BACKGROUND: Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly used as a bridge to cardiac transplantation or as destination therapy. Patients with LVADs are at high risk for ventricular arrhythmias. This study describes ventricular arrhythmia characteristics and ablation in patients implanted with a Heart Mate II device. METHODS AND RESULTS: All patients with a Heart Mate II device who underwent ventricular arrhythmia catheter ablation at 9 tertiary centers were included. Thirty-four patients (30 male, age 58±10 years) underwent 39 ablation procedures. The underlying cardiomyopathy pathogenesis was ischemic in 21 and nonischemic in 13 patients with a mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 17%±5% before LVAD implantation. One hundred and ten ventricular tachycardias (VTs; cycle lengths, 230-740 ms, arrhythmic storm n=28) and 2 ventricular fibrillation triggers were targeted (25 transseptal, 14 retrograde aortic approaches). Nine patients required VT ablation <1 month after LVAD implantation because of intractable VT. Only 10/110 (9%) of the targeted VTs were related to the Heart Mate II cannula. During follow-up, 7 patients were transplanted and 10 died. Of the remaining 17 patients, 13 were arrhythmia-free at 25±15 months. In 1 patient with VT recurrence, change of turbine speed from 9400 to 9000 rpm extinguished VT. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter ablation of VT among LVAD recipients is feasible and reasonably safe even soon after LVAD implantation. Intrinsic myocardial scar, rather than the apical cannula, seems to be the dominant substrate.

• Klíčová slova
• ablation, ventricular arrhythmia, ventricular assist device, ventricular tachycardia,
• MeSH
• akční potenciály MeSH
• časové faktory MeSH
• centra terciární péče MeSH
• elektrofyziologické techniky kardiologické MeSH
• funkce levé komory srdeční * MeSH
• katetrizační ablace * MeSH
• komorová tachykardie diagnóza   mortalita   patofyziologie   chirurgie   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• podpůrné srdeční systémy * škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• recidiva MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• srdeční selhání diagnóza   mortalita   patofyziologie   terapie   MeSH
• studie proveditelnosti MeSH
• tepový objem MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• pozorovací studie MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Evropa MeSH
• Spojené státy americké MeSH

INTRODUCTION: Long-term use of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices may have negative consequences for autonomic, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal function. It has thus been suggested that non-invasive monitoring of arterial pulsatility in patients with a left ventricular assist device is highly important for ensuring patient safety and longevity. We have developed a novel, semi-automated frequency-domain-based index of arterial pulsatility that is obtained during suprasystolic occlusions of the upper arm: the 'cuff pulsatility index'. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the cuff pulsatility index and invasively determined arterial pulsatility in patients with a left ventricular assist device. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with a left ventricular assist device with end-stage heart failure (six females: age = 65 ± 9 years; body mass index = 30.5 ± 3.7 kg m-2) were recruited for this study. Suprasystolic occlusions were performed on the upper arm of the patient's dominant side, from which the cuff pressure waveform was obtained. Arterial blood pressure was obtained from the radial artery on the contralateral arm. Measurements were obtained in triplicate. The relationship between the cuff pressure and arterial blood pressure waveforms was assessed in the frequency-domain using coherence analysis. A mixed-effects approach was used to assess the relationship between cuff pulsatility index and invasively determined arterial pulsatility (i.e. pulse pressure). RESULTS: The cuff pressure and arterial blood pressure waveforms demonstrated a high coherence up to the fifth harmonic of the cardiac frequency (heart rate). The cuff pulsatility index accurately tracked changes in arterial pulse pressure within a given patient across repeated measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The cuff pulsatility index shows promise as a non-invasive index for monitoring residual arterial pulsatility in patients with a left ventricular assist device across time.

• Klíčová slova
• Left ventricular assist device, non-invasive, pulsatility index,
• MeSH
• arterie patofyziologie   MeSH
• asistovaná cirkulace přístrojové vybavení   metody   MeSH
• diagnostické techniky kardiovaskulární MeSH
• krevní tlak fyziologie   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• podpůrné srdeční systémy * MeSH
• pulz metody   MeSH
• pulzatilní průtok fyziologie   MeSH
• reprodukovatelnost výsledků MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• srdeční selhání * patofyziologie   terapie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

AIMS: Sufficient myocardial recovery with the subsequent explantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) occurs in approximately 1-2% of the cases. However, follow-up data about this condition are scarcely available in the literature. This study aimed to report the long-term outcomes and clinical management following LVAD explantation. METHODS AND RESULTS: An analysis of the European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support was performed to identify all adult patients with myocardial recovery and successful explantation. Pre-implant characteristics were retrieved and compared with the non-recovery patients. The follow-up data after explantation were collected via a questionnaire. A Kaplan-Meier analysis for freedom of the composite endpoint of death, heart transplantation, LVAD reimplantion, or heart failure (HF) relapse was conducted. A total of 45 (1.4%) cases with myocardial recovery resulting in successful LVAD explantation were identified. Compared with those who did not experience myocardial recovery, the explanted patients were younger (44 vs. 56 years, P < 0.001), had a shorter duration of cardiac disease (P < 0.001), and were less likely to have ischaemic cardiomyopathy (9% vs. 41.8%, P < 0.001). Follow-up after explantation could be acquired in 28 (62%) cases. The median age at LVAD implantation was 43 years (inter-quartile range: 29-52), and 23 (82%) were male. Baseline left ventricular ejection fraction was 18% (inter-quartile range: 10-20%), and 60.7% of the patients had Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support Profile 1 or 2. Aetiologies of HF were dilated cardiomyopathy in 36%, myocarditis in 32%, and ischaemic in 14% of the patients, and 18% had miscellaneous aetiologies. The devices implanted were HeartMate II in 14 (50%), HVAD in 11 (39%), HeartMate 3 in 2 (7%), and 1 unknown with a median duration of support of 410 days (range: 59-1286). The median follow-up after explantation was 26 months (range 0.3-73 months), and 82% of the patients were in New York Heart Association Class I or II. Beta-blockers were prescribed to 85%, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to 71%, and loop diuretics to 50% of the patients, respectively. Freedom from the composite endpoint was 100% after 30 days and 88% after 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: The survival after LVAD explantation is excellent without the need for heart transplantation or LVAD reimplantation. Only a minority of the patients suffer from a relapse of significant HF.

• Klíčová slova
• Explantation, Left ventricular assist device, Mechanical circulatory support, Myocardial recovery, Survival,
• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• funkce levé komory srdeční MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• podpůrné srdeční systémy * MeSH
• srdeční selhání * chirurgie   MeSH
• tepový objem MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

As the prevalence of advanced heart failure continues to rise, treatment strategies for select patients include heart transplantation or durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support, both of which improve quality of life and extend survival. Recently, the HeartMate 3 has been incorporated into clinical practice, the United Network for Organ Sharing donor heart allocation system was revised, and the management of LVAD-related complications has evolved. Contemporary LVAD recipients have greater preoperative illness severity, but survival is higher and adverse event rates are lower compared with prior eras. This is driven by advances in device design, patient selection, surgical techniques, and long-term management. However, bleeding, infection, neurologic events, and right ventricular failure continue to limit broader implementation of LVAD support. Ongoing efforts to optimize management of patients implanted with current devices and parallel development of next-generation devices are likely to further improve outcomes for patients with advanced heart failure.

• Klíčová slova
• advanced heart failure, hemocompatibility-related adverse events, left ventricular assist device, mechanical circulatory support,
• MeSH
• dárci tkání MeSH
• kvalita života MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• podpůrné srdeční systémy * škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• srdeční selhání * MeSH
• transplantace srdce * škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a severe complication of myocardial infarction (MI) with a high mortality rate. We report a case of a large post-MI VSD treated with percutaneous venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) to restore hemodynamic stability and to avoid surgery in the acute setting. VSD closure with endoventricular patch and implantation of biventricular assist device (BiVAD) was arranged sixteen days after MI. Because of no signs of myocardial recovery, implantation of durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as a bridge to transplant was provided, leaving right ventricular assist device (RVAD) to right ventricle recovery. RVAD was explanted 18 days after durable LVAD placement and the patient was discharged home two months after MI. The use of durable LVAD is a unique solution that can be applied in selected patients with MI-VSD and heart failure.

• Klíčová slova
• coronary artery disease, mechanical circulatory support, ventricular septal defect,
• MeSH
• defekty komorového septa * chirurgie   MeSH
• infarkt myokardu * komplikace   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mimotělní membránová oxygenace * MeSH
• podpůrné srdeční systémy * MeSH
• srdeční selhání * terapie   MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• kazuistiky MeSH

The therapy of terminal heart failure with left ventricular assist devices has become a standard in cardiac surgery. Yet the surgical implantation technique is not standardized and differs from center to center. Complications associated with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) inflow cannula placement are thrombosis, suction events, and flow disturbances. Within this in vitro study we aimed to investigate if the fixation technique of the sewing ring has an impact on the position of the inflow cannula. For this in vitro study the HeartMate III LVAD (Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, CA, USA) was used. In five sessions, two approaches were considered for coring of the ventricle for LVAD inflow cannula insertion: "sew-then-core" and "core-then-sew." In the "sew-then-core" technique, the sewing cuff is first affixed to the heart, usually with 8-16 interrupted pledgeted mattress sutures. Subsequently, a cylindrical knife is used to resect a cylindrical core of myocardium to permit cannula insertion. In the "core-then-sew" technique, the sequence is reversed such that the knife is used before the suture ring is affixed. When the "sew-then-core" technique is used, the mattress sutures may be placed with full-thickness bites that penetrate the endocardium (i.e., transmural stitching) or partial-thickness bites that do not penetrate the endocardium (i.e., epicardial stitching). When the "core-then-sew" technique is used, the suture is passed fully into the ventricular lumen and fed back through the cored hole, at which point the needle may be reinserted into the freshly cored myocardium such that it exits the epicardium (i.e., transmural stitching with back stitch) or not (i.e., transmural stitching without back stitch). These four different sewing ring fixation suturing techniques were tested by experienced surgeons to affix the sewing ring: transmural stitching, epicardial stitching, transmural stitching with back stitch, and transmural stitching without back stitch. The sewing ring was sewed onto a silicone dummy designed to simulate the left ventricle with standard 2-0 Ethibond sutures (Ethicon, Somerville, NY, USA). Afterward, the dummies were measured and documented via photography. In addition, porcine hearts were used to simulate the suturing techniques in a physiological setting. The setting of the inflow cannula is substantially influenced by the fixation method of the sewing ring. Epicardial stitching showed the best results with stable cannula fixation, minimal gap around the cannula and no contact between the sutures and sewing ring with blood. The method of transmural stitching without back stitch showed the worst results by creating the biggest epithelial gap between inflow cannula and tissue as well as proving the biggest surface for blood contact between sewing ring and sutures. In general, both "sew-then-core" techniques resulted in a greater degree of apposition between the cuff and epicardial tissue. Within the study we revealed that the surgical fixation of the sewing ring has a significant impact on the inflow cannula stability, position, and tissue apposition in LVAD implantation surgery. Epicardial stitching of the sewing ring provides the best results in order to prevent suction events as well as thrombosis formation.

• Klíčová slova
• Fixation, Implantation techniques, Inflow cannula, Left ventricular assist device, Placement, Suturing technique,
• MeSH
• anatomické modely MeSH
• funkce levé komory srdeční * MeSH
• implantace protézy metody   MeSH
• kardiochirurgické výkony metody   MeSH
• katétry * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• modely kardiovaskulární MeSH
• modely u zvířat MeSH
• podpůrné srdeční systémy * MeSH
• prasata MeSH
• protézy - design MeSH
• šicí techniky * MeSH
• srdeční komory patofyziologie   chirurgie   MeSH
• srdeční selhání patofyziologie   terapie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH

A patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and no history of thromboembolic events received a surgically implanted axial-flow left ventricular assist device. After implantation, transesophageal echocardiography revealed a giant thrombus on the lateral and anterior aspects of the left ventricle. The inflow cannula inserted through the apex of the left ventricle was not obstructed, and the device generated satisfactory blood flow. Laboratory screening for thrombophilia showed protein S deficiency, heterozygous factor V Leiden mutation, and heterozygous MTHFR C667T mutation. During the entire duration of circulatory support, no significant suction events were detected, and the patient was listed for heart transplantation. Ventricular assist device implantation can unmask previously undiagnosed thrombophilia; therefore, it should be necessary to identify thrombophilic patients before cardiac support implantation.

• Klíčová slova
• Anticoagulants/therapeutic use, blood coagulation disorders/complications, factor V Leiden, factor V/genetics, left ventricular assist device, perioperative care, postoperative complications, thrombophilia/genetics, thrombus/etiology/prevention & control,
• MeSH
• barevná dopplerovská echokardiografie MeSH
• dilatační kardiomyopatie komplikace   patofyziologie   MeSH
• echokardiografie transezofageální MeSH
• faktor V genetika   MeSH
• fatální výsledek MeSH
• funkce levé komory srdeční * MeSH
• genetická predispozice k nemoci MeSH
• genetické testování metody   MeSH
• infekce spojené s protézou etiologie   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• methylentetrahydrofolátreduktasa (NADPH2) genetika   MeSH
• mutace MeSH
• mutační analýza DNA MeSH
• nedostatek proteinu S komplikace   diagnóza   genetika   MeSH
• nemoci srdce krev   diagnostické zobrazování   etiologie   genetika   MeSH
• podpůrné srdeční systémy škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• prediktivní hodnota testů MeSH
• protézy - design MeSH
• pulzní dopplerovská echokardiografie MeSH
• srdeční selhání diagnostické zobrazování   etiologie   patofyziologie   terapie   MeSH
• tepový objem MeSH
• trombofilie krev   komplikace   diagnóza   genetika   MeSH
• trombóza krev   diagnostické zobrazování   etiologie   genetika   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• kazuistiky MeSH
• Názvy látek
• factor V Leiden MeSH Prohlížeč
• faktor V MeSH
• methylentetrahydrofolátreduktasa (NADPH2) MeSH
• MTHFR protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč

OBJECTIVES: The HeartWare HVAD (HW) and the HeartMate3 (HM3) are presently the most commonly used continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices worldwide. We compared the outcomes of patients supported with either of these 2 devices based on data from the EUROMACS (European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the survival and complications profile in propensity score-matched adult patients enrolled in the EUROMACS between 01 January 2016 and 01 September 2020 and supported with either an HW or HM3. Matching included demographic parameters, severity of cardiogenic shock and risk-modifying end-organ parameters that impact long-term survival. Survival on device and major postoperative adverse events were analysed. RESULTS: Following 1:1 propensity score matching, each group consisted of 361 patients. Patients were well balanced (<0.1 standardized mean difference). The median follow-up was similar in both groups [396 (interquartile range (IQR) 112-771) days for HW and 376 (IQR 100-816) days for HM3]. The 2-year survival was similar in both groups [HW: 61% 95% confidence interval (CI) (56-67%) vs HM3: 68% 95% CI (63-73%) (stratified hazard ratio for mortality: 1.13 95% CI (0.83-1.54), P = 0.435].The cumulative incidence for combined major adverse events and unexpected readmissions was similar in both groups [subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) 1.0 (0.84-1.21), P = 0.96]. Patients in the HW group demonstrated a higher risk of device malfunction [SHR 2.44 (1.45-3.71), P < 0.001], neurological dysfunction [SHR 1.29 (1.02-1.61), P = 0.032] and intracranial bleeding [SHR 1.76 (1.13-2.70), P = 0.012]. CONCLUSIONS: Mid-term survival in both groups was similar in a propensity-matched analysis. The risk of device malfunction, neurological dysfunction and intracranial bleeding was significantly higher in HW patients.

• Klíčová slova
• EUROMACS, HeartMate3, HeartWare, Left ventricular assist device,
• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• následné studie MeSH
• podpůrné srdeční systémy * škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• srdeční selhání * MeSH
• tendenční skóre MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: The HeartMate 3 (HM3) is a Conformiteé Européenne (CE) mark-approved left ventricular assist device (LVAD) with a fully magnetically levitated rotor with features consisting of a wide range of operational speeds, wide flow paths and an artificial pulse. We performed a hemodynamic and echocardiographic evaluation of patients implanted with the HM3 LVAD to assess the speed range for optimal hemodynamic support. METHODS: Sixteen HM3 patients underwent pump speed ramp tests with right heart catheterization (including central venous pressure [CVP], pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure [PCWP] and blood pressure [BP]) and 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE). Data were recorded at up to 13 speed settings. Speed changes were in steps of 100 revolutions per minute (rpm), starting at 4,600 rpm and ramping up to 6,200 rpm. RESULTS: Mean original speed was 5,306 ± 148 rpm, with a majority of patients (10 of 16, 62.5%) having normal CVPs and PCWPs at their original rpm settings. Going from lowest to highest speeds, cardiac output improved at the rate of 0.08 ± 0.08 liter/min per 100 rpm (total change 1.25 ± 1.20 liters/min) and PCWP decreased at the rate of -0.48 ± 0.27 mm Hg per 100 rpm (total change -6.13 ± 3.72 mm Hg). CVP and systolic BP did not change significantly with changes in rpm. Left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) decreased at a rate of -0.15 ± 0.09 cm per 100 rpm. Number of rpm was adjusted based on test results to achieve CVPs and PCWPs as close to normal limits as possible, which was feasible in 13 (81.3%) patients. For the remaining 3 patients, medical management was pursued to optimize hemodynamic support. CONCLUSION: Hemodynamic normalization of pressures was achieved in the majority of patients implanted with the HM3 pump within a narrow speed range.

• Klíčová slova
• device optimization, hemodynamic evaluation, left ventricular assist device, magnetic levitation, ramp test,
• MeSH
• časové faktory MeSH
• design vybavení MeSH
• funkce levé komory srdeční fyziologie   MeSH
• hemodynamika fyziologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• magnetismus přístrojové vybavení   MeSH
• následné studie MeSH
• podpůrné srdeční systémy * MeSH
• prospektivní studie MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• srdeční selhání patofyziologie   chirurgie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• multicentrická studie MeSH

BACKGROUND: The IMACS Registry compiles and analyzes worldwide data from patients undergoing implantation of durable left ventricular assist devices. METHODS: Data encompassing 16,286 LVAD recipients from 4 collectives and 24 individual hospitals was collected and analyzed. In this 3rd annual report we compare and contrast outcomes, adverse events and risks factors between axial flow and centrifugal flow device recipients. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in the baseline characteristics of axial vs centrifugal flow LVAD recipients. Survival was similar between pump types. INTERMACS profile 1-3 constitute 85% of implants. A survival gap persists in destination therapy compared to bridge patients. RVAD need and delay impact survival dramatically. Centrifugal flow outperforms axial flow recipients in regards to GI bleeding and freedom from hemocompatibility related adverse events. No significant difference in the actuarial freedom from all strokes or either stroke subtype (hemorrhagic or ischemic) was seen among the two types of pumps. New end points to guide decision making are proposed. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate a transition from axial to centrifugal flow with four-year survival that approximates 60%. A high frequency of adverse events remains an impediment to the wider adoption of these technologies. In the future, composite study endpoints examining life quality and adverse events beyond survival may help in shared decision making prior to MCS implant, and may provide the requisite data to support extension of MCS therapy into the lesser ill heart failure population.

• Klíčová slova
• IMACS, International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, axial flow, centrifugal flow, continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices, mechanical circulatory support,
• MeSH
• asistovaná cirkulace MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mezinárodní spolupráce MeSH
• podpůrné srdeční systémy * MeSH
• protézy - design * MeSH
• registrace MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• společnosti lékařské MeSH
• srdeční selhání chirurgie   MeSH
• transplantace srdce a plic MeSH
• výroční zprávy jako téma MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH