both pre-TEER setting (P < 0.001) and control group (P < 0.001). At follow-up, while MR reduction assessed by TEE was associated with an improved functional status in terms of the 12-item KCCQ but not of NYHA classification, a greater reduction in MPF was associated with a significant amelioration of both NYHA classification (P = 0.036) and 12-item KCCQ (P = 0.032). Conclusions: MPF could provide an immediate estimate of the real hemodynamic impact of MR and a prompt prediction of the functional improvement after TEER.

Correlation and concordance of carotid Doppler ultrasound and echocardiography with invasive cardiac output measurement in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND: Critical care management heavily relies on accurate cardiac output (CO) measurement. Echocardiography has been a mainstay in non-invasive cardiac monitoring; however, its comparability to invasive methods warrants further exploration. Recent studies have suggested the potential of carotid Doppler measurements as a promising approach to estimate CO. Despite this potential, the literature presents mixed outcomes regarding its reliability and accuracy. This study aims to evaluate the correlation and concordance between carotid Doppler ultrasonography and invasive hemodynamic monitoring in estimating CO in critically ill patients. Furthermore, it assesses the concordance and correlation between echocardiography CO and the standard invasive CO measurements. METHODS: This concordance study involved critically ill adults requiring invasive CO measurement. Patients with arrhythmias, severe valvulopathy, pregnancy, and poor acoustic window were excluded. Statistical analyses comprised univariate analysis, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Spearman correlation, and intraclass correlation coefficient. Ethical approval was granted by the institution's ethics committee. RESULTS: A total of 49 critically ill patients were included, predominantly male (63.27%), with a median age of 57 years. Diagnoses included subarachnoid hemorrhage (53.06%) and heart failure (8.16%). Mean cardiac index was 3.36 ± 0.81 L/min/m2 and mean cardiac output was 5.98 ± 1.47 L/min. Spearman correlation coefficient between echocardiography and invasive CO measurements was 0.58 (p-value = p < 0.001), with an ICC of 0.59 for CO and 0.52 for cardiac index. Carotid measurements displayed no significant correlation with invasive CO. CONCLUSION: There is a moderate correlation and concordance between echocardiography and invasive CO measurements. There is no significant correlation between carotid variables and invasive CO, underscoring the necessity for cautious interpretation and application, particularly in patients with distinctive cerebral blood flow dynamics.

Role of Perfusion Index and Pulse Variability Index in the Assessment of Neonatal Hemodynamics: A Systematic Review.

Hemodynamic monitoring of neonates is crucial because neonates are easily and acutely susceptible to hemodynamic disturbances. As such, non-invasive monitoring of hemodynamics is preferable. It has been postulated that non-invasive pulse oximetry determines the perfusion index and pulse variability index and provides accurate measurements to predict hemodynamic changes in preterm or term infants. Equally, numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of perfusion and pulse variability indices in monitoring neonatal hemodynamics. The aim of this study was to systematically review studies that have delved into the role of perfusion and pulse variability indices in the assessment of neonatal hemodynamics. The study collected data from 2010-2023 using the patient, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) search strategy using the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Excerpta Medica database (Embase). A total of 616 articles were evaluated based on their appropriateness and relevance; we included seven studies. As per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a systematic review. Our study concluded that these indices were effective in measuring hemodynamics.

Treatment of septic shock in two pediatric patients with severe diabetic ketoacidosis using invasive hemodynamic monitoring: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. DKA associated with shock is a rare condition that occurs due to the fluid deficit or septic shock. It is not easy to differentiate these two conditions by clinical judgment and laboratory findings. Although the fluid therapy is the mainstay in DKA treatment, it looks like a double-edged sword-underhydration may result in organ failure whereas overhydration may lead to pulmonary and cerebral edema (CE). CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we report on two pediatric patients presenting with DKA and septic shock. The first patient was an 8-year-old boy newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who presented with DKA and septic shock. We used a device for continuous hemodynamic monitoring (proAQT) to estimate his volume status. The patient was extubated 48 hours of hospitalization; the DKA was resolved after 52 hours of admission. He was discharged home in good condition on the 5th day. The second patient was a 13-year-old girl, a known case of T1DM, who presented with mixed DKA- hyperosmolar-hyperglycemic state (HHS) and septic shock. She was intubated and treated according to the data derived from pulse Contour Cardiac Output (PiCCO). After 3 days, she was extubated and transferred to the ward in good condition. CONCLUSION: Using invasive hemodynamic monitoring in critically ill children with severe DKA and hypotension might guide the physicians for hydration and selecting the most appropriate inotrope.

Non-invasive electrical cardiometry cardiac output monitoring during prehospital helicopter emergency medical care: a feasibility study.

PURPOSE: Introducing advanced hemodynamic monitoring might be beneficial during Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) care. However, it should not increase the on-scene-time, it should be easy to use and should be non-invasive. The goal of this study was to investigate the feasibility of non-invasive cardiac output measurements by electrical cardiometry (EC) and the quality of the EC signal during pre-hospital care provided by our HEMS. METHODS: A convenience sample of fifty patients who required HEMS assistance were included in this study. Problems with respect to connecting the patient, entering patient characteristics and measuring were inventoried. Quality of EC signal of the measurements was assessed during prehospital helicopter care. We recorded the number of measurements with a signal quality indicator (SQI) ≥ 80 and the number of patients having at least 1 measurement with a SQI ≥ 80. Furthermore, the SQI value distribution of the measurements within each patient was analysed. RESULTS: In the experience of the attending HEMS caregivers application of the device was easy and did not result in increased duration of on-scene time. Patch adhesion was reported as a concern due to clammy skin in 22% of all cases. 684 measurements were recorded during HEMS care. In 47 (94%) patients at least 1 measurement with an SQI ≥ 80 was registered. Of all recorded measurements 5.8% had an SQI < 40, 11.4% had an SQI 40-59, 14.9% had a SQI between 60 and 79 and 67.8% had SQI ≥ 80. CONCLUSION: Cardiac output measurements are feasible during prehospital HEMS care with good quality of the EC signal. Monitoring was easy to use and quick to install. In our view it is an promising candidate for the prehospital setting. Further research is needed to determine its clinical value during clinical decision making.

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair Using MitraClip in Secondary Mitral Valve Regurgitation Guided by Real-Time Pressure-Volume Loops.

Worsening of left ventricular (LV) function is a potential complication after repair of secondary mitral valve regurgitation, and one which has limited methods for predicting its risk of occurrence. We present a case utilizing real-time pressure-volume loops intraprocedurally to monitor hemodynamic changes before and after application of a trancatheter MitraClip device in a patient with severe symptomatic secondary mitral regurgitation (MR). Worsening of LV function is a potential complication after repair of secondary mitral valve regurgitation. We present a case utilizing real-time pressure-volume loops intraprocedurally to monitor hemodynamic changes before and after application of a transcatheter MitraClip device in a patient with severe symptomatic secondary MR.

A 7-year-old boy with toxic epidermal necrolysis, heart failure, and sepsis treated with the guidance of invasive hemodynamic monitoring: A case report.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a rare immunological disease that is secondary to some medications or upper respiratory infections, with more than 30% involvement of skin and mucosa. Herein, we describe a 7-year-old boy with TEN, heart failure, and sepsis treated with the guidance of an invasive hemodynamic monitoring device.

Transesophageal echocardiography in swine: evaluation of left and right ventricular structure, function and myocardial work.

This study aimed to determine standard left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) measurements in swine. Additionally, global myocardial work index (GWI) was estimated using pressure-strain loops (PSL). A comprehensive TEE examination was conducted in ten anesthetized, intubated and mechanically ventilated healthy female German landrace swine, weighing 44 to 57 kg. For GWI calculation, we performed LV and RV segmental strain analysis and used invasively measured LV and RV pressure to obtain PSL. The GWI and further myocardial work indices were calculated from the area of the PSL using commercially available software. Furthermore, hemodynamic measurements were obtained using indwelling catheters. We obtained complete standardized baseline values for left and right ventricular dimensions and function. Biplane LV ejection fraction was 63 ± 7 % and the LV end-diastolic volume was 70.5 ± 5.9 ml. Tissue Doppler estimated peak tricuspid annular systolic velocity was 13.1 ± 1.8 cm/s. The Doppler estimated LV and RV stroke volume index were 75.6 ± 7.2 ml/m2 and 76.7 ± 7.8 ml/m2 respectively. Pulsed wave Doppler derived cardiac output correlated well with cardiac output estimated using the thermodilution method (7.0 ± 1.2 l/min vs. 7.0 ± 1.1 l/min, r = 0.812, p = 0.004). The LV global longitudinal strain was -21.3 ± 3.9 % and the RV global longitudinal strain was -15.4 ± 2.5 %. LV GWI was 1885(1281-2121) mmHg*% and 297 ± 62 mmHg*% for the RV. LV global myocardial work efficiency was 82.6 ± 4 % and 83(72-88) % for the RV. TEE offers sufficient morphological, functional and hemodynamic assessment of the heart in swine. Myocardial contractility and mechanics can be reliably evaluated with the non-invasive GWI derived from echocardiography without additional invasive measures.

Feasibility evaluation of non-invasive cardiac function technology during echocardiography-based cardiac stress testing.

Evaluation of cardiac function during periods of stress is of key importance for the perioperative setting. Non-invasive hemodynamic monitors provide markers of cardiac function. This pilot study sought to evaluate the ability of a non-invasive hemodynamic monitor to detect cardiac stress during formal stress echocardiography testing. The primary goal was to compare the change in hemodynamic values during the pre/during/post phases of stress echocardiography testing in patients who had results negative versus positive for myocardial ischemia. Adult patients scheduled for outpatient cardiac stress testing were screened. Only patients scheduled for stress-echocardiography testing were consented. Patients with history of arrhythmias were excluded. During the testing, patients wore a cuff-based hemodynamic sensor (Nexfin system, Edwards Lifesciences). Data from the hemodynamic sensor were compared to the findings of the stress study. A total of 37 patients were enrolled, with 31 patients included for analysis. Five patients had stress studies positive for coronary ischemia. Comparison of the hemodynamic variables between patients who had a positive stress study versus negative showed a significant reduction in the percentage change in dP/dt and stroke volume from baseline (p < 0.05). This pilot study indicates that patients who have abnormal stress echocardiograms also have significantly reduced values from a noninvasive hemodynamic monitor. Further evaluation of the clinical utility of this technology, to assist in the care of patients at risk for cardiac ischemia, should be carried out.

Postpartum hemorrhage: Anesthesia management.

As major stakeholders in the labor and delivery suite, obstetric anesthesiologists are frequently called upon to provide their unique skill sets and expertise to the management of postpartum hemorrhage, whether anticipated or not. Essential contributions of the anesthesia team ideally begin in the antenatal period with referral of women at high risk of postpartum hemorrhage to an outpatient obstetric anesthesia clinic where a tailored plan for both urgent or scheduled delivery for women with an anticipated complex delivery can be formulated. Maternal safety can be greatly improved if comorbidities are identified early and strategies to address these issues are proposed and known by the obstetric anesthesia team. Participation of the obstetric anesthesiology team is crucial in the development of systematic approaches that are customized to each institution and should comprise the creation and dissemination of algorithms and guidelines that are anesthesia specific, including detailed protocols for the labor and delivery unit and operating rooms, at large. Because management of postpartum hemorrhage requires a coordinated team effort, and may not always be planned, the anesthesia team should be prepared at all times to provide the appropriate anesthetic management and advanced cardiovascular support. The involvement of the anesthesia team should not only be limited to the immediate intrapartum period, but should also extend to the postpartum period where adequate anesthetic/analgesic plans will enhance maternal safety and recovery.

Cardiac output and stroke volume variation measured by the pulse wave transit time method: a comparison with an arterial pressure-based cardiac output system.

Hemodynamic monitoring is mandatory for perioperative management of cardiac surgery. Recently, the estimated continuous cardiac output (esCCO) system, which can monitor cardiac output (CO) non-invasively based on pulse wave transit time, has been developed. Patients who underwent cardiovascular surgeries with hemodynamics monitoring using arterial pressure-based CO (APCO) were eligible for this study. Hemodynamic monitoring using esCCO and APCO was initiated immediately after intensive care unit admission. CO values measured using esCCO and APCO were collected every 6 h, and stroke volume variation (SVV) data were obtained every hour while patients were mechanically ventilated. Correlation and Bland-Altman analyses were used to compare APCO and esCCO. Welch's analysis of variance, and four-quadrant plot and polar plot analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of time course, and the trending ability. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Twenty-one patients were included in this study, and 143 and 146 datasets for CO and SVV measurement were analyzed. Regarding CO, the correlation analysis showed that APCO and esCCO were significantly correlated (r = 0.62), and the bias ± precision and percentage error were 0.14 ± 1.94 (L/min) and 69%, respectively. The correlation coefficient, bias ± precision, and percentage error for SVV evaluation were 0.4, - 3.79 ± 5.08, and 99%, respectively. The time course had no effects on the biases between CO and SVV. Concordance rates were 80.3 and 75.7% respectively. While CO measurement with esCCO can be a reliable monitor after cardiovascular surgeries, SVV measurement with esCCO may require further improvement.

Non-invasive cardiac output monitoring device "ICON" in trauma patients: a feasibility study.

PURPOSE: Assessment of hemodynamics is crucial for the evaluation of major trauma patients. Cardiac output (CO) monitoring provides additional information and may improve volume resuscitation. The goal of this prospective pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of a new non-invasive CO monitoring (NICOM) device in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: Single-center prospective observational pilot study including 20 trauma patients admitted to a level 1 trauma center. CO was continuously monitored for 60 min after ED admission using the new NICOM device ICON®. This device measures changes of the thoracic bioimpedance to calculate CO. Conventional vital signs were recorded simultaneously. Feasibility, safety, reliability, user-friendliness, and impact of the device on standard ED procedures were assessed. RESULTS: Thirteen (65%) patients were male, median age was 57.5 (IQR 25), and median ISS was 10.5 (IQR 14.8). Median CO over time was 9.8 l/min (IQR 4.6). No adverse effects were recorded. The device proved to be user-friendly with no negative impact on routine ED care. In four patients, detachment of electrodes was observed, and in four patients, the CO recording was temporary discontinued. Short-term changes of the CO were observed 44 times after the placement of electrodes and during patient transfers. CONCLUSIONS: Non-invasive CO monitoring proved to be feasible and safe for the initial hemodynamic evaluation of trauma patients. Problems with the NICOM device were detachment of electrodes and temporary signal loss. Due to the small sample size and relatively low injury burden of the patients included in this study, further prospective investigation is warranted.

Método manométrico alternativo de calibración de transductores de presión para la monitorización hemodinámica invasiva / Alternative manometric method of calibration of pressure transducers for invasive hemodynamic monitoring

Introducción: La calibración de los transductores tiene gran importancia para la medición precisa de las presiones, durante la monitorización hemodinámica invasiva de los pacientes que requieren observación estrecha en las unidades de atención al grave y en el quirófano. Objetivo: Desarrollar y validar un método de calibración para transductores de presión, sencillo, eficaz y de bajo costo. Métodos: Se desarrolló un método manométrico alternativo, basado en la ley de Pascal, para la calibración de los transductores de presión durante la monitorización hemodinámica invasiva que se realiza en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de Cirugía Cardiovascular del Hospital Clínico-Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras. Este método fue validado mediante la comparación con el estándar recomendado en un total de 215 pacientes que requirieron monitorización hemodinámica invasiva entre los meses de enero y junio del 2015. Resultados: Con el método manométrico alternativo creado se obtiene el mismo resultado que con el método hidráulico recomendado por la literatura. Conclusiones: El método alternativo creado es preciso, eficaz y costo-efectivo(AU)

Introduction: Transducer calibration is very important for the accurate measurement of pressures during invasive hemodynamic monitoring of patients requiring close observation in the primary care units and in the operating room. Objective: To develop and validate a method of calibration of pressure transducers, which is simple, efficient and low-cost. Methods: An alternative manometric method, based on Pascal's law, was developed for the calibration of pressure transducers during invasive hemodynamic monitoring performed at the intensive care unit of the cardiovascular surgery department at Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical-Surgical Hospital. This method was validated by its comparison with the recommended standard in a total of 215 patients who required invasive hemodynamic monitoring between January and June 2015. Results: With the alternative manometric method created, the same result was obtained as with the hydraulic method recommended by the literature. Conclusions: The alternative method created is accurate, efficient and cost-effective(AU)

Early hemodynamic assessment and treatment of elderly patients in the medical ICU.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze differences in the initial hemodynamic assessment and its impact on the treatment in patients aged 80 years or older compared to younger patients during the first 6 h after admission to the medical intensive care unit (ICU). RESULTS: We analyzed 615 consecutive patients admitted to the medical ICU of which 124 (20%) were aged 80 years or more. The older group had a significantly higher acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) score, an overall mortality in the ICU and a presence of pre-existing cardiac disease. Both groups did not differ in the presence of shock and shock types on admission. In 57% of older and in 56% of younger patients, transthoracic echocardiography was performed with a higher therapeutic impact in the older patients. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed in 3% of the patients in both groups for specific diagnostic problems. Early reassessment with transthoracic echocardiography was necessary in 5% of the older and in 6% of the younger patients and resulted in a change of the treatment in one third of the patients. Continuous invasive hemodynamic monitoring was used in 11% of the older and in 10% of the younger patients and resulted in a therapeutic change in 71% of the older and in 64% of the younger patients. CONCLUSION: Patients aged 80 years or older represent 20% of all admissions to the medical ICU. Once admitted the older patients were similarly hemodynamically assessed as the younger ones with a similar impact on the treatment.

[Introduction of Hemodynamic Monitoring in Critical Care Units].

Hemodynamic monitoring is a very important treatment in intensive care units. Measurements taken during monitoring include pulmonary artery catheter (PAC), pulse-induced contour output (PiCCO), and non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring. PAC measures cardiopulmonary parameters using the thermodilution principle. PiCCO uses transpulmonary thermodilution and pulse contour analysis to measure cardiopulmonary parameters and extra-vascular lung water, to predict lung edema, and to differentiate between cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic respiratory failure. Non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring uses the thoracic electrical bioimpedance principle to measure electrical conductivity and then calculates stroke volume and cardiopulmonary parameters using the arrangement of red blood cells. The author is a nurse in an intensive care unit who is familiar with the various methods used in hemodynamic monitoring, with preparing the related devices, with briefing patients and family members prior to procedures, with related aseptic skills, with preventing complications during the insertion procedure, and with analyzing and interpreting those parameters accurately. The issues addressed in this paper are provided as a reference for nurses and other medical personnel to choose appropriate treatments when caring for critical patients.

Non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring in trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of hemodynamic status is a crucial task in the initial evaluation of trauma patients. However, blood pressure and heart rate are often misleading, as multiple variables may impact these conventional parameters. More reliable methods such as pulmonary artery thermodilution for cardiac output measuring would be necessary, but its applicability in the Emergency Department is questionable due to their invasive nature. Non-invasive cardiac output monitoring devices may be a feasible alternative. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted. Only studies that explicitly investigated non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring devices in trauma patients were considered. RESULTS: A total of 7 studies were identified as suitable and were included into this review. These studies evaluated in a total of 1,197 trauma patients the accuracy of non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring devices by comparing measurements to pulmonary artery thermodilution, which is the gold standard for cardiac output measuring. The correlation coefficients r between the two methods ranged from 0.79 to 0.92. Bias and precision analysis ranged from -0.02 +/- 0.78 l/min/m(2) to -0.14 +/- 0.73 l/min/m(2). Additionally, data on practicality, limitations and clinical impact of the devices were collected. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of non-invasive cardiac output monitoring devices in trauma patients is broadly satisfactory. As the devices can be applied very early in the shock room or even preclinically, hemodynamic shock may be recognized much earlier and therapeutic interventions could be applied more rapidly and more adequately. The devices can be used in the daily routine of a busy ED, as they are non-invasive and easy to master.

Comparing a non-invasive hemodynamic monitor with minimally invasive monitoring during major open abdominal surgery.

As part of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol, the goal-directed fluid management with hemodynamic monitoring can effectively guide perioperative fluid use and significantly improve the outcomes in high-risk patients undergoing major surgeries. Several minimally invasive and non-invasive monitoring devices are commercially available for clinical use. As part of an internal evaluation, we reported the results from three different hemodynamic monitoring devices used in a patient undergoing a major abdominal surgery.

Successful retrieval of a knotted pulmonary artery catheter trapped in the tricuspid valve apparatus.

We report the case of a 64-year-old patient in whom a pulmonary artery catheter formed a knot fixed within the right ventricle in the region of the tricuspid valve apparatus. Knot formation is a recognized complication associated with pulmonary artery catheters (PAC) insertion. This problem is usually dealt with by simply withdrawing the PAC until the knot impacts onto the introducer and after enlarging the puncture site by a small skin incision removing the introducer-PAC as one unit. However, we recently encountered a situation where the PAC was knotted around the tricuspid valve apparatus and could not be withdrawn. An interventional radiologist was able to unknot the catheter and release it from the tricuspid valve. We reviewed the literature related to this topic. We believe our experience could be of use to others.