Clinical outcomes of grafted vs. percutaneous axillary intra-aortic balloon pump support as a bridge to transplantation: a propensity score-matched analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to investigate the early and late outcomes of axillary intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) implantation as a bridge to heart transplantation, comparing the grafted technique with the percutaneous technique. METHODS: Between July 2009 and January 2020, 163 patients underwent an axillary IABP insertion as a bridge to heart transplantation. Among them, 97 patients underwent axillary IABP implantation through a graft sutured onto the axillary artery (Group A) and 66 patients underwent percutaneously (Group B). Propensity matching identified 53 matched pairs for analysis (C-statistics 0.741). The primary outcomes of interest included IABP-related complications, success rate of a bridge to transplantation, in-hospital mortality, and late survival. RESULTS: In the propensity-score matched cohort, there were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between the two groups. The operation time was significantly longer in Group A than in Group B (141.5 ± 38.3 min vs 42.7 ± 19.3 min, p < 0.01). The complication rates including stroke, re-exploration for bleeding, and aortic event were not significantly different between Group A and B. However, Group A required more transfusion and re-exploration for bleeding. The success rate of a bridge to transplantation was similar between Group A (47/53, 88.7%) and Group B (47/53, 88.7%). There were no significant differences in in-hospital mortality and late survival between two groups. CONCLUSION: In the propensity score matching analysis, there were not any significant differences between the two groups in IABP-related complications, in-hospital mortality, and late survival. The percutaneous technique provided a shorter operation time and less requirement of transfusion and re-exploration for bleeding compared to the grafted technique. The percutaneous technique might be favorable when feasible.

Proximal ascending aorta size is associated with the incidence of de novo aortic insufficiency with left ventricular assist device.

We sought to assess the impact of the aortic root geometry on developing de novo aortic insufficiency (AI) in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD). In total, 114 patients underwent LVAD implantation between February 2016 and January 2020 were included in this study (HeartMate3 N = 68, HeartWare N = 46). Significant aortic insufficiency was defined as mild-to-moderate or greater in echocardiography. The cohort was divided into two groups; those who developed significant AI (Group AI: n = 13) and did not (Group non-AI: n = 101). The primary outcomes of interest included late survival and predictors for significant AI. The patients in Group AI were older than Group non-AI (62.6 ± 11.9 vs 51.3 ± 14.0 years, p < 0.01). The diameter of proximal ascending aorta in Group AI was larger than Group non-AI (31.0 ± 5.0 vs 27.4 ± 4.3 mm, p < 0.01). Aortic valve remained closed in 53.8% in Group AI and 36.6% in Group non-AI (p = 0.24). The late survival was not significantly different between the groups (67.1% vs 76.0% at 3 years, log rank = 0.97). The Cox hazard model showed that larger proximal ascending aortic diameter/BSA (HR 1.55, CI 1.19-2.04, p < 0.01) and not-opening aortic valve (HR 4.73, CI 1.43-16.9, p = 0.01) were independent risk factors for significant AI. The cutoff value of proximal ascending aortic diameter/BSA was 15.5 (area under curve: 0.770, sensitivity: 0.69, specificity: 0.79). Dilated proximal ascending aorta at the time of LVAD surgery and not-opening aortic valve during follow-up were associated with the incidence of de novo significant AI.

Significant vascular complications in percutaneous axillary intra-aortic balloon pump.

OBJECTIVE: Axillary Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) has been increasingly utilized for hemodynamic support in heart failure patients. Vascular complications associated with axillary IABP such as dissection or rupture are relatively rare but not negligible that could negatively affect clinical outcomes. We summarized our experiences. METHODS: This is a retrospective study reviewing of all patients receiving an axillary IABP between June 2016 and November 2020. A total of 199 patients underwent percutaneous axillary IABP placement. 6 patients (6/199, 3.0%) were complicated with arterial/aortic dissection or rupture during the procedures or the course of treatment. We described their clinical presentations and outcomes. RESULTS: Vascular complications included acute type A aortic dissection in 2 patients, descending aortic rupture in 1 patient, abdominal aortic rupture along with type B aortic dissection in 1 patient, and the localized left subclavian artery dissection in 2 patient. 2 type A aortic dissection cases were surgically treated: 1 with emergent left ventricle assist device and ascending aorta replacement, the other with emergent left ventricle assist device. Emergent endovascular treatment was successfully performed in 2 aortic rupture cases. The left subclavian artery dissection cases were managed medically. The postoperative/treatment course was uneventful in all patients. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous axillary IABP therapy can cause significant vascular complications. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment would be the key to improve the clinical outcomesv.

Postoperative tolvaptan use in left ventricular assist device patients: The TOLVAD randomized pilot study.

PURPOSE: Tolvaptan, a selective vasopressin type-2 antagonist, has been shown to increase serum sodium (Na) and urine output in hyponatremic left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients in retrospective studies. In this prospective randomized pilot study, we aimed to assess the efficacy of tolvaptan in this population. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized, non-blinded pilot study of LVAD recipients with post-operative hyponatremia (Na < 135 mEq/L) (NCT05408104). Eligible participants were randomized to receive tolvaptan 15 mg daily in addition to usual care versus usual care alone. The primary outcome was a change in Na level and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), from the first post-operative day of hyponatremia (the day of randomization) to discharge. RESULTS: A total of 33 participants were enrolled, and 28 underwent randomization (median age 55 [IQR 50-62]), 21% women, 54% Black, 32% ischemic cardiomyopathy, median baseline Na 135 (IQR 134-138). Fifteen participants were randomized to tolvaptan (TLV) and 13 were randomized to usual care alone (No-TLV). Mean change in Na from randomization to discharge in the TLV group was 2.7 mEq/L (95%CI 0.7-4.7, p = 0.013) and 1.8 (95%CI 0.5-4.0, p = 0.11) in the No-TLV group, though baseline and final Na levels were similar between groups. The mean change in eGFR was 2.6 ml/min/1.73 m2 (95%CI 10.1-15.3, p = 0.59) in TLV versus 7.5 ml/min/1.73 m2 (95%CI 5.2-20.2, p = 0.15) in No-TLV. TLV participants had significantly more urine output than No-TLV patients during their first 24 h after randomization (3294 vs 2155 ml, p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: TLV significantly increases urine output, with nominal improvement in Na level, in hyponatremic post-operative LVAD patients without adversely impacting renal function.

Surgical Correction of Spontaneous Outflow Graft Twisting of HeartMate 3 LVAD via a Subcostal Approach.

We present two cases of successful surgical correction of a HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device (LVAD) outflow graft twisting through a subcostal approach. These twistings were diagnosed with computed tomography or pull-back pressure measurement. Technically, a subcostal approach allowed us to access directly the twisted outflow graft and the device connector in a less invasive fashion as compared with a re-sternotomy. Diagnostic modality and surgical tips that address graft twisting are presented within the discussion of these two case studies. The institutional review board of our institution approved this study and waived the requirement for informed consent.

Implications of Heart Rate in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

Optimal heart rate (HR) is a promising therapeutic target in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Nevertheless, the implication of optimal HR in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) remains unknown. The cohort included consecutive patients with sinus rhythm undergoing LVAD implantation between 2014 and 2018. Ideal HR was calculated as follows: 93 - 0.13 × (deceleration time [msec]). The impact of "HR difference," defined as an HR difference between the actual HR at discharge and the calculated ideal HR, on the 1-year mortality and heart failure readmissions was investigated. A total of 143 patients (55 years old, 101 men) was identified and tertiled considering their HR differences: (1) the optimal HR group (n = 49; HR difference < 27 bpm), (2) the suboptimal HR group (n = 47; HR difference = 27-42 bpm), and (3) the nonoptimal HR group; HR difference (n = 47; HR difference > 43 bpm). The nonoptimal HR group had a significantly higher 1-year cumulative incidence of the primary endpoint compared with the optimal HR group (38% versus 16%, P = 0.029) with a hazard ratio of 1.69 (95% confidence interval 1.02-2.57) adjusted for 6 potential confounders. In conclusion, nonoptimized HR negatively affected clinical outcomes in LVAD patients. The implication of deceleration time-guided HR optimization in LVAD patients should be further investigated.

PR interval prolongation is significantly associated with aortic root abscess: An age- and gender-matched study.

BACKGROUND: Electrocardiographic abnormalities, such as PR interval prolongation, have been anecdotally reported in patients with aortic root abscess (ARA). An electrocardiographic marker may be useful in identifying those patients with aortic valve endocarditis who may progress to ARA. The objective of this study is to evaluate the change in the PR interval in patients with surgically confirmed ARA and compare it to age- and gender-matched controls with echocardiographically or surgically confirmed aortic valve endocarditis but without aortic root abscess and those hospitalized with diagnoses other than endocarditis. METHODS: Patients were eligible for enrollment if they were 18 years or older and were hospitalized for either ARA, aortic valve endocarditis, or for unrelated reasons and had at least one 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) prior to or on the day of hospitalization and at least one ECG after hospitalization but prior to any cardiac surgical procedure. Delta PR interval, defined as the difference between the pre- and post-admission PR interval, was the primary outcome of interest. The patients in the ARA group were age- and gender-matched to patients with aortic valve endocarditis and to those without endocarditis. Comparisons of demographic variables and study outcomes were performed. RESULTS: Eighteen patients with surgically confirmed ARA were enrolled. These patients were age- and gender-matched to 19 patients with aortic valve endocarditis and 18 patients with no past history or evidence of endocarditis during hospitalization. No difference was noted in the baseline PR interval between the groups. However, the PR interval following admission in the aortic root abscess group (201 ± 66 ms) was significantly longer than the PR interval in both the aortic valve endocarditis (162 ± 27 ms) (24%, p = .009) and no endocarditis (143 ± 24 ms) (40%, p < .001) groups. The primary outcome measure, delta PR interval, was significantly longer in the ARA group (35 ± 51 ms) than no endocarditis (-5 ± 17 ms) (p = .001) and aortic valve endocarditis groups (0.2 ± 18) (p = .003). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our study support the notion that the PR interval is more likely to be prolonged in patients with ARA. Since ARA is associated with a high morbidity and mortality, PR interval prolongation in a patient with aortic valve endocarditis should prompt a thorough evaluation for aortic root involvement.

Impact of worsening of aortic insufficiency during HeartMate 3 LVAD support.

Aortic insufficiency remains a difficult to treat and highly morbid condition even in the era of HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). The prognostic nature of the longitudinal progression of aortic insufficiency, however, remains unknown. We prospectively collected data on patients who received HeartMate 3 LVAD implantation, who had assessments of aortic insufficiency using a novel Doppler echocardiography obtained at outflow graft at three (baseline) and 6 months postimplant. Patients with moderate or greater aortic insufficiency at baseline were excluded. The risk of aortic insufficiency progression on 1-year death and readmission for heart failure was investigated. In total, 41 patients (median 51 years old and 29 males) were included. All patients had less than moderate aortic insufficiency at baseline. Of them, 22 patients had worsening aortic insufficiency for 3 months following baseline assessments, which was associated with a significantly higher risk of 1-year death or heart failure readmission rate (41% vs. 11%, P = .023) with a hazard ratio of 3.24 (95% confidence interval 1.02-18.5, P = .038) adjusted for device speed at baseline and destination therapy indication. In patients with HeartMate 3 LVADs, progressive aortic insufficiency may be associated with a higher risk of 1-year death or readmission for heart failure. Close monitoring of patients with baseline aortic insufficiency should be considered as a measure to risk-stratify those for future adverse events.

A proposed redosing interval of del Nido cardioplegia solution in adult cardiac surgery: a propensity-matched study.

BACKGROUND: Recently, del Nido cardioplegia solution (DN) has been utilized in adult cardiac surgery. However, adequate interval of maintenance dose(s) is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of our DN protocol by comparing with conventional cold whole blood cardioplegia (CWB). METHODS: A total of 1003 consecutive patients (DN group, N = 350 vs. CWB group, N = 653) underwent cardiovascular surgery between July 2013 and September 2018 were included in this study. The DN protocol was to administer 1000 to 1200 ml as an initial dose and to add maintenance dose(s) (500 ml each) every 60 minutes when the estimated cross-clamp time was over 90 minutes. CWB was given every 20 minutes, regardless of cross-clamp time. Propensity matching identified 254 matched pairs for analysis. The preoperative and postoperative data were reviewed. RESULTS: Cross-clamp time was significantly shorter in the DN group compared with the CWB group (107 ± 56 minutes vs. 116 ± 49 minutes, p = 0.0458). A retrograde cannula was used in 124 (48.8%) patients in the DN group and 181 (71.3%) patients in the CWB group (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in requiring postoperative cardiac supports (inotropes, mechanical circulatory supports) and major complications. In-hospital mortality was similar between two groups (DN group: 3.2% vs. CWB group: 2.4%, p = 0.5872). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term clinical outcomes in the patients underwent cardiovascular surgery with the DN protocol including the redosing interval strategy were acceptable. Also, DN protocol was associated with shortened cross-clamp time and less usage of the retrograde cannula.

Aortic Insufficiency During HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Device Support.

BACKGROUND: Aortic insufficiency (AI) is associated with morbidity and mortality in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), whereas its impact on the HeartMate 3 LVAD cohorts remains uninvestigated. We aimed to investigate the clinical impact of AI on patients with HeartMate 3 LVADs. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive 61 patients (median age 54 years; 67% male) implanted with HeartMate 3 LVAD between 2015 and 2019 were enrolled and underwent echocardiography at 3 months after LVAD implantation. AI severity was quantified by the novel Doppler echocardiographic method obtained at the outflow cannula and the calculated regurgitation fraction of 30% or greater (moderate or greater) was defined as significant. At 3 months after implant, 12 patients (20%) had significant AI. They had a higher incidence of death or heart failure readmissions compared with those without significant AI during a 1-year observational period (70% vs 24%, P = .003) with an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.76 (95% confidence interval 1.03-7.88). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with HeartMate 3 LVAD support, significant AI remains both prevalent and a clinically significant downstream complication.

Deep Y-Descent in Right Atrial Waveforms Following Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

BACKGROUND: Characterization of right heart catheterization (RHC) waveforms provides diagnostic and clinical information in heart failure patients. We aimed to investigate the implication of RHC waveforms, specifically the y-descent, in patients with left ventricular assist device (LVAD). METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients underwent RHC and waveforms were quantified prior to and 6 months after LVAD implantation. The impact of a deep y-descent (>3 mmHg) on echocardiographic measures of right heart function and 1-year hemocompatibility-related adverse event rates were investigated. Eighty-nine patients (median 59 years old, 65 male) underwent RHC. RHC waveform showed unique changes following LVAD implantation, particularly an increase in the steepness of the y-descent. A post-LVAD deep y-descent was associated with reduced right ventricular function and enlarged right heart. Patients with post-LVAD deep y-descent had higher rates of gastrointestinal bleeding (0.866 vs 0.191 events/year) and stroke (0.199 vs 0 events/year) compared with those without (P< .05 for both). CONCLUSION: RHC waveforms characterized by deep y-descent on RHC waveform during LVAD support was associated with impaired right ventricular function and worse clinical outcomes.

Optimal cannula positioning of HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device.

Cannula position in HeartMate II and HeartWare left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) is associated with clinical outcome. This study aimed to investigate the clinical implication of the device positioning in HeartMate 3 LVAD cohort. Consecutive patients who underwent HeartMate 3 LVAD implantation were followed for one year from index discharge. At index discharge, chest X-ray parameters were measured: (a) cannula coronal angle, (b) height of pump bottom, (c) cannula sagittal angle, and (d) cannula lumen area. The association of each measurement of cannula position with one-year clinical outcomes was investigated. Sixty-four HeartMate 3 LVAD patients (58 years old, 64% male) were enrolled. In the multivariable Cox regression model, the cannula coronal angle was a significant predictor of death or heart failure readmission (hazard ratio 1.27 [1.01-1.60], P = .045). Patients with a cannula coronal angle ≤28° had lower central venous pressure (P = .030), lower pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (P = .027), and smaller left ventricular size (P = .019) compared to those with the angle >28°. Right ventricular size and parameters of right ventricular function were also better in the narrow angle group, as was one-year cumulative incidence of death or heart failure readmission (10% vs. 50%, P = .008). Narrow cannula coronal angle in patients with HeartMate 3 LVADs was associated with improved cardiac unloading and lower incidence of death or heart failure readmission. Larger studies to confirm the implication of optimal device positioning are warranted.

Surgical device exchange provides improved clinical outcomes compared to medical therapy in treating continuous-flow left ventricular assist device thrombosis.

The purpose of this study is to compare clinical outcomes of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients with device thrombosis who underwent device exchange (DE) or medical therapy (MT) alone. Consecutive patients undergoing LVAD implant between July 2008 and December 2017 were included. Device thrombosis was diagnosed with comprehensive assessments including ramp test, laboratory data, device parameters, and clinical presentations. First, MT was initiated in all patients. After MT, DE was considered if device thrombosis was refractory to initial MT, and it caused end-organ impairment and/or hemodynamic instability. Among 319 consecutive LVAD patients, 43 patients (13.5%) were diagnosed with device thrombosis. DE was performed in 28 patients (DE group); device explant was performed in 1 patient. MT was continued in 14 patients (MT group). In-hospital mortality was significantly lower in the DE group than the MT group (3.6% [1/28] vs. 28.6% [4/14], P = .0184). One-year survival was significantly better in the DE group (74.0% vs. 30.1%; log-rank = .001), and freedom from cerebrovascular accident (CVA) at 1 year was greater in the DE group (87.1% vs. 47.7%; log-rank = .004). DE was associated with improved 1-year survival and fewer CVAs. Surgical intervention, if feasible, is recommended for LVAD device thrombosis.

Correction to: A subcostal approach is favorable compared to sternotomy for left ventricular assist device exchange.

In the original publication, the title of the article was published incorrectly.

Omega-3 and hemocompatibility-related adverse events.

BACKGROUND: Hemocompatibility-related clinical adverse events (HRAEs) are major causes of readmission in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Omega-3 is an unsaturated fatty acid that possesses anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic properties. We aimed to investigate the impact of omega-3 therapy on HRAEs during LVAD support. METHODS: Consecutive LVAD patients who were followed for 6 months were enrolled, and stratified by the use of omega-3. Freedom from any HRAEs and net burden of HRAEs, which was calculated by using a hemocompatibility score (using 4 escalating tiers of hierarchal severity to derive a total score for events), were compared between those with and without omega-3 therapy. RESULTS: Among 169 LVAD patients (57 years old and 124 males), 31 patients received 4 g/d of omega-3 therapy and 138 patients were in the control group. During the 6-month observational period, freedom from any HRAEs was 90% in the omega-3 group compared with 70% in the control group with a hazard ratio of 0.35 (95% confidence interval 0.11-0.87 and P = .042). The average hemocompatibility score in the omega-3 group was significantly lower compared with the control group (0.23 vs 0.91; P = .042), due to reduced Tier I scores (mild HRAE; P = .003) and Tier IIIB scores (severe HRAE; P < .001). The similar trends remained at propensity-matched populations. CONCLUSIONS: Omega-3 therapy was associated with reduced HRAEs including both bleeding and thromboembolic events in LVAD patients.

Outcomes following left ventricular assist device exchange.

INTRODUCTION: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) exchange has been historically associated with a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. It is unknown, however, whether these outcomes have improved. We aimed to compare clinical outcomes following LVAD exchange to those following initial LVAD implant in a contemporary patient cohort. METHODS: A total of 115 LVAD patients were enrolled between 2014 and 2017 and followed for 1 year. Of these, 15 patients (54.5 ± 13.3 years old, 87% male) underwent LVAD exchange at 277 (IQR 191-597) days following LVAD implantation and 100 patients (57.5 ± 12.3 years old, 76% male) did not undergo an LVAD exchange (non-exchange group). RESULTS: One-year survival rate following LVAD exchange tended to be higher than the non-exchange patients (93% vs 76%, P = .15). Readmission rates for each comorbidity did not significantly differ between the two groups (P > .05 for all) except for the higher rate of pump thrombosis in the LVAD exchange group (P < .05). DISCUSSION: LVAD exchange cohorts seem to have comparable clinical outcome with the non-exchange cohorts. CONCLUSION: LVAD exchange might be an increasingly appropriate therapeutic option for the management of pump thrombosis, although careful monitoring for recurrent pump thrombosis is required.

Feasibility and utility of intraoperative epicardial scar characterization during left ventricular assist device implantation.

INTRODUCTION: Ventricular arrhythmias (VA) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We sought to assess epicardial voltage characteristics at the time of LVAD implantation and investigate relationships between scar burden and postimplant VA. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive patients underwent open chest epicardial electroanatomic mapping immediately before LVAD implantation. Areas of low voltage and sites with local abnormal potentials were identified. Patients were followed prospectively for postimplant VA and clinical outcomes. Between 2015 and 2017, 36 patients underwent high-density intraoperative epicardial voltage mapping; 15 had complete maps suitable for analysis. Mapping required a median of 11.8 (interquartile range [IQR], 8.5-12.7) minutes, with a median of 2650 (IQR, 2139-3191) points sampled per patient. Over a median follow-up of 311 (IQR, 168-469) postoperative days, four patients (27%) experienced sustained VA. Patients with postimplant VA were more likely to have had preimplant implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks (100% vs 27%; P = 0.03), ventricular tachycardia storm (75% vs 9%; P = 0.03), and lower ejection fraction (13.5 vs 19.0%, P = 0.05). Patients with postimplant VA also had a significantly higher burden of epicardial low bipolar voltage points: 55.4% vs 24.9% of points were less than 0.5 mV (P = 0.01), and 88.9% vs 63.7% of points less than 1.5 mV (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative high-density epicardial mapping during LVAD implantation is safe and efficient, facilitating characterization of a potentially arrhythmogenic substrate. An increased burden of the epicardial scar may be associated with a higher incidence of postimplant VA. The role of empiric intraoperative epicardial ablation to mitigate risk of postimplant VA requires further study.

Improvement in Biventricular Cardiac Function After Ambulatory Counterpulsation.

BACKGROUND: The NupulseCV intravascular ventricular assist system (iVAS), which consists of a durable pump placed through the subclavian artery, provides extended-duration ambulatory counterpulsation. This study investigated the effect of iVAS on biventricular cardiac function. METHODS AND RESULTS: We reviewed all heart failure patients who received iVAS implantation as a bridge to transplantation or a bridge to candidacy since April 2016 as part of the iVAS first-in-humans and subsequent feasibility study. We compared data of transthoracic echocardiography performed just before implantation (without iVAS support) and again at 30 days or just before explantation (on iVAS support). Eighteen patients (58.8 ± 7.4 years old and 15 male) received iVAS support for 53 ± 43 days. Fourteen patients were bridged to cardiac replacement therapy after 35 ± 19 days and the remaining 4 patients had been supported for 118 ± 41 days. There were no deaths during iVAS support. At 30 days, there was a significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (16.5% ± 11.9% vs 24.4% ± 12.8%; P = .007) and marked reduction in left atrial size (62.7 ± 35.7 mL/m2 vs 33.8 ± 17.2 mL/m2; P < .001). Right ventricular fractional area change improved dramatically (25.4% ± 12.9% vs 42.1% ± 12.4%; P < .001). All other right ventricular and right atrial parameters improved significantly as well (size, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and velocity of tricuspid annular systolic motion). CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in biventricular cardiac function was observed after 30 days of iVAS support. Further studies should examine the use of this technology as a bridge to recovery.

Aortic Insufficiency and Hemocompatibility-related Adverse Events in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

AIM: Hemocompatibility-related adverse events (HRAE) are a major cause of readmissions in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). The impact of aortic insufficiency (AI) on HRAE remains uncertain. We aimed to investigate the impact of AI on HRAE. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients who underwent LVAD implantation between August 2014 and July 2017 and had echocardiograms 3 months post-LVAD implantation were enrolled. AI severity was assessed by measuring the systolic/diastolic ratio of flow and the rate of diastolic flow acceleration using Doppler echocardiography of the outflow cannula. Regurgitation fraction was derived from these parameters. Significant AI was defined as regurgitation fraction > 30%. Among 105 patients (median age, 56 years; 76% male), 36 patients (34%) had significant AI. Baseline characteristics were statistically not significantly different between those with and without significant AI except for higher rates of ischemic etiology and atrial fibrillation in the significant AI group (P < 0.05 for both). One-year survival free from HRAE was 44% in patients with AI compared to 67% in patients without significant AI (P = 0.018). The average hemocompatibility score, which defines the net burden of HRAE, was higher in the AI group (1.72 vs 0.64; P = 0.009), due mostly to higher tier I (mild HRAE; P = 0.034) and tier IIIB scores (severe HRAE; P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Significant AI, as assessed by Doppler echocardiographic parameters, was associated with HRAE during LVAD support.

Intraoperative Use of Nondepolarizing Neuromuscular Blocking Agents During Cardiac Surgery and Postoperative Pulmonary Complications: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are associated with perioperative complications in noncardiac surgery; however, little is known about their effect on cardiac surgery. This study assessed the effect of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) on the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after cardiac surgery and operating conditions. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized clinical trial with blinded outcomes assessment. SETTING: University hospital, single institution. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients having cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. INTERVENTIONS: One hundred patients were randomized to receive succinylcholine (group SUX) for intubation with no further NMB administered or cisatracurium (group CIS) for intubation and maintenance NMB. The primary outcome was a composite incidence of PPCs in the 72 hours after elective cardiac surgery. PPCs included failure to extubate within 24 hours, need for reintubation, pneumonia, aspiration, unanticipated need for noninvasive respiratory support, acute respiratory distress, and mortality from respiratory arrest. The secondary outcome was the adequacy of operating conditions as assessed by blinded surgeon survey (including a rating of surgical conditions on a Likert scale from 1 = poor to 5 = excellent), anesthesiologist report, and patient questionnaire. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The composite incidence of PPCs did not differ between groups (8 of 50 patients in both groups; 16%). Mean surgeon rating of surgical conditions was lower in the SUX group (4.65 ± 0.85 v 4.96 ± 0.20, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Although avoiding nondepolarizing NMBA is feasible, doing so worsened operating conditions and did not reduce the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications.