ASAIO journal : a peer-reviewed journal of the American Society for Artificial Internal Organs
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Development of aortic insufficiency (AI) in patients supported with continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) can adversely affect pump performance. In this study, we examined the incidence of new AI after LVAD implant at our institution. Pre- and postoperative echocardiograms of 66 patients who received HeartMate II or Heartware LVAD at our institution since June 2008 were reviewed for presence of new AI. ⋯ Age, destination therapy status, and duration of support were predictors of new AI after LVAD implant. In conclusion, AI develops frequently during long-term support with continuous flow LVADs, particularly in those supported for longer than 6 months. As we move to the era of long-term LVAD support and destination therapy, further studies with longer follow-ups are required to determine the progression and clinical significance of AI in these patients.
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Case Reports
Accidental cannulation of the left ascending lumbar vein through femoral access-still often unrecognized.
The femoral vein approach is considered to be a quick and safe route for venous access. However, severe complications can occur with this access because of misplacement. ⋯ Clinicians should be aware of possible misplacement while inserting a femoral vein catheter, especially on the left side. In some cases, the correct position in the inferior vena cava needs confirmation before using the catheter.
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For different lung and heart diseases (e.g., acute respiratory distress syndrome, congenital heart failure, and cardiomyopathy) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a well-established therapy, particularly in the field of neonatal and pediatric medicine. To reduce the priming volume of the extracorporeal circuit, different components can be combined. In this study, an oval-shaped oxygenator (called ExMeTrA) with integrated pulsatile pump was tested in vitro using porcine blood. ⋯ The gas exchange rates at a gas/blood flow ratio of 2:1 were between 64 and 72.7 ml(O)(2)/l(blood) and between 62.5 and 81.5 ml/l(blood), depending on the blood flow. The individual module's pumping capacity ranged from 200-500 ml/min thus providing room for further improvements. In order to enhance the pumping capacity while maintaining sufficient gas exchange rates future optimization, adjustments will be made to the inlet and outlet geometries.
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As a brain protection strategy, antegrade selective cerebral perfusion (ASCP) is widely used in thoracic aorta surgery with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA), yet the oxygen management for ASCP has never been standardized. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible neuroprotective effects of hyperoxia management during deep hyperthermia for ASCP combined with DHCA in a rabbit model. Rabbits were assigned into four groups: sham group, without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB); DHCA group, DHCA for 80 minutes; ASCP group, ASCP combined with DHCA; and SH group, hyperoxia management combined with ASCP and DHCA. ⋯ S100 calcium binding protein B in the SH group was lower compared with the DHCA group and the ASCP group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference of neuron-specific enolase in the SH group compared with the sham group. Hyperoxia management during deep hypothermia provided substantial dissolved oxygen and demonstrated better cerebral protection over normoxia management.
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We report the case of a 34-year-old woman admitted in our institution for cardiogenic shock related to acute myocarditis. Initial hemodynamic instability required mechanical ventilation and peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). ⋯ The clinical situation quickly worsened, and the patient finally died. This case highlights the usefulness of Impella pump to unload left cardiac chambers but also its technical challenge when used in a patient on ECMO.