On site cardiac surgery for structural heart interventions: a fence to mend?

Current evidence supports device-based transcatheter interventions for the management of patients with structural heart disease, proving well their safety and efficacy; transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) of mitral or tricuspid valves, and left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) are expanding their role in contemporary practice. Currently, guidelines recommend performing TAVI in 'Heart Valve Center' with interventional cardiology and institutional on-site cardiac surgery (iOSCS), while no site limitation has been defined for TEER and LAAO. The growing number of candidates for transcatheter interventions generates long waiting times with negative consequences on mortality, morbidity, hospitalization, and functional deterioration. Therefore, a debate on the feasibility of TAVI in centres without iOSCS has been set up. Data from randomized controlled trials and registries failed to document any difference in outcomes and in conversion rate to emergent surgical bailout in centres with or without iOSCS; on the other hand, a direct relationship with TAVI complications has been clearly documented for learning curve and centre volume. Therefore, the role of iOSCS for TAVI, as well as for other transcatheter interventions, should be carefully explored.

Sex Differences in Heart Failure: What Do We Know?

Heart failure (HF) remains an important global health issue, substantially contributing to morbidity and mortality. According to epidemiological studies, men and women face nearly equivalent lifetime risks for HF. However, their experiences diverge significantly when it comes to HF subtypes: men tend to develop HF with reduced ejection fraction more frequently, whereas women are predominantly affected by HF with preserved ejection fraction. This divergence underlines the presence of numerous sex-based disparities across various facets of HF, encompassing aspects such as risk factors, clinical presentation, underlying pathophysiology, and response to therapy. Despite these apparent discrepancies, our understanding of them is far from complete, with key knowledge gaps still existing. Current guidelines from various professional societies acknowledge the existence of sex-based differences in HF management, yet they are lacking in providing explicit, actionable recommendations tailored to these differences. In this comprehensive review, we delve deeper into these sex-specific differences within the context of HF, critically examining associated definitions, risk factors, and therapeutic strategies. We provide a specific emphasis on aspects exclusive to women, such as the impact of pregnancy-induced hypertension and premature menopause, as these unique factors warrant greater attention in the broader HF discussion. Additionally, we aim to clarify ongoing controversies and knowledge gaps pertaining to the pharmacological treatment of HF and the sex-specific indications for cardiac implantable electronic devices. By shining a light on these issues, we hope to stimulate a more nuanced understanding and promote the development of more sex-responsive approaches in HF management.

Role and importance of ultrasound lung comets in acute cardiac care.

Lung ultrasonography is an emerging, user-friendly and easy-to-use technique that can be performed quickly at the patient's bedside to evaluate several pathologic conditions affecting the lung. Ultrasound lung comets (ULCs) are an echographic sign of uncertain biophysical characterisation mostly attributed to water-thickened subpleural interlobular septa, but invariably associated with increased extravascular lung water. ULCs have thus been proposed as a complementary tool for the assessment and monitoring of acute heart failure and are now entering into statements in international recommendation documents. Adding lung ultrasonography to conventional echocardiography allows for performing an integrated cardiopulmonary ultrasound examination, and this is an important opportunity for the cardiologist. The technique allows the simultaneous gathering of considerable information about the heart and the lungs to investigate acute and chronic cardio-pulmonary conditions within a non-invasive, radiation-free, single-probe, all-in-one examination. We have here reviewed the pertinent literature on the physical origin of ULCs and on their role and importance in intensive and acute cardiac care settings. We also here propose a new algorithm aimed at implementing evaluation in the diagnostic work-up of patients with suspected acute heart failure.