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Fungal endocarditis/aortitis is an uncommon yet emerging entity accounting for 2% to 4% of all cases of infective endocarditis and continues to be associated with a poor prognosis. We present the first case of polyethylene-terephthalate (PETE) graft aortitis caused by A. niger, a rare fungal agent. Early diagnosis with frequent transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and a prompt surgical intervention coupled with optimal antifungal therapy are still the only option to reduce the exceedingly high mortality and morbidity.

Objectives: The Durable Mechanical Circulatory Support System After Extracorporeal Life Support registry is a multicenter registry of patients who were bridged from extracorporeal life support to a durable mechanical circulatory support system. Although numerous studies have highlighted the favorable outcomes after implantation of the HeartMate 3 (Abbott), the objective of our study is to examine the outcomes of patients who received HeartMate 3 support after extracorporeal life support., Methods: Data of patients undergoing HeartMate 3 implantation from January 2016 to April 2022 at 14 centers were collected and evaluated. Inclusion criteria were patients with extracorporeal life support before HeartMate 3 implantation. The outcome was reported and compared with patients receiving other types of pumps., Results: A total of 337 patients were bridged to durable mechanical circulatory support system after extracorporeal life support in the study period. Of those patients, 140 were supported with the HeartMate 3. The other types of pumps included 170 HeartWare HVADs (Medtronic) (86%), 14 HeartMate II devices (7%), and 13 (7%) other pumps (7%). Major postoperative complications included right heart failure requiring temporary right ventricular assist device in 60 patients (47%). Significantly lower postoperative stroke (16% vs 28%, P = .01) and pump thrombosis (3% vs 8%, P = .02) rates were observed in the patients receiving the HeartMate 3. The 30-day, 1-year, and 3-year survivals in patients receiving the HeartMate 3 were 87%, 73%, and 65%, respectively., Conclusions: In this critically ill patient population, the survivals of patients who were transitioned to the HeartMate 3 are deemed acceptable and superior to those observed when extracorporeal life support was bridged to other types of durable mechanical circulatory support systems., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest Statement The authors reported no conflicts of interest. The Journal policy requires editors and reviewers to disclose conflicts of interest and to decline handling or reviewing manuscripts for which they may have a conflict of interest. The editors and reviewers of this article have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to report.

Despite the withdrawal of the HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device (HVAD), hundreds of patients are still supported with this continuous-flow pump, and the long-term management of these patients is still under debate. This study aims to analyse 5 years survival and freedom from major adverse events in patients supported by HVAD and HeartMate3 (HM3). From 2010 to 2022, the MIRAMACS Italian Registry enrolled all-comer patients receiving a LVAD support at seven Cardiac Surgery Centres. Out of 447 LVAD implantation, 214 (47.9%) received HM3 and 233 (52.1%) received HVAD. Cox-regression analysis adjusted for major confounders showed an increased risk for mortality (HR 1.5 [1.2-1.9]; p = 0.031), for both ischemic stroke (HR 2.08 [1.06-4.08]; p = 0.033) and haemorrhagic stroke (HR 2.6 [1.3-4.9]; p = 0.005), and for pump thrombosis (HR 25.7 [3.5-188.9]; p < 0.001) in HVAD patients. The propensity-score matching analysis (130 pairs of HVAD vs. HM3) confirmed a significantly lower 5 years survival (81.25% vs. 64.1%; p 0.02), freedom from haemorrhagic stroke (90.5% vs. 70.1%; p < 0.001) and from pump thrombosis (98.5% vs. 74.7%; p < 0.001) in HVAD cohort. Although similar perioperative outcome, patients implanted with HVAD developed a higher risk for mortality, haemorrhagic stroke and thrombosis during 5 years of follow-up compared to HM3 patients., 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., (Copyright © 2023 Francica, Loforte, Attisani, Maiani, Iacovoni, Nisi, Comisso, Terzi, De Bonis, Vendramin, Boffini, Musumeci, Luciani, Rinaldi, Pacini and Onorati.)

Stroke is one of the leading complications following durable mechanical circulatory support (MCS) implantation. The aim of this multicenter study was to investigate stroke complications in patients requiring durable MCS following extracorporeal life support (ECLS). Data of 11 high volume MCS centers were collected and evaluated to identify patients who underwent durable MCS implantation after ECLS support between January 2010 and August 2018. The primary outcome was stroke following durable MCS implantation. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of stroke. Overall, 531 patients met the inclusion criteria. Only patients who were supported with continuous flow pumps were included in this study accounting for 495 patients (median age 54 years old [interquartile range 47-60]). A total of 136 patients (27%) developed postoperative stroke on device during the follow-up (48% ischemic and 52% hemorrhagic) after a median durable MCS support of 320 [32-1,000] days, accounting for 0.17 events per patient-year. Of 133 patients with known date of stroke, a total of 47 (10%) developed stroke during the first 30 days (64% ischemic and 36% hemorrhagic), and 86 patients developed stroke after 30 days (38% ischemic and 62% hemorrhagic) of durable MCS support (late stroke). Survival rate was significantly lower in patients with hemorrhagic stroke ( p = 0.00091). Stroke appears to be a common complication in patients transitioned to durable MCS support after ECLS. Hemorrhagic stroke is a more common type of late stroke and is associated with inferior outcomes., Competing Interests: Disclosure: The authors declare no funding and conflicts of interest to report., (Copyright © ASAIO 2022.)

The use of ECPELLA in patients with severe lung disease may result in an unfavorable phenomenon of differential hypoxia. The simultaneous evaluation of three arterial blood samples from different arterial line (right radial artery, left radial artery, ECMO arterial line) in patients at risk of Harlequin syndrome (also called differential hypoxemia (DH)) can localize the "mixing cloud" along the aorta. Focusing the attention on the "mixing cloud" position instead of on isolated flows of Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA ECMO) and Impella CP makes the decision making easier about how to modify MCSs flows according to the clinical context. Herein, we present two cases in which ECPELLA configuration was used to treat a cardiogenic shock condition and how the ECPELLA-induced hypoxia was managed., Competing Interests: None

Persistence of heart failure symptoms or suboptimal hemodynamic is a frequent condition in LVAD carriers, associated with adverse outcome. Invasive hemodynamic optimization was associated with a better outcome. Our group recently validated an echocardiographic protocol to noninvasively assess hemodynamics of LVAD patients. Aim of this prospective study was to investigate its utility in clinical practice and its prognostic role. From February 2016 to February 2019 fifty-five LVAD carriers (HVAD/HM3 34/21; age 61 ± 10 years, 89% males; INTERMACS profile at LVAD implantation ≤3 68%). A two-phased protocol was performed. First, the patient underwent clinical evaluation. Second, an echo-Doppler blinded to clinical data was performed. Clinical and echo-Doppler evaluation both identified patients with "optimal hemodynamic profile" (normal left and right estimated atrial pressures) versus other profiles. clinical evaluation overestimated the presence of an optimal profile compared with echo-Doppler (83% vs. 59%). The presence of overt heart failure identified patients with the highest risk of adverse outcomes (death or hospitalization for HF at 6 months: HR 15, 95% CI, 5.5-39, P < 0.001). An optimal profile by echo-Doppler was associated with a better outcome among patients without overt heart failure (death or hospitalization for HF at 6 months: HR 0.08, 95% CI, 0.01.5-0.64, P < 0.02). After echo-Doppler, the clinician modified treatment in 46 cases (37%). Noninvasive evaluation of hemodynamics by echo-Doppler adds significant prognostic information in LVAD patients without overt HF and is a valuable tool to tailor treatment in the outpatient follow-up of LVAD carriers. Visual abstract: http://links.lww.com/ASAIO/A783., Competing Interests: Disclosure: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © ASAIO 2022.)

Background: Traditionally, pain management after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation via median sternotomy have been based on intravenous opioids but, in the era of enhanced recovery after surgery, a multimodal opioid-sparing analgesia could represent a valid alternative reducing opioids related side effects., Case Report: We described the successfully use of an opioid-sparing regimen for pain management after LVAD implantation via median sternotomy based on two ultrasound-guided fascial plane wall blocks. Bilateral ultrasound-guided transversus thoracic plane block was performed to manage sternotomy pain; additionally, unilateral left ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block was performed to provide somatic pain relief for left abdominal wall structures superficial to the peritoneum within which the LVAD driveline was inserted. The patient was extubated on Day 1 and good quality analgesia (numerical rating scale <3) was obtained, without using nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs or opioids. The patient was discharged from Intensive Care Unit on Day 3 and during hospitalization (lasted 24 days) there was no need for rescue analgesia administration., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Introduction: The impact of Impella and ECMO (ECPELLA) in cardiogenic shock (CS) remains to be defined. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the benefit of ECPELLA compared to VA-ECMO in patients with non post-pericardiotomy CS., Methods: All studies reporting short term outcomes of ECpella or VA ECMO in non post-pericardiotomy CS were included. The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. Vascular and bleeding complications and LVAD implantation/heart transplant within 30-days were assessed as secondary outcomes., Results: Of 407 studies identified, 13 observational studies (13,682 patients, 13,270 with ECMO and 412 with ECpella) were included in this analysis. 30-day mortality was 55.8% (51.6-59.9) in the VA-ECMO group and 58.3% (53.5-63.0) in the ECpella group. At meta-regression analysis the implantation of IABP did not affect mortality in the ECMO group. The rate of major bleeding in patients on VA-ECMO and ECpella support were 21.3% (16.9-26.5) and 33.1% (25.9-41.2) respectively, while the rates of the composite outcome of LVAD implantation and heart transplantation within 30-days in patients on VA-ECMO and ECpella support were 14.4% (9.0-22.2) and 10.8%. When directly compared in 3 studies, ECpella showed a positive effect on 30-day mortality compared to ECMO (OR: 1.81: 1.039-3.159)., Conclusion: Our data suggest that ECpella may reduce 30-day mortality and increase left ventricle recovery, despite increased of bleeding rates., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors report no relationships that could be construed as a conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To investigate the impact of pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) monitoring on survival of cardiogenic shock(CS), in the light of the controversies in available evidence., Materials and Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library and Web of Science were systematically screened to identify most relevant studies on patients with CS comparing PAC use to non-use during hospital stay. Short-term mortality was the primary endpoint and the use of Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) devices was the secondary one., Results: Six observational studies including 1,166,762 patients were selected. The most frequent etiology of CS was post-myocardial infarction (75% [95% CI 55-89%] in PAC-group and 81%[95% CI 47-95%] in non-PAC group). Overall, PAC was used in 33%(95% CI 24-44%) of cases. Pooling data adjusted for confounders, a significant association between the PAC-group and a reduction in short-term mortality emerged when compared to the non-PAC group (36%[95% CI 27-45%] vs 47%[95% CI 35-59%];AdjustedOR 0.71, 95% CI 0.59-0.87, p < 0.01). MCS use was significantly higher in PAC vs non-PAC group (59% [95% CI 54-65%]) vs 48% [95% CI 43-53%]);OR 1.60 [95% CI 1.27-2.02, p < 0.01])., Conclusions: PAC was associated with lower incidence of short-term mortality in CS pooling adjusted observational studies. Prospective studies are needed to confirm our hypothesis and better clarify the mechanisms of this potential prognostic benefit., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None declared., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The high incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest refractory to standard resuscitation protocols, despite precompetitive screening, demonstrated the need for a prehospital team to provide an effective system for life support and resuscitation at the Volleyball Men's World Championship. The evolution of mechanical circulatory support suggests that current advanced cardiovascular life support protocols no longer represent the highest standard of care at competitive sporting events with large spectator numbers. Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) improves resuscitation strategies and offers a rescue therapy for refractory cardiac arrest that can no longer be ignored. We present our operational experience of an out-of-hospital ECLS cardiopulmonary resuscitation team at an international sporting event., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Cardiogenic shock represents one of the most dramatic scenarios to deal with in intensive cardiology care and is burdened by substantial short-term mortality. An integrated approach, including timely diagnosis and phenotyping, along with a well-established shock team and management protocol, may improve survival. The use of the Swan-Ganz catheter could play a pivotal role in various phases of cardiogenic shock management, encompassing diagnosis and haemodynamic characterisation to treatment selection, titration and weaning. Moreover, it is essential in the evaluation of patients who might be candidates for long-term heart-replacement strategies. This review provides a historical background on the use of the Swan-Ganz catheter in the intensive care unit and an analysis of the available evidence in terms of potential prognostic implications in this setting., Competing Interests: Disclosure: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2022, Radcliffe Cardiology.)

Objectives: Implanting a durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in a patient on extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is challenging. The goal of this study was to compare the results of patients from a European registry who had a durable LVAD implanted with or without transition from ECLS to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB)., Methods: A total of 531 patients on ECLS support who had an LVAD implant between January 2010 and August 2018 were analysed; after 1:1 propensity score matching, we identified and compared 175 patients in each group., Results: The duration of preoperative ECLS was 7 [standard deviation (SD) 6] vs 7 (SD 6) days in patients with or without CPB (P = 0.984). The surgical time was longer in the CPB group [285 (SD 72) vs 209 [SD 75] min; P ≤ 0.001). The postoperative chest tube output was comparable [1513 (SD 1311) vs 1390 (SD 1121) ml; P = 0.3]. However, re-exploration for bleeding was necessary in 41% vs 29% of patients with or without CPB (P = 0.01) and a significantly higher number of packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma [8 (SD 8) vs 6 (SD 4) units; P = 0.001 and 6 (SD 7) vs 5 (SD 5) units; P = 0.03] were administered to patients operated on with CPB. A postoperative mechanical right ventricular support device was necessary in 50% vs 41% of patients (P = 0.08). The stroke rate was not significantly different (P 0.99). No difference in survival was observed., Conclusions: Omitting CPB for an LVAD implant in patients on ECLS is safe and results in shorter operating time, less re-exploration for bleeding and fewer blood products. However, no survival benefit is observed., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.)

Competing Interests: Disclosure: Drs. Rinaldi, Attisani, and Centofanti report support as surgical proctors for Medtronic. The other authors report no conflicts of interest. Disclosure: Drs. Rinaldi, Attisani, and Centofanti report support as surgical proctors for Medtronic. The other authors report no conflicts of interest.

Objective: Aim of this study is to evaluate short term safety and efficacy of Impella in high risk percutaneous coronary intervention (HR-PCI) population., Background: While several studies demonstrated the clinical significance of Impella in HR-PCI, few data exist about its impact on short term outcome., Methods: All studies reporting short term outcomes of PCI with any Impella device were included. The primary endpoint was either in-hospital or 30-day mortality, while vascular complications, post-procedural stroke, post-procedural dialysis and bleeding complications were assessed as secondary outcomes., Results: Nine studies with 7448 patients were included. Median age was 69.5 years old (67-73), with a mean ejection fraction of 29.7% (20%-39%) and a Syntax score of 30.2 (25. 5-33, interquartile [IQR]). Impella 2.5 was the most commonly used axial flow pump used to support these PCIs (88.7%). In-hospital death was observed in 5.09% of patients (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.69-6.49, I 2  = 78%), while vascular complications in 2.53% of patients (1.07-4.00, I 2  = 89%) and post-procedural stroke in 2.77% of patients (0.50-6.05, I 2  = 98%). Major bleeding occurred in 5.98% of patients (3.66-8.31, I 2  = 90%) and post-procedural dialysis in 4.44% of patients (1.50-7.37, I 2  = 93% all CI 93%)., Conclusion: Use of Impella in high risk PCI appears to have an acceptable rate of complication, especially regarding vascular complications and major bleedings., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: The literature on outcomes of patients requiring durable mechanical circulatory support (MCS) after extra-corporeal life support (ECLS) is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of preoperative ECLS cannulation on postoperative outcome after durable MCS implantation., Methods: The durable MCS after ECLS registry is a multicenter retrospective study that gathered data on consecutive patients who underwent durable MCS implantation after ECLS between January 2010 and August 2018 in eleven high volume European centers. Patients who underwent the implantation of total artificial heart, pulsatile pumps, or first-generation pumps after ECLS were excluded from the analysis. The remaining patients were divided into two groups; central ECLS group (cECLS) and peripheral ECLS group (pECLS). A 1:1 propensity score analysis was performed to identify two matched groups. The outcome of these two groups was compared., Results: A total of 531 durable MCS after ECLS were implanted during this period. The ECLS cannulation site was peripheral in 87% (n=462) and central in 13% (n=69) of the patients. After excluding pulsatile pumps and total artificial heart patients, a total of 494 patients remained (pECLS =434 patients, cECLS =60 patients). A 1:1 propensity score analysis resulted in 2 matched groups (each 55 patients) with median age of 54 years (48-60 years) in cECLS group and 54 years (43-60 years) in pECLS group. HeartWare HVAD (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) was implanted in the majority of the patients (cECLS =71% vs. pECLS =76%, P=0.67). All postoperative morbidities were comparable between the groups. The thirty-day, one year and long-term survival was comparable between the groups (P=0.73)., Conclusions: The cannulation strategy of ECLS appears to have no impact on the post-operative outcome after durable MCS implantation., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2021 Annals of Cardiothoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the surgical approach on the postoperative outcome in patients who underwent left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation after having received veno-arterial extracorporeal life support (va-ECLS) using data from a European registry (ECLS-VAD). Five hundred and thirty-one patients were included., Methods: A propensity score-adjusted outcome analysis was performed, resulting in 324 patients in the full sternotomy (FS) group and 39 in the less invasive surgery (LIS) group., Results: The surgery lasted in median 236 min in the FS group versus 263 min in the LIS group (p = 0.289). The median chest tube output during the first 24 h was similar in both groups. Patients who underwent implantation with an FS required more blood products during the first 24 postoperative hours (median 16 vs. 12, p = 0.033). The incidence of revision due to bleeding was also higher (35.5 vs. 15.4%, p = 0.016). A temporary postoperative right ventricular assist device was necessary in 45.1 (FS) versus 23.1% (LIS) of patients, respectively (p = 0.067). No stroke occurred in the LIS group during the first 30 days after surgery (7.4% in the FS group). The incidence of stroke and of renal, hepatic, and respiratory failure during the follow-up was similar in both groups. The 30-day and one-year survival were similar in both groups., Conclusion: LIS for implantation of a durable LVAD in patients on va-ECLS implanted for cardiogenic shock is associated with less revision due to bleeding, less administration of blood products and absence of perioperative stroke, with no impact on survival., (© 2021 The Authors. Journal of Cardiac Surgery Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: The decision to implant durable mechanical circulatory systems (MCSs) in patients on extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is challenging due to expected poor outcomes in these patients., Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify outcome predictors that may facilitate future patient selection and decision making., Methods: The Durable MCS after ECLS registry is a multicenter retrospective study that gathered data on consecutive patients who underwent MCS implantation after ECLS between January 2010 and August 2018 in 11 high-volume European centers. Several perioperative parameters were collected. The primary endpoint was survival at 1 year after durable MCS implantation., Results: A total of 531 durable MCSs after ECLS were implanted during this period. The average patient age was 53 ± 12 years old. ECLS cannulation was peripheral in 87% of patients and 33% of the patients had history of cardiopulmonary resuscitation before ECLS implantation. The 30-day, 1-year, and 3-year actuarial survival rates were 77%, 53%, and 43%, respectively. The following predictors for 1-year outcome have been observed: age, female sex, lactate value, Model of End-Stage Liver Disease XI score, history of atrial fibrillation, redo surgery, and body mass index >30 kg/m 2 . On the basis of this data, a risk score and an app to estimate 1-year mortality was created., Conclusions: The outcome in patients receiving durable MCS after ECLS remains limited, yet preoperative factors may allow differentiating futile patients from those with significant survival benefit., Competing Interests: Author Disclosures The authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (Copyright © 2020 American College of Cardiology Foundation. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The aim of this prospective study was to validate an echocardiographic protocol derived from 5 HeartWare left ventricular assist device (HVAD) patients for the noninvasive evaluation of right atrial pressure (RAP) and left atrial pressure (LAP) in HVAD patients., Background: Echocardiography is an invaluable tool to optimize medical treatment and pump settings and also for troubleshooting residual heart failure. Little is known about the echocardiographic evaluation of hemodynamic status in HVAD patients., Methods: Right heart catheterization and Doppler echocardiography were performed in 35 HVAD patients. Echocardiography-estimated RAP (eRAP) was assessed using inferior vena cava diameter, hepatic venous flow analysis, and tricuspid E/e' ratio. Echocardiography-estimated LAP was assessed using E/A ratio, mitral E/e' ratio, and deceleration time., Results: eRAP and estimated LAP significantly correlated with invasive RAP and LAP (respectively, r = 0.839, p < 0.001, and r = 0.889, p < 0.001) and accurately detected high RAP and high LAP (respectively, area under the curve 0.94, p < 0.001, and area under the curve 0.91, p < 0.001). High eRAP was associated with high LAP (area under the curve 0.92, p < 0.001) and correlated with death or hospitalization at 180 days (odds ratio: 8.2; 95% confidence interval: 1.1 to 21.0; p = 0.04). According to estimated LAP and eRAP, patients were categorized into 4 hemodynamic profiles. Fifteen patients (43%) showed the optimal unloading profile (normal eRAP and normal wedge pressure). This profile showed a trend toward a lower risk for adverse cardiac events at follow-up (odds ratio: 0.2; 95% confidence interval: 0.1 to 1.0; p = 0.05) compared with other hemodynamic profiles., Conclusions: Doppler echocardiography accurately estimated hemodynamic status in HVAD patients. This algorithm reliably detected high RAP and LAP. Notably, high RAP was associated with high wedge pressure and adverse outcome. The benefit of noninvasive estimation of hemodynamic status in the clinical management of patients with left ventricular assist devices needs further evaluation., (Copyright © 2019 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Lung transplantation is the treatment of choice for end-stage pulmonary disease in selected patients. However, severe primary graft dysfunction is a significant complication of transplant and requires the implantation of an extracorporeal support. The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) after transplant in our center., Methods: From January 2008 till June 2018, 195 consecutive unselected patients receiving a lung transplant were considered. Mean age was 49±15 years. Main indications for transplant were idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in 72 patients, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 60 patients, and cystic fibrosis in 40 patients. Prior to transplant, 18 patients were on mechanical ventilation and 14 were on ECMO., Results: Twenty-five patients required venous-venous ECMO after transplant. Vascular disease as cause of transplant [relative risk (RR) 7.8, 95% CI: 1.5-41, P=0.02], donor age (RR 1.6, 95% CI: 1.03-2.3, P=0.03) and need for cardiopulmonary by-pass during transplant (RR 3.1, 95% CI: 1.02-9, P=0.04) were associated with ECMO implantation. Patients requiring post-transplant ECMO received more transfusions (P<0.01), had a longer mechanical ventilation (P<0.01) and ICU stay (P<0.01) and had a higher hospital mortality (P<0.01). Post-transplant ECMO significantly influenced one- and five-year survival [hazard ratio (HR) 5.5, 95% CI: 3-10, P<0.001 and HR 3.5, 95% CI: 2-6, P<0.001, respectively]. However, conditional survival after t months is similar for patients with or without post-transplant ECMO., Conclusions: In our experience, although ECMO is a reliable and effective strategy to support pulmonary function, severe graft dysfunction after lung transplantation still has a significant impact on early and late results., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

With advancements in mechanical circulatory support technology, and limitations in donor supply for heart transplantation, the use of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) has increased significantly in recent years. Multiple studies have shown that minimally invasive cardiac surgery can improve outcomes, with shorter hospital stays, decreased morbidity, faster recovery and ambulation, and lower total hospital costs. The current generation of centrifugal continuous-flow pumps is miniaturized and makes minimally invasive approaches increasingly practicable. Lateral surgical access to the ventricle allows off-pump implantation with minimal risk of blood loss, reducing the risk of air embolism and difficult de-airing. Off-pump implantation reduces hemodilution, systemic inflammatory response syndrome due to extracorporeal circulation, and the negative effects of pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular dysfunction in the perioperative period. Minimally invasive lateral access is encouraged in cases of bridge-to-transplant to avoid the risks associated with resternotomy.  We describe the surgical technique for minimally invasive implantation of the HeartMate 3 (Abbott, USA) left ventricular assist device (LVAD), avoiding sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass. Our surgical approach was based on a left minithoracotomy for the LVAD implantation and a right thoracotomy for the outflow graft anastomosis to the ascending aorta., (© The Author 2016. Published by MMCTS on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: Continuous flow left ventricular assistance devices (CF-LVADs) have revolutionized the treatment of advanced heart failure. Pump replacement for thrombosis is a high-risk procedure with a high perioperative mortality rate with possible recurrence. We aim to summarize our experience using a conservative approach with medical therapy., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed records of patients who experienced pump thrombosis after LVAD implantation with HeartWare HVAD at our institution, from November 2010 to March 2016. Device thrombosis (DT) was divided into suspected (SDT) and confirmed (CDT). A conservative approach using thrombolysis and heparin was used in all patients., Results: A total of 32 HeartWare HVAD pumps were implanted. Mean age was 59 ± 10 years and the mean time on mechanical support was 19.29 months (±14.06). Pump thrombosis occurred in 7 patients (0.14 patients/year) after a mean time of 733 (231-1,606) days after LVAD implantation. Three out of 7 cases had thrombosis recurrence (43%). Overall 19 episodes were recorded (0.38 event per patient/year). Eighteen out of 19 thrombolytic treatments were successful (94.7%). No patient required LVAD replacement or transfusion of blood products. There was no significant difference in terms of survival between patients who experienced thrombotic events and patients who did not. No major complications related to thrombolysis were recorded., Conclusions: Systemic thrombolysis plus heparin was an excellent therapeutic option. Early intervention in clinically stable patients without signs of heart failure but with indirect signs of device thrombosis has led to better outcomes.

A limit of peripheral veno-arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxigenator (VA-ECMO) is the inadequate unloading of the left ventricle. The increase of end-diastolic pressure reduces the possibility of a recovery and may cause severe pulmonary edema. In this study, we evaluate our results after implantation of VA-ECMO and Transapical Left Ventricular Vent (TLVV) as a bridge to recovery, heart transplantation or long-term left ventricular assit devices (LVAD). From 2011 to 2014, 24 consecutive patients with profound cardiogenic shock were supported by peripheral VA-ECMO as bridge to decision. In all cases, TLVV was implanted after a mean period of 12.2 ± 3.4 hours through a left mini-thoracotomy and connected to the venous inflow line of the VA-ECMO. Thirty-day mortality was 37.5% (9/24). In all patients, hemodynamics improved after TLVV implantation with an increased cardiac output, mixed venous saturation and a significant reduced heart filling pressures ( p < .05). Recovery of the cardiac function was observed in 11 patients (11/24; 45.8%). Three patients were transplanted (3/24; 12.5%) and three patients (3/24; 12.5%) underwent LVAD implantation as destination therapy, all these patients were discharged from the hospital in good clinical conditions. In these critical patients, systematic TLVV improved hemodynamic seemed to provide better in hospital survival and chance of recovery, compared to VA-ECMO results in the treatment of cardiogenic shock reported in the literature . TLVV is a viable alternative to standard VA-ECMO to identify the appropriate long-term strategy (heart transplantation or long-term VAD) reducing the risk of treatment failure. A larger and multicenter experience is mandatory to validate these hypothesis.

We report a case of a patient supported with a HeartWare left ventricular assist device for idiopathic cardiomyopathy who was resistance to vitamin-K antagonists three months after implantation. The patient initially started low-molecular-weight heparin therapy and then, after the onset of an ischemic stroke, switched to dabigatran etexilate (DE). The patient had progressive recovery of cardiac function for which the device was explanted. No thrombotic or bleeding events occurred during DE therapy., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Interest in right minithoracotomy mitral valve surgery (MVS) is rapidly growing and, to date, different perfusion strategies and aortic clamping techniques are available. However each approach carries specific advantages and drawbacks. This retrospective study analyses our experience in right minithoracotomy MVS with different arterial perfusion and aortic clamping strategies, highlighting the results of a patient tailored approach., Methods: Between March 2009 and March 2014, 460 patients with a full preoperative work-up that included also aortoiliac-femoral axis' screening underwent right minithoracotomy MVS. One hundred and eight were redo cases (23.5%), 63 had aortoiliac atheromatous disease or significant tortuosity (13.7%), and 38 had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (8.3%). Based on anatomy and comorbidities, each patient was allocated to the most appropriate of 3 approaches: femoral arterial cannulation with endoaortic balloon (P+EB) (247, 53.7%) or with transthoracic clamp (P+XC) (150, 32.6%), and direct aortic cannulation with endoaortic balloon occlusion (C+EB) (63, 13.7%)., Results: No cases of aortic dissection were reported. Early outcome were similar between the 3 groups; no differences were reported in terms of stroke rate (1.7% in the P+EB, 2% in the P+XC, and no cases in the C+EB group; p = NS) and 30-day mortality (2.1% in the P+EB, 2.7% in the P+XC, and 1.6% in the C+EB group; p = NS). Logistic regression showed no influences of arterial perfusion and aortic clamping techniques on 30-day mortality and stroke., Conclusions: Right minithoracotomy MVS can routinely be performed with favorable outcomes in all comers when perfusion strategies and clamping techniques are carefully selected after proper evaluation of the patient's preoperative characteristics., (Copyright © 2016 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Neurologic injury is still a frequent cause of mortality, morbidity, and long-lasting disability in patients undergoing an aortic arch operation with hypothermic circulatory arrest. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate short- and long-term outcomes in neurologic and cognitive functions in this group of high-risk patients., Methods: A total of 333 patients undergoing an aortic arch operation between February 2004 and June 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Cerebral protection was obtained with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in 220 patients (66%) or with moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest in 113 cases (34%). Straight deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was adopted in 35 cases (11%), while the association with antegrade cerebral perfusion was adopted in 271 cases (81%) and with retrograde cerebral perfusion in 27 cases (8%). Seventy-eight patients were enrolled in a case control prospective study (mean follow-up time = 42 months) and underwent neuropsychologic evaluations; data were compared with those of a matched-control group of hypertensive patients without history of cardiac operations., Results: Forty-one out of 333 patients experienced permanent neurologic dysfunction (12%) and 83 experienced temporary neurologic dysfunctions (25%). Acute aortic dissection and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest were significant predictors of mortality and permanent neurologic dysfunction. Acute aortic dissection and hypothermic circulatory arrest duration >30 minutes were significant predictors of temporary neurologic dysfunction, while antegrade cerebral perfusion was protective on mortality. Neuropsychologic evaluations showed no significant differences between the groups. The operative group showed worse verbal and working memory (P = .003), worse semantic fluency (P = .036), higher degree of alexithymia (P = .004), and a lower quality of life (P = .007)., Conclusion: Although moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest with antegrade cerebral perfusion demonstrated a lower mortality compared with deep hypothermic arrest, neurocognitive testing demonstrated no difference between the groups. Additionally, patients undergoing an aortic arch operation demonstrated long-term cognitive deficits and psychological dysfunction when compared to a matched cohort of nonoperative patients., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation improves survival and quality of life in patients with advanced heart failure (HF). Despite these advantages, LVADs are not free from risks. Among all adverse events (AE), pump thrombosis and bleeding, especially of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, have been reported to occur with increasing frequency in some CF-LVADs. The INCOR LVAD system is a third-generation, continuous flow, axial pump with active magnetic levitation, avoiding the potential downsides of mechanical bearings., Methods: The aim of this retrospective study was to review the Italian clinical experience with the INCOR LVAD and to determine the prevalence of GI bleeding and pump thrombosis. All patients implanted between January 2006 and May 2012 were considered eligible., Results: The total population consisted of 42 patients. LVAD indication was BTT in 36 (86%) and DT in 6 (14%) patients; 31 patients (74%) were INTERMACS class 1 or 2. Mean support time was 525 ± 570 days. The 1-year and 2-year survival rates were 74% and 60%, respectively. The most frequent AE was driveline infection (0.33 events PPY) followed by stroke with consequence (0.17 events PPY), sepsis (0.07 events PPY), and right HF (0.05 events PPY). No episodes of pump thrombosis or GI bleeding were observed., Conclusions: In this cohort of high-risk, advanced HF patients, the INCOR LVAD provided effective support with improved survival. Moreover, the absence of GI bleeding and pump thrombosis demonstrates a favorable characteristic of this device. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these data.

Objectives: Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) is a novel technique used to evaluate and recondition marginal or rejected grafts. Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is a major early complication after lung transplantation (LTx). The use of marginal or initially rejected grafts may increase its incidence and severity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of PGD after LTx using rejected grafts reconditioned with EVLP., Methods: PGD has been evaluated immediately after LTx (t0) and after 72 h (t72) in patients receiving standard (Group A) or reconditioned (Group B) grafts. EVLP was performed using a controlled acellular perfusion according to the Toronto technique., Results: From July 2011 to February 2013, 36 LTxs have been performed: 28 patients (21 M/7 F, mean age 51.7 ± 14.7 years) in Group A and 8 (6 M/2 F, mean age 46.6 ± 9.8 years) in Group B (successful recondition rate of 73%, 8 of 11 cases). Incidence rate of PGD 3 at t0 and at t72 (Group A versus Group B) was 50 vs 37% (P = NS) and 25 vs 0% (P = NS), respectively. Post-transplant extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was required in 5 and 2 patients in Groups A and B, respectively (P = NS)., Conclusions: The use of initially rejected grafts treated with EVLP does not increase the incidence and severity of PGD after LTx. Although comparison of PGD 3 incidence in the two groups did not reach a statistical difference, all EVLP patients suffering from severe PGD early after transplant recovered normal lung function at 72 h, suggesting a protective role of EVLP against PGD occurrence and severity., (© The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Iatrogenic left main coronary artery and aortic root dissection are rare complications during coronary catheterization. A case of catheter-induced left main coronary artery dissection with subsequent retrograde progression into the ascending aorta wall is reported. The patient was surgically managed with an ascending aorta replacement and left coronary ostial repair with an autologuos aortic wall ring-shaped patch in the paraostial position in order to seal the intimal tear., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Proliferation signal inhibitors are increasingly used as immunosuppressive drugs in solid organ transplantation. Among their side effects peripheral lymphedema is rarely described in literature., Methods: All heart transplant patients treated with everolimus (de novo or maintenance) at our center (135 patients: age 50.72±11.1 y, 115 male) were retrospectively analyzed. We considered the incidence of adverse events, particularly the appearance of peripheral edema (13 patients, 9.6%), and the correlation with preoperative characteristics, concomitant medications, other possible causes of edema, as well as all the measures developed for its therapeutic treatment., Results and Conclusions: Edema appearance, especially in lower limbs, was considered to be one of the most frequent side effects in heart transplant patients treated with everolimus. In some cases its regression was possible with an adjustment of drug dosages associated with diuretics and lymphatic drainage, but more often a suspension of the drug itself was required for complete regression of the symptoms., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Driveline infections are one of the most common and important complications in patients with left ventricular assist device (LVAD). One of the causes favouring the development of this complication is the traumatism of the exit site, which occurs in response to movement of the driveline. In this work, we present a simple and feasible method to immobilize the driveline at the level of the exit site., Methods: From April 2013 until November 2013, 6 patients underwent implantation of HeartWare LVAD (HVAD) for an end-stage heart failure. When the patient has begun to mobilize after the implantation of the device, we have combined the use of two components with the aim of securing the driveline to the patient's skin: a StatLock system and a silicone suture., Results: No case of local traumatism and no case of local infection at the driveline were observed during the follow-up. No patient reported pain or swelling at the driveline exit site. All patients were satisfied with their quality-of-life and they do not report any limitations in their daily activities., Conclusions: One of the major long-term complications in patients with LVAD is the development of infections of the exit site of the driveline. The trauma of this skin region promotes the onset and maintenance of an inflammatory process and local infectious. Avoiding excessive mobilization of the driveline is likely to reduce the incidence of infections of the exit site and improve the quality-of-life.

Mechanical prosthesis is the first choice for valve replacement at the mitral position in children. Replacement of the original prosthesis because of prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) is almost inevitable when prostheses are implanted in small children. The impact of PPM on long-term mortality becomes significant when the effective orifice area (EOA) is severely reduced. In these cases prosthesis replacement can be technically difficult, and it often requires extended enlargement of the mitral valve annulus ring. We report a case of a woman who underwent a mitral valve replacement with a 19-mm St. Jude mechanical prosthetic valve at the age of 3 years. At the age of 33 years, the patient underwent a successful minimally invasive mitral annulus ring enlargement and implantation of a 23-mm St. Jude mechanical prosthetic valve via a right minithoracotomy.

A sudden, unexpected, reversible, severe left ventricular dysfunction, mimicking an acute myocardial infarction without demonstrable obstructive coronary artery stenosis, was first recognized in Japan in 1990 and originally termed takotsubo cardiomyopathy. In 2006, the American Heart Association included takotsubo cardiomyopathy into its classification of primary acquired cardiomyopathy. The true incidence of takotsubo cardiomyopathy in the community is difficult to estimate. In fact, despite an increasing awareness, this syndrome has to date been under-recognized and misdiagnosed, mainly because of the transitory natures of its clinical and instrumental features. The study aim was to investigate the association between the occurrence of takotsubo cardiomyopathy and emotional or physical stressors, as described also in the setting of various surgical procedures. The case is also described of a 77-year-old woman who suffered a transient left ventricular dysfunction soon after cardiac surgery for valvular disease and epicardial cryoablation of atrial fibrillation.

Background: Among the strategies to increase the number of lung transplants, ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) represents a novel technique to expand the donor pool., Methods: Data from donors referred to our center were retrospectively analyzed to identify grafts that could potentially be potentially reconditioned by EVLP and for comparison with those obtained by clinical application of EVLP program in our center., Results: Among 75 rejected lungs, 23 organs have been identified as potentially treatable with EVLP with a hypothetic increase of lung transplant activity of 53%. After the introduction of the EVLP program in our center, lung transplantation with reconditioned grafts was performed in 7 (23%) patients with a 30% increase in transplant procedures., Conclusion: Although less than expected, EVLP increased the number of lungs suitable for transplantation., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: For patients in advanced heart failure, emergency transplantation or ventricular assist devices (VADs) are possible strategies. The aim of this single-centre, retrospective study was to evaluate early and long-term results for these two strategies., Methods: From 2005 to 2011, we analysed 49 INTERMACS level 1 and 2 patients, who were divided into the following two groups: group A comprised 26 patients on the waiting list for heart transplantation with urgent conditions; and group B comprised 23 patients who underwent VAD implantation as a bridge to candidacy., Results: In group A, 25 patients underwent transplantation. In group B, 19 patients were supported with left VAD and four with biventricular VAD. Of these 23 patients, 13 underwent transplantation (mean time 279 ± 196 days). The 30 day mortality was 42.3 and 4.3% in group A and B, respectively. Survival at 6 and 12 months was significantly better in group B than in group A (87 vs 53%, P = 0.018 at 6 months; and 77 vs 48%, P = 0.045 at 12 months)., Conclusion: Improved outcomes may justify the use of mechanical assistance devices as a bridge to candidacy or bridge to transplantation in INTERMACS 1 and 2 patients in order to avoid high-risk transplants. Evaluation of long-term multicentre outcomes is needed to assess future strategies.

Infection in patients supported with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) is common and it can limit widespread implantation of mechanical assistance as destination therapy (DT). The infection-resistance power delivery system could improve longevity and quality of life. The Jarvik 2000 (Jarvik Heart, New York, NY, USA) driveline design showed a prolonged infection-free survival and a better quality of life compared to those patients supported with traditional LVAD with an abdominal cable. We report a singular driveline complication in a 71-year-old patient supported with a Jarvik 2000. A new retroauricular pedestal was successfully repositioned after the detachement of the first one.

We present our technique for the implantation of the Jarvik 2000 left ventricular assist device (Jarvik Heart, Inc, New York, NY) without cardiopulmonary bypass by the induction of rapid pacing that allows the insertion of the apical device into the left ventricle, minimizing blood loss and surgical complications. Although the off-pump implantation of left ventricular assist devices is not new, our experience of rapid pacing has not been previously reported to our knowledge., (Copyright © 2011 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Patients awaiting cardiac transplantation often require ventricular assist devices (VADs) due to instable circulatory condition. Device-related infections remain the 'Achilles heel' of mechanical circulatory support and wound complications after VAD placement are a formidable challenge to surgeons. Up to 25% of deaths in VAD patients are due to systemic sepsis, which occurs in 11-26% of patients and bacteria that are common pathogens including Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus, and Candida. Sepsis, infection of implanted pump components, and infections of percutaneous drivelines continue to limit survival. The Berlin Heart-EXCOR VAD is a para-corporeal pulsatile system that has been successful in patients with severe biventricular dysfunction. We report a case of a 35-year-old male suffering from a postischemic cardiomyopathy who received an EXCOR biventricular assist device as a bridge to transplant. During the assistance the patient developed concomitant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection of implanted pump components which was resistant to conventional therapy. The patient developed sepsis with splenic infarctions due to septic embolization which was successfully treated with a heart transplant. In some extreme cases of VAD infections, such as this, the only therapeutic option is transplantation or device replacement.

Urgent repair (within 48 hr after diagnosis) of posterior ventricular septal defect in the presence of cardiogenic shock, consequent to acute myocardial infarction, is associated with a very high mortality rate. The use of left ventricular mechanical support devices has the potential to impart hemodynamic stability and to delay surgical treatment until such time as scar tissue forms around the defect, sufficient to hold a suture patch.From May 2004 through July 2007, 5 patients who were in cardiogenic shock as a consequence of acute posterior ventricular septal defect underwent early implantation of a transfemoral microaxial Impella® Recover® LP 5.0 Support System as mechanical support (bridge to surgery).The mean duration of support by the left ventricular assist device was 14.4 ± 6 days. No one died during assistance. The device reduced left-to-right shunting, systolic pulmonary artery pressure, central venous pressure, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. Liver, kidney, and lung function improved, and the 30-day mortality rate was 40%.Although this is a retrospective study of a very small patient population, without benefit of a control group, it is the first report of its kind. This initial experience using the Impella Recover 5.0 in cases of cardiogenic shock due to posterior ventricular septal defect suggests that this conservative approach is a feasible and safe way to improve hemodynamic conditions and delay surgery. Further clinical experience is needed to confirm these early results.