Mechanical Circulatory Support for Heart Failure: Past, Present and a Look at the Future
This review provides a perspective on the past, present and future of mechanical circulatory support and addresses the changes in technology, patient selection and management strategies needed to have this therapy fully embraced by the heart failure community, and perhaps replace heart transplantation either as the therapy of choice or as a strategy by which to delay transplantation in younger patients.
Regenerating New Heart with Stem Cells
This article discusses current understanding of myocardial biology, emphasizing the regeneration potential of the adult human heart and the mechanisms involved.
Calcium Cycling Proteins and Heart Failure: Mechanisms and Therapeutics
Ca2+-dependent signaling is highly regulated in cardiomyocytes and determines the force of cardiac muscle contraction. Ca2+ cycling refers to the release and reuptake of intracellular Ca2+ that drives muscle contraction and relaxation.
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.
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.
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.
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.