Mechanical Circulatory Support In Patients Research Articles

Microbiological Profiles after Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: Exploring the Relationship between Infection, Inflammation, and the Potential Effects of Mechanical Circulatory Support

Background: Cardiogenic shock (CS) following an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) poses significant management challenges, exacerbated by inflammatory responses and infectious complications. This study investigates the microbiological profiles and impacts of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) on inflammation and infection in OHCA patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed microbiological data from various specimens of 372 OHCA patients, who were treated at the Cardiac Arrest Center of the University Hospital of Marburg from January 2018 to December 2022. Clinical outcomes were evaluated to investigate the potential impact of MCS on infection and inflammation. Results: Of the study cohort, 115 patients received MCS. The microbiological analysis revealed a higher incidence of positive blood cultures in the MCS group vs. the non-MCS group (39% vs. 27.7%, p = 0.037), with predominantly Gram-positive bacteria. Patients with positive microbiological findings had longer in-hospital stays and prolonged periods of mechanical ventilation. The levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) differed, suggesting a more pronounced inflammatory response in MCS patients, especially in the later ICU stages. Notably, despite the higher infection rate in the MCS group, the survival rates did not significantly differ in the two groups. Conclusions: MCS appears to influence the microbiological and inflammatory landscape in OHCA patients, increasing the susceptibility to certain infections but not affecting the overall mortality. This study underscores the complexity of managing post-resuscitation care and highlights the need for tailored therapeutic strategies to effectively mitigate infectious and inflammatory complications.

Impact of symptom duration and mechanical circulatory support on prognosis in cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction.

Mortality rates in patients with cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMICS) remain high despite advancements in AMI care. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of prehospital symptom duration on the prognosis of AMICS patients and those receiving mechanical circulatory support (MCS). We conducted aretrospective cohort study with data registered in the Netherlands Heart Registration. Atotal of 1,363 patients with AMICS who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention between 2017 and 2021 were included. Patients presenting after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest were excluded. Most patients were male (68%), with amedian age of 69years (IQR 61-77), predominantly presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (86%). The overall 30-day mortality was 32%. Longer prehospital symptom duration was associated with ahigher 30-day mortality with the following rates: < 3 h, 26%; 3-6 h, 29%; 6-24 h, 36%; ≥ 24 h, 46%; p < 0.001. In asubpopulation of AMICS patients with MCS (n = 332, 24%), symptom duration of > 24 h was associated with significantly higher mortality compared to symptom duration of < 24 h (59% vs 45%, p = 0.029). Multivariate analysis identified > 24 h symptom duration, age and in-hospital cardiac arrest as predictors of 30-day mortality in MCS patients. Prolonged prehospital symptom duration was associated with significantly increased 30-day mortality in patients presenting with AMICS. In AMICS patients treated with MCS, asymptom duration of > 24 h was an independent predictor of poor survival. These results emphasise the critical role of early recognition and intervention in the prognosis of AMICS patients.

What is cardiogenic shock? New clinical criteria urgently needed.

Cardiogenic shock is a clinical syndrome with different causes and a complex pathophysiology. Recent evidence from clinical trials evokes the urgent need for redefining clinical diagnostic criteria to be compliant with the definition of cardiogenic shock and current diagnostic methods. Conflicting results from randomized clinical trials investigating mechanical circulatory support in patients with cardiogenic shock have elicited several extremely important questions. At minimum, it is questionable whether survivors of cardiac arrest should be included in trials focused on cardiogenic shock. Moreover, considering the wide availability of ultrasound and hemodynamic monitors capable of arterial pressure analysis, the current clinical diagnostic criteria based on the presence of hypotension and hypoperfusion have become insufficient. As such, new clinical criteria for the diagnosis of cardiogenic shock should include evidence of low cardiac output and appropriate ventricular filling pressure. Clinical diagnostic criteria for cardiogenic shock should be revised to better define cardiac pump failure as a primary cause of hemodynamic compromise.

Mechanical circulatory support in patients with congenital heart disease: a european registry for patients with mechanical circulatory support (EUROMACS) study.

This study aims to explore characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) in the European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support (EUROMACS). This is a retrospective study of EUROMACS participants receiving MCS as bridge-to-transplant, possible bridge-to-transplant, or rescue therapy/bridge-to-recovery from 2011 to 2023 (n = 5,340). Adult and paediatric cohorts were analysed separately. The primary outcome was mortality on MCS; secondary outcomes included recovery, transplant and complications including bleeding, cerebrovascular events, and sepsis. Among adult patients, mortality at 1-year was 33.3% among the CHD cohort versus 22.1% in the non-CHD cohort. Adult CHD patients had higher hazards of mortality within the first year after MCS implantation (HR 1.98 95% CI 1.35-2.91, p < 0.001) and bleeding events (sdHR 2.10, 95% CI 1.40-3.16, p < 0.001) compared with non-CHD patients. Both associations remained significant after accounting for multiple mediators. Among paediatric patients, mortality at 1-year was 22.1% in the CHD cohort versus 17.3% in the non-CHD cohort (HR 1.39 95% CI 0.83-2.32, p = 0.213). Adult and paediatric patients with CHD on MCS have higher adverse event risk compared with non-CHD MCS patients, though children did not have greater risk of mortality. As the number of CHD patients requiring advanced heart failure management continues to grow, these findings can enhance informed decision-making.

Discordance between aPTT and anti-Xa in monitoring heparin anticoagulation in mechanical circulatory support.

It is unclear whether activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) or anti-Xa is more accurate for monitoring heparin anticoagulation in mechanical circulatory support (MCS) patients. This study investigates the relationship between aPTT and anti-Xa in MCS patients and identifies predictors of discordance. aPTT and anti-Xa were simultaneously measured in a prospective cohort of MCS patients receiving unfractionated heparin at a tertiary academic medical centre. Therapeutic aPTT and anti-Xa levels were 60-100s and 0.3-0.7IU/mL, respectively, and concordance was defined as both levels being subtherapeutic, therapeutic, or supratherapeutic. To identify predictors of discordance, both a machine learning random forest model and a multivariate regression model were applied to patient demographics, device type, and 14 laboratory variables; 23001 pairs of simultaneously measured aPTT/anti-Xa were collected from 699 MCS patients. aPTT and anti-Xa were concordant in 35.5% of paired observations and discordant in 64.5% (aPTT>antiXa 61.5%; aPTT<antiXa 3.0%). Discordance with a high aPTT relative to anti-Xa (aPTT>antiXa) was associated with high INR, eGFR, and total bilirubin, as well as low platelets, haemoglobin, pre-albumin, white blood cell count, and haptoglobin. Total artificial heart and durable ventricular assist devices were more likely to be associated with aPTT>anti-Xa than temporary MCS devices. aPTT and anti-Xa were frequently discordant in MCS patients receiving heparin anticoagulation. Clinical conditions common in MCS patients such as concurrent warfarin use, malnutrition, haemolysis, and thrombocytopenia, as well as durable type of MCS devices were associated with a high aPTT relative to anti-Xa.

OR6-4 | Gender Disparities in Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiogenic Shock

OR6-4 | Gender Disparities in Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiogenic Shock

D-9 | Choice of temporary mechanical circulatory support in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation

D-9 | Choice of temporary mechanical circulatory support in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation

Driveline Infection in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices Implanted as Destination Therapy

Donor organ shortages cause increasing demand for mechanical circulatory support in patients with end-stage heart failure not only as a bridge to heart transplantation but mainly as a destination therapy. Improved results and increased applicability and durability of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have established this treatment option as an alternative to heart transplantation in selected patients. One of the most common complications after LVAD implantation is driveline infections (DLIs). This study aimed to expand the understanding of DLI epidemiology and potential changes in implantation techniques regarding optimizing DLI prevention and treatment among all patients undergoing LVAD (Medtronic's Heartware HVAD and HeartMate 3 Abbott LVAD system) implantation with at least 12 months of follow-up time between 2015 and 2022. There were 120 individuals with LVAD implantation, of whom 90 had 12 months of follow-up (85 men [94%], 5 women [6%]) with a median age of 58 years (50.25-63.75). The median body mass index was 27.12 kg/m2 (25.27-29.68). Of the 90 patients, 43 had ischemic heart failure (48%), 43 had dilated cardiomyopathy (48%), and the remaining 3 had other etiologies (3%), such as postinflammatory, and the remaining 1 had congenital heart defect (1%). Preoperative echocardiography revealed a mean left ventricle ejection fraction of 13.8% and a median left ventricle dimension of 7.55 cm (6.92-8.2). Imaging confirmed pulmonary hypertension in 61 patients (68%). Thirty-four of the 90 patients had diabetes (38%), and 16 were active smokers (18%). Median follow-up was 30 months (17.25-42), with the longest period being 82 months. More than half of the patients (n = 52; 57%) experienced a DLI. The median time to the first episode of DLI was 13 months (6-25). The most common pathogen revealed in wound swab culture was methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (n = 23; 44%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 9; 17%), Proteus mirabilis (n = 4; 7%), and others. We observed that deeper driveline implantation below the left rectus muscle and just above the posterior rectus sheath resulted in fewer DLIs and longer free-from-DLI follow-up time. There was no statistically significant difference in DLI frequency between patients with or without diabetes mellitus. Appropriate selection of candidates and timing of LVAD implantation are critical for improved outcomes of destination therapy. DLI is the most common complication after LVAD implantation. Optimal surgical techniques and early implementation of targeted antibiotics are crucial. Significant challenges remain in optimizing DLI prevention and treatment.

OR2-7 | Advanced Predictive Analytics in Cardiac Care: Unveiling Key Determinants of Rehospitalization in Mechanical Circulatory Support Patients

OR2-7 | Advanced Predictive Analytics in Cardiac Care: Unveiling Key Determinants of Rehospitalization in Mechanical Circulatory Support Patients

D-4 | Advanced Predictive Analytics in Cardiac Care: Unveiling Key Determinants of Rehospitalization in Mechanical Circulatory Support Patients

D-4 | Advanced Predictive Analytics in Cardiac Care: Unveiling Key Determinants of Rehospitalization in Mechanical Circulatory Support Patients

(435) - Sex-Specific Trends in the Use of Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support in Patients Listed for Orthotopic Heart Transplant Before and After The UNOS Allocation System Change

(435) - Sex-Specific Trends in the Use of Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support in Patients Listed for Orthotopic Heart Transplant Before and After The UNOS Allocation System Change

Early vs. delayed mechanical circulatory support in patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock.

Despite increased temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) utilization for acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS), data regarding efficacy and optimal timing for tMCS support are limited. This study aimed to describe outcomes based on tMCS timing in AMI-CS and to identify predictors of 30-day mortality and readmission. Patients with AMI-CS identified in the National Readmissions Database were grouped according to the use of tMCS and early (<24 h) vs. delayed (≥24 h) tMCS. The correlation between tMCS timing and inpatient outcomes was evaluated using linear regression. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with 30-day mortality and readmission. Of 294 839 patients with AMI-CS, 109 148 patients were supported with tMCS (8067 veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, 33 577 Impella, and 79 161 intra-aortic balloon pump). Of patients requiring tMCS, patients who received early tMCS (n = 79 906) had shorter lengths of stay (7 vs. 15 days, P < 0.001) and lower rates of ischaemic and bleeding complications than those with delayed tMCS (n = 32 241). Patients requiring tMCS had higher in-hospital mortality [odds ratio (95% confidence interval)] [1.7 (1.7-1.8), P < 0.001]. Among patients requiring tMCS, early support was associated with fewer complications, lower mortality [0.90 (0.85-0.94), P < 0.001], and fewer 30-day readmissions [0.91 (0.85-0.97), P = 0.005] compared with patients with delayed tMCS. Among patients receiving tMCS for AMI-CS, early tMCS was associated with fewer complications, shorter lengths of stay, lower hospital costs, and fewer deaths and readmissions at 30 days.

Mechanical Circulatory Support Systems in the Management of Ventricular Arrhythmias: A Contemporary Overview.

Ventricular tachycardias (VTs) and electrical storms (ES) are life-threatening conditions mostly seen in the setting of structural heart disease (SHD). Traditional management strategies, predominantly centered around pharmacological interventions with antiarrhythmic drugs, have demonstrated limited efficacy in these cases, whereas catheter ablation is related with more favorable outcomes. However, patients with hemodynamically unstable, recurrent VT or ES may present cardiogenic shock (CS) that precludes the procedure, and catheter ablation in patients with SHD portends a multifactorial intrinsic risk of acute hemodynamic decompensation (AHD), that is associated with increased mortality. In this setting, the use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) systems allow the maintenance of end-organ perfusion and cardiac output, improving coronary flow and myocardial mechanics, and minimizing the effect of cardiac stunning after multiple VT inductions or cardioversion. Although ablation success and VT recurrence are not influenced by hemodynamic support devices, MCS promotes diuresis and reduces the incidence of post-procedural kidney injury. In addition, MCS has a role in post-procedural mortality reduction at long-term follow-up. The current review aims to provide a deep overview of the rationale and modality of MCS in patients with refractory arrhythmias and/or undergoing VT catheter ablation, underlining the importance of patient selection and timing for MCS and summarizing reported clinical experiences in this field.

Structured Weaning From the Impella Left Ventricular Micro-Axial Pump in Acute Myocardial Infarction With Cardiogenic Shock and Protected Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Experience From a Non-Cardiac Surgical Centre

The Impella (Abiomed, Danvers, MA, USA) temporary percutaneous left ventricular assist device is increasingly used as mechanical circulatory support in patients with acute myocardial infarction-cardiogenic shock (AMICS) or those undergoing high-risk protected percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The optimal weaning regimen remains to be defined. We implemented a structured weaning protocol in a series of 10 consecutive patients receiving Impella support for protected PCI or AMICS treated with PCI in a high volume non-cardiac surgery centre. Weaning after revascularisation was titrated to native heart recovery using both haemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters. Ten patients (eight male, two female; aged 43-70 years) received Impella support for AMICS (80%) or protected PCI (20%). Cardiogenic shock was of Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions grade C-E of severity in 80%, and median left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was 31 mmHg. Protocol implementation allowed successful weaning in eight of 10 patients with a median support time of 29 hours (range, 4-48 hours). Explantation was associated with an increase in heart rate (81 vs 88 bpm; p=0.005), but no significant change in Cardiac Index (2.9 vs 2.9 L/min/m2), mean arterial pressure (79 vs 82 mmHg), vasopressor requirement (10% vs 10%), or serum lactate (1.0 vs 1.0). Median durations of intensive care and hospital stay were 3 and 6 days, respectively. At 30 days, the mortality rate was 20%, with median left ventricular ejection fraction of 40%. A structured and dynamic weaning protocol for patients with AMICS and protected PCI supported by the Impella device is feasible in a non-cardiac surgery centre. Larger studies are needed to assess generalisability of such a weaning protocol.

Complication Rates Of Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support In Patients With Cardiogenic Shock

Complication Rates Of Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support In Patients With Cardiogenic Shock

Association between left ventricular ejection fraction, mortality and use of mechanical circulatory support in patients with non-ischaemic cardiogenic shock

BackgroundCurrently, use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in non-ischaemic cardiogenic shock (CS) is predominantly guided by shock-specific markers, and not by markers of cardiac function. We hypothesise that left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) can identify patients with a higher likelihood to benefit from MCS and thus help to optimise their expected benefit.MethodsPatients with non-ischaemic CS and available data on LVEF from 16 tertiary-care centres in five countries were analysed. Cox regression models were fitted to evaluate the association between LVEF and mortality, as well as the interaction between LVEF, MCS use and mortality.ResultsN = 807 patients were analysed: mean age 63 [interquartile range (IQR) 51.5–72.0] years, 601 (74.5%) male, lactate 4.9 (IQR 2.6–8.5) mmol/l, LVEF 20 (IQR 15–30) %. Lower LVEF was more frequent amongst patients with more severe CS, and MCS was more likely used in patients with lower LVEF. There was no association between LVEF and 30-day mortality risk in the overall study cohort. However, there was a significant interaction between MCS use and LVEF, indicating a lower 30-day mortality risk with MCS use in patients with LVEF ≤ 20% (hazard ratio 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.51–1.02 for LVEF ≤ 20% vs. hazard ratio 1.31, 95% confidence interval 0.85–2.01 for LVEF > 20%, interaction-p = 0.017).ConclusionThis retrospective study may indicate a lower mortality risk with MCS use only in patients with severely reduced LVEF. This may propose the inclusion of LVEF as an adjunctive parameter for MCS decision-making in non-ischaemic CS, aiming to optimise the benefit–risk ratio.Graphical abstractImpact of left ventricular ejection fraction on mortality and use of mechanical circulatory support in non-ischaemic cardiogenic shock. Hazard ratio for 30-day mortality across the LVEF continuum, adjusted for age, sex, SCAI shock stage, worst value of lactate and pH within 6 h, prior resuscitation and mechanical ventilation during the index shock event. LVEF: Left ventricular ejection fraction; MCS: Mechanical circulatory support; HR: Hazard ratio; CI: Confidence interval.

Characteristics and outcomes of elderly patients undergoing protected percutaneous coronary intervention with impella mechanical circulatory support

Abstract Background/Introduction In high-risk patients, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with Impella mechanical circulatory support has become an important part of the revascularization strategy. However, data regarding the impact of age in patients undergoing Impella-supported PCI are limited. Purpose The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and outcomes of Impella mechanical circulatory support in patients ≥75 years of age undergoing high-risk PCI. Methods Using the PROTECT III study, a prospective, multicenter, FDA-audited cohort of the Catheter-based Ventricular Assist Device (cVAD) registry, we compared baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients ≥75 years of age with those of patients &amp;lt;75 years of age treated with Impella-supported high-risk PCI. Rates of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events (MACCE), defined as the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke/transient ischemic attack, and revascularization, were assessed at 30 days and 90 days, and mortality was assessed to 1 year. A multivariable Cox regression model (including covariates significant in univariable analysis) was used to examine associations between age and clinical outcomes. Results A total of 1237 patients (26.8% female) were included in the analysis; of whom 493 (39.9%) were ≥75 years of age. Patients ≥75 years of age had lower body mass index (27 kg/m² vs. 30 kg/m²), a lower prevalence of diabetes (49% vs. 61%) and prior MI (37% vs. 43%), and lower estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR, 60 vs. 74 mL/min/1.73 m²). They more often suffered from severe valvular heart disease (17% vs. 7%), and more frequently underwent left main PCI (58% vs. 39%). Left ventricular ejection fraction was higher in patients ≥75 years of age (37.7±15.9% vs. 32.0±14.5%). (p&amp;lt;0.05 for all comparisons). Baseline SYNTAX scores did not differ among groups. Rates of death and MACCE did not differ between age groups at either 30 days or 90 days (Figure 1). Mortality at 1 year was 24.0% in patients ≥75 years of age and 17.9% in those &amp;lt;75 years of age. Age ≥75 years was associated with an increased risk of mortality at 1 year (unadjusted HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.05-1.86, p=0.02) and the association remained significant after multivariable adjustment (adjusted HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.24-3.18, p=0.004; Figure 2). Conclusion(s) This study demonstrates that increased age ≥75 years was not associated with a higher risk of mortality or MACCE at 30 or 90 days following protected PCI with Impella mechanical circulatory support, suggesting that protected high-risk PCI in elderly patients is safe and feasible. However, age ≥75 years remained an independent predictor for 1-year mortality after protected PCI.30-day and 90-day MACCE1-year All-cause death

Vasoactive medication requirements in the first 24 hours of cardiogenic shock: association with mortality and mechanical circulatory support

Abstract Background Vasoactive medications and Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) are both central to the contemporary management of cardiogenic shock (CS). There are limited data on the interaction between vasoactive medication dosing and MCS in patients with CS. Purpose We investigated the association between in-hospital mortality and vasoactive medication dosing among patients with CS who did and did not receive MCS during hospitalization. Methods We included patients with CS admitted to our cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) between 2007 and 2015. The peak combined vasoactive medication dose during the first 24 hours of CICU admission was recorded and converted to norepinephrine equivalents (NEE)(references 1 &amp; 2). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for relevant variables and calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR). Results Of 1078 patients with CS (median age 69.0 years [Interquartile Range 59.1-77.3], 36.8% female, 59% with acute myocardial infarction), 721 (66.9%) received vasoactive medications in the first 24 hours and 510 (47.3%) received MCS (87% intra-aortic balloon pump). Among those receiving vasoactive medications during the first 24 hours, the median NEE was 0.16 (Interquartile Range 0.06-0.40) mcg/kg/min. In hospital mortality was 34.4% overall, and was lower among those who received MCS (26.1% versus 41.9%, p&amp;lt;0.001; adjusted OR 0.71 95% CI 0.50-0.99) and higher among those who received vasoactive medications (38.1% versus 26.9%, p&amp;lt;0.001). A gradient of mortality was observed according to the use of vasoactive medications and MCS (Fig. 1). We found a strong incremental association between in-hospital mortality and NEE (adjusted OR 1.11 per 0.1 mcg/kg/min, 95% CI 1.06–1.16, P&amp;lt;0.001; Fig. 2). Mortality was lower across the spectrum of NEE for patients who received MCS (Fig. 2). There was no statistically significant difference in the slope of the relationship between in-hospital mortality and NEE in patients who did and did not receive MCS (p = 0.86). Conclusion Increasing vasoactive medication requirement during the first 24 hours of CICU admission is incrementally associated with in-hospital mortality in CS, representing a simplified marker of shock severity. Patients who received MCS were at lower risk of mortality across the spectrum of vasopressor requirements, emphasizing the potential synergy between these two complementary approaches to hemodynamic support.Figure 1Figure 2

Abstract 12805: Risk Factors of Mortality in Patients on Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support Undergoing Heart Transplant

Introduction: Recent studies have shown a rise in temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) use among patients requiring heart transplants(HT) in the United States. However, there is a lack of data on the potential risk factors for death among HT patients who also used MCS. We, therefore, explored the National Inpatient Sample(NIS) database to investigate further. Methods: All procedures for HT in adults via the 2016-2020 NIS were retained for our study. The use of MCS was also identified via procedural codes based on previous studies. We estimated factors that could influence mortality among MCS patients via multivariable regression analysis. Results: Our selection criteria yielded 14545 cases of HT between 2016-2020, and an estimated 31.6%(4590) patients used MCS. A higher mortality rate in MCS patients was reported as 10.1% (465 cases out of 4590) did not survive (vs. 3.1% in non-MCS patients, aOR 3.473, 95% CI 2.966-4.066, p&lt;0.01). In the MCS cohort, patients who died were older (mean age 56.13 vs. 53.65 years), with a higher mean Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score ( mean score of 6.03 vs. 4.30, p&lt;0.01). Factors that contributed to an increased odds of death included Weekend admissions (aOR 1.413, 95% CI 1.086-1.839, p=0.10), Hispanics (vs. Whites, aOR 1.926, 95% CI 1.398-2.652, p&lt;0.01), history of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) (aOR 4.426, 95% CI 2.712-7.221, p&lt;0.01), obesity (aOR 1.668, 95% CI 1.238-2.248, p&lt;0.01), age ≥60years (aOR 1.982, 95% CI 1.593-2.466, p&lt;0.01), and patients covered by private insurance forms (vs. Medicare, aOR 1.341, 95% CI 1.067-1.685, p=0.012). Meanwhile, those with lipid disorders (aOR 0.313, 95% CI 0.234-0.418, p&lt;0.01) and a history of stroke (aOR 0.484, 95% CI 0.246-0.954, p=0.036) showed lower mortality risks. Conclusions: Patients who used MCS and are now undergoing HT are at a higher risk of death. Weekend admissions, Hispanics, PVD, obesity, age ≥60 years, and private insurance were linked with higher risks in the MCS cohort, while a history of stroke and lipid disorders had lower risks. Thus, physicians must address these risk factors in their choice of care and provide the appropriate steps to reduce mortality.

Safety and Effectiveness of an Anti-Xa-based Unfractionated Heparin Protocol for Impella Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices.

Background: Impella devices are used for mechanical circulatory support in patients with cardiogenic shock or those undergoing high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Anticoagulation protocols in this population are not well established and are complicated by concomitant use of purge solutions containing unfractionated heparin (UFH) and intravenous UFH continuous infusion (CI) for systemic anticoagulation. Objectives: To evaluate thrombotic and bleeding complications when using a novel UFH protocol with a reduced initial UFH CI dose of 6 units/kg/hour targeting an anti-Xa goal of 0.3 to 0.5 units/mL in patients receiving Impella support. Methods: This single-center, retrospective study included 41 patients on Impella support who received an UFH purge solution and/or an IV UFH infusion. The primary outcome was overall composite bleeding. Secondary outcomes included thrombotic events and systemic UFH exposure. An exploratory analysis was performed to identify risk factors for bleeding. Results: Anti-Xa values were in therapeutic range 46% of the time while on support (interquartile range 16.6%-75%), with a median IV UFH dose of 6 units/kg/hour. The overall bleeding rate was 29.2%, with 6 minor bleeds and 2 major bleeds with no fatal bleeding or intracranial hemorrhage. Rate of overall thrombosis was 4.9%, including 1 ischemic stroke and 1 occurrence of limb ischemia. Conclusion: Use of a modified UFH protocol to target an anti-Xa goal of 0.3 to 0.5 units/mL resulted in bleeding and thrombotic event rates similar to previous literature. This protocol utilizing an initial rate of 6 units/kg/hour may be a useful approach to achieve therapeutic anticoagulation while accounting for UFH exposure from the purge solution and minimizing need for frequent calculations.