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Aims Recipients of left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are exposed to increased risk of adverse clinical events. One of the potential contributing factors is non‐pulsatile flow generated by LVAD. We evaluated the association of flow patterns in carotid arteries and of increased arterial stiffness with death and cerebrovascular events in LVAD recipients. Methods and results We analysed data from 83 patients [mean age 54 ± 15 years; 12 women; HeartMate II (HMII), n = 34; HeartMate 3 (HM3), n = 49]. Pulsatile and resistive indexes, atherosclerotic changes in carotid arteries (measured by duplex ultrasound), and arterial stiffness [measured by Endo‐PAT 2000 as the augmentation index standardized for heart rate (AI@75)] were evaluated 3 and 6 months after LVAD implantation. Sixteen patients died during follow‐up (27.3 months; interquartile range 15.7–44.3). After adjusting for the main variables examined, the pulsatility index measured at 3 months was positively associated with increased hazard ratios (HR) for death and cerebrovascular events [HR 9.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.62–59.42], with HR increasing after adding AI@75 to the model (HR 18.8, 95% CI 2.44–145.50). In HM3 recipients, HR was significantly lower than in HMII recipients (HR 0.31, 95% CI 0.11–0.91), but the significance disappeared after adding AI@75 to the model (HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.09–1.18). Conclusions The risk of death and cerebrovascular events in LVAD recipients is associated with increased pulsatility index in carotid arteries and potentiated by increased arterial stiffness. The same risk is attenuated by HM3 LVAD implantation, but this effect is weakened by increased arterial stiffness.

Introduction: Inherited thrombophilias represent a concerning risk factor due to a proclivity to an aberrant clot formation. However, in patients with left ventricular assist device (LVAD), their impact on bleeding and thrombotic complications remains still poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of thrombophilic mutation directed anticoagulation therapy on adverse clinical outcomes in LVAD patients. Materials and methods: About 138 consecutive patients indicated for LVAD implant (HeartMate II, Abbott, Plymouth, USA) were prospectively screened for three major thrombophilic mutations: factor II (prothrombin), factor V Leiden, and homozygous methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). Subsequently, discordant individualized anticoagulation targets of INR 2.5–3.0 in thrombophilia positive and INR 1.8–2.2 in negative patients were established; notably without anti-platelet agents given the center standard of care. Results: Mean age was 50 ± 12.7 years, 83% male. Mean duration of support was 464.5 days (SD 482.9; SEM 41.1) and median of 310 days (IQR 162; 546). Full thrombophilia positive cohort analysis has not revealed any significant impact on event free survival. In contrast, detailed analysis of specific thrombophilias subsets has revealed Factor II prothrombin mutation as a significant predisposition for the pump thrombosis risk (SHR 10.48; p = 0.001) despite more aggressive prespecified anticoagulation target. Moreover, the incidence of bleeding events in prothrombin group was also significantly increased (SHR 6.0; p = 0.03). Conclusions: Our observations suggest that specific thrombophilias in LVAD patients may pose different intensity predisposition for thrombotic complications. Factor II (prothrombin) positive mutation was identified as significant risk factor associated with the pump thrombosis.

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a severe complication of myocardial infarction (MI) with a high mortality rate. We report a case of a large post-MI VSD treated with percutaneous venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) to restore hemodynamic stability and to avoid surgery in the acute setting. VSD closure with endoventricular patch and implantation of biventricular assist device (BiVAD) was arranged sixteen days after MI. Because of no signs of myocardial recovery, implantation of durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as a bridge to transplant was provided, leaving right ventricular assist device (RVAD) to right ventricle recovery. RVAD was explanted 18 days after durable LVAD placement and the patient was discharged home two months after MI. The use of durable LVAD is a unique solution that can be applied in selected patients with MI-VSD and heart failure.

Background Implantation of left-ventricular assist systems (LVASs) has become the standard of care for advanced heart failure (HF). The absence of pulsatility in previous devices contributes to vascular and endothelial dysfunction related to atherosclerotic or vascular complications. We hypothesized that the artificial pulsatility provided by the HeartMate 3 (HM3) (Abbott, Chicago, IL) LVAS would exert a favourable effect on the vasculature. Methods In 32 patients implanted with HM3 (5 female patients, mean age 55 ± 13.6 years), the reactive hyperemia index (RHI) and peripheral augmentation index (AI), markers of endothelial function and arterial stiffness, were measured with an EndoPAT2000 before and in the third and sixth month after implantation. RHI and AI data from 30 HeartMate II (HM II) (Abbott) recipients in the third and sixth month after implantation, from 15 patients with advanced HF without LVASs and from 13 healthy volunteers were also analyzed. Results In HM3 recipients, the mean RHI significantly decreased at 3 and 6 months after implantation. The RHI was substantially lower at baseline than that of healthy or the HF reference group. Increasing AI values, indicating worsening arterial stiffness, were also observed. Similar trends were observed in HM II recipients between the third and sixth months but with higher absolute values of RHI and AI. Conclusions We detected impaired vascular function in HM3 patients and provided additional evidence on the negative effect of low pulsatility on vascular function after LVAS implantation. The results suggest that the artificial pulsatility of the HM3 does not avert the progression of endothelial dysfunction.

Background The HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist system is engineered to avoid pump thrombosis, yet bleeding complications persist. We investigated the safety of low-intensity anti-coagulation in patients with the HeartMate 3. Methods The M inimal A nticoa G ulation E valuatio N T o a U gment he M ocompatibility (MAGENTUM 1) pilot study is a prospective, single-arm study of low-intensity warfarin anti-coagulation in patients implanted with the HeartMate 3 pump. After standard warfarin anti-coagulation (international normalized ratio [INR] 2.0 to 3.0) and aspirin for 6 weeks post-implant, patients were transitioned to a lower INR target range of 1.5 to 1.9. The primary end-point was a composite of survival free of pump thrombosis, disabling stroke (modified Rankin score [MRS] >3), or major bleeding (excluding peri-operative bleeding) with at least 6-month post-implant follow-up. Time in therapeutic range (TTR) was measured to assess anti-coagulation target efficacy using the Rosendaal method. A safety algorithm to monitor for signs of pump thrombosis was developed and implemented. Results We enrolled 15 patients (mean age 57.3 ± 13.3 years), 13 men with advanced heart failure (67% with INTERMACS Profiles 2 or 3), irrespective of therapeutic goal of bridge-to-transplant or destination therapy. The primary end-point was met in 14 of 15 (93 ± 6%) patients; 1 patient developed recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding . The TTR during the reduced anti-coagulation phase (6 weeks to 6 months) was 75.3 ± 8.6%. No thrombotic events occurred. Conclusions This pilot study suggests low-intensity anti-coagulation targeting an INR between 1.5 and 1.9 is achievable and safe with the HeartMate 3 cardiac pump in the short-term phase, 6-months post-implant. A large-scale trial is now warranted.

Each year an estimated 790,000 people suffer a heart attack in the United States. With such a high incidence, it is important to understand the underlying cellular mechanisms at play during myocardial infarction. In this project we examined the role of pericardial macrophages in modulating the pathogenesis of myocardial infarction. We found that pericardial macrophages expressing the transcription factor GATA6 make up a majority of the cells in the healthy human’s pericardial fluid and have a regulatory function. However, patients with chronic ischemic cardiac disease had their GATA6+ macrophages replaced by inflammatory monocytes in the pericardial fluid. GATA6+ macrophages can be also isolated from murine pericardial fluid. We modeled myocardial infarction through permanent ligation of the left anterior descending artery in adult mice utilizing GATA6+ macrophage deficient LysCreGATA6fl/fl mice. LysCreGATA6fl/fl mice had worse fibrosis and more severe EKG abnormalities compared to control mice following myocardial infarction. Thrombi were also apparent in the hearts of LysCreGATA6fl/fl mice that were not present in control mice. In addition, mice lacking GATA6+ pericardial macrophages had a higher influx of inflammatory Ly6Chi monocytes to the myocardium during the early inflammatory phase of the disease, while pericardial macrophages did not traffic to the myocardium directly at any point. Therefore, we propose that pericardial macrophages inhibit late-stage cardiac remodeling following myocardial infarction by preventing the trafficking of inflammatory monocytes to the site of injury.

Introduction Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) play a fundamental role in treating end-stage heart failure. Outflow graft stenosis (OGS) represents a serious complication that can occur at a variable time point after the implantation, although typically of the order of months to years. Different types of OGS, both intrinsic and external, were described. Notwithstanding the etiology, this clinical scenario poses a life and health-threatening complication requiring timely and precise diagnosis followed by appropriate intervention. Case Report We present a case of a 72-years-old woman on LVAD HeartMate II (HM II) support. Three years after the index implantation, she presented with clinical symptoms of outflow graft stenosis. The patient was admitted to the hospital due to”low-flow“ alarms of HMII. The CT scan revealed distal outflow graft stenosis suggestive of kinking of the graft. Subsequent percutaneous transluminal stenting of the graft was performed. However, after the intervention, signs of hemodynamic compromise persisted. Both angiography and repeated CT scans verified peculiar pattern of the proximal shift of the stenotic segment relative to the implanted stent. Given this specific feature, a diagnosis was reclassified as a previously reported pattern of the outflow graft twist scenario, and surgical subxiphoid approach reexploration was indicated. On inspection, after disconnecting the bend relief from the pump body massive”gelly mass“ plasma transudate located in the interspace between the graft and the bend relief was observed. Immediately after removing compressing gelly mass, hemodynamic and pump parameters promptly resolved, and the bend relief was re-attached. Further patient follow-up remains uneventful to the date. Summary Our observation suggests that the diagnostic assessment of the outflow graft stenosis may be confusing and challenging. As plasma transudate likely develops over an extended period of time once a distal orifice of the bend relief already gets entrapped within the adjacent adhesion, the outflow graft may become contained within incompressible interspace while limited by tight connection to the pump body. That said, the graft constriction migration upon stenting can easily get misdiagnosed as a pattern suggestive of the intrinsic twist instead of correct”pseudotwist“ diagnosis associated with the external contained compartment compression.

Background As a result of improved diagnostic methods, medical treatment, surgical correction, and palliation in childhood, there is a growing number of adult patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) who may experience heart failure and subsequently require heart transplantation (HT). Because of complex anatomy, previous operations, and frequently increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), these patients represent a group with a higher risk of early mortality after transplantation. Methods From May 1999 to December 2014, our institution performed 25 HTs in adult patients with end-stage CHD. We present our data and outcomes of transplantation in this group. Results The median age at transplantation was 38 years (range, 18.4–53.7 years). Survival was 88% at 30 days, 88% at 1 year, and 77% at 5 years. We identified long donor heart ischemic time (>4 hours) as an important risk factor for early mortality. There was no significant difference in the survival of patients undergoing transplantation for CHD and patients undergoing transplantation for other diagnoses. Conclusions With careful donor and recipient selection, adults with end-stage CHD undergoing HT can achieve excellent early and midterm survival, comparable to the survival of patients who undergo transplantation for other diagnoses.

Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is a life-threatening complication among heart transplant recipients and a major cause of early mortality. Although the pathogenesis of PGD is still unclear, ischemia/reperfusion injury has been identified as a predominant factor. Both necrosis and apoptosis contribute to the loss of cardiomyocytes during ischemia/reperfusion injury, and this loss of cells can ultimately lead to PGD. The aim of our prospective study was to find out whether cell death, necrosis and apoptosis markers present in the donor myocardium can predict PGD. The prospective study involved 64 consecutive patients who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation at our institute between September 2010 and January 2013. High-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) as a marker of minor myocardial necrosis was detected from arterial blood samples before the donor’s pericardium was opened. Apoptosis (caspase-3, active + pro-caspase-3, bcl-2, TUNEL) was assessed from bioptic samples taken from the right ventricle prior graft harvesting. In our study, 14 % of transplant recipients developed PGD classified according to the standardized definition proposed by the ISHLT Working Group. We did not find differences between the groups in regard to hs-cTnT serum levels. The mean hs-cTnT value for the PGD group was 57.4±22.9 ng/l, compared to 68.4±10.8 ng/l in the group without PGD. The presence and severity of apoptosis in grafted hearts did not differ between grafts without PGD and hearts that subsequently developed PGD. In conclusion, our findings did not demonstrate any association between measured myocardial cell death, necrosis or apoptosis markers in donor myocardium and PGD in allograft recipients. More detailed investigations of cell death signaling pathways in transplanted hearts are required.

A 53-year-old female with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome underwent recurrent tricuspid valve replacement for Loffler's endocarditis. We review the literature on tricuspid valve surgery in patients with this uncommon disorder. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12483 (J Card Surg 2015;30:140–144)

Summary of Objectives The HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System has demonstrated absence of confirmed de-novo pump thrombosis and reduction in stroke. However, bleeding related adverse events persist under standard anticoagulation targeting a INR range of 2.0-3.0. In an initial experience we demonstrated safety of transition to low intensity anticoagulation (INR target 1.5-1.9, n=15, follow up of at least 6 months). Whether complete cessation of anticoagulation maintains “thromboresistance” in the HeartMate 3 pump remains unknown. Methods We previously reported on a strategy of low-intensity warfarin anticoagulation in patients implanted with HeartMate 3 (J Heart Lung Transplant. 2018;37(5):579-586). Following completion of this study phase, a staged trial was approved by the single site's ethics committee and registered as NCT03704220. All patients enrolled in the low intensity warfarin study (target INR of 1.5-1.9) were considered eligible for enrollment in the “anticoagulation withdrawal” study, if they were continuing on long-term support. All patients had to meet safe eligibility criteria including pump speed reduction to facilitate aortic valve opening (to avoid root thrombus), absence of thrombus in the pre-pump cardiac system, and absence of signs of poor unloading at reduced device speed. Careful surveillance for pump thrombosis was algorithmically mandated with biomarker and serial pump log file analyses. If enrolled, they were withdrawn from warfarin therapy and followed for survival free of pump thrombosis, disabling stroke or major bleeding for at least 3 months as the primary safety end point. Endpoints Enrollment and follow up in the low intensity anticoagulation study has been reported (n=15); 13 men, mean age 57 years (18-72), with intended goal of therapy of either BTT or DT, INTERMACS Profile mean 3 (2-5), Cardiac Index mean 1.62 l/min/m2. Of 10 patients followed beyond 1 year on reduced anticoagulation, 5 patients have qualified for complete withdrawal of anticoagulation and the safety endpoint analysis will be completed prior to the ISHLT meeting in March 2019. This pivotal study is the first indication-independent anticoagulation withdrawal study in the HeartMate 3 designed to establish thrombo-resistance for the device and form the rationale for a large scale multicenter trial.

Ruptura volne stěny leve komory srdecni (LVFWR) je co do výskytu třeti nejcastějsi a zaroveň nejobavanějsi komplikaci akutniho infarktu myokardu (AIM). Probiha pod klinickým obrazem subakutni, tzv. oozing ruptury až po katastrofickou "blow-out" variantu. Siroka dostupnost echokardiografie v soucasne klinicke praxi umožňuje vcasnou diagnostiku, tedy i možnost adekvatni chirurgicke intervence takto postižených pacientů. Navzdory tomu jsou zkusenosti s touto nosologickou jednotkou stale nedostacujici a LVFWR nadale zůstava druhou nejcastějsi přicinou umrti pacientů po AIM s odhadovanou mortalitou 20 %. Přežiti takto kriticky nemocných pacientů je determinovano casnou diagnostikou, stabilizaci hemodynamiky a promptnim chirurgickým výkonem. Primarnim cilem emergentni operace je zastava krvaceni, respektive dekomprese srdecnich oddilů ohrožujici pacienta na životě srdecni tamponadou. Prezentujeme připad "oozing" levokomorove ruptury, jež byla řesena pomoci tzv. sutureless techniky s užitim hemostatika TachoSil® (Takeda, Osaka, Japonsko) v kombinaci s bovinnim perikardem fixovaným fibrinovým lepidlem.

A 64-year-old woman with extensive tumorous infiltration of the mitral and aortic valves underwent partial resection of a tumor of the left ventricular outflow tract and replacement of both affected valves. Histology revealed an inflammatory pseudotumor with a significant number of immunoglobulin-G4-positive plasma cells. The histologic and clinical findings suggested immunoglobulin-G4-related disease of the heart.

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly used as a treatment option for advanced heart failure. Fungal infections present a serious concern given the high association with major adverse events including death in this group of patients. The objective of this review is to summarize the incidence, risk factors, method for diagnosis, complication rate, and outcomes in patients with VADs who develop fungal infections. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12258 (J Card Surg 2014;29:95-100)

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have become an established surgical therapy for patients with end-stage heart failure who require hemodynamic support as a bridge-to-transplant or destination therapy. However, the anatomic and physiologic consequences of long-term LVAD support have yet to be fully clarified. Despite the clinical success of these devices, it has been reported that many patients bridged to transplantation with mechanical support develop circulating antibodies with potential donor reactivity. Transplanting against existing or historic donor-specific antibodies is associated with increased risk of antibody-mediated rejection, graft dysfunction, and decreased survival. Safe transplantation of allosensitized patients is dependent on using prospective crossmatching and antibody titer reduction techniques (desensitization). Strict protocols requiring a negative prospective crossmatch before transplantation result in a decreased donor pool and a longer duration of support in sensitized LVAD recipients with increased inherent morbidity such as infections and thromboembolic complications. The aim of this review is to present the current state of knowledge of possible immunologic mechanisms involved in alloimmunization of LVAD recipients, outline new methods of antibody detection, compare various desensitization strategies, and present an overview of clinical data assessing the impact of sensitization on posttransplantation outcome.

The main complication of aortocoronary reconstruction with vein grafts is restenosis in the course of time. The aim was to assess the effect of a periadventitial polyester mesh releasing sirolimus on intimal hyperplasia of autologous grafts. We implanted v. jugularis ext. into a. carotis communis in rabbits. The vein graft was either intact, or was wrapped with a pure polyester mesh, or with a sirolimus-releasing mesh. Three and six weeks after surgery, the veins were subjected to standard histological staining and the thicknesses of the tunica intima, the media and the intima-media complex were measured. Wrapping the vein with a mesh releasing sirolimus or with a pure mesh decreased the thickness of the intima in comparison with a vein graft by 73 ± 11% or 73 ± 8% after 3 weeks, and by 73 ± 9% or 59 ± 12% after 6 weeks, respectively. Sirolimus-releasing meshes reduced the thickness of the media by 65 ± 9% and 20 ± 12% after 3 and 6 weeks. The thickness of the intima-media complex in grafts with sirolimus-releasing meshes decreased by 60 ± 6% and 30 ± 13% in comparison with pure PES meshes, after 3 and 6 weeks, respectively. A periadventitial polyester mesh releasing sirolimus has the potential to become an effective device in preventing vein graft restenosis.

Autologous vein grafts used as aortocoronary bypasses are often prone to intimal hyperplasia, which results in stenosis and occlusion of the vein. The aim of this study was to prevent intimal hyperplasia using a newly developed perivascular system with sustained release of sirolimus. This system of controlled drug release consists of a polyester mesh coated with a copolymer of L-lactic acid and ε-caprolactone that releases sirolimus. The mesh is intended for wrapping around the vein graft during surgery. The mesh releasing sirolimus was implanted in periadventitial position onto arteria carotis communis of rabbits, and neointimal hyperplasia was then assessed. We found that implanted sirolimus-releasing meshes reduced intima thickness by 47±10 % compared to a vein graft after 3 weeks. The pure polyester mesh decreased vein intima thickness by 35±9 %. Thus, our periadventitial system for controlled release of sirolimus prevented the development of intimal hyperplasia in autologous vein grafts in vivo in rabbits. A perivascularly applied mesh releasing sirolimus is a promising device for preventing stenosis of autologous vein grafts.

Mechanicke srdecni podpory jsou v soucasnosti jednou z nejdynamictěji se rozvijejicich oblasti moderni kardiologie a kardiochirurgie. V transplantologii srdce se staly již rutinni a ucinnou metodou umožňujici přemostěni kriticky selhavajicich pacientů do doby ziskani vhodneho darcovskeho organu. Technologicke inovace rozsiřuji možnosti jejich využiti i do nových indikacnich skupin; zasadni posun nastava i z hlediska delky jejich použiti i uživatelske přatelskosti pro pacienty, vcetně možnosti jejich ambulantni lecby. Ve sděleni je v sirsim kontextu představena klasifikace systemů se zaměřenim na jejich vhodnou volbu v ramci přehledu indikaci a kontraindikaci, zaroveň jsou rozebrany nejcastějsi komplikace spojene s touto metodou. Přibliženy jsou i operacni postupy implantace a soustavna pooperacni pece o nemocne. V zavěrecne casti jsou prezentovany dosavadni zkusenosti pracovistě autorů v teto problematice.

1. The number of adult patients undergoing surgery for congenital cyanotic defects in childhood has increased significantly. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the effect of perinatal hypoxia on the tolerance of the adult myocardium to acute ischaemia-reperfusion injury. 2. Pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to intermittent hypobaric hypoxia 7 days before delivery; pups were born under normoxic conditions and exposed to hypoxia again for 10 postnatal days. After the last hypoxic exposure, all animals were kept for an additional 3 months under normoxic conditions. All experiments were performed on 90-day-old rats. 3. Ventricular arrhythmias were assessed on isolated perfused hearts during 30 min occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Infarct size was measured on isolated hearts (40 min regional ischaemia and 120 min reperfusion) and on open-chest animals (20 min regional ischaemia and 3 h reperfusion). 4. Perinatal exposure to hypoxia significantly increased cardiac tolerance to ischaemic injury in adult females, as evidenced by the lower incidence and severity of ischaemic ventricular arrhythmias, compared with the normoxic group. The effect of perinatal hypoxia on ischaemic arrhythmias in males was quite the opposite. Myocardial infarct size measured in open-chest animals only was significantly smaller in normoxic females compared with normoxic males. Perinatal exposure to hypoxia had no effect on infarct size in either setting or sex. 5. The results of the present study support the hypothesis that perinatal hypoxia is a primary programming stimulus in the heart that may lead to sex-dependent changes in cardiac tolerance to acute ischaemia in later adult life. This would have important implications for patients who have experienced prolonged hypoxaemia in early life.

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was: is extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) superior to dedicated ventricular assist device (VAD) in patients with acutely failing allograft following transplantation. Altogether, 162 papers were found using the reported search, of which 8 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. Two studies provide data only for ECMO-treated patients, in three, the authors describe their experiences with Levitronix CentriMag and three studies directly compare the outcomes of ECMO and VAD support. The survival ranges from 40 to 74% in patients rescued with ECMO compared with 33-60% in patients supported with dedicated VAD. We conclude that there is insufficient evidence to prefer ECMO over VAD and the optimal modality of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) following heart transplantation should be determined by the surgeon and institutional experience and dependent on the extent and severity of myocardial dysfunction and the presence or absence of associated respiratory insufficiency.

Objectives Second-generation axial-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have become an established therapy in bridging end-stage heart failure patients to cardiac transplantation. Despite the proven clinical success of these devices, some patients develop right ventricular (RV) failure after LVAD implantation. We sought to determine post-heart transplantation outcomes of HeartMate II (HMII)-bridged patients who developed postimplantation right ventricular failure and received Levitronix CentriMag for RV support in addition to LVAD. Methods This was a single-centre institutional report of 64 patients transplanted during 2007-2013 from a HeartMate II device. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they received an isolated LVAD (n = 56) or required additional RV mechanical support (n = 8). These two groups were compared for early graft loss (death before discharge or retransplantation), major early post-transplant complications and 3-year graft survival. Results Early graft loss was 10.7% in isolated HMII and 25% in HMII + RVAD patients (P = 0.26). There were no observed differences in the rates of primary graft dysfunction (7.3 vs 0%, P = NS), renal failure (16.7 vs 12.5%, P = NS) and stroke (11.1 vs 25%, P = 0.273) between the two groups. Pulmonary artery resistance (odds ratio: 3.286, 95% confidence interval: 1.063-10.157, P = 0.039) was identified as a significant predictor for adverse outcome of mechanically-bridged heart transplant recipients. The 3-year graft survival rate was 86 ± 5% in isolated HMII and 75 ± 15% in HMII + RVAD patients, P = 0.326. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that heart transplant recipients who required unplanned RV mechanical support after LVAD implantation achieved comparable rates of early graft loss, post-transplant renal failure and stroke rate in comparison with patients bridged with an isolated HeartMate II assist device. Three-year graft survival was equivalent between those two groups. Given the small sample size, further studies involving more patients are needed to support or challenge our conclusions.

We describe a minimally invasive technique for the removal of a temporary right ventricular assist device (RVAD) that provided support concomitant with durable left ventricular assist device support. The RVAD cannulas are mobilized through a small subxiphoid incision at the cannula exit site. Both cannulas are transected subcutaneously, then occluded with plugs made of rolled bovine pericardium, and the skin is closed. The cannula remnants are left in place until heart transplantation is accomplished. To minimize risk of thrombus formation at the cannula tips and subsequent embolization into the right atrium or pulmonary artery, anticoagulation is increased to achieve an international normalized ratio (INR) in the range of 2.5-3.0.

A 53-year-old female with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome underwent recurrent tricuspid valve replacement for Löffler's endocarditis. We review the literature on tricuspid valve surgery in patients with this uncommon disorder.

Background There is limited clinical experience with bridging to transplant with a left ventricular assist device (VAD) in patients with previously palliated transposition of great arteries. Methods Five adult patients presenting with systemic right ventricular failure 30 years after a Mustard operation were implanted with a HeartMate II VAD. The implant was completed using standard procedures with only minor modifications to accommodate right ventricular cannulation. Results All 5 patients were men, with a mean age of 31.5 ± 1.8 years and a median time since Mustard operation of 30 (range 28 to 32) years. All patients had sternal closure on Post-operative Day (POD) 1, and 2 patients required additional re-operation for bleeding. One patient required temporary support of the non-systemic ventricle. The mean duration of VAD support was 284 ± 177 days; 3 patients underwent heart transplant and 2 died on PODs 502 and 34, respectively. Both deaths were due to progressive heart failure and pump thrombosis. Comorbidities, anatomy and mediastinal scarring did not preclude implantation and heart failure symptoms improved in all patients. Conclusions With the increased prevalence of late post-Mustard heart failure, bridge to transplant with a VAD may be a suitable treatment option for patients who are severely ill.

A 38-year-old man was diagnosed with primary cardiac sarcoma involving the central cardiac structures. Echocardiography revealed that a pendular portion of the tumor intermittently obstructed the mitral orifice. Magnetic resonance imaging verified infiltration into the interventricular septum and the posterior wall of the left ventricle. A biopsy report showed moderate- to high-grade fibrosarcoma, and a positron emission tomographic–computed tomographic (PET-CT) scan ruled out metastasis. The patient consented to cardiectomy and to the placement of 2 HeartMate® II (Thoratec Corporation; Pleasanton, Calif ) continuous-flow ventricular assist devices (VADs). After the heart was excised (Fig. 1), only the posterior walls of both atria remained. A right neoatrium was created with a 38-mm reinforced graft that was attached to a sewing ring, as reported previously.1 Another sewing ring was attached to the left atrial tissue; both VAD inflow conduits were secured within the sewing rings (Fig. 2). Left and right outflow grafts were anastomosed end-to-end to the aorta and the pulmonary artery, respectively. In this patient, there was no dilated pericardial cavity because of the specific reason for his surgery. We were aware that retaining appropriate pericardial bulk was crucial to the patient's eligibility for future heart transplantation. To meet this goal, we did not use a technique described in 20122; instead, we positioned the pumps to accommodate the whole left part of the remaining pericardial cavity and used longer outflow grafts (in bend reliefs) to fill the whole pericardial cavity (Fig. 3). Postoperative computed tomography showed the configuration of the artificial heart (Figs. 4 and ​and55). Fig. 1 Perioperative photograph shows the solid extramural part of the sarcoma (double arrow) and the pendular infiltrating part within the mitral orifice (single arrow). Fig. 2 Intraoperative photograph shows preparation of the inflow attachments after cardiectomy. Fig. 3 Intraoperative photograph shows final positioning of the total artificial heart. Fig. 4 Postoperative 3-dimensional computed tomographic reconstruction image shows positioning of the pumps and inflow cannulas. Fig. 5 Postoperative 3-dimensional computed tomographic reconstruction shows end-to-end anastomosis of the outflow grafts.

We describe a very rare case of outflow cannula obstruction with fungal infectious thrombus formation. Discussion includes the etiology, diagnosis, and management of fungal infection complications related with long-term mechanical circulatory support. Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly used as bridge to transplant and permanent long-term therapy in the population with end-stage heart failure. Even though better clinical outcomes have been achieved with the newer-generation continuous-flow devices, infection complications are still a major risk for patients with continuous-flow LVAD implantation in long-term follow-up [Ann Thorac Surg 90:1270-1277, 2010]. Device-related infections can be categorized as driveline infections, pump-pocket infections, and LVAD-associated endocarditis [Expert Rev Med Devices 8: 627-634, 2011]. The microbiological profile is very heterogeneous; the most common pathogens are Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus species, and Candida. Severe fungal infection may lead to dysfunction of the LVAD due to obstructive mass formation within the device. Due to the only anecdotal reports in the current literature, we present a very rare case of outflow fungal infectious thrombus formation leading to outflow cannula obstruction in patient with LVAD.

Double valve replacement for concomitant aortic and mitral valve disease is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Excellent results with valve repair in isolated mitral valve lesions have been reported; therefore, whether its potential benefits would translate into better outcomes in patients with combined mitral-aortic disease was investigated.A retrospective observational study was performed involving 341 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement with either mitral valve repair (n=42) or double valve replacement (n=299). Data were analyzed for early mortality, late valve-related complications and survival.The early mortality rate was 11.9% for valve repair and 11.0% for replacement (P=0.797). Survival (± SD) was 67±11% in mitral valve repair with aortic valve replacement and 81±3% in double valve replacement at five years of follow-up (P=0.187). The percentage of patients who did not experience major adverse valve-related events at five years of follow-up was 83±9% in those who underwent mitral valve repair with aortic valve replacement and 89±2% in patients who underwent double valve replacement (P=0.412). Age70 years (HR 2.4 [95% CI 1.1 to 4.9]; P=0.023) and renal dysfunction (HR 1.9 [95% CI 1.2 to 3.7]; P=0.01) were independent predictors of decreased survival.In patients with double valve disease, both mitral valve repair and replacement provided comparable early outcomes. There were no significant differences in valve-related reoperations, anticoagulation-related complications or prosthetic valve endocarditis. Patient-related factors appear to be the major determinant of late survival, irrespective of the type of operation.

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly used as a treatment option for advanced heart failure. Fungal infections present a serious concern given the high association with major adverse events including death in this group of patients. The objective of this review is to summarize the incidence, risk factors, method for diagnosis, complication rate, and outcomes in patients with VADs who develop fungal infections.

A 67-year-old male with a history of gastrointestinal malignancy was found to have a tumor in the right ventricular outflow tract. The tumor was surgically removed, and the histological diagnosis was thyroid struma. We review the literature on this rare cardiac tumor.

The present case report demonstrates a development of a false aneurysm in a venous coronary bypass graft wall, which developed at the previous MGuard stent implantation area in a 67-year-old patient. Subsequent histological examination revealed a false aneurysm image, without detection of vascular wall layers in its wall. Microscopically mild neointimal proliferation within the stent was also detected, with a strong granulomatous inflammatory reaction, mostly focused on the PET fibre mesh present on the surface of the stent. This article demonstrates the need for a multidisciplinary approach in dealing with pathological changes in stented blood vessels; the authors would also like to remind the public of the possibility of histological examination of stented vessels in the Czech Republic.

Hodgkin's lymphoma is a quite frequent diagnosis, particularly in younger patients, which is normally treated effectively with combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Cardiomyopathy induced by these treatments is not uncommon and may progress to advanced-stage heart failure. Due to the cardiotoxicity of chemotherapy for Hodgkin's disease, preexisting heart failure precludes usual therapy. We present a novel strategy of hemodynamic stabilization with an implantable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) prior to radical oncotherapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma. A 33-year-old man with a short history of progressive heart failure was hospitalized due to progressive symptoms. An echocardiogram revealed a dilated left ventricle with an ejection fraction of 18%, moderate right ventricular dysfunction, and moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation. Supradiaphragmatic-stage Hodgkin's lymphoma was also diagnosed. Due to severe cardiac dysfunction, the patient was not a candidate for the usual chemotherapy and radiotherapy prescribed for this diagnosis. After multidisciplinary consultation and consent from the patient, an LVAD was implanted with tricuspid valve repair. Additionally, affected lymph nodes from the ventral upper mediastinum were excised, and pathological analysis confirmed the lymphoma diagnosis. The patient recovered from surgery and the postoperative course was uneventful. With LVAD support and normalized hemodynamics, chemotherapy and radiotherapy for his Hodgkin's lymphoma were completed, and the patient remains in complete remission documented by positron emission tomography/computed tomography and is well one since LVAD implantation.

Primary cardiac sarcoma is normally fatal, but cardiac replacement may provide some hope for long-term survival. A 38 year-old man with cardiac sarcoma, involving the interventricular septum and posterior wall with intermittent mitral obstruction, underwent implantation of two HeartMate II ventricular assist devices for total artificial heart support. After cardiectomy, the HeartMate sewing rings were sewn to the right neoatrium and the left atrial remnants. After the outflow grafts were sewn end to end to the pulmonary artery and aorta, the two drivelines were externalized through the abdominal wall, and perfusion started. The postoperative course was complicated by respiratory and renal dysfunction, which resolved. After 6 months of support, the patient has normal organ function and is ambulatory. Follow-up oncologic evaluation of positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan is negative.

A patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and no history of thromboembolic events received a surgically implanted axial-flow left ventricular assist device. After implantation, transesophageal echocardiography revealed a giant thrombus on the lateral and anterior aspects of the left ventricle. The inflow cannula inserted through the apex of the left ventricle was not obstructed, and the device generated satisfactory blood flow. Laboratory screening for thrombophilia showed protein S deficiency, heterozygous factor V Leiden mutation, and heterozygous MTHFR C667T mutation. During the entire duration of circulatory support, no significant suction events were detected, and the patient was listed for heart transplantation. Ventricular assist device implantation can unmask previously undiagnosed thrombophilia; therefore, it should be necessary to identify thrombophilic patients before cardiac support implantation.

Background: Aortic dissection in a cardiac allograft is an uncommon complication of heart transplantation with only few cases reported in the literature. Method: We report a case of 46-year-old female who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation for dilated cardiomyopathy 22 years earlier. During surveillance echocardiographic examination she was diagnosed with type A aortic dissection limited to the donor aorta. The aortic root was successfully replaced using a valve-sparing David procedure. The pathogenesis and surgical management of these dissections is reviewed. Conclusion: Appropriate surgical repair performed in a timely fashion leads to excellent results improving the prognosis of these patients. (J Card Surg 2012;27:125–127)

Prevalence of terminal forms of heart failure is steadily increasing and thus waiting time for heart transplantation, too. Increasing mortality on waiting list has urged implementation of mechanical circulatory support as an adjunct to the programme of heart transplantation. The objective of the study is to review 7-years experience with paracorporeal assist device in bridging to transplantation.Retrospective review of 53 transplant candidates treated since April 2003. 50 patients received paracorporeal assist devices in biventricular configuration. Most frequent diagnosis was dilated cardiomyopathy in 51%.Despite a high risk profile of the patients, 37 of them were successfully transplanted (69.8%). Cumulative support has reached 3513 days. Local exit sites infection was identified as a most frequent complication, sepsis as a most frequent cause of death on support (18.8%). 30-days post-transplant mortality remained low at 5.7%.Paracorporeal mechanical circulatory assist devices remain effective alternative for terminal stage heart transplant candidates, especially for those in multiorgan failure who require biventricular support. Success rate of bridging to transplantation is acceptable, as well as complications rate and quality of life while on support. Long-term post-transplant survival is not inferior to the results of procedures performed without necessity of previous implantation of the assist device.

The surgical technique of simultaneous heart transplantation and aortic aneurysm repair has been reported previously. However, there is a subgroup of patients with end-stage cardiomyopathy requiring major aortic surgery who do not meet heart transplant criteria. The optimal treatment strategy for these patients is still to be defined. In this report, we describe the use of an implantable continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as an adjunct to extensive aortic repair for providing patients with an acceptable risk surgical alternative to palliative treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of this approach in the published literature.

1. The number of adult patients undergoing surgery for congenital cyanotic defects in childhood has increased significantly. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the effect of perinatal hypoxia on the tolerance of the adult myocardium to acute ischaemia-reperfusion injury. 2. Pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to intermittent hypobaric hypoxia 7 days before delivery; pups were born under normoxic conditions and exposed to hypoxia again for 10 postnatal days. After the last hypoxic exposure, all animals were kept for an additional 3 months under normoxic conditions. All experiments were performed on 90-day-old rats. 3. Ventricular arrhythmias were assessed on isolated perfused hearts during 30 min occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Infarct size was measured on isolated hearts (40 min regional ischaemia and 120 min reperfusion) and on open-chest animals (20 min regional ischaemia and 3 h reperfusion). 4. Perinatal exposure to hypoxia significantly increased cardiac tolerance to ischaemic injury in adult females, as evidenced by the lower incidence and severity of ischaemic ventricular arrhythmias, compared with the normoxic group. The effect of perinatal hypoxia on ischaemic arrhythmias in males was quite the opposite. Myocardial infarct size measured in open-chest animals only was significantly smaller in normoxic females compared with normoxic males. Perinatal exposure to hypoxia had no effect on infarct size in either setting or sex. 5. The results of the present study support the hypothesis that perinatal hypoxia is a primary programming stimulus in the heart that may lead to sex-dependent changes in cardiac tolerance to acute ischaemia in later adult life. This would have important implications for patients who have experienced prolonged hypoxaemia in early life.

Fig 3. FE A T U R E Aexertion. His surgical history revealed stage T1N0M0 sigmoid adenocarcinoma treated with polypectomy 10 months previously. Transesophageal echocardiography showed an oval mass measuring 30 27 24 mm, attached to the interventricular septum and partly obstructing right ventricular outflow tract. Coronary angiography demonstrated a tumor feeding from the first septal branch (Figure 1; LAD 1⁄4 left anterior descending). Because of suspected metastasis, magnetic resonance imaging (Figure 2A) and positron emission tomography (Figure 2B; T 1⁄4 tumor, LV 1⁄4 left ventricle, RV 1⁄4 right ventricle) were performed. Both examinations showed low contrast medium uptake, providing evidence for the benign nature of the lesion. The tumor was approached through the right atrium and tricuspid valve. A broadly attached mass with whitish surface, elastic