Cardiology Commons^™

Highlights Of The 2023 Brano Heart Failure Forum, Bela Merkely, Rajko Radovancevic, Bojan Vrtovec, Igor D. Gregoric

The VAD Journal

Since 2007, the Branislav “Brano” Radovancevic Heart Failure Forum (BHFF) has been held annually to provide a venue for experts to present and discuss “Innovations and New Treatment Strategies in Heart Failure.” Clinicians and researchers gather yearly in a different Eastern European city to discuss the latest in heart failure diagnostics and therapeutics. The 2023 BHHF forum was held on the 13^th thru 15^th of September 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. It was attended by over 100 faculty from 16 countries. In addition, participation through online streaming was available. Throughout the forum, 16 sessions focused on challenges and solutions …

What Did We Learn About Vads In 2023?, Maya Guglin

The VAD Journal

This is our 10^th annual literature review on mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices. All of our previous reports were well received by the readers.^1-9

In this paper, we summarized the most interesting and important, from our standpoint, publications from 2023. There may be some slight overlap with the end of 2022, because some papers were published online first, and the year of publication changed when they became available in print.

For the seventh time this year, we wrote a section on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), which primarily addresses new developments in veno-arterial ECMO.

Readers who wish to supplement …

Late Cardiotoxicity From The Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, Dasatinib: Pleural Effusions, Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, And Right Heart Failure, Mark Jay Zucker, Andrew M. Zucker

The VAD Journal

Despite the remarkable progress made over the past few decades in the management of patients with both solid and hematologic malignancies, radiation- and chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity remains an ongoing problem. This is true even for newer highly targeted therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). This report presents a case of late/severe right heart dysfunction secondary to pulmonary hypertension, developed after ten years of therapy with dasatinib. We also review the history of this known, but often unrecognized, and potentially reversible complication, and we suggest treatment options. Additionally, this case highlights the remarkable effectiveness of TKIs in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia …

Ultrasound – An Underutilized Diagnostic Tool For Ventricular Assist Device Driveline Infections, Kristina Krzelj, Tomislav Tokic, Tomislav Kopjar, Maja Cikes, Davor Milicic, Hrvoje Gasparovic

The VAD Journal

Patients with ventricular assist device (VAD) driveline infections (DLI) have reduced quality of life and increased risk of severe complications, such as sepsis, hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke, and wound infections. The management of VAD patients imposes a significant financial burden due to prolonged in-hospital stays, frequent re-admissions, expensive diagnostics, and the need for antibiotic therapy and/or surgical intervention. There is considerable room for improvement in DLI management, particularly in the early detection and treatment stages. Ultrasound, an easily applicable device available in almost every hospital, offers an unrecognized potential for the early detection of DLI. By increasing awareness about the …

Echocardiographic Parameters Associated With Less Reverse Left Ventricular Remodeling After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implant In Subjects With Prosthesis Patient Mismatch, Andrew C. Peters, Fei Fei Gong, Ashvita Ramesh, Adin Andrei, Madeline Jankowski, Eric Cantey, Vincent Chen, James D. Thomas, James D. Flaherty, S. Christopher Malaisrie, Kameswari Maganti

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Transaortic valve implant (TAVI) is the treatment of choice for severe aortic stenosis (AS). Some patients develop prosthesis patient mismatch (PPM) after TAVI. It is challenging to determine which patients are at risk for clinical deterioration.

METHODS: We retrospectively measured echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular (LV) morphology and function, prosthetic aortic valve effective orifice area (iEOA) and hemodynamics in 313 patients before and 1 year after TAVI. Our objective was to compare the change in echocardiographic parameters associated with left ventricular reverse modeling in subjects with and without PPM. Our secondary objective was to evaluate echo parameters associated with …

Myocardial Protection In High-Risk Cardiopulmonary Bypass Support, Subhasis Chatterjee, Marc R. Moon

Journal of Shock and Hemodynamics

The development of cardioplegia has facilitated complex cardiac surgery and allowed high-risk patients to safely tolerate life-saving procedures. By following the principles of electromechanical arrest, inducing hypothermia, and using adjunctive agents to help mitigate the effects of hypothermia and ischemia reperfusion injury, cardioplegia can be safely induced with various commercially available compositions, which can be delivered by several different surgical techniques. Although many studies have compared these methods, there is little consensus on whether any one method is superior to another. Just as a surgeon may need to modify technique according to individual patient factors, so too must a surgeon …

Prevalence Of Central Venous Stenosis Among Black And White Eskd Patients With Dysfunctional Dialysis Access, Vipul Chitalia Md, Jonathan Ravid, Arinze Nkiruka, Kristina Yamkovoy, Matthew Diamond, Rohit Pillai, Tyler J. Ryan, Saran Lotfollahzadeh, Janice Weinberg, Alik Farber, Rajendran Vivendhan, Jean Francis, Nathanael Fillmore, Najia Idrees

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

In the United States, significant racial and ethnic disparities exist in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its management. Hemodialysis constitutes the main stay of renal replacement therapy for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), which is initiated using central venous catheters (CVC) in most CKD patients in the United States. Black ESKD patients have higher usage and greater time on CVC for hemodialysis compared to White patients. This trend places Black patients at a potentially higher risk for CVC-related complications such as central venous stenosis (CVS). We posited that Black patients would have a higher prevalence and a greater risk of CVS. …

Treatment Of Refractory Ventricular Tachycardia With Radiofrequency Ablation And Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support, Som P. Singh, Alejandro Vidal Margenat, David L. Boone, Ellen Condoure, Ramesh Hariharan

The VAD Journal

Catheter-based radiofrequency ablation has long been recognized as an effective treatment for refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT). A 57-year-old male with severe coronary artery disease underwent percutaneous mechanical circulatory support because of worsening cardiogenic shock after failed revascularization attempts. Despite aggressive medical management, the patient experienced refractory VT episodes, leading to the decision to proceed with radiofrequency catheter ablation. Notably, the Impella 5.5 device (Abiomed) provided critical left ventricular support during the ablation procedure. This case underscores the potential benefits of Impella support during radiofrequency ablation of complex ventricular arrhythmias.

Utilization And Short-Term Outcomes Of Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion In Patients With Cancer, Yaqi Zhang, Zhuoran Yang, Muhammad Usman Almani, Raquel Soon-Shiong, Bolun Liu

Einstein Health Papers

Background

Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has been rapidly evolving since FDA’s approval in 2015 and has become more of a same-day-discharge procedure. Cancer patient with atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF) population can benefit from the procedure but the in-hospital outcomes and readmission data were rarely studied.

Objectives

We investigated the utilization, in-hospital and readmission outcomes in cancer patients with AF who underwent LAAO.

Methods

Data were derived from the National Inpatient Sample and National Readmissions Database from 2016 to 2019. Patients with primary diagnosis of AF admitted for LAAO (ICD-10 code 02L73DK) were grouped by cancer as a secondary diagnosis. …

Revascularization Impact: Quality Of Life Enhancement In Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia, Cristian Traian Paius, Vlad Denis Constantin, Alexandru Carap, Andrei Tarus, Grigore Tinica

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Introduction. Globally, over 230 million people have peripheral artery disease, often undiagnosed, leading to chronic limb-threatening ischemia. Revascularization is vital for preventing amputation and improving quality of life. While specific questionnaires for severe ischemia are lacking, the SF-36 questionnaire is widely used to assess quality of life, with variations like SF-12 and SF-8 for larger cohorts. Objectives. Our aim was to assess how different lower limb revascularization methods affect the postoperative quality of life in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia. Methods. This study was conducted at the St. Pantelimon Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Romania. It included 166 adult patients with …

Outcomes Of Patients With Intermediate Risk Pulmonary Embolism Treated With A Multidisciplinary Pulmonary Embolism Response Team. The Emergent Role Of Percutaneous Catheter Thrombectomy And The Importance Of Cardiac Surgery Engagement, Juan N Pulido, Robert Fletcher, Michelle A. Poitevin, Kristina Pratt, Paul P Huang, George P Pappas, Eric J Lehr

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

Background: Management of Intermediate Risk Pulmonary Embolism (IRPE) remains controversial due to the dynamic nature of the disease and the lack of correlative outcomes with large clot burden. We describe the outcomes of patients presenting with IRPE managed by a multidisciplinary Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT).

Methods: This single center retrospective study included EMR data from patients that were a part of the multidisciplinary PERT program from January 2012 to June 2023. PERT was activated if risk of death was intermediate or higher. The simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) and Bova score were used as risk stratification tools. Patients …

About Dying And Death: Thanatology's Place In Medical Curriculum, Jill Dombroski

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This study explored how healthcare providers engage in advance care planning and end-of-life care conversations. The research explored what shapes their understanding and the extent to which concepts from thanatology they intuitively bring in, explicitly bring in, and maybe fail to recognize. To achieve this, constructivist grounded theory (CGT) methodology guided the design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation of the findings, which allowed for iteration across interviews and analysis with existing theories and data in the literature. The CGT design encouraged further engagement with the literature in an ongoing iterative fashion as well as with the analysis of the data. …

The Value Of Right Heart Catheterization: Case Series Showing Benefits In A Variety Of Diagnoses, Max Ruge, David Fischman, Indranee Rajapreyar, Yevgeniy Brailovsky

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

Although the right heart catheterization (RHC) was first introduced in 1945, its use in the quantitative hemodynamic assessment of patients has remained of questionable benefit. With recent advances in pharmacotherapies and mechanical support devices, RHC has been increasingly used to assess and help tailor the management of more complex patient scenarios. We present a case series in which the use of the RHC was helpful in making complex medical decisions.

Tav-In-Tav And Beyond: How Far Can We Go?, Taramasso Maurizio, Ana Paula Tagliari, David L. Fischman

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Seeing Into The Future: Heartmate 3 To The Systemic Right Ventricle In A Completely Blind Patient With Congenitally-Corrected Transposition Of The Great Arteries, Juhi Ramchandani, Chirag Dipak Shah, Kashif Saleem, Maya Guglin, Roopa Rao

The VAD Journal

A 24-year-old, blind male with congenitally-corrected transposition of the great arteries and systemic right ventricular failure presented with New York Heart Association class IV heart failure despite home inotropic therapy. He was not a transplant candidate due to psychosocial issues. He underwent a successful HeartMate 3 (Abbott Laboratories) placement with the implementation of techniques to guide home ventricular assist device care despite blindness.

Characteristics And Outcomes Of Patients Who Underwent Coronary Atherectomy In Centers With And Without On-Site Cardiac Surgery, Mohamed Dafaalla, Muhammad Rashid, Saadiq Moledina, Tim Kinnaird, Peter Ludman, Nick Curzen, Sarah Zaman, James Nolan, Mamas A. Mamas

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients who underwent atherectomy at the time of percutaneous coronary intervention in centers with on-site surgical centers (SCs) versus nonsurgical centers (NSCs). Patients treated with coronary atherectomy between January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2019, from the British Cardiovascular Society Intervention (BCIS) registry were included. Primary outcomes were in-hospital all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. A total of 20,833 patients were treated with coronary atherectomy, of which 7,983 (38%) were performed at NSC. The proportion of coronary atherectomies performed in NSC increased from 12.5% in 2006 to …

Malperfusion Syndrome In The Setting Of Type A Aortic Dissection, Karama Yaslam Karama Bayamin

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Background: Acute Type A aortic dissection (TAAD) patients who experience malperfusion syndrome (MPS) are at the greatest risk of major morbidity and mortality. However, the appropriate timing for open proximal aortic repair in the presence of MPS is still uncertain due to variations in clinical manifestations and diverse treatment approaches.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature review to understand the importance of MPS in the setting of TAAD. Then, we conducted a national survey to understand the perception of cardiovascular surgeons across Canada and their approach for those patients. Furthermore, we performed a retrospective analysis of our local data to …

Comparative Outcomes Of Lung Volume Reduction Surgery And Lung Transplantation: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Danial Ahmad, Brandon E. Ferrell, Abhiraj Saxena, Diana C. Jiminez, Thomas J. O/Malley, Marco Dispagna, Vakhtang Tchantchaleishvili

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Background: Lung volume reduction (LVR) and lung transplantation (LTx) have been used in different populations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. To date, comparative study of LVR and LTx has not been performed. We sought to address this gap by pooling the existing evidence in the literature.

Methods: An electronic search was performed to identify all prospective studies on LVR and LTx published since 2000. Baseline characteristics, perioperative variables, and clinical outcomes were extracted and pooled for meta-analysis.

Results: The analysis included 65 prospective studies comprising 3,671 patients [LTx: 15 studies (n=1,445), LVR: 50 studies (n=2,226)]. Mean age was …

Dipyridamole-Induced Stemi: Case Report And Review Of The Literature, Hussam Al Hennawi, Sunita Lakhani, Shayan Iqbal Khan, Sarin Atam, Usama Sadiq, Joseph Rigotti, Abhinav Nair

Abington Jefferson Health Papers

Dipyridamole nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging is a safe and useful modality to assess for myocardial ischemia. It is the modality of choice for cardiac risk stratification in patients unable to exercise. Intravenous dipyridamole causes coronary vasodilation and may yield heterogeneity of coronary blood flow in significant coronary artery disease. Ischemic electrocardiographic changes following pharmacologic stress testing are less likely compared to exercise stress tests. Ischemia more likely presents in the form of ST depression, with ST-elevation being exceedingly rare. We present a case of a 73-year-old patient who developed ST-elevation myocardial infarction following pharmacologic stress testing.

Partial Support In Chronic Heart Failure, Bart Meyns, Walter Droogne, Steven Jacobs

The VAD Journal

Partial left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support offers several advantages in treating chronic heart failure. It also raises concerns about insufficient support, worsening symptoms, and impediment of myocardial recovery. The clinical trial results for the CircuLite device (Medtronic) have shown that close monitoring can ensure improved outcomes for partial support. Another study on the ovine model demonstrated that partial and full support have similar effects regarding reverse remodeling. Thus, patients receiving partial LVAD support need regular follow-up care. Clinical assessment of symptoms and organ function must be used alongside objective judgment of patients’ needs to ensure support levels are appropriately …

Highlights Of The 2022 Brano Heart Failure Forum: Part Two, Ugolino Livi, Rajko Radovancevic, Bojan Vrtovec, Igor D. Gregoric

The VAD Journal

Since 2007, the Branislav “Brano” Radovancevic Heart Failure Forum (BHFF) has been held annually to provide a venue for experts to present and discuss “Innovations and New Treatment Strategies in Heart Failure.” Clinicians and researchers gather yearly in a different Eastern European city to discuss the latest in heart failure diagnostics and therapeutics. The 2022 BHFF forum was held on the 6^th thru 8^th of September 2022 in Trieste, Italy. It was attended by over 94 faculty from 14 countries. In addition, participation through online streaming was available. Throughout the forum, 17 sessions focused on challenges and solutions …

Highlights Of The 2022 Brano Heart Failure Forum: Part One, Ugo Livi, Rajko Radovancevic, Bojan Vrtovec, Igor D. Gregoric

The VAD Journal

Since 2007, the Branislav “Brano” Radovancevic Heart Failure Forum (BHFF) has been held annually to provide a venue for experts to present and discuss “Innovations and New Treatment Strategies in Heart Failure.” Clinicians and researchers gather yearly in a different Eastern European city to discuss the latest in heart failure diagnostics and therapeutics. The 2022 BHHF forum was held on the 6^th thru 8^th of September 2022 in Trieste, Italy. It was attended by over 94 faculty from 14 countries. In addition, participation through online streaming was available. Throughout the forum, 17 sessions focused on challenges and solutions …

The Angiovac® Device Limits Lethal Complications Of Sepsis And Severe Infective Endocarditis With A Large Tricuspid Valve Vegetation: A Case Report, Dua Xiao, Raeann Dalton, Adam Fineman, Michael Benz, Antonios Tsompanidis

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: Infectious endocarditis of the tricuspid valve is a common complication of intravenous drug use. Endocarditis caused by viridans streptococci can lead to heart valve vegetations which may be life threatening due to the potential for embolism and obstruction. Management of large valvular vegetations is often difficult due to the risks involved with open heart surgery, especially in patients with comorbid conditions. The AngioVac® device has been shown in rare cases to be effective at debulking vegetations without the need for invasive surgery.

Case Presentation: We present a patient with a history of intravenous heroin use disorder, hepatitis C, spinal …

Management Of Anxiety And Depression In Post Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery, Mansour Jannati, Amir Aslani

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Depression and anxiety are common events in 30-40 percent of post coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery patients. Depression symptoms in patients with CAD are expected to be significantly more, comparing the public incidence rate. Impaired remedy after coronary artery events may partly be attributed to depression and anxiety. If anxiety continues, it may lead to elevate metabolism and oxygen consuming. High level of anxiety increases the pain sensation in post CABG patients. This paper aimed to review results and findings of previous studies in the field of anxiety and depression management of post coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Up …

Thrompella: Acute Impella Thrombosis During Ecpella Support, Faris Araj, Hurst M. Hall, Amy E. Hackmann

The VAD Journal

We present a case of acute Impella thrombosis during Ecpella support in a 48-year-old man listed for a heart transplant. After two weeks of Ecpella support, echocardiography revealed a 2.6 x 1.1 cm mobile thrombus attached to the Impella inlet (Video). The Impella and attached thrombus were pulled across the aortic valve into the descending aorta and removed without systemic thromboembolism. Due to the ongoing need for left ventricular venting, a new Impella CP was placed.

Chewed Versus Swallowed Ticagrelor In P2y12 Inhibitor-Naïve Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, Thomas F. Wilson, Muddasir Ashraf, M. Fuad Jan, Tonga Nfor, Louie Kostopoulos, Joaquin Solis, Jayant Khitha, Ahmad Khraisat, Anthony C. Defranco, Tanvir Bajwa, Suhail Q. Allaqaband

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: Dual antiplatelet therapy is standard for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stents. Traditionally, patients swallow the loading dose of a P2Y12 inhibitor before or during PCI. Time to achieve adequate platelet inhibition after swallowing the loading dose varies significantly. Chewed tablets may allow more rapid inhibition of platelet aggregation. However, data for this strategy in patients with stable ischemic heart disease or non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) are less robust.

Methods: In this single-center prospective trial, 112 P2Y12-naïve patients with stable ischemic heart disease or NSTE-ACS on aspirin therapy and who received ticagrelor after coronary angiography but …

Quality Assurance In Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients, Ruzica Mrkonjic

The VAD Journal

The selection of patients for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support is a critical component of any perfusion program. Teams must evaluate when to start the support, how long to support the patient, and when is the ideal time to wean. The timing of ECMO support is debated. While some programs emphasize prompt timing, others suggest the conservative approach is better (>7 hours). Delaying ECMO support could increase complications; thus, more evidence has been attained for prompt support. Importantly, complications are common with ECMO support. Despite advances in ECMO support over the last ten years, bleeding remains a high risk. …

A Metabolic, Mechanical, Multi-Organ Masterpiece: Dural Device Support Bridge To En-Bloc Heart-Liver Transplantation In Propionic Acidemia, Rebecca Juhl, Brian Birnbaum, Aliessa P. Barnes, William Gibson, Bhargava Mullapudi, Beth Lang, Megan Faseler, Daniel E. Heble, Victoria Urban, Ryan T. Fischer, Jennifer L. Gannon, David Sutcliffe

Posters

Introduction: Propionic Acidemia (PA) is a disorder related to abnormal protein and lipid metabolism resulting in progressive neurological injury and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Interventions for PA and secondary disease manifestations can require multi-organ transplantation. Herein we report the case of a child with PA and end-stage DCM requiring left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support with eventual heart-liver transplant. Case Report: A 17 year old male diagnosed in childhood with PA developed chronically progressive DCM culminating in end stage heart failure with acute decompensations. In a recurrent admission, he progressed to require dual inotropic support and systemic anticoagulation for new LV …

Complications Of Cardiopulmonary Bypass From An Anesthesia Perspective: A Clinical Review, Alex Roberts, Elizabeth C. Duncan, Paul Hargrave, David Redding Kingery, Josh Barnes, Derek L. Horstemeyer, Russell F. Stahl

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is frequently used for open heart surgery and other procedures that utilize temporary substitution or support of heart and lung function. While it is widely accepted as the predominant method to carry out these procedures, it is not without possible complications. CPB can be seen as the ultimate “team sport” as it includes and is dependent on contributions from multiple professionals including anesthesiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and perfusion technicians. In this clinical review paper, we examine possible complications of CPB, primarily from the perspective of the anesthesiologist, and how to troubleshoot them if they arise, which often requires …

Variance In Management Of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation-Associated Fibrin Sheaths At A Single Institution, Alexandra Tedesco Md, Monica Majumdar Md, Jamel P. Ortoleva Md, Christine Nayar Md, Masashi Kawabori Md, Payam Salehi Md, Ali Irshad Md

Abington Jefferson Health Papers

Objective: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for patients with cardiac or respiratory failure has been increasingly used by advanced critical care practitioners. The thromboembolic complications of ECMO have been extensively discussed and researched; however, research and discussion on the development, risks, and management of cannulae-associated fibrin sheaths are lacking.

Methods: Institutional review board approval was not required. We have presented three cases detailing the identifi- cation and individualized management of ECMO-associated fibrin sheaths at our institution. The three patients provided written informed consent for the report of their case details and imaging studies.

Results: Of our three patients with ECMO-associated …