Noncardiac Surgery in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices: A 11-Year Institutional Experience

ABSTRACT Introduction: Limited options in the end-stage treatment of heart failure have led to increased use of left ventricular assist devices. For this reason, the rate of non-cardiac surgeries in patients with left ventricular assist devices is also increasing. Our study aims to analyze surgical rate, anesthesia management, and results by reviewing our 11-year experience with patients who underwent non-cardiac surgery receiving left ventricular assist devices support. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 57 patients who underwent non-cardiac surgery and 67 non-cardiac surgical procedures among 274 patients who applied between January 2011 and December 2022 and underwent left ventricular assist devices implantation with end-stage heart failure. Results: Fifty (74.6%) patients with left ventricular assist devices admitted to the hospital for non-cardiac surgery were emergency interventions. The most common reasons for admission were general surgery (52.2%), driveline wound revision (22.3%), and neurological surgery (14.9%). This patient group has the highest in-hospital mortality rate (12.8%) and the highest rate of neurological surgery (8.7%). While 70% of the patients who underwent neurosurgery were taken to surgery urgently, the International Normalized Ratio values of these patients were between 3.5 and 4.5 at the time of admission to the emergency department. Conclusion: With a perioperative multidisciplinary approach, higher morbidity and mortality risks can be reduced during emergencies and major surgical procedures.

Early reduction of pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients using a long-term mechanical ventricular assistance device: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a contraindication for heart transplantation (HT). It has been correlated with increased early and late mortality, mainly associated with right ventricular failure. Ventricular assistance devices (VADs) can promote reduction of intracardiac pressures and consequent reduction of PAH over the medium and long terms, thus enabling future candidature for HT. The diminution of early pulmonary pressure within this scenario remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reduction of PAH and correlate data from right catheterization with the earliness of this reduction. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study in a general hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis on the medical records of patients undergoing VAD implantation in a single hospital. Patients for whom VAD had been indicated as a bridge to candidature for HT due to their condition of constant PAH were selected. RESULTS: Four patients with VADs had constantly severe PAH. Their mean pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) before VAD implantation was 66 mmHg. Over the 30-day period after the procedure, all the patients evolved with a drop in PASP to below 60 mmHg. Their new average was 36 mmHg, which was a drop of close to 50% from baseline values. The one-year survival of this sample was 100%. CONCLUSION: VAD implantation can reduce PAH levels. Early reduction occurred in all patients. Thus, use of VAD is an important bridge tool for enabling candidature for HT among patients with constantly severe PAH.

Left Ventricular Assist Device Thrombosis: Combined Approach by Echocardiography and Logfiles Review for Diagnosis and Management

ABSTRACT Introduction: Left ventricular assist devices are an established therapy for end-stage heart failure. Follow-up of these patients showed complications, such as thrombosis. Our objective was to evaluate the contribution of echocardiography — in association with HeartWare HVAD online logfiles reviews and lactate dehydrogenase titration — for diagnosis and treatment of thrombosis. Methods: Seventeen episodes of thrombosis were diagnosed in 8/20 patients with HVAD. Diagnosis was made by trans-thoracic echocardiographic blood flow velocities, logfiles review of power consumption and pump flows, and titration of lactate dehydrogenase. Data were collected at baseline routine control (Group A), during thrombosis (Group B), after thrombolysis (Group C). Results: Thrombolysis was successful in all cases; one patient died of cerebral haemorrhage. Echocardiographic maximal blood flow velocity near the inflow cannula was 598±42 cm/sec (Group B), 379.41±21 cm/sec (Group C), and 378.24±28 cm/sec (Group A) (P<0.00001). In eight (47%) cases, thrombi were visualized in the left ventricle by three-dimensional modality. Logfiles recordings of blood flows were 9.52±0.9 L/min (Group B), 4.02±0.4 L/min (Group C), and 4.04±0.4 L/min (Group A) (P<00001). Power consumption was 5.01±0.7 W (Group B), 3.45±0.2 W (Group C), and 3.46±0.2 W (Group A) (P<0.00001). Lactate dehydrogenase was 756±54 IU (Group B), 234±22 IU (Group A), and 257±36 IU (Group C) (P<0.00001). Conclusions: Echocardiography of increased maximal velocity near the inflow cannula is a sign of HVAD obstruction. Logfile reviews provide a clear picture of HVAD obstruction. Combination of echocardiographic data and review of logfiles detects signs of left ventricular assist devices thrombosis leading to a successful treatment.

Use of CentriMag for refractory cardiogenic shock in a puerperal woman: case report

ABSTRACT CONTEXT: Heart failure in Brazil is a major public health problem and, even with advances in treatment, it still presents high morbidity and mortality. As a treatment option, mechanical circulatory assist devices (MCADs) have greatly increased in importance over the last decade. CASE REPORT: This report concerns a case of refractory cardiogenic shock due to acute myocarditis in a 35-year-old puerperal female patient who presented with retrosternal pain, fatigue and dyspnea. At the hospital, she was diagnosed with myocarditis. There was no improvement in perfusion even after receiving dobutamine, intra-aortic balloon passage (IAB) and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Therefore, it was decided to implant a MCAD (CentriMag). During hospitalization, recovery from the bi-ventricular dysfunction was achieved. The CentriMag device was removed 10 days after it had been implanted, and the patient was discharged after another 8 days. The myocarditis was proven to be due to the Coxsackie virus. CONCLUSIONS: The decision to implant a MCAD should be individualized, as patient profiles do not always match the indications in the guidelines and protocols. In this study, clinical discussion of the case among the medical and multi-professional teams was essential in order to be able to successfully reverse the patient's severe clinical condition without sequelae, through using a CentriMag implant.

Primer implante exitoso de asistencia ventricular izquierda HeartMate 3TM como terapia de destino en Argentina. Revisión de la literatura / First successful Heartmate 3TM left ventricular assist device implantation as destination therapy in Argentina

RESUMEN Se presenta el primer implante exitoso de asistencia ventricular izquierda como terapia de destino mediante el dispositivo de flujo continuo centrífugo con levitación magnética intracorpóreo HeartMate 3TM (Abbott) en la Argentina. El dispositivo se implantó en una paciente de 52 años portadora de miocardio no compacto con disfunción ventricular izquierda grave, hipertensión pulmonar, insuficiencia cardíaca avanzada en estadio INTERMACS 3 y contraindicación para trasplante cardíaco debido a títulos elevados de anticuerpos preformados contra el sistema HLA en crossmatch contra panel.

ABSTRACT First case of successful implantation of intracorporeal full magnetically levitated continuous centrifugal flow left ventricular assist device HeartMate 3 Abbott® as destination therapy in Argentina in a female patient, 52-years-old with non compaction cardiomyopathy, severe left ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, end-stage heart failure INTERMACS 3 and contraindication for heart transplantation due to high titers of preformed antibodies against the HLA system in panel reactive antibody assay.

Heterotopic heart transplantation as a left ventricular biological assistance: a new two-stage method proposal

Abstract Since Barnard's first heterotopic heart transplant in 1974, Copeland's method has been the greatest contribution to heterotopic transplants but has the drawback of donor's right ventricular atrophy. This new method proposes a modification in the anastomosis of the superior vena cava aiming to pre-serve donor's right ventricular function by decompressing the pulmonary territory and reducing the pulmonary arterial pressure, as a biological ventricular assist device. Finally, a second intervention is proposed, where a "twist" is performed to place the donor's heart in an orthotopic position after re-moval of the native heart. A pioneering research on this method received approval from the ethics committee of the Heart Institute of São Paulo. We believe that this method has the potential to im-prove quality of life in a selected group of patients.

Erector spinae plane block as a rescue analgesia technique in a patient with HeartMate 3 ventricular assist type device: case report / Bloqueo de plano del músculo erector de la espina como técnica analgésica de rescate en un paciente con asistencia ventricular tipo HeartMate 3: reporte de caso

Abstract Introduction: Heart failure represents a public health problem involving high morbidity and mortality. For advanced stages of the disease the use of ventricular assist devices (VADs) has been implemented as destination therapy. The perioperative management of patients with VADs may result in multiple challenges, with optimal pain management being one of those challenges. Objective: To describe the use of erector spinae plain (ESP) block as a rescue analgesia technique in a patient undergoing HeartMate 3 type VAD implantat. Methods: Case report and subject review. Results: The case discussed is a patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy and severe ventricular dysfunction, undergoing a HeartMate 3 type VAD implant as destination therapy, under general anesthesia and postoperative analgesia protocol with fentanyl and acetaminophen. During the postoperative period the patient developed acute pain of severe intensity (visual analogue scale [VAS]: 8-10/10), that led to the use of a regional rescue technique-ESP block-that showed satisfactory results with optimal analgesia control (VAS: 1-3/10). Conclusion: The ESP block was a safe and effective option as part of a postoperative analgesia strategy for a patient with a HeartMate 3 type VAD implant.

Resumen Introducción: la insuficiencia cardiaca representa un problema de salud pública con alta morbimortalidad. En estadios avanzados se ha implementado el uso de dispositivos de asistencia ventricular (DAV) como terapia destino. El manejo perioperatorio de pacientes con DAV puede generar múltiples retos, dentro de los cuales se destaca el manejo óptimo del dolor. Objetivo: describir el uso del bloqueo del plano del musculo erector de la espina (ESP) como técnica analgésica de rescate en un paciente llevado a implante de DAV tipo HeartMate 3. Métodos: reporte de caso y revisión de tema. Resultados: se presenta el caso de un paciente con cardiopatía isquémica y disfunción ventricular severa, que fue llevado a un implante de DAV tipo HeartMate 3 como terapia destino, bajo anestesia general y protocolo de analgesia postoperatoria con fentanil y acetaminofén. Durante el posoperatorio presentó dolor agudo de intensidad severa (Escala Visual Análoga: 8-10/10), por lo que se aplicó una técnica regional de rescate: bloqueo ESP, la cual mostró resultados satisfactorios con control analgésico óptimo (Escala Visual Análoga: 1-3/10). Conclusiones: el bloqueo ESP fue una opción segura y efectiva como parte de una estrategia analgésica postoperatoria para un paciente con implante de un DAV tipo HeartMate 3.

ECMELLA: Uso combinado de dispositivos de asistencia ventricular izquierda en el manejo del shock cardiogénico postinfarto agudo al miocardio / Combined use of left ventricular assist devices in cardiogenic shock. Report of one case

We report a 55-year-old woman with a history of hypothyroidism and type 2 diabetes mellitus who consulted at the emergency room because of intermittent oppressive chest discomfort. At admission, electrocardiogram showed a complete atrioventricular block. A transthoracic echocardiogram disclosed severe left ventricular dysfunction. The patient developed cardiogenic shock that required the installation of the Impella system. An emergency coronary angiography showed an ostial occlusion of the anterior descending artery. Despite successful primary angioplasty, she persisted with refractory shock and progressive hypoxemia. A concomitant connection to the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation system (ECMO) was decided. The support of both devices allowed the stabilization of the patient and the improvement of perfusion parameters.

Echocardiography in evaluating effect of left ventricular assist devices on perioperative right ventricular function / 中国医学影像技术

End-stage heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome in various heart diseases developed to end-stage with high morbidity and mortality. Heart transplantation is deemed as the only valid method for sufferers with end-stage HF, but implantation of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has become an important treatment for HF patients at the end-stage for the critical shortage of cardiac donors. Right ventricular failure frequently occurred after LVAD implantation. Early identifying right ventricular failure after LVAD implanted has been an important clinical problem. The research progresses of echocardiography for evaluation on right ventricular function perioperative LVAD implantation were reviewed in this article.

Left ventricular assist device implantation combined with bentall procedure

Abstract Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are an important technological development for patients with end-stage heart failure, and approximately 50% of these patients require various additional cardiac procedures. Here we presente the case of a patient suffering from severe aortic insufficiency, aortic root dilatation, and an ascending aortic aneurysm with end-stage decompensated heart failure. We performed the Bentall procedure combined with a left VAD implantation during the same session. The postoperative period was uneventful for this patient, and he was discharged on the 32nd postoperative day. The heart failure symptoms of the patient are reasonable, and he is still on the heart transplantation waiting list.

Comunicação efetiva para o cuidado seguro ao paciente com implante de dispositivo de assistência ventricular / Comunicación efectiva para el cuidado seguro al paciente con implante de dispositivo ventricular / Effective communication for the safe care of patients with ventricular assist device implantation

Resumo OBJETIVO Relatar a atuação da equipe multidisciplinar na comunicação efetiva e no cuidado seguro aos pacientes com dispositivo de assistência ventricular. MÉTODO Relato de experiência sobre o uso da comunicação efetiva no cuidado a pacientes com dispositivo de assistência ventricular em hospital universitário do sul do Brasil. A referida assistência iniciou em 2017, pautada na individualização das ações e na perspectiva do cuidado centrado no paciente. RESULTADOS Na instituição foram capacitadas equipes multiprofissionais, estruturados protocolos assistenciais, realizadas sessões educativas sistemáticas para pacientes e cuidadores. Foram executadas visitas domiciliares para planejamento de alta hospitalar e plano para situações de urgência, além de capacitações básicas para as equipes dos hospitais próximos à residência dos pacientes. CONCLUSÕES A comunicação efetiva entre equipe multiprofissional, pacientes e cuidadores no planejamento do cuidado em saúde tem papel fundamental para identificar precocemente possíveis complicações, preveni-las e possibilitar maior sobrevida e qualidade de vida a esses pacientes.

Resumen OBJETIVO Informar la actuación del equipo multidisciplinario en la comunicación efectiva y cuidado seguro a los pacientes con dispositivo de asistencia ventricular. MÉTODO Se trata de un relato de experiencia sobre el uso de la comunicación efectiva en la asistencia a pacientes con dispositivo de asistencia ventricular em un hospital universitario del sur de Brasil. Esse cuidado, inició en 2017, pautado em la individualización de las acciones y em la perspectiva del cuidado centrado em el paciente. RESULTADOS En la institución se capacitaron equipos multiprofissionales, estructurados protocolos asistenciales, realizadas sesiones educativas sistemáticas para pacientes y cuidadores, visita domiciliares para la planificación de alta hospitalaria y plan para situaciones de urgência, además de capaccitaciones de urgência, además de capacitaciones básicas para los equipos de los hospitales cercanos a la residencia de los pacientes. CONCLUSIONES La comunicación efectiva entre el equipo multiprofesional, pacientes y familiares en la planificación del cuidado en salud tiene un papel fundamental para identificar precozmente posibles complicaciones, prevenirlas y posibilitar mayor sobrevida y calidad de vida.

Abstract OBJECTIVE To report the role of multiprofessional teams in the effective communication and safe care of patients with left ventricular assist device. METHODS This is an experience report about the use of effective communication for patients with ventricular assist device in a university hospital in southern Brazil. Care based on individualized action and centered on the patients started in 2017. RESULTS At the institution, the multiprofessional teams attended training sessions and care protocols were established. The patients and caregivers attended systematic educational sessions and home visits were made to arrange patient discharge and urgency plans. Also, the hospital teams located near the patients' homes received basic training. CONCLUSION Effective communication between multiprofessional teams, patients, and their families when planning care plays a pivotal role in the early identification of possible complications and their prevention, resulting in a greater survival rate and a better quality of life.

Anesthetic Management for Cardiac Tamponade in Patient with LVAD / 계명의대학술지

When pericardial tamponade occurs to the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implanted patients, typical hemodynamic signs of tamponade such as tachycardia and pulsus paradoxus may be masked by LVAD action. For those with normal heart, anesthetic management during pericardial tamponade operation before drainage is to restrict fluid administration and maintain perfusion pressure with vasopressor are recommended. But the things to concern are different in cases of patient with LVAD. Here, we describe a case of performing anesthesia with LVAD implanted patient for pericardial tamponade operation. A 58-year-old male with HeartWare™ (Medtronic, Framingham, MA, USA) LVAD implant was referred for cardiac tamponade surgery. After the induction of general anesthesia, his mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased to 38 mmHg with device flow 1.8 L/min and device power 2.4 Watts at pump speed 2,400 RPM. Norepinephrine and Epinephrine infusion were initiated. MAP recovered to 70mmHg with device flow 3.7 L/min and power 3.0 Watts after the drainage of 1,200 cc of pericardial fluid. Cardiac tamponade with LVAD implanted patient present with decreased peak flow, mean flow and decreased pulsatility. LVAD flow depends on pump rotation, preload and afterload. In order to maintain flow in these patients, prevention of preload reduction is important. Since LVAD implantation becoming more popular as Bridge to transplantation and destination therapy, it is important for anesthesiologist to understand the LVAD parameters and factors that affect.

Rational use of mechanical circulatory support as a bridge to pediatric and congenital heart transplantation

Abstract Introduction: Donor shortage and organ allocation is the main problem in pediatric heart transplant. Mechanical circulatory support is known to increase waiting list survival, but it is not routinely used in pediatric programs in Latin America. Methods: All patients listed for heart transplant and supported by a mechanical circulatory support between January 2012 and March 2016 were included in this retrospective single-center study. The endpoints were mechanical circulatory support time, complications, heart transplant survival and discharge from the hospital. Results: Twenty-nine patients from our waiting list were assessed. Twelve (45%) patients were initially supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and a centrifugal pump was implanted in 17 (55%) patients. Five patients initially supported by ECMO were bridged to another device. One was bridged to a centrifugal pump and four were bridged to Berlin Heart Excor®. Among the 29 supported patients, 18 (62%) managed to have a heart transplant. Thirty-day survival period after heart transplant was 56% (10 patients). Median support duration was 12 days (interquartile range [IQR] 4 - 26 days) per run and the waiting time for heart transplant was 9.5 days (IQR 2.5-25 days). Acute kidney injury was identified as a mortality predictor (OR=22.6 [CI=1.04-494.6]; P=0.04). Conclusion: Mechanical circulatory support was able to bridge most INTERMACS 1 and 2 pediatric patients to transplant with an acceptable complication rate. Acute renal failure increased mortality after mechanical circulatory support in our experience.

Recomendaciones de manejo de pacientes con asistencia circulatoria mecánica de corta duración / Recommendations for the management of patients with short-term mechanical circulatory assistance

There has been a progressive increase in the use of mechanical circulatory support in our country in the last years, mainly in the short-term: as a bridge to cardiac transplant or recovery, which has allowed to rescue patients from a population that concentrates high rates of complications and mortality. This motivated that the Ministry of Health convened a series of experts in the area of heart failure, transplantation and mechanical circulatory support, representatives of different public and private health centers in Chile, with the objective of developing recommendations on the use of short-term mechanical assistance devices, which would serve as a reference for the proper management of these patients. This clinical experts consensus document contains topics related to: definitions and general concepts; indications; contraindications; specific aspects of starting, follow-up and weaning of the devices; process of transfer of patients in circulatory assistance from one center to another and finally criteria of organization, means and competences to be fulfilled by the centers that offer this therapeutic option.

A rare cause of left ventricular assist device (lvad) obstruction: left atrial dissection

Abstract Left atrial dissection is a rare factor that may cause left ventricular assist device obstruction. Prompt diagnosis and surgical repair are essential. This case report describes our experience and a successful surgical management in a patient after HeartMate 3 implantation and mitral valve inflow obstruction due to a left atrial dissection.

Insuficiencia aórtica sistólica: un fenómeno singular / Systolic aortic regurgitation: a remarkable event

La insuficiencia aórtica consiste en el reflujo diastólico de sangre desde la aorta hacia el ventrículo izquierdo, sus mecanismos son múltiples y su magnitud queda determinada por: el área del orificio regurgitante, el gradiente diastólico entre la aorta y el ventrículo izquierdo y la duración de la diástole. En contraposición a esto la insuficiencia aórtica sistólica (IAS) es un fenómeno inusual, con escasos reportes y con una fisiopatología particular. Reportamos tres casos clínicos que ilustran los mecanismos de la IAS. CASO 1: Hombre 54 años, consulta por palpitaciones y disnea, la ecocardiografía transtorácica (ETT) objetiva hipertrofia ventricular izquierda leve con buena función y una valvulopatía aórtica degenerativa con insuficiencia leve, durante el examen se registran ex-trasístoles ventriculares aislados asociado a IAS. CASO 2: Hombre de 61 años con diagnóstico de miocardiopatía dilatada no isquémica en estadio D. Su ETT basal evidencia severa dilatación y disfunción ventricular izquierda (FEVI 19%, DTD 90 mm), insuficiencia mitral funcional severa e insuficiencia aórtica leve. Por dependencia a infusión de inótropos se implanta en Marzo del 2016 un dispositivo de asistencia ventricular izquierda HeartWa-re, en control ambulatorio el dispositivo funcionaba normalmente y el ETT objetiva una significativa disminución de los diámetros del ventrículo izquierdo (DTD 70 mm) una válvula aórtica con apertura intermitente asociado a una IAS en rango leve a moderado. CASO 3: Mujer de 82 años con insuficiencia cardíaca y severa disfunción y dilatación ventricular izquierda, se hospitaliza por infección respiratoria, un ETT muestra insuficiencia mitral funcional severa asociado a IAS moderada.

Aortic regurgitation is a diastolic event in which blood from the aorta regurgitates back to the left ventricle, with several possible mechanisms. Its magnitude is determined by: the regurgitant orifice area, the diastolic gradient between the aorta and the left ventricle and the duration of diastole. In contrast, systolic aortic regurgitation (SAR) is an unusual phenomenon with few cases reported in the literature and with a particular pathophysiology. We report three cases of SAR that illustrate its mechanisms. CASE 1: 54 years-old hypertensive male, refers dyspnea associated with irregular heartbeatsTrans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed a mild left ventricular hypertrophy with normal function along with a degenerative aortic valve that presented mild regurgitation, isolated premature ventricular contractions were frequently observed associated with mild SAR. CASE 2. 61 years-old diabetic male, with a long history of stage D dilated non ischemic cardiom-yopathy. His last TTE was remarkable for a severe left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction (LVEF 19%, EDD 90 mm), severe functional mitral regurgitation, mild aortic regurgitation and pulmonary hypertension (SPAP 60 mmHg) along with right ventricular dysfunction. Because of inotrope infusion dependency a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) Heartware was implanted. At six months outpatient control, LVAD presented normal function parameters and TTE showed significant reduction in left ventricle diameters (EDD 70 mm) along with mild to moderate SAR. CASE 3: 82 year-old female, longstanding heart failure with severe LV dilatation and dysfunction (LVEF 15%), admitted for a respiratory infection, TTE showed moderate SAR along with functional severe mitral regurgitation.

Outcomes of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Children: An 11-Year Single-Center Experience in Korea

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has become an important treatment modality in pediatric patients with cardiopulmonary failure, but few studies have been conducted in Korea. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of pediatric patients younger than 18 years who were placed on ECMO between January 2004 and December 2014 at Samsung Medical Center. RESULTS: We identified 116 children on ECMO support. The overall rate of successful weaning was 51.7%, and the survival to discharge rate was 37.1%. There were 39, 61, and 16 patients on ECMO for respiratory, cardiac, and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, respectively. The weaning rate in each group was 48.7%, 55.7%, and 43.8%, respectively. The survival rate was 43.6%, 36.1%, and 25.0%, respectively. Sixteen patients on ECMO had functional single ventricle physiology; in this group, the weaning rate was 43.8% and the survival rate was 31.3%. Ten patients were on ECMO as a bridge to transplantation (8 for heart and 2 for lung). In patients with heart transplantation, the rate of survival to transplantation was 50.0%, and the overall rate of survival to discharge was 37.5%. CONCLUSION: An increasing trend in pediatric ECMO utilization was observed. The outcomes were favorable considering the early experiences that were included in this study and the limited supply of specialized equipment for pediatric patients.

Combined Endoscopic and Surgical Treatment of Severe Gastrointestinal Bleeding in a Patient with Heart Assist Device under Therapeutic Anticoagulation

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common complication after heart assist device placement. Reasons for bleeding are multifactorial. Endoscopic therapy is the treatment of choice, whereas invasive procedures are avoided in these critically ill patients. We present the case of a 65-year-old male patient experiencing severe GI bleeding after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and right ventricular assist device (RVAD) placement with therapeutic anticoagulation. Endoscopically, multiple gastric bleeding sources were found but could not be treated effectively due to a large blood clot. A combined endoscopic and surgical treatment was initiated, including gastrotomy for blood clot removal, surgical transgastric suturing, endoscopic over-the-scope clip (OTSC) placement and hemospray application. Postoperative endoscopic visualization showed effective bleeding control. The patient unfortunately died due to causes unrelated to the treatment. This case shows that a minimal invasive combination of endoscopic and surgical techniques can be an alternative treatment for severe upper GI bleeding in critically ill and anticoagulated patients.

Prática clínica do enfermeiro em assistência circulatória mecânica: busca de evidências / La práctica clínica de enfermería en soporte circulatorio mecánico: búsqueda de pruebas / Nursing practice in mechanical circulatory support: search for evidence

Objetivo: Analisar na literatura científica a prática clínica do enfermeiro ao paciente em uso de assistência circulatória mecânica. Método: Revisão integrativa da literatura realizada nas bases de dados SciELO, Cochrane Library, PubMed e LILACS, de abril a agosto de 2014. Resultados: Embora haja avanço em pesquisas sobre o tema, ainda há poucos estudos, haja vista oito artigos selecionados. Três artigos apontam para a necessidade do enfermeiro deter o conhecimento sobre assistência circulatória mecânica, para uma assistência eficiente e com qualidade. Dois artigos trouxeram a assistência de enfermagem a pacientes em uso de dispositivos. Três relataram complicações devido ao uso do balão intra-aórtico e mostraram que as complicações podem ser minimizadas a partir da capacitação e da avaliação clínica periódica do enfermeiro. Conclusão: Há poucos estudos direcionados à assistência de enfermagem, havendo a necessidade de maior exploração do tema para subsidiar a prática baseada em evidências cientificas.

Objetivo: Analizar en la literatura científica la práctica clínica de las enfermeras a los pacientes utilizándose del soporte circulatorio mecánico. Método: Revisión integradora de la literatura conducida en las bases de datos SciELO, Cochrane Library, PubMed y LILACS, desde abril hasta agosto de 2014. Resultados: Aunque hay avances en la investigación sobre el tema, hay pocos estudios, con solo ocho artículos seleccionados. Tres artículos apuntan a la necesidad de las enfermeras detener los conocimientos sobre soporte circulatorio mecánico para el servicio eficiente y de calidad. Dos artículos presentaron la atención de la enfermería a los pacientes que utilizan dispositivos. Tres estudios informaron complicaciones por la utilización de balón intra-aórtico y mostraron que las complicaciones pueden reducirse al mínimo basándose en la formación y la evaluación clínica periódica de la enfermera. Conclusión: Hay pocos estudios con foco en la atención de la enfermería, y una necesidad de una mayor exploración del tema, para subsidiar la práctica basada en evidencias científicas.

Objective: To analyze in the scientific literature the clinical practice of nurses with patients in use of mechanical circulatory support. Method: Integrative literature review conducted in the databases SciELO, Cochrane Library, PubMed and LILACS, from April to August 2014. Results: Although there is progress in research on the topic, there are few studies, given the eight articles selected. Three articles point to the need for nurses to detain knowledge about mechanical circulatory support for efficient service and quality. Two articles brought the nursing care to patients using devices. Three studies reported complications due to the use of intra-aortic balloon and showed that complications can be minimized through training and periodic clinical assessment of the nurse. Conclusion: There were few articles found, highlighting the need for further exploration of the subject, especially with regard to nursing care.

Research of an extra-thoracic paraaortic counterpulsation device with various capacities in acute heart failure / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic effects of an extra-thoracic paraaortic counterpulsation device(ETPACD) with various capacities in an animal model with acute heart failure.Methods The acute heart failure model was successfully induced by snaring branch of anterior descending coronary artery in sheep(weighting 35-42 kg,n =8).The ETPACD is a single port,40 ml,60 ml and 80 ml stroke volume blood chamber designed to be connected to descending aorta through a valveless graft and placed extra-thorax.The hemodynamic indices of 40 ml,60 ml and 80 ml stroke volume were recorded respectively during counterpulsation assistance.Results 40 ml,60 ml and 80 ml ETPACD increased cardiac output 36.98％ (P =0.009),34.16％ (P =0.012) and 53.26％ (P =0.000) respectively,80 ml compared with 60 ml and 40 ml respectively P =0.001,P =0.005.And on diastolic mean aortic pressure 43.40％ (P =0.000)、63.20％ (P =0.000) and 78.76％ (P =0.000),80ml compared with 60ml and 40ml respectively P =0.329,P =0.025.The ETPACD (40 ml,60 ml and 80 ml) increased left carotid artery flow 45.19％ (P =0.007) 、61.51％ (P =0.001) and 81.50％(P=0.000),80 ml compared with 60ml and40 ml respectively P=0.016,P =0.000.Conclusion This study demonstrated that ETPACD (40 ml,60 ml and 80 ml) provided benefit of circulatory support in acute heart failure with better effect on hemodynamic parameters provided by 80 ml.Therefore,ETPACD with larger stroke volume may become a promising counterpulsation device for treatment of heart failure.