Changing Strategy Between Bridge to Transplant and Destination LVAD Therapy After the First 3 Months: Analysis of the STS-INTERMACS Database.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have been implanted as bridge to transplantation (BTT), bridge to candidacy (BTC) or destination therapy (DT) on the basis of relative and absolute contraindications to transplantation. Multiple factors may lead to changes in the strategy of support after LVAD implantation. METHODS: Based on INTERMACS (Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support) 2012-2020 data, 11,262 patients survived to 3 months on continuous-flow LVADs with intent of BTT or DT. Preimplant characteristics and early events post-LVAD were analyzed in relation to changes in BTT or DT strategy during the next 12 months. RESULTS: Among 3216 BTT patients at 3 months, later transplant delisting or death without transplant occurred in 536 (16.7%) and was more common with age, profiles 1-2, renal dysfunction, and independently for prior cardiac surgery (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.04-1.51; P = 0.02). Post-LVAD events of infections, gastrointestinal bleeding, stroke, and right heart failure as defined by inotropic therapy, predicted delisting and death, as did in-hospital location at 3 months (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.20-2.33; P = 0.0024). Of 8046 patients surviving to 3 months with the intent of destination therapy, 750 (9.3%) subsequently underwent listing or transplantation, often with initial histories of acute HF (HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.27-2.27; P = 0.0012) or malnutrition-cachexia (1.73, 95% CI 1.14-2.63; P = 0.0099). Multiple gastrointestinal bleeding events (≥ 4) with LVAD increased transition from BTT to DT (HR 4.22, 95% CI 1.46-12.275; P = 0.0078) but also from DT to BTT (HR 5.17, 95% CI 1.92-13.9; P = 0.0011). CONCLUSIONS: Implant strategies change over time in relation to preimplant characteristics and adverse events post implant. Preimplant recognition of factors predicting later change in implant strategy will refine initial triage, whereas further reduction of post-LVAD complications will expand options, including eventual consideration of heart transplantation.

Antithrombotic Strategies With Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

Long-term outcomes of patients with advanced heart failure treated with durable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have been augmented due to improved durability and hemocompatibility on the backbone of pump engineering enhancements. The incidence of hemocompatibility-related adverse events (pump thrombosis, stroke and nonsurgical bleeding events) are device specific and vary by type of engineered pump. A fully magnetically levitated rotor containing LVAD in concert with use of antithrombotic therapy has successfully overcome an increased risk of pump thrombosis and stroke-risk, albeit with only modest reduction in bleeding events. Modifications to antithrombotic strategies have focused on reduced-dose vitamin K antagonist use or use of direct oral anticoagulants with demonstration of safety and progress in reduction of mucosal bleeding episodes with elimination of antiplatelet agents. This review outlines the current landscape of advances in anticoagulation management in LVAD patients, highlighting the need for ongoing research and cautious application of emerging therapies and technologies.

LVAD as a Bridge to Transplantation-Current Status and Future Perspectives.

Heart failure (HF) is a common disease associated with high morbidity and mortality rates despite advanced pharmacological therapies. Heart transplantation remains the gold standard therapy for end-stage heart failure; however, its application is curtailed by the persistent shortage of donor organs. Over the past two decades, mechanical circulatory support, notably Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs), have been established as an option for patients waiting for a donor organ. This comprehensive review focuses on elucidating the benefits and barriers associated with this application. We provide an overview of landmark clinical trials that have evaluated the use of LVADs as a bridge to transplantation therapy, with a particular focus on post-transplant outcomes. We discuss the benefits of stabilizing patients with these systems, weighing associated complications and limitations. Further technical advancements and research on optimal implantation timing are critical to ultimately improve outcomes and securing quality of life. In a world where the availability of donor organs remains constrained, LVADs are an increasingly important piece of patient care, bridging the critical gap to transplantation in advanced heart failure management.

Veno-arterial ECMO ventricular assistance as a direct bridge to heart transplant: A single center experience in a low-middle income country.

INTRODUCTION: The use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) as a direct bridge to heart transplantation (BTT) is not common in adults worldwide. BTT with ECMO is associated with increased early/mid-term mortality compared with other interventions. In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), where no other type of short-term mechanical circulatory support is available, its use is widespread and increasingly used as rescue therapy in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) as a direct bridge to heart transplantation (HT). OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes of adult patients using VA-ECMO as a direct BTT in an LMIC and compare them with international registries. METHODS: We conducted a single-center study analyzing consecutive adult patients requiring VA-ECMO as BTT due to refractory CS or cardiac arrest (CA) in a cardiovascular center in Argentina between January 2014 and December 2022. Survival and adverse clinical events after VA-ECMO implantation were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 86 VA-ECMO, 22 (25.5%) were implanted as initial BTT strategy, and 52.1% of them underwent HT. Mean age was 46 years (SD 12); 59% were male. ECMO was indicated in 81% for CS, and the most common underlying condition was coronary artery disease (31.8%). Overall, in-hospital mortality for VA-ECMO as BTT was 50%. Survival to discharge was 83% in those who underwent HT and 10% in those who did not, p < .001. In those who did not undergo HT, the main cause of death was hemorrhagic complications (44%), followed by thrombotic complications (33%). The median duration of VA-ECMO was 6 days (IQR 3-16). There were no differences in the number of days on ECMO between those who received a transplant and those who did not. In the Spanish registry, in-hospital survival after HT was 66.7%; the United Network of Organ Sharing registry estimated post-transplant survival at 73.1% ± 4.4%, and in the French national registry 1-year posttransplant survival was 70% in the VA-ECMO group. CONCLUSIONS: In adult patients with cardiogenic shock, VA-ECMO as a direct BTT allowed successful HT in half of the patients. HT provided a survival benefit in listed patients on VA-ECMO. We present a single center experience with results comparable to those of international registries.

Biofunctionalization of surfaces to minimize undesirable effects in cardiovascular assistance devices.

BACKGROUND: The reactivity of blood with non-endothelial surface is a challenge for long-term Ventricular Assist Devices development, usually made with pure titanium, which despite of being inert, low density and high mechanical resistance it does not avoid the thrombogenic responses. Here we tested a modification on the titanium surface with Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structures followed by Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating in different thicknesses to customize the wettability profile by changing the surface energy of the titanium. METHODS: Four different surfaces were proposed: (1) Pure Titanium as Reference Material (RM), (2) Textured as Test Sample (TS), (3) Textured with DLC 0.3µm as (TSA) and (4) Textured with 2.4µm DLC as (TSB). A single implant was positioned in the abdominal aorta of Wistar rats and the effects of hemodynamic interaction were evaluated without anticoagulant drugs. RESULTS: After twelve weeks, the implants were extracted and subjected to qualitative analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy under low vacuum and X-ray Energy Dispersion. The regions that remained in contact with the wall of the aorta showed encapsulation of the endothelial tissue. TSB implants, although superhydrophilic, have proven that the DLC coating inhibits the adhesion of biological material, prevents abrasive wear and delamination, as observed in the TS and TSA implants. Pseudo- neointimal layers were heterogeneously identified in higher concentration on Test Surfaces.

Computational investigation of outflow graft variation impact on hemocompatibility profile in LVADs.

BACKGROUND: Hemocompatibility-related adverse events (HRAE) occur commonly in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) and add to morbidity and mortality. It is unclear whether the outflow graft orientation can impact flow conditions leading to HRAE. This study presents a simulation-based approach using exact patient anatomy from medical images to investigate the influence of outflow cannula orientation in modulating flow conditions leading to HRAEs. METHODS: A 3D model of a proximal aorta and outflow graft was reconstructed from a computed tomography (CT) scan of an LVAD patient and virtually modified to model multiple cannula orientations (n = 10) by varying polar (cranio-caudal) (n = 5) and off-set (anterior-posterior) (n = 2) angles. Time-dependent computational flow simulations were then performed for each anatomical orientation. Qualitative and quantitative hemodynamics metrics of thrombogenicity including time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), endothelial cell platelet activation potential (ECAP), particle residence time (PRT), and platelet activation potential (PLAP) were analyzed. RESULTS: Within the simulations performed, endothelial cell activation potential (ECAP) and particle residence time (PRT) were found to be lowest with a polar angle of 85°, regardless of offset angle. However, polar angles that produced parameters at levels least associated with thrombosis varied when the offset angle was changed from 0° to 12°. For offset angles of 0° and 12° respectively, flow shear was lowest at 65° and 75°, time averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) was highest at 85° and 35°, and platelet activation potential (PLAP) was lowest at 65° and 45°. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that computational fluid dynamic modeling based on patient-specific anatomy can be a powerful analytical tool when identifying optimal positioning of an LVAD. Contrary to previous work, our findings suggest that there may be an "ideal" outflow cannula for each individual patient based on a CFD-based hemocompatibility profile.

Depressive symptoms, right ventricular function, and muscular strength are associated with peak oxygen uptake in patients with implantable left ventricular assist devices.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is among the most effective treatment options for patients with severe heart failure. Although previous studies have examined the factors related to peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2 ), they were limited by the few patients involved and their focus on medical and physical functions. Therefore, this study comprehensively examined the factors associated with peak VO2 , which is an important prognostic factor in patients with implantable LVADs. METHODS: Eighty-nine patients who underwent initial LVAD implantation and were eligible for cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) between May 2014 and September 2021 were included. The patients' mean age was 48 ± 12 years, and 70% were males. Based on previous studies, the cut-off was set at 12 and 14 mL/kg/min for patients taking ß-blocker and those not taking ß-blockers, respectively. Furthermore, factors associated with peak VO2 were examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean time from surgery to CPX administration was 73 ± 40 days. The high group had a higher cardiac index, right ventricular stroke work index (RVSWI), and isometric knee extensor muscular strength and lower Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and B-type natriuretic peptide values than the low group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that RVSWI and KEMS were positively correlated, whereas PHQ-9 was negatively associated with peak VO2 . CONCLUSION: Right ventricular function, depressive symptoms, and lower limb muscular strength were associated with exercise capacity in patients with implantable LVADs.

"When I do have some time, rather than spend it polishing silver, I want to spend it with my grandkids": a qualitative exploration of patient values following left ventricular assist device implantation.

BACKGROUND: Values are broadly understood to have implications for how individuals make decisions and cope with serious illness stressors, yet it remains uncertain how patients and their family and friend caregivers discuss, reflect upon, and act on their values in the post-left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation context. This study aimed to explore the values elicitation experiences of patients with an LVAD in the post-implantation period. METHODS: Qualitative descriptive study of LVAD recipients. Socio-demographics and patient resource use were analyzed using descriptive statistics and semi-structured interview data using thematic analysis. Adult (> 18 years) patients with an LVAD receiving care at an outpatient clinic in the Southeastern United States. RESULTS: Interviewed patients (n = 27) were 30-76 years, 59% male, 67% non-Hispanic Black, 70% married/living with a partner, and 70% urban-dwelling. Three broad themes of patient values elicitation experiences emerged: 1) LVAD implantation prompts deep reflection about life and what is important, 2) patient values are communicated in various circumstances to convey personal goals and priorities to caregivers and clinicians, and 3) patients leverage their values for strength and guidance in navigating life post-LVAD implantation. LVAD implantation was an impactful experience often leading to reevaluation of patients' values; these values became instrumental to making health decisions and coping with stressors during the post-LVAD implantation period. Patient values arose within broad, informal exchanges and focused, decision-making conversations with their caregiver and the healthcare team. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should consider assessing the values of patients post-implantation to facilitate shared understanding of their goals/priorities and identify potential changes in their coping.

Preliminary report of extracorporeal blood purification therapy in patients receiving LVAD: Cytosorb or Jafron HA330.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) candidates are at increased risk of immune dysregulation and infectious complications. To attenuate the elevated proinflammatory cytokine levels and associated adverse clinical outcomes, it has been postulated that extracorporeal blood purification could improve the overall survival rate and morbidity of patients undergoing LVAD implantation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data of 15 patients who underwent LVAD implantation at our center between January 2021 and March 2022. Of these, 15 (100%) who received HeartMate 3™ (St. Jude Medical, Abbott, MN, USA) device were eligible. Intraoperatively, patients were single randomized 1:1:1 to three groups: group 1, patients who received Cytosorb therapy (n = 5; installed in the CPB circuit); group 2, patients who received Jafron HA330 (n = 5; installed in the CPB circuit); and control group 3, patients who did not receive filter (n = 5; usual care, neither Cytosorb nor Jafron during CPB). Baseline patient characteristics and intraoperative data were compared between the groups. Blood sample analyses were performed to assess the levels of inflammatory markers (IL-1, 6, 8; CRP, Leukocyte, Lactate, PCT, NT-proBNP, TNF-α) in both preoperative and postoperative data. RESULTS: Baseline patient characteristics were similar in all three groups. We found that IL1α; IL 6; IL8; Lactatedehydrogenase, PCT, pro-BNP, CRP; Leukocyte, and TNFα levels significantly increased with LVAD implantation and that neither Cytosorb nor Jafron influenced this response. In-hospital mortality and overall survival during follow-up were similar among the groups. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results showed that hemoadsorption therapy using Cytosorb or Jafron hemoadsorption (HA) 330 may not be clinically beneficial for patients with advanced heart failure undergoing LVAD implantation. Large prospective studies are needed to evaluate the potential role of HA therapy in improving outcomes in patients undergoing LVAD implantation.

Pilot test of a multicomponent implementation strategy for equity in advanced heart failure allocation.

Advanced heart failure (AHF) therapy allocation is vulnerable to bias related to subjective assessments and poor group dynamics. Our objective was to determine whether an implementation strategy for AHF team members could feasibly contribute to organizational and culture change supporting equity in AHF allocation. Using a pretest-posttest design, the strategy included an 8-week multicomponent training on bias reduction, standardized numerical social assessments, and enhanced group dynamics at an AHF center. Evaluations of organizational and cultural changes included pretest-posttest AHF team member surveys, transcripts of AHF meetings to assess group dynamics using a standardized scoring system, and posttest interviews guided by a framework for implementing a complex strategy. Results were analyzed with qualitative descriptive methods and Brunner-Munzel tests for relative effect (RE, RE >0.5 signals posttest improvement). The majority of survey metrics revealed potential benefit with RE >0.5. REs were >0.5 for 5 of 6 group dynamics metrics. Themes for implementation included (1) promoting equitable distribution of scarce resources, (2) requiring a change in team members' time investment to correct bias and change the meeting structure, (3) slowing and then accelerating the allocation process, and (4) adaptable beyond AHF and reinforceable with semi-annual trainings. An implementation strategy for AHF equity demonstrated the feasibility for organizational and culture changes.

Advancements in left ventricular assist devices to prevent pump thrombosis and blood coagulopathy.

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices, such as left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are very useful in improving outcomes in patients with advanced-stage heart failure. Despite recent advances in LVAD development, pump thrombosis is one of the most severe adverse events caused by LVADs. The contact of blood with artificial materials of LVAD pumps and cannulas triggers the coagulation cascade. Heat spots, for example, produced by mechanical bearings are often subjected to thrombus build-up when low-flow situations impair washout and thus the necessary cooling does not happen. The formation of thrombus in an LVAD may compromise its function, causing a drop in flow and pumping power leading to failure of the LVAD, if left unattended. If a clot becomes dislodged and circulates in the bloodstream, it may disturb the flow or occlude the blood vessels in vital organs and cause internal damage that could be fatal, for example, ischemic stroke. That is why patients with LVADs are on anti-coagulant medication. However, the anti-coagulants can cause a set of issues for the patient-an example of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is given in illustration. On account of this, these devices are only used as a last resort in clinical practice. It is, therefore, necessary to develop devices with better mechanics of blood flow, performance and hemocompatibility. This paper discusses the development of LVADs through landmark clinical trials in detail and describes the evolution of device design to reduce the risk of pump thrombosis and achieve better hemocompatibility. Whilst driveline infection, right heart failure and arrhythmias have been recognised as LVAD-related complications, this paper focuses on complications related to pump thrombosis, especially blood coagulopathy in detail and potential strategies to mitigate this complication. Furthermore, it also discusses the LVAD implantation techniques and their anatomical challenges.

Gastrointestinal bleeding in recipients of left ventricular assist devices-a systematic review.

The twenty-first century has revolutionized the management of congestive heart failure with the widespread use of left ventricular assist devices and other treatment modalities that improve morbidity and mortality after the failure of medical management. These novel devices come with significant side effects. One of the most common side effects of left ventricular assist devices is the increased frequency of lower gastrointestinal bleeding compared to heart failure patients without left ventricular assist devices. Multiple etiologies of recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding in such patients have been studied. The decreased amount of von Willebrand factor polymers is now recognized as one of the most common causes of increased incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with left ventricular assist devices alongside increased arteriovenous malformations. Multiple treatment modalities have been identified to prevent and treat gastrointestinal bleeding in these patients. Since the use of left ventricular assist devices is becoming more prevalent in patients with advanced heart failure, we decided to conduct this systematic review. The article summarizes the incidence, pathophysiology, and management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with left ventricular assist devices.

Predicting outcomes following short-term ventricular assist device implant with the MELD-XI score.

BACKGROUND: Short-term continuous flow (STCF) ventricular assist devices (VADs) are utilized in adults with cardiogenic shock; however, mortality remains high. Previous studies have found that high pre-operative MELD-XI scores in durable VAD patients are associated with mortality. The use of the MELD-XI score to predict outcomes in STCF-VAD patients has not been explored. We sought to determine the relationship between MELD-XI and outcomes in adults with STCF-VADs. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of adults implanted with STCF-VADs between 2009 and 2019. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to predict outcomes and Kaplan-Meier analysis was done to assess survival. RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients were included with a median MELD-XI score of 21.2 (IQR 13.5, 27.0). Patients with an unsuccessful wean from support (p < 0.001) or major post-operative bleeding (p = 0.03) had significantly higher pre-implant MELD-XI scores. The optimal MELD-XI cut-point for mortality was 24.9 with 27.8 for major bleeding. Survival was worse among patients in the high-risk MELD-XI group, however, not statistically significant (p = 0.09). Prior ECMO support, but not MELD-XI, was an independent predictor of unsuccessful wean (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative MELD-XI score was a moderate predictor of unsuccessful wean with limited utility in predicting bleeding in patients on STCF-VAD support. This scoring system may be useful in the clinical setting for pre-implant risk stratification and counseling among patients and outcomes.

Comparing left ventricular assist device inflow cannula angle between median sternotomy and thoracotomy using 3D reconstructions.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation via thoracotomy has many potential advantages compared to conventional sternotomy, including improved inflow cannula (IFC) positioning. We compared the difference in IFC angles, postoperative, and long-term outcomes for patients with LVADs implanted via thoracotomy and sternotomy. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective analysis of 14 patients who underwent thoracotomy implantation was performed and matched with 28 patients who underwent sternotomy LVAD implantations for a total of 42 patients. Inclusion required a minimum LVAD support duration of 30 days and excluded concomitant procedures. A postoperative CT-chest was used to measure the angle the between the IFC and mitral valve in two-dimensions and results were compared with three-dimensional reconstruction using the same CT chest. Outcome data were extracted from medical records. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in gender, INTERMACS score, BMI, or age between the two groups. Median cardiopulmonary bypass time was longer in the thoracotomy group compared to the sternotomy group, 107 min (86-122) versus 76 min (56-93), p < 0.01. 3D reconstructions revealed less deviation of the IFC away from the mitral valve in devices implanted via thoracotomy compared to sternotomy, median (IQR) angle 16.3° (13.9°-21.0°) versus 23.2° (17.9°-26.4°), p < 0.01. Rates of pump thrombosis, stroke, and gastrointestinal bleeding were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Devices implanted via thoracotomy demonstrated less deviation away from mitral valve. However, there was no difference in morbidity between the two approaches. 3D reconstruction of the heart is an innovative technique to measure angulation and is clinically advantageous when compared to 2D imaging.

Gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices: A comprehensive review.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal bleeding is a major cause of morbidity that plagues the quality of life of patients supported on contemporary continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs). Despite benefits in survival and the nearly 50% reduction in complications provided by CF-LVADs, bleeding remains one of the most frequent adverse events with CF-LVAD implants. The CF-LVADs cause an increased risk of bleeding mainly due to the activation of the coagulation cascade. METHODS: A literature search was done using PubMed and Google Scholar from Inception to February 2022. Qualitative analyses of the articles retrieved were used to construct this review. This review attempts to provide a comprehensive summary of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk stratification, and management of gastrointestinal bleeding as a complication of CF-LVAD as well as propose an algorithm for diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS: Bleeding can occur at different sites in the gastrointestinal tract, the most common underlying pathology being arteriovenous malformations located in the upper gastrointestinal tract The increased prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in CF-LVAD patients has been attributed to the physiology of the LVAD itself, the use of anticoagulants, as well as patient comorbidities. Management involves pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies. CONCLUSIONS: CF-LVAD-supported patients have a significant risk of GI bleeding that is mainly caused by arteriovenous malformations located in the upper GI tract. The increased prevalence of GI bleeding in CF-LVAD patients is attributed to several etiologies that include factors attributed to the device itself and extrinsic factors such as the use of anticoagulation.

Nighttime sleep and daytime sleepiness patterns among left ventricular assist device patients.

Despite the high prevalence of sleep disturbance in the heart failure population, information about its consequence on daytime function in patients with left-ventricular assist devices (LVADs) is limited. This study examined the nighttime and daytime sleep patterns and changes from pre-implant to 6 months post-implant. This study included 32 LVAD patients. Demographics, nighttime and daytime sleep variables were collected pre-implant and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-implant. Wrist actigraphy and self-report questionnaires measured objective and subjective sleep, respectively. Objective nighttime sleep data were sleep efficiency (SE), sleep latency (SL), total sleep time (TST), wake after sleep onset (WASO), and sleep fragmentation (SF). Objective daytime sleep data were nap times. Self-reported Subjective Sleep Quality Scale (SSQS) and Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS) were subjective measures. Increased SF and WASO scores and decreased TST and SE scores were found pre-LVAD implant, indicative of poor sleep quality. TST, SE, naptime and SSQS scores were higher at 3 and 6 months post-implant compared to baseline. Decreases in TST and SF scores were observed at 3 and 6 months post-implant along with increases in SSS scores. Increasing SSS scores and decreasing overall scores from pre- and up to 6 months post-implant suggest improvement in daytime function. This study provides information on sleep-daytime function in the LVAD patient population. Improvements in daytime sleepiness do not imply "good" sleep quality, consistent with the extant knowledge in LVAD literature. Future investigations should elucidate the mechanism by which sleep-daytime function influences quality of life.

Impella 5.5 support before, during, and after surgical ventricular septal defect repair: A bridge continuum.

INTRODUCTION: Post-infarction ventricular septal defect formation remains a formidable mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction associated with increased morbidity and mortality. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a 72-year-old male who was admitted with post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal defect and cardiogenic shock. DISCUSSION: Impella 5.5 with SmartAssist as temporary left ventricular assist device provided sufficient support throughout multiple bridging episodes including failed percutaneous repair and subsequent definitive surgical repair. Contemporary management of post-infarction ventricular septal defect is discussed.

Reduction of Adverse Events With Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors Post LVAD Implantation: Is It Time for a Randomized Trial?

The improved survival of patients with advanced heart failure after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation together with the scarcity of donor hearts has significantly increased the population of LVAD-supported patients. However, despite the improvement in LVAD technology and the advent of third-generation continuous flow LVADs, complications such as those related to hemocompatibility and stroke rates remain ongoing clinical challenges. Thus, improvement in LVAD technology should be coupled with innovative medical management to further reduce adverse events. We have previously shown a strong association between post LVAD implant phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE-5i) use and fewer thrombotic events, as well as improved survival in 2 observational studies. We caution, nevertheless, the use of PDE-5i based on these observations and encourage clinicians to support enrollment in a randomized control trial. A randomized control trial will determine the efficacy and safety of PDE-5i use after implantation in patients with a centrifugal flow LVAD.

Role of Echocardiography in the Management of Patients with Advanced (Stage D) Heart Failure Related to Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy.

Echocardiography (ECHO) is indispensable for evaluation of patients with terminal chronic heart failure (HF) who require transplantation or mechanical circulatory support by a left- or biventricular assist device (LVAD or BiVAD, respectively). In LVAD candidates, ECHO represents the first-line investigation necessary for a timely discovery of heart-related risk factors for potentially life-threatening post-operative adverse events, including identification of patients who necessitate a biventricular support. ECHO is also required for intra-operative guiding of VAD implantation and finding of the most appropriate setting of the device for an optimal ventricular unloading, postoperative surveillance of the VAD support, and monitoring of the RV changes in LVAD recipients. Thanks to the ECHO, which has decisively contributed to the proof that prolonged VAD support can facilitate cardiac reverse remodeling and functional improvement to levels which allow successful weaning of carefully selected patients from LVAD or BiVAD, the previous opinion that chronic non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICMP) is irreversible could be refuted. In patients with normalized and stable right heart catheter-derived hemodynamic parameters obtained at short-term interruptions of VAD support, ECHO has proved able to predict post-weaning long-term freedom from HF recurrence in patients with pre-implant terminal chronic NICMP. The purpose of this article is to offer an actualized theoretical and practical support for clinicians engaged in this particularly challenging and topical issue especially due to the new practical aspects which have emerged in conjunction with the growing use of long-term ventricular assist devices as bridge-to-transplantation or as destination therapy, as well as the increasing evidence that, in some patients, such VAD can become a bridge-to-recovery, allowing the removal of the device after a longer support time.

Systems of conductive skin for power transfer in clinical applications.

The primary aim of this article is to review the clinical challenges related to the supply of power in implanted left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) by means of transcutaneous drivelines. In effect of that, we present the preventive measures and post-operative protocols that are regularly employed to address the leading problem of driveline infections. Due to the lack of reliable wireless solutions for power transfer in LVADs, the development of new driveline configurations remains at the forefront of different strategies that aim to power LVADs in a less destructive manner. To this end, skin damage and breach formation around transcutaneous LVAD drivelines represent key challenges before improving the current standard of care. For this reason, we assess recent strategies on the surface functionalization of LVAD drivelines, which aim to limit the incidence of driveline infection by directing the responses of the skin tissue. Moreover, we propose a class of power transfer systems that could leverage the ability of skin tissue to effectively heal short diameter wounds. In this direction, we employed a novel method to generate thin conductive wires of controllable surface topography with the potential to minimize skin disruption and eliminate the problem of driveline infections. Our initial results suggest the viability of the small diameter wires for the investigation of new power transfer systems for LVADs. Overall, this review uniquely compiles a diverse number of topics with the aim to instigate new research ventures on the design of power transfer systems for IMDs, and specifically LVADs.