Comparative Outcomes of Surgical and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Meta-analysis and Parametric Extrapolation of Clinical Trials.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to pool randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and extrapolate pooled time-to-event data to compare long-term outcomes. METHODS: An electronic database search was performed for RCTs comparing SAVR with TAVR. The most current longest follow-up data for each RCT were included. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Survival data were pooled for Kaplan-Meier analysis as well as parametric modeling with extrapolation. RESULTS: Seven RCTs comprising 7774 patients were included. Mean valve gradient at 5 y was comparable between SAVR [11 mmHg (3.7; 18.3)] and TAVR [8.1 mmHg (1.9; 14.3)] (P = 0.38). TAVR had a higher mean valve area at 30 d, 1 y, and 2 y [1.68 cm2 (1.22; 2.13) versus 1.8 cm2 (1.35; 2.25), P = 0.02]. SAVR had a higher freedom from any paravalvular leak at 30 d and 1 y [86% (81; 90) versus 39% (36; 41), P < 0.01]. All-cause death was lower in the SAVR group at 5 y [39% (29; 50) versus 43% (31; 57), P < 0.01]. Although no differences were seen between SAVR and TAVR in the pooled Kaplan-Meier analysis of all-cause mortality and composite of all-cause mortality or stroke, parametric modeling with extrapolation showed significant divergence for both outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Pooled all-cause mortality as well as pooled composite of all-cause mortality or stroke indicated better survival with SAVR at 5 y. Long-term parametric extrapolation also indicated superior survival with SAVR.

Surgeon and Hospital Factors Associated With Outcomes in the New York State Database.

INTRODUCTION: We sought to explore the relationship between various surgeon-related and hospital-level characteristics and clinical outcomes among patients requiring cardiac surgery. METHODS: We searched the New York State Cardiac Data Reporting System for all coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and valve cases between 2015 and 2017. The data were analyzed without dichotomization. RESULTS: Among CABG/valve surgeons, case volume was positively correlated with years in practice (P = 0.002) and negatively correlated with risk-adjusted mortality ratio (P = 0.014). For CABG and CABG/valve surgeons, our results showed a negative association between teaching status and case volume (P = 0.002, P = 0.018). Among CABG surgeons, hospital teaching status and presence of cardiothoracic surgery residency were inversely associated with risk-adjusted mortality ratio (P = 0.006, P = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: There is a complex relationship between case volume, teaching status, and surgical outcomes suggesting that balance between academics and volume is needed.

Peri-operative fever and LVAD: SIRS or impaired right ventricular strain?

BACKGROUND: An inflammatory milieu after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is associated with multi-organ dysfunction and pre-operative heightened inflammatory state is associated with right ventricular failure after LVAD implantation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 30 LVAD patients in our institution within the last 2 years for the development of fever and compared them to 30 non-LVAD open-heart surgery patients. RESULTS: Our results suggest that patients undergoing LVAD implantation are more likely to develop fever in the immediate post-operative period compared to other open-heart surgeries. This is independent of pharmacological treatment, age, or ethnical background. Females and obese patients were more likely to develop fever. CONCLUSION: Patients with right ventricular dysfunction, as demonstrated by elevated central venous pressure (CVP), had the strongest correlation with fever development. These results pose the question if there is a systemic inflammatory response-like phenomenon driven by increased right ventricular dysfunction.

The impact of the OPTN policy change on patients with a durable left ventricular assist device and chronic kidney disease: Analysis of the UNOS database.

BACKGROUND: The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) implemented modifications in 2018 to the adult heart transplant allocation system to better stratify the most medically urgent transplant candidates. We evaluated the impact of these changes on patients supported by a durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) with chronic kidney disease (CKD). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the OPTN policy change on patients supported by durable left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: We performed an analysis of patients from the United Network of Organ Sharing Database supported by durable LVAD listed for a heart transplant (HT) between October 17, 2016 and September 30, 2021. Patients were divided into two groups: pre- and postpolicy, depending on whether they were listed on or prior to October 17, 2018. Patients who were on dialysis prior to surgery or discharge were excluded from the analysis. Patients with simultaneous heart and kidney transplants were excluded. Patients who were listed for transplant prepolicy change but transplanted postpolicy change were excluded. This cohort was then subdivided into degrees of CKD based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which resulted in 678 patients (23.7%) in Stage 1 (GFR ≥89.499) (Prepolicy: 345, Postpolicy: 333), 1233 (43.1%) in Stage 2 (89.499 > GFR ≥ 59.499) (Prepolicy: 618, Postpolicy: 615), 613 (21.4%) in Stage 3a (59.499 > GFR ≥ 44.499) (Prepolicy: 291, Postpolicy: 322), 294 (10.3%) in Stage 3b (44.499 > GFR ≥ 29.499) (Prepolicy: 143, Postpolicy: 151), 36 (1.3%) in Stage 4 (29.499 > GFR ≥ 15) (Prepolicy: 21, Postpolicy: 15), and 9 (0.3%) in Stage 5 (15 > GFR) (Prepolicy: 4, Postpolicy: 5). The primary outcome was 1-year and 2-year post-HT survival. RESULTS: There were 2863 patients who met the study criteria (1422 prepolicy, 1441 postpolicy). Overall survival, regardless of CKD stage, was lower following the policy change (p < 0.01). There was a similar risk of primary graft failure (PGF) in the pre- and postpolicy period (1.8% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.26). 1-year overall survival was 93% (91, 94) and 89% (87, 91) in the pre- and postpolicy periods, respectively. 2-year overall survival was 89% (88, 91) and 85% (82, 87) in the pre- and postpolicy periods, respectively. For CKD Stages 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 4, and 5, 1 -year survival was 93% (91, 95), 92% (90,93), 89% (86, 91), 89% (86, 93), 80% (68, 94), and 100% (100, 100), respectively. For CKD Stages 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 4, and 5, 2-year survival was 91% (88, 93), 88% (86, 90), 84% (81, 88), 84% (80, 89), 73% (59, 90), and 100% (100, 100), respectively. Patients with CKD 1 and 2 had better survival compared to those with CKD 3 (p < 0.01) and CKD 4 and 5 (p = 0.03) in the pre- and postpolicy periods. Patients with CKD 3 did not have a survival advantage over those with CKD 4 and 5 (p = 0.25). On cox regression analysis, advancing degrees of CKD were associated with an increased risk of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with LVAD support had decreased overall survival after the OPTN policy change. Patients with more advanced CKD had lower survival than patients without advanced CKD, though they were not impacted by the OPTN policy change.

Characterizing Adaptive Changes and Patient Survival After 2018 Donor Allocation Restructuring: A UNOS Database Analysis.

PURPOSE: We sought to characterize adaptive changes to the revised United Network for Organ Sharing donor heart allocation policy and estimate long-term survival trends for heart transplant (HTx) recipients. METHODS: Patients listed for HTx between October 17, 2013 and September 30, 2021 were identified from the United Network for Organ Sharing database, and stratified into pre- and postpolicy revision groups. Subanalyses were performed to examine trends in device utilization for extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (ECMO), durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD), intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), microaxial support (Impella), and no mechanical circulatory support (non-MCS). Survival data post-HTx were fitted to parametric distributions and extrapolated to 5 years. RESULTS: We identified 27,523 HTx waitlist candidates during the study period, most of whom (n = 16,376) were waitlisted in the prepolicy change period. Overall, 19,554 patients underwent HTx during the study period (pre: 12,037 and post: 7517). Listings increased after the policy change for ECMO ( P < 0.01), Impella ( P < 0.01), and IABP ( P < 0.01) patients. Listings for LVAD ( P < 0.01) and non-MCS ( P < 0.01) patients decreased. HTx increased for ECMO ( P < 0.01), Impella ( P < 0.01), and IABP ( P < 0.01) patients after the policy change and decreased for LVAD ( P < 0.01) and non-MCS ( P < 0.01) patients. Waitlist survival increased for the overall ( P < 0.01), ECMO ( P < 0.01), IABP ( P < 0.01), and non-MCS ( P < 0.01) groups. Waitlist survival did not differ for the LVAD ( P = 0.8) and Impella ( P = 0.1) groups. Post-transplant survival decreased for the overall ( P < 0.01), LVAD ( P < 0.01), and non-MCS ( P < 0.01) populations. CONCLUSIONS: Allocation policy revisions have contributed to greater utilization of ECMO, Impella, and IABP, decreased utilization of LVADs and non-MCS, increased waitlist survival, and decreased post-HTx survival.

Outcomes of outflow graft stenting in HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist devices: A systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: LVAD outflow graft stenosis continues to remain prevalent with a high complication rate. We sought to pool the existing evidence on indications, utilization patterns, and outcomes of transcatheter interventions for outflow graft stenosis in the HeartMate 3 LVAD. METHODS: An electronic search was performed to identify all studies in the English literature reporting on HeartMate 3 LVAD outflow graft stenting. Patient-level data were extracted for analysis. RESULTS: Thirteen published reports and one unpublished case comprising a total of 28 patients were included. Median patient age was 68.5 years [Interquartile range: 58, 71] and 25.9% (7/27) were female. Dyspnea [60.7% (17/28)] was the most common presenting symptom. Low flow alarms were present in 60% (15/25) of patients. Findings included external compression [35.7% (10/28)], graft twist [21.4% (6/28)], graft twist and external compression [14.3% (4.28)], intraluminal thrombus [10.7% (3/28)], graft twist and intraluminal thrombus [3.6% (1/28)], and pseudoaneurysm of outflow graft [3.6% (1/28)]. Median time from LVAD implantation to stenting was 2.1 years [1.4, 3]. Immediate flow normalization after stenting was observed in 85.7% (24/28). The 30-day mortality was 12% (3/25). Overall mortality was 12% (3/25) at a median follow-up of 3.9 months [1, 17]. CONCLUSION: Outflow graft stenting in the HeartMate 3 LVAD appears to be a reasonable treatment option for outflow graft stenosis, with low overall rates of complications and mortality. Further refinement of indications and approaches may improve outcomes.

Isolated Tricuspid Valve Surgery for Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) adversely affects long-term survival; however, isolated tricuspid valve (TV) surgery has been rarely performed due to high operative mortality. In addition, the previous literature included heterogeneous TR etiologies. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate early and long-term outcomes of isolated TV surgery for functional TR. METHODS: An electronic search was performed to identify all relevant studies. Baseline characteristics, perioperative variables, and clinical outcomes were extracted and pooled for meta-analysis. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included seven studies. Pooled analyses showed that 68% (35, 89) of patients had preoperative atrial fibrillation or flutter, and 58% (11, 94) had a history of left-sided valve surgery. Seventy-three percent (65, 80) of patients had at least one physical exam finding of right-sided heart failure, and 57% (44, 69) were in New York Heart Association class III or IV. TV replacement was more common than repair. In TV replacement, bioprosthetic valve (39%, 13, 74) was more common than mechanical prosthesis (22%, 18, 26). The early mortality rate was 7%. Twenty percent of patients required a permanent pacemaker postoperatively. The overall 1- and 5-year survival rates were 84.5 and 69.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: More than half of the patients who underwent isolated TV surgery for functional TR had undergone left-sided valve surgery and had significant heart failure symptoms at the time of surgery. Further studies on the surgical indication for concomitant TV surgery at the time of left-sided valve surgery and the appropriate timing of surgery for isolated functional TR are needed to improve survival.

Microaxial mechanical circulatory support after orthotopic heart transplantation.

AIM: Use of microaxial mechanical circulatory support (MCS) has been reported for severe graft rejection or dysfunction after heart transplantation (HTx). We aimed to assess utilization patterns of microaxial MCS after HTx in adolescents (ages 18 and younger) and adults (ages 19 and older). METHODS: Electronic search was performed to identify all relevant studies on post-HTx use of microaxial support in adults and adolescents. A total of 18 studies were selected and patient-level data were extracted for statistical analysis. RESULTS: All patients (n=23), including adults (n=15) and adolescents (n=8), underwent Impella (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) microaxial MCS after HTx. Median age was 36 [IQR 18-56] years (Adults, 52 [37-59]; adolescents, 16 [15-17]). Primary right ventricular graft dysfunction was an indication exclusively seen in the adults 40% (6/15), while acute graft rejection was present in 46.7% (7/15) of adults. Median time after transplant was 9 [0-32] months (Adults, 4 [0-32]; adolescents, 11 [4.5, 45]). Duration of Impella support was comparable between adults and adolescents (5 [2.5-8] vs 6 [5-8] days, p = 0.38). Overall improvement was observed both in median LV ejection fraction (23.5% [11.3-28] to 42% [37.8-47.3], p < 0.01) and cardiac index (1.8 [1.2-2.6] to 3 [2.5-3.1], p < 0.01). Retransplantation was required in four adolescents (50%, 4/8). Survival to discharge was achieved by 60.0% (9/15) of adults and 87.5% (7/8) of adolescents respectively (p = 0.37). CONCLUSION: Indications for microaxial MCS appear to vary between adult and adolescent patients. Overall improvement in LVEF and cardiac index was observed, however, with suboptimal survival to discharge.

Predicted heart mass based on ideal body weight for donor-to-recipient size matching.

BACKGROUND: Predicted heart mass (PHM) is a commonly used tool for donor-to-recipient size matching. However, incorporating body weight as part of PHM can be considered problematic given its high variability, and low metabolic nature of fat. We sought to assess whether substituting the actual donor and recipient weight with the ideal body weight (IBW) would affect the association of donor-to-recipient PHM ratio with 1-year and overall survival after heart transplantation. METHODS: The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database was queried for adult patients who received a primary heart transplant between January 2000 and September 2021. RESULTS: Both PHM and ideal PHM (IPHM) ratios were associated with one-year (PHM: p = .003; IPHM: p = .0007) and overall (PHM: p = .02; IPHM: p = .02) survival. In the continuous analysis with restricted cubic splines, both PHM (p = .0003) and IPHM (p = .00001) were associated with relative hazards of death. CONCLUSION: IPHM is significantly associated with post-transplant survival and may be a useful compliment to PHM.

Next Generation Development of Hybrid Continuous Flow Pediatric Total Artificial Heart Technology: Design-Build-Test.

To address the unmet clinical need for pediatric circulatory support, we are developing an operationally versatile, hybrid, continuous-flow, total artificial heart ("Dragon Heart"). This device integrates a magnetically levitated axial and centrifugal blood pump. Here, we utilized a validated axial flow pump, and we focused on the development of the centrifugal pump. A motor was integrated to drive the centrifugal pump, achieving 50% size reduction. The motor design was simulated by finite element analysis, and pump design improvement was attained by computational fluid dynamics. A prototype centrifugal pump was constructed from biocompatible 3D printed parts for the housing and machined metal parts for the drive system. Centrifugal prototype testing was conducted using water and then bovine blood. The fully combined device ( i.e. , axial pump nested inside of the centrifugal pump) was tested to ensure proper operation. We demonstrated the hydraulic performance of the two pumps operating in tandem, and we found that the centrifugal blood pump performance was not adversely impacted by the simultaneous operation of the axial blood pump. The current iteration of this design achieved a range of operation overlapping our target range. Future design iterations will further reduce size and incorporate complete and active magnetic levitation.

A proposed objective scale for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit thrombosis.

Patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are susceptible to thrombosis, which is a major cause of death and morbidity. However, there is no objective ECMO thrombosis grading scale to standardize evaluation, guide treatment, and facilitate further research. In this letter, we propose an objective grading scale for ECMO circuit thrombosis based on physical characteristics and location within the circuit. This ECMO thrombosis scale will allow for protocolized escalation of ECMO thrombosis treatment, ranging from watchful observation, intensified anticoagulation, and circuit exchange.

Impact of continuous-flow mechanical circulatory support on cerebrospinal fluid motility.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical circulatory support (MCS), including ventricular assist devices (VADs), have emerged as promising therapeutic alternatives for end-stage congestive heart failure (CHF). The latest generation of these devices are continuous flow (CF) blood pumps. While there have been demonstrated benefits to patient outcomes due to CF-MCS, there continue to be significant clinical challenges. Research to-date has concentrated on mitigating thromboembolic risk (stroke), while the downstream impact of CF-MCS on the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow has not been well investigated. Disturbances in the CSF pressure and flow patterns are known to be associated with neurologic impairment and diseased states. Thus, here we seek to develop an understanding of the pathophysiologic consequences of CF-MCS on CSF dynamics. METHODS: We built and validated a computational framework using lumped parameter modeling of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular physics, CSF dynamics, and autoregulation. A sensitivity analysis was performed to confirm robustness of the modeling framework. Then, we characterized the impact of CF-MCS on the CSF and investigated cardiovascular conditions of healthy and end-stage heart failure. RESULTS: Modeling results demonstrated appropriate hemodynamics and indicated that CSF pressure depends on blood flow pulsatility more than CSF flow. An acute equilibrium between CSF production and absorption was observed in the CF-MCS case, characterized by CSF pressure remaining elevated, and CSF flow rates remaining below healthy, but higher than CHF states. CONCLUSION: This research has advanced our understanding of the impact of CF-MCS on CSF dynamics and cerebral hemodynamics.

Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With ESRD and Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become the standard of care for the treatment of all patients with calcific aortic stenosis. Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis were excluded from participation in many of the seminal trials proving the safety and efficacy of TAVR. The outcomes of TAVR in the ESRD population from a national registry showed significantly higher in-hospital and 1-year mortality compared with patients not on hemodialysis. Comparisons of outcomes for surgical versus transcatheter interventions in patients with ESRD and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are limited. Using the United States Renal Data System, we identified all ESRD patients with aortic stenosis and HFrEF who underwent TAVR, surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), or those with HFrEF and aortic stenosis initiated on dialysis after the year 2012 to compare survival. Propensity score matching was performed, and groups were compared using Kaplan-Meier curves. The study population consisted of 7,660 patients, of which 5,064 (66.1%) were male. The median age at initiation of dialysis was 73 years (interquartile range: 65 to 80). There were 1,108 (14.5%) who underwent TAVR and 695 (9.1%) who underwent SAVR. After matching, patients who underwent TAVR had increased survival relative to those who were medically managed. In-hospital outcomes favored TAVR with less mortality and fewer complications when compared with SAVR. TAVR had improved mortality relative to SAVR in the early period, but survival curves crossed at approximately 9 months and SAVR had better mortality in the long-term. TAVR is a safe and effective procedure and is associated with improved mortality when compared with medical management. In conclusion, TAVR and SAVR are both viable options for patients with ESRD and HF with TAVR having better short-term outcomes and SAVR better long-term outcomes.

Comparative outcomes of lung volume reduction surgery and lung transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Lung volume reduction (LVR) and lung transplantation (LTx) have been used in different populations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. To date, comparative study of LVR and LTx has not been performed. We sought to address this gap by pooling the existing evidence in the literature. Methods: An electronic search was performed to identify all prospective studies on LVR and LTx published since 2000. Baseline characteristics, perioperative variables, and clinical outcomes were extracted and pooled for meta-analysis. Results: The analysis included 65 prospective studies comprising 3,671 patients [LTx: 15 studies (n=1,445), LVR: 50 studies (n=2,226)]. Mean age was 60 [95% confidence interval (CI): 58-62] years and comparable between the two groups. Females were 51% (95% CI: 30-71%) in the LTx group vs. 28% (95% CI: 21-36%) in LVR group (P=0.05). Baseline 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and pulmonary function tests were comparable except for the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), which was lower in the LTx group [21.8% (95% CI: 16.8-26.7%) vs. 27.3% (95% CI: 25.5-29.2%), P=0.04]. Postoperatively, both groups experienced improved FEV1, however post-LTx FEV1 was significantly higher than post-LVR FEV1 [54.9% (95% CI: 41.4-68.4%) vs. 32.5% (95% CI: 30.1-34.8%), P<0.01]. 6MWT was also improved after both procedures [LTx: 212.9 (95% CI: 119.0-306.9) to 454.4 m (95% CI: 334.7-574.2), P<0.01; LVR: 286 (95% CI: 270.2-301.9) to 409.1 m (95% CI: 392.1-426.0), P<0.01], however, with no significant difference between the groups. Pooled survival over time showed no significant difference between the groups. Conclusions: LTx results in better FEV1 but otherwise has comparable outcomes to LVR.

Utilization and outcomes of V-AV ECMO: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Veno-arterial-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-AV ECMO) is a less commonly used configuration of ECMO. We sought to understand the indications, utilization patterns, and outcomes of V-AV ECMO by quantitatively pooling the existing evidence from the literature. METHODS: Electronic search was performed to identify all relevant studies reporting V-AV ECMO usage. Five studies comprising 77 patients were selected and cohort-level data were extracted for further analysis. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 61 (95% CI: 55.2, 66.5) years and 30% (23/77) were female. The majority of cases [91% (70/77)] were transitioned to V-AV ECMO from another pre-existing ECMO configuration: V-A ECMO in 55% (42/77) vs. V-V ECMO in 36% (28/77), p = 0.04. Only 9% (7/77) of cases were directly placed on V-AV ECMO. The mean duration of hospital stay was 42.3 (95% CI: 10.5, 74.2) days, while ICU mortality was 46% (29, 64). Transition to durable left ventricular assist device was performed in 3% (2/64) of patients, while 3% (2/64) underwent heart transplantation. V-AV ECMO was successfully weaned to explantation in 33% (21/64) of patients. CONCLUSION: V-AV ECMO is a viable option for optimizing cardiopulmonary support in selected patients. Survival to weaning or bridging therapy appears comparable to more common ECMO configurations.

Ultrasonic scalpel versus electrocautery for internal mammary artery harvesting: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Although an ultrasonic harmonic scalpel (HS) has been used to harvest the internal mammary artery (IMA) for coronary artery bypass grafting, the benefits and risks compared to conventional electrocautery (EC) are not clear. We aimed to compare the outcomes of HS versus EC for IMA harvesting. METHODS: An electronic search was performed to identify all relevant studies. Baseline characteristics, perioperative variables, and clinical outcomes were extracted and pooled for meta-analysis. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 12 studies. Pooled analyses demonstrated that both groups had comparable preoperative baseline characteristics including age, gender, and left ventricular ejection fraction. HS included more diabetic patients [33% (95% CI 30, 35) vs. 27% (23, 31), p = 0.01]. Harvest time for unilateral IMA was significantly longer with HS than EC [39 (31, 47) minutes vs. 25 (17, 33) minutes, p < 0.01]. However, the rate of pedicled unilateral IMA was significantly higher for EC compared with HS [20% (17, 24) vs. 8% (7, 9), p < 0.01]. The rate of intact endothelium was significantly higher with HS than EC [95% (88, 98) vs. 81% (68, 89), p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in postoperative outcomes including bleeding [3% (2, 4)], sternal infection [3% (2, 4)], and operative/30-day mortality [3% (2, 4)]. CONCLUSIONS: HS required longer IMA harvest times which could be partially attributed to a higher skeletonization rate in this category. HS may cause less endothelial injury than EC; however, no significant differences in postoperative outcomes were seen between the groups.

Late Right Heart Failure After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: Contemporary Insights and Future Perspectives.

Late right heart failure (RHF) is increasingly recognized in patients with long-term left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support and is associated with decreased survival and increased incidence of adverse events such as gastrointestinal bleeding and stroke. Progression of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction to clinical syndrome of late RHF in patients supported with LVAD is dependent on the severity of pre-existing RV dysfunction, persistent or worsening left- or right-sided valvular heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, inadequate or excessive left ventricular unloading, and/or progression of the underlying cardiac disease. RHF likely represents a continuum of risk with early presentation and progression to late RHF. However, de novo RHF develops in a subset of patients leading to increased diuretic requirement, arrhythmias, renal and hepatic dysfunction, and heart failure hospitalizations. The distinction between isolated late RHF and RHF due to left-sided contributions is lacking in registry studies and should be the focus of future registry data collection. Potential management strategies include optimization of RV preload and afterload, neurohormonal blockade, LVAD speed optimization, and treatment of concomitant valvular disease. In this review, the authors discuss definition, pathophysiology, prevention, and management of late RHF.

Association of Heart Transplant Volume with Presence of Lung Transplant Programs and Heart Transplant's SRTR One-year Survival Rating.

BACKGROUND: Several factors affect heart transplant (HTx) and lung transplant (LTx) program outcomes. Variabilities in institutional and community characteristics have been shown to influence survival. At present, half of HTx centers in the United States do not possess a concomitant LTx program. This study sought to better understand the characteristics of HTx with and without LTx programs. METHODS: Nationwide transplant data were collected from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) in August 2020. SRTR star rating ranges from tier 1 (lowest) to tier 5 (highest). HTx volumes and SRTR star ratings for survival were compared between the centers with heart-only (H0) programs and the centers with heart-lung (HL) programs. RESULTS: SRTR star ratings were available for 117 transplant centers with one or more HTx reported. The median number of HTx performed over 1 year was 16 (interquartile range [IQR]: 2-29). The number of HL centers (n = 67, 57.3%) were comparable to H0 centers (n = 50, 42.7%; p = 0.14). The HTx volume at the HL centers (28 [IQR: 17-41]) exceeded the HTx volume at the H0 centers (13 [IQR: 9-23]; p < 0.01), but were comparable to the LTx volume at the HL centers (31 [IQR: 16-46]; p = 0.25). The median HTx one-year survival rating was 3 (IQR: 2-4) at both the H0 and HL centers (p = 0.85). The HTx and LTx volumes were positively associated with the respective 1-year survivals (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: While the presence of an LTx program is not directly associated with HTx survival, it has a positive association with the HTx volume. The HTx and LTx volumes are positively associated with the 1-year survival.