Invasive Hemodynamic Parameters Research Articles

Long-Term outcomes in adult patients with congenital heart disease considered for transplantation: A single center study.

Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients pose unique challenges in identifying the time for transplantation and factors influencing outcomes. To identify hemodynamic, functional, and laboratory parameters that correlate with 1- and 10-year outcomes in ACHD patients considered for transplantation. A retrospective chart review of long-term outcomes in adult patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) evaluated for heart or heart + additional organ transplant between 2004 and 2014 at our center was performed. A machine learning decision tree model was used to evaluate multiple clinical parameters correlating with 1- and 10-year survival. We identified 58 patients meeting criteria. D-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) with atrial switch operation (20.7%), tetralogy of Fallot/pulmonary atresia (15.5%), and tricuspid atresia (13.8%) were the most common diagnosis for transplant. Single ventricle patients were most likely to be listed for transplantation (39.8% of evaluated patients). Among a comprehensive list of clinical factors, invasive hemodynamic parameters (pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), systemic vascular pressure (SVP), and end diastolic pressures (EDP) most correlated with 1- and 10-year outcomes. Transplanted patients with SVP<14 and non- transplanted patients with PCWP<15 had 100% survival 1-year post-transplantation. For the first time, our study identifies that hemodynamic parameters most strongly correlate with 1- and 10-year outcomes in ACHD patients considered for transplantation, using a data-driven machine learning model.

A new integrative approach combining right heart catheterization and echocardiography to stage aortic stenosis-related cardiac damage.

Although staging of the extent of aortic stenosis (AS)-related cardiac damages is usually performed via echocardiography, this technique has considerable limitations in assessing pulmonary artery and right chamber pressures. The present hypothesis-generating study sought to explore the efficacy of a staging system of cardiac damage based on echocardiographic and invasive [right heart catheterization (RHC)] hemodynamic parameters in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We studied 90 symptomatic patients with severe AS in whom echocardiographic and invasive evaluation by RHC was obtained prior to TAVI. Cardiac damage stages were defined as follows: no cardiac damage (stage 0), left ventricular (LV) damage (stage 1), left atrial or mitral valve damage (stage 2), pulmonary vasculature or tricuspid valve damage (stage 3), and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction or low-flow state (stage 4). With the integrative approach using RHC, pulmonary hypertension (PH) was defined as an mPAP ≥25 mmHg and the low-flow state corresponded to a cardiac index of <1.8 L/min/m2 and a right atrial pressure of >10 mmHg. During follow-up (median: 2.9 years), 43 patients (47.8%) died. The integrative cardiac damage staging was associated with a significant increase in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality per each increase of cardiac damage stage, whereas the outcome was similar according to the echocardiographic staging. A staging system of cardiac lesion based on echocardiographic and invasive hemodynamic parameters in patients with severe AS undergoing TAVI predicts mortality. Patients with pre-existing PH, ≥ moderate tricuspid regurgitation and/or RV dysfunction, and a low-flow state had a markedly increased risk of death. Further larger studies are needed to validate our findings.

Right ventricular myocardial work characterization in patients with pulmonary hypertension and association with pulmonary hypertension severity

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Right ventricular myocardial work (RVMW) assessed by transthoracic echocardiography allows to study and analyze the right ventricular (RV) function non-invasively, using RV pressure-strain loops. The association between these novel indexes of RVMW and invasive hemodynamic parameters has not yet been extensively studied, namely in precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) population. Objectives To evaluate the relationship between RVMW and the severity of PH through invasive indices of right heart catheterization (RHC) in a cohort of patients with group I and group IV PH. Methods A prospective registry of pre-capillary PH patients evaluated in a single tertiary center was used. Echocardiography and right heart catheterization were performed in the same day. Dedicated software for left ventricle myocardial work was used for the RV. RV global myocardial work index (RVGWI) was calculated as the area of the RV pressure-strain loops. From RVGWI, RV global constructive work (RVGCW; work contributing to myocardial shortening during systole and lengthening during isovolumic relaxation), RV global wasted work (RVGWW; work contributing to myocardial lengthening during systole and shortening during isovolumic relaxation), and RV global work efficiency (RVGWE; relation between RVGCW and RVGWW) were estimated. Pearson’s correlation was applied to assess correlations between continuous variables. Results 17 pts (80% women, mean age 67 ± 10 years) were included. Conventional echocardiographic parameters for the evaluation of RV systolic function, such as TAPSE, annular tricuspid s’ velocity and fractional area change (FAC), did not correlate with mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Strong correlations were found between right ventricle-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling and mPAP (r = -0,655, p = 0,006) and RVP(r = - 0,610, p = 0,017), as well as with RV GLS (r = 0,749, p = 0,001 and r = 0,622, p = 0,01, respectively). Of the RVMW indexes, RVGWI, RVGWW and RVGWE strongly correlated with mPAP and PVR: as these invasive parameters increase, RVGWI (r = -0,581, p = 0,015 and r = -0,536, p = 0,027, respectively) and RVGWE (r = -0,779, p &amp;lt; 0,001 and r = -0,773, p &amp;lt; 0,001, respectively) decline significantly, whereas RVGWW (r = 0,735, p = 0,001 and r = 0,800, p &amp;lt; 0,001) increases. In our population, only RVGCW didn’t correlate significantly with high afterload (r= −0,304, p = 0,235 for mPAP, and r = -0,181, p = 0,488 for RVP). Conclusions New methods to evaluate RV function are crucial in patients with RV hemodynamic overload, since conventional echocardiographic parameters do not perform well. Novel echocardiographic assessment of RVMW are associated with severity of PH in our population.

The relationship between RV strain and haemodynamic parameters in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease leading to right ventricular (RV) failure and death. Risk stratification is crucial for patient management. Guideline recommends several imaging parameters for screening and risk stratification. Right ventricular 2-dimensional speckle tracking strain (RVS) is a promising parameter, as it is angle-independent, less load-dependent, and highly reproducible. We aimed to determine the relationship between invasive haemodynamic parameters and simultaneously measured RV global (RVGLS) and RV free wall strain (RVFWS). Methods A single-centre prospective cohort of 17 patients with idiopathic and systemic sclerosis-related PAH (54±15 years, 89% female) were consecutively enrolled. Right heart catheterisation was performed in all patients according to the recommendation of the recent guideline. The patients underwent simultaneous transthoracic echocardiography, complying with the rules of asepsis, and also, particular attention was paid to the standard zero reference level during the recordings. Results The RVGLS showed a strong correlation with systolic and mean pressure measured invasively in the RV (p&amp;lt;0.005, r−0.8 and p&amp;lt;0.05, r−0.73). Also observed was a strong correlation between RVGLS and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (p&amp;lt;0.005, r−0.749, and p&amp;lt;0.005, r−0.005- Figure 1.). RVGLS correlated with NT-proBNP level (p&amp;lt;0.05, r−0.58), but, we did not find a relationship between RVFWS and invasively measured parameters. Conclusion In our cohort of patients with PAH, RVGLS correlated well with simultaneously measured haemodynamic parameters. RVFWS was not shown to have a relationship with RHC parameters. The observation highlights the importance of global RV dysfunction caused by elevated PVR and mPAP.

Blood flow kinetic energy is a novel marker for right ventricular global systolic function in patients with left ventricular assist device therapy.

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

The haemodynamic effects of phenylephrine after cardiac surgery.

Phenylephrine increases systemic- and pulmonary resistances and therefore may increase blood pressures at the expense of blood flow. Cardio-pulmonary bypass alters vasoreactivity and many patients exhibit chronotropic insufficiency after cardiac surgery. We aimed to describe the haemodynamic effects of phenylephrine infusion after cardiac surgery. Patients in steady state after low-risk cardiac surgery received incremental infusion rates of phenylephrine up to 1.0 μg/kg/min with the aim of increasing systemic mean arterial blood pressure 20 mmHg. Invasive haemodynamic parameters, including pulmonary wedge pressures, were captured along with echocardiographic measures of biventricular function before, during phenylephrine infusion at target systemic blood pressure, and 20 min after phenylephrine discontinuation. Thirty patients were included. Phenylephrine increased mean arterial pressure increased from 78 (±9) mmHg to 98 (±10) mmHg with phenylephrine infusion. Also, pulmonary blood pressure as well as systemic- and pulmonary resistances increased. The ratio between systemic- and pulmonary artery resistances did not change statistically significantly (p = .59). Median cardiac output was 4.35 (interquartile range [IQR] 3.6-5.4) L/min at baseline and increased significantly with phenylephrine infusion (median Δcardiac output was 0.25 [IQR 0.1-0.6] L/min) (p = .012). Pulmonary artery wedge pressure increased from 10.2 (±3.0) mmHg to 11.9 (±3.4) mmHg (p < .001). This was accompanied by significant increases in central venous pressure. Phenylephrine infusion increased left ventricular end-diastolic volume from 105 (±46) mL to 119 (±44) mL (p < .001). All results of phenylephrine infusion were reversed with discontinuation. In haemodynamically stable patients after cardiac surgery, phenylephrine increased PVR and SVR, but did not change the PVR/SVR ratio. Phenylephrine increased biventricular filling pressures and left ventricular end-diastolic area. Consequently, CO increased as ejection fraction was maintained. These findings do not discourage the use of phenylephrine after low-risk cardiac surgery. clinicaltrial.gov (identifier NCT04419662).

Atrial Fibrillation Ablation for Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundPatients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) frequently develop atrial fibrillation (AF). There are no randomized trials examining the effects of AF ablation on HFpEF outcomes. ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to compare the effects of AF ablation vs usual medical therapy on markers of HFpEF severity, including exercise hemodynamics, natriuretic peptide levels, and patient symptoms. MethodsPatients with concomitant AF and HFpEF underwent exercise right heart catheterization and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. HFpEF was confirmed with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) of 15 mm Hg at rest or ≥25 mm Hg on exercise. Patients were randomized to AF ablation vs medical therapy, with investigations repeated at 6 months. The primary outcome was change in peak exercise PCWP on follow-up. ResultsA total of 31 patients (mean age: 66.1 years; 51.6% females, 80.6% persistent AF) were randomized to AF ablation (n = 16) vs medical therapy (n = 15). Baseline characteristics were comparable across both groups. At 6 months, ablation reduced the primary outcome of peak PCWP from baseline (30.4 ± 4.2 to 25.4 ± 4.5 mm Hg; P < 0.01). Improvements were also seen in peak relative VO2 (20.2 ± 5.9 to 23.1 ± 7.2 mL/kg/min; P < 0.01), N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide levels (794 ± 698 to 141 ± 60 ng/L; P = 0.04), and MLHF (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure) score (51 ± −21.9 to 16.6 ± 17.5; P < 0.01). No differences were detected in the medical arm. Following ablation, 50% no longer met exercise right heart catheterization–based criteria for HFpEF vs 7% in the medical arm (P = 0.02). ConclusionsAF ablation improves invasive exercise hemodynamic parameters, exercise capacity, and quality of life in patients with concomitant AF and HFpEF.

Non - Invasive hemodynamic parameters as predictors for hypotension following spinal anesthesia in parturients undergoing lower segment cesarean section: A prospective observational study

Non - Invasive hemodynamic parameters as predictors for hypotension following spinal anesthesia in parturients undergoing lower segment cesarean section: A prospective observational study

Echocardiographic estimation of pulmonary vascular resistance in advanced lung disease.

Noninvasive assessment of pulmonary hemodynamics is often performed by echocardiographic estimation of the pulmonary artery systolic pressure (ePASP), despite limitations in the advanced lung disease population. Other noninvasive hemodynamic variables, such as echocardiographic pulmonary vascular resistance (ePVR), have not been studied in this population. We performed a retrospective analysis of 147 advanced lung disease patients who received both echocardiography and right heart catheterization for lung transplant evaluation. The ePVR was estimated by four previously described equations. Noninvasive and invasive hemodynamic parameters were compared in terms of correlation, agreement, and accuracy. The ePVR models strongly correlated with invasively determined PVR and had good accuracy with biases of <1 Wood units (WU), although with moderate precision and wide 95% limits of agreement varying from 5.9 to 7.8 Wood units. The ePVR models were accurate to within 1.9 WU in over 75% of patients. In comparison to the ePASP, ePVR models performed similarly in terms of correlation, accuracy, and precision when estimating invasive hemodynamics. In screening for pulmonary hypertension, ePVR models had equivalent testing characteristics to the ePASP. Mid-systolic notching of the right ventricular outflow tract Doppler signal identified a subgroup of 11 patients (7%) with significantly elevated PVR and mean pulmonary artery pressures without relying on the acquisition of a tricuspid regurgitation signal. Analysis of ePVR and determination of the notching pattern of the right ventricular outflow tract Doppler flow velocity envelope provide reliable insights into hemodynamics in advanced lung disease patients, although limitations in precision exist.

Pulmonary arterial compliance and exercise capacity after balloon pulmonary angioplasty in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

To determine whether changes in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and changes in pulmonary artery compliance (C pa) are associated with changes in exercise capacity assessed either by changes in peak oxygen consumption (V'O2 ) or by changes in 6-min walk distance (6MWD) in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) undergoing balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA). Invasive haemodynamic parameters, peak V'O2 and 6MWD were measured within 24 h, before and after BPA (interval 3.1±2.4 months) in 34 CTEPH patients without significant cardiac and/or pulmonary comorbidities, of whom 24 received at least one pulmonary hypertension-specific treatment. C pa was calculated according to the pulse pressure method: C pa=((SV/PP)/1.76+0.1), where SV is the stroke volume and PP is the pulse pressure. The resistance-compliance (RC)-time of the pulmonary circulation was calculated as the PVR and C pa product. After BPA, PVR decreased (562±234 versus 290±106 dyn·s·cm-5; p<0.001); C pa increased (0.90±0.36 versus 1.63±0.65 mL·mmHg-1; p<0.001); but RC-time did not change (0.325±0.069 versus 0.321±0.083 s; p=0.75). There were improvements in peak V'O2 (1.11±0.35 versus 1.30±0.33 L·min-1; p<0.001) and in 6MWD (393±119 versus 432±100 m; p<0.001). After adjustment for age, height, weight and gender, changes in exercise capacity, assessed either by peak V'O2 or 6MWD, were significantly associated with changes in PVR, but not with changes in C pa. Contrary to what has been reported in CTEPH patients undergoing pulmonary endarterectomy, in CTEPH patients undergoing BPA, changes in exercise capacity were not associated with changes in C pa.

Central versus Peripheral CTEPH-Clinical and Hemodynamic Specifications.

Background and Objectives: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a chronic progressive disease, resulting from persistent arterial obstruction combined with small-vessel remodeling. Central and peripheral CTEPH are distinguished, according to the dominant lesion's location. This is important for surgical or percutaneous interventional assessment or for medical treatment. Material and Methods: Eighty-one patients (51 male/30 female) with confirmed CTEPH were analyzed, while the CENTRAL type included 51 patients (63%) and the PERIPHERAL type 30 patients (37%). Results: A significant difference in CENTRAL type vs. PERIPHERAL type was determined in gender (male 72.5% vs. 46.7%; p = 0.0198). No difference was found in age, functional status, or echocardiographic parameters. Invasive hemodynamic parameters showed a significant difference in mean pulmonary arterial pressure (46 vs. 58 mmHg; p = 0.0002), transpulmonary gradient (34 vs. 47 mmHg; p = 0.0005), and cardiac index (2.04 vs. 2.5 L.min.m2; p = 0.02) but not in pulmonary vascular resistance. Risk factors showed a significant difference only in acute pulmonary embolism (93.8% vs. 60%; p = 0.0002) and malignancy (2% vs. 13.3%; p = 0.0426). Conclusions: Our study showed hemodynamic differences between CENTRAL type vs. PERIPHERAL type CTEPH with a worse hemodynamic picture in CENTRAL form. This may indicate a different pathophysiological response and/or possible additional influences contributing especially to the peripheral pulmonary bed affection.

Lung ultrasound predicts left-sided filling pressures in patients with cardiogenic shock admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit

Abstract Background Left and right filling pressures, as well as cardiac output, are key targets in optimising treatment of cardiogenic shock (CS). Invasive pulmonary artery catheters can provide these data but are associated with complications and are not available in all hospital settings. Lung ultrasound (LUS) can detect pulmonary congestion in patients with heart failure (HF) and may be an alternative to invasive monitoring. We assessed the correlation between LUS score and invasive haemodynamic parameters in patients with CS admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) of a North American cardiac centre. Methods We prospectively evaluated consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary artery catheter insertion in the CICU. Haemodynamic parameters including right atrial pressure (RAP) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) were measured and cardiac output (CO) was calculated using the thermodilution method. This was immediately followed by an 8-zones LUS done by a critical care cardiologist who was blinded to the invasive hemodynamic measurements. The LUS score was calculated by counting the total number of B-lines in all 8 zones, with a higher score indicating greater congestion. Correlations between LUS score and hemodynamic parameters were evaluated using Pearson's correlation. Results Ninety-six measurements from 60 patients were included, aged 58±14 years with 27% female. The most common diagnosis at admission was cardiogenic shock, followed by acute myocardial infarction and HF exacerbation. Most patients were at SCAI stages C and D at the time of assessment. The mean number of B-lines at LUS was 10.1±8.2. Mean RAP was 8.5±4.6 mmHg, PCWP 16.2±6.3 mmHg and CO of 5.0±1.8 L/min. The total number of B-lines was correlated with PCWP (r=0.66, P&amp;lt;0.001, see Figure 1), RAP (r=0.26, P&amp;lt;0.001) and cardiac output (r=−0.23, p=0.02). Due to the correlation of B-lines in LUS with PCWP, we then evaluated the area under the ROC of the LUS to identify patients with PCWP ≥15 mmHg. The number of positive zones (≥3 B-lines) showed an AUC of 0.81 (0.72–0.89), P&amp;lt;0.001. In 36 patients, we had repeated measurement with more than 12 hours apart. The delta change in PCWP was correlated with delta change in the number of B-lines (r=0.59, P&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion Elevated LUS score in patients with CS is associated with worse invasively-measured LV filling pressures, but less so with RAP or CO. LUS can serve as a useful adjunct to the clinical assessment of patients with CS who do not receive invasive hemodynamic monitoring, either at a single timepoint or to detect changes in clinical status over time, to guide ongoing management. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Catheter ablation in atrial fibrillation and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction improves peak pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, exercise capacity and quality of life: RCT STALL HFpEF

Abstract Introduction Atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently accompanies heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). AF exacerbates HFpEF through adverse haemodynamic effects. In turn, HFpEF promotes AF through adverse left atrial remodelling. Observational data suggest sinus rhythm restoration improves outcomes in patients with AF and HFpEF. However, there are no randomised data examining the effects of rhythm control with catheter-based AF ablation on HFpEF outcomes. Purpose To compare the effects of AF ablation versus usual medical therapy on markers of HFpEF severity, including exercise haemodynamics, natriuretic peptide levels and patient symptoms. Methods Patients with symptomatic AF and HFpEF underwent exercise right heart catheterization (RHC) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). HFpEF diagnosis was based on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50%, elevated natriuretic peptide and echocardiographic diastolic impairment. HFpEF was confirmed on exercise RHC based on peak exercise pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) of ≥25mmHg. Patients were randomised to AF ablation versus medical therapy, with investigations repeated at 6 months. The primary outcome was change in PCWP on follow-up. Results 31 patients aged 66.1±7.5 years were randomized to AF ablation (16) versus medical therapy (15), with 51.6% female and 80.6% persistent AF. Baseline characteristics were comparable across groups. Paired analyses of ablation cohort showed significant reductions in peak PCWP (29.6±3.7 vs 25.9±4.6 mmHg, p&amp;lt;0.01), PCWP indexed for workload (39.0±57.9 vs 33.0±50.5 mmHg/W/kg, p&amp;lt;0.01), and BNP (146.2±80.5 vs 82.2±75.4 pg/mL, p=0.01); and increased resting cardiac output (4.6±0.9 vs 5.6±1.2 L/min, p=0.01), peak cardiac output (9.6±4.2 vs 10.4±3.7 L/min, p=0.02), peak (30s averaged) VO2 (1875.1±759.2 vs 2193.7±878.1 mL/min, p&amp;lt;0.01), peak absolute VO2 (1937.3±739.3 vs 2216.3±861.9 mL/min, p&amp;lt;0.01), peak (30s averaged) relative VO2 (19.4±5.9 vs 22.9±7.4 ml/kg/min) and peak workload (162.0±81.1 vs 184.4±83.4 W, p&amp;lt;0.01). Quality of life scores improved: AFEQT (45.3±20.9 vs 75±20.7, p&amp;lt;0.01) and MLHF (53±23.3 vs 17.5±22.8, p&amp;lt;0.01). Reversal of HFpEF by PCWP criteria occurred in 31.2% following AF ablation, and 50% among those free from arrhythmia recurrence. In the medical arm, there were no significant differences in RHC, CPET, and natriuretic peptide outcomes on follow-up versus baseline. Repeated measures mixed ANOVA testing showed significant time-randomisation interaction on peak VO2, absolute peak VO2, peak relative VO2, AFEQT/ MLHF scores, suggesting that significant improvements in these parameters were related to AF ablation. Conclusion In patients with concomitant AF and HFpEF, AF ablation improves invasive exercise haemodynamic parameters, increases exercise capacity, and enhances quality of life. Successful AF ablation may reverse the clinical syndrome of HFpEF in a subset of cases. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Impact of surgical approach for left ventricular assist device implantation on postoperative invasive hemodynamics and right ventricular failure.

Right ventricular failure (RVF) remains one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We sought to compare immediate postoperative invasive hemodynamics and the risk of RVF following two different surgical approaches: less invasive surgery (LIS) versus full sternotomy (FS). The study population comprised all 231 patients who underwent implantation of a HeartMate 3 (Abbott) LVAD at our institution from 2015 to 2020, utilizing anLIS (n = 161; 70%) versus FS (n = 70; 30%) surgical approach. Outcomes included postoperative invasive hemodynamic parameters, vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS), RVF during index hospitalization, and 6-month mortality. Baseline clinical characteristics of the two groups were similar. Multivariate analysis showed that LIS, compared with FS, was associated with the improved cardiac index(CI) at the sixth postoperative hour (p = .036) and similar CI at 24 h, maintained by lower VIS at both timepoints (p = .002). The LIS versus FS approach was also associated with a three-fold lower incidence of in-hospital severe RVF (8.7% vs. 28.6%, p < .001) and need for RVAD support (5.0% vs. 17.1%, p = .003), and with 68% reduction in the risk of 6-month mortality after LVAD implantation (Hazard ratio, 0.32; CI, 0.13-0.78; p = .012). Our findings suggest that LIS, compared with FS, is associated with a more favorable hemodynamic profile, as indicated by similar hemodynamic parameters maintained by lower vasoactive-inotropic support during the acute postoperative period. These findings were followed by a reduction in the risk of severe RVF and 6-month mortality in the LIS group.

Comparison between thermodilution and Fick methods for resting and exercise-induced cardiac output measurement in patients with chronic dyspnea.

Studies comparing thermodilution (TD) and the direct Fick method (dFM) for cardiac output (CO) measurement are rare. We compared CO measurements between TD (2–5 cold water injections), the dFM, and indirect Fick method (iFM) at rest and during exercise, and assessed the effect of averaging different numbers of TD measurements during exercise. This retrospective study included 300 patients (52.3% women, mean age 66 ± 11 years) having pulmonary hypertension (76.0%) or unexplained dyspnea. Invasive hemodynamic and gas exchange parameters were measured at rest (supine; n = 300) and during unloaded cycling (semi‐supine; n = 275) and 25‐W exercise (semi‐supine; n = 240). All three methods showed significant differences in CO measurement (ΔCO) at rest (p ≤ 0.001; ΔCO > 1 L/min: 45.0% [iFM vs. dFM], 42.0% [iFM vs. TD], and 45.7% [TD vs. dFM]). ΔCO (TD vs. dFM) was significant during unloaded cycling (p < 0.001; ΔCO > 1 L/min: 56.6%) but not during 25‐W exercise (p = 0.137; ΔCO > 1 L/min: 52.8%). ΔCO (TD vs. dFM) during 25‐W exercise was significant when using one or two (p ≤ 0.01) but not three (p = 0.06) TD measurements. Mean ΔCO (TD [≥3 measurements] vs. dFM) was −0.43 ± 1.98 and −0.06 ± 2.29 L/min during unloaded and 25‐W exercise, respectively. Thus, TD and dFM CO measurements are comparable during 25‐W exercise (averaging ≥3 TD measurements), but not during unloaded cycling or at rest. Individual ΔCOs vary substantially and require critical interpretation to avoid CO misclassification.

Nonplatelet thromboxane generation is associated with impaired cardiovascular performance and mortality in heart failure.

Nonplatelet thromboxane generation, stimulated largely by oxidative stress, is a novel mortality risk factor in individuals with coronary artery disease. Though inversely associated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), a potential role in the pathobiology of heart failure (HF) remains poorly defined. Nonplatelet thromboxane generation and oxidative stress were assessed by measuring urine thromboxane-B2 metabolites (TXB2-M) and 8-isoPGF2α by ELISA in 105 subjects taking aspirin and undergoing right heart catheterization for evaluation of HF, valve disease, or after transplantation. Multivariable logistic regression and survival analyses were used to define associations of TXB2-M to invasive measures of cardiovascular performance and 4-year clinical outcomes. TXB2-M was elevated (>1,500 pg/mg creatinine) in 46% of subjects and correlated with HF severity by New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class and brain natriuretic peptide level, modestly with LVEF, but not with HF etiology. There was no association of oxidative stress to HF type or etiology but a trend with NYHA functional class. Multiple invasive hemodynamic parameters independently associated with TXB2-M after adjustment for oxidative stress, age, sex, and race with pulmonary effective arterial elastance (Ea pulmonary), reflective of right ventricular afterload, being the most robust on hierarchical analysis. Similar to Ea pulmonary, elevated urinary TXB2-M is associated with increased risk of death (adjusted HR = 2.15, P = 0.037) and a combination of death, transplant, or mechanical support initiation (adjusted HR = 2.0, P = 0.042). Nonplatelet TXA2 thromboxane generation is independently associated with HF severity reflected by invasive measures of cardiovascular performance, particularly right ventricular afterload, and independently predicted long-term mortality risk.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Nonplatelet thromboxane generation in heart failure is independently associated with risk of death, transplant, or need for mechanical support. Measurement of urine thromboxane metabolites using a clinically available assay may be a useful surrogate for invasive measurement of cardiovascular hemodynamics and performance that could provide prognostic information and facilitate tailoring of therapy in patients with heart failure. Inhibiting thromboxane generation or its biological effects is a potential strategy for improving cardiovascular performance and outcomes in heart failure.

Right Ventricular Myocardial Work Characterization in Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension and Relation to Invasive Hemodynamic Parameters and Outcomes

Noninvasive evaluation of indexes of right ventricular (RV) myocardial work (RVMW) derived from RV pressure-strain loops may provide novel insights into RV function in precapillary pulmonary hypertension. This study was designed to evaluate the association between the indexes of RVMW and invasive parameters of right heart catheterization and all-cause mortality. Noninvasive analysis of RVMW was completed in 51 patients (mean age 58.1 ± 12.7 years, 31% men) with group I or group IV pulmonary hypertension. RV global work index (RVGWI), RV global constructive work (RVGCW), RV global wasted work (RVGWW), and RV global work efficiency (RVGWE) were compared with parameters derived invasively during right heart catheterization. Patients were followed-up for the occurrence of all-cause death. The median RVGWI, RVGCW, RVGWW, and RVGWE were 620 mm Hg%, 830 mm Hg%, 105 mm Hg% and 87%, respectively. Compared with conventional echocardiographic parameters of RV systolic function, RVGCW and RVGWI correlated more closely with invasively derived RV stroke work index (R=0.63, p <0.001 and R=0.60, p <0.001, respectively). Invasively derived pulmonary vascular resistance correlated with RVGWW (R=0.63, p <0.001), RVGWE (R=0.48, p <0.001), and RV global longitudinal strain (R=0.58, p <0.001). RVGCW (hazard ratio 1.42 per 100 mm Hg% <900 mm Hg%, 95% confidence interval 1.12 to 1.81, p=0.004) and RVGWI (hazard ratio 1.46 per 100 mm Hg% <650 mm Hg%, 95% confidence interval 1.09 to 1.94, p=0.010) were significantly associated with all-cause mortality, whereas RV global longitudinal strain, RVGWE, and RVGWW were not. In conclusion, indexes of RVMW were more closely correlated with invasively derived RV stroke work index and peripheral vascular resistance than conventional echocardiographic parameters of RV systolic function. Decreased values of RVGCW and RVGWI were associated with all-cause mortality, whereas conventional echocardiographic parameters of RV function were not.

Correlation of Hemodynamic and Respiratory Parameters in Invasive Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (iCPET).

Background: Invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing (iCPET) is an integral part in the advanced diagnostic workup of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Our study evaluated the relation between hemodynamic and respiratory parameters at two different resting conditions and two defined low exercise levels with a close synchronization of measurements in a broad variety of dyspnea patients. Subjects and methods: We included 146 patients (median age 69 years, range 22 to 85 years, n = 72 female) with dyspnea of uncertain origin. Invasive hemodynamic and gas exchange parameters were measured at rest, 45° upright position, unloaded cycling, 25 and 50 W exercise. All measurements were performed in a single RHC procedure. Results: Oxygen uptake (VO/body mass) correlated significantly with cardiac index (all p ≤ 0.002) at every resting and exercise level and with every method of cardiac output measurement (thermodilution, method of Fick). Mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAPmean) correlated with all respiratory parameters (respiratory rate, partial end-tidal pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide [petCO and petO], ventilation/carbon dioxide resp. oxygen ratio [VE/VCO, VE/VO], and minute ventilation [VE], all p < 0.05). These correlations improved with increasing exercise levels from rest via unloaded cycling to 25 W. There was no correlation with right atrial or pulmonary arterial wedge pressure. Summary: In dyspnea patients of different etiologies, the cardiac index is closely linked to VO at every level of rest and submaximal exercise. PAPmean is the only pressure that correlates with different respiratory parameters, but this correlation is highly significant and stable at rest, unloaded cycling and at 25 W.

Effects of Metoprolol on Exercise Hemodynamics in Patients With Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

BackgroundThe relationship between exercise hemodynamics, loading conditions, and medical treatment in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is incompletely understood. ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the effect of metoprolol on invasive hemodynamic parameters at rest and during exercise in patients with obstructive HCM. MethodsThis randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial enrolled 28 patients with obstructive HCM and New York Heart Association functional class ≥II. Patients were randomized to initiate either metoprolol 150 mg or placebo for 2 consecutive 2-week periods. Right-heart catheterization and echocardiography were performed at rest and during exercise at the end of each treatment period. The primary outcome was the difference in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (ΔPCWP) between peak exercise and rest. ResultsNo treatment effect on ΔPCWP was observed between metoprolol and placebo treatment (21 ± 9 mm Hg vs 23 ± 9 mm Hg; P = 0.12). At rest, metoprolol lowered heart rate (P < 0.0001), left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient (P = 0.01), and increased left ventricular end-diastolic volume (P = 0.02) and stroke volume (SV) (+6.4; 95% CI: 0.02-17.7; P = 0.049). During peak exercise, metoprolol was associated with a lower heart rate (P < 0.0001), a lower LVOT gradient (P = 0.0005), lesser degree of mitral regurgitation (P = 0.004), and increased SV (+9 mL; 95% CI: 2-15 mL; P = 0.008). ConclusionsIn patients with obstructive HCM, exercise was associated with an abnormal rise in PCWP, which was unaffected by metoprolol. However, metoprolol increased SV at rest and peak exercise following changes in end-diastolic volume, LVOT gradient, and degree of mitral regurgitation. (The Effect of Metoprolol in Patients With Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy [TEMPO]; NCT03532802)

Multiparametric assessment of the intraprocedural result after transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair proceduret

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Research grant OnBehalf n/a Background. Quantification of residual mitral regurgitation (MR) after transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TMVr) is challenging. Objectives. To evaluate the feasibility and the performance of an intraprocedural multiparametric approach based on echocardiographic and invasive hemodynamic parameters and to develop a multiparametric scoring system for MR grading after TMVr, and to compare this approach against currently recommended methods. Methods. Ninety-three consecutive patients treated with MitraClip (April 2019-July 2020) were enrolled. The protocol of MR evaluation included: 2D and 3D color-Doppler (3D-vena contracta area- 3D-VCA), pulsed-wave Doppler (pulmonary vein- PV flow, stroke volume), continuous-wave Doppler (jet density), morphological parameters (spontaneous echocontrast) and invasive hemodynamic (mean left atrial pressure-LAP, V-wave) at baseline and after clip implantation. A multiparametric score (M-score) was calculated by including the significant predictors (3D-VCA, dense jet on CWD, final LAP, final V wave) of primary endpoint (CV death or HF related hospitalization) at one year follow-up, weighted according to the corresponding odds ratio, to predict the clinical outcome at one-month and one-year follow-up. Results. The final study population included 86 pts (mean age 78.3 +8.9yrs, 54.6% primary MR). Procedural success was achieved in 78 pts (90.7%). 3D-VCA (AUC 0.808) and current method for MR grading (AUC 0.801) were comparable predictors of lack of symptom improvement (&amp;lt;5 point change in KCCQ-OS score) at one-month (p = 0.398, DeLong’s test). The M-score performed similarly as predictor of one-month follow-up but was a better predictor of primary endpoint at 1-year (AUC 0.919) compared to single parameters (p = 0.005 vs 3D-VCA DeLong"s test) and currently recommended methods for MR grading (p = 0.006 DeLong"s test). The optimal cut-off was 2 points with 86.7% sensitivity and 83.1% specificity. Conclusion. We evaluated intraprocedural TMVr result in a multiparametric approach showing that 3D-VCA alone is comparable to current recommended method for MR grading. However, the integration of echocardiographic and invasive hemodynamic parameters into a multiparametric score provided a further added value for predicting clinical outcome at one-year compared to currently recommended methods for MR grading and to 3D-VCA.