Signaling Effectors Underlying Pathologic Growth and Remodeling of the Heart
Cardiac hypertrophy is the strongest predictor for the development of heart failure, arrhythmia, and sudden death. Here we discuss therapeutic avenues emerging from molecular and genetic studies of cardiovascular disease in animal models.
Preload Sensitivity in Cardiac Assist Devices
In this review, we stratify the preload sensitivity of 17 implantable cardiac assist devices relative to the native heart and discuss the effect of preload sensitivity on left ventricular volume unloading, levels of cardiac support, and the future development of continuous-flow total artificial heart technology.
Variations in the Application of Various Perfusion Technologies in Great Britain and Ireland–A National Survey
This study investigates variations in the application of these technologies throughout Great Britain and Ireland (GB & I).
Anticoagulation in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Low Ejection Fraction and Sinus Rhythm: Back to the Drawing Board
Heart failure patients present an important thrombo-embolic risk, including symptomatic or silent peripheral arterial embolism, pulmonary embolism and stroke.
Prognostic Value of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Aortic Regurgitation
These results demonstrate a potential role for CMR for risk stratification of patients with asymptomatic moderate or severe AR, given the ability of CMR to accurately quantify AR and LV volumes. Based on the data presented, it is possible that we may be waiting too long to offer surgery in patients with severe AR.
Tirone David Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement and Cusp Repair for Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease
The durability of valve-sparing aortic root replacement with or without cusp repair in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease is questioned. We analyzed the results of 75 patients with a BAV undergoing Tirone David reimplantation valve-sparing aortic root replacement.
Clinical Outcome of Mechanical Circulatory Support for Refractory Cardiogenic Shock in the Current Era
Mortality for refractory cardiogenic shock (RCS) remains high. However, with improving mechanical circulatory support device (MCSD) technology, the treatment options for RCS patients are expanding. We report on a recent 5-year single-center experience with MCSD for treatment of RCS.
Isolated Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients with Small Aortic Annulus-A High-Risk Group on Long-Term Follow-Up
Patients with small aortic annulus undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement face an often underestimated surgical risk. We describe initial clinical results and long-term follow-up of this particular high-risk group.
Minimal-Access Aortic Valve Replacement with Concomitant Aortic Procedure: A 9-Year Experience
Minimal-access approaches through upper hemisternotomy is an established technique for aortic valve replacement (AVR) and aortic surgery in our institution. We assessed the outcome of undergoing AVR with concomitant aortic surgery through upper hemisternotomy.
Does an Allergy to Fish Pre-empt an Adverse Protamine Reaction? A Case Report and a Literature Review
We report on the outcome for our patient and also discuss other risk factors and the types of reactions that can result when an adverse reaction to protamine occurs.
Early Risk of Mortality after Coronary Artery Revascularization in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Potential Role of the Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation for prevention of sudden cardiac death is typically deferred for 90 days after coronary revascularization, but mortality may be highest early after cardiac procedures in patients with ventricular dysfunction. We determined mortality risk in post-revascularization patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35% and compared survival to those discharged with a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD).
Methylene Blue to Treat Vasoplegia Due to a Severe Protamine Reaction: A Case Report
A review of the pathophysiologic characteristics associated with vasoplegia and the pharmacodynamics of methylene blue will potentially enable anesthesia providers to utilize this lifesaving drug when needed.