Coronary flow capacity and survival prediction after revascularization: physiological basis and clinical implications.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Coronary flow capacity (CFC) is associated with an observed 10-year survival probability for individual patients before and after actual revascularization for comparison to virtual hypothetical ideal complete revascularization. METHODS: Stress myocardial perfusion (mL/min/g) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) per pixel were quantified in 6979 coronary artery disease (CAD) subjects using Rb-82 positron emission tomography (PET) for CFC maps of artery-specific size-severity abnormalities expressed as percent left ventricle with prospective follow-up to define survival probability per-decade as fraction of 1.0. RESULTS: Severely reduced CFC in 6979 subjects predicted low survival probability that improved by 42% after revascularization compared with no revascularization for comparable severity (P = .0015). For 283 pre-and-post-procedure PET pairs, severely reduced regional CFC-associated survival probability improved heterogeneously after revascularization (P < .001), more so after bypass surgery than percutaneous coronary interventions (P < .001) but normalized in only 5.7%; non-severe baseline CFC or survival probability did not improve compared with severe CFC (P = .00001). Observed CFC-associated survival probability after actual revascularization was lower than virtual ideal hypothetical complete post-revascularization survival probability due to residual CAD or failed revascularization (P < .001) unrelated to gender or microvascular dysfunction. Severely reduced CFC in 2552 post-revascularization subjects associated with low survival probability also improved after repeat revascularization compared with no repeat procedures (P = .025). CONCLUSIONS: Severely reduced CFC and associated observed survival probability improved after first and repeat revascularization compared with no revascularization for comparable CFC severity. Non-severe CFC showed no benefit. Discordance between observed actual and virtual hypothetical post-revascularization survival probability revealed residual CAD or failed revascularization.

Outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with cardiogenic shock.

AIMS: The safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with contemporary balloon expandable transcatheter valves in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) remain largely unknown. In this study, the TAVRs performed for CS between June 2015 and September 2022 using SAPIEN 3 and SAPIEN 3 Ultra bioprosthesis from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American College of Cardiology Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry were analysed. METHODS AND RESULTS: CS was defined as: (i) coding of CS within 24 h on Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry form; and/or (ii) pre-procedural use of inotropes or mechanical circulatory support devices and/or (iii) cardiac arrest within 24 h prior to TAVR. The control group was comprised of all the other patients undergoing TAVR. Baseline characteristics, all-cause mortality, and major complications at 30-day and 1-year outcomes were reported. Landmark analysis was performed at 30 days post-TAVR. Cox-proportional multivariable analysis was performed to determine the predictors of all-cause mortality at 1 year. A total of 309 505 patients underwent TAVR with balloon-expandable valves during the study period. Of these, 5006 patients presented with CS prior to TAVR (1.6%). The mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 10.76 ± 10.4. The valve was successfully implanted in 97.9% of patients. Technical success according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-3 criteria was 94.5%. In a propensity-matched analysis, CS was associated with higher in-hospital (9.9% vs. 2.7%), 30-day (12.9% vs. 4.9%), and 1-year (29.7% vs. 22.6%) mortality compared to the patients undergoing TAVR without CS. In the landmark analysis after 30 days, the risk of 1-year mortality was similar between the two groups [hazard ratio (HR) 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95-1.21]. Patients who were alive at 1 year noted significant improvements in functional class (Class I/II 89%) and quality of life (ΔKCCQ score +50). In the multivariable analysis, older age (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.02-1.03), peripheral artery disease (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.06-1.47), prior implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.07-1.77), patients on dialysis (HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.69-2.53), immunocompromised status (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.05-1.69), New York Heart Association class III/IV symptoms (HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.06-2.12), lower aortic valve mean gradient, lower albumin levels, lower haemoglobin levels, and lower Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire scores were independently associated with 1-year mortality. CONCLUSION: This large observational real-world study demonstrates that the TAVR is a safe and effective treatment for aortic stenosis patients presenting with CS. Patients who survived the first 30 days after TAVR had similar mortality rates to those who were not in CS.

Impact of structured physical therapy protocol among heart transplant recipients while on intra-aortic balloon pump in the pretransplant period.

BACKGROUND: Use of prolonged femoral intra-aortic balloon pump support limits the mobility of patients awaiting heart transplant. We assessed the safety and outcomes of a structured, tilting physical therapy protocol in patients supported by intra-aortic balloon pumps while awaiting transplant. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed five years of transplant patients. Eighteen patients received femoral intra-aortic balloon support, a heart transplant, and met all eligibility criteria. We compared complications and outcomes between patients who received the structured, tilting physical therapy (Protocol Group) and those that received standard of care (Control Group). RESULTS: Complications were not significantly different between groups. The majority of the Protocol Group were discharged to home (10/12), while half (3/6) of the Control Group were discharged to a rehabilitation facility. Post-transplant length of stay was significantly less in the Protocol Group (median 16 vs. 28 days, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Despite the small number analyzed, the data indicates that the structured, tilting physical therapy protocol led to a significantly reduced length of stay post-transplantation. Importantly, use of the protocol did not result in access site complications, thrombosis, or arrhythmias in the majority of the patients.

The use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the octogenarian population: A single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Advanced age is a known risk factor for poor outcomes after veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) for cardiac support. The use of ECMO support in patients over the age of 80 is controversial, and sometimes its use is contraindicated. We aimed to assess the use of ECMO in octogenarian patients to determine survival and complication rates. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective analysis was completed at a large, urban academic medical center. Patients requiring V-A ECMO support between December of 2012 and November of 2019 were included as long as the patient was at least 80 years of age at the time of cannulation. Post cardiotomy shock patients were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients met eligibility criteria; all received V-A ECMO support. Overall, the majority of patients (71.7%; 33/46) survived to decannulation, and 43.5% (20/46) survived to discharge. Patients who were previously rescued from percutaneous interventions tend to have a better survival than other patients (p = .06). The most common complications were renal and hemorrhagic. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that advanced age alone should not disqualify patients from cannulating and supporting with V-A ECMO.

Inter-Institutional Collaboration Between Quaternary and Tertiary Hospitals: Cardiac Surgery Impact.

BACKGROUND: An inter-institutional collaboration between a quaternary hospital (QH) with a high volume of cardiac surgery and a community-based, tertiary hospital (TH) with a newly established cardiac surgery program was established. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data of patients admitted to the TH between September 2015 and June 2017 for cardiac surgery. The decision to transfer a patient to the QH was based on a Society of Thoracic Surgeon-Predicted Risk of Mortality (STS-PROM) score of ≥ 3%, the potential need for hemodialysis, and other risk factors. The same team of surgeons performed operations at both hospitals. We analyzed the perioperative outcomes of the patients and the referral pattern. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients met eligibility criteria; 105 underwent surgery at the TH, while 11 were transferred to the QH. Among the 11 patients transferred to the QH, eight had a score of  3% (median = 8.2 [IQR 5.7-25.0]). The patients transferred to the QH prior to surgery had a significantly higher STS-PROM score (P = ≤ .001). Overall, the mortality of patients who underwent surgery at the TH was 0.9% (1/105); while surgeries at the QH had a mortality rate of 0% (0/11). CONCLUSION: The collaborative effort between high-volume cardiac surgery programs and emerging community-based hospitals showed acceptable outcomes in perioperative cardiac surgical mortality. Elevated STS-PROM scores (>3%), previous sternotomy and anticipation of coagulopathy, and low left ventricular ejection fraction or dilated ventricles are factors that influenced the need to transfer from a TH to QH.

COVID-19 and Blood Clots: A Report of Massive Pulmonary Embolism in COVID-19 Patient Supported on Veno-Venous ECMO and the Utility of Thrombolysis.

COVID-19 morbidity and mortality are not equivalent to other etiologies of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) as fulminant activation of coagulation can occur, thereby resulting in widespread microvascular thrombosis and consumption of coagulation factors. A 53-year-old female presented to an emergency center on two occasions with progressive gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms. She was diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia and admitted to a satellite intensive care unit with hypoxemic respiratory failure. She was intubated and mechanically ventilated, but her ARDS progressed over the next 48 hours. The patient was emergently cannulated for veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) and transferred to our hospital. She was in profound shock requiring multiple vasopressors for hemodynamic support with worsening clinical status on arrival. On bedside echocardiography, she was found to have a massive pulmonary embolism with clot-in-transit visualized in the right atrium and right ventricular outflow tract. After a multidisciplinary discussion, systemic thrombolytic therapy was administered. The patient's hemodynamics improved and vasopressors were discontinued. This case illustrates the utility of bedside echocardiography in shock determination, the need for continued vigilance in the systematic evaluation of unstable patients in the intensive care unit, and the use of systemic thrombolytics during V-V ECMO in a novel disease process with evolving understanding.

Traumatic respiratory failure and veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory failure (RF) is a common cause of death and morbid complication in trauma patients. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly used in adults with RF refractory to invasive mechanical ventilation. However, use of ECMO remains limited for this patient population as they often have contraindications for anticoagulation. STUDY DESIGN: Medical records were retroactively searched for all adult patients who were admitted to the trauma service and received veno-venous ECMO (VV ECMO) support between June 2015 and August 2018. Survival to discharge and ECMO-related complications were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Fifteen patients from a large Level I trauma center met the criteria. The median PaO2/FiO2 ratio was 53.0 (IQR, 27.0-76.0), median injury severity score was 34.0 (IQR, 27.0-43.0), and the median duration of ECMO support was 11 days (IQR, 7.5-20.0). For this cohort, the survival-to-discharge rate was 87% (13/15). The incidence of neurologic complications was 13%, and deep vein thrombosis was reported in two cases (13%). CONCLUSIONS: Survival rates of trauma patients in this study are equivalent to, or may exceed, those of non-trauma patients who receive ECMO support for other types of RF. With the employment of a multidisciplinary team assessment and proper patient selection, early cannulation, traumatic RF may be safely supported with VV ECMO in experienced centers.

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return after orthotopic heart transplantation case report.

BACKGROUND: Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) is a congenital heart defect. Reports of repair and treatment in pediatric cases have been published, but incidence of PAPVR in adults is not common. To our knowledge, there has not been a diagnosis of left-sided PAPVR after a heart transplant an in adult patient. CASE PRESENTATION: A 62-year-old patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy and systolic heart failure underwent orthotopic heart transplantation. The immediate post-operative course was remarkable for an elevated cardiac index and pulmonary artery pressures as well as decreased systemic vascular resistance. The post-operative echocardiogram did not reveal an intra-cardiac shunt. However, computed tomographic angiography (CTA) showed a left superior pulmonary vein draining into the innominate vein. Operative repair of the left superior pulmonary venous connection to the left atrial appendage was completed under cardiopulmonary bypass with beating heart. Her hemodynamics improved immediately, and she had an unremarkable postoperative course. CONCLUSIONS: While uncommon, any patient with a high cardiac output and abnormal hemodynamics after heart transplant should be evaluated for the existence of a shunt. While not a part of all traditional preoperative imaging protocols, a chest CTA should be considered if PAPVR is suspected as it can both diagnose the condition and enable a plot of the corrective course of surgical action.

Transcatheter and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement Outcomes for Patients with Chronic Heart Failure.

OBJECTIVES: To determine in-hospital outcomes and assess high-risk groups among chronic heart failure (CHF) patients with aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from January 2012 to September 2015 was performed. SETTING: Hospitals across the United States that offer TAVRs or SAVRs. PARTICIPANTS: Adults with a diagnosis of CHF and AS. INTERVENTIONS: The patients underwent either TAVR or SAVR. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Totals of 5,871 and 4,008 CHF patients underwent TAVR and SAVR, respectively. TAVR patients were significantly older, more were female, and had a higher comorbidity burden. No significant differences in in-hospital mortality were noted between TAVR and SAVR. However, mean length of stay was significantly longer by 3.5 days in the SAVR group, as was the mean total cost. With the exception of complete heart block, permanent pacemaker implantation, and vascular complications, the majority of postoperative events were higher among the SAVR group. Multivariate regression analysis identified postoperative cardiac, respiratory and renal complications as significant predictors of in-hospital mortality for both groups. Additionally, age ≥75 years and vascular complications were significant predictors of mortality for patients undergoing TAVR. CONCLUSIONS: Among CHF patients with symptomatic AS, TAVR had similar in-hospital mortality rate compared with SAVR despite higher comorbidity burden. TAVR patients are at a lower risk of cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal complications and might lead to reduced length of hospital stay and cost. Hence, TAVR may be a safer option in this population.

Association Between Early Tracheostomy and Delirium in Older Adults in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: Early tracheostomy (fewer than eight days after intubation) is associated with shorter length of stay in the intensive care unit and shorter duration of mechanical ventilation. Studies assessing the association between early tracheostomy and incidence of delirium, however, are lacking. This investigation sought to fill this gap. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING: Multi-institutional acute care facilities in the United States. PARTICIPANTS: Data were derived from the National Inpatient Sample data from 2010 to 2014. Included patients were 65 or older and underwent both intubation and tracheostomy during the hospitalization. The authors excluded patients who underwent multiple intubations or tracheostomy procedures. INTERVENTIONS: Early tracheostomy versus non-early tracheostomy. RESULTS: In total, 23,310 patients were included, of whom 24.8% underwent early tracheostomy. From multivariate logistic regression, early tracheostomy was associated with lower odds of having a delirium diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] 0.77, p < 0.00001) across all admission classifications. Upon subgroup analysis, early tracheostomy was associated significantly with lower odds of having delirium for patients admitted with medical (OR 0.74, p < 0.00001) and nonsurgical injury admissions (OR 0.74, p = 0.00116). CONCLUSIONS: Early tracheostomy was associated significantly with lower odds of delirium among all patients studied. This association held true across medical and nonsurgical subgroups.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Rescue for Severe Aspiration Pneumonitis in Two Patients after Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass Procedure.

Roux-en-y gastric bypass (RYGB) is one of the most common weight loss surgical procedures performed in the United States. Early post-operative small bowel obstruction is a rare but potentially morbid, complication of RYGB. We report two patients who underwent RYGB and required subsequent treatment for a post-operative small bowel obstruction. Their post-operative course was complicated by severe aspiration pneumonitis leading to hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring rescue with femoral veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO). Both patients were successfully extubated, weaned off V-V ECMO support, and discharged to home. These cases highlight the potential role of V-V ECMO for patients who have undergone RYGB and develop severe aspiration pneumonitis. They also highlight the need for cautionary use of gastrografin in RYGB patients. Early engagement of a multidisciplinary team experienced with adult ECMO is vital for favorable patient outcomes.

Inter-hospital COVID ECMO air transportation.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has required rapid and effective protocol adjustments at every level of healthcare. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is pivotal to COVID-19 treatment in cases of refractory hypoxemic hypercapnic respiratory failure. As such, our large, metropolitan air ambulance system in conjunction with our experts in advanced cardiopulmonary therapies modified protocols to assist peripheral hospitals in evaluation, cannulation and initiation of ECMO for rescue and air transportation of patients with COVID-19 to our quaternary center. The detailed protocol is described alongside initial data of its use. To date, 14 patients have been placed on ECMO support at an outside facility and successfully transported via helicopter to our hub hospital using this protocol.

Risk of pump thrombosis and stroke in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common complication following the placement of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) in patients with advanced heart failure. Secondary events arising as a result of GI bleeding have not been well-described. Furthermore, attribution of these events to bleeding is complicated by the interruption or de-intensification of antithrombotic therapy, while bleeding is controlled. The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of pump thrombosis and ischemic stroke in patients with LVADs who experience GI bleeding, while on support. This was a single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study of consecutive patients with LVADs implanted from January 2012 to June 2018. Patients were assigned to comparator groups based on whether they experienced GI bleeding while on LVAD support. The primary endpoint assessed was the composite of pump thrombosis or ischemic stroke. Secondary endpoints assessed included incidence of pump thrombosis or ischemic stroke. A total of 250 patients were included after screening for exclusion criteria, 101 (40.4%) in the GI bleeding group, and 149 (59.6%) in the non-bleeding group. The incidence of pump thrombosis or ischemic stroke was not significantly greater in patients experiencing GI bleeding [23 (22.8%) vs. 21 (14.1%); P = .09]; however, the incidence of ischemic stroke alone was significantly greater [17 (16.8%) vs. 10 (6.7%); P = .01]. We conclude that GI bleeding in LVAD patients may be associated with a greater risk of ischemic stroke.

Tracheostomy while on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Comparison of Percutaneous and Open Procedures.

Although the ideal timing of tracheostomy for critically ill patients is controversial, transitioning from an endotracheal tube can be beneficial. Concerns arise for patients under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. Studies have described percutaneous and open tracheostomy approaches for critically ill patients but, to our knowledge, have not compared the two specifically in ECMO patients. This study analyzed safety and aimed to identify if there was a difference in major bleeding or other tracheostomy-associated complications. A single-center retrospective cohort study of all patients who received tracheostomy while on ECMO from July 2013 to May 2019 was completed. The primary endpoint was a significant difference in the incidence of a major bleeding adverse event at 48 hours. Secondary endpoints included differences in the incidence of complications (e.g., procedure-related mortality, ECMO decannulation, tracheal/esophageal injury, and pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum) and survival to discharge. A secondary analysis separated the groups further by comparing those with bleeding events and those without. The study included 27 ECMO patients: 16 (59%) in the percutaneous arm and 11 in the open arm. The median number of ECMO days before tracheostomy was 10 vs. 13, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups for major bleeding events (percutaneous 44% vs. open 27%, p = .45), procedure-related mortality, or procedure-related complications. Both percutaneous and open tracheostomies in patients on ECMO require a multidisciplinary approach to minimize adverse effects. Major bleeding does occur, but there was no statistically significant correlation between bleeding events and the type of the tracheostomy approach. Thus, both open and percutaneous tracheostomy approaches have a favorable safety profile.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Utility in Postpartum Patients.

Although extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used in many different populations, its use in pregnant or postpartum patients has not been widely studied. This article reviews the ECMO experience in this population at a large urban hospital. Electronic medical records for all pregnant or postpartum patients who required ECMO between 2012 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Data on clinical characteristics, outcomes, and complications were gathered. Comparisons between survivors and nonsurvivors were completed. Ten postpartum patients were identified. The patients presented as follows: four with cardiac arrest, one with a massive pulmonary embolism, three with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), one with combined ARDS and cardiogenic shock, and one with suspected amniotic embolism. Survival to decannulation was 70%, and survival to discharge was 60%. When comparing survivors vs. nonsurvivors, ECMO survivors tended to have shorter support times vs. nonsurvivors. Otherwise, no differences were noted in age, mechanical ventilation time, or length of stay. Disseminated intravascular coagulation was a common phenomenon in this patient cohort. After initiation of ECMO, elevated serum lactate levels, lower systolic blood pressure, and acute renal failure were predictors of mortality. In a single institution at a large metroplex, we present data regarding the use of ECMO in postpartum patients. ECMO can be successfully used in selected postpartum patients with severe cardiac or respiratory dysfunction. Multidisciplinary collaboration on a regular basis will streamline the ECMO referral in a timely manner. Furthermore, larger studies are indicated to understand the utility of ECMO in larger cohorts.

An update on the management and outcomes of cancer patients with severe aortic stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: We compared the outcomes of aortic valve replacement (AVR) by transcatheter (TAVR) and surgical (SAVR) routes with those of optimal medical management in patients with cancer and severe aortic stenosis (AS). BACKGROUND: Cancer therapy requires optimal cardiac output; however, the treatment of AS in cancer patients is not established. METHODS: Cancer patients with severe AS during January 2009 through February 2018 at a large cancer center were identified. Demographic and clinical characteristics including previous or active cancer diagnosis, history of chest radiotherapy, AS treatment, and survival were collected. Univariate Cox proportional hazards regression, the Kaplan-Meier analysis, and log-rank tests were used to compare overall survival (OS) between AS treatment groups. RESULTS: Sixty-five cancer patients with severe AS were identified; 28 received optimal medical treatment alone, 30 received TAVR, and seven received SAVR. The patients were predominantly male (n = 44, 68%) with a mean age of 71.17 years. The median OS was 9.87 months, and the most common cause of death was cancer (n = 29, 94% of deaths). AVR was associated with a lower risk of death than no AVR (hazard ratio [HR] 0.38, P = 0.007), and patients who underwent TAVR (HR 0.36, P = 0.01) had better survival than those with no AVR. Malignancy type, stage, and treatment were not associated with OS. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with cancer and severe AS who underwent AVR, predominantly TAVR, experienced better survival than those who had no AVR regardless of cancer type or cancer treatment. TAVR may be considered in patients with cancer and AS.

The Onco-cardiologist Dilemma: to Implant, to Defer, or to Avoid Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Cancer Patients with Aortic Stenosis?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Aging is associated with an increased prevalence of both cancer and heart disease. The progression of aortic valve calcification to aortic stenosis may be accelerated by both cardiovascular risk factors and cancer treatments, such as radiotherapy with mediastinal involvement. Symptomatic aortic stenosis is occasionally diagnosed in cancer patients undergoing cardiovascular evaluation; likewise, cancer is often recognized during assessment preceding aortic valve interventions. In these complex cases, physicians face difficult treatment decisions. Due to a myriad of clinical presentations of cancer and valve disease, specific guidelines for this patient population are not currently in place. Management is currently based on clinical judgment, on an individual basis. RECENT FINDINGS: Patients with cancer in remission or with a favorable prognosis should be treated according to current cardiovascular guidelines. In these patients, aortic valve replacement can be performed either by surgery or transcatheter. Significant challenges arise in patients with active cancer, especially those receiving anti-cancer treatment. Recent data suggests that these patients can be offered aortic valve replacement, with a trend of favoring the transcatheter route in order to minimize perioperative risk and complications associated with major surgery. Patients with advanced cancer and severe aortic stenosis should be offered palliative care and can benefit from aortic balloon valvuloplasty if indicated. Modern cancer treatments associated with improved long-term prognosis may allow the appropriate cure of aortic stenosis. We discuss the protocol, outcomes, and evolving recommendations of aortic valve replacement in cancer patients with aortic stenosis.

Bivalirudin for left ventricular assist device thrombosis.

Pump thrombosis remains a serious complication of implantable ventricular assist device therapy and is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Optimal management strategies remain controversial and are guided largely by limited literature and expert opinion. Medical management of pump thrombosis, including the use of direct thrombin inhibitors, has been associated with mixed results. The purpose of this study is to report the outcomes associated with bivalirudin therapy in LVAD patients with suspected pump thrombosis. A single-center, retrospective observational study of 15 patients with suspected pump thrombosis that were all treated with bivalirudin therapy was conducted. The majority of subjects' initial treatment courses were unsuccessful [9/15 (60%)]; however, 6/15 (40%) achieved an initial improvement in serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and were stabilized to be successfully discharged from the hospital. Of the subjects discharged, there was a high rate of recurrence of pump thrombosis within 6 months [5/6 (83.3%)]. Bivalirudin therapy was not associated with a consistent reduction in LDH among all subjects studied, and clinical responses to therapy appear to be associated with high rates of thrombosis recurrence. This study analyzes the largest cohort to date of LVAD patients with pump thrombosis treated with bivalirudin therapy, and suggests that alternative therapies should be considered in management.

Operator Experience and Outcomes After Left Main Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review was performed with the goal of summarizing the role of operator experience in the treatment of severe left main stenosis by percutaneous intervention techniques. RECENT FINDINGS: The Evaluation of XIENCE versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for Effectiveness of Left Main Revascularization (EXCEL) trial demonstrated that percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting had similar clinical outcomes for severe left main disease. However, PCI of the left main coronary stenosis is considered to be a high-risk intervention because of the large area of myocardium at jeopardy that can quickly cause hemodynamic compromise. Operator experience and familiarity with the use of hemodynamic support devices, plaque modification techniques, and intravascular imaging tools is associated with better clinical outcomes. In patients with severe left main stenosis undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention by high-volume operators, the clinical outcomes are superior.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation with a Sapien 3 Commander 20 mm valves in patients with degenerated 19 mm bioprosthetic aortic valve.

INTRODUCTION: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with degenerated bioprosthetic aortic valve has been successfully performed as an alternative to surgery. We describe our initial experience of valve-in-valve TAVI in five patients, using new generation Edwards Sapien 3 transcatheter heart valves implanted into degenerated 19 mm bioprosthetic valves. 20-mm Edwards S3 valves were offered for compassionate use. All patients had significant aortic valve stenosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: The main vascular access was achieved and pre-closed with two Proglide closure devices in one patient and Prostar closure devices in four patients. For each TAVI procedure an Edwards 14 French sheath was inserted without complication and sutured in place. The Sapien 3 Commander delivery system was inserted and the valve was aligned in the descending aorta. The 20-mm Sapien 3 valve was deployed with slow continuous inflation during rapid right ventricular pacing. The cranial edge of the Edwards S3 valve was aligned with the cranial radiopaque markers of bioprosthesis to minimize paravalvular leak. Post-deployment angiography, transesophageal echocardiography and aortogram confirmed absence of mild aortic insufficiency and no increase in trans-aortic gradient when compared to a naïve 19 mm bioprosthetic valve. CONCLUSION: Valve-in-valve TAVI with the Edwards S3 transcatheter heart valve for degenerative bioprosthetic aortic valves is technically feasible. The proper position of the stented valve minimizes the risk for post-procedure paravalvular insufficiency and provides good transaortic pressure gradient. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.