Search

BACKGROUND: Transvenous pacemaker and defibrillator lead extraction is a higher risk procedure with variation in preferred technique. A frequently fatal complication of this procedure is perforation of the superior vena cava. We have developed a tandem femoral-superior technique that incorporates snaring of targeted leads from a femoral approach combined with use of a rotational cutting sheath advanced over the lead from the subclavian vein. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a tandem femoral-superior approach to lead extraction. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing transvenous extraction of at least 1 pacemaker or defibrillator lead with implant duration ≥1 year in which a tandem femoral-superior technique was used as the initial extraction strategy were included. The registry spanned 2010–2018 and consisted of procedures performed by a single primary operator. RESULTS: A total of 131 patients were included. A total of 267 leads with a mean implant duration of 9.8 years, including 90 defibrillator leads (33.7%), were targeted for extraction. No superior vena cava perforation or other vascular damage occurred. Clinical procedural success was achieved in 96.2% of cases. There were 5 major complications (3.8% of patients), with 3 being pericardial effusion requiring intervention. There were no deaths. CONCLUSION: A tandem femoral-superior approach to lead extraction effectively eliminated superior vena cava injury. This is a safe and effective technique for transvenous lead extraction.

Background: Extensive evidence from single-center studies indicates that a subset of patients with chronic advanced heart failure (HF) undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support show significantly improved heart function and reverse structural remodeling (ie, termed “responders”). Furthermore, we recently published a multicenter prospective study, RESTAGE-HF (Remission from Stage D Heart Failure), demonstrating that LVAD support combined with standard HF medications induced remarkable cardiac structural and functional improvement, leading to high rates of LVAD weaning and excellent long-term outcomes. This intriguing phenomenon provides great translational and clinical promise, although the underlying molecular mechanisms driving this recovery are largely unknown. Methods: To identify changes in signaling pathways operative in the normal and failing human heart and to molecularly characterize patients who respond favorably to LVAD unloading, we performed global RNA sequencing and phosphopeptide profiling of left ventricular tissue from 93 patients with HF undergoing LVAD implantation (25 responders and 68 nonresponders) and 12 nonfailing donor hearts. Patients were prospectively monitored through echocardiography to characterize their myocardial structure and function and identify responders and nonresponders. Results: These analyses identified 1341 transcripts and 288 phosphopeptides that are differentially regulated in cardiac tissue from nonfailing control samples and patients with HF. In addition, these unbiased molecular profiles identified a unique signature of 29 transcripts and 93 phosphopeptides in patients with HF that distinguished responders after LVAD unloading. Further analyses of these macromolecules highlighted differential regulation in 2 key pathways: cell cycle regulation and extracellular matrix/focal adhesions. Conclusions: This is the first study to characterize changes in the nonfailing and failing human heart by integrating multiple -omics platforms to identify molecular indices defining patients capable of myocardial recovery. These findings may guide patient selection for advanced HF therapies and identify new HF therapeutic targets.

Objective To identify predictors of 30-day all-cause mortality for patients with cardiogenic shock secondary to acute coronary syndrome (ACS-CS) who require short-term mechanical circulatory support (ST-MCS). Background ACS-CS mortality is high. ST-MCS is an attractive treatment option for hemodynamic support and stabilization of deteriorating patients. Mortality prediction modeling for ACS-CS patients requiring ST-MCS has not been well-defined. Methods The Utah Cardiac Recovery (UCAR) Shock database was used to identify patients admitted with ACS-CS requiring ST-MCS devices between May 2008 and August 2018. Pre-ST-MCS clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic, and angiographic data were collected. The primary endpoint was 30-day all-cause mortality. A weighted score comprising of pre-ST-MCS variables independently associated with 30-day all-cause mortality was derived and internally validated. Results A total of 159 patients (mean age, 61 years; 78% male) were included. Thirty-day all-cause mortality was 49%. Multivariable analysis resulted in four independent predictors of 30-day all-cause mortality: age, lactate, SCAI CS classification, and acute kidney injury. The model had good calibration and discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve 0.80). A predictive score (ranging 0-4) comprised of age ≥ 60 years, pre-ST-MCS lactate ≥2.5 mmol/L, AKI at time of ST-MCS implementation, and SCAI CS stage E effectively risk stratified our patient population. Conclusion The ACS-MCS score is a simple and practical predictive score to risk-stratify CS secondary to ACS patients based on their mortality risk. Effective mortality risk assessment for ACS-CS patients could have implications on patient selection for available therapeutic strategy options.

Since the advent of coronary angiography, the standard for reporting of coronary lesion severity has been to utilize percent diameter stenosis (%DS). Given the imperfections of %DS as well as the widespread availability of intraprocedural intracoronary imaging and physiology assessment, it is time to consider a simpler yet more clinically relevant lesion assessment system. We compiled ten actual cases and presented these cases to 10 operators, providing 100 independent lesion assessments. For each case, operators were asked to describe lesions using %DS and a simplified lesion assessment system. We assessed the relationship between %DS and qualitative lesion assessment as well as the relationship of both measurements to the chosen plan. Greater variability exists with %DS than with qualitative lesion assessment. Despite this, there is good correlation between %DS and the qualitative lesion assessment (ρ = 0.8221). There remains overlap of lesion assessment using the qualitative lesion assessment tool suggesting that even with this simpler tool, there remains interobserver variability (ICC = 0.5164, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.2924-0.7955). When assessing how both lesion assessment, there appears to be a stronger correlation between the qualitative lesion assessment and the chosen plan versus the %DS and the chosen plan (ρ = 0.9069 vs ρ = 0.8001, P

Background Studies have indicated differences between Asians and Whites in their propensity for stroke, coronary artery disease, heart failure, bleeding and thrombosis. We investigated whether Asian-Americans on durable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) exhibit differential morbidity and mortality when compared to Whites. Methods We analysed prospectively collected data from the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) database to compare the outcomes after LVAD implantation of Asians versus Whites. Results In total, 7,018 patients were included, 130 were identified as Asian-Americans. Asian-Americans were younger, had lower body mass index, higher serum bilirubin and lower albumin levels. In a multivariable regression model, there was no difference in survival between the two groups. Asian-Americans had lower incidence of device malfunction and after adjusting for multiple factors this remained lower. The adjusted risk of a major safety composite outcome, including major bleeding, major infection, stroke and device malfunction, revealed no difference between the two groups. Conclusions Although prior studies have reported worse cardiac surgery outcomes in Asians, in this INTERMACS analysis Asian-Americans appear to have similar survival and risk of adverse events as their White counterparts. The incidence of device malfunction was lower in the Asian-Americans, both in a univariate model and after adjusting for multiple clinical factors. Future, larger studies of Asian-Americans with end-stage heart failure and LVAD support are warranted to confirm these results.

Background Recent prospective multicenter data from patients with advanced heart failure demonstrated that left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support combined with standard heart failure medications, induced significant cardiac structural and functional improvement, leading to high rates of LVAD weaning in selected patients. We investigated whether preintervention myocardial and systemic inflammatory burden could help identify the subset of patients with advanced heart failure prone to LVAD‐mediated cardiac improvement to guide patient selection, treatment, and monitoring. Methods and Results Ninety‐three patients requiring durable LVAD were prospectively enrolled. Myocardial tissue and blood were acquired during LVAD implantation, for measurement of inflammatory markers. Cardiac structural and functional improvement was prospectively assessed via serial echocardiography. Eleven percent of the patients showed significant reverse remodeling following LVAD support (ie, responders). Circulating tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐7, IL‐13, and interferon gamma were lower in responders, compared with nonresponders ( P P =0.037). Guided by our tissue studies and a multivariable dichotomous regression analysis, we identified that low levels of circulating interferon gamma (odds ratio [OR], 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01–0.35) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (OR, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.00–0.43), independently predict cardiac improvement, creating a 2‐cytokine model effectively predicting responders (area under the curve, 0.903; P Conclusions Baseline myocardial and systemic inflammatory burden inversely correlates with cardiac improvement following LVAD support. A circulating 2‐cytokine model predicting significant reverse remodeling was identified, warranting further investigation as a practical preintervention tool in identifying patients prone to LVAD‐mediated cardiac improvement and device weaning.

BACKGROUNDIn chronic heart failure (HF) patients supported with continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD), we aimed to assess the clinical association of baseline QRS duration (QRSd) with post-LVAD cardiac recovery, and its correlation with pre- to post-LVAD change in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD).METHODSChronic HF patients (n=402) undergoing CF-LVAD implantation were prospectively enrolled, at one of the centers comprising the U.T.A.H. (Utah Transplant Affiliated Hospitals) consortium. After excluding patients with acute HF etiologies, hypertrophic or infiltrative cardiomyopathy, and/or inadequate post-LVAD follow up (RESULTSThirty-five patients (11%) achieved ‘R’ criteria, and exhibited a 15% shorter QRSd compared to ‘NR’ (123±37 ms vs 145±36 ms; pCONCLUSIONChronic advanced HF patients with a shorter baseline QRSd exhibit an increased potential for cardiac recovery after LVAD support.

Introduction: Accurate intravascular volume status assessment is central to heart failure management, but current non-invasive bedside techniques remain a challenge. Visual inspection of jugular venous pulsation (JVP) is used as a surrogate for central venous pressure (CVP). Studies have shown variability and inaccuracy of the JVP exam in estimating CVP or right atrial pressure (RAP). Published methods of RAP estimation through internal jugular vein (IJV) ultrasonography are either complex or require offline analysis. We validated a simplified approach to ultrasonography of the JVP (uJVP) as a method to predict RAP. Methods: Adult patients undergoing right heart catheterization (RHC) were enrolled prior for IJV imaging with point of care ultrasound (POCUS) device, Butterfly iQ™. The IJV was identified on ultrasound with the patient reclined (head of bed between 30-45°) and followed cranially until tapering smaller than the adjacent carotid artery throughout the entirety of the respiratory cycle. The height of this collapse point from the sternal angle added to 5 centimeters was defined as ultrasound JVP (uJVP). Results: 77 participants underwent uJVP assessment on the same day prior to RHC. Average BMI was 33 kg/m 2 . The area under the curve (AUC) of uJVP and RAP greater than 10mmHg on RHC was 0.879 (95% CI 0.759-0.931, p Conclusion: We developed and validated a novel technique identifying the uJVP using POCUS which correlates with invasive RAP regardless of obesity. This technique predicted combined elevated left and right sided intracardiac pressures. The uJVP’s potential to enhance the diagnostic value of the bed-side examination in an increasingly obese heart failure population warrants further research.

Introduction: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy aims to improve LV reverse remodeling, but still >50% of chronic heart failure (CHF) patients show ‘no’ recovery. The current clinical paradigm to assess post-LVAD myocardial recovery relies on ventricular rotational and deformational mechanics. Investigating the role of a pre-LVAD QRS as a potential indicator for post-LVAD LV recovery in CHF patients may help clinicians develop optimal care plans for LVAD patients. Hypothesis: Pre-LVAD short QRS has potential value to be useful as an independent predictor for early myocardial recovery following LVAD implantation. Methods: Chronic and dilated cardiomyopathy patients (n=315) undergoing LVAD implantation were retrospectively studied. Acute HF etiology and post-LVAD follow up (6 cm. From 315 LVAD patients, 39 fulfilled the criteria of myocardial recovery as ‘R’. Results: Based on univariate logistic regression, pre-LVAD QRS duration is found to be a predictor of myocardial recovery following LVAD implantation (OR:0.986, 95% CI:0.976-0.996, p=0.005) in LVAD patients. QRS duration is 14.5% longer in the ‘NR’ group as compared with the ‘R’ group (145±36 ms vs 124±37 ms). In multivariate logistic regression, after adjusting for previous thoracotomy, beta-blockers, and a previously evaluated composite score (UCARS) including age, HF duration, and LVEDD, pre-LVAD QRS remains a significant predictor of ‘R’ status (OR:0.983, 95% CL:0.973-0.994, p=0.003). The model shows an accuracy of 0.74 with a p-value of Conclusions: Pre-LVAD short QRS interval is associated with post-LVAD LV reverse remodeling in the ‘R’ group, and thus could be of use in a clinical setting for predicting post-LVAD early myocardial recovery.

Introduction: Accurate intravascular volume status assessment is central to heart failure management, but current non-invasive bedside techniques remain a challenge. The visual inspection of jugular venous pulsation (JVP) in a reclined position and measuring its height from the sternal notch has been used as a surrogate for right atrial pressure (RAP). There are no studies on the predictive value of a visible internal jugular vein (IJV) in the upright position (U 2 JVP). Hypothesis: Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) for volume assessment in the upright position is predictive of clinically significant hypervolemia. Methods: Adult patients undergoing right heart catheterization (RHC) were enrolled prior for IJV imaging with point of care ultrasound (POCUS) device, Butterfly iQ™. The IJV and its size in comparison to the carotid artery was identified on ultrasound with the patient upright. Elevated RAP and PCWP was present if the IJV was still visible and not collapsed throughout the entirety of the respiratory cycle. Valsalva was used to confirm the position of a collapsed IJV. Results: 72 participants underwent U 2 JVP assessment on the same day prior to RHC. Average BMI was 31.9 kg/m2. The area under the curve (AUC) of U 2 JVP predicting RAP greater than 10 mmHg and PCWP of 15 mmhg or higher on RHC was 0.78 (95% CI 0.66-0.9, p2 JVP in the upright position was 70.6 % sensitive and 85.5 % specific with a negative predictive value of 90.4% for identifying both RAP greater than 10 mmHg and PCWP equal or greater than 15 mmHg. Conclusions: The U 2 JVP is novel and pragmatic bed-side approach to the assessment of clinically significant elevated intra-cardiac pressures in our increasingly obese heart failure population.

Introduction: Accurate volume status assessment is central to heart failure management, but current non-invasive bedside techniques remain a challenge, particularly in obese patients. Studies have shown variability and inaccuracy of the jugular venous pulse (JVP) exam in estimating right atrial pressure (RAP). Hypothesis: The accuracy of POCUS imaging of the JVP (uJVP) is preserved in obesity. Methods: Prior to undergoing right heart catheterization (RHC), subjects were enrolled for internal jugular vein imaging with a POCUS device, Butterfly iQ™. The vJVP was identified by traditional examination technique along with pIVC (an IVC>2.1 cm and Results: 41 participants, 24 of whom were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2), underwent vJVP, pIVC diameter, and uJVP assessments prior to RHC. The receiver operator curve (ROC) or Area under the Curve (AUC) was robust for uJVP and did not significantly differ between non-obese and obese participants (AUC=0.923 and AUC=0.852 respectively) in predicting RAP >=10mmHg. AUC decreased significantly with obesity for vJVP. The AUC was modest for pIVC in the non-obese, but performed poorly in obesity (Figure 1B, 1C). Conclusions: This is the first comparative study of bedside, non-invasive methods of volume assessment. The accuracy of vJVP and pIVC deteriorated with obesity, whereas the uJVP, maintained good predictive value irrespective of obesity. The novel uJVP is a promising bed-side tool for volume assessment in the obesity and warrants further study.

Purpose The complex anatomy and different contraction patterns of the different right ventricular (RV) wall segments has made it challenging to predict acute RV failure (ARVF) in patients receiving a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). We sought to improve the prediction of ARVF after LVAD by performing a comprehensive 18-segment strain (e) analysis of the RV. Methods Prospectively enrolled LVAD recipients had a right heart catheterization and echocardiogram prior to implant. From RV-focused views (Figure 1A), 18-segment e was performed and indexed to pulmonary arterial elastance (Ea [PV]). ARVF was defined as need for RVAD, inotropes for >14 days or pulmonary vasodilator for >48 hours post-LVAD. Logistic regression was used to identify associations between specific parameters and ARVF. Results ARVF occurred in 15 of 30 patients enrolled. Lower pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi), TAPSE and basal free wall (FW) (basal anterior, lateral and posterior FW) segmental e/Ea (PV) were significantly associated with ARVF. Indexed basal FW segmental strain provided incremental predictive value over PAPi and TAPSE (Figure 1B). Conclusion Prediction of ARVF in LVAD candidates can be improved by adding comprehensive RV segmental strain analysis to traditional echocardiographic and hemodynamics parameters.

Purpose Diabetes mellitus (DM) is prevalent among advanced heart failure (HF) patients, however its effect on the potential of left ventricular assist device (LVAD)-mediated cardiac recovery has not been described. Methods Consecutive advanced chronic HF patients (N=425) requiring durable continuous-flow LVAD were prospectively evaluated. After excluding patients with acute HF etiologies or post-LVAD follow up Results Baseline characteristics of the 2 groups are shown in the Table. Cardiac functional and structural improvement, as evidenced by relative LVEF and LVEDD changes, was more prominent in non-DM compared to DM patients, and in well- compared to not well-controlled DM patients (Figure). Overall, DM patients were less likely to experience cardiac recovery (8.4% vs 17.5%; p=0.032), while on LVAD support. This remained significant in a multivariate logistic regression after controlling for potential confounders. Conclusion The presence of DM, and notably not well-controlled DM, appears to negatively affect the potential for LVAD-induced myocardial recovery. Further research is needed to investigate the dynamic cardiac metabolism in HF with DM.

Purpose LVAD therapy has been primarily studied in patients with elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCW) and low cardiac index (CI), “cold and wet”. In daily practice, LVADs are often also offered to patients with low PCW and low CI, “cold and dry”. The efficacy of LVAD therapy in this population is not well studied. Methods Patients implanted with LVAD with a baseline CI 18mmHg) or “dry” (PCW Results Serial invasive hemodynamics data was available for 92 pts (cold-dry group, n=34 and cold-wet group, n=58) (Table). Diuretic and vasodilator use pre-LVAD was comparable in both groups. Cold-dry patients had no change in CVP or PCW with a smaller increase in CI after LVAD. Adjusted 3-year mortality was higher for cold-dry patients (Figure). Age (HR=1.09, 95%CI 1.02-1.2; p=006) and cold-dry profile (HR=5.4, 95%CI 1.4-21; p=0.016) were identified as independent predictors of mortality. Conclusion “Cold and dry” patients with advanced heart failure may not derive equal benefit from LVAD therapy as those who are “cold and wet”. This observation warrants further investigation.

Purpose Predicting cardiac structural and functional improvement in advanced heart failure (HF) patients before durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation remains challenging. Identifying clinical predictors could improve patient selection and impact clinical management. Methods Advanced chronic HF patients (N=652) supported with continuous-flow LVADs were evaluated. After excluding patients with acute HF etiologies or without adequate post-LVAD follow up ( Results In total, 10% of the LVAD patients were R. Univariate analysis showed that R were younger, had shorter HF symptoms duration, less need for diuretics and their LV were less dilated pre-LVAD. Further, R had higher acuity disease as evidenced by the higher vasoactive agents need, higher BNP and higher incidence of abnormal liver enzymes. The multivariate Cox regression (AUC=0.74; p Conclusion Younger patients with less LV dilation and shorter duration of HF are more likely to improve their cardiac function during LVAD support. Whether these characteristics also predict sustainability of improved cardiac function after LVAD weaning warrants further investigation.

Acute changes to left ventricular (LV) hemodynamics after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in humans have been sparsely investigated and informed largely by computer simulation of hypothetical pressure-volume (PV) loops. PV loops are the gold standard for evaluating mechanical

Background Occasionally new onset cardiomyopathy patients (pts) present late and with such advanced disease stage that they cannot tolerate heart failure (HF) drug therapy. We sought to investigate the cardiac recovery (CR) potential following a combination of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and guideline-directed HF drug therapy in this medication-naive population. Methods Chronic advanced HF requiring durable continuous-flow LVAD were prospectively evaluated. Patients with acute HF (myocarditis etc.) or post LVAD follow up Results Univariate analysis showed that “med-naive” patients were younger, more likely to be on intravenous vasoactive agents, temporary mechanical support and with lower INTERMACS profile before LVAD implantation. Interestingly, no differences were seen in HF symptoms duration or other comorbidities. Baseline and follow up hemodynamics were similar in both groups, besides higher right atrial pressure pre-LVAD in the “meds-naive” group (16 vs 11 mmHg; p=0.04). Baseline echocardiographic (including LV dilation) and biochemical parameters revealed no differences between the groups, besides lower LVEF and higher BNP in the “meds-naive” group (14 vs 19%; p=0.03 and 2352 vs 1270; p=0.03, respectively). CR rates were significantly higher on “meds-naive” versus “meds-failed” group (50.0 vs 13.8%; p=0.005). Despite higher cardiac recovery rates in the “meds-naive” group the time course and magnitude of the favorable functional and structural response was similar among the CR responders of each of the 2 groups. Conclusion Young patients with new onset dilated cardiomyopathy sometimes present late, with advanced disease stage, unable to tolerate HF medications and requiring durable LVAD support. This patient population appears to have a potential for CR up to 50% and this could be factored in decisions surrounding their long-term therapeutic options.

Purpose Despite several models predicting right ventricular failure (RVF) after durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support, poor performance when externally validated has limited their widespread use. We sought to derive a predictive model for RVF after LVAD implantation, and ascertain its performance in an independent cohort. Methods End-stage heart failure (HF) patients requiring continuous-flow LVAD were prospectively enrolled at one US program (n=477, derivation cohort), with two other US medical centers forming the validation cohort (n=321). The primary outcome was RVF incidence, defined as the need for right ventricular assist device or inotropes for >14 days. Multivariable logistic regression in the derivation set yielded a RVF predictive model, which was subsequently applied to the validation cohort, and a risk score was ultimately developed. Results Derivation cohort included patients less likely to be African-Americans (7% vs 37%; p Conclusion We propose a novel scoring system to predict post-LVAD RVF, achieving high discriminative performance in distinct, heterogeneous LVAD cohorts.

Background Outcomes of patients with advanced heart failure (HF) due to restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) remain unfavorable in spite of advances in HF therapies. Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are a standard therapeutic option for patients with advanced HF, however there is limited data to support LVAD implantation in these patients. The purpose of this study was to examine outcomes in patients with end-stage RCM following LVAD implantation when compared with those with dilated cardiomyopathies (DCM). Methods The International Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (IMACS) registry was queried for all patients with RCM (n = 179) and DCM (n = 15,335) who underwent durable LVAD implantation between January 2013 and September 2017. Patients with RCM were grouped into amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, radiotherapy, idiopathic and other forms of RCM. Baseline patient characteristics, survival, and adverse events were compared among the groups. Results Patients with RCM had a mean age of 56 years and were predominately male (78.9%). Echocardiograms of patients with RCM had significantly smaller left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) compared to DCM (6.3 cm vs 6.8 cm p Conclusions In this analysis of an international registry, we demonstrated that patients with RCM have similar outcomes compared with patients with DCM following LVAD implantation. This observation invites future prospective investigations on validating our findings and on identifying challenges in regards to LVAD implantation in patients with advanced HF due to RCM.

Purpose Right ventricular failure (RVF) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is a serious complication with poor prognosis. Improved selection of patients with greater risk of developing the condition is crucial, considering the growing need for destination therapy patients. However, predicting RVF remains a vexing clinical problem. Methods From 2008 to 2019, 478 consecutive chronic heart failure (HF) patients supported with continuous-flow LVADs were prospectively evaluated. RVF was defined by the need for intravenous inotropes for >14 days and/or right ventricular assist device implantation. Data was analyzed based on the presence or absence of RVF in the early post-operative period and their baseline clinical, hemodynamic, imaging and laboratory data were compared. Multivariable logistic regression was used to develop a clinical model for RVF prediction. Results Overall, 77 (16.1%) patients developed RVF. Univariate analysis showed that the RVF was associated with higher acuity disease before LVAD implantation reflected by low INTERMACS profile, high vasoactive medication requirement, presence of IABP support, hyponatremia, thrombocytopenia, low serum albumin, and renal dysfunction. Additionally, RVF was associated with increased heart rate, right atrial (RA) and right atrial to wedge pressure (RA/PCWP) ratio, along with decreased systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), right ventricular stroke work index (RVSWi) and pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi), at baseline. Interestingly, patients who developed RVF had decreased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter at baseline, when compared to the no RVF group. The multivariate model (AUC=0.77; p Conclusion Our model seems capable of distinguishing patients prone to develop RVF post-LVAD implantation. The identified pre-LVAD predictors include markers of globally advanced HF syndrome and higher acuity as well as markers specific to severity of RVF.

Purpose Although left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling has been described in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), little is known about left atrial (LA) structural and functional changes. Methods Echocardiographic parameters were obtained at pre-LVAD implant and following 1, 3, and 6 months of LVAD support. Favorable LV structural and functional response following LVAD support (i.e. Responders) was defined using previously published criteria. Structural and functional indices specific to LA such as LA volume index (LAVI) and LA total emptying fraction (LATEF) were compared in eighteen Responders versus twenty Non-Responders. Statistical comparison of quantitative data was performed using 2-tailed Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired samples and categorical data were compared using Fisher's exact test. Results The magnitude and time course of functional changes as reflected by the LVEF and LATEF in Responders and Non-Responders are depicted in Figure 1A and 1B. LA remodeling structural changes over time in Responders and Non-Responders are depicted in Figure 1C. Conclusion Patients experiencing post-LVAD favorable LV functional response had significantly better LA remodeling structural and functional indices before LVAD implantation and further improved those early after the initiation of LV mechanical support. LA reverse remodeling studies with longer follow-up and correlation with post LVAD-weaning patient outcomes are warranted.

Short-term mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is becoming increasingly utilized in acute coronary syndrome (ACS)-related refractory cardiogenic shock (rCS). Identifying patients at risk of short-term mortality can impact clinical management. We sought to identify predictors of 30-day all-cause

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention (SCAI) recently developed a cardiogenic shock (CS) classification system for risk stratification in CS. We sought to evaluate the ability of the SCAI CS classification to predict survival to hospital discharge. Patients receiving

Background: Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) remains an important source of mortality after heart transplant. The aim of our study was to identify structural and microvasculature changes in severe CAV. Methods and Results: The study group included heart transplant recipients with severe CAV who underwent retransplantation (severe CAV, n=20). Control groups included time from transplant matched cardiac transplant recipients without CAV (transplant control, n=20), severe ischemic cardiomyopathy patients requiring left ventricular assist device implantation (ischemic control, n=18), and normal hearts donated for research (donor control, n=10). We collected baseline demographic information, echocardiography data, and performed histopathologic examination of myocardial microvasculature. Echocardiographic features of severe CAV included lack of eccentric remodeling and presence of significant diastolic dysfunction. In contrast, diastolic function was preserved in transplant control subjects. Histopathologic examination showed increased interstitial fibrosis among severe CAV, transplant controls, and ischemic control patients. Compared with transplant controls, severe CAV subjects had reduced capillary density and increased capillary wall thickness ( P Conclusions: Our results suggest that the marked diastolic dysfunction and resultant symptoms in patients with severe CAV may be secondary to the loss of microvasculature and remodeling of remaining microvessels rather than a consequence of interstitial fibrosis. The clinical significance and potential therapeutic implications of these unique microvasculature characteristics warrant further investigation.

Aims Adjuvant heart failure (HF) drug therapy in patients undergoing chronic mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is often used in conjunction with a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD), but its potential impact is not well defined. The objective of the present study was to examine the effects of conventional HF drug therapy on myocardial structure and function, peripheral organ function and the incidence of adverse events in the setting of MCS. Methods and results Patients with chronic HF requiring LVAD support were prospectively enrolled. Paired myocardial tissue samples were obtained prior to LVAD implantation and at transplantation for histopathology. The Meds group comprised patients treated with neurohormonal blocking therapy (concurrent beta-blocker, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker, and aldosterone antagonist), and the No Meds group comprised patients on none of these. Both the Meds (n = 37) and No Meds (n = 44) groups experienced significant improvements in cardiac structure and function over the 6 months following LVAD implantation. The degree of improvement was greater in the Meds group, including after adjustment for baseline differences. There were no differences between the two groups in arrhythmias, end-organ injury, or neurological events. In patients with high baseline pre-LVAD myocardial fibrosis, treatment with HF drug therapy was associated with a reduction in fibrosis. Conclusions Clinical and histopathological evidence showed that adjuvant HF drug therapy was associated with additional favourable effects on the structure and function of the unloaded myocardium that extended beyond the beneficial effects attributed to LVAD-induced unloading alone. Adjuvant HF drug therapy did not influence the incidence of major post-LVAD adverse events during the follow-up period.

Purpose Occasionally new onset cardiomyopathy patients (pts) present late, in such advanced disease stage that they cannot tolerate heart failure (HF) drug therapy. We investigated the cardiac recovery (CR) potential following a combination of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and guideline-directed HF drug therapy in this medication-naive population. Methods Chronic advanced HF pts requiring durable continuous-flow LVAD were prospectively evaluated. Pts with acute HF (myocarditis etc) or post LVAD follow up Results Univariate analysis showed that “med-naive” pts were younger, more likely to be on intravenous vasoactive agents, temporary MCS and with lower INTERMACS profile before LVAD implantation. Interestingly, no differences were seen in HF symptoms duration or other comorbidities. Baseline and follow up hemodynamics were similar in both groups, besides higher right atrial pressure pre-LVAD in the “meds-naive” group (16 vs 11 mmHg; p=0.04). Baseline echocardiographic (including LV dilation) and biochemical parameters revealed no differences between the groups, besides lower LVEF and higher BNP in the “meds-naive” group (14 vs 19 %; p=0.03 and 2352 vs 1270; p=0.03, respectively). CR rates were significantly higher on “meds-naive” versus “meds-failed” group (50.0 vs 13.8 %; p=0.005). Despite higher cardiac recovery rates in the “meds-naive” group the time course and magnitude of the favorable functional and structural response was similar among the CR responders of each of the 2 groups. Conclusion Young pts with new onset dilated cardiomyopathy sometimes present late, with advanced disease stage, unable to tolerate HF medications and requiring durable LVAD support. This patient population appears to have a potential for CR up to 50% and this could be factored in decisions surrounding their long-term therapeutic options.

The identification of clinical and molecular predictors of Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) induced myocardial recovery before device implantation could significantly impact the management of patients with advanced heart failure (HF). Inflammation plays a central role in the pathophysiology of

Background In the absence of robust evidence from randomized controlled trials, clinicians treating cardiogenic shock (CS) often make decisions on short-term Mechanical Circulatory Support (s-t MCS) based on individual center or clinical team preferences. We sought to investigate whether description of device-related adverse events (AE) could help identify targets to advance the field. Methods Our institution's CS database was queried for CS patients who underwent placement of s-t MCS based on predefined criteria, between Jan 2014 - Mar 2017. Patients who needed Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump, central cannulation or had a post-cardiotomy CS were excluded from the analysis. We identified 61 who required s-t MCS with Impella, peripheral Veno-Arterial Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA-ECMO) or combination of these devices as a sequela of escalating support strategy. Results Of the total patients, 23 (37.7%) were treated with Impella, 10 (16.4%) with VA-ECMO and the remaining 28 (45.9%) with combinations of devices. Groups were of similar demographics and CS etiology. Severity of CS pre-MCS revealed no differences in vital signs, number of vasoactive agents used, left ventricular ejection fraction, use of mechanical ventilation and CPR. The VA-ECMO compared with Impella and Combination groups had higher baseline lactate (11.1 vs 4.9 vs 5.3; p=0.002) and lower baseline pH (7.05 vs 7.27 vs 7.27; p=0.004) pre-MCS. The mean length of support was similar between Impella and VA-ECMO groups, however it was longer in the Combination vs Impella group (p=0.001). Major AE are shown in the Table . The mean ICU stay was 15 days and did not differ among the groups. Exchange to durable LVAD was performed in 6 patients: 3/23 (Impella) and 3/28 (Combination) group. The overall survival to hospital discharge was 43% and did not differ between the groups (p=0.2). Conclusions Despite significant advances in the technology of s-t MCS options, morbidity and mortality remain high and the device-related AE could provide practical quality improvement targets for CS programs.

Cardiogenic shock (CS) following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is associated with high in-hospital mortality. The currently available instruments remain inadequately sensitive in identifying patients presenting with ACS who are at risk of developing CS Using the national cardiovascular database