Journal of cardiac failure
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There are few data in the literature regarding impact of annual hospital volume on outcomes such as mortality and length of stay (LOS) post-LVAD implantation. ⋯ High annual LVAD volume is associated with significantly decreased in-hospital mortality and LOS after LVAD implantation. Center experience is an important determinant of optimal patient outcomes.
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Right ventricular failure (RVF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after CF-LVAD implantation. We explored the association of pulmonary artery compliance (PAC), pulmonary artery elastance (PAE), and pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) in addition to established parameters as preoperative determinants of postoperative RVF after CF-LVAD surgery. ⋯ PAPi is a simple hemodynamic variable that may help to identify patients at high risk of developing RVF after LVAD implantation.
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Intensification of Medication Therapy for Cardiorenal Syndrome in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure.
Worsening renal function in heart failure may be related to increased venous congestion, decreased cardiac output, or both. Diuretics are universally used in acute decompensated heart failure, but they may be ineffective and may lead to azotemia. We aimed to compare the decongestive properties of a urine output-guided diuretic adjustment and standard therapy for the management of cardiorenal syndrome in acute decompensated heart failure. ⋯ Compared with SDT, patients who received an intensification of medication therapy for treating persisting congestion had greater net fluid and weight loss without being associated with renal compromise.
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Assessment of vascular endothelial function lacks consistency, and microvascular endothelial function has been only partly assessed in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). ⋯ Compared with hypertensive control subjects, patients with HFpEF had a depressed endothelial function in the forearm vasculature and microvasculature.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Design of the remedē System Pivotal Trial: A Prospective, Randomized Study in the Use of Respiratory Rhythm Management to Treat Central Sleep Apnea.
Central sleep apnea is common in patients with cardiovascular disease and worsens outcomes. There is a lack of established therapies for central sleep apnea, and those available are limited by poor patient adherence and potentially adverse cardiovascular effects, at least in a subset of patients. The remedē System (Respicardia, Minnetonka, Minnesota) is a new physiologic treatment that uses transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation to contract the diaphragm, thereby stabilizing gas exchange and restoring normal breathing throughout the sleep period. ⋯ This is the 1st randomized controlled trial of the safety and efficacy of the remedē System for the treatment of central sleep apnea.