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Objectives: Lateral thoracotomy (LT) approach may preserve the right ventricular (RV) function after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. This study evaluated the short- and long-term RV function using echocardiography after LVAD implantation via LT or median sternotomy (sternotomy)., Methods: The patients who underwent HeartMate 3 implantation were retrospectively reviewed. The RV function was assessed before and 1 month and 1 year after LVAD implantation. The primary and secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality and a composite of death or readmission due to RV failure, respectively., Results: Of the 195 patients, 55 (28%) underwent LT and 140 (72%) underwent sternotomy. There were no significant differences in the preoperative RV geometry or function. One month after the LVAD implantation, the LT group had a smaller RV end-diastolic dimension [42 (29-48) vs 47 (42-52) mm; P = 0.003] and RV end-diastolic area [25 (21-28) vs 29 (24-36) cm2; P < 0.001] and a greater RV fractional area change [30 (25-34)% vs 28 (23-31)%; P = 0.04] and peak systolic tissue velocity [8 (7-9) vs 7 (6-8) cm/s; P = 0.01]. Twenty-four patients died and 46 met the composite end point. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis did not reveal significant differences between LT and sternotomy in the 2-year survival (93% vs 83%; log-rank test, P = 0.28) and adverse event rate (76% vs 71%; log-rank test, P = 0.65)., Conclusions: LT approach yielded a better-preserved RV function at 1 month; however, there were no significant differences in the 2-year survival and adverse event rates., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.)

Background: Information about health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among caregivers of older patients with heart failure who receive heart transplantation (HT) and mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is sparse. We describe differences and factors associated with change in HRQOL before and early post-surgery among caregivers of older heart failure patients who underwent 3 surgical therapies: HT with pretransplant MCS (HT MCS), HT without pretransplant MCS (HT non-MCS), and long-term MCS., Methods: Caregivers of older patients (60-80 years) from 13 US sites completed the EQ-5D-3 L visual analog scale (0 [worst]-100 [best] imaginable health state) and dimensions before and 3 and 6 months post-surgery. Analyses included linear regression, t tests, and nonparametric tests., Results: Among 227 caregivers (HT MCS=54, HT non-MCS=76, long-term MCS=97; median age 62.7 years, 30% male, 84% White, 83% spouse/partner), EQ-5D visual analog scale scores were high before (84.8±14.1) and at 3 (84.7±13.0) and 6 (83.9±14.7) months post-surgery, without significant differences among groups or changes over time. Patient pulmonary hypertension presurgery (β=-13.72 [95% CI, -21.07 to -6.36]; P <0.001) and arrhythmia from 3 to 6 months post-operatively (β=-14.22 [95% CI, -27.41 to -1.02]; P =0.035) were associated with the largest decrements in caregiver HRQOL; patient marital/partner status (β=6.21 [95% CI, 1.34-11.08]; P =0.013) and presurgery coronary disease (β=8.98 [95% CI, 4.07-13.89]; P <0.001) were associated with the largest improvements., Conclusions: Caregivers of older patients undergoing heart failure surgeries reported overall high HRQOL before and early post-surgery. Understanding factors associated with caregiver HRQOL may inform decision-making and support needs., Registration: URL: https://www., Clinicaltrials: gov; Unique identifier: NCT02568930., Competing Interests: Disclosures Dr Jane received grant support from the American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health; is a consultant for Amgen, Abbott, Abiomed, and Novartis; and is on the advisory board of Abiomed and Cytokinetics. Dr Kao participated in the advisory board for CareDx and Bioventrix. Dr Spertus is a consultant at Amgen, Novartis, Bayer, Myokardia, and Janssen; on the scientific advisory board of United HealthCare; on the board of directors of BlueCross BlueShield, Kansas City; and is the copyright holder to the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire. Dr Yancy received spousal employment from Abbott Labs Inc. Dr Petty received speaking honorarium from Abbott Inc. M. Murray is a consultant on a research project at GE Healthcare. Dr Silvestry is a consultant at Abiomed, Medtronic, Syncardia, and Abbott. Dr Kirklin is a director of the DCC for STS INTERMACS; and received grant support from the National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Aging. Dr Grady is a consultant at Amgen Inc; is a paid lecturer for the American Heart Association; and received grant support from the National Institutes of Health (National Institute on Aging and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute).

Objectives: Right ventricular (RV) failure remains a major concern in heart failure (HF) patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We aimed to measure the kinetic energy of blood in the RV outflow tract (KE-RVOT) - a new marker of RV global systolic function. We also aimed to assess the relationship of KE-RVOT to other echocardiographic parameters in all subjects and assess the relationship of KE-RVOT to hemodynamic parameters of RV performance in HF patients., Methods: Fifty-one subjects were prospectively enrolled into 4 groups (healthy controls, NYHA Class II, NYHA Class IV, LVAD patients) as follows: 11 healthy controls, 32 HF patients (8 NYHA Class II and 24 Class IV), and 8 patients with preexisting LVADs. The 24 Class IV HF patients included 21 pre-LVAD and 3 pre-transplant patients. Echocardiographic parameters of RV function (TAPSE, St', Et', IVA, MPI) and RV outflow color-Doppler images were recorded in all patients. Invasive hemodynamic parameters of RV function were collected in all Class IV HF patients. KE-RVOT was derived from color-Doppler imaging using a vector flow mapping proprietary software. Kruskal-Wallis test was performed for comparison of KE-RVOT in each group. Correlation between KE-RVOT and echocardiographic/hemodynamic parameters was assessed by linear regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curves for the ability of KE-RVOT to predict early phase RV failure were generated., Results: KE-RVOT (median ± IQR) was higher in healthy controls (55.10 [39.70 to 76.43] mW/m) than in the Class II HF group (22.23 [15.41 to 35.58] mW/m, p  < 0.005). KE-RVOT was further reduced in the Class IV HF group (9.02 [5.33 to 11.94] mW/m, p  < 0.05). KE-RVOT was lower in the LVAD group (25.03 [9.88 to 38.98] mW/m) than the healthy controls group ( p  < 0.005). KE-RVOT had significant correlation with all echocardiographic parameters and no correlation with invasive hemodynamic parameters. RV failure occurred in 12 patients who underwent LVAD implantation in the Class IV HF group (1 patient was not eligible due to death immediately after the LVAD implantation). KE-RVOT cut-off value for prediction of RV failure was 9.15 mW/m (sensitivity: 0.67, specificity: 0.75, AUC: 0.66)., Conclusions: KE-RVOT, a novel noninvasive measure of RV function, strongly correlates with well-established echocardiographic markers of RV performance. KE-RVOT is the energy generated by RV wall contraction. Therefore, KE-RVOT may reflect global RV function. The utility of KE-RVOT in prediction of RV failure post LVAD implantation requires further study., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2023 Akiyama, Colombo, Stöhr, Ji, Wu, Itatani, Miyazaki, Nishino, Nakamura, Nakajima, McDonnell, Takeda, Yuzefpolskaya and Takayama.)

Background: In patients with the HeartMate 3 (HM3, Abbott) left ventricular (LV) assist device (LVAD), outflow graft narrowing has been reported as a result of accumulation of biodebris either internal or external to the graft. This study describes the prevalence, imaging findings, and clinical outcomes associated with HM3 LVAD outflow graft narrowing., Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study was performed in patients who received an HM3 LVAD between November 2014 and July 2019. All patients with a computed tomographic (CT) angiogram or a CT scan with intravenous contrast sufficient to evaluate the outflow graft lumen were included. Narrowing was defined as a hypodensity of ≥3 mm., Results: Of 165 HM3 LVAD recipients, 46 (28%) had qualifying imaging. Outflow graft narrowing was present in 33% (15/46). One patient had complete obstruction requiring emergency surgery, whereas 14 patients had a median hypodensity of 4.5 mm (interquartile range, 3.3-5.8 mm). The presence of outflow graft narrowing was significantly associated with a longer duration of LVAD support (588.2 ± 277.5 days vs 131.5 ± 170.9 days; P < .0001). One-year survival after identification of narrowing was 93%, with death occurring in 1 patient with complete obstruction. LV unloading (mean percent decrease in LV end-diastolic diameter at time of CT imaging vs pre-LVAD) was 16.7% vs 17.7% in patients with and without narrowing, respectively (P = .86)., Conclusions: Among patients with adequate imaging, one-third have evidence of narrowing. Outflow graft narrowing secondary to biodebris was more likely to be found in HM3 LVAD recipients with longer duration of LVAD support. There was no significant difference in LV unloading between patients with and without narrowing., (Copyright © 2023 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The 13th annual report from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (Intermacs) highlights outcomes for 27,314 patients receiving continuous-flow durable left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) during the last decade (2012-2021). In 2021, 2464 primary LVADs were implanted, representing a 23.5% reduction in the annual volume compared with peak implantation in 2019 and an ongoing trend from the prior year. This decline is likely a reflection of the untoward effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and the change in the United States heart transplant allocation system in 2018. The last several years have been characterized by a shift in device indication and type, with 81.1% of patients now implanted as destination therapy and 92.7% receiving an LVAD with full magnetic levitation in 2021. However, despite an older, more ill population being increasingly supported preimplant with temporary circulatory devices in the recent (2017-2021) vs prior (2012-2016) eras, the 1- and 5-year survival continues to improve, at 83.0% and 51.9%, respectively. The adverse events profile has also improved, with a significant reduction in stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding, and hospital readmissions. Finally, we examined the impact of the change in the heart transplant allocation system in 2018 on LVAD candidacy, implant strategy, and outcomes. In the competing-outcomes analysis, the proportion of transplant-eligible patients receiving a transplant has declined from 56.5% to 46.0% at 3 years, whereas the proportion remaining alive with ongoing support has improved from 24.1% to 38.1% at 3 years, underscoring the durability of the currently available technology., (Copyright © 2023 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) causes impaired blood flow in both epicardial coronary arteries and the microvasculature. A leading cause of post-transplant mortality, CAV affects 50% of heart transplant recipients within 10 years of heart transplant., Objectives: This analysis examined the outcomes of heart transplant recipients with reduced myocardial blood flow reserve (MBFR) and microvascular CAV detected by 13 N-ammonia positron emission tomography (PET) myocardial perfusion imaging., Methods: A total of 181 heart transplant recipients who underwent PET to assess for CAV were included with a median follow-up of 4.7 years. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to the total MBFR: >2.0 and ≤2.0. Microvascular CAV was defined as no epicardial CAV detected by PET and/or coronary angiography, but with an MBFR ≤2.0 by PET., Results: In total, 71 (39%) patients had an MBFR ≤2.0. Patients with an MBFR ≤2.0 experienced an increased risk for all outcomes: 7-fold increase in death or retransplantation (HR: 7.05; 95% CI: 3.2-15.6; P < 0.0001), 12-fold increase in cardiovascular death (HR: 12.0; 95% CI: 2.64-54.12; P = 0.001), and 10-fold increase in cardiovascular hospitalization (HR: 10.1; 95% CI: 3.43-29.9; P < 0.0001). The 5-year mean survival was 302 days less than those with an MBFR >2.0 (95% CI: 260.2-345.4 days; P < 0.0001). Microvascular CAV (adjusted HR: 3.86; 95% CI: 1.58-9.40; P = 0.003) was independently associated with an increased risk of death or retransplantation., Conclusions: Abnormal myocardial blood flow reserve, even in the absence of epicardial CAV, identifies patients at a high risk of death or retransplantation. Measures of myocardial blood flow provide prognostic information in addition to traditional CAV assessment., Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures Dr Clerkin has been supported by National Institutes of Health K23 HL148528. Dr Topkara has been supported by National Institutes of Health K08 HL146964. Dr Colombo has received consulting fees from Abbott. Dr Einstein has received speaker fees from Ionetix; has received consulting fees from W. L. Gore and Associates; and his institution has grants/grants pending from Canon Medical Systems, GE Healthcare, Roche Medical Systems, and W. L. Gore and Associates. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (Copyright © 2022 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Periodontal disease (PD), resulting from inflammatory host response to dysbiotic subgingival microbiota, has been linked to cardiovascular disease; however, its relationship to heart failure (HF) and its subtypes (heart failure with reduced ejection fraction [HFrEF] and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction [HFpEF]) is unexplored., Objectives: The authors hypothesize that the presence of PD is associated with increased risk of incident HF, HFpEF, and HFrEF., Methods: A total of 6,707 participants (mean age 63 ± 6 years) of the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities) study with full-mouth periodontal examination at visit 4 (1996-1998) and longitudinal follow-up for any incident HF (visit 4 to 2018), or incident HFpEF and HFrEF (2005-2018) were included. Periodontal status was classified as follows: healthy, PD (as per Periodontal Profile Classification [PPC]), or edentulous. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate HRs and 95% CIs for the association between PPC levels and incident HF, HFpEF, or HFrEF. Additionally, biomarkers of inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP]) and congestion (N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP]) were assessed., Results: In total, 1,178 incident HF cases occurred (350 HFpEF, 319 HFrEF, and 509 HF of unknown type) over a median of 13 years. Of these cases, 59% had PD, whereas 18% were edentulous. PD was associated with an increased risk for HFpEF (HR: 1.35 [95% CI: 0.98-1.86]) and significantly increased risk for HFrEF (HR: 1.69 [95% CI: 1.18-2.43]), as was edentulism: HFpEF (HR: 2.00 [95% CI: 1.37-2.93]), HFrEF (HR: 2.19 [95% CI: 1.43-3.36]). Edentulism was associated with unfavorable change in CRP and NT-proBNP, whereas PD was associated only with CRP., Conclusions: Periodontal status was associated with incident HF, HFpEF, and HFrEF, as well as unfavorable changes in CRP and NT-proBNP., Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures The ARIC study has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under Contract numbers (75N92022D00001, 75N92022D00002, 75N92022D00003, 75N92022D00004, 75N92022D00005). Ms Molinsky was supported by institutional training grant T32HL007779 from the National Institutes of Health, and Dr Lutsey was supported by K24 HL 159246. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (Copyright © 2022 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Restoring health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a therapeutic goal for older patients with advanced heart failure. We aimed to describe change in HRQOL in older patients (60-80 years) awaiting heart transplantation (HT) with or without pretransplant mechanical circulatory support (MCS) or scheduled for long-term MCS, if ineligible for HT, from before to 6 months after these surgeries and identify factors associated with change., Methods: Patients from 13 US sites completed the EuroQol 5-dimension 3L questionnaire and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12 at baseline and 3 and 6 months after HT or long-term MCS. Analyses included univariate comparisons and multivariable linear regression., Results: Among 305 participants (cohort mean age=66.2±4.7 years, 78% male, 84% White, 55% New York Heart Association class IV), 161 underwent HT (n=68 with and n=93 without pretransplant MCS), and 144 received long-term MCS. From baseline to 3 months, EuroQol 5-dimension visual analog scale scores improved in HT patients without pretransplant MCS (54.5±24.3 versus 75.9±16.0, P <0.001) and long-term MCS patients (45.7±22.9 versus 66.2± 20.9, P <0.001); while Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12 overall summary scores improved in all 3 groups (HT without pretransplant MCS: 47.2±20.9 versus 77.4±20.1, P <0.001; long-term MCS: 35.3±20.2 versus 58.6±22.0, P <0.001; and HT with pretransplant MCS: 58.3±23.6 versus 72.1±23.5, P =0.002). No further HRQOL improvement was found from 3 to 6 months. Factors most significantly associated with change in HRQOL, baseline 3 months, were right heart failure and 3-month New York Heart Association class, and 3 to 6 months, were 6-month New York Heart Association class and major bleeding., Conclusions: In older heart failure patients, HRQOL improved from before to early after HT and long-term MCS. At 6 postoperative months, HRQOL of long-term MCS patients was lower than one or both HT groups. Understanding change in HRQOL from before to early after these surgeries may enhance decision-making and guide patient care., Registration: URL: https://www., Clinicaltrials: gov; Unique identifier: NCT02568930.

Aims: Acute heart failure (HF) is associated with muscle mass loss, potentially leading to overestimation of kidney function using serum creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR sCr ). Cystatin C-based eGFR (eGFR CysC ) is less muscle mass dependent. Changes in the difference between eGFR CysC and eGFR sCr may reflect muscle mass loss. We investigated the difference between eGFR CysC and eGFR sCr and its association with clinical outcomes in acute HF patients., Methods and Results: A post hoc analysis was performed in 841 patients enrolled in three trials: Diuretic Optimization Strategy Evaluation (DOSE), Renal Optimization Strategies Evaluation (ROSE), and Cardiorenal Rescue Study in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (CARRESS-HF). Intra-individual differences between eGFRs (eGFR diff ) were calculated as eGFR CysC -eGFR sCr at serial time points during HF admission. We investigated associations of (i) change in eGFR diff between baseline and day 3 or 4 with readmission-free survival up to day 60; (ii) index hospitalization length of stay (LOS) and readmission with eGFR diff at day 60. eGFR CysC reclassified 40% of samples to more advanced kidney dysfunction. Median eGFR diff was -4 [-11 to 1.5] mL/min/1.73 m 2 at baseline, became more negative during admission and remained significantly different at day 60. The change in eGFR diff between baseline and day 3 or 4 was associated with readmission-free survival (adjusted hazard ratio per standard deviation decrease in eGFR diff : 1.14, P = 0.035). Longer index hospitalization LOS and readmission were associated with more negative eGFR diff at day 60 (both P ≤ 0.026 in adjusted models)., Conclusions: In acute HF, a marked difference between eGFR CysC and eGFR sCr is present at baseline, becomes more pronounced during hospitalization, and is sustained at 60 day follow-up. The change in eGFR diff during HF admission and eGFR diff at day 60 are associated with clinical outcomes., (© 2022 The Authors. ESC Heart Failure published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Society of Cardiology.)

Background: De novo aortic insufficiency (AI) is a common adverse event after continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement and is associated with morbidity and mortality. This study aims to compare the development of de novo AI between HeartMate 3 (Abbott) and HeartMate II LVAD recipients., Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of clinical characteristics and serial echocardiograms (1 month, 6 months, and 1 year postimplantation) of HeartMate 3 patients implanted between November 2014 and March 2019 and of HeartMate II patients implanted between April 2004 and December 2015 at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. One hundred twenty-two patients were excluded from analysis for a history of aortic valve surgery, concomitant aortic valve surgery with LVAD implant, or more than trace preoperative AI left untreated. De novo AI was defined as development of more than mild AI after LVAD implant., Results: Included in the study were 121 HeartMate 3 patients and 270 HeartMate II patients. After accounting for competing risks of death and transplantation, there was no significant difference in the development of de novo AI by 1 year postimplantation between HeartMate II and HeartMate 3 patients (P = .68). There was no significant difference in severity of AI developed up to 1 year post-implantation between HeartMate II and HeartMate 3 patients., Conclusions: Development of de novo AI is comparable between HeartMate 3 and HeartMate II patients. There is no significant difference in severity of AI between HeartMate II and HeartMate 3 patients., (Copyright © 2022 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The integrated design of the HeartMate 3 (Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, IL, USA) affords flexibility to place the pump within the pericardium or thoracic cavity. We sought to determine whether the presence of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in either location has a meaningful impact on overall patient outcomes., Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of all 165 patients who received a HeartMate 3 LVAD via a median sternotomy from November 2014 to August 2019 at our center. Based on operative reports and imaging, patients were divided into intrapleural (n=81) and intrapericardial (n=84) cohorts. The primary outcome of interest was in-hospital mortality, while secondary outcomes included postoperative complications, cumulative readmission incidence, and 3-year survival., Results: There were no significant between-group differences in baseline demographics, risk factors, or preoperative hemodynamics. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 6%, with no significant difference between the cohorts (9% vs. 4%, p=0.20). There were no significant differences in the postoperative rates of right ventricular failure, kidney failure requiring hemodialysis, stroke, tracheostomy, or arrhythmias. Over 3 years, despite similar mortality rates, intrapleural patients had significantly more readmissions (n=180 vs. n=117, p<0.01) with the most common reason being infection (n=68/165), predominantly unrelated to the device. Intrapleural patients had significantly more infection-related readmissions, predominantly driven by non-ventricular assist device-related infections (p=0.02), with 41% of these due to respiratory infections compared with 28% of intrapericardial patients., Conclusion: Compared with intrapericardial placement, insertion of an intrapleural HM3 may be associated with a higher incidence of readmission, especially due to respiratory infection.

Background The enterosalivary nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide (NO 3 -NO 2 -NO) pathway generates NO following oral microbiota-mediated production of salivary nitrite, potentially linking the oral microbiota to reduced cardiometabolic risk. Nitrite depletion by oral bacteria may also be important for determining the net nitrite available systemically. We examine if higher abundance of oral microbial genes favoring increased oral nitrite generation and decreased nitrite depletion is associated with a better cardiometabolic profile cross-sectionally. Methods and Results This study includes 764 adults (mean [SD] age 32 [9] years, 71% women) enrolled in ORIGINS (Oral Infections, Glucose Intolerance, and Insulin Resistance Study). Microbial DNA from subgingival dental plaques underwent 16S rRNA gene sequencing; PICRUSt2 was used to estimate functional gene profiles. To represent the different components and pathways of nitrogen metabolism in bacteria, predicted gene abundances were operationalized to create summary scores by (1) bacterial nitrogen metabolic pathway or (2) biochemical product (NO 2 , NO, or ammonia [NH 3 ]) formed by the action of the bacterial reductases encoded. Finally, nitrite generation-to-depletion ratios of gene abundances were created from the above summary scores. A composite cardiometabolic Z score was created from cardiometabolic risk variables, with higher scores associated with worse cardiometabolic health. We performed multivariable linear regression analysis with cardiometabolic Z score as the outcome and the gene abundance summary scores and ratios as predictor variables, adjusting for sex, age, race, and ethnicity in the simple adjusted model. A 1 SD higher NO versus NH 3 summary ratio was inversely associated with a -0.10 (false discovery rate q =0.003) lower composite cardiometabolic Z score in simple adjusted models. Higher NH 3 summary score (suggestive of nitrite depletion) was associated with higher cardiometabolic risk, with a 0.06 (false discovery rate q =0.04) higher composite cardiometabolic Z score. Conclusions Increased net capacity for nitrite generation versus depletion by oral bacteria, assessed through a metagenome estimation approach, is associated with lower levels of cardiometabolic risk.

Periodontitis affects up to 50% of individuals worldwide, and 8.5% are diagnosed with diabetes. The high-comorbidity rate of these diseases may suggest, at least in part, a shared etiology and pathophysiology. Changes in oral microbial communities have been documented in the context of severe periodontitis and diabetes, both independently and together. However, much less is known about the early oral microbial markers of these diseases. We used a subset of the ORIGINS project dataset, which collected detailed periodontal and cardiometabolic information from 787 healthy individuals, to identify early microbial markers of periodontitis and its association with markers of cardiometabolic health. Using state-of-the-art compositional data analysis tools, we identified the log-ratio of Treponema to Corynebacterium bacteria to be a novel Microbial Indicator of Periodontitis (MIP), and found that this MIP correlates with poor periodontal health and cardiometabolic markers early in disease pathogenesis in both subgingival plaque and saliva., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Objectives: Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) at the time of implantation may reduce thromboembolic events (TEs) during continuous-flow left ventricular assist device support. The HeartMate 3 (HM3) reduces TEs overall, but the efficacy of LAAO in HM3 is unknown., Methods: Adults receiving first HM3 implantation from November 2014 through December 2019 at a single, large medical centre were retrospectively reviewed. TEs included device thrombosis and ischaemic stroke. Patients were classified by whether they received LAAO or not. Incidence of TEs was compared between groups using cumulative incidence curves with competing risks (death and heart transplant) and risk factors for TEs were assessed with Fine and Gray competing risk regression., Results: A total of 182 patients received HM3, of whom 99 (54%) received LAAO versus 83 (46%) who did not. There were 14 TEs, including 13 strokes (7%) and 1 pump thrombosis (0.5%). No significant difference in the incidence of TEs in each group was found (Gray's test: P = 0.35). LAAO was not associated with TEs in multivariable Fine-Gray analysis (P = 0.10) and no significant risk factors for TEs were found. There were zero disabling strokes in those who received LAAO compared to 6 (7%) in those who did not receive LAAO (P = 0.008)., Conclusions: A low number of TEs was observed in HM3 recipients. LAAO did not further reduce the overall rate of TEs in this patient population, though its use may be beneficial in preventing disabling ischaemic strokes after HM3 implantation., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.)

The twelfth annual report from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (Intermacs) highlights outcomes for 26 688 continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients over the past decade (2011-2020). In 2020, we observed the largest drop in yearly LVAD implant volumes since the registry's inception, which reflects the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiac surgical volumes in the United States. The 2018 heart transplant allocation policy change in the United States continues to affect LVAD implantation volumes and device strategy, with 78.1% of patients now receiving LVAD implants as destination therapy. Despite an older and sicker patient cohort, survival in the recent era (2016-2020) at 1 and 2 years continues to improve at 82.8% and 74.1%. Patient adverse event profile has also improved in the recent era, with significant reductions in stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding, infection, and device malfunction/pump thrombosis. Finally, we review the burden of readmissions after LVAD implant and highlight an opportunity to improve patient outcomes by reducing this frequent and vexing problem., (Copyright © 2022 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background There is a paucity of research describing health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older adults considered for advanced heart failure surgical therapies. Using data from our SUSTAIN-IT (Sustaining Quality of Life of the Aged: Heart Transplant or Mechanical Support) study, we aimed to compare HRQOL among 3 groups of older (60-80 years) patients with heart failure before heart transplantation (HT) or long-term mechanical circulatory support (MCS) and identify factors associated with HRQOL: (1) HT candidates with MCS, (2) HT candidates without MCS, or (3) candidates ineligible for HT and scheduled for long-term MCS. Methods and Results Patients from 13 US sites completed assessments, including self-reported measures of HRQOL (EuroQol-5 Dimension Questionnaire, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12), depressive symptoms (Personal Health Questionnaire-8), anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-state form), cognitive status (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), and performance-based measures (6-minute walk test and 5-m gait speed). Analyses included ANOVA, χ 2 tests, Fisher's exact tests, and linear regression. The sample included 393 patients; the majority of patients were White men and married. Long-term MCS candidates (n=154) were significantly older and had more comorbidities and a higher New York Heart Association class than HT candidates with MCS (n=118) and HT candidates without MCS (n=121). Long-term MCS candidates had worse HRQOL than HT candidates with and without MCS (EQ-5D visual analog scale scores, 46±23 versus 68±18 versus 54±23 [ P <0.001] and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12 overall summary scores, 35±21 versus 60±21 versus 49±22 [ P <0.001], respectively). In multivariable analyses, lower 6-minute walk distance, higher New York Heart Association class, depressive symptoms, and not being an HT candidate with MCS were significantly associated with worse overall HRQOL. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate important differences in overall and domain-specific HRQOL of older patients with heart failure before HT or long-term MCS. Understanding HRQOL differences may guide decisions toward more appropriate and personalized advanced heart failure therapies.

Aims: While mechanical stress caused by blood flow, e.g. wall shear stress (WSS), and related parameters, e.g. oscillatory shear index (OSI), are increasingly being recognized as key moderators of various cardiovascular diseases, studies on valves have been limited because of a lack of appropriate imaging modalities. We investigated the influence of aortic root geometry on WSS and OSI on the aortic valve (AV) leaflet., Methods and Results: We applied our novel approach of intraoperative epi-aortic echocardiogram to measure the haemodynamic parameters of WSS and OSI on the AV leaflet. Thirty-six patients were included, which included those who underwent valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSARR) with no significant aortic regurgitation (n = 17) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) with normal AV (n = 19). At baseline, those who underwent VSARR had a higher systolic WSS (0.52 ± 0.12 vs. 0.32 ± 0.08 Pa, respectively, P < 0.001) and a higher OSI (0.37 ± 0.06 vs. 0.29 ± 0.04, respectively, P < 0.001) on the aortic side of the AV leaflet than those who underwent CABG. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the size of the sinus of Valsalva had a significant association with WSS and OSI. Following VSARR, WSS and OSI values decreased significantly compared with the baseline values (WSS: 0.29 ± 0.12 Pa, P < 0.001; OSI: 0.26 ± 0.09, P < 0.001), and became comparable to the values in those who underwent CABG (WSS, P = 0.42; OSI, P = 0.15)., Conclusions: Mechanical stress on the AV gets altered in correlation with the size of the aortic root. An aneurysmal aortic root may expose the leaflet to abnormal fluid dynamics. The VSARR procedure appeared to reduce these abnormalities., (Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author(s) 2021. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Introduction: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) experience disproportionately high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Accumulating evidence suggests a role for the circulating microbiome in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease; however, little is known about its association with premature cardiovascular mortality in ESRD., Methods: In a pilot case-control study of 17 hemodialysis patients who died of a cardiovascular event and 17 matched hemodialysis controls who remained alive during a median follow-up of 2.0 years, we compared the levels and composition of circulating microbiome, including Bacteria, Archaea, and Fungi, in serum samples by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and 16S or Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing, respectively. Associations of the circulating cell-free microbial signatures with clinical parameters and cardiovascular death were examined using the Spearman rank correlation and multivariable conditional logistic regression, respectively., Results: Both 16S and ITS rRNA were detectable in all (except 3 for ITS) examined patients' serum samples. Despite no significant difference in 16S rRNA levels and α diversity between cases and controls, taxonomic analysis demonstrated differential community membership between groups, with significantly greater Actinobacteria and less Proteobacteria observed in cases than in controls at the phylum level. Proportions of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria phyla were significantly correlated with plasma nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) levels (rho = -0.41 and 0.42, P  = 0.015 and 0.013, respectively) and marginally associated with risk of cardiovascular death (adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence intervals] = 1.12 [0.98-1.29] and 0.88 [0.76-1.02] for 1% increase, respectively)., Conclusion: Alterations of the circulating cell-free microbial signatures may be associated with higher premature cardiovascular mortality in ESRD., (© 2021 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Aims: Infections are common following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation and predict adverse events. Infections are frequent prior to LVAD implantation although their impact on postoperative outcomes remains unknown. Gut and nasal microbial imbalance may predispose to mucosal colonization with pathogens. Herein, we investigated the predictive role of pre-LVAD infections, and explored the association of nasal Staphylococcus aureus (SA) colonization and gut microbiota, on postoperative outcomes., Methods and Results: Overall, 254 LVAD patients were retrospectively categorized based on pre-LVAD infection status: Group 1, bacterial/fungal bloodstream infection (BSI); Group 2, other bacterial/fungal; Group 3, viral; and Group 4, no infection. In a subset of patients, nasal SA colonization (n = 140) and pre-LVAD stool (n = 25) were analysed using 16S rRNA sequencing. A total of 75 (29%) patients had a pre-LVAD infection [Group 1: 22 (29%); Group 2: 41 (55%); Group 3: 12 (16%)]. Pre-LVAD BSIs were independent predictors of 1-year postoperative mortality and infections [Group 1 vs. 4: hazard ratio (HR) 2.70, P = 0.036 vs. HR 1.8, P = 0.046]. In an unadjusted analysis, pre-LVAD infections other than BSIs, INTERMACS profile ≤2, higher serum creatinine, lower serum albumin and nasal SA colonization were also significantly associated with postoperative infections. Patients with early post-LVAD infections exhibited decreased microbial diversity (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Pre-LVAD infections are common. BSIs independently predict postoperative mortality and infections. Additional studies are needed to confirm our findings that pre-LVAD SA nasal colonization and gut microbial composition can help stratify patients' risk for infectious complications after LVAD implantation., (© 2021 European Society of Cardiology.)

Objectives: This study analyses the position of the HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device on serial radiographs to assess positional change and possible correlation with adverse events., Methods: We retrospectively analysed 59 left ventricular assist device recipients who had serial chest radiographs at 1 month, 6 months and 12 months post-implantation between November 2014 and June 2018. We measured pump angle, pump-spine distance and pump-diaphragm depth and investigated their relationship to a composite outcome of heart failure readmission, low flow alarms, stroke or inflow/outflow occlusion requiring surgical repositioning through recurrent event survival modelling., Results: Between 1 and 6 months, the absolute pump-spine distance changed by 10.00 mm (P < 0.01) and the absolute pump-diaphragm depth changed by 18.80 mm (P < 0.01). These parameters did not change significantly between 6 and 12 months post-implantation. Pump angle did not change significantly over any period. Twenty-six patients experienced the composite outcome; in these patients, the median 1-month pump angle was 66.2° (interquartile range 54.5-78.0) as compared to 59.0° (interquartile range 47.0-65.0) in the 33 patients who did not have adverse events (P = 0.04). Pump depth and pump-spine distance at 1 month were not associated with the composite outcome. Change in pump depth between 1 and 6 months [hazard ratio (HR) 1.019; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.000-1.039] and between 6 and 12 months (HR 1.020; 95% CI 1.000-1.040) were weakly associated with the composite outcome., Conclusions: Larger pump angles are associated with the composite outcome of position-related adverse events. Pump depth movement is weakly associated with the composite outcome., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO)-a gut-derived metabolite-is elevated in heart failure (HF) and linked to poor prognosis. We investigated variations in TMAO in HF, left ventricular assist device (LVAD), and heart transplant (HT) and assessed its relation with inflammation, endotoxemia, oxidative stress, and gut dysbiosis., Methods: We enrolled 341 patients. TMAO, CRP (C-reactive protein), IL (interleukin)-6, TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha), ET-1 (endothelin-1), adiponectin, lipopolysaccharide, soluble CD14, and isoprostane were measured in 611 blood samples in HF (New York Heart Association class I-IV) and at multiple time points post-LVAD and post-HT. Gut microbiota were assessed via 16S rRNA sequencing among 327 stool samples. Multivariable regression models were used to assess the relationship between TMAO and (1) New York Heart Association class; (2) pre- versus post-LVAD or post-HT; (3) biomarkers of inflammation, endotoxemia, oxidative stress, and microbial diversity., Results: ln-TMAO was lower among HF New York Heart Association class I (1.23 [95% CI, 0.52-1.94] µM) versus either class II, III, or IV (1.99 [95% CI, 1.68-2.30], 1.97 [95% CI, 1.71-2.24], and 2.09 [95% CI, 1.83-2.34] µM, respectively; all P <0.05). In comparison to class II-IV, ln-TMAO was lower 1 month post-LVAD (1.58 [95% CI, 1.32-1.83] µM) and 1 week and 1 month post-HT (0.97 [95% CI, 0.60-1.35] and 1.36 [95% CI, 1.01-1.70] µM). ln-TMAO levels in long-term LVAD (>6 months: 1.99 [95% CI, 1.76-2.22] µM) and HT (>6 months: 1.86 [95% CI, 1.66-2.05] µM) were not different from symptomatic HF. After multivariable adjustments, TMAO was not associated with biomarkers of inflammation, endotoxemia, oxidative stress, or microbial diversity., Conclusions: TMAO levels are increased in symptomatic HF patients and remain elevated long term after LVAD and HT. TMAO levels were independent from measures of inflammation, endotoxemia, oxidative stress, and gut dysbiosis.

Objectives: There is renewed interest in intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) use in chronic systolic heart failure (HF) patients with acute decompensation and cardiogenic shock (CS). We sought to identify predictors of early IABP response to guide optimal use in this population., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed records of chronic systolic HF patients presenting to our center between 2011-2018 with acute decompensated HF who received IABP for CS. An IABP responder was defined as having both an early cardiac output (CO) increase and mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) decrease above the cohort median values., Results: During this period, a total of 218 chronic systolic HF patients received IABP for acute decompensation with CS. The average CO increase was 0.57 ± 0.85 L/min and MPAP reduction was 5.1 ± 7.6 mm Hg. Fifty-six patients (25.7%) were identified as IABP responders, with mean CO increase of 1.21 ± 0.87 L/min and MPAP reduction of 12.1 ± 5.9 mm Hg. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) >1300 dynes/sec/cm-5 (odds ratio [OR], 5.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.86-13.6; P<.01) and moderate-severe mitral regurgitation (OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.25-4.66; P<.01) predicted robust hemodynamic response., Conclusions: A subset of chronic systolic HF patients had robust hemodynamic response to IABP with significant CO augmentation and MPAP reduction. Higher SVR and moderate-severe mitral regurgitation predicted early hemodynamic response to IABP.

Background: Vasoplegia is a frequent complication of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We investigated the effectiveness of methylene blue (MB) for vasoplegia in LVAD recipients., Methods: Twenty-seven patients received MB for vasoplegia after LVAD implantation and met study criteria between March 2015 and May 2018. Propensity score inverse probability weighting identified 41 controls who did not receive MB for post-LVAD vasoplegia. Clinical outcomes were compared between control and MB groups and between patients who received doses during (n = 15) and after surgery (n = 12). Hemodynamics and vasopressor requirements were analyzed using analysis of covariance., Results: Median total MB dose was 1.9 mg/kg (interquartile range, 1.2-2.2 mg/kg). Methylene blue recipients experienced a transient initial decline in norepinephrine requirement from 141 ng/kg per min (95% confidence interval [CI], 81-201 ng/kg per min) to 117 ng/kg per min (95% CI, 58-176 ng/kg per min; P = .022) and a delayed decline in vasopressin from 4.8 U/h (95% CI, 3.8-5.8 U/h) to 4.0 U/h (95% CI, 2.8-5.1 U/h) (P = .004). In-hospital mortality, postoperative complications, and end-organ dysfunction did not differ from those of controls. There were no observed differences in mean arterial pressure, vasopressor requirements, or outcomes between patients who received doses during or after surgery. Weighted overall mortality in the entire study cohort was 8.8%., Conclusions: Although MB may affect vasopressor requirements, clinical outcomes in vasoplegia after LVAD implantation did not improve and were not affected by the timing of administration., (Copyright © 2021 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The association of obesity on outcomes in patients with cardiogenic shock requiring acute mechanical circulatory support has not been thoroughly investigated., Methods: We evaluated the National Readmission Database for adults with either acute myocardial infarction or heart failure complicated by cardiogenic shock requiring acute mechanical circulatory support between January 2016 and November 2017. Exposure was assessed using International Classification of Diseases , Tenth Revision codes for the degree of obesity with the reference being body mass index (BMI) of 20.0 to 29.9 group. Multiple logistic regression and Cox regression analysis were used to analyze in-hospital mortality and 30-day readmission, respectively., Results: The survey-weighted sample included a total of 35 555 hospitalizations with a mean age of 65.4±0.2 years and 29.8% females. Obesity was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (no obesity, 26.4% [BMI, 20.0-29.9] versus class I obesity, 25.0% [BMI, 30.0-34.9] versus class II obesity, 28.7% [BMI, 35.0-39.9] versus class III obesity, 34.9% [BMI, ≥40]; P <0.001). On stratified analysis, compared with a nonobese phenotype, younger adults (age <60) with class II and class III obesity (odds ratio, 1.9 [95% CI, 1.1-3.5], P =0.02; odds ratio, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.2-3.7], P =0.01) and older adults (age ≥60) with class III obesity (odds ratio, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.2-2.4], P =0.005) had higher mortality. There was no association between the degree of obesity and 30-day readmission., Conclusions: Among adults with acute myocardial infarction or acute heart failure resulting in cardiogenic shock requiring acute mechanical circulatory support, younger adults with class II and class III obesity and older patients with class III obesity have a higher risk of in-hospital mortality compared with nonobese patients.

Background Functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) can occur secondary to atrial fibrillation (AF). The impact of AF on functional TR and cardiovascular events is uncertain in patients with left ventricular assist devices. This study aimed to investigate the effect of AF on functional TR and cardiovascular events in patients with a HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device. Methods and Results We retrospectively reviewed 133 patients who underwent HeartMate 3 implantation at our center between November 2014 and November 2018. We excluded patients who had undergone previous or concomitant tricuspid valve procedures and those whose echocardiographic images were of insufficient quality. The primary end point was death and the presence of a cardiovascular event at 1 year. We defined cardiovascular event as a composite of death, stroke, and hospital readmission due to recurrent heart failure and significant residual TR as vena contracta width ≥3 mm. In total, 110 patients were included in this analysis. Patients were divided into 3 groups: no AF (n=51), paroxysmal AF (n=40), and persistent AF (PeAF) (n=19). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with PeAF had the worst survival (no AF 98%, paroxysmal AF 98%, PeAF 84%, log-rank P =0.038) and event-free rate (no AF 93%, paroxysmal AF 89%, PeAF 72%, log-rank P =0.048) at 1 year. Thirty-one (28%) patients had residual TR 1 month after left ventricular assist device implantation. Patients with residual TR had a significantly poor prognosis compared with those without residual TR (log-rank P =0.014). Conclusions PeAF was associated with increased mortality, cardiovascular events, and residual TR compared with no AF and paroxysmal AF.

Context: Palliative care consultation before left ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgery (PreVAD) has been recommended, but its impact on goal-concordant care is unknown., Objectives: To describe the association between patients' unique unacceptable condition articulated during PreVAD with the actual care provided at the end of life., Methods: Among 308 patients who had PreVAD between 2014 and 2019, 72 patients died before December 31, 2019. Based on the answers to the question, "Is there any condition you would find unacceptable?" patients were divided into ARTICULATE (those who could articulate their unacceptable condition clearly, n = 58) and non-ARTICULATE (those who could not, n = 14). Circumstances at death and end-of-life care were compared between groups., Results: Mean age at death was 63.2 years (SD ±13.1), 56 patients (77.8%) were males, and median duration of LVAD was 167.5 days (interquartile range 682). ARTICULATE patients died less frequently in the intensive care unit than non-ARTICULATE patients (33 patients, 57.9% vs. 13 patients, 92.9%; P = 0.014) and had ethics consultation less frequently (four patients, 6.9% vs. five patients, 35.7%; P = 0.011). Frequency of LVAD withdrawal was similar in both groups. Among ARTICULATE cohort, the unacceptable condition articulated in PreVAD did not seem to influence decisions at the end of life., Conclusion: Patients who articulated their unacceptable condition clearly before LVAD surgery had less frequent ethics consultations and received less intensive care at the end of life, but it did not seem to affect the decision of LVAD withdrawal. It may be more important to engage in discussions around their unacceptable conditions, rather than the specific condition articulated. The question of an unacceptable condition should be part of any routine palliative care consultation before LVAD surgery., (Copyright © 2020 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Advanced heart failure therapies such as left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation require intricate follow-up and complex care. We sought to explore the burden of psychosocial risk factors among patients with LVAD and their impact on postimplant outcomes using the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support., Methods: Adult patients in the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support requiring durable LVAD between 2008 and 2017 were included. Individuals were determined to have psychosocial risk if they had one of the following: (1) limited social support; (2) limited cognition; (3) substance abuse (alcohol and drug); (4) severe psychiatric disease (including major depression and other major psychiatric diagnosis); and (5) repeated noncompliance. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to analyze predictors of survival and complications., Results: A total of 15 403 continuous-flow LVAD recipients were included. A total of 3163 (20.5%) had one or more psychosocial risk factors. The most prevalent psychosocial risk factor was substance abuse in 1941 (12.6%) recipients. Patients with psychosocial risk factors were significantly younger at LVAD implant, less likely to be White, and less likely to be female compared with those without psychosocial risk, P <0.001 for all. Patients with psychosocial risk were significantly more likely to receive an LVAD as destination therapy, P <0.001. In adjusted models, patients with psychosocial risk were at increased hazards for device-related infection, gastrointestinal bleeding, pump thrombosis, and readmission and reduced hazards for cardiac transplantation ( P <0.05 for all). There was no statistically significant difference in survival on pump support or stroke., Conclusions: Psychosocial risk is an important component of patient selection for advanced heart failure therapies. Addressing these specific components may help improve access to advanced therapies and post-LVAD outcomes.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic imposed severe restrictions on traditional methods of patient care. During the pandemic, the heart failure program at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York, NY rapidly and comprehensively transitioned its care delivery model and administrative organization to conform to a new healthcare environment while still providing high-quality care to a large cohort of patients with heart failure, heart transplantation, and left ventricular assist device. In addition to the widespread adoption of telehealth, our program restructured outpatient care, initiating a shared clinic model and introducing a comprehensive remote monitoring program to manage patients with heart failure and heart transplant. All conferences, including administrative meetings, support groups, and educational seminars were converted to teleconferencing platforms. Following the peak of COVID-19, many of the new changes have been maintained, and the program structure will be permanently altered as a lasting effect of this pandemic. In this article, we review the details of our program's transition in the face of COVID-19 and highlight the programmatic changes that will endure.

Background: Although extremely high pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) is a relative contraindication for heart transplantation (HTx), recent data with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) indicate HTx outcomes may be different when high PVR is managed with an LVAD. This study clarifies the contemporary association between PVR at HTx and posttransplant survival in LVAD vs non-LVAD cohorts., Methods: We reviewed the United Network for Organ Sharing registry for adults who received a transplant from 2008 to 2015. In those with continuous-flow LVADs and those with no VADs at HTx, (non-VAD), we grouped patients by low PVR (PVR <3), intermediate PVR (PVR 3 to <6), and high PVR (PVR ≥6) groups. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for death after HTx were calculated by Cox regression., Results: The non-LVAD cohort included 6270 patients (4385 in low, 1643 in intermediate, and 242 in high PVR), and the LVAD cohort included 4111 patients (3227 in low, 798 in intermediate, and 86 in high PVR). The high PVR LVAD group had the worst survival, which was not significant, likely to low power (P = .300). The aHR for death in non-LVAD was 1.047 (95% confidence interval, 1.010-1.088) and in LVAD was 1.063 (95% confidence interval, 1.010-1.119). Cubic spline analysis demonstrated nonlinear associations between PVR and the aHR, especially in the LVAD cohort., Conclusions: There was no significant evidence to conclude the effect of pretransplant PVR on posttransplant survival is higher in LVAD vs non-LVAD patients, based on analysis of the United Network for Organ Sharing database. However, further investigations are indicated to clarify HTx candidacy in those with extremely high PVR even after LVAD., (Copyright © 2020 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Effective tacrolimus (TAC) dosing is hampered by complex pharmacokinetics and significant patient variability. The gut microbiome, a key mediator of endotoxemia, inflammation and oxidative stress in advanced heart failure (HF) patients, is a possible contributor to interindividual variations in drug efficacy. The effect of alterations in the gut microbiome on TAC dosing requirements after heart transplant (HT) has not been explored., Methods: We enrolled 24 patients (mean age = 55.8 ±2.3 years) within 3 months post-HT. Biomarkers of endotoxemia ((lipopolysaccharide (LPS)), inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)) and oxidative stress (8,12-iso-Isoprostane F-2alpha-VI) were measured in 16 blood samples. 22 stool samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. TAC dose and serum trough level were measured at the time of stool and blood collection. TAC doses were reported in mg/kg/day and as level-to-dose (L/D) ratio, and categorized as ≤ vs. > median., Results: The median TAC dose was 0.1 mg/kg/day and L/D ratio was 100.01. Above the median daily weight-based TAC dose was associated with higher gut microbial alpha diversity (p = 0.03); similarly, TNF-α and 8,12-iso-Isoprostane F-2alpha-VI levels were lower and LPS levels were higher in the above median TAC group, although these findings were only marginally statistically significant and dependent on BMI adjustment. We observed n = 37 taxa to be significantly enriched among patients with > median TAC dose (all FDR<0.05), several of which are potential short-chain fatty acid producers with anti-inflammatory properties, including taxa from the family Subdoligranulum., Conclusions: Our pilot study observed gut microbial alpha diversity to be increased while inflammation and oxidative stress were reduced among patients requiring higher TAC doses early after HT., Competing Interests: Dr. Colombo Consultant, Abbott, no honoraria. Research Grant, Abbott. Dr. Naka Consultant, Abbott, Hourly base reimbursement. The sum of payment does not exceed $5000/year. Consultant, CryoLife, Hourly base reimbursement. The sum of payment does not exceed $5000/year. The rest of the co-authors have no competing interests. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

Objectives: Right heart failure after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A new generation of percutaneous right ventricular assist devices (RVADs) may mitigate the need for invasive surgical RVAD implantation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Protek Duo (TandemLife, Pittsburgh, PA, USA) RVAD in patients who developed severe acute right heart failure in the intensive care unit after LVAD implantation., Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 27 patients who received a Protek Duo after LVAD implantation from January 2016 to March 2019 at our centre. The primary outcome of interest was survival to hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes included procedural success, device-related complications and conversion to a surgical RVAD., Results: The median age of patients was 63 years (interquartile range 58-71), 78% were men and 78% were Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) profile 1 or 2. Patients were on a median of 2 inotropes and 2 pressors prior to Protek Duo insertion. The device successfully implanted on the first attempt in all patients a median of 1 day (interquartile range 1-2) after LVAD implantation and the median duration of support was 11 days (interquartile range 7-16). Device weaning occurred in 86% of patients, with 15% in-hospital mortality. Major complications related to the device included new moderate-to-severe tricuspid regurgitation (36%), haemolysis (14%) and cannula migration (7%). Three patients (11%) required conversion to surgical RVAD. Overall survival to 1 year was 81%., Conclusions: The use of the Protek Duo as a percutaneous RVAD is a safe and feasible treatment for patients who develop acute right heart failure after LVAD implantation., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO)-a gut-microbiota metabolite-is a biomarker of cardiometabolic risk. No studies have investigated TMAO as an early biomarker of longitudinal glucose increase or prevalent impaired glucose regulation. In a longitudinal cohort study, 300 diabetes-free men and women (77%) aged 20-55 years (mean = 34±10) were enrolled at baseline and re-examined at 2-years to investigate the association between TMAO and biomarkers of diabetes risk. Plasma TMAO was measured using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. After an overnight fast, FPG was measured longitudinally, HbA1C and insulin were measured only at baseline. Insulin resistance was defined using HOMA-IR. Multivariable generalized linear models regressed; i) FPG change (year 2 minus baseline) on baseline TMAO tertiles; and ii) HOMA-IR and HbA1c on TMAO tertiles. Multivariable relative risk regressions modeled prevalent prediabetes across TMAO tertiles. Mean values of 2-year longitudinal FPG±SE across tertiles of TMAO were 86.6±0.9, 86.7±0.9, 86.4±0.9 (p = 0.98). Trends were null for FPG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, cross-sectionally. The prevalence ratio of prediabetes among participants in 2nd and 3rd TMAO tertiles (vs. the 1st) were 1.94 [95%CI 1.09-3.48] and 1.41 [95%CI: 0.76-2.61]. TMAO levels are associated with increased prevalence of prediabetes in a nonlinear fashion but not with insulin resistance or longitudinal FPG change., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Background: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on serum creatinine (sCr) improves early after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation but subsequently declines. Although sCr is a commonly accepted clinical standard, cystatin C (CysC) has shown superiority in assessment of renal function in disease states characterized by muscle wasting. Among patients with an LVAD, we aimed to (1) longitudinally compare CysC-eGFR and sCr-eGFR, (2) assess their predictive value for early postoperative outcomes, and (3) investigate mechanisms which might explain potential discrepancies., Methods: A prospective cohort (n=116) with CysC and sCr concurrently measured at serial time points, and a retrospective cohort (n=91) with chest computed tomography performed within 40 days post-LVAD were studied. In the prospective cohort, the primary end point was a composite of in-hospital mortality, renal replacement therapy, or severe right ventricular failure. In the retrospective cohort, muscle mass was estimated using pectoralis muscle area indexed to body surface area (pectoralis muscle index)., Results: In the prospective cohort, sCr-eGFR significantly improved early post-LVAD and subsequently declined, whereas CysC-eGFR remained stable. CysC-eGFR but not sCr-eGFR predicted the primary end point: odds ratio per 5 mL/(min·1.73 m 2 ) decrease 1.16 (1.02-1.31) versus 0.99 (0.94-1.05). In retrospective cohort, for every 5 days post-LVAD, a 6% decrease in pectoralis muscle index was observed (95% CI, 2%-9%, P =0.003). After adjusting for time on LVAD, for every 1 cm 2 /m 2 decrease in pectoralis muscle index, there was a 4% decrease in 30-day post-LVAD sCr (95% CI, 1%-6%, P =0.004)., Conclusions: Initial improvement in sCr-eGFR is likely due to muscle wasting following LVAD surgery. CysC may improve assessment of renal function and prediction of early postoperative outcomes in patients with an LVAD.

The HeartMate II (HMII) left ventricular assist device can be exchanged to HeartMate 3 (HM3) to reduce the risk of device thrombosis and stroke. However, data of this procedure are still limited. We reviewed early and mid-term outcomes of 9 patients who received a HMII to HM3 exchange at our institution. The median age of the cohort was 58 years [interquartile range (IQR) 53-61], and 7 (78%) patients were men. The median duration of HMII support was 608 days (IQR 493-1116). Indications for device exchange include device thrombosis (n = 8.89%) and driveline injury (n = 1.11%). Procedures were performed through a lateral thoracotomy in all patients. The median cardiopulmonary bypass time was 117 min (IQR 97-133). In-hospital mortality was 0%. One patient required repositioning of the HM3 pump through full sternotomy due to inflow malposition. During 486 days (IQR 235-712) of follow-up, 3 patients (33%) developed late HMII pump pocket infection after discharge. Five patients had a successful heart transplant and 1 patient died due to unknown reason. HMII to HM3 exchange can be performed via lateral thoracotomy. However, there is a risk of inflow malposition and previous pump pocket infection., (© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: The use of short-term mechanical circulatory support (ST-MCS) has increased for refractory cardiogenic shock. However, there are scant data about bridge-to-recovery patients., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 502 patients with cardiogenic shock who received venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or a temporary surgical ventricular assist device as ST-MCS between 2010 and 2016. There were 178 patients (35.5%) who survived through device explantation. Of these, 149 patients (29.7%) survived to discharge and were included for analysis. The primary outcome was midterm survival without undergoing heart replacement therapy., Results: In our bridge-to-recovery cohort, 101 patients (67.8%) were men, and the median age was 59 years (interquartile range, 51 to 67 years). Etiology of cardiogenic shock included postcardiotomy shock in 35.6% of patients (n = 53), allograft failure in 26.8% (n = 40), acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in 24.2% (n = 36), and other acute decompensated heart failure in 14.4% (n = 20). There were 24 major events (16.1%) recorded, including 21 patients who died and 3 patients who received heart replacement therapy during median follow-up of 306 days (interquartile range, 58.25 to 916.75 days). Overall freedom from event at 3 years was 74.2%. In subgroup analysis, AMI patients had a significantly worse freedom-from-event rate at 40.4% (p < 0.001). By univariate Cox analysis, AMI etiology (p = 0.003), length of ST-MCS (p = 0.06), blood urea nitrogen (p = 0.012), and left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.005) at discharge were predictors for adverse events., Conclusions: The overall midterm outcome of patients explanted from ST-MCS is favorable except for AMI patients., (Copyright © 2019 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Blood type O heart transplant recipients wait longer than non-O recipients and frequently require bridging left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). However, rarely has the effect of this disparity been shown in a large registry. This study used Markov simulation to clarify the outcome difference between O and non-O candidates and how allocation change could affect survival., Methods: We reviewed the United Network for Organ Sharing registry for adults listed for heart transplantation from 2008 to 2015. Cumulative incidences of death or transplant and survival after listing were compared between O and non-O using propensity matching. A four-state Markov model-waiting without LVAD, waiting with LVAD, transplantation, and death-was created to simulate survival after listing. Sensitivity analysis was performed to see how the percentage of O hearts in non-O recipients would affect survivals., Results: A total of 8,187 O and non-O candidates were included after matching. The cumulative incidence of transplantation was lower in O (p < 0.001), and death after listing was significantly higher (p < 0.001). During a median follow-up of 2.1 years, 69.6% of non-O candidates were transplanted, compared with 54.9% of O candidates (p < 0.001). Despite this disparity, 19% of non-O recipients received O hearts. Our simulated survival demonstrated that decreasing the O heart percentage in non-O recipients from the current 19% to 5% would provide similar survival in O and non-O after listing., Conclusions: Under the current strategy, there are death and transplant rate differences between O and non-O candidates. Our simulation-based allocation strategy might aid in mitigating this discrepancy across blood types., (Copyright © 2018 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the impact of moderate to severe aortic insufficiency (AI) on outcomes in patients with continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs)., Background: Development of worsening AI is a common complication of prolonged CF-LVAD support and portends poor prognosis in single-center studies. Predictors of worsening AI and its impact on clinical outcomes have not been examined in a large cohort., Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with CF-LVAD in the INTERMACS (Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support) study. Development of significant AI was defined as the first instance of at least moderate AI. Primary outcomes of interest were survival after development of significant AI and time to adverse events, including device complications and rehospitalizations., Results: Among 10,603 eligible patients, 1,399 patients on CF-LVAD support developed moderate to severe AI. Prevalence of significant AI progressively increased over time. Predictors of worsening AI included older age, female sex, smaller body mass index, mild pre-implantation AI, and destination therapy strategy. Moderate to severe AI was associated with significantly higher left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, reduced cardiac output, and higher levels of brain natriuretic peptide. Significant AI was associated with higher rates of rehospitalization (32.1% vs. 26.6%, respectively, at 2 years; p = 0.015) and mortality (77.2% vs. 71.4%, respectively, at 2 years; p = 0.005), conditional upon survival to 1 year., Conclusions: Development of moderate to severe AI has a negative impact on hemodynamics, hospitalizations, and survival on CF-LVAD support. Pre- and post-implantation management strategies should be developed to prevent and treat this complication., (Copyright © 2018 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The MOMENTUM 3 trial compares the centrifugal HeartMate 3 (HM3) with the axial HeartMate II (HMII) continuous-flow left ventricular assist system in patients with advanced heart failure, irrespective of the intended goal of therapy. The trial's 2-year clinical outcome (n=366) demonstrated superiority of the HM3 for the primary end point (survival free of a disabling stroke or reoperation to replace or remove a malfunctioning pump). This analysis evaluates health resource use and cost implications of the observed differences between the 2 devices while patients were enrolled in the trial., Methods: We analyzed all hospitalizations and their associated costs occurring after discharge from the implant hospitalization until censoring (study withdrawal, heart transplantation, and pump exchange with a nonstudy device or death). Each adjudicated episode of hospital-based care was used to calculate costs (device-attributable and non-device-attributable event costs), estimated by using trial data and payer administrative claims databases. Cost savings stratified by subgroups (study outcome [transplant, death, or ongoing on device], intended goal of therapy, type of insurance, or sex) were also assessed., Results: In 366 randomly assigned patients, 361 comprised the as-treated group (189 in the HM3 group and 172 in the HMII group), of whom 337 (177 in the HM3 group and 160 in the HMII group) were successfully discharged following implantation. The HM3 arm experienced fewer total hospitalizations per patient-year (HM3: 2.1±0.2 versus HMII: 2.7±0.2; P=0.015) and 8.3 fewer hospital days per patient-year on average (HM3: 17.1 days versus HMII: 25.5 days; P=0.003). These differences were driven by patients hospitalized for suspected pump thrombosis (HM3: 0.6% versus HMII: 12.5%; P<0.001) and stroke (HM3: 2.8% versus HMII: 11.3%; P=0.002). Controlled for time spent in the study (average cumulative cost per patient-year), postdischarge HM3 arm costs were 51% lower than with the HMII (HM3: $37 685±4251 versus HMII: $76 599±11 889, P<0.001) and similar in either bridge to transplant or destination therapy intent., Conclusions: In this 2-year outcome economic analysis of the MOMENTUM 3 trial, the HM3 demonstrated a reduction in rehospitalizations, hospital days spent during rehospitalizations, and a significant cost savings following discharge in comparison with the HMII left ventricular assist system, irrespective of the intended goal of therapy., Clinical Trial Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02224755.

Objectives: Previous studies have shown the usefulness of the subcostal exchange of the HeartMate II left ventricular assist device for device malfunction. However, long-term data are still limited., Methods: Between March 2004 and July 2017, 41 of 568 (7.2%) patients who had received a HeartMate II implant at our institution had a device exchange via a subcostal incision. We summarized early and late outcomes., Results: Forty-one patients had a total of 48 subcostal pump exchanges. Indications for device exchange included device thrombosis (n = 31, 76%), driveline infection (n = 2, 5%) and driveline injury (n = 8, 19%). All of the procedures were successful, and there were no in-hospital deaths. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed 30-day and 1-year survival rates after subcostal exchange of 100% and 94.6%, respectively. However, 10 (25%) patients had left ventricular assist device-related infections following subcostal exchange that included 7 pump pocket infections and 3 driveline infections. Freedom from left ventricular assist device-related infection at 1 year after subcostal exchange was 79.3%. Thirteen (32%) patients had device malfunction due to pump thrombosis that required a 2nd device exchange. Seven patients had recurrent thrombosis. Three (7%) patients had a stroke. Freedom from device thrombosis and from a stroke event at 1 year was 74.4%., Conclusions: Subcostal pump exchange can be safely performed. However, there is a substantial risk of infection and recurrent thrombosis. Careful follow-up for late complications is mandatory.

Background: Advances in congestive heart failure (CHF) management depend on biomarkers for monitoring disease progression and therapeutic response. During systole, intracellular Ca 2+ is released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum into the cytoplasm through type-2 ryanodine receptor/Ca 2+ release channels. In CHF, chronically elevated circulating catecholamine levels cause pathological remodeling of type-2 ryanodine receptor/Ca 2+ release channels resulting in diastolic sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ leak and decreased myocardial contractility. Similarly, skeletal muscle contraction requires sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ release through type-1 ryanodine receptors (RyR1), and chronically elevated catecholamine levels in CHF cause RyR1-mediated sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ leak, contributing to myopathy and weakness. Circulating B-lymphocytes express RyR1 and catecholamine-responsive signaling cascades, making them a potential surrogate for defects in intracellular Ca 2+ handling because of leaky RyR channels in CHF., Methods: Whole blood was collected from patients with CHF, CHF following left-ventricular assist device implant, and controls. Blood was also collected from mice with ischemic CHF, ischemic CHF+S107 (a drug that specifically reduces RyR channel Ca 2+ leak), and wild-type controls. Channel macromolecular complex was assessed by immunostaining RyR1 immunoprecipitated from lymphocyte-enriched preparations. RyR1 Ca 2+ leak was assessed using flow cytometry to measure Ca 2+ fluorescence in B-lymphocytes in the absence and presence of RyR1 agonists that empty RyR1 Ca 2+ stores within the endoplasmic reticulum., Results: Circulating B-lymphocytes from humans and mice with CHF exhibited remodeled RyR1 and decreased endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ stores, consistent with chronic intracellular Ca 2+ leak. This Ca 2+ leak correlated with circulating catecholamine levels. The intracellular Ca 2+ leak was significantly reduced in mice treated with the Rycal S107. Patients with CHF treated with left-ventricular assist devices exhibited a heterogeneous response., Conclusions: In CHF, B-lymphocytes exhibit remodeled leaky RyR1 channels and decreased endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ stores consistent with chronic intracellular Ca 2+ leak. RyR1-mediated Ca 2+ leak in B-lymphocytes assessed using flow cytometry provides a surrogate measure of intracellular Ca 2+ handling and systemic sympathetic burden, presenting a novel biomarker for monitoring response to pharmacological and mechanical CHF therapy.

Background: The use of percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in the treatment of cardiogenic shock has increased. However, limitations in flow capability, ventricular unloading effect, durability, and mobility remain. We reviewed our single-center experience with continuous-flow external ventricular assist devices (VADs) to determine the role of temporary VADs for cardiogenic shock in the contemporary MCS era., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 252 patients who underwent continuous-flow external VAD insertion between January 2007 and December 2016. To investigate the change in indications, device configurations, and outcomes, we divided the cohort into 2 groups-2007 to 2011 (Era 1; n = 127) and 2012 to 2016 (Era 2; n = 125)-and compared early and late outcomes., Results: Indications and device configurations changed significantly over time. The use of preoperative percutaneous MCS (53% vs 23%; P < .01) and use of minimally invasive VAD configurations (23% vs 6.7%; P < .01) were greater in Era 2 compared with Era 1. The rate of bridge to the next destinations, including myocardial recovery, transplantation, and durable VAD, was similar in the 2 groups. In-hospital mortality was significantly better in Era 2 (50% vs 37%; P = .04). Overall survival at 1 year was 57% in Era 2 versus 43% in Era 1 (P = .04)., Conclusions: Better outcomes in the recent era could be associated with the changes in practice patterns using continuous-flow external VAD in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock., (Copyright © 2018 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Although implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) generally improves tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in short-term follow-up, the clinical significance of residual TR in patients with mid- to long-term LVAD support is unknown. This study aimed to identify the prevalence, predictors, and prognostic value of residual TR in LVAD patients in association with tricuspid valve (TV) deformation., Methods and Results: The study cohort consisted of 127 patients who underwent LVAD implantation without TV procedure and were supported with LVAD at least 1 year. All patients underwent echocardiographic examination preoperatively and 1 year after LVAD implantation. TR was quantitatively assessed by ratio of TR color jet area/right atrial area, and significant residual TR was defined as ≥20% of %TR at follow-up echocardiographic examination. Detailed echocardiographic measurements were also performed, including TV annulus diameter, TV leaflet displacement, and left ventricular and right ventricular systolic function. LVAD implantation significantly improved ratio of TR color jet area/right atrial area as well as left ventricular and right ventricular systolic function and tethering distance (all P <0.05), whereas it enlarged TV annulus diameter ( P =0.002). Significant residual TR was observed in 30 (23.6%) patients. Age, preoperative TV annulus diameter, and residual mitral regurgitation were significantly associated with significant residual TR (all P <0.05), whereas TV tethering was not. During a mean follow-up of 21±17 months, patients with residual TR had significantly higher mortality than those without residual TR (log-rank P <0.001)., Conclusions: Significant residual TR was observed in ≈25% patients supported with LVAD over 1 year and was associated with unfavorable outcome., (© 2018 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley.)

Objectives: Ethical and health care economic concerns surround the use of venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in elderly patients. Patients requiring VA-ECMO are often in critical condition and the decision to cannulate is time-sensitive. We investigated the relationship between age and VA-ECMO outcomes to better inform this decision., Methods: This is a retrospective study of 355 patients placed on VA-ECMO between March 2007 and August 2016 at our institution. Using piecewise modelling, age became associated with in-hospital mortality after 63 years. Based on further analysis with the χ2 statistic maximization, patients were divided into 2 age groups: ≤72 years old [Group Y (Young), n = 310] and >72 years old [Group O (Old), n = 45]. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify preoperative predictors of in-hospital mortality., Results: Patients over the age of 72 had a significantly higher prevalence of comorbidities, including coronary disease, previous strokes and chronic kidney disease. Weaning from ECMO was achieved in 76% of Group Y and 47% of Group O (P < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was 52% among Group Y and 69% among Group O (P = 0.037). Multivariable logistic regression using preoperative risk factors identified coronary artery disease, acute decompensated heart failure and an age >72 years as independent predictors of mortality (age >72 years: odds ratio 2.71, 95% confidence interval 1.22-6.00; P = 0.01)., Conclusions: VA-ECMO in-hospital mortality is considerable across all age groups. However, age only becomes associated with mortality after 63 years and rises dramatically after 72 years. This study provides useful insight into these time-sensitive decisions for the development of possible practice guidelines.

Background: Hospital readmissions have an adverse effect on the quality of life in patients with end-stage heart failure. We examined the temporal pattern, predictors, and outcomes of readmission in continuous flow left ventricular assist device-supported patients., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed inpatient data of 350 consecutive patients who received a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device at our center between May 2004 and December 2014. A total time-restricted model was used to estimate hazard ratios for readmission, and the Nelson nonparametric method was used to estimate mean cumulative function for each cause of readmission., Results: The mean age was 57 ± 13 years, 82.6% received a HeartMate II (Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, IL), and 26.3% were destination therapy. The 30-day readmission rate was 21.7%, and 264 readmissions (41.1%) occurred within the first 6 months of support. The leading cause of readmission was bleeding (0.74 mean cumulative events per person), followed by infection (0.7), device failure (0.52), arrhythmia (0.3), and right heart failure (0.28) at 3 years. The number of readmissions did not have an adverse effect on survival (hazard ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.92 to 1.17; p = 0.58). Increase in each body mass index unit was associated with 1.029 times the rate of overall readmission (p = 0.041). Patients with a body mass index of 30 kg/m 2 or higher had increased readmissions for device failure (p = 0.008) and right heart failure (p = 0.03)., Conclusions: Readmission burden is highest during the first few months of continuous-flow left ventricular assist device support, but survival is not affected. Patients with an elevated body mass index are at increased risk for readmissions for device failure and right heart failure., (Copyright © 2018 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs) have become a standard treatment choice in advanced heart failure patients. We hypothesized that practice patterns with regards to CF-LVAD utilization vary significantly among transplant centers and impact waitlist outcomes., Methods and Results: The United Network for Organ Sharing registry was queried to identify adult patients who were waitlisted for heart transplantation (HT) between 2008 and 2015. Each patient was assigned a propensity score based on likelihood of receiving a durable CF-LVAD before or while waitlisted. The primary outcomes of interest were death or delisting for worsening status and HT at 1 year. A total of 22 863 patients from 92 centers were identified. Among these, 9013 (39.4%) were mechanically supported. CF-LVAD utilization varied significantly between and within United Network for Organ Sharing regions. Freedom from waitlist death or delisting was significantly lower in propensity-score-matched patients who were mechanically supported versus medically managed (83.5% versus 79.2%; P <0.001). However, cumulative incidence of HT was also lower in mechanically supported patients (53.3% versus 63.6%; P <0.001). Congruous mechanical and medical bridging strategies based on clinical risk profile were associated with lower risk of death or delisting (hazard ratio, 0.88; P =0.027) and higher likelihood of HT (hazard ratio, 1.14; P <0.001)., Conclusions: CF-LVAD utilization may lower waitlist mortality at the expense of lower likelihood of HT. Decision to use CF-LVAD and timing of transition should be individualized based on patient-, center-, and region-level risk factors to achieve optimal outcomes., (© 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.)

Background: Optimal anticoagulation strategy remains uncertain in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We describe our protocol of abciximab and heparin in these patients., Methods: Our protocol is to administer abciximab, 0.25 mg/kg loading dose, followed by continuous infusion of 0.125 μg · kg -1 · min -1 throughout cardiopulmonary bypass. Full-dose heparin is then given with subsequent additional doses to maintain an activated clotting time of 400 seconds or longer. The abciximab infusion is stopped 15 minutes after heparin reversal with protamine, and platelets are transfused., Results: Six patients underwent LVAD implantation with this protocol in our program. HIT was confirmed in 4 patients was suspected in 2, which was negative after the operation. One patient received a HeartMate XVE (Thoratec Corp, Pleasanton, CA) and the others received HeartMate II (Thoratec Corp). There were no thromboembolic complications. One patient required chest reexploration for bleeding and temporary right VAD support. Postoperative anticoagulation with argatroban was restarted on median postoperative day 3 (range, days 1 to 6) and warfarin was started on day 5 (range, days 3 to 12). Median postoperative intensive care unit stay was 9 days (range, 5 to 76 days), and hospital stay was 22 days (range, 18 to 132 days). After the initial LVAD implantation, 1 patient required HeartMate XVE LVAD exchange to HeartMate II and subsequent heart transplant, both of which were performed with the abciximab/heparin protocol. A HeartMate II device was explanted in another patient after myocardial recovery. The remaining 4 patients are alive on device support., Conclusions: This is the first report of a novel abciximab/heparin protocol for LVAD implantation in patients with HIT. The preliminary results suggest the feasibility and safety of this protocol., (Copyright © 2018 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)