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Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common complication in pregnancy, representing a serious risk for the mother and fetus. Identifying new biomarkers to ameliorate the screening and improving GDM diagnosis and treatment is crucial. During the last decade, a few studies have used speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) for assessing the myocardial deformation properties of fetuses (FGDM) and infants (IGDM) of GDM women, providing not univocal results. Accordingly, we performed a meta-analysis to examine the overall influence of GDM on left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) in both FGDM and IGDM. Methods: All echocardiographic studies assessing conventional echoDoppler parameters and biventricular strain indices in FGDM and IGDM vs. infants born to healthy pregnant women, selected from PubMed and EMBASE databases, were included. The studies performed on FGDM and IGDM were separately analyzed. The subtotal and overall standardized mean differences (SMDs) in LV-GLS and RV-GLS in FGDM and IGDM studies were calculated using the random-effect model. Results: The full texts of 18 studies with 1046 babies (72.5% fetuses) born to GDM women and 1573 babies of women with uncomplicated pregnancy (84.5% fetuses) were analyzed. Compared to controls, FGDM/IGDM were found with a significant reduction in both LV-GLS [average value −18.8% (range −11.6, −24.2%) vs. −21.5% (range −11.8, −28%), p < 0.05)] and RV-GLS [average value −19.7% (range −13.7, −26.6%) vs. −22.4% (range −15.5, −32.6%), p <0.05)]. Large SMDs were obtained for both LV-GLS and RV-GLS studies, with an overall SMD of −0.91 (95%CI −1.23, −0.60, p < 0.001) and −0.82 (95%CI −1.13, −0.51, p < 0.001), respectively. Substantial heterogeneity was detected for both LV-GLS and RV-GLS studies, with an overall I2 statistic value of 92.0% and 89.3%, respectively (both p < 0.001). Egger's test gave a p-value of 0.10 for LV-GLS studies and 0.78 for RV-GLS studies, indicating no publication bias. In the meta-regression analysis, none of the moderators (gestational age, maternal age, maternal body mass index, maternal glycosylated hemoglobin, white ethnicity, GDM criteria, ultrasound system, frame rate, FGDM/IGDM heart rate, and anti-diabetic treatment) were significantly associated with effect modification in both groups of studies (all p > 0.05). The sensitivity analysis supported the robustness of the results. Conclusions: GDM is independently associated with biventricular strain impairment in fetuses and infants of gestational diabetic mothers. STE analysis may allow for the early detection of subclinical myocardial dysfunction in FGDM/IGDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Congenital heart disease is a risk factor for mortality after orthotopic heart transplantation; however, the impact of preoperative circulation type and primary congenital heart disease diagnosis remains poorly delineated. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with adult congenital heart disease aged 16 years or more who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation at our institution between 2008 and 2022. Patients were categorized as having single-ventricle or biventricular circulation. The primary end point was 5-year post-transplant survival. Results: Sixty-one patients with adult congenital heart disease (single-ventricle: n = 26 [42.6%], biventricular: n = 35 [57.4%]) underwent orthotopic heart transplantation at 33.7 [interquartile range, 19.1-48.7] years. The most common congenital heart disease diagnosis was hypoplastic left heart syndrome (n = 11, 42.3%) in the single-ventricle group and congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (n = 7, 20.0%) in the biventricular group. Twenty-four patients previously underwent Fontan palliation. At transplant, patients in the single-ventricle group were younger (18.5 [interquartile range, 17.6-32.3] years vs 45.0 [interquartile range, 33.0-52.2] years, P

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common complication in pregnancy, representing a serious risk for the mother and fetus. Identifying new biomarkers to ameliorate the screening and improving GDM diagnosis and treatment is crucial. During the last decade, a few studies have used speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) for assessing the myocardial deformation properties of fetuses (FGDM) and infants (IGDM) of GDM women, providing not univocal results. Accordingly, we performed a meta-analysis to examine the overall influence of GDM on left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) in both FGDM and IGDM. Methods: All echocardiographic studies assessing conventional echoDoppler parameters and biventricular strain indices in FGDM and IGDM vs. infants born to healthy pregnant women, selected from PubMed and EMBASE databases, were included. The studies performed on FGDM and IGDM were separately analyzed. The subtotal and overall standardized mean differences (SMDs) in LV-GLS and RV-GLS in FGDM and IGDM studies were calculated using the random-effect model. Results: The full texts of 18 studies with 1046 babies (72.5% fetuses) born to GDM women and 1573 babies of women with uncomplicated pregnancy (84.5% fetuses) were analyzed. Compared to controls, FGDM/IGDM were found with a significant reduction in both LV-GLS [average value −18.8% (range −11.6, −24.2%) vs. −21.5% (range −11.8, −28%), p < 0.05)] and RV-GLS [average value −19.7% (range −13.7, −26.6%) vs. −22.4% (range −15.5, −32.6%), p p < 0.001) and −0.82 (95%CI −1.13, −0.51, p < 0.001), respectively. Substantial heterogeneity was detected for both LV-GLS and RV-GLS studies, with an overall I2 statistic value of 92.0% and 89.3%, respectively (both p < 0.001). Egger’s test gave a p-value of 0.10 for LV-GLS studies and 0.78 for RV-GLS studies, indicating no publication bias. In the meta-regression analysis, none of the moderators (gestational age, maternal age, maternal body mass index, maternal glycosylated hemoglobin, white ethnicity, GDM criteria, ultrasound system, frame rate, FGDM/IGDM heart rate, and anti-diabetic treatment) were significantly associated with effect modification in both groups of studies (all p > 0.05). The sensitivity analysis supported the robustness of the results. Conclusions: GDM is independently associated with biventricular strain impairment in fetuses and infants of gestational diabetic mothers. STE analysis may allow for the early detection of subclinical myocardial dysfunction in FGDM/IGDM.

ABSTRACT: Background: Identification of risk factors for biventricular (BiV) repair in children with hypoplastic left ventricles (HLV) has been challenging. We sought to identify preoperative cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) predictors of outcome in patients with HLVs who underwent BiV repair, with a focus on the mitral valve (MV). Methods: Single-center retrospective analysis of preoperative CMRs on patients with HLV (≤50 mL/m2) and no endocardial fibroelastosis who underwent BiV repair from 2005–2022. CMR measurements included MV orifice area in diastole. The primary composite outcome included time to death, transplant, BiV takedown, heart failure admission, left atrial decompression, or unexpected reoperation; and the secondary outcome included more than or equal to moderate mitral stenosis and/or regurgitation. Results: Median follow-up was 0.7 (interquartile range 0.1, 2.2) years. Of 122 patients [59 atrioventricular canal (AVC) and 63 non-AVC] age 3 ± 2.8 years at the time of BiV repair, freedom from the primary outcome at 2 years was 53% for AVC and 69% for non-AVC (log rank p = 0.12), and freedom from the secondary outcome at 2 years was 49% for AVC and 79% for non-AVC (log rank p

Abstract Objective Pacing in a univentricular circulation has been associated with worsened outcomes. We investigated the long‐term outcomes of pacing in children with a univentricular circulation compared to a complex biventricular circulation. We also identified predictors of adverse outcomes. Methods A retrospective study of all children with major congenital heart disease who underwent pacemaker implantation under the age of 18 years between November 1994 and October 2017. Results Eighty‐nine patients were included; 19 with a univentricular and 70 with a complex biventricular circulation. A total of 96% of pacemaker systems were epicardial. Median follow up was 8.3 years. The incidence of adverse outcome was similar between the two groups. Five (5.6%) patients died and two (2.2%) underwent heart transplantation. Most adverse events occurred within the first 8 years after pacemaker implantation. Univariate analysis identified five predictors of adverse outcomes in the patients in the biventricular but none in the univentricular group. The predictors of adverse outcome in the biventricular circulation were a right morphologic ventricle as the systemic ventricle, age at first congenital heart disease (CHD) operation, number of CHD operations, and female gender. The nonapical lead position was associated with a much higher risk of an adverse outcome. Conclusions Children with a pacemaker and a complex biventricular circulation have similar survival to the ones with a pacemaker and a univentricular circulation. The only modifiable predictor was the epicardial lead position on the paced ventricle, emphasizing the importance of apical placement of the ventricular lead.

Objectives: The study objectives were to analyze the outcomes of pediatric patients with heterotaxy syndrome undergoing cardiovascular surgery and to determine the predictors of mortality. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 82 patients diagnosed with heterotaxy syndrome who underwent cardiovascular surgery between January 2008 and December 2017 was performed. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression analyses to determine risk factors for mortality and Kaplan–Meier analysis for survival were performed. Results: Patient mortality in the cohort was 34% (28/82), including 36% (20/55) for single ventricle palliation and 30% (8/27) for biventricular repair. At 5 years, the probability of survival did not differ between the groups by log-rank testing (P = .829). Multivariable analysis found extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support (hazard ratio, 10.4; 95% confidence interval, 4.3-25.4; P

Most studies on single ventricle (SV) circulation take a physiological or anatomical approach. Although there is a tight coupling between cardiac contractility and metabolism, the metabolic perspective on this patient population is very recent. Early findings point to major metabolic disturbances, with both impaired glucose and fatty acid oxidation in the cardiomyocytes. Additionally, Fontan patients have systemic metabolic derangements such as abnormal glucose metabolism and hypocholesterolemia. Our literature review compares the metabolism of patients with a SV circulation after Fontan palliation with that of patients with a healthy biventricular (BV) heart, or different subtypes of a failing BV heart, by Pubmed review of the literature on cardiac metabolism, Fontan failure, heart failure (HF), ketosis, metabolism published in English from 1939 to 2023. Early evidence demonstrates that SV circulation is not only a hemodynamic burden requiring staged palliation, but also a metabolic issue with alterations similar to what is known for HF in a BV circulation. Alterations of fatty acid and glucose oxidation were found, resulting in metabolic instability and impaired energy production. As reported for patients with BV HF, stimulating ketone oxidation may be an effective treatment strategy for HF in these patients. Few but promising clinical trials have been conducted thus far to evaluate therapeutic ketosis with HF using a variety of instruments, including ketogenic diet, ketone esters, and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. An initial trial on a small cohort demonstrated favorable outcomes for Fontan patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors. Therapeutic ketosis is worth considering in the treatment of Fontan patients, as ketones positively affect not only the myocardial energy metabolism, but also the global Fontan physiopathology. Induced ketosis seems promising as a concerted therapeutic strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Pacing in a univentricular circulation has been associated with worsened outcomes. We investigated the long‐term outcomes of pacing in children with a univentricular circulation compared to a complex biventricular circulation. We also identified predictors of adverse outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study of all children with major congenital heart disease who underwent pacemaker implantation under the age of 18 years between November 1994 and October 2017. Results: Eighty‐nine patients were included; 19 with a univentricular and 70 with a complex biventricular circulation. A total of 96% of pacemaker systems were epicardial. Median follow up was 8.3 years. The incidence of adverse outcome was similar between the two groups. Five (5.6%) patients died and two (2.2%) underwent heart transplantation. Most adverse events occurred within the first 8 years after pacemaker implantation. Univariate analysis identified five predictors of adverse outcomes in the patients in the biventricular but none in the univentricular group. The predictors of adverse outcome in the biventricular circulation were a right morphologic ventricle as the systemic ventricle, age at first congenital heart disease (CHD) operation, number of CHD operations, and female gender. The nonapical lead position was associated with a much higher risk of an adverse outcome. Conclusions: Children with a pacemaker and a complex biventricular circulation have similar survival to the ones with a pacemaker and a univentricular circulation. The only modifiable predictor was the epicardial lead position on the paced ventricle, emphasizing the importance of apical placement of the ventricular lead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBDE) is defined as a symptomatic dilatation and tortuosity of the vertebrobasilar arteries. The risk of hydrocephalus development is due to direct compression of the third ventricle outflow or brainstem compression and related aqueduct stenosis. We present an uncommon case of a patient with symptomatic VBDE with the uniqueness of a hypoplastic third ventricle associated with biventricular hydrocephalus. A literature review concerning diagnosis and management of patients affected by biventricular hydrocephalus caused by VBDE was also performed. Case Illustration We report a case of a 54-year-old man who presented with headache, ideomotor apraxia, and gait disorder. A head computed tomography (CT) scan showed a biventricular hydrocephalus and a subsequent CT angiography documented the presence of a VBDE compressing the anterior part of the third ventricle that also appeared hypoplastic. The patient also presented a clinical history of arterial hypertension for which he was given a proper pharmacologic treatment with symptom relief. A surgical treatment of ventriculoperitoneal shunt along with endoscopic septostomy was proposed, but the patient refused, probably due to the slightly positive response to medical treatment. Conclusions The natural clinical history of patients affected by VBDE is unfavorable with 7.8 years of median survival. The therapeutic strategy is usually conservative and the role of antiplatelets or oral anticoagulants is still debated. In selected patients, ventriculoperitoneal shunt to resolve intracranial hypertension caused by biventricular hydrocephalus is the most effective treatment. In our opinion, chronic third ventricle compression could lead to anatomic–pathologic alterations like the third ventricle hypoplasia documented in our report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open in new tab Download slide OBJECTIVES This population-based, comprehensive, retrospective study presented the clinical outcomes of all children born in Norway between 2003 and 2017 with double outlet right ventricle (DORV). METHODS All children born with DORV between 2003 and 2017 were identified in the Oslo University Hospital registry. Patients' characteristics, interventions, complications and deaths were recorded. Echocardiographic data were reviewed for classification according to current standards. We investigated time-dependent surgical reintervention and mortality using Kaplan–Meier analyses and determinants of treatment complications, reintervention and death using regression analyses. RESULTS Ninety-three children with DORV represented an annual median prevalence of 1.18 per 10 000 births in Norway. Six children received palliative care. With an intention to treat, a surgical route with the primary biventricular repair was followed for 62 children, staged biventricular repair for 15 and univentricular repair for 10 children. Major complications occurred in 1.0% and 6.2% of children following catheter or surgical intervention, respectively. No significant determinants of the complications were identified. Overall survival following treatment was 91.9%, 90.8%, 89.5% and 89.5% and corresponding freedom from surgical reintervention was 88.0%, 79.0%, 74.9% and 69.4% at 1, 2, 5 and 10 years, respectively. The presence of atrioventricular septal defect predicted an increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio: 7.16) but did not increase the risk of surgical reintervention. CONCLUSIONS In Norway, most children receive tailored treatment for DORV with low rates of complications, surgical reinterventions and mortality. However, atrioventricular septal defect remains a potential determinant of postoperative death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nowadays, fluoroscopy is the standard tool used to help physicians during pacing lead implantation. However, its use entails significant radiation exposure for physicians and especially for patients. For the first time, the present case report describes the use of the electro‐anatomical mapping (EAM) navigation system KODEX‐EPD for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantation. These findings suggest that CRT implantation guided by the KODEX‐EPD system is feasible and safe with the minimization of X‐ray and dye exposure.

Most studies on single ventricle (SV) circulation take a physiological or anatomical approach. Although there is a tight coupling between cardiac contractility and metabolism, the metabolic perspective on this patient population is very recent. Early findings point to major metabolic disturbances, with both impaired glucose and fatty acid oxidation in the cardiomyocytes. Additionally, Fontan patients have systemic metabolic derangements such as abnormal glucose metabolism and hypocholesterolemia. Our literature review compares the metabolism of patients with a SV circulation after Fontan palliation with that of patients with a healthy biventricular (BV) heart, or different subtypes of a failing BV heart, by Pubmed review of the literature on cardiac metabolism, Fontan failure, heart failure (HF), ketosis, metabolism published in English from 1939 to 2023. Early evidence demonstrates that SV circulation is not only a hemodynamic burden requiring staged palliation, but also a metabolic issue with alterations similar to what is known for HF in a BV circulation. Alterations of fatty acid and glucose oxidation were found, resulting in metabolic instability and impaired energy production. As reported for patients with BV HF, stimulating ketone oxidation may be an effective treatment strategy for HF in these patients. Few but promising clinical trials have been conducted thus far to evaluate therapeutic ketosis with HF using a variety of instruments, including ketogenic diet, ketone esters, and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. An initial trial on a small cohort demonstrated favorable outcomes for Fontan patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors. Therapeutic ketosis is worth considering in the treatment of Fontan patients, as ketones positively affect not only the myocardial energy metabolism, but also the global Fontan physiopathology. Induced ketosis seems promising as a concerted therapeutic strategy.

Aortic atresia is a rare finding and has not been previously described with superior-inferior ventricles. Presented here is a case of a heart with these concomitant findings and review of reported cases of aortic atresia in the absence of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The aim of this report is to help highlight associated findings and the clinical approach taken. Also highlighted is the importance of not mistaking aortic atresia for common arterial trunk.

Nowadays, fluoroscopy is the standard tool used to help physicians during pacing lead implantation. However, its use entails significant radiation exposure for physicians and especially for patients. For the first time, the present case report describes the use of the electro‐anatomical mapping (EAM) navigation system KODEX‐EPD for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantation. These findings suggest that CRT implantation guided by the KODEX‐EPD system is feasible and safe with the minimization of X‐ray and dye exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of risk factors for biventricular (BiV) repair in children with hypoplastic left ventricles (HLV) has been challenging. We sought to identify preoperative cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) predictors of outcome in patients with HLVs who underwent BiV repair, with a focus on the mitral valve (MV). Single-center retrospective analysis of preoperative CMRs on patients with HLV (≤50 mL/m2) and no endocardial fibroelastosis who underwent BiV repair from 2005–2022. CMR measurements included MV orifice area in diastole. The primary composite outcome included time to death, transplant, BiV takedown, heart failure admission, left atrial decompression, or unexpected reoperation; and the secondary outcome included more than or equal to moderate mitral stenosis and/or regurgitation. Median follow-up was 0.7 (interquartile range 0.1, 2.2) years. Of 122 patients [59 atrioventricular canal (AVC) and 63 non-AVC] age 3 ± 2.8 years at the time of BiV repair, freedom from the primary outcome at 2 years was 53% for AVC and 69% for non-AVC (log rank p = 0.12), and freedom from the secondary outcome at 2 years was 49% for AVC and 79% for non-AVC (log rank p < 0.01). Independent predictors of primary outcome for AVC patients included MV orifice area z-score <−2 and transitional AVC; for non-AVC patients, predictors included MV orifice area z-score <−2, abnormal MV anatomy, and conal-septal ventricular septal defect. Independent predictors of secondary outcome for AVC patients included older age at surgery, transitional AVC, and transposition of the great arteries. In children with HLV, low MV orifice area and pre-existing MV pathology are risk factors for adverse outcome after BiV repair. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Collaboration between cardiac surgeons and cardiologists can offer interventions that each specialist may not be able to offer on their own. This type of collaboration has been demonstrated with the hybrid Stage I in patients with hypoplastic heart syndrome. Since that time, a hybrid approach to cardiac interventions has been expanded to an incredible variety of potential indications.Methods: Seventy-one patients were scheduled for a hybrid procedure along 8 years. This was defined as close collaboration between surgeon and cardiologist working together in the same room, either cath-lab (27 patients) or theater (44 patients).Results: Six groups were arbitrarily defined. A: vascular cut-down in the cath-lab (27 neonates); B: bilateral banding (plus ductal stent) in hypoplastic left heart syndrome or alike (15 children); C: perventricular closure of muscular ventricular septal defect (10 cases); D: balloon/stenting of pulmonary branches along with major surgical procedure (12 kids); E: surgical implantation of Melody valve (six patients) and others (F, one case). Two complications were recorded: left ventricular free wall puncture and previous conduit tearing. Both drawbacks were successfully sort out under cardiopulmonary by-pass.Conclusion: Surgeon and cardiologist partnership can succeed where their isolated endeavors are not enough. Hybrid procedures keep on spreading, overcoming initial expectations. As a bridge to biventricular repair or transplant, bilateral banding plus ductal stent sounds interesting. Novel indications can be classified into different groups. Hybrid procedures are not complication-free.

Right ventricular (RV) failure after left ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation is a difficult problem. One solution is the implantation of continuous-flow VADs in a biventricular configuration. Disappointing survival and a concerning incidence of right-sided pump thrombosis have been previously reported. From May 2017 to April 2020, a total of 12 patients underwent implantation of HeartMate 3 (HM3) biventricular VADs (BiVADs) as a bridge to cardiac transplantation. The right-sided pump was implanted in the right atrium in all cases. Adverse events and patient outcomes were determined. Patients were male, and the mean age was 44 years. The etiology was dilated cardiomyopathy (6 patients), sarcoid heart disease (2 patients), ischemic cardiomyopathy (1 patient), anthracycline cardiomyopathy (1 patient), non-compaction cardiomyopathy (1 patient), and arrhythmogenic RV cardiomyopathy with biventricular involvement (1 patient). There was 1 death from multisystem failure. There were 3 episodes of right VAD thrombus (thrombosis or clot ingestion); 1 managed medically, 1 recognized intraoperatively treated with clot retrieval, and 1 requiring pump exchange. There were 3 driveline infections. At 18 months after the procedure, 5 patients (41.7%) had undergone cardiac transplantation, 5 patients (41.7%) were alive and on biventricular support, 1 patient had died (8.3%), and 1 patient had VAD explantation for myocardial recovery (8.3%). Actuarial survival at 18 months was 91.7%. In this small study, HM3 BiVAD in these critically ill patients was used with low mortality. This suggests that the timely deployment of biventricular support with HM3 can be associated with favorable outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute coronary syndromes are a clinical entity frequently encountered in practice and are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality, despite therapeutic advances. The initiation of early reperfusion therapy reduces mortality and morbidity and improves patients' prognosis, but this depends on how quickly patients receive their treatment. Although it is often easy to diagnose in the presence of typical symptoms, certain patients, such as diabetics, sometimes have atypical symptoms, resulting in a delay in management. In nearly 50% of cases, inferior wall ischaemia is accompanied by right ventricular myocardial infarction; the clinical outcomes range from no hemodynamic compromise to severe hypotension and cardiogenic shock. In this article, we present the case of a 54-year-old male patient with active smoking and poorly controlled type 2 diabetes as cardiovascular risk factors who initially consulted at the first hour for epigastric pain, for which he received symptomatic treatment. As the symptoms persisted, he was admitted to our department at the eighth hour, where he was diagnosed with a biventricular infarction., Competing Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2024.)

Abstract Background Cardiac myxoma is the most common primary cardiac tumor. Approximately 75–80% of myxomas are located in the left atrium. Occurrence of multiple myxomas is extremely rare. Case presentation We describe a rare case of biventricular myxomas resulting in right ventricular inflow and tricuspid valve obstruction. The lesions were detected by echocardiography and thoracic computerized tomography (CT) and confirmed on positron emission tomography–computed tomography. Conclusion The patient underwent successful surgical resection of the multiple cardiac myxomas. This kind of biventricular case has not been previously reported. The patient is asymptomatic as of the 10-month follow-up.

Background: The use of dual continuous-flow assist devices for biventricular support remains novel with only small case series or reports documenting outcomes.Methods: We describe a 21-year-old woman suffered stabbing with damage of coronary artery with subsequent myocardial infarction and severe postinfarction heart failure with impaired right ventricular function. The patient underwent implantation of two continuous-flow ventricular assist devices.Results: The early postoperative period was followed by severe respiratory insufficiency and an asthenic syndrome, which required prolonged intensive care and mechanical ventilation. After prolonged hospital stay, she was discharged home waiting for heart transplantation.Conclusions: With the continuing miniaturization of pump designs, less invasive, more durable and cost-effective pumps have become available for dual assist device therapy in in these critically ill heart failure patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: We review the trials that have demonstrated potentially harmful effects from right ventricular (RV) apical pacing as well as reviewing the evidence of alternative RV pacing sites and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for patients who have heart failure and atrioventricular (AV) block.Recent Findings: The role of CRT in patients with AV block and impaired left ventricular function remains an important consideration. The BLOCK HF trial demonstrated better outcomes with CRT pacing over RV pacing in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) and AV block who were expected to have a high RV pacing burden, but failed to demonstrate a mortality benefit.Summary: CRT seems to have a beneficial effect on left ventricular reverse remodeling, systolic function, and clinical outcomes in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I-III heart failure, moderate to severe LVSD, and AV block compared to RV pacing. However, it is less clear whether there is a similar benefit from CRT in patients with a high percentage of RV pacing who have normal or mild LVSD in the treatment of AV block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This meta-analysis evaluated 14 studies which compared clinical and functional outcomes after different cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) modalities.Material and Methods: Relevant studies were selected from the Medline, PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases until June 27th, 2016. We analyzed and compared the clinical outcomes (peak O2 consumption and LVEF) and functional outcomes (6-min walk distance and quality of life (SF-36)) of HF patients who received different CRT modalities with outcomes in patients who received conventional univentricular therapy.Results: There was no significant difference in post-treatment 6-min walking distance between the biventricular (BiV) and left/right univentricular (LUV/RUV) groups (standardized difference in means = 0.049, 95% CI: -0.119 to 0.217, p = 0.566), or between the BiV and triventricular (TriV) groups (standardized difference in means = 0.035, 95% CI: -0.270 to 0.340, p = 0.822). Peak O2 consumption was comparable between BiV and LUV/RUV groups (standardized difference in means = 0.306, 95% CI: -0.002 to 0.614, p = 0.052). Patients in the TriV group had a significant improvement in LVEF compared to the BiV group (standardized difference in means = 0.647, 95% CI: 0.313 to 0.982, p < 0.001).Conclusions: TriV CRT is an attractive alternative to univentricular or BiV pacing for heart failure patients. It is necessary to conduct further large randomized trials to validate our present data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Biventricular pacing or resynchronisation therapy is a non-pharmacological therapy for patients with chronic heart failure. Since being originally described in 1994, biventricular pacing has become a subject of intense interest and investigation. This review analyses the results reported in observational series and randomised trials, and seeks to answer two questions. If it works, why does it work? Which heart failure patients will it benefit?

Background: Patients with moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) are poorly represented in clinical trials of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).Objectives: This study sought to assess the real-world comparative effectiveness of CRT with defibrillator (CRT-D) versus implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) alone in CRT-eligible patients with moderate-to-severe CKD.Methods: We conducted an inverse probability-weighted analysis of 10,946 CRT-eligible patients (ejection fraction <35%, QRS >120 ms, New York Heart Association functional class III/IV) with stage 3 to 5 CKD in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) ICD Registry, comparing outcomes between patients who received CRT-D (n = 9,525) versus ICD only (n = 1,421). Outcomes were obtained via Medicare claims and censored at 3 years. The primary endpoint of heart failure (HF) hospitalization or death and the secondary endpoint of death were assessed with Cox proportional hazards models. HF hospitalization, device explant, and progression to end-stage renal disease were assessed using Fine-Gray models.Results: After risk adjustment, CRT-D use was associated with a reduction in HF hospitalization or death (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78 to 0.91; p < 0.0001), death (HR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.77 to 0.93; p < 0.0004), and HF hospitalization alone (subdistribution HR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.76 to 0.93; p < 0.009). Subgroup analyses suggested that CRT was associated with a reduced risk of HF hospitalization and death across CKD classes. The incidence of in-hospital, short-term, and mid-term device-related complications did not vary across CKD stages.Conclusions: In a nationally representative population of HF and CRT-eligible patients, use of CRT-D was associated with a significantly lower risk of the composite endpoint of HF hospitalization or death among patients with moderate-to-severe CKD in the setting of acceptable complication rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with heterotaxy syndrome (HS) have significant cardiac and extracardiac anomalies that impact outcome. To improve the management of this complex patient population, we performed a comprehensive analysis of their anatomic and clinical features along with an evaluation of resource utilization data. The objectives were to describe anatomic and clinical features of patients with HS syndrome treated at a single center from 1992 to 2011 focusing on the impact of ventricular morphology (univentricular [UV] vs. biventricular [BV]) on clinical outcomes and resource utilization. Clinical and echocardiographic data from patients with HS were abstracted from medical records. Health care costs were indexed to inflation. Seventy-eight patients were identified with HS ranging in age from 1 day to 29 years old. UV morphology was present in 46 patients (59 %), most commonly with right-ventricular dominance (36 of 46). The presence of extra cardiac anomalies did not differ between the UV and BV groups (82 vs. 78 %) nor did morbidities, such as need for enteral tube feedings (47 vs. 25 %) or pacemaker placement (24 vs. 25 %). Mortality was 28 % in the entire cohort: 39 % in univentricuar patients versus 10.5 % in those with biventricular anatomy. Hospital length of stay for medical illnesses was similar in both groups, but length of stay after surgery was significantly longer in UV than BV patients. Among survivors, UV patients had greater median hospital costs ($200,634 vs. $67,732, p < 0.001), but when this was adjusted for mortality and variable follow-up, there were no differences in health care costs within the first year of life. Significant health care dollars are used to manage children with HS, the majority of which involve expenses related to surgical care. Although patients with biventricular morphology have better survival, morbidity and resource utilization are similar to those for UV patients especially within the first year of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the congestive heart failure that is one of the widespread disease in the world. He informs that the number of heart failure will double in the next 25 years as about 10 percent of the population over 65 years suffers from the systolic left ventricular dysfunction. He further informs that in this current scenario there is an outstanding need for biventricular destination therapy.

Background: To evaluate, with different pacing modes, acute changes in left ventricular systolic function, obtained by continuous cardiac output thermodilution in various subsets of patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Increments of mean arterial pressure and cardiac output were considered the end point. Methods: Fifty cases electively submitted to cardiac surgery were analyzed. Isolated valve surgery 62%, coronary revascularization 30% and 8% mixed disease. Left ventricular ejection fraction was preserved in 50%,36% had moderate depression,(EF 36%-50%) whereas 14% had severe depression (EF < 35%). Left bundle branch block occurred in 18%. Preoperatively 84% were in sinus rhythm and 16% in atrial fibrillation. The different subgroups were analyzed for comparisons. Right atrial-right ventricular and right atrial-left ventricular pacing were employed in sinus rhytm. Biventricular pacing was also used in atrial fibrillation. Results: Right atrium-right ventricular pacing, decreased significantly mean arterial pressure and cardiac output (2.3%) in the overall population and in the subgroups studied. Right atrium-left ventricle, increased mean arterial pressure and cardiac output in 79% of patients and yielded cardiac output increments of 7.5% (0.40 l/m) in the low ejection fraction subgroup and 7.3% (0.43 l/m) in the left bundle branch block subset. In atrial fibrillation patients, left ventricular and biventricular pacing produced a significant increase in cardiac output 8.5% (0.39 l/min) and 11.6% (0.53 l/min) respectively. The dP/dt max increased significantly with both modes (p = 0.021,p = 0.028). Conclusion: Right atrial-right ventricular pacing generated adverse hemodynamic effects. Right atrium-left ventricular pacing produced significant CO improvement particularly in cases with depressed ventricular function and left bundle branch block. The greatest increments were observed with left ventricular or biventricular pacing in atrial fibrillation with depressed ejection fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) promotes left ventricular (LV) reverse remodelling and affects myocardial collagen turnover in heart failure (HF) patients. Osteopontin (OPN) is a matrix glycoprotein required for the activation of fibroblasts upon TGF-β1 stimulation. In humans, plasma OPN and OPN-expressing lymphocytes correlate with the severity of HF. We sought to evaluate whether plasma OPN and TGF-β1 reflect LV reverse remodelling following CRT. Methods: Eighteen patients (12 men, mean age 65±11years) undergoing CRT were studied. Patients underwent baseline clinical and echocardiographic evaluation, and assessment of plasma OPN and TGF-β1. The evaluation was repeated 8.5±4months after device implantation. Eight healthy age- and sex-matched subjects served as controls. Results: In HF patients, baseline plasma OPN and TGF-β1 were higher as compared to control subjects (OPN: 99±48 vs 59±22ng/ml; p<0.05; TGF-β1: 15.9±8.0 vs 9.3±5.6ng/ml; p<0.05). At follow-up, 12 patients responded to CRT and showed LV reverse remodelling, whereas 6 did not. Plasma OPN decreased in CRT responders (108±47 vs 84±37ng/ml; p=0.03) and increased in non-responders (79±58 vs 115±63ng/ml; p<0.01). TGF-β1 showed a trend towards reduction in responders (17.5±8.7 vs 10.2±8.9ng/ml; p=0.08) and was unchanged in non-responders. A significant correlation (r=−0.56; p=0.01) was found between relative changes of LVESV and plasma OPN. Conclusions: CRT-induced LV reverse remodelling is reflected by changes in plasma OPN. Circulating OPN may represent a marker of LV dilation/impairment and an indicator of the response to HF therapies promoting LV reverse remodelling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The number of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device implantations has been increasing exponentially, with the implant rate doubling over the past few years. While the majority of CRT recipients enjoy symptomatic relief, approximately 30% of individuals reap no benefit and only a minority are rendered completely symptom free. In response, many clinicians engage in the theoretically advantageous process of postimplantation optimization of atrial and ventricular stimulation by altering atrioventricular and interventricular pacing intervals. However, the rationale for routine CRT optimization and the methods of doing so have been the subjects of recent debate. Here, we present an overview of the background, techniques and evidence for CRT optimization. INSET: Key issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The data about the incidence of subclavian venous (SCV) obstruction or thrombosis after biventricular device implantation is limited. Therefore, we aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of venous obstruction after biventricular device implantation with or without a defibrillator in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and cardiac dyssynchrony. Method and results: Eighty-six patients who had undergone biventricular device implantation were included in the study. Subclavian vein was patent in 61% of all participants. Among the patients with subclavian obstruction ( n = 33), 8 had mild obstruction, 15 had severe obstruction, and 10 had total occlusion. The presence of additional implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and the number of leads that were used were found to be significant covariates of obstruction in subclavian vein after biventricular device implantation ( p = 0.004 and p = 0.01, respectively). Atrial fibrillation after biventricular pacemaker and ICD implantation was significantly related with total occlusion ( r = 0.3, p = 0.005 and r = 0.24, p = 0.003, respectively). Conclusion: Patients who are candidates for biventricular device implantation are at increased risk for venous obstruction when compared with other pacemaker patients and this causes higher incidence of venous obstruction among these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate whether cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) by means of biventricular (BiV) pacing can improve left ventricular (LV) function, remodelling and clinical status in chronically right ventricular (RV) paced patients with mild cardiomyopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives: We tested a circumferential mechanical dyssynchrony index (circumferential uniformity ratio estimate [CURE]; 0 to 1, 1 = synchrony) derived from magnetic resonance-myocardial tagging (MR-MT) for predicting clinical function class improvement following cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Background: There remains a significant nonresponse rate to CRT. MR-MT provides high quality mechanical activation data throughout the heart, and delayed enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (DE-CMR) offers precise characterization of myocardial scar. Methods: MR-MT was performed in 2 cohorts of heart failure patients with: 1) a CRT heart failure cohort (n = 20; left ventricular ejection fraction of 0.23 ± 0.057) to evaluate the role of MR-MT and DE-CMR prior to CRT; and 2) a multimodality cohort (n = 27; ejection fraction of 0.20 ± 0.066) to compare MR-MT and tissue Doppler imaging septal-lateral delay for assessment of mechanical dyssynchrony. MR-MT was also performed in 9 healthy control subjects. Results: MR-MT showed that control subjects had highly synchronous contraction (CURE 0.96 ± 0.01), but tissue Doppler imaging indicated dyssynchrony in 44%. Using a cutoff of <0.75 for CURE based on receiver-operator characteristic analysis (area under the curve: 0.889), 56% of patients tested positive for mechanical dyssynchrony, and the MR-MT CURE predicted improved function class with 90% accuracy (positive and predictive values: 87%, 100%); adding DE-CMR (% total scar <15%) data improved accuracy further to 95% (positive and negative predictive values: 93%, 100%). The correlation between CURE and QRS duration was modest in all cardiomyopathy subjects (r = 0.58, p < 0.001). The multimodality cohort showed a 30% discordance rate between CURE and tissue Doppler imaging septal-lateral delay. Conclusions: The MR-MT assessment of circumferential mechanical dyssynchrony predicts improvement in function class after CRT. The addition of scar imaging by DE-CMR further improves this predictive value. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This is the case of a 77-year-old man with hypertension, diabetes, ischemic cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and an extensive device history. In May 2005, he underwent implantation of a right-sided biventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) system (Medtronic Insync Maximo 7303), Capsure Fix Novus 4076 atrial lead (Medtronic), Sprint Fidelis 6949 right ventricular (RV) dual coil ICD lead (Medtronic), and Attain OTW Bipolar 4194 left ventricular (LV) lead (Medtronic). In September 2007, he was using his right arm to dig a ditch and lay bricks. The next day while holding up a newspaper to read, he received multiple shocks. He was taken to a local emergency room where his ICD was reprogrammed to prevent shocks, and he was transferred to our facility for management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Biventricular (BiV) pacing and left univentricular (LUV) pacing can each produce clinical benefits in heart failure. The impact of modern refinements in pacing optimization on the relative benefits of these two modes is unknown. We aimed to compare these two modes in patients with heart failure, using Echo-based optimization of each pacing mode. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a recently developed approach to treat dilated heart failure with discoordinate contraction. Such dyssynchrony typically stems from electrical delay that then translates into mechanical delay between the septal and lateral walls. Over the past decade, many studies have examined the pathophysiology of cardiac dyssynchrony, tested the effects of cardiac resynchronization on heart function and energetics,tested the chronic efficacy of this therapy to enhance symptoms and reduce mortality, and better established which patients are most likely to benefit. This brief review discusses these topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

VASEGHI, M.,et al.: Beyond Coronary Sinus Angiography: The Value of Coronary Arteriography and Identification of the Pericardiophrenic Vein During Left Ventricular Lead Placement. Objective:The purpose of this study was to define the role coronary arteriography (venous phase) for improving the success of left ventricular (LV) lead implantation and to define the value of identifying the pericardiophrenic vein for optimal LV lead placement in biventricular (bi-v) device implantation.Methods:Seventy-seven patients underwent bi-v device implantation between July 2002 and October 2003. If the coronary sinus (CS) could not be accessed, then left coronary arteriography was performed during the same procedure. CS access was guided by venous phase images of the coronary arteriogram. The pericardiophrenic vein was identified by selective cannulation or direct visualization. Patients with Cr>1.5 had gadolinium used as the contrast agent.Results:Seventy-five successful implants were performed (97%). In seven patients (9%) repeated attempts at retrograde cannulation of the CS failed (attempt time 130± 20 minute, mean± SD). In these patients, coronary arteriography helped define the location of the CS, which was subsequently successfully cannulated. In six patients the pericardiophrenic vein was identified either during occlusion venography of the CS (postthoracotomy, veno-venous collaterals, n= 2) or during selective cannulation of the pericardiophrenic vein (using a DAIG Csl catheter, n= 4). The vein was directly visualized in three patients who underwent surgical LV lead implantation. LV leads in all these cases were implanted in areas not overlying the preidentified pericardiophrenic vein. During follow-up, none of these patients had evidence of phrenic nerve stimulation.Conclusions:Intraoperative left coronary arteriography increases the success of CS cannulation. Identification of the pericardiophrenic vein is a useful method to avoid phrenic nerve stimulation.(PACE 2005; 28:185–190) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: ObjectivesWe sought to investigate to what extent intra-ventricular asynchrony (intraVA) and inter-ventricular asynchrony (interVA) determine left ventricular (LV) function in canine hearts with left bundle branch block (LBBB) during ventricular pacing.: BackgroundPacing therapy improves LV pump function in patients with heart failure and abnormal ventricular conduction supposedly due to resynchronization. However, the relationship between LV pump function and measures of asynchrony is not well established.: MethodsIn 15 experiments, LV (various sites) and biventricular (BiV) pacing was performed at atrioventricular (AV) delays of 20 to 140 ms. Measured were the maximum rate of increase (dP/dtmax) of LV pressure and LV stroke work (SW) (conductance catheter), interVA (time delay between the upslope of LV and RV pressures), and intraVA (from endocardial electrical activation maps).: ResultsInduction of LBBB increased interVA (−6.4 ± 8.6 to −28.4 ± 8.5 ms [RV earlier]) and intraVA (4.9 ± 2.4 to 18.0 ± 3.3 ms), whereas LV dP/dtmax and SW decreased (−13 ± 18% and −39 ± 24%, respectively). During LBBB, LV and BiV pacing increased LV dP/dtmax and SW (mean increases 14% to 21% and 11% to 15%, respectively) without changing diastolic function or preload. Optimal improvement in LV function was obtained consistently when intraVA returned to pre-LBBB values, while interVA remained elevated. Normalization of intraVA required AV delays shorter than the baseline PQ time during LV apex and BiV pacing, thus excluding endogenous LV activation, but AV delays virtually equal to the baseline PQ time (difference 4 ± 9 ms, p = NS) during pacing at (mid)lateral LV sites to obtain fusion between pacing-induced and endogenous activation.: ConclusionsIn LBBB hearts, optimal restoration of LV systolic function by pacing requires intra-ventricular resynchronization. The optimal AV delay to achieve this depends on both the site of pacing and baseline PQ time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: ObjectivesWe sought to determine whether radial left ventricular (LV) asynchrony in patients with heart failure predicts systolic function improvement with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).: BackgroundWe quantified LV wall motion by echocardiography to correlate the effects of CRT on LV systolic function with wall motion synchrony.: MethodsThirty-four patients underwent echocardiographic phase analysis of LV septal and lateral wall motion and hemodynamic testing before CRT. Phase relationships were measured by the difference between the lateral (ΦL) and septal (ΦS) wall motion phase angles: ΦLS = ΦL − ΦS. The absolute value of ΦLS was used as an order-independent measure of synchrony: &z.sfnc;ΦLS&z.sfnc; = &z.sfnc;ΦL − ΦS&z.sfnc;.: ResultsThree phase relationships were identified (mean ± SD): type 1 (n = 4; peak positive LV pressure [dP/dtmax] 692 ± 310 mm Hg/s; ΦLS = 5 ± 6°, synchronous wall motion); type 2 (n = 17; dP/dtmax 532 ± 148 mm Hg/s; ΦLS = 77 ± 33°, delayed lateral wall motion); and type 3 (n = 13; dP/dtmax 558 ± 154 mm Hg/s; ΦLS = −115 ± 33°, delayed septal wall motion, triphasic). A large &z.sfnc;ΦLS&z.sfnc; predicted a larger increase in dP/dtmax with CRT (r = 0.74, p < 0.001). Sixteen patients were studied during right ventricular (RV), LV and biventricular (BV) pacing. Cardiac resynchronization therapy acutely reduced &z.sfnc;ΦLS&z.sfnc; from 104 ± 41° (OFF) to 86 ± 45° (RV; p = 0.14 vs. OFF), 71 ± 50° (LV; p = 0.001 vs. OFF) and 66 ± 42° (BV; p = 0.001 vs. OFF). A reduction in &z.sfnc;ΦLS&z.sfnc; predicted an improvement in dP/dtmax in type 2 patients for LV (r = 0.87, p = 0.005) and BV CRT (r = 0.73, p = 0.04).: ConclusionsEchocardiographic quantification of LV asynchrony identifies patients likely to have improved systolic function with CRT. Improved synchrony is directly related to improved hemodynamic systolic function in type 2 patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: ObjectivesThe main objective of this study was to assess if the benefits of biventricular (BiV) pacing observed during the crossover phase were sustained over 12 months.: BackgroundMUltisite STimulation In Cardiomyopathies (MUSTIC) is a randomized controlled study intended to evaluate the effects of BiV pacing in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III heart failure and intraventricular conduction delay.: MethodsOf 131 patients included, 42/67 in sinus rhythm (SR) and 33/64 in atrial fibrillation (AF) were followed up longitudinally at 9 and 12 months by 6-min walked distance, peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2), quality of life by the Minnesota score, NYHA class, echocardiography, and left ventricular ejection fraction by radionuclide technique.: ResultsAt 12 months, all SR and 88% of AF patients were programmed to BiV pacing. Compared with baseline, the 6-min walked distance increased by 20% (SR) (p = 0.0001) and 17% (AF) (p = 0.004); the peak VO2 by 11% (SR) and 9% (AF); quality of life improved by 36% (SR) (p = 0.0001) and 32% (AF) (p = 0.002); NYHA class improved by 25% (SR) (p = 0.0001) and 27% (AF) (p = 0.0001). The ejection fraction improved by 5% (SR) and 4% (AF). Mitral regurgitation decreased by 45% (SR) and 50% (AF).: ConclusionsThe clinical benefits of BiV pacing appeared to be significantly maintained over a 12-month follow-up period. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: ObjectivesWe characterized the relationship between systolic ventricular function and left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) in patients with heart failure (HF) and baseline asynchrony during ventricular stimulation.: BackgroundThe role of preload in the systolic performance improvement that can be obtained in HF patients with LV stimulation is uncertain.: MethodsWe measured the maximum rate of increase of LV pressure, LVEDP, aortic pulse pressure (PP) and the atrioventricular mechanical latency (AVL) between left atrial systole and LV pressure onset in 39 patients with HF. Two subgroups were identified: “responder” if PP improved, or “nonresponder.”: ResultsMaximum hemodynamic improvement occurred at an atrioventricular (AV) delay that did not decrease LVEDP. Left ventricular and biventricular (BV) stimulation increased systolic hemodynamics significantly, despite no significant increase in LVEDP. All parameters decreased when the LVEDP was decreased by shorter AV delay. Left ventricular and BV stimulation provided better hemodynamics than right ventricular (RV) stimulation. For the nonresponder subgroup, systolic hemodynamics only worsened during AV delay shortening. For the responder subgroup, optimum PP was achieved when AVL was near zero.: ConclusionsRestoration of optimal left atrial-ventricular mechanical timing partly contributes to the hemodynamic improvements observed in this patient subgroup. However, preload alone cannot explain the differences seen between RV and BV stimulation and the contradictory PP decreases even at maximal preload in the nonresponder subgroup. These results may be explained by a site-dependent mechanism such as the degree of ventricular synchrony. Caution should be taken in these patients when optimizing AV delays using echocardiography techniques that focus on LV inflow. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]