The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation
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J. Heart Lung Transplant. · Feb 2012
Multicenter Study Clinical TrialExtremes of body mass index do not impact mid-term survival after continuous-flow left ventricular assist device implantation.
Extremes of body mass index (BMI) are often considered contraindications to use of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), but data regarding outcomes across the spectrum of BMI are limited. We sought to assess the association of BMI with survival and major morbidity after continuous-flow (CF) LVAD implantation. ⋯ Overall survival in patients receiving CF LVAD is similar across BMI categories. Carefully selected patients at both extremes of BMI have good mid-term survival after LVAD and should be considered for LVAD implantation relative to overall risk profile.
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J. Heart Lung Transplant. · Jan 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyNeurocognitive function in destination therapy patients receiving continuous-flow vs pulsatile-flow left ventricular assist device support.
The HeartMate II (Thoratec Corp, Pleasanton, CA) continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) improved survival in destination therapy (DT) patients during a randomized trial compared with pulsatile-flow LVADs. This study documented changes in cognitive performance in DT patients from that trial to determine if there were differences between continuous-flow and pulsatile-flow support. ⋯ The NC performance of advanced heart failure patients supported with continuous-flow and pulsatile-flow LVADs shows stabilization or improvement during support for up to 24 months.
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J. Heart Lung Transplant. · Jan 2012
Comparative StudyVenovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for acute lung failure in adults.
Acute lung failure (ALF) is an increasing problem that can be treated with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vv-ECMO). This report summarizes prospectively collected data of an institutional experience with vv-ECMO. ⋯ Modern vv-ECMO is an excellent treatment in patients with severe ALF and should be more liberally used.
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J. Heart Lung Transplant. · Dec 2011
Randomized Controlled TrialLong-term effects of inhaled treprostinil in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: the Treprostinil Sodium Inhalation Used in the Management of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (TRIUMPH) study open-label extension.
Inhaled treprostinil improved functional capacity as add-on therapy in the short-term management of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This study investigated the long-term effects of inhaled treprostinil in patients concurrently receiving oral background therapy. ⋯ Long-term therapy with inhaled treprostinil demonstrated persistent benefit for PAH patients who remained on therapy for up to 24 months.