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Objective: Our study examines the long-term outcomes of patients discharged from the hospital without heart replacement therapy (HRT) after recovery from cardiogenic shock using venoarterial extracorporeal life support (VA-ECLS). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 615 cardiogenic shock patients who recovered from VA-ECLS at our institution between January 2015 and July 2021. Of those, 166 patients (27.0%) who recovered from VA-ECLS without HRT were included in this study. Baseline characteristics, discharge labs, vitals, electrocardiograms and echocardiograms were assessed. Patients were contacted to determine vital status. The primary outcome was post-discharge mortality. Results: Of 166 patients, 158 patients (95.2%) had post-discharge follow-up, with a median time of follow-up of 2 years (IQR: [1 year, 4 years]). At discharge, the median ejection fraction (EF) was 52.5% (IQR: [32.5, 57.5]). At discharge, 92 patients (56%) were prescribed β-blockers, 28 (17%) were prescribed an ACE inhibitor, ARB or ARNI, and 50 (30%) were prescribed loop diuretics. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a 1-year survival rate of 85.6% (95% CI: [80.1%, 91.2%]) and a 5-year survival rate of 60.6% (95% CI: [49.9%, 71.3%]). A Cox regression model demonstrated that a history of congestive heart failure (CHF) was strongly predictive of increased mortality hazard (HR = 1.929; p = 0.036), while neither discharge EF nor etiology of VA-ECLS were associated with increased post-discharge mortality. Conclusions: Patients discharged from the hospital after full myocardial recovery from VA-ECLS support without HRT should have close outpatient follow-up due to the risk of recurrent heart failure and increased mortality in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examines the role of extracorporeal life support flow in the development of acute kidney injury in cardiogenic shock. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 465 patients placed on extracorporeal life support at our institution between January 2015 and December 2020 for cardiogenic shock. Flow index was calculated by dividing mean flow by body surface. Stages of acute kidney injury were determined according to Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) organization guidelines. Results: There were 179 (38.5%) patients who developed acute kidney injury, 63.1% of which were classified as Stage 3--the only subgroup associated with 1-year mortality (hazard ratio = 2.03, p <.001). Risk of k idney injury increased up to a flow index of 1.6 L/min/m2, and kidney injury was more common among patients with flow index greater than 1.6 L/min/m2 (p =.034). Those with kidney injury had higher baseline lactate levels (4.4 vs 3.1, p =.04), and Stage 3 was associated wit higher baseline creatinine (p <.001). Conclusions: In our cohort, kidney injury was common and Stage 3 kidney injury was associated with worse outcomes compared to other stages. Low flow was not associated with increased risk of kidney injury. Elevated baseline lactate and creatinine among patients with acute kidney injury suggest underlying illness severity, rather than flow, may influence kidney injury risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusions No clear guidelines exist for perioperative anticoagulation management after durable left ventricular assist device insertion. In this study, we sought to compare outcomes between anti‐factor Xa (FXa) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) in monitoring unfractionated heparin (UFH) dosing after HeartMate 3 (HM3) insertion.This is a single‐center retrospective review of patients who received UFH after HM3 insertion between 01/2020–12/2022. Post‐operative UFH dose was titrated by aPTT goal 45–60 sec (n = 53) or FXa goal 0.1–0.2 U/mL (n = 59). Baseline differences between cohorts were balanced by inverse probability treatment weighting.At baseline, unadjusted FXa patients were more likely to be white (47.5% vs. 35.8%, p < 0.001), INTERMACS 1–2 (69.5% vs. 47.2%, p = 0.013), have history of coronary artery disease (66.1% vs. 43.4%, p = 0.026), and lower eGFR (54.1 vs. 63.7 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.029) compared to the aPTT group. After adjusting for several bleeding/thrombosis risk factors, 97.5% of FXa and 91.0% of aPTT patients reached therapeutic levels with comparable UFH duration and maximum dose. Moreover, in‐hospital mortality (2.5% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.842), major bleeding events (4.2% vs. 9.2%, p = 0.360), and thromboembolic events (21.8% vs. 10.1%, p = 0.151) remained without significant differences between FXa and aPTT cohorts. There was a high degree of variability in FXa (r2 = 0.20) and aPTT (r2 = 0.22) values for any given UFH dose.No differences in frequency of bleeding or thromboembolic events were observed in this study between FXa versus aPTT cohorts after HM3 implantation. More longitudinal studies are warranted to determine whether or not one assay is superior to the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: del Nido cardioplegia is utilized for myocardial protection in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery; however, no standardized re-dosing protocol exists. We describe perfusion characteristics and clinical outcomes in adult cardiac surgery patients who were re-dosed with del Nido cardioplegia. Methods: Chart review was performed for adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery (specific inclusion/exclusion criteria below) who received exactly two doses of del Nido cardioplegia from 2012 to 2019; n = 542 patients. The main outcome was a composite endpoint comprised of operative mortality, myocardial infarction, post-operative cardiac support device (CSD), and postoperative decrease in ejection fraction (EF), which was analyzed via multivariable logistic regression (MVLR). A secondary analysis evaluated postoperative vasoactive-inotropic scores (VIS) via gamma log link regression (GLLR) as a more physiologic indication of myocardial recovery. Results: MVLR demonstrated that increased total cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was associated with a positive composite outcome (p <.001), whereas time between doses (p =.237) and the volume of each dose was not (p =.626). GLLR also demonstrated that prolonged CBP, decreased EF, congestive heart failure at time of surgery, and low hematocrit at the start of the surgery were all associated with higher VIS. Conclusions: In this retrospective study, variations in re-dosing strategy for del Nido cardioplegia do not affect postoperative outcomes and increased CPB time is associated with increased operative mortality, myocardial infarction, need for post-operative CSDs, and reduced postoperative EF, and increased VIS, irrespective of the re-dosing strategy. Further studies are warranted to to identify additional patient and operative characteristics that predispose to complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Fetal head and neck masses can result in critical airway obstruction. Our study aimed to evaluate prenatal factors associated with the decision for a definitive airway, including ex‐utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT), at birth among at‐risk fetuses. Methods: A single‐institution retrospective review evaluated all fetal head and neck masses prenatally diagnosed from 2005 to 2023. The primary outcome was the decision for a definitive airway at birth, including intubation, tracheostomy, or EXIT. Results: Thirty four patients were included, with 23 deliveries occurring at our institution. 8/23 (35%) patients received a definitive airway at birth, six underwent an EXIT procedure, and two required intubation only. Patients who received a definitive airway had higher rates of polyhydramnios (50% vs. 7%, p = 0.03), tracheal narrowing on ultrasound (US) (50% vs. 0%, p = 0.01), tracheal displacement on US (63% vs. 0%, p < 0.01), abnormal fetal breathing on US (50% vs. 0%, p = 0.01), tracheal narrowing or displacement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (75% vs. 7%, p < 0.01), and larger mass maximum diameter (7.9 vs. 4.3 cm, p = 0.02). In our series, 100% of patients with polyhydramnios, tracheal narrowing or displacement on either US or MRI, and abnormal fetal breathing on US received a definitive airway at birth. Conclusion: Prenatal findings of tracheal narrowing or displacement, polyhydramnios, and abnormal fetal breathing are strongly associated with the decision for a definitive airway at birth and warrant mobilization of appropriate resources. Key points: What's already known about this topic? Fetal head and neck masses are rare congenital anomalies that can result in critical airway obstruction, with management ranging from surveillance to emergent surgical airway What does this study add? In our series, 100% of patients with polyhydramnios, tracheal narrowing or displacement on either ultrasound (US) or magnetic resonance imaging, and abnormal fetal breathing on US received a definitive airway at birthPatients presenting with the above findings warrant transfer to a fetal center with appropriate resources [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hospital readmissions following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) remain a frequent comorbidity, associated with decreased quality of life and increased resources utilization. This study sought to determine causes, predictors, and impact on survival of hospitalizations during HeartMate 3 (HM3) support. Methods: All patients implanted with HM3 between November 2014 to December 2019 at Columbia University Irving Medical Center were consecutively enrolled in the study. Demographics and clinical characteristics from the index admission and the first outpatient visit were collected and used to estimate 1‐year and 900‐day readmission‐free survival and overall survival. Multivariable analysis was performed for subsequent readmissions. Results: Of 182 patients who received a HM3 LVAD, 167 (92%) were discharged after index admission and experienced 407 unplanned readmissions over the median follow up of 727 (interquartile range (IQR): 410.5, 1124.5) days. One‐year and 900‐day mean cumulative number of all‐cause unplanned readmissions was 0.43 (95%CI, 0.36, 0.51) and 1.13 (95%CI, 0.99, 1.29). The most frequent causes of rehospitalizations included major infections (29.3%), bleeding (13.2%), device‐related (12.5%), volume overload (7.1%), and other (28%). One‐year and 900‐day survival free from all‐cause readmission was 38% (95%CI, 31–46%) and 16.6% (95%CI, 10.3–24.4%). One‐year and 900‐day freedom from 2, 3, and ≥4 readmissions were 60.7%, 74%, 74.5% and 26.2%, 33.3%, 41.3%. One‐year and 900‐day survival were unaffected by the number of readmissions and remained >90%. Male sex, ischemic etiology, diabetes, lower serum creatinine, longer duration of index hospitalization, and a history of readmission between discharge and the first outpatient visit were associated with subsequent readmissions. Conclusions: Unplanned hospital readmissions after HM3 are common, with infections and bleeding accounting for the majority of readmissions. Irrespective of the number of readmissions, one‐year survival remained unaffected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ROMA trial is a large randomized clinical trial comparing single arterial grafting (SAG) and multiple arterial grafting (MAG) in coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). The trial began in 2017 and is expected to conclude in 2023. It was initiated due to the inconclusive results of a previous trial. Challenges faced by the ROMA trial include high crossover rates and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The trial's results are still pending but are anticipated to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of MAG in CABG procedures. The success of the ROMA trial has led to the establishment of the ROMA network, which conducts other cardiac surgery trials. The trial involves multiple participating centers across different continents, including hospitals in Asia such as Jilin Heart Hospital, Fuwai Hospital, Teda Hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital, and Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong USM. The document also provides a list of hospitals and medical institutions from various countries involved in the trial. The ROMA trial is funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Canadian Institutes of Health and Research. [Extracted from the article]

Veno-arterial extracorporeal life support (V-A ECLS) is increasingly being utilized for postcardiotomy shock (PCS), though data describing the relationship between type of indexed operation and outcomes are limited. This study compared V-A ECLS outcomes across four major cardiovascular surgical procedures.This was a single-center retrospective study of patients who required V-A ECLS for PCS between 2015 and 2022. Patients were stratified by the type of indexed operation, which included aortic surgery (AoS), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve surgery (Valve), and combined CABG and valve surgery (CABG + Valve). Factors associated with postoperative outcomes were assessed using logistic regression.Among 149 PCS patients who received V-A ECLS, there were 35 AoS patients (23.5%), 29 (19.5%) CABG patients, 59 (39.6%) Valve patients, and 26 (17.4%) CABG + Valve patients. Cardiopulmonary bypass times were longest in the AoS group (p < 0.01). Regarding causes of PCS, AoS patients had a greater incidence of ventricular failure, while the CABG group had a higher incidence of ventricular arrhythmia (p = 0.04). Left ventricular venting was most frequently utilized in the Valve group (p = 0.07). In-hospital mortality was worst among CABG + Valve patients (p < 0.01), and the incidence of acute kidney injury was highest in the AoS group (p = 0.03). In multivariable logistic regression, CABG + Valve surgery (odds ratio (OR) 4.20, 95% confidence interval 1.30–13.6, p = 0.02) and lactate level at ECLS initiation (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.06-1.29; p < 0.01) were independently associated with mortality.We demonstrate that indications, management, and outcomes of V-A ECLS for PCS vary by type of indexed cardiovascular surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prosthetic valve-related morbidity and mortality in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) remain unclear. We retrospectively reviewed patients who received a HeartMate II or 3 LVAD at our center between April 2004 and December 2022. Patients with a valve prosthesis in any position were included. Of the 726 LVAD recipients, 74 (10.2%) underwent valve replacement before (n = 37, 50.0%), concomitantly with (n = 32, 43.2%), or after (n = 6, 8.1%) LVAD insertion. Prosthetic valves were implanted in the aortic (n = 32), mitral (n = 23), and tricuspid (n = 26) positions. Mechanical valves were present in eight (three aortic, five mitral) patients. At a median follow-up of 1.97 years post-VAD (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.56-4.58 years), there was one valve-related death due to severe aortic bioprosthetic insufficiency. Five of 28 (17.9%) patients with an aortic bioprosthesis had evidence of dysfunction on follow-up echocardiography. Median time to first sign of aortic bioprosthetic valve dysfunction was 1 (IQR: 0.6-5.1) year from time of LVAD with the prosthesis in place and 10.8 (IQR: 9.5-12.6) years from date of initial valve insertion. Prosthetic valve-related mortality or reinterventions are uncommon in patients with LVADs; however, bioprosthetic aortic valve dysfunction can develop less than 1 year after LVAD implantation., Competing Interests: Disclosure: M.Y., P.C.C., G.T.S., and N.U. disclose a financial relationship with Abbott. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to report., (Copyright © ASAIO 2024.)

Competing Interests: Disclosure: Y.N. serves as a consultant for Abbott. G.T.S. serves as a consultant for Abbott. N.U. has received research grant support and consultant fees from Abbott and Medtronic. M.Y. received research grant support and speaker fees from Abbott. P.C.C. received speaker fees from Abbott (<$5,000 yearly). The other authors have no conflicts of interest to report.