Left Ventricular Stroke Work Index Research Articles

High-dose adenosine versus saline-induced cardioplegic arrest in coronary artery bypass grafting: A randomized double-blind clinical feasibility trial.

In this clinical trial, we evaluated if a short-acting nucleoside, adenosine, as a high-dose bolus injection with blood cardioplegia induces faster arrest and provides better myocardial performance in patients after bypass surgery for coronary artery disease. Forty-three patients scheduled for elective or urgent coronary artery bypass grafting were prospectively recruited in two-arm 1:1 randomized parallel groups to either receive 20 mg of adenosine (in 21 patients) or saline (in 22 patients) into the aortic root during the first potassium-enriched blood cardioplegia infusion. The main outcomes of the study were ventricular myocardial performance measured with cardiac index, right ventricular stroke work index, and left ventricular stroke work index at predefined time points and time to asystole after a single bolus injection of adenosine. Conventional myocardial biomarkers were compared between the two groups at predefined time points as secondary endpoints. Electrocardiographic data and other ad hoc clinical outcomes were compared between the groups. Compared with saline, adenosine reduced the time to asystole (68 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 37-100) versus 150 (95% CI = 100-210) seconds, p = 0.005). With myocardial performance, the results were inconclusive, since right ventricular stroke work index recovered better in the adenosine group (p = 0.008), but there were no significant overall differences in cardiac index and left ventricular stroke work index between the groups. Only the post-cardiopulmonary bypass cardiac index was better in the adenosine group (2.3 (95% CI = 2.2-2.5) versus 2.1 (95% CI = 1.9-2.2) L/min/m2, p = 0.016). There were no significant differences between the groups in cardiac biomarker values. A high dose adenosine bolus at the beginning of the first cardioplegia infusion resulted in significantly faster asystole in coronary artery bypass grafting patients but enhanced only partially the ventricular performance.EudraCT number: 2014-001382-26. https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2014-001382-26/FI.

İleri evre kalp yetmezliği olan hastalarda sol ventriküler atım iş indeksinin prognostik değeri

Aim: The impact of reduced myocardial contractility on patients’ outcomes with advanced heart failure (HF) and the correct measurement units for its measure is most important. The present work aims to evaluate the prognostic value of the left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI), which is considered a measure of myocardial contractility, in patients with advanced HF.
 Material and Methods: Between September 2010 and July 2013, 172 patients with advanced HF admitted to the hospital to guide the specified therapies were included in this study. At baseline, patients were assessed with cardiac catheter-based hemodynamic measurements, ensued by the longitudinal follow-up (median of 52 months) for adverse outcomes (cardiac mortality, ventricular assist device (VAD) placement, and heart transplant (HTx)).
 Results: Median LVSWI was 16 cJ/m2. Decreased LVSWI (

Echocardiographic left ventricular stroke work index: An integrated noninvasive measure of shock severity.

Echocardiographic findings vary with shock severity, as defined by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention (SCAI) shock stage. Left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI) measured by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) can predict mortality in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). We sought to determine whether LVSWI could refine mortality risk stratification by the SCAI shock classification in the CICU. We included consecutive CICU patients from 2007 to 2015 with TTE data available to calculate the LVSWI, specifically the mean arterial pressure, stroke volume index and medial mitral E/e' ratio. In-hospital mortality as a function of LVSWI was evaluated across the SCAI shock stages using logistic regression, before and after multivariable adjustment. We included 3635 unique CICU patients, with a mean age of 68.1 ± 14.5 years (36.5% females); 61.1% of patients had an acute coronary syndrome. The LVSWI progressively decreased with increasing shock severity, as defined by increasing SCAI shock stage. A total of 203 (5.6%) patients died during hospitalization, with higher in-hospital mortality among patients with lower LVSWI (adjusted OR 0.66 per 10 J/m2 higher) or higher SCAI shock stage (adjusted OR 1.24 per each higher stage). A LVSWI <33 J/m2 was associated with higher adjusted in-hospital mortality, particularly among patients with shock (SCAI stages C, D and E). The LVSWI by TTE noninvasively characterizes the severity of shock, including both systolic and diastolic parameters, and can identify low-risk and high-risk patients at each level of clinical shock severity.

Left ventricular myocardial work indices and invasive measurement of stroke work: a correlation study

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. BACKGROUND A novel echocardiographic method allows to non-invasively assess myocardial work using pressure-strain loops. Even though left ventricular myocardial work has already emerged as a promising prognostic tool for various pathological conditions, its relationship with invasively-derived corresponding indices has not been assessed in humans yet. PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the correlation between left ventricular myocardial work (LVMW) indices and invasively-derived left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI) in a cohort of patients with advanced heart failure (HF) considered for heart transplantation. METHODS All consecutive patients with advanced heart failure considered for heart transplantation from 2016 to 2021 that had already performed right heart catheterization (RHC) as part of the workup and with an available echocardiographic exam were included (n = 91). Myocardial work analysis was performed in 44 patients, according to exclusion criteria. Conventional LV functional parameters and LVMW indices, including LV global work index (LVGWI), LV global constructive work (LVGCW), LV global wasted work (LVGWW), LV global work efficiency (LVGWE) and other were calculated and compared with invasively measured LV stroke work index (LVSWI). RESULTS Median time between RHC and echocardiography was 0 months [interquartile range (IQR): 0 – 1]. Median age was 60 years (IQR: 54 – 63). For the most part, etiology of HF was non-ischemic (61.4%) and all patients were either on class NYHA II (61.4%) or III (27.3%). Median left ventricular ejection fraction was 25% (IQR: 22.3 – 32.3), median NT-proBNP 1377 pg/mL (IQR: 646 – 2570). Among conventional parameters of LV function, LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) significantly correlated with LVSWI (r = - 0.337; p = 0.031), whereas LVEF did not (r = 0.308; p = 0.050). With regard to LVMW indices, some of them demonstrated correlation with LVSWI, particularly LVGWI (r = 0.425; p = 0.006), LVGCW (r = 0.506; p = 0.001), LV global positive work (LVGPW; r = 0.464; p = 0.003) and LV global systolic constructive work (LVGSCW; r = 0.471; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Among left ventricular myocardial work indices, LVGCW correlated better with invasively-derived stroke work, thus representing a powerful and reliable tool for a more comprehensive evaluation of myocardial function. Abstract Figure. Study flow chart Abstract Figure. Correlation results

48 Correlation of left ventricular myocardial work indices and invasive measurement of stroke work

Abstract Aims A novel echocardiographic method allows to non-invasively assess myocardial work using pressure–strain loops. Even though left ventricular myocardial work has already emerged as a promising prognostic tool for various pathological conditions, its relationship with invasively-derived corresponding indices has not been assessed in humans yet. This study aimed to explore the correlation between left ventricular myocardial work (LVMW) indices and invasively derived left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI) in a cohort of patients with advanced heart failure (HF) considered for heart transplantation. Methods and results All consecutive patients with advanced heart failure considered for heart transplantation from 2016 to 2021 that had already performed right heart catheterization (RHC) as part of the workup and with an available echocardiographic exam were included (n = 91). Myocardial work analysis was performed in 44 patients, according to exclusion criteria. Conventional LV functional parameters and LVMW indices, including LV global work index (LVGWI), LV global constructive work (LVGCW), LV global wasted work (LVGWW), LV global work efficiency (LVGWE), and other were calculated and compared with invasively measured LV stroke work index (LVSWI). Median age was 60 years [interquartile range (IQR): 54–63]. Median time between RHC and echocardiography was 0 months (IQR: 0–1). For the most part, etiology of HF was non-ischaemic (61.4%) and all patients were either on class NYHA II (61.4%) or III (27.3%). Median left ventricular ejection fraction was 25% (IQR: 22.3–32.3), median NT-proBNP 1377 pg/ml (IQR: 646–2570). Among conventional parameters of LV function, LVEF did not significantly correlate with LVSWI (r = 0.308; P = 0.050) whereas LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) did (r = −0.337; P = 0.031). With regard to LVMW indices, some of them demonstrated correlation with LVSWI, particularly LVGWI (r = 0.425; P = 0.006), LVGCW (r = 0.506; P = 0.001), LV global positive work (LVGPW; r = 0.464; P = 0.003), and LV global systolic constructive work (LVGSCW; r = 0.471; P = 0.002). Conclusions Among left ventricular myocardial work indices, LVGCW correlated better with invasively derived stroke work, thus representing a powerful and reliable tool for a more comprehensive evaluation of myocardial function.

Effects of ischaemic postconditioning in aortic valve replacement: a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

The effect of ischaemic postconditioning (IPost) on postcardioplegic cardiac function is not known. We hypothesized that IPost was cardioprotective in adult patients undergoing elective aortic valve replacement. In a multicentre, prospective, randomized trial, patients (n = 209) were randomized to either a standard operation (controls) or postconditioning. Immediately before the cross-clamp was released, patients in the postconditioning group underwent 3 cycles of flow/non-flow (2 min each) of normothermic blood via the antegrade cardioplegia line. The primary end point was cardiac index. Secondary end points included additional haemodynamic measurements, biomarkers of cardiomyocyte injury, renal function parameters, intra- and postoperative arrhythmias and use of inotropic agents. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding cardiac index [mean between-group difference, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.11 (-0.1 to 0.3), P = 0.27]. Postconditioning had no effect on other haemodynamic parametres. There was no between-group difference regarding troponin T or creatine kinase MB. Postconditioning reduced the relative risk for arrhythmias by 45% (P = 0.03) when postoperative atrial fibrillation and intraoperative ventricular fibrillation were combined. There were no differences in patients with/without diabetes, patients above/below 70 years of age or between the centres. However, after postconditioning, the cardiac index [95% CI, 0.46 (0.2-0.7), P = 0.001], cardiac output (P < 0.001), mean arterial pressure (P < 0.001) and left ventricular stroke work index (P < 0.001) were higher in males compared to females. IPost had no overall cardioprotective effects in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement but improved postoperative cardiac performance in men compared to women.

Abstract 12407: A Comparison of Hemodynamic and Cardiopulmonary Exercise Stress Variables for Advanced Heart Failure Prognosis

Introduction: Both invasive hemodynamics as measured by right heart catheterization (RHC) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) are used for prognostication in advanced heart failure patients. We aimed to compare the prognostic performance of these variables in patients with advanced heart failure with a particular focus on defining the incremental prognostication of advanced hemodynamic metrics compared to CPET variables. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent both a RHC and CPET within one year of each other from January 2013 to January 2019 at our institution. The CPET variables of peak oxygen consumption (VO2), minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2), oxygen pulse (VO2/HR), and the RHC variables of left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI), cardiac power output (CPO), and aortic pulsatility index (API) were used. The primary outcome was death, left ventricular assist device, or heart transplant at one year following the RHC. Results: A total of 55 patients were included in the analysis: 35% women, 51% Black, and 27% ischemic cardiomyopathy. Overall, using Spearman’s analysis, there were no significant correlations between the RHC and CPET variables. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, lower LVSWI was significantly associated with the primary outcome when compared to lower VO2/HR, HR 5.3 (95% CI 1.2-23, p = 0.02.), lower VE/VCO2, HR 3.7 (95% CI 1.3-10.4, p = 0.014), and lower peak VO2, HR 7.0 (95% CI 0.9-56, p = 0.06). Conclusion: LVSWI is more associated with one-year outcomes in patients with advanced heart failure than other prognostic hemodynamic or CPET variables. Furthermore, advanced hemodynamic metrics are more prognostic than CPET measurements when these values are discordant.

Abstract 14194: Dynamic Metabolite Profiles of Heart Failure and Central Hemodynamics

Aim: Large-scale plasma metabolite profiling is garnering considerable interest for the discovery of therapeutic targets and facilitation of precision medicine across a range of conditions. Heart failure (HF) represents a particularly promising application of metabolite profiling for precision medicine. Here, we performed untargeted metabolite profiling of heart failure cases and healthy controls, and studied transplant dynamics and central hemodynamic correlates of identified metabolites. Methods and Results: Metabolite profiling was conducted with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methods in two independent case-control samples: one sample with advanced HF patients undergoing right-heart catheterization (RHC, n=248) and healthy controls of matching age and sex (n=30), and one sample with HF outpatients (n=83) and controls from a population-based cohort (n=583). Metabolites associated with HF were identified based on multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models. In total, 93 of 1370 studied metabolites were significantly associated with HF in both cohorts with concordant directionality, after Bonferroni correction. A subset of the advanced HF patients underwent heart transplantation (n=28), after which a second sample was obtained at the routine 6 month follow up exam. In linear mixed-effects regression models, 17 metabolites (18%) returned significantly towards healthy control levels. Of these, 13 (76%) were associated with at least one of 14 central hemodynamic parameters. Most associations were with right atrial pressure (RAP, 10 metabolites), mixed venous oxygen saturation (12 metabolites) and left-ventricular stroke work index (9 metabolites). For example, vanillylmandelate, a catecholamine metabolite, was associated with stroke volume and cardiac index, while kynurenine, an immunomodulatory tryptophan metabolite mainly produced in the liver and previously associated with kidney function, was associated with higher left-sided (pulmonary arterial wedge pressure) and right sided (RAP) filling pressures. Conclusions: Here, we comprehensively identified metabolites associated with HF and describe the hemodynamic correlates and metabolite dynamics upon HF reversal by transplantation.

The Prognostic Role of Right Ventricular Stroke Work Index during Liver Transplantation.

Right heart-associated hemodynamic parameters including intraoperative pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were reported to be associated with patient survival after liver transplantation. We investigated whether intraoperative stroke work indexes of both ventricles could have a better prognostic value than PVR. We reviewed 683 cases at a tertiary care academic medical center. We collected intraoperative variables of baseline central venous pressure, baseline right ventricle end-diastolic volume, mixed venous oxygen saturation, intraoperative PVR and right and left ventricular stroke work indexes. Time-weighted means or area under the curve of intraoperative right and left ventricular stroke work indexes were calculated as exposure variables. One-year all-cause mortality or graft failure was our primary outcome. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between exposure variables and one-year all-cause mortality or graft failure. Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis of our primary outcome was performed for different time-weighted mean ventricular stroke work index groups. Cubic spline curve analysis was performed to evaluate the linear relationship between our exposure variables and primary outcome. Time-weighted mean right ventricular stroke work index was significantly associated with one-year all-cause mortality or graft failure (hazard ratio 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12–1.36, p < 0.001). However, there was no significant association between time-weighted mean left ventricular stroke work index, time-weighted mean PVR, PVR at the end of surgery and one-year mortality. Area under the curve of right ventricular stroke work index was also significantly associated with one-year mortality or graft failure (hazard ratio 1.24, 95% CI 1.15–1.37, p < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis showed a significant difference in the survival between different mean right ventricular stroke work index groups (Log-rank test: p = 0.002). Cubic spline function curve showed the gradual increase in the risk of mortality with a positive slope with time-weighted mean right ventricular stroke work index. In conclusion, intraoperative elevated right ventricular stroke work index was significantly associated with poor patient or graft survival after liver transplantation. Intraoperative right ventricular stroke work index could be an intraoperative hemodynamic goal and prognostic marker for mortality after liver transplantation.

Risk prediction in patients with COVID-19 based on haemodynamic assessment of left and right ventricular function.

Cardiovascular involvement is common in COVID-19. We sought to describe the haemodynamic profiles of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and determine their association with mortality. Consecutive hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection underwent clinical evaluation using the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) and a full non-invasive echocardiographic haemodynamic evaluation, irrespective of clinical indication, as part of a prospective predefined protocol. Patients were stratified based on filling pressure and output into four groups. Multivariable Cox-Hazard analyses determined the association between haemodynamic parameters with mortality. Among 531 consecutive patients, 44% of patients had normal left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) haemodynamic status. In contrast to LV haemodynamic parameters, RV parameters worsened with higher MEWS stage. While RV parameters did not have incremental risk prediction value above MEWS, LV stroke volume index, E/e' ratio, and LV stroke work index were all independent predictors of outcome, particularly in severe disease. Patients with LV or RV with high filling pressure and low output had the worse outcome, and patients with normal haemodynamics had the best (P < 0.0001). In hospitalized patients with COVID-19, almost half have normal left and right haemodynamics at presentation. RV but not LV haemodynamics are related to easily obtainable clinical parameters. LV but not RV haemodynamics are independent predictors of mortality, mostly in patients with severe disease.

Associations of Vasopressor Requirements With Echocardiographic Parameters After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest.

Post-arrest hypotension is common after out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and many patients resuscitated after OHCA will require vasopressors. We sought to determine the associations between echocardiographic parameters and vasopressor requirements in OHCA patients. We retrospectively analyzed adult patients with OHCA treated with targeted temperature management between December 2005 and September 2016 who underwent a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). Categorical variables were compared using 2-tailed Fisher's exact and Pearson's correlation coefficients and variance (r2) values were used to assess relationships between continuous variables. Among 217 included patients, the mean age was 62 ± 12 years, including 74% males. The arrest was witnessed in 90%, the initial rhythm was shockable in 88%, and 58% received bystander CPR. At the time of TTE, 41% of patients were receiving vasopressors; this group of patients was older, had greater severity of illness, higher inpatient mortality and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was modestly lower (36.8 ± 17.1% vs. 41.4 ± 16.4%, P = 0.04). Stroke volume, cardiac power output and left ventricular stroke work index correlated with number of vasopressors (Pearson r -0.24 to -0.34, all P < 0.002), but the correlation with LVEF was weak (Pearson r -0.13, P = 0.06). In patients after OHCA, left ventricular systolic dysfunction was associated with the need for vasopressors, and Doppler TTE hemodynamic parameters had higher correlation coefficients compared with vasopressor requirements than LVEF. This emphasizes the complex nature of shock after OHCA, including pathophysiologic processes not captured by TTE assessment alone.

Prognostic Role of Simultaneous Assessment of Biventricular Function Using Left Ventricular Stroke Work Index and Right Ventricular Stroke Work Index

<h3>Purpose</h3> We hypothesized that simultaneous assessment of biventricular function could predict clinical outcomes. <h3>Methods</h3> We reviewed 180 patients undergoing a milrinone drug study and right heart catheterization at our center from January 2013 to January 2019. Left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI) was calculated as 0.0136 * ((cardiac index/heart rate) * 1000) * (mean arterial pressure - pulmonary capillary wedge pressure), and right ventricular stroke work index (RVSWI) was calculated as 0.0136 * ((cardiac index/heart rate) * 1000) * (mean pulmonary arterial pressure - right atrial pressure). Cutpoints were determined by ROC analysis. Patients were stratified as: (1) High LVSWI, High RVSWI; (2) High LVSWI, Low RVSWI; (3) Low LVSWI, High RVSWI; and (4) Low LVSWI, Low RVSWI. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine association with escalation of therapy, defined as left ventricular assist device implantation, heart transplantation, or death. <h3>Results</h3> Cutpoints of 18.3 and 10 were determined for LVSWI and RVSWI, respectively. Low LVSWI, High RVSWI was associated with escalation of therapy or death at 30 days (OR 4, 95% CI 1.05 - 15.59, p = 0.041). All of the following statuses were associated with a negative outcome at one year: Low LVSWI, High RVSWI (OR 14, 95% CI 2.44 - 265.8, p = 0.015), Low LVSWI, Low RVSWI (OR 4.85, 95% CI 2.25 - 10.85, p <0.0001), and High LVSWI, High RVSWI (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.06 - 5.87, p = 0.039). In multivariate analysis, Low LVSWI, High RVSWI and Low LVSWI, Low RVSWI were predictors of escalation of therapy or death at one year (OR 14.76, 95% CI 2.56-281.3, p = 0.013; OR 5.74, 95% CI 2.43 - 14.3, p <0.001, respectively). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Simultaneous assessment of biventricular function using LVSWI and RVSWI is associated with clinical outcomes and may be useful for risk stratification.

Percent Increase in Left Ventricular Stroke Work Index and Right Ventricular Stroke Work Index after Milrinone Infusion Predicts Escalation of Therapy and Mortality

<h3>Purpose</h3> We hypothesized that changes in biventricular function would approximate myocardial reserve and predict outcomes. <h3>Methods</h3> We reviewed 178 patients undergoing right heart catheterization and milrinone loading at our center between January 2013 and January 2019. Percent increase in left ventricular stroke work index (piLVSWI) was calculated as 100 * (left ventricular stroke work index after infusion - left ventricular stroke work index before infusion)/left ventricular stroke work index before infusion, and percent increase in right ventricular stroke work index (piRVSWI) was calculated as 100 * (right ventricular stroke work index after infusion - right ventricular stroke work index before infusion)/right ventricular stroke work index before infusion. Cutpoints were determined by ROC analysis, and patients were stratified as follows: (1) High piLVSWI, High piRVSWI; (2) High piLVSWI, Low piRVSWI; (3) Low piLVSWI, High piRVSWI; and (4) Low piLVSWI, Low piRVSWI. Cox regression analyses were performed to determine association with escalation of therapy, defined as left ventricular assist device implantation, heart transplantation, or death. <h3>Results</h3> Cutpoints of 18.9% and 17.5% were determined for piLVSWI and piRVSWI, respectively. Low piLVSWI, High piRVSWI was associated with escalation of therapy or death at 30-days (HR 3.78, 95% CI 1.41 - 10.17, p = 0.0084). Multivariate analysis identified Low piLVSWI, High piRVSWI as a predictor of escalation of therapy or death at one-year (HR 1.96, 95% CI 1.02 - 3.78, p = 0.043). Grouping patients according to whether they possessed Low piLVSWI, High piRVSWI revealed a greater hazard for the endpoint at 30-days and one-year (HR 2.98, 95% CI 1.41 - 6.28, p = 0.004; HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.0002 - 3.2, p <0.05, respectively). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Change in biventricular function after milrinone infusion, particularly Low piLVSWI, High piRVSWI, may prognosticate worse clinical outcomes at 30-days and one-year.

Low Left Ventricular Stroke Work Index is Associated with a Poor Prognosis in LVAD Patients

<h3>Purpose</h3> Hemocompatibility-related adverse events (HRAE) are thought to be largely driven by the pump-patient interaction. We hypothesized that patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) with low left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI), and thus less native contribution to total flow, would have more adverse clinical outcomes. <h3>Methods</h3> Hemodynamic data was prospectively collected from LVAD patients who had undergone a right heart catheterization with ramp study at our institution between April 2014 and July 2018. LVSWI was calculated as 0.0136 * ((cardiac index/heart rate) * 1000) * (mean arterial pressure - pulmonary capillary wedge pressure). We used a previously identified cutoff point of 31.73 for LVSWI to separate patients into low and high LVSWI groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between LVSWI and HRAE, heart failure (HF) readmission, and mortality. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 93 patients were included in this analysis - average age 61 +/- 11 years, 34% women, 40% Black, and 38% ischemic cardiomyopathy. Low LVSWI was not significantly associated with HRAE (HR 1.65, 95% CI 0.93-2.91, p = 0.081) in univariate analysis, but was statistically significant (HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.02-3.22, p = 0.042) when adjusted for LVAD type (HeartWare HVAD, Heartmate II, and Heartmate 3). Low LVSWI was significantly associated with HF readmission (HR 3.02, 95% CI 1.46-6.24, p = 0.0029) and mortality (HR 2.97, 95% CI 1.29-6.85, p = 0.011), even when adjusted for LVAD type (HR 3.15, 95% CI 1.52-6.54, p = 0.0021 and HR 3.13, 95% CI 1.36-7.21, p = 0.0074, respectively). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Low LVSWI in LVAD patients is associated with poor prognosis and worse clinical outcomes such as increased HF readmission and mortality.

Impact of Ventricular Stroke Work Indices on Mortality in Heart Failure Patients After Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair

Optimal patient selection for transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) remains challenging. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of left and right ventricular stroke work index (LVSWi, RVSWi) on mortality in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) undergoing TMVR. One hundred-forty patients (median age 74 ± 9.9 years, 67.9% male) with CHF who underwent successful TMVR were included. Primary end point was defined as all-cause mortality after 16 ± 9 months of follow-up. LVSWi was calculated as: Stroke volume index (SVi) * (mean arterial pressure - postcapillary wedge pressure) * 0.0136 = g/m-1/m2. RVSWi was calculated as: SVi * (mean pulmonary artery pressure - right atrial pressure) * 0.0136 = g/m-1/m2. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis determined an optimal threshold of 24.8 g/m-1/m2 for LVSWi (sensitivity 80.4%, specificity 40.2%, area under the curve (AUC) 0.71 [0.60 to 0.81]; p = 0.001) and 8.3 g/m-1/m2 for RVSWi (sensitivity 67.4%, specificity 57.0%, AUC 0.67 [0.56 to 0.78]; p = 0.006), respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly lower survival in patients with LVSWi ≤24.8 g/m-1/m2 (20.0% vs 39.4%; log-rank p = 0.038) and in patients with RVSWi ≤8.3 g/m-1/m2 (22.1% vs 43.7%; log-rank p = 0.026), respectively. LVSWi of ≤24.8 g/m-1/m2 and RVSWi of ≤8.3 g/m-1/m2 were independent predictors for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 2.83; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1 to 7.6; p = 0.04; HR 2.52; 95% CI 1.04 to 6.1; p = 0.041). A risk-score incorporating LVSWi and RVSWi cut-off values from ROC analysis powerfully predicts long-term survival after successful TMVR (log-rank p = 0.02). In conclusion, LVSWi and RVSWi independently predict mortality in patients with CHF undergoing TMVR and might be useful in risk stratification of TMVR candidates.

Comparison of levosimendan, NO, and inhaled iloprost for pulmonary hypertension reversibility assessment in heart transplant candidates.

AimsAssessing reversibility of pulmonary vascular changes through vasoreactivity testing (VRT) optimizes end‐stage heart failure patient selection for heart transplant. All efforts should be made to unload the left ventricle and reduce pulmonary vascular resistance to effectively exclude irreversible pulmonary hypertension.Methods and resultsWe reviewed our centre's cardiac transplant registry database (2009–2017) for VRT and compared haemodynamic responses with 40 ppm inhaled NO (n = 14), 14–17 μg inhaled iloprost (n = 7), and 24 h 0.1 μg/kg/min intravenous levosimendan (n = 14). Response to levosimendan was assessed by repeat right heart catheterization within 72 h. Baseline clinical and haemodynamic features were similar between groups. VRT was well tolerated in all patients. All drugs effectively reduced pulmonary artery pressures and transpulmonary gradient while increasing cardiac index, although levosimendan had a greater impact on cardiac index increase (P = 0.036). Levosimendan was the only drug that reduced pulmonary artery wedge pressure (P = 0.004) and central venous pressures (P < 0.001) and increased both left and right ventricular stroke work indexes (P = 0.020 and P = 0.042, respectively) and cardiac power index (P < 0.001) compared with NO and iloprost. Right ventricular end‐diastolic pressures and central venous pressure were only decreased by levosimendan. The rate of positive responses (≥10 mmHg decrease or final mean pulmonary artery pressure ≤40 mmHg with increased/unaltered cardiac index) was lower with inhaled iloprost (14%) than with either levosimendan or NO (71% and 64%, respectively; P < 0.05).ConclusionsLevosimendan may be a safe and effective alternative for pulmonary hypertension reversibility assessment or a valuable pre‐test medical optimization tool in end‐stage heart failure patient assessment for heart transplantation offering extended haemodynamic benefits. Whether it increases the rate of positive responses or allows a better selection of candidates to heart transplantation remains to be established.

The Effects of Amino Acids Enriched Del Nido Cardioplegia on Myocardial Leucocyte Accumulation and Ventricular Functions in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery.

One of the main sources of ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) and release of free oxygen radicals (FORs) during extracorporeal circulation (ECC) during cardiac surgery is neutrophils. In this study, we investigated the potential effects of our modification of del Nido cardioplegia (mDNC) (amino acids enriched del Nido cardioplegia) on myocardial polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMNL) accumulation. We also compared the effects of our mDND and classical del Nido cardiplegia (cDNC) on ventricular contractile functions in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Our study included 100 isolated CABG patients with similar characteristics, including age, gender, preoperative medications, diabetes, hypertension, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The patients were divided into two groups. Amino acids supplemented del Nido cardioplegia (L-aspartate and L-glutamate at a dose of 13 milimol/L) in 50 patients (study group, G1). In the remaining 50 patients, we used a classical del Nido cardioplegic solution (cDNC) (control group, G2). Myocardial Tru-Cut biopsy from the right ventricle was taken before the institution of ECC and after weaning from ECC in all patients. Cardiac troponine-I (cTn-I), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-Alpha), Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (Pro-BNP), and lactate levels were measured pre- and postoperatively. Invasive monitoring was performed to provide the left ventricular functions in both groups in the operating room and noted by a blinded anaesthesiologist. Five patients died post-surgery (5%) (two from SG and three from CG (P = .67), due to low cardiac output syndrome or multiorgan failure. At the postoperative period, cardiac output (CO) and stroke volume index (SVI) was higher in mDNC (mean ± SDS; 32.1 ± 7 versus 22.2 ± 6.9 mL/min/m² (P < .001). CI was significantly higher in mDNC after surgery (3.10 ± 0.76 versus 2.40 ± 0.30L/min/m² (P = .002). Ten patients (20%) in mDNC and 16 patients (32%) in cDNC required inotropic support (P < .001). The postoperative inotropic requirement was less in mDNC (6.1 ± 1.8 mg/kg versus 9.2 ± 1.9 mg/kg, P < .004). Blood gas analyses from the coronary sinus showed that myocardial acidosis was more severe in the control group [pH (0.10 ± 0.09 versus 0.054 ± 0.001; P = .34)]. Blood lactate levels were significantly high in the control group (1.01 ± 0.007 mmol/L versus 1.92 ± 0.35 mmol/L) (P = .22). No difference was found when compared with cardioplegia volume in the mDNC and cDNC groups (mDNC= 990.00 ± 385 mL in DNC = 960 ± 240 mL, P = .070). An aortic cross-clamp time in the mDNC and cDNC groups were 88.4 ± 8.9 min, and 93 ± 11 min, (P = .76), but cardiopulmonary bypass time was significantly low in mDNC (mDNC = 98.3 ± 22.5 min, DNC = 126 ± 19.5 min, P = .0020). TNF-Alpha and Pro-BNP levels in patients received mDNC were significantly low (P = .022). Postoperative cardiac enzyme levels (creatine kinase-MB and high sensitive troponin-I) were significantly low in the mDNC group (P = .0034). Myocardial biopsy results showed that myocardial PMNL accumulation was significantly high in the control group (P = .001). The amount of inotropic agent use was significantly high in the control group (P = .003). After weaning from ECC, the left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI), cardiac index (CI), and heart rate (HR) were significantly high in the study group (P = .032; P = .002; P = .01). Postoperative blood and blood products requirements were significantly low in the mDNC group (P = .002). At pre-discharge echocardiography, the mDNC group demonstrated significantly higher ventricular ejection fraction (37.9 ± 4.3% and 29.7 ± 3.8%, respectively (P = .003). Our study findings show that glutamate-aspartate supplemented del Nido cardioplegia significantly decrease myocardial PMNL accumulation with reduced release of biochemical markers, including cardiac troponin-I, TNF-alpha, and Pro-Bnp. Our study results demonstrated that amino acids supplementation in del Nido cardioplegia has some advantages in CABG patients, including the decrease of perioperative myocardial infarction and increase significantly the left ventricular functions including ventricular SVI and CI.

Abstract 13432: Left Ventricular External Work as a Marker of Cardiac Functional Recovery and Outcome After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Aortic Stenosis

Background: Prediction of cardiac functional recovery and outcome after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for aortic stenosis (AS) is still challenging. We hypothesized that left ventricular (LV) external work estimated by echocardiography before TAVR would reflect potential myocardial damage and thus could be associated with changes in cardiac function and prognosis after TAVR. Methods: Echocardiography was performed in 70 AS patients (83 ± 5 years old) before and after TAVR (1 month and 6 months). LV stroke work index (SWI) was calculated as stroke volume index (SVI) х [mean systemic blood pressure + mean pressure gradient across aortic valve (mPG)] before TAVR as a parameter of LV external work. Patients were divided into reduced and preserved SWI group based on the median value (6106 mmHg · mL/m 2 ). Cardiac events were defined as cardiac death or worsening heart failure within 12 months after TAVR. Results: Reduced group had lower SVI (40 ± 7 vs 57 ± 8 mL/m 2 ), mPG (44 ± 14 vs 57 ± 16 mmHg), and smaller aortic valve area index (0.4 ± 0.1 vs 0.5 ± 0.1 cm 2 /m 2 ) than preserved group at baseline (p &lt; 0.05 for all), although LV mass index (LVMI) (116 ± 35 vs 128 ± 30 g/m 2 ) and left atrial volume index (LAVI) (56 ± 20 vs 52 ± 17 mL/m 2 ) were comparable. LV ejection fraction (EF) (57 ± 13 vs 66 ± 7%) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) (–14.2 ± 4.6 vs –16.6 ± 4.8%) at baseline were significantly lower in reduced group than in preserved one. After TAVR, LVMI and LAVI did not change in reduced group ( Table 1 ). In contrast, preserved group showed significant decrease in these parameters. Although LV EF did not change in both groups, GLS was significantly improved only in preserved group but not in reduced group ( Table 1 ). Seven patients (10%) experienced cardiovascular events after TAVR and all these belonged reduced group. Conclusions: Reduced SWI before TAVR was associated with poor response in cardiac function after TAVR and might be a prognostic marker in AS patients undergoing TAVR.

Noninvasive Echocardiographic Left Ventricular Stroke Work Index Predicts Mortality in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Patients.

Reduced left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI) has been associated with adverse outcomes in several populations of patients with chronic heart disease, but no prior studies have examined this metric in cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients. We sought to determine whether a low LVSWI, as measured noninvasively using transthoracic echocardiography, is associated with higher mortality in CICU patients. Using a database of unique Mayo Clinic CICU admissions from 2007 to 2018, we identified patients with LVSWI measured by transthoracic echocardiography within 1 day of CICU admission. Hospital mortality was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression, and 1-year mortality was analyzed using multivariable Cox proportional-hazards analysis, adjusted for left ventricular ejection fraction and known predictors of hospital mortality. We included 4536 patients with a mean age of 68±14 years (36% women). Admission diagnoses (not mutually exclusive) included acute coronary syndrome in 62%, heart failure in 46%, and cardiogenic shock in 11%. The mean LVSWI was 38±14 g×min/m2, and in-hospital mortality occurred in 6% of patients. LVSWI had better discrimination for hospital mortality than left ventricular ejection fraction (P<0.001 by De Long test). Higher LVSWI was associated with lower in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 0.72 per 10 g×min/m2 higher [95% CI, 0.61-0.84]; P<0.001) and lower 1-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.812 per 1 g×min/m2 higher [95% CI, 0.759-0.868]; P<0.001). Stepwise decreases in hospital and 1-year mortality were observed with higher LVSWI. Low LVSWI, reflecting poor left ventricular systolic and diastolic performance, is associated with increased short-term and long-term mortality among CICU patients. This emphasizes the importance of Doppler transthoracic echocardiography as a predictor of outcomes among critically ill patients. Further study is required to determine whether early interventions to optimize LVSWI can improve outcomes in the CICU setting.

Ventricular stroke work indices to predict mortality after successful percutaneous edge-to-edge-repair for severe mitral valve regurgitation

Abstract Background Several studies identified predictors of worse clinical outcome despite successful transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR). The capability of invasively measured left and right ventricular stroke work indices (LVSWi, RVSWi) to predict mortality after successful TMVR is unclear. Purpose To assess the impact of LVSWi and RVSWi on mortality in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and severe mitral regurgitation (MR) undergoing TMVR. Methods Consecutive patients (pts.) with CHF (LV ejection fraction ≤50% from any cause) and severe MR who underwent successful TMVR (MR≤2+ at discharge) were included and followed prospectively. Primary endpoint was defined as all-cause mortality during a median follow-up period of 16±9 months. LVSWi was calculated as: Stroke volume index × (mean arterial pressure − postcapillary wedge pressure) × 0.0136 = g/m–1/m2. RVSWi was calculated as: Stroke volume index × (mean pulmonary artery pressure − right atrial pressure) × 0.0136 = g/m–1/m2. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine discriminative capacity of LVSWi and RVSWi. Kaplan-Meier estimate was used for survival analysis. A multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for all-cause mortality. Results 140 patients (median age 74±9.9 years, 67.9% male) at high operative risk (LogEuro-SCORE 34.6±14.1%) were enrolled. Mean LVSWi and RVSWi were 22.3±10.7 g/m–1/m2 and 8.9±4.1 g/m–1/m2, respectively. 46 pts. died (33.1%). Pts. who died presented higher LogEuro-SCORE (27.8±16.6% vs. 20.1±13.7%; p=0.001), higher levels of NT-proBNP (12121±10602 ng/l vs. 6745±10820 ng/l; p=0.001), higher levels of creatinine (1.8±0.8 mg/dl vs. 1.4±0.8 mg/dl; p&amp;lt;0.001), lower LVSWi (18.9±8.1 g/m–1/m2 vs. 24.0±11.4 g/m–1/m2; p=0.01) and RVSWi (7.8±3.2 g/m–1/m2 vs. 9.4±4.4 g/m–1/m2; p=0.037), respectively. ROC curve analysis revealed that optimal sensitivity and specificity were achieved using a threshold of 24.8 g/m–1/m2 for LVSWi (sensitivity 80.4%, specificity 40.2%, area under the curve (AUC) 0.71 [0.60–0.81]; p=0.001) and 8.3 g/m–1/m2 for RVSWi (sensitivity 67.4%, specificity 57.0%, AUC 0.67 [0.56–0.78]; p=0.006), respectively. At long-term follow-up, a significantly lower survival rate was observed in pts. with LVSWi ≤24.8 g/m–1/m2 (20.0% vs. 39.4%; log-rank p=0.038) and in pts. with RVSWi ≤8.3 g/m–1/m2 (22.1% vs. 43.7%; log-rank p=0.026), respectively. In Cox regression analysis a LVSWi of ≤24.8 g/m–1/m2 and a RVSWi of ≤8.3 g/m–1/m2 were independent predictors for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 2.83; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1 to 7.6; p=0.04; HR 2.52; 95% CI 1.04 to 6.1; p=0.041). Conclusions LVSWi and RVSWi are associated with mortality among pts. with CHF undergoing successful TMVR for severe MR. A LVSWi cut-off value of &amp;gt;24g/m–1/m2 and a RVSWi cut-off value of &amp;lt;8g/m–1/m2 seem to predict mortality independent of other clinical and echocardiographic factors. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Hospital Links der Weser, Bremen, Germany