Back to Fundamentals: Radiographic Evaluation of Thoracic Lines and Tubes in Children.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to provide an up-to-date review of the radiographic appearance of the most commonly used thoracic lines and tubes in pediatric patients in daily clinical practice. CONCLUSION. Thoracic support lines and tubes are frequently used in children receiving hospital care. Evaluation of these devices is a fundamental skill in radiology. Many different devices are currently used, and new devices are regularly introduced. It is essential for radiologists to maintain a clear understanding of all devices currently in use.

Donor and recipient risk factor analysis of inferior postheart transplantation outcome in the era of durable mechanical assist devices.

The study objective is to quantify the impact of donor and recipient variables on heart transplant survival in recipients with a significant proportion of implanted continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). This is a prospective cohort study of International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) Registry that includes all primary heart-alone transplants in adult recipients (January 2005 and June 2013, N = 15 532, 27% LVADs). Donor and recipient characteristics were assessed for association with death or graft failure within 90 days and between 90 days and 5 years after transplantation. On Cox proportional hazard model donor cause of death other than head trauma (hazard ratio [HR] 1.985, P < 0.0001), recipient congenital (HR 2.7555, P < 0.0001) and ischemic (HR 1.165, P = 0.0383) vs dilated etiology and female donor heart transplanted into male recipient (HR 1.207, P = 0.0354) were predictors of death or graft failure within 90 days. Between 90 days and 5 years, donor cigarette use (HR 1.232, P = 0.0001), recipient cigarette use (HR 1.193, P = 0.0003), diabetes (HR 1.159, P = 0.0050), arterial hypertension (HR 1.129, P = 0.0115), and ischemic vs dilative cardiomyopathy had an increased probability of death or graft failure.

[Acute and chronic heart failure]. / Akute und chronische Herzinsuffizienz.

The initial therapy of chronic heart failure is still based on diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta-blockers and in specific cases mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. The new European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines published in 2016 introduced angiotensin-receptor-neprilysin inhibitors, such as sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ 696) as new therapeutic agents in patients with chronic and progressive heart failure. New subgroup analyses for LCZ 696 have been published showing a beneficial effect in the context of various comorbidities, such as renal insufficiency, diabetes and hypotension. Furthermore, new data are available on intravenous iron substitution in chronic heart failure and on the indications for implantable converter defibrillators, cardiac resynchronization therapy and other cardiac devices. Medicinal therapy of acute heart failure is still limited. For patients who cannot be treated with medicinal therapy, mechanical circulatory support, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) should be recommended.

Mechanically Assisted Total Cavopulmonary Connection With an Axial Flow Pump: Computational and In Vivo Study.

A relevant number of patients undergoing total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) experience heart failure (HF). Heart transplant is then the final option when all other treatments fail. The axial flow blood pumps are now the state of the art; however, there is little experience in low-pressure circuits, such as support of the right ventricle or even a TCPC circulation. A new T-shaped model of mechanically assisted TCPC using the "Jarvik Child 2000" axial pump, (flow rates between 1 and 3 L/m in a range of 5000-9000 rpm) was designed, simulated numerically, and then tested in animals. Eight sheep (42-45 kg) were studied: two pilot studies, four pump-supported (PS) TCPC for 3 h, and two not pump-supported (NPS) TCPC. In the PS, the axial pump was set to maintain the baseline cardiac output (CO). Pressures, CO, systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance, lactate levels, and blood gases were recorded for 3 h. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study allows us to set the feasible operating condition and the safety margins to minimize the venous collapse risk. In the NPS animals, a circulatory deterioration, with increasing lactate level, occurred rapidly. In the PS animals, there was a stable cardiac index of 2.7 ± 1.4 L/min/m(2), central venous pressure of 12.3 ± 1 mm Hg, and a mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) of 18.1 ± 6 after 3 h of support up to 9000 rpm. systemic vascular resistance (SVR), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), blood gasses, and arterial lactate levels remained stable to baseline values. No caval collapse occurred. A new pediatric axial flow pump provides normal CO and physiologic stability in a new T-shaped model of TCPC in sheep, in vivo. CFD and in vivo data showed that this experimental arrangement will allow us to evaluate the potential for mechanical support in patients with Fontan failure avoiding major adverse events.

Changes in Spirometry After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly being used as life-saving therapy in patients with end-stage heart failure. The changes in spirometry following LVAD implantation and subsequent unloading of the left ventricle and pulmonary circulation are unknown. In this study, we explored long-term changes in spirometry after LVAD placement. In this retrospective study, we compared baseline preoperative pulmonary function test (PFT) results to post-LVAD spirometric measurements. Our results indicated that pulmonary function tests were significantly reduced after LVAD placement (forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1 ]: 1.9 vs.1.7, P = 0.016; forced vital capacity [FVC]: 2.61 vs. 2.38, P = 0.03; diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide [DLCO]: 14.75 vs. 11.01, P = 0.01). Subgroup analysis revealed greater impairment in lung function in patients receiving HeartMate II (Thoratec, Pleasanton, CA, USA) LVADs compared with those receiving HeartWare (HeartWare, Framingham, MA, USA) devices. These unexpected findings may result from restriction of left anterior hemi-diaphragm; however, further prospective studies to validate our findings are warranted.

[CME/Answers: Mechanical Assist Devices in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation]. / CME/Antworten: Mechanische Reanimationshilfe bei Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstand.

CME/Answers: Mechanical Assist Devices in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Abstract. Early high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the event of a cardiac arrest is the most effective measure to improve the outcome. With the aim of improving the quality of resuscitation and replacing the need of manual compression, various mechanical assist devices have been developed and are used in the clinical practice. When should they be used, whether do they lead to better outcomes and what injuries are they associated with? These questions have been examined in several studies and the following review will provide an overview.

[CME: Mechanical Assist Devices in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation]. / CME: Mechanische Reanimationshilfe bei Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstand CME-Fragen.

CME: Mechanical Assist Devices in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Abstract. Early high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the event of a cardiac arrest is the most effective measure to improve the outcome. With the aim of improving the quality of resuscitation and replacing the need of manual compression, various mechanical assist devices have been developed and are used in the clinical practice. When should they be used, whether do they lead to better outcomes and what injuries are they associated with? These questions have been examined in several studies and the following review will provide an overview.

Serotonin syndrome following left ventricular assist device implantation: A report and institution-specific strategy for prevention.

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially lethal complication of antidepressant therapy. Cardiac surgical patients are at particularly high risk of serotonin syndrome due to the prevalence of depression in patients with advanced cardiac disease, many of whom receive multiple serotonergic agents in the perioperative period. Here, we describe a case of postoperative serotonin syndrome following methylene blue administration for perioperative vasoplegia during left ventricular assist device implantation. We additionally describe an institution-specific strategy to minimize future occurrences of serotonin syndrome in this high-risk population. .

Impact of donor variables on heart transplantation outcomes in mechanically bridged versus standard recipients†.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to quantify the impact of donor variables on post-heart transplantation mortality and morbidity in recipients with and without a pretransplant left ventricular assist device (LVAD). METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study of the ISHLT Transplant Registry that includes all primary heart transplants in adult recipients (January 2005-June 2013, n = 15 532). All recipients were divided into patients with a durable continuous-flow LVAD (LVAD recipient, n = 3315) and without mechanical support (standard recipient, n = 12 217). Donors were classified as high risk (n = 3751) and low risk (n = 11 781). Transplants were categorized into low-risk donor/standard recipient (n = 9214), high-risk donor/standard recipient (n = 3003), low-risk donor/LVAD recipient (n = 2567) and high-risk donor/LVAD recipient (n = 748). Outcomes prior to discharge, survival at 5 years and freedom from complications were computed for each group. RESULTS: LVAD recipients experienced more episodes of infection, stroke and acute rejection with both low- (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001) and high-risk donors (P < 0.001, P = 0.008, P = 0.028) prior to transplant discharge. Within standard recipients, a higher rate of primary graft failure (P = 0.035), infection (P = 0.001), dialysis (P = 0.012), acute rejection (P = 0.037) and less freedom from cardiac allograft vasculopathy (P < 0.001) and malignancy (P = 0.004) was observed with high-risk donors. Within LVAD recipients, no differences in complications prior to discharge or long-term morbidity were detected between low- and high-risk donors. When compared to standard recipient/low-risk donors, all the 3 remaining categories had an increased probability of death or graft failure within 90 days: LVAD recipient/low-risk donor [hazard ratio (HR) 1.26, confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.51; P = 0.012], standard recipient/high-risk donor (HR 1.47, CI 1.27-1.71; P < 0.001) and LVAD recipient/high-risk donor (HR 1.72, CI 1.32-2.24; P < 0.001). Between 90 days and 5 years, only standard recipient/high-risk donor had an increased probability of death or graft failure (HR 1.140, CI 1.020-1.274; P = 0.021) when compared to standard recipient/low-risk donor. CONCLUSIONS: LVAD recipients, whether with high- or low-risk donors, have worse early (but not late) survival and more early complications than those of standard recipients. We found that adverse donor characteristics are less predictive for determining the outcome of LVAD-bridged recipients than standard recipients.

The mid-term effect of left ventricular assist devices on renal functions.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to investigate the mid-term effects of left ventricular assist devices on kidney functions. METHODS: Between January 2015 and December 2017, a total of 61 patients (53 males, 8 females; mean age 46.4±11.2 years; range, 20 to 67 years) who underwent left ventricular assist device implantation were retrospectively analyzed. Glomerular filtration rate was evaluated preoperatively and at 24 and 48 h, at one week, and at one, three, and six months postoperatively. According to the preoperative glomerular filtration rates, the patients were divided into three groups: glomerular filtration rates ?60 mL/min/1.73 m2 ( Group 1 ), g lomerular f iltration rates 61-90 mL/min/1.73 m2 (Group 2), and glomerular filtration rates >90 mL/min/1.73 m2 (Group 3). RESULTS: In all groups, the glomerular filtration rate significantly increased at one week and one month postoperatively, compared to preoperative values (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). However, the glomerular filtration values at six months significantly decreased, compared to the values at one week and one month postoperatively (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). The most significant drop to preoperative values was observed in Group 3 (p=0.02) at three months and it dropped below the preoperative level at six months (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that left ventricular assist devices can significantly increase the glomerular filtration rate in short-term, irrespective of baseline values. However, this improvement may recede later, particularly in patients with normal renal functions, and it may even disappear following the third postoperative month.

Pre-transplant ventricular assist device explant.

Explantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) may be challenging even in the most experienced hands. We aim to describe the technique for explantation of an LVAD together with the heart as applicable to all contemporary implantable mechanical assist devices. In order to ensure safe explantation, particular care must be taken at three distinct stages: at the time of LVAD implantation, at pre-transplant assessment and at the time of heart transplantation. The preparation for a safe explantation at LVAD implantation includes positioning the driveline and the outflow graft away from the back of the sternum to ensure protection from injury during re-entry into the chest. At transplant assessment, essential investigations include computed tomography (CT) of the chest and ultrasound imaging of femoral vessels. At the time of heart transplantation, the site of peripheral access should be prepared and vessels exposed in case of a need for emergency bypass. We advise careful dissection starting from the lower aspect of the under surface of the sternum, moving as proximally as possible before attempting to use the oscillating saw. Much of the dissection of the heart is done off-pump. Cardiopulmonary bypass may be established either through peripheral vessels or the outflow graft in an emergency. Central direct cannulation is then established. After the heart and major vessels are isolated, explantation of the heart may begin either en-bloc or after splitting the ventricles in a sagittal plane. The basal regions of both ventricles and both atria are removed, leaving generous cuffs for anastomosis of the left atrium, pulmonary artery, aorta, inferior and superior vena cava (SVC). The apex of the heart is then removed with the device taking care not to injure the phrenic nerve.

The first-in-human experience with a minimally invasive, ambulatory, counterpulsation heart assist system for advanced congestive heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The intravascular ventricular assist system (iVAS) is a new, minimally invasive, ambulatory counterpulsation heart assist system delivered via the subclavian artery and powered by a portable driver. It is designed for recovery, bridge to transplantation (BTT) or for prolonging medical therapy. We report the first-in-human (FIH) experience with iVAS. METHODS: This is a prospective, non-randomized single arm, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved early feasibility trial in patients listed for cardiac transplantation. The primary end-point was survival to transplant or stroke-free survival at 30 days. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were enrolled and 13 (92.8%) were treated with iVAS. At time of implant, the average age was 58 ± 6.7 years; 85% were male; 28% had ischemic cardiomyopathy; and 3 were Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Devices (INTERMACS) Level 2, 9 were Level 3, and 1 was Level 4. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 22%, left ventricular internal diameter diastole was 7.13 mm, and 69% had moderate or severe mitral regurgitation. There were no intra-operative complications. Intensive care unit stay after implant was 6 ± 6 days. All patients were transplanted after 32 ± 21 days. There were no deaths or thromboembolic events: 1 patient required escalation of mechanical support, and post-implant complications included pleuritis/pericarditis (n = 1) and neuropathy (n = 2). No intra-operative blood transfusions were required. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a high rate of successful outcomes with an excellent risk-to-benefit profile. This FIH experience reveals that the iVAS can be successfully inserted in a standardized approach, provide hemodynamic support, can be interrupted for short periods, and allows for ambulation. A multicenter trial to investigate effectiveness and safety is warranted.

Ventricular assist devices (VAD) therapy: new technology, new hope?

Ventricular assist devices are commonly utilized in the treatment of end-stage heart failure. Advances in continuous flow technology have improved efficiency, size, implantability, extended support, and overall patient outcomes. This has led to an expanded role of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) clinical use and applications. This review describes the advances and current state of LVAD devices and provides a future outlook for this technology.