Favorable Hemodynamics Research Articles

Image-Based Analysis of Correlation Between Valve Stent Deformation and Valve Function in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Currently, there remains a paucity of research on the deformation and valve function of transcatheter heart valves (THV) in patients with aortic regurgitation (AR) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This study aimed to thoroughly explore the correlation between THV deformation and postoperative hemodynamics in these patients. In this study, we assessed 39 AR patients treated with the J-Valve THV system during TAVR. We utilized postoperative cardiac-enhanced computed tomography angiography (CTA) to examine the extent of stent deformation, correlating these measurements with concurrent echocardiographic data. Among patients with AR, the J-Valve exhibited three distinct configurations: rectangular, trapezoidal, and inverted trapezoidal shapes. The rectangular configuration showed a trend toward a larger effective orifice area (EOA) compared to the trapezoidal and inverted trapezoidal configurations (rectangular: 2.20 ± 0.11 cm², trapezoidal: 1.88 ± 0.08 cm², inverted trapezoidal: 2.04 ± 0.08 cm²; p = 0.068). Stratified analysis of the degree of inclined commissural posts indicated that THVs with all three commissural angles < 5° exhibited the highest standard EOA (sEOA). An increase in the number and degree of inclined commissural posts correlated with a decrease in sEOA. Furthermore, a higher EOA was observed when the expansion in the mid and transition level exceeded 80%. During the TAVR procedure, ensuring sufficient expansion in the mid and transition level of the stent, maintaining the stent in a rectangular configuration, and avoiding tilting of the commissural posts contribute to achieving favorable postoperative hemodynamics.

Routine postdilation after 23 mm Sapien 3 Ultra implantation in the aortic position.

Residual transprosthetic gradient (TG) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with balloon-expandable valves (BEV) may be due to suboptimal valve expansion. To compare hemodynamics after TAVR with small BEV according to postdilation strategy. This observational, retrospective cohort study included 184 consecutive patients from a single center treated with 23 mm Sapien 3 Ultra (Edwards Lifesciences) BEV implantation in the aortic position and enrolled between January 2020 and April 2023. Patients treated with routine postdilation (RP, n = 73) were compared to patients treated according to local standard practice (SP, n = 111). Primary endpoint was 30-day mean TG. Secondary endpoints were incidence of 30-day prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM), technical success and device success. Thirty-day mean TG was lower in RP versus SP (12.3 ± 4.6 mmHg vs. 14.1 ± 5.7 mmHg, p = 0.031), and incidence of PPM was less common with RP versus SP (47.3% vs. 71.0%, p = 0.006). Technical success (98.6% vs. 99.1%, p = 0.637) and device success (93.1% vs. 90.1%, p = 0.330) did not differ between groups. Differences in 30-day mean TG were driven by patients at normal flow (12.1 ± 4.0 mmHg vs. 15.0 ± 5.5 mmHg, p = 0.014), while no differences were evident among patients at low flow (12.5 ± 5.5 mmHg vs. 11.7 ± 5.5 mmHg, p = 0.644). RP decreased height and increased width of BEV, and a linear regression established that final BEV width could predict 30-day mean TG (r = -0.6654, p < 0.0001). RP after TAVR with small BEV was associated with more favorable forward-flow hemodynamics than SP.

Can β-blockers prevent intracranial aneurysm rupture? - insights from Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis.

Hypertension is a risk factor for intracranial aneurysm rupture. We analyzed whether the intake of drugs from specific classes of anti-hypertensive medications affects hemodynamic parameters of intracranial aneurysm dome. We recorded medical history including medications and the in-hospital blood pressure values. We then obtained 3D reconstruction of each patients' aneurysm dome and the feeding artery. Using OpenFOAM software we performed Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis of blood flow through the modeled structures. Blood was modeled as Newtonian fluid, using the incompressible transient solver. As the inlet boundary condition we used the patient-specific Internal Carotid Artery blood velocity waves obtained with Doppler ultrasound. We calculated haemodynamic parameters of the aneurysm dome. All presented analyses are cross-sectional.We included 72 patients with a total of 91 unruptured intracranial aneurysms. The history of β-blocker intake significantly influenced hemodynamic parameters of aneurysm dome. The patients on β-blockers had significantly smaller aneurysm domes (5.09 ± 2.11 mm vs. 7.41 ± 5.89 mm; p = 0.03) and did not have aneurysms larger than 10 mm (0% vs 17.0%; p = 0.01). In the Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis, walls of aneurysms in patients who took β-blockers were characterized by lower Wall Shear Stress Gradient (1.67 ± 1.85 Pa vs. 4.3 ± 6.06 Pa; p = 0.03), Oscillatory Shear Index (0.03 ± 0.02 vs. 0.07 ± 0.10; p = 0.04) and Surface Vortex Fraction (16.2% ± 5.2% vs. 20.0% ± 6.8%; p<0.01). After controlling for covariates, we demonstrated difference of Surface Vortex Fraction (F[1, 48] = 4.36; p = 0.04) and Oscillatory Shear Index (F[1, 48] = 6.51; p = 0.01) between patients taking and not taking β-blockers, respectively. Intake of β-blockers might contribute to more favorable hemodynamics inside aneurysmal sac. Other antihypertensive medication classes were not associated with differences in intracranial aneurysm parameters.

How to improve patient outcomes following TAVI in 2024? Recent advances.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has revolutionized the treatment of aortic stenosis, particularly among elderly patients. The world's first TAVI procedure was performed in 2002 by Professor Cribier. It was approved for clinical use in Europe in 2007, followed by approval in the United States in 2011. It has since been introduced into clinical practice throughout Europe, and there has been a remarkable increase both in the number of procedures and in the number of centers performing TAVI. Recent findings endorse its additional application in lower-risk populations, suggesting a transformative shift in the field of interventional cardiology. This review article thoroughly explores the recent advances and key considerations aimed at enhancing patient outcomes following TAVI. Key areas of focus include valve durability, paravalvular leak management, valve-in-valve procedures, and the implications and management of coronary artery disease in these patients. We highlight the importance of selecting valves with favorable hemodynamics, minimal coronary risk, and optimal durability, especially for younger, lower-risk patients. Paravalvular leak remains a significant concern; thus, pre-procedural planning and immediate corrective measures are crucial to mitigate its impact. The increasing need for valve-in-valve interventions underscores the importance of the strategic initial valve choice with a forward-looking perspective. Additionally, emerging strategies such as transcatheter leaflet laceration to prevent coronary obstruction during reinterventions, are examined. This review synthesizes current research and clinical practice, providing a roadmap for enhancing TAVI outcomes through technological advances and strategic procedural planning. The findings and recommendations presented aim to optimize long-term patient prognosis, ensuring that TAVI remains a leading solution for aortic stenosis in an increasing variety of patients.

Impact of Norepinephrine and Dopamine Infusion on Renal Arterial Resistive Index during Pre-Emptive Living Donor Kidney Transplantation: Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

Background: Living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) is a crucial treatment for end-stage renal disease, with pre-emptive LDKT (transplantation before dialysis initiation) offering significant benefits in graft function and patient survival. The selection of a vasopressor during LDKT, particularly between norepinephrine and dopamine, and its impact on renal arterial hemodynamics measured using the renal arterial resistive index (RARI) is poorly understood. Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study enrolled 347 eligible pre-emptive LDKT recipients from the Seoul St. Mary's Hospital between January 2019 and June 2023. Utilizing propensity score matching (PSM), the patients were categorized into dopamine and norepinephrine groups to compare the effects of these vasopressors on the intraoperative RARI, postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and hourly urine output. The RARI was measured via the Doppler ultrasonography of the renal hilum and parenchyma post-graft vascular and ureteral anastomoses. Results: The preoperative differences in the recipients' and donors' characteristics were mitigated following PSM. The dopamine group exhibited higher intraoperative RARI values at the renal hilum (0.77 ± 0.11 vs. 0.66 ± 0.13, p < 0.001) and parenchyma (0.71 ± 0.1 vs. 0.6 ± 0.1, p < 0.001) compared to those of the norepinephrine group. However, these differences were not statistically significant on postoperative day 7. The norepinephrine infusion adjusted for the propensity scores was associated with significantly lower odds of an RARI > 0.8 (hilum: OR = 0.214, 95% CI = 0.12-0.382, p < 0.001; parenchyma: OR = 0.1, 95% CI = 0.029-0.348, p < 0.001). The early postoperative outcomes showed a higher eGFR (day 1: 30.0 ± 13.3 vs. 25.1 ± 17.4 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.004) and hourly urine output (day 1: 41.8 ± 16.9 vs. 36.5 ± 14.4 mL/kg/h, p = 0.002) in the norepinephrine group. Furthermore, the long-term outcomes were comparable between the groups. Conclusions: Norepinephrine infusion during pre-emptive LDKT is associated with more favorable intraoperative renal arterial hemodynamics, as evidenced by a lower RARI and improved early postoperative renal function compared to those of dopamine. These findings suggest a potential preferential role for norepinephrine in optimizing perioperative management and early graft functions in LDKT recipients. Given the retrospective nature of this study, further prospective studies are needed to confirm these observations. Additionally, the study limitations include the potential for unmeasured confounding factors and the inability to determine causality due to its observational design.

Early Feasibility Study with the SATURN Transapical Mitral Valve Replacement Device

PurposeTo report the outcomes of the early feasibility study of transapical transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) with the SATURN System (InnovHeart, Milano, Italy) to treat patients with severe functional mitral regurgitation. DescriptionFive high surgical risk patients underwent transapical transcatheter mitral valve replacement with the SATURN System at a single center. One-year follow-up is complete for all patients. EvaluationThe valve was implanted successfully in all patients without any major adverse events. All patients were alive at the last follow-up. Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire improved from a median of 63.5 (interquartile range, 19.6) at baseline to 99.0 (interquartile range, 21.6) at 1 year. Echocardiographic follow-up demonstrates stable valve function, no transvalvular or paravalvular mitral regurgitation, and absence of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. ConclusionsAt 1 year after transapical SATURN transcatheter mitral valve replacement, all patients are alive with quality of life improvement and favorable device hemodynamics. These initial results are promising and larger scale studies with continued follow-up are required to further elucidate the efficacy and safety of this novel technology.

Usefulness of risk assessment tools in predicting hemodynamic outcome after balloon pulmonary angioplasty: a comparative analysis

ABSTRACT Objectives Several parameters of widely used risk assessment tools for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have been linked to hemodynamic outcomes of balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA). Therefore, we aimed to determine whether these risk assessment tools could be used to predict hemodynamic outcomes following BPA. Methods In this retrospective study, we included 139 patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension who had undergone BPA at Center for Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (Beijing, China). We compared the accuracies of seven well-validated risk assessment tools for predicting hemodynamic outcomes following BPA. A favorable hemodynamic outcome was defined as a mean pulmonary arterial pressure < 30 mmHg at follow-up. Results The baseline risk profiles varied significantly among the risk assessment tools. The US Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-Term PAH Disease Management risk scales and the French risk assessment tools rated most patients as high-risk, while the Comparative, Prospective Registry of Newly Initiated Therapies for Pulmonary Hypertension (COMPERA) series and laboratory examination-based risk scales categorized most patients as having intermediate-risk profile. COMPERA 2.0 (4-strata) exhibited the highest predictive power among all risk stratifications. Noninvasive risk stratification (COMPERA 2.0 [3-strata]) showed a comparable predictive ability to that of invasive risk stratification (COMPERA 1.0) (area under the curve 0.649 vs. 0.648). Moreover, incorporating diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide and tricuspid regurgitation velocity into COMPERA 2.0 (4-strata) further enhanced its predictive power (net reclassification index 0.153, 95% confidence interval 0.009–0.298, p = 0.038). Additionally, this refined COMPERA version had a high calibration accuracy (slope 0.96). Conclusion Although the risk strata distribution varied among different risk assessment tools, the proportion of patients achieving favorable hemodynamics decreased with the escalation of risk stratification in most models. The well-validated risk assessment tools for PAH could also predict hemodynamic outcomes following BPA, and the refined COMPERA 2.0 model exhibited the highest predictive ability among these. Applying risk assessment tools before BPA can facilitate early identification of patients in need of closer monitoring and more intensive interventions, contributing to a better prognosis after BPA.

Surgical pulmonary arterioplasty at bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis leads to favorable pulmonary hemodynamics at final stage palliation

ObjectivePulmonary arterioplasty (PA plasty) at bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis (BDCA) is associated with increased morbidity, but outcomes to final stage palliation are unknown. We sought to determine the influence of PA plasty on pulmonary artery growth and hemodyamics at Fontan. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed clinical data and outcomes for BDCA patients from 2006 to 2018. PA plasty was categorized by extent (type 1-4), as previously described. Outcomes included pulmonary artery reintervention and mortality before final palliation. ResultsFive hundred eighty-eight patients underwent BDCA. One hundred seventy-nine patients (30.0%) underwent concomitant PA plasty. Five hundred seventy (97%) patients (169 [94%] PA plasty) survived to BDCA discharge. One hundred forty out of 570 survivors (25%) required PA/Glenn reintervention before final stage palliation (59 out of 169 [35%]) PA plasty; 81 out of 401 (20%) non-PA plasty; P < .001). Twelve-, 24-, and 36-month freedom from reintervention after BDCA was 80% (95% CI, 74-86%), 75% (95% CI, 69-82%), and 64% (95% CI, 57-73%) for PA plasty, and 95% (95% CI, 93-97%), 91% (95% CI, 88-94%), and 81% (95% CI, 76-85%) for non-PA plasty (P < .001). Prefinal stage mortality was 37 (6.3%) (14 out of 169 PA plasty; 23 out of 401 non-PA plasty; P = .4). Five hundred four (144 PA plasty and 360 non-PA plasty) patients reached final stage palliation (471 Fontan, 26 1.5-ventricle, and 7 2-ventricular repair). Pre-Fontan PA pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance were 10 mm Hg (range, 9-12 mm Hg) and 1.6 mm Hg (range, 1.3-1.9 mm Hg) in PA plasty and 10 mm Hg (range, 8-12 mm Hg) and 1.5 mm Hg (range, 1.3-1.9 mm Hg) in non-PA plasty patients, respectively (P = .29, .6). Fontan hospital mortality, length of stay, and morbidity were similar. ConclusionsPA plasty at BDCA does not confer additional mortality risk leading to final palliation. Despite increased pulmonary artery reintervention, there was reliable pulmonary artery growth and favorable pulmonary hemodynamics at final stage palliation.

Investigating the “sex paradox” in pulmonary arterial hypertension: Results from the Pulmonary Hypertension Association Registry (PHAR)

BackgroundFemale sex is a significant risk factor for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), yet males with PAH have worse survival – a phenomenon referred to as the “sex paradox” in PAH. MethodsAll adult PAH patients in the Pulmonary Hypertension Association Registry (PHAR) with congruent sex and gender were included. Baseline differences in demographics, hemodynamics, functional parameters, and quality of life were assessed by sex. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to evaluate survival by sex. Mediation analysis was conducted with Cox proportional hazards regression by comparing the unadjusted hazard ratios for sex before and after adjustment for covariates. The plausibility of collider-stratification bias was assessed by modeling how large an unmeasured factor would have to be to generate the observed sex-based mortality differences. Subgroup analysis was performed on idiopathic and incident patients. ResultsAmong the 1,891 patients included, 75% were female. Compared to men, women had less favorable hemodynamics, lower six-minute walk distance, more PAH therapies, and worse functional class; however, sex-based differences were less pronounced when accounting for body surface area or expected variability by gender. On multivariate analysis, women had a 48% lower risk of death compared to men (Hazard Ratio 0.52, 95% Confidence interval 0.36 – 0.74, p<0.001). Modeling found that under reasonable assumptions collider-stratification could account for sex-based differences in mortality. ConclusionsIn this large registry of PAH patients new to a care center, men had worse survival than women despite having more favorable baseline characteristics. Collider-stratification bias could account for the observed greater mortality among men.

Propofol, Etomidat ve Propofol ve Etomidat Kombinasyonunun İndüksiyon ve Endotrakeal Entübasyona Hemodinamik Yanıt Üzerindeki Etkisinin Karşılaştırmalı Değerlendirmesi: Prospektif, Randomize, Çift Kör Bir Çalışma

Objective: Earlier studies have shown favorable hemodynamics with etomidate compared to propofol. Our study aimed to compare the hemodynamic characteristics of intravenous induction with precalculated doses of propofol, etomidate, and a combination of propofol-etomidate in adult surgical patients. Methods: One hundred twenty six patients aged 18 to 50 years of either sex and ASA physical status I scheduled for various surgeries under general anesthesia were recruited. Patients were randomized into three groups. Group P-induced with pre-calculated propofol (2 mg kg-1) intravenous, Group E with etomidate (0.3 mg kg-1) intravenous, and Group PE with propofol (1 mg kg-1) plus Etomidate (0.2 mg kg-1) intravenous. Heart rate, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure at baseline, 2, and 3 minutes after induction and then at 1, 3, 5, and 10 minutes after endotracheal intubation were noted. Results: The percentage change in hemodynamic parameters was significant from the baseline value in the propofol group compared to the etomidate and combination group at all the time intervals. The change in hemodynamic parameters from the baseline value was comparable at 2 and 3 minutes post-induction between etomidate and combination group. At other time intervals, the etomidate group tends to have an increase from the baseline while the combination has less significant change from the baseline value compared to etomidate group. Conclusion: The percentage change in the hemodynamic parameters from the baseline value was less in the combination group compared to the etomidate or propofol group. Keywords: Etomidate, propofol, hemodynamics, intubation

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients requiring prolonged mechanical circulatory support after high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention.

There are limited data on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients who require prolonged mechanical circulatory support (MCS) after Impella-supported high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (HR-PCI). The aim of this study is to describe the contemporary clinical characteristics, outcomes, and predictors associated with prolonged MCS support after assisted HR-PCI. Patients enrolled in the prospective, multicentre, clinical endpoint-adjudicated PROTECT III study who had undergone HR-PCI using Impella were evaluated. Patient and procedural characteristics and outcomes for those who received prolonged MCS beyond the duration of their index procedure were compared to those in whom MCS was successfully weaned and explanted at the conclusion of the index PCI. Among 1,155 patients who underwent HR-PCI with Impella between 2017 and 2020 and had sufficient data to confirm theduration of Impella support, 16.5% received prolonged MCS (mean duration 25.2±31.1 hours compared with 1.8±5.8 hours for those who only received intraprocedural MCS). Patients receiving prolonged support presented with more urgent indications (e.g., acute coronary syndromes [ACS], lower ejection fraction [EF], elevated baseline heart rate and lower systolic blood pressure). Use of the Impella CP, intraprocedural complications, periprocedural complications and in-hospital mortality were all more common amongst the prolonged MCS group. Prolonged MCS was associated with increased rates of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, cardiovascular death, and all-cause mortality at 90-day follow-up. Patients receiving prolonged MCS after Impella-supported HR-PCI presented with more ACS, reduced EF and less favourable haemodynamics. Additionally, they were more likely to experience intraprocedural and periprocedural complications as well as increased in-hospital and post-discharge mortality.

Comparative study between the effect of dexmedetomidine and lidocaine infusion on intraoperative analgesic requirement and hemodynamics during craniotomy

Background: Nowadays, anesthesiologists are evaluating several analgesic adjuncts to minimize opioid use during craniotomy. Some studies have evaluated the analgesic-sparing effect of intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine and lidocaine on intraoperative hemodynamics and post-operative analgesia. There is a paucity of studies focussing on the intraoperative analgesic requirement. Aims and Objectives: The present study compared dexmedetomidine and lidocaine infusion primarily for their effects on intraoperative fentanyl requirements during craniotomy. Materials and Methods: This study was done on 70 patients aged 18–80 years, the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I–II, having Glasgow Coma Scale 15, undergoing craniotomies. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either dexmedetomidine (group A, n=35) at a dose of 0.6 mcg/kg bolus over 10 min followed by 0.6 mcg/kg/h infusion or lidocaine (group B, n=35) at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg bolus over 10 min, followed by 1.5 mg/kg/h infusion till the end of skin suture, respectively. Study drugs were started 10 min before the start of surgery. Intraoperative total fentanyl and propofol consumption, intraoperative hemodynamics, recovery from hypnosis, and time to extubation were recorded. Results: The use of dexmedetomidine resulted in considerably less total fentanyl requirement (245.1 vs. 300.7 mcg, P&lt;0.0001) and total propofol requirement (172.7 vs. 236.7 mg, P&lt;0.0001) compared with lidocaine. Comparatively better hemodynamics were observed with the use of dexmedetomidine at all the points of observation. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine as an analgesic adjunct can be a better alternative to lidocaine in terms of reduced fentanyl consumption, reduced propofol use and favorable hemodynamics, and early recovery from anesthesia.

Evolving technology: the TRIFLO tri-leaflet mechanical valve without oral anticoagulation: a potential major innovation in valve surgery.

The aortic valve is the most frequently diseased valve and aortic stenosis (AS) is the most prevalent valvular heart disease in developed countries. The diseased native aortic valve can be replaced by either a biological or mechanical valve prosthesis. The main concerns relate to durability, the need for oral anticoagulants and the incidence of complications related to this medication. Experimental, computational and biomolecular blood flow studies have demonstrated that the systolic forward flow but also the reverse flow phase at the end of the systole and leakage during the diastolic phase is mainly responsible for platelet activation and thrombosis. Better design of mechanical prosthetic heart valves must ensure smooth closing during flow deceleration and must eliminate high-shear hinge flow during diastole to prevent life-threatening thrombosis. A novel tri-leaflet valve should combine the favorable hemodynamics and the durability of existing mechanical heart valves and eliminate the less favorable characteristics, including the extremely rapid closing. In this paper, we discuss some issues of current mechanical heart valve prostheses and present a new valve design with the potential for significant innovation in the field. The TRIFLO Heart Valve, is a rigid, three-leaflet central flow heart valve prosthesis consisting of an alloyed titanium housing, and three rigid polymer (PEEK) cusps. This valve has a physiological operating mode. During the forward flow phase, the intraventricular pressure opens the leaflets so that blood can freely flow through with little obstruction, and with the deceleration of the blood flow, the leaflets close early and smoothly, minimizing blood flow regurgitation, blood cell damage, and activation of the coagulation cascade. Pre-clinical studies have shown pretty favorable results and a first-in-man study should start very soon.

Effects of different positive end-expiratory pressure titration strategies on mechanical power during ultraprotective ventilation in ARDS patients treated with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A prospective interventional study

PurposeUltraprotective ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) reduces mechanical power (MP) through changes in positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP); however, the optimal approach to titrate PEEP is unknown. This study assesses the effects of three PEEP titration strategies on MP, hemodynamic parameters, and oxygen delivery in twenty ARDS patients with VV ECMO. Material and methodsPEEP was titrated according to: (A) a PEEP of 10 cmH2O representing the lowest recommendation by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (PEEPELSO), (B) the highest static compliance of the respiratory system (PEEPCstat,RS), and (C) a target end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure of 0 cmH2O (PEEPPtpexp). ResultsPEEPELSO was lower compared to PEEPCstat,RS and PEEPPtpexp (10.0 ± 0.0 vs. 16.2 ± 4.7 cmH2O and 17.3 ± 4.0 cmH2O, p < 0.001 each, respectively). PEEPELSO reduced MP compared to PEEPCstat,RS and PEEPPtpexp (5.3 ± 1.3 vs. 6.8 ± 2.0 and 6.9 ± 2.3 J/min, p < 0.001 each, respectively). PEEPELSO resulted in less lung stress compared to PEEPCstat,RS (p = 0.011) and PEEPPtpexp (p < 0.001) and increased cardiac output and oxygen delivery (p < 0.001 each). ConclusionsAn empirical PEEP of 10 cmH2O minimized MP, provided favorable hemodynamics, and increased oxygen delivery in ARDS patients treated with VV ECMO. Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00013967). Registered 02/09/2018https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00013967

The Early neo2 Registry: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation With ACURATE neo2 in a European Population.

Background ACURATE neo2 is a transcatheter aortic valve implantation system consisting of a self-expanding bioprosthetic valve with supra-annular leaflet position and featuring innovations to facilitate placement accuracy and reduce paravalvular regurgitation. Methods and Results The goal of the Early neo2 (Early neo2 Registry of the ACURATE neo2 TAVI Prosthesis) was to gather real-life data on safety and efficacy in a European transcatheter aortic valve implantation population treated with ACURATE neo2. Data were collected from 554 consecutive patients treated with ACURATE neo2 at 12 European sites (mean age, 82 years; 66% women; mean European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II, 4.5%±3.8%) between September 2020 and March 2021. The composite primary end point was the occurrence of any of the following: postoperative (in-hospital) paravalvular regurgitation grade ≥2, in-hospital acute kidney injury stage 3, postoperative pacemaker implantation, 30-day death, and 30-day stroke. The primary end point occurred in 12.6% of patients. The 30-day rates for all-cause death and all stroke were 1.3% and 2.7%, respectively, and 1.5% of patients exhibited stage 3 acute kidney injury. A total of 34 patients (6.2%) received a postoperative permanent pacemaker. Per core laboratory-adjudicated echocardiographic analysis, mean postoperative aortic valve gradient was 7.6±3.3 mm Hg, and 2.8% of patients exhibited paravalvular regurgitation grade ≥2. Conclusions In this report of postmarket use of the ACURATE neo2 valve in a real-world transcatheter aortic valve implantation population, patients exhibited favorable postoperative hemodynamics and clinical outcomes and a low rate of postoperative pacemaker implantation.

Short-term outcomes of heart transplant patients bridged with Impella 5.5 ventricular assist device.

We sought to investigate the outcomes of heart transplant patients supported with Impella 5.5 temporary mechanical circulatory support. Patient demographics, perioperative data, hospital timeline, and haemodynamic parameters were followed during initial admission, Impella support, and post-transplant period. Vasoactive-inotropic score, primary graft failure, and complications were recorded. Between March 2020 and March 2021, 16 advanced heart failure patients underwent Impella 5.5 temporary left ventricular assist device support through axillary approach. Subsequently, all these patients had heart transplantation. All patients were either ambulatory or chair bound during their temporary mechanical circulatory support until heart transplantation. Patients were kept on Impella support median of 19days (3-31) with the median lactate dehydrogenase level of 220 (149-430). All Impella devices were removed during heart transplantation. During Impella support, patients had improved renal function with median creatinine serum level of 1.55mg/dL decreased to 1.25 (P=0.007), pulmonary artery pulsatility index scores increased from 2.56 (0.86-10) to 4.2 (1.3-10) (P=0.048), and right ventricular function improved (P=0.003). Patients maintained improved renal function and favourable haemodynamics after their heart transplantation as well. All patients survived without any significant morbidity after their heart transplantation. Impella 5.5 temporary left ventricular assist device optimizes care of heart transplant recipients providing superior haemodynamic support, mobility, improved renal function, pulmonary haemodynamics, and right ventricular function. Utilizing Impella 5.5 as a direct bridging strategy to heart transplantation resulted in excellent outcomes.

Metabolic profiling of in vivo right ventricular function and exercise performance in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Right ventricular (RV) adaptation is the principal determinant of outcomes in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), however, RV function is challenging to assess. RV responses to hemodynamic stressors are particularly difficult to interrogate without invasive testing. This study sought to identify metabolomic markers of in vivo right ventricular function and exercise performance in PAH. Consecutive subjects with PAH (n = 23) underwent rest and exercise right heart catheterization with multibeat pressure volume loop analysis. Pulmonary arterial blood was collected at rest and during exercise. Mass spectrometry-based targeted metabolomics were performed, and metabolic associations with hemodynamics and comprehensive measures of RV function were determined using sparse partial least squares regression. Metabolite profiles were compared with N-terminal prohormone of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurements for accuracy in modeling ventriculo-arterial parameters. Thirteen metabolites changed in abundance with exercise, including metabolites reflecting increased arginine bioavailability, precursors of catecholamine and nucleotide synthesis, and branched-chain amino acids. Higher resting arginine bioavailability predicted more favorable exercise hemodynamics and pressure-flow relationships. Subjects with more severe PAH augmented arginine bioavailability with exercise to a greater extent than subjects with less severe PAH. We identified relationships between kynurenine pathway metabolism and impaired ventriculo-arterial coupling, worse RV diastolic function, lower RV contractility, diminished RV contractility with exercise, and RV dilation with exercise. Metabolite profiles outperformed NT-proBNP in modeling RV contractility, diastolic function, and exercise performance. Specific metabolite profiles correspond to RV functional measurements only obtainable via invasive pressure-volume loop analysis and predict RV responses to exercise. Metabolic profiling may inform discovery of RV functional biomarkers.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this cohort of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), we investigate metabolomic associations with comprehensive right ventricular (RV) functional measurements derived from multibeat RV pressure-volume loop analysis. Our results show that tryptophan metabolism, particularly the kynurenine pathway, is linked to intrinsic RV function and PAH pathobiology. Findings also highlight the importance of arginine bioavailability in the cardiopulmonary system's response to exercise stress. Metabolite profiles selected via unbiased analysis outperformed N-terminal prohormone of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in predicting load-independent measures of RV function at rest and cardiopulmonary system performance under stress. Overall, this work suggests the potential for select metabolites to function as disease-specific biomarkers, offers insights into PAH pathobiology, and informs discovery of potentially targetable RV-centric pathways.

Systolic Anterior Motion of the Mitral Valve in the Presence of Annular Calcification

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) has been reported as a possible cause of systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve and dynamic left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. While morphologic features predisposing to SAM in other clinical settings have been described, patients with MAC+SAM have not been systematically investigated. We hypothesized that bulky calcium deposits in the mitral annulus could displace the valve toward the septum, thus promoting development of SAM. We studied 30 patients with severe MAC who had SAM with septal contact. Three comparator groups (matched for age and sex) were developed: 30 controls without MAC or SAM, 30 with severe MAC but no SAM, and 30 with SAM but no MAC. Significant differences were found across groups for mitral valve coaptation point-septal distance (CSD), anterior mitral leaflet (AML) length, left ventricular diastolic dimension, and ejection fraction. Comparing all MAC subjects (n=60) with controls, CSD was less (20.5±4.1 vs 23.2±3.7mm, P=.003) and ejection fraction was higher (67.7%±7.8% vs 60.9%±6.4%, P<.0001) in MAC patients. Within MAC subjects AML was longer (21.9±3.0 vs 17.4±2.2mm, P<.0001) and CSD was smaller (18.0±2.7 vs 23.1±3.6mm, P<.0001) when SAM was present despite similar height of the calcium bar in the 2 MAC groups (12.4±2.9 vs 11.1±3.1mm, P=.11). Regression analysis confirmed AML length and CSD as independent predictors of SAM. MAC+SAM patients also had more echocardiographic risk factors for SAM (acute aortomitral angle, small LVOT, long AML, small CSD, and presence of a septal bump) than MAC/no-SAM patients (3.4±0.9 vs 1.8±1.0, P<.0001). Bulky MAC appears to contribute to dynamic LVOT obstruction when it accumulates in such a way that the mitral valve is displaced anteriorly toward the septum. However, other features are also associated with SAM in these patients, particularly a long AML. A combination of morphologic features and favorable hemodynamics may be needed for SAM to develop in patients with severe MAC.

Acute Calcineurin Inhibitor Nephrotoxicity Diagnosed Using Kidney Doppler Ultrasonography After Heart Transplant: A Case Report

Acute calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) nephrotoxicity is a common complication associated with CNI exposure. However, it can be difficult to diagnose. Herein, we report a case of acute CNI nephrotoxicity after heart transplant that was visualized using kidney Doppler ultrasonography. A 38-year-old female patient underwent heart transplant 5 years after the use of left ventricular assist device support because of advanced heart failure due to ischemic cardiomyopathy. Corticosteroids, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil were administered as immunosuppressive regimens postoperatively. The patient gradually developed kidney dysfunction despite a favorable perioperative clinical course and hemodynamics. Serum creatinine increased to 1.89 mg/dL on postoperative day (POD) 9, and the kidney Doppler ultrasonography examination showed severely reduced blood flow in the renal and renal segmental arteries, indicating acute CNI nephrotoxicity due to vasoconstriction of the renal arterioles. After the cessation of tacrolimus, kidney function returned to baseline levels within 2 days, and the kidney Doppler ultrasonography examination on POD 19 revealed a significant increase in blood flow in the renal and renal segmental arteries. Basiliximab followed by everolimus were administered as alternative immunosuppressants. No organic stenosis of the renal artery was detected on the kidney magnetic resonance angiography, and the patient was discharged on POD 51, without any other adverse events, including rejection. Although CNIs are widely used after heart transplant, acute nephrotoxicity should always be considered. After heart transplant, a kidney Doppler ultrasonography should be performed routinely and promptly if there are any clinical manifestations related to kidney function.

Abstract 10824: Pulsatile Ventricular Assist Device Prior to Pediatric Heart Transplantation is Associated With Favorable Post-Transplant Hemodynamics

Background: Ventricular assist device (VAD) support is increasingly used in end-stage pediatric heart failure management. The effects of pulsatile VAD (PVAD) and continuous-flow VAD (CVAD) support on hemodynamics (HDS) after pediatric heart transplant (HT) are unknown. We compared the difference in post-HT HDS between patients supported with PVAD vs CVAD. Methods: We collected measures of pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRi), cardiac index (CI), and pulmonary wedge pressure (PCWP) in the 1 st year post-HT among patients that underwent HT at our institution between 2013-2020. We defined normal HDS as a PVRi &lt; 3Wu/m 2 , CI &gt; 2.5L/min/m 2 , and PCWP &lt; 12mmHg. Linear regression analysis and Cox regression were performed to compare differences in HDS post-HT. Results: Demographics/clinical features of the patients supported with PVAD (n=18) and CVAD (n=41)are described in Table 1. PVR, CI, and PCWP are plotted in Figure 1. Accounting for confounders, the mean PCWP over the 1 st year is lower in the PVAD group (-0.83 [-1.72-0.07], p=0.07) while the mean CI and mean PVR are similar. In the PVAD cohort, 16 (89%) had normalized HDS in the 1st year vs 17 (42%) in the CVAD group (Log Rank: p&lt;0.001). In multivariate analysis, PVAD was the only variable associated with normalization of HDS (HR 3.87 [1.03-14.52], p=0.045). Compared to our non-VAD cohort (n=97), patients with PVAD were as likely to have HDS normalization by 1 year, but CVAD patients trended towards being less likely to normalize (HR 0.58, p=0.08). Conclusion: Patients supported with PVAD pre-HT have lower PCWP and were more likely to achieve normalization of HDS post-HT compared to patients supported with CVAD.