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To investigate the biomechanical effects of direct ventricular assistance and explore the optimal loading mode, this study established a left ventricular model of heart failure patients based on the finite element method. It proposed a loading mode that maintains peak pressure compression, and compared it with the traditional sinusoidal loading mode from both hemodynamic and biomechanical perspectives. The results showed that both modes significantly improved hemodynamic parameters, with ejection fraction increased from a baseline of 29.33% to 37.32% and 37.77%, respectively, while peak pressure, stroke volume, and stroke work parameters also increased. Additionally, both modes showed improvements in stress concentration and excessive fiber strain. Moreover, considering the phase error of the assist device's working cycle, the proposed assist mode in this study was less affected. Therefore, this research may provide theoretical support for the design and optimization of direct ventricular assist devices.

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Heart failure, broadly characterized by the gradual decline of the ability of the heart to maintain adequate blood flow throughout the body's vascular network of veins and arteries, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Mechanical Circulatory Support is one of the few available alternative interventions for late-stage heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. A ventricular assist device is surgically implanted and connected to the left and or right heart ventricles to provide additional bloodflow, off-loading the work required by the heart to maintain circulation. Modern mechanical circulatory support devices generate non-physiological flow conditions that can lead to the damage and rupture of blood cells (hemolysis), and the formation of blood clots (thrombosis), which pose severe health risks to the patient. It is essential to improve prediction tools for blood damage to reduce the risk of hemolysis and thrombosis. A simulation-based approach examines the interaction between hemolysis and thrombosis. Incompressible finite-volume computational fluid dynamics simulations are executed on an open-hub axial flow ventricular assist device. A continuum model of thrombosis and the intrinsic coagulation process is extended to include the effect of hemolysis. The model accounts for the effect of activation of platelets by shear stress, paracrine signaling, adhesion, and hemoglobin and ADP released during hemolysis. The effect of hemolysis with thrombosis is modelled by accounting for the hyper-adhesivity of von-Willebrand Factor on extracellular hemoglobin, and the increased rate of platelet activation induced by ADP release. Thrombosis is assessed at varying inflow rates and rotor speeds, and cases are executed where thrombosis is affected by ADP release and Hb-induced hyper-adhesivity. It is found that there is a non-negligible effect from hemolysis on thrombosis across a range of rotor speeds, and that hyperadhesivity plays a dominant role in thrombus formation in the presence of hemolysis.

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This study was designed to examine the association between myocardial concentrations of the trace elements Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn and the expression of mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) elements and the age of patients who received heart transplantation or a left-ventricular assist device (ageHTx/LVAD). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to determine the concentration of Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn in the myocardium of control subjects and patients undergoing heart transplantation or left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We used ELISA to quantify the expression of UPRmt proteins and 4-Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), which served as a marker of oxidative-stress-induced lipid peroxidation. Concentrations of Cu, Mn, Mo, and Zn were similar in the control and heart failure (HF) myocardium, while Fe showed a significant decrease in the HF group compared to the control. A higher cumulative concentration of Fe and Zn in the myocardium was associated with reduced ageHTx/LVAD, which was not observed for other combinations of trace elements or their individual effects. The trace elements Cu, Mn, and Zn showed positive correlations with several UPRmt proteins, while Fe had a negative correlation with UPRmt effector protease YME1L. None of the trace elements correlated with 4-HNE in the myocardium. The concentrations of the trace elements Mn and Zn were significantly higher in the myocardium of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy than in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. A higher cumulative concentration of Fe and Zn in the myocardium was associated with a younger age at which patients received heart transplantation or LVAD, potentially suggesting an acceleration of HF. A positive correlation between myocardial Cu, Mn, and Zn and the expression of UPRmt proteins and a negative correlation between myocardial Fe and YME1L expression suggest that these trace elements exerted their actions on the human heart by interacting with the UPRmt. An altered generation of oxidative stress was not an underlying mechanism of the observed changes.

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Since 2022, the mechanical left ventricular support system Impella 5.5® has been used in Austria for patients with cardiogenic shock, advanced heart failure, post-cardiotomy and low output syndrome. The surgical insertion of the Impella 5.5 via the subclavian artery or alternatively via the ascending aorta has become an established procedure for medium-term treatment in patients with cardiogenic shock and bridging scenarios, such as bridge to recovery, bridge to left ventricular assist device (LVAD), bridge to decision, and bridge to heart transplant (HTx) in Austria. All Impella left ventricular heart pumps share the common feature of unloading the left ventricle, with the Impella 5.5 achieving a full cardiac output of 5.5 l/min. The stable positioning via transaxillary or transaortic insertion enables rapid extubation and mobilization of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), leading to a significantly shorter ICU stay. The combined support of Impella 5.5 with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) has also proven effective in certain scenarios. Several nonrandomized studies demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of the Impella 5.5 in practice, which have been included in multiple international guidelines. The advantages of the Impella 5.5 in practice include the easy handling with high positional stability, and low complications rates. This article describes the significance of surgical Impella treatment in Austria from the perspective of Austrian clinical experts.

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Since 2022, the mechanical left ventricular support system Impella 5.5® has been used in Austria for patients with cardiogenic shock, advanced heart failure, post-cardiotomy and low output syndrome. The surgical insertion of the Impella 5.5 via the subclavian artery or alternatively via the ascending aorta has become an established procedure for medium-term treatment in patients with cardiogenic shock and bridging scenarios, such as bridge to recovery, bridge to left ventricular assist device (LVAD), bridge to decision, and bridge to heart transplant (HTx) in Austria. All Impella left ventricular heart pumps share the common feature of unloading the left ventricle, with the Impella 5.5 achieving a full cardiac output of 5.5 l/min. The stable positioning via transaxillary or transaortic insertion enables rapid extubation and mobilization of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), leading to a significantly shorter ICU stay. The combined support of Impella 5.5 with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) has also proven effective in certain scenarios. Several nonrandomized studies demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of the Impella 5.5 in practice, which have been included in multiple international guidelines. The advantages of the Impella 5.5 in practice include the easy handling with high positional stability, and low complications rates. This article describes the significance of surgical Impella treatment in Austria from the perspective of Austrian clinical experts.

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In end-stage heart failure, which is characterized by persistent or progressive ventricular dysfunction despite optimal medical therapy, a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) can be beneficial. Congestive heart failure provokes inflammatory and prothrombotic activation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum concentration of citrullinated histone 3 (CH3) representing neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation in patients referred for LVAD implantation. There were 10 patients with a median age of 61 (57-65) years enrolled in a prospective single-center analysis who underwent LVAD implantation. The CH3 plasma concentration was measured preoperatively and on the 1st and 7th postoperative days, followed by control measurements on the median (Q1-3) 88th (49-143) day. The preoperative CH3 concentration strongly correlated with brain natriuretic peptide (r = 0.879, p < 0.001). Significant differences in CH3 serum concentration were observed between pre- and postoperative measurements, including an increase on the first postoperative day (p < 0.001), as well as a decrease on the seventh day (p = 0.016) and in follow-up (p < 0.001). CH3 concentration, as a marker of NET formation, decreases after LVAD implantation.

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Heart failure (HF) is a major public health problem in our country and in most developed countries. Despite advances in the diagnosis and management of this condition and numerous therapeutic innovations, many patients with chronic HF progress inexorably to advanced HF, characterized by persistent symptoms despite maximal treatment. The prognosis for this condition is poor. However, mechanical circulatory support and heart transplantation, when considered in suitable candidates, are likely to improve the quality of life and life expectancy of these patients. In this context, timely referral to referral centers for the management of advanced HF is crucial. This article reminds the definition of advanced HF, details its specific management and specifies the criteria and timing for appropriate referral.

L'insuffisance cardiaque (IC) est un problème de santé publique majeur au sein de notre pays et dans la plupart des pays développés. Malgré les progrès réalisés dans le diagnostic et la prise en charge de cette pathologie ainsi que les nombreuses innovations thérapeutiques, beaucoup de patients atteints d'IC progressent inexorablement vers une IC avancée, caractérisée par la persistance de symptômes en dépit d'un traitement maximal. Le pronostic de cette condition est sombre. Cependant, les assistances mécaniques circulatoires et la transplantation cardiaque, lorsqu'elles sont envisagées chez de bons candidats, sont susceptibles d'améliorer la qualité de vie et l'espérance de vie de ces patients. Dans cette optique, le référencement selon un timing adéquat vers des centres de référence de prise en charge de l'IC avancée est crucial. Cet article revient sur la définition de l'IC avancée, détaille sa prise en charge spécifique et précise les critères et le timing pour un référencement adéquat.

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PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article highlights the most recent advances in a review of the current literature in the field of pediatric heart failure and transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS: Diagnostically, the identification of new genetic factors has contributed to a deeper understanding of cardiomyopathy in children. Novel medications like sacubitril/valsartan and Sodium-Glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, which are now standard in the adult population are being studied in pediatric population and offer new promise of pediatric heart failure treatment. Ventricular assist devices are more commonly used in cardiomyopathy patients and single ventricle patients as a bridge to transplant. Recent pediatric heart transplant society (PHTS) data demonstrated that waitlist survival improved significantly over the past decades (i) and new treatments such as daratumumab and eculizumab have been used in high-risk populations and demonstrate promising results. TEAMMATE trial is the first multicenter randomized clinical trial (RCT) in pediatric heart transplant (HT) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of everolimus (EVL) and low-dose tacrolimus (TAC) compared to standard-dose TAC and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). It will provide valuable information about the safety and efficacy of EVL, TAC, and MMF (ii).Donor cell-free DNA has been used more in pediatric transplant recipients and has significantly decreased invasive EMB (iii). SUMMARY: This past 5 years have witness dramatic progress in the field of pediatric heart failure and transplantation including more use of mechanical support in heart failure patients with various underlying etiology, especially use of mechanical support in single ventricle patients and the use of sacubitril/valsartan and SGLT2 inhibitors in the pediatric population. The problem of the highly sensitized transplant recipient remains, although novel therapeutics have been added to our toolbox of options to maintain healthy allograft function. Ongoing research aims to further enhance our understanding and management of pediatric heart failure, emphasizing the need for continued innovation in this complex field.

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BACKGROUND: Percutaneous active mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices are being increasingly used in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock (AMICS) despite conflicting evidence regarding their effect on mortality. We aimed to ascertain the effect of early routine active percutaneous MCS versus control treatment on 6-month all-cause mortality in patients with AMICS. METHODS: In this individual patient data meta-analysis, randomised controlled trials of potential interest were identified, without language restriction, by querying the electronic databases MEDLINE via PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase, as well as ClinicalTrials.gov, up to Jan 26, 2024. All randomised trials with 6-month mortality data comparing early routine active MCS (directly in the catheterisation laboratory after randomisation) versus control in patients with AMICS were included. The primary outcome was 6-month all-cause mortality in patients with AMICS treated with early routine active percutaneous MCS versus control, with a focus on device type (loading, such as venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation [VA-ECMO] vs unloading) and patient selection. Hazard ratios (HRs) of the primary outcome measure were calculated using Cox regression models. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42024504295. FINDINGS: Nine reports of randomised controlled trials (n=1114 patients) were evaluated in detail. Overall, four randomised controlled trials (n=611 patients) compared VA-ECMO with a control treatment and five randomised controlled trials (n=503 patients) compared left ventricular unloading devices with a control treatment. Two randomised controlled trials also included patients who did not have AMICS, who were excluded (55 patients [44 who were treated with VA-ECMO and 11 who were treated with a left ventricular unloading device]). The median patient age was 65 years (IQR 57-73); 845 (79·9%) of 1058 patients with data were male and 213 (20·1%) were female. No significant benefit of early unselected MCS use on 6-month mortality was noted (HR 0·87 [95% CI 0·74-1·03]; p=0·10). No significant differences were observed for left ventricular unloading devices versus control (0·80 [0·62-1·02]; p=0·075), and loading devices also had no effect on mortality (0·93 [0·75-1·17]; p=0·55). Patients with ST-elevation cardiogenic shock without risk of hypoxic brain injury had a reduction in mortality with MCS use (0·77 [0·61-0·97]; p=0·024). Major bleeding (odds ratio 2·64 [95% CI 1·91-3·65]) and vascular complications (4·43 [2·37-8·26]) were more frequent with MCS use than with control. INTERPRETATION: The use of active MCS devices in patients with AMICS did not reduce 6-month mortality (regardless of the device used) and increased major bleeding and vascular complications. However, patients with ST-elevation cardiogenic shock without risk of hypoxic brain injury had a reduction in mortality after MCS use. Therefore, the use of MCS should be restricted to certain patients only. FUNDING: The Heart Center Leipzig at Leipzig University and the Foundation Institut für Herzinfarktforschung.

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Patients on left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are prone to excessive hemostasis disturbances due to permanent contact of artificial pump surfaces with blood components. We aimed to investigate if fibrin clot permeability is altered in patients on long-term continuous-flow LVAD therapy and if the clot permeability is associated with clinical characteristics and adverse events. We investigated 85 end-stage heart failure patients (90.6% men, age 48.6-63.8 years) scheduled for continuous flow long-term LVAD support according to current clinical indications. The patients were assessed periodically: prior to LVAD implantation (T1), 3-6 months (T2) after LVAD implantation, 6-12 months after (T3) and then every 6 months. We tested the first three blood samples (T1-T3) and the last available blood sample (T4), but no longer than 5 years after LVAD implantation. We assessed hemostasis parameters (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) Prothrombin Time, Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time, Fibrinogen, D-dimer, Antithrombin, Thrombin Time, Factor VIII, and von Willebrand Factor, aspirin-induced platelet inhibition, adenosine-diphosphate test) changes during the study period. Fibrin Clot Permeability was evaluated using a pressure system and Permeability Coefficient (Ks) was calculated. We observed a decrease in fibrin clot permeability (Ks) between T1, T2, T3 and T4 time periods; P < 0.01 for each comparison. Fibrin clot permeability was negatively correlated with fibrinogen concentration: r = - 0.51, P < 0.001, factor VIII activity r = - 0.42, P < 0.001. There was no association of Ks with age, Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) and medications P > 0.001, however cumulative measurements in patients on aspirin showed shortening of Ks in this group P = 0.0123. Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) occurred in 36.5% patients, bleeding events in 25.9%, Net Adverse Clinical Events (NACE) in 62.4%; 31.7% patients died, and 17.6% underwent transplantation. The transplantation was considered as the endpoint. Discrepancies in Ks were observed between patients with MACCE, bleeding, and NACE, and patients without adverse events. Ks showed a constant trend towards normalization (P < 0.01) only in patients without adverse events. Patients with advanced heart failure have disturbed clot structure. A trend towards normalization of the Ks values is associated with fewer thromboembolic and bleeding complications in this group of patients.

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PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Mechanical circulatory support is used frequently as a method of stabilizing patients with end stage heart failure who are unable to safely await allograft availability. While this technology has been fundamentally important in supporting patients with normal cardiac anatomy, it is still used infrequently in adult patients with congenital heart disease and end-stage heart failure. Here, we review the data on mechanical circulatory support technology in this small but growing population of patients with chronic heart disease prone to the development of circulatory failure. RECENT FINDINGS: Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) has been increasingly employed in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) as a bridge to transplant. The new United Network for Organ Sharing listing system favoring temporary MCS use with a higher listing status offers another tool to stabilize ACHD patients and potentially shorten wait times. Both temporary and Durable MCS could help improve transplant candidacy and posttransplant outcomes in select groups of ACHD patients. SUMMARY: Durable and temporary MCS have the potential to significantly improve access to transplant and overall transplant outcomes in ACHD patients.

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BACKGROUND: This case report documents the first worldwide use of the Hybrid System from Spectrum Medical in a heart transplant procedure, focusing on its safety and efficacy. Traditional cardiopulmonary bypass systems often use an open reservoir, which increases the blood's exposure to air, thereby heightening the risk of an inflammatory response and gas embolism. In contrast, the Hybrid System is designed to improve surgical outcomes by significantly reducing the blood-air interface. This system utilizes a dual-chamber cardiotomy-venous reservoir with a collapsible soft bag, effectively minimizing blood contact with air and foreign materials. However, it is important to note that there is currently no evidence supporting the use of this methodology specifically in heart transplants. CASE PRESENTATION: A 41-year-old male managed with a left ventricular assist device because of dilated cardiomyopathy underwent a heart transplant using the Hybrid System. The perioperative and postoperative data provided evidence of the system's effectiveness. The selection of this patient was due to the absence of significant comorbidities unrelated to his primary cardiac condition, making him an ideal candidate to evaluate the system's performance. CONCLUSION: The Hybrid System is safe and efficient. The successful implementation in this case highlights its advantages over traditional cardiopulmonary bypass systems, suggesting a promising future in cardiac surgery. Further studies with routine cardiac surgery patients are required to validate these findings.

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Fulminant myocarditis has been defined as the clinical manifestation of cardiac inflammation with rapid-onset heart failure and cardiogenic shock. We report on the case of a 17-year-old boy with hemodynamic derangement and cardiac arrest due to fulminant myocarditis. After about 2 h of intensive cardiopulmonary resuscitation, with 13 days of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, the patient finally bridged to orthotopic heart transplantation. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged 37 days after transplantation. The explanted heart revealed diffuse lymphocytic infiltration and myocyte necrosis in all four cardiac chamber walls confirming the diagnosis and identifying the underlying cause of fulminant myocarditis.

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BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a significant global clinical and public health challenge, impacting 64.3 million individuals worldwide. To address the scarcity of donor organs, left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation has become a crucial intervention for managing end-stage HF, serving as a bridge to heart transplantation or as a destination therapy. Web-based health forums, such as MyLVAD.com, play a vital role as trusted sources of information for individuals with HF symptoms and their caregivers. OBJECTIVE: We aim to uncover the latent topics within the posts shared by users on the MyLVAD.com website. METHODS: Using the latent Dirichlet allocation algorithm and a visualization tool, our objective was to uncover latent topics within the posts shared on the MyLVAD.com website. Through the application of topic modeling techniques, we analyzed 459 posts authored by recipients of LVAD and their family members from 2015 to 2023. RESULTS: This study unveiled 5 prominent themes of concern among patients with LVAD and their family members. These themes included family support (39.5% weight value), encompassing subthemes such as family caregiving roles and emotional or practical support; clothing (23.9% weight value), with subthemes related to comfort, normalcy, and functionality; infection (18.2% weight value), covering driveline infections, prevention, and care; power (12% weight value), involving challenges associated with power dependency; and self-care maintenance, monitoring, and management (6.3% weight value), which included subthemes such as blood tests, monitoring, alarms, and device management. CONCLUSIONS: These findings contribute to a better understanding of the experiences and needs of patients implanted with LVAD, providing valuable insights for health care professionals to offer tailored support and care. By using latent Dirichlet allocation to analyze posts from the MyLVAD.com forum, this study sheds light on key topics discussed by users, facilitating improved patient care and enhanced patient-provider communication.

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