T1 mapping: a non-invasive tool to assess the systemic right ventricle.

Ventricular remodeling leads to fibrotic changes in systemic right ventricles (RV). Native T1 mapping provides a quantitative measure in myocardial tissue characterization. The aim of our study was to correlate native T1 values of the systemic RV to function and volumetric data. Native T1 maps were generated with a single breath hold Modified Look-Locker Inversion-recovery pulse (MOLLI) sequence was acquired in the mid-ventricular short axis. Regions of interest (ROI) were drawn in both ventricular free walls, the interventricular septum (IVS), superior insertion point (SIP) and inferior insertion point (IIP) to obtain native T1 values. T1 values were compared to CMR ventricular volumes and function using Spearman correlation. The median age was 36 years (IQR 27-48 years). There were elevated mean native left ventricular (LV) T1 and IIP T1 values at 1122 ± 171 ms and 1117 ± 96 ms, respectively. RV dysfunction was associated with elevated IIP T1 (p = 0.007). Significant moderate negative correlations were seen between RV T1 and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (r= -0.63, p = 0.01), between RV: IVS T1 ratio and LVEF (r= -0.68, p = 0.006), between LVEF and SIP: IVS T1 ratios (r= -0.54, p = 0.04), and RVEF and IIP T1 (r= -0.59, p = 0.02). Fibrosis measured by native T1 mapping in the systemic RV is most prominent in the LV wall and septal insertion point and correlates with decreased function. T1 values can be used in non-invasive imaging assessment of the RV, but further studies with larger cohorts are needed to assess ability to risk stratify and guide therapy.

Augmented Biphasic Breathing Using Sniff and an Oral Positive Expiratory Pressure Device (Sniff-PEP) in Fontan Patients.

The use of an oral positive expiratory pressure device (oPEP) with sniff breathing (Sniff-PEP) mimics biphasic ventilation. Biphasic ventilation increases pulmonary blood flow and cardiac output in Fontan patients. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Sniff-PEP on Fontan flow velocities. A single-center, pilot, prospective study was carried out in 15 subjects with Fontan circulation enrolled to use the oPEP device for 1 month. Subjects were instructed on Sniff-PEP and to use the device for 10-15 min 3-4 times a day. Measurements of flow velocity and cardiac output were measured via echocardiogram and quality of life assessments were performed at baseline and 4-6 weeks later. The mean age at enrollment was 19.9 ± 8.7 years (age range of 10-37 years). 7 patients (47%) had dominant left ventricle and 8 (53%) had an open fenestration. There was a statistically significant increase in flow velocities in the hepatic vein from 27.5 ± 7.6 to 35.1 ± 11.3 cm/s (p = 0.003), left pulmonary artery from 51.6 ± 16.6 to 57.6 ± 21.1 cm/s (p = 0.01), and right pulmonary artery from 43.1 ± 14.2 to 45.8 ± 17.2 cm/s (p = 0.04). With chronic use, the mean fenestration gradient slightly decreased from 4.5 ± 1.6 to 4.1 ± 1.9 mmHg but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.14). oPEP device therapy increased flow velocity in several areas in the Fontan circulation with acute use. Further studies are needed to assess the effects long term.Clinical Trial Registration: URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT03251742.

Assessing Left Ventricular Pathology in Patients with Ebstein Anomaly Using Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance: Looking Past the Right Heart.

Ebstein Anomaly (EA) is a malformation of the right heart, but there is data to suggest that the left ventricle (LV) can suffer from intrinsic structural and functional abnormalities which affect surgical outcomes. The LV in patients with EA is hypertrabeculated with abnormalities in LV function and strain. In this retrospective single-center study, patients with EA who underwent pre-operative cardiac MRI (CMR) between the periods of 2014-2024 were included along with a group of healthy-age-matched controls. Left ventricular and right ventricular volume, function and strain analyses were performed on standard SSFP imaging. LV noncompacted: compacted (NC/C) ratio and the displacement index of the tricuspid valve were measured. Forty-seven EA patients were included with mean age of 21.0 ± 17.6 years. Seventeen EA patients (36%) had mild pre-operative LV dysfunction on CMR and 1 (2.1%) had moderate LV dysfunction. Out of these 18 patients with LV dysfunction, only 2 were detected to have dysfunction on Echocardiogram. The global circumferential and longitudinal strain were significantly lower in the reduced LVEF group compared to those with preserved LVEF (- 14.8% vs. - 17%, p = 0.02 and - 11.9% vs. - 15.0%; p = 0.05; respectively) on CMR. A single EA patient met criteria for LVNC with a maximal NC/C ratio > 2.3. There was no statistically significant difference in NC/C ratio in the EA population (1.4 ± 0.6) vs. controls (1.1 ± 0.2), p = 0.17. There was an inverse correlation of LV ejection fraction with right ventricular end-diastolic volume and displacement index. All patients underwent the Da Silva Cone procedure at our center. Patients with preoperative LV dysfunction had longer duration of epinephrine use in the immediate postoperative period (33.7 ± 21.4 vs 10.2 ± 25.6 h, p = 0.02) and longer length of hospital stay (6.3 ± 3.2 vs 4.4 ± 1.2 days, p = 0.01). This is the largest study to date to evaluate preoperative LV structure and function in EA patients by CMR. In this cohort of 47 patients, preoperative LV dysfunction is fairly common and CMR has high sensitivity in detecting LV dysfunction as compared to Echo. True LV non-compaction was rare in this cohort. The presence of LV dysfunction is relevant to perioperative management and further study with larger cohorts and longer follow up are necessary.

Patient-specific tissue engineered vascular graft for aortic arch reconstruction.

Objectives: The complexity of aortic arch reconstruction due to diverse 3-dimensional geometrical abnormalities is a major challenge. This study introduces 3-dimensional printed tissue-engineered vascular grafts, which can fit patient-specific dimensions, optimize hemodynamics, exhibit antithrombotic and anti-infective properties, and accommodate growth. Methods: We procured cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with 4-dimensional flow for native porcine anatomy (n = 10), from which we designed tissue-engineered vascular grafts for the distal aortic arch, 4 weeks before surgery. An optimal shape of the curved vascular graft was designed using computer-aided design informed by computational fluid dynamics analysis. Grafts were manufactured and implanted into the distal aortic arch of porcine models, and postoperative cardiac magnetic resonance imaging data were collected. Pre- and postimplant hemodynamic data and histology were analyzed. Results: Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging of all pigs with 1:1 ratio of polycaprolactone and poly-L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone demonstrated no specific dilatation or stenosis of the graft, revealing a positive growth trend in the graft area from the day after surgery to 3 months later, with maintaining a similar shape. The peak wall shear stress of the polycaprolactone/poly-L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone graft portion did not change significantly between the day after surgery and 3 months later. Immunohistochemistry showed endothelization and smooth muscle layer formation without calcification of the polycaprolactone/poly-L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone graft. Conclusions: Our patient-specific polycaprolactone/poly-L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone tissue-engineered vascular grafts demonstrated optimal anatomical fit maintaining ideal hemodynamics and neotissue formation in a porcine model. This study provides a proof of concept of patient-specific tissue-engineered vascular grafts for aortic arch reconstruction.

Tetralogy of Fallot regurgitation energetics and kinetics: an intracardiac flow analysis of the right ventricle using computational fluid dynamics.

Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) patients suffer from pulmonary regurgitation and may require pulmonary valve replacement (PVR). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) guides therapy, but conventional measurements do not quantify the intracardiac flow effects from pulmonary regurgitation or PVR. This study investigates intracardiac flow parameters of the right ventricle (RV) of rTOF by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). cMRI of rTOF patients and controls were retrospectively included. Feature-tracking captured RV endocardial contours from long-axis/short-axis cine. Ventricular motion was reconstructed via diffeomorphic mapping, serving as domain boundary for CFD simulations. Vorticity (1/s), viscous energy loss (ELoss, mJ/L) and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE, mJ/L) were quantified in RV outflow tract (RVOT) and RV inflow. These parameters were normalized against total RV kinetic energy (KE) and RV inflow vorticity to derive dimensionless metrics. Vorticity contours by Q-criterion were qualitatively compared. rTOF patients (n = 15) had mean regurgitant fraction 38 ± 12% and RV size 162 ± 35 mL/m2. Compared to controls (n = 12), rTOF had increased RVOT vorticity (142.6 ± 75.6/s vs. 40.4 ± 11.8/s, p < 0.0001), Eloss (55.6 ± 42.5 vs. 5.2 ± 4.4 mJ/L, p = 0.0004), and TKE (5.7 ± 5.9 vs. 0.84 ± 0.46 mJ/L, p = 0.0003). After PVR, there was decrease in normalized RVOT Eloss/TKE (p = 0.0009, p = 0.029) and increase in normalized tricuspid inflow vorticity/KE (p = 0.0136, p = 0.043), corresponding to reorganization of the "donut"-shaped tricuspid ring-vortex. The intracardiac flow in rTOF patients can be simulated to determine the impact of PVR and improve the clinical indications guided by cardiac imaging.

Discordance interpretation of left ventricular size between echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance in pediatric patients with aortic/mitral regurgitation.

PURPOSE: This study investigated discordance between echocardiography (echo) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) measurements of the left ventricle (LV) in pediatric patients with aortic and/or mitral regurgitation (AR/MR). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients. The cohorts were comprised of patients with AR/MR vs. non-AR/MR. Left ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDV) by CMR and left ventricular internal diameter diastolic (LVIDd) by echo were obtained from clinical reports then echo images were reviewed to remeasure LVEDV by bullet method. Left ventricular internal diameter systolic (LVIDs) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) measurements by echo and LVEF by CMR were obtained from clinical reports. Fractional shortening (FS%) was recalculated. Z-scores were calculated using normative data. Correlation between echo and CMR LV measurements was assessed using correlation coefficients. Bland-Altman plots assessed bias between imaging modalities. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed for detection of LV enlargement and LV dysfunction. RESULTS: AR/MR patients had greater discrepancy in LV size interpretation by Z-score compared to non-AR/MR patients. This discrepancy persisted when the bullet method short axis measurements were incorporated. There was negative bias in echo-based measurements compared to CMR. The diagnostic performance of echo in identifying moderate LV enlargement was worse for AR/MR pediatrics patients. CONCLUSION: The discordant interpretation of LV size by echo compared to CMR is worse in pediatric patients with AR/MR when compared to patients without AR/MR even when short axis measurements are incorporated. This finding suggests non-uniform geometrical changes in the LV as it enlarges due to AR/MR.

Design and implementation of multicenter pediatric and congenital studies with cardiovascular magnetic resonance: Big data in smaller bodies.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has become the reference standard for quantitative and qualitative assessment of ventricular function, blood flow, and myocardial tissue characterization. There is a preponderance of large CMR studies and registries in adults; However, similarly powered studies are lacking for the pediatric and congenital heart disease (PCHD) population. To date, most CMR studies in children are limited to small single or multicenter studies, thereby limiting the conclusions that can be drawn. Within the PCHD CMR community, a collaborative effort has been successfully employed to recognize knowledge gaps with the aim to embolden the development and initiation of high-quality, large-scale multicenter research. In this publication, we highlight the underlying challenges and provide a practical guide toward the development of larger, multicenter initiatives focusing on PCHD populations, which can serve as a model for future multicenter efforts.

Gender Representation in Academic Publications of Tourette Syndrome Research: An Analysis of Authorship Trends.

Tourette syndrome, characterized by phonic and motor tics, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that significantly affects the quality of life of people with the condition. With over 1500 articles published in the last decade alone, this study aims to analyze the gender trends in publications related to Tourette syndrome from 2013 to 2022, examining the number of female authors as first authors and predicting future changes in female participation. The aim of this study is to analyze the gender trends of the first author in publications related to "Tourette Syndrome" from PubMed-indexed publications from January 2013 to December 2022. A bibliometric analysis was conducted by the search engine PubMed for articles pertaining to "Tourette Syndrome". NamSor app V.2 (Namsor™ Applied Onomastics, NamSor SAS, Versailles, France), an application programming interface (API), was used to identify the gender of the first publishing author. Statistical analysis and graphic models were produced using R software (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria), ARIMA (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average) model, and DataWrapper (Datawrapper GmbH, Berlin Prenzlauer Berg, Germany). Based on the analysis of 1052 publications on Tourette Syndrome, it was found that 54.8% (n=576) of the first authors were females. A significant association was observed between gender ratios and country of publication. Statistical forecasting models suggest that female participation in Tourette research is expected to rise to approximately 60 by the year 2027. Therefore, the study highlights the progress made in achieving gender parity in Tourette syndrome research, with female-led publications being on par with male-led publications. However, there is still a need to address the global gender gap and geographical disparities in research to work towards a more inclusive and diverse academic environment.

In vitro investigation of axial mechanical support devices implanted in the novel convergent cavopulmonary connection Fontan.

OBJECTIVES: The 2 opposing inflows and 2 outflows in a total cavopulmonary connection make mechanical circulatory support (MCS) extremely challenging. We have previously reported a novel convergent cavopulmonary connection (CCPC) Fontan design that improves baseline characteristics and provides a single inflow and outflow, thus simplifying MCS. This study aims to assess the feasibility of MCS of this novel configuration using axial flow pumps in an in vitro benchtop model. METHODS: Three-dimensional segmentations of 12 single-ventricle patients (body surface area 0.5-1.75 m2) were generated from cardiovascular magnetic resonance images. The CCPC models were designed by connecting the inferior vena cava and superior vena cava to a shared conduit ascending to the pulmonary arteries, optimized in silico. The 12 total cavopulmonary connection and their corresponding CCPC models underwent in vitro benchtop characterization. Two MCS devices were used, the Impella RP® and the PediPump. RESULTS: MCS successfully and symmetrically reduced the pressure in both vena cavae by >20 mmHg. The devices improved the hepatic flow distribution balance of all CCPC models (Impella RP®P = 0.045, PediPump P = 0.055). CONCLUSIONS: The CCPC Fontan design provides a feasible MCS solution for a failing Fontan by balancing hepatic flow distribution and symmetrically decompressing the central venous pressure. Cardiac index may also improve with MCS. Additional studies are needed to evaluate this concept for managing Fontan failure.

Novel Techniques in Imaging Congenital Heart Disease: JACC Scientific Statement.

Recent years have witnessed exponential growth in cardiac imaging technologies, allowing better visualization of complex cardiac anatomy and improved assessment of physiology. These advances have become increasingly important as more complex surgical and catheter-based procedures are evolving to address the needs of a growing congenital heart disease population. This state-of-the-art review presents advances in echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, cardiac computed tomography, invasive angiography, 3-dimensional modeling, and digital twin technology. The paper also highlights the integration of artificial intelligence with imaging technology. While some techniques are in their infancy and need further refinement, others have found their way into clinical workflow at well-resourced centers. Studies to evaluate the clinical value and cost-effectiveness of these techniques are needed. For techniques that enhance the value of care for congenital heart disease patients, resources will need to be allocated for education and training to promote widespread implementation.

Aortic arch shape after arch repair predicts exercise capacity: a multicentre analysis.

Aims: Coarctation of the aorta is associated with long-term morbidity including decreased exercise capacity, despite successful repair. In the absence of discrete recoarctation, the haemodynamic mechanism remains unknown. This multicentre study evaluated the relationship between aorta shape, flow, and exercise capacity in patients after arch repair, specifically through the lens of aortic size mismatch and descending aortic (DAo) flow and their association with exercise. Methods and results: Cardiac magnetic resonance, cardiopulmonary exercise test, and echocardiogram data within 1 year were analysed from 58 patients (age 28 ± 10 years, 48% male) across four centres with history of isolated arch repair. Aortic arch measurements were correlated with % predicted VO2max with subgroup analyses of those with residual arch obstruction, bicuspid aortic valve, and hypertension. Ascending aorta (AAo) to DAo diameter ratio (DAAo/DDAo) was negatively correlated with % predicted VO2max. %DAo flow positively correlated with VO2max. Sub-analyses demonstrated that the negative correlation of DAAo/DDAo with VO2max was maintained only in patients without arch obstruction and with a bicuspid aortic valve. Smaller aortic arch measurements were associated with both hypertension and exercise-induced hypertension. Conclusion: Aorta size mismatch, due to AAo dilation or small DAo, and associated decreased %DAo flow, correlated significantly with decreased exercise capacity after aortic arch repair. These correlations were stronger in patients without arch obstruction and with a bicuspid aortic valve. Aorta size mismatch and %DAo flow capture multiple mechanisms of altered haemodynamics beyond blood pressure gradient or discrete obstruction and can inform the definition of a successful repair.

Cardiac magnetic resonance haemodynamics in paediatric heart transplant patients: fick oximetry versus cardiac magnetic resonance phase contrast.

BACKGROUND: Lifetime radiation exposure for paediatric orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) patients is significant with cardiac catheterisation as the dominant source. Interventional cardiac magnetic resonance is utilised to obtain simultaneous, radiation-free haemodynamics and flow/function measurements. We sought to compare invasive haemodynamic measurements and radiation exposure in traditional cardiac catheterisation, to comprehensive interventional cardiac magnetic resonance. METHODS: Twenty-eight OHT patients who underwent 67 interventional cardiac magnetic resonance procedures at Children's National Hospital were identified. Both invasive oximetry with peripheral oxygen saturation (Fick) and cardiac magnetic resonance phase contrast measurements of pulmonary and systemic blood flow were performed. Systemic and pulmonary blood flow from the two modalities was compared using Bland-Altman, concordance analysis, and inter-reader correlation. A mixed model was implemented to account for confounding variables and repeat encounters. Radiation dosage data were collected for a contemporaneous cohort of orthotopic heart transplant patients undergoing standard, X-ray-guided catheterisation. RESULTS: Simultaneous cardiac magnetic resonance and Fick have poor agreement in our study based on Lin's correlation coefficient of 0.68 and 0.73 for pulmonary and systemic blood flow, respectively. Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated a consistent over estimation of cardiac magnetic resonance cardiac output by Fick. The average indexed dose area product for patients undergoing haemodynamics with endomyocardial biopsy was 0.73 (SD ±0.6) Gy*m2/kg. With coronary angiography added, the indexed dose area product was 14.6 (SD ± 7.8) Gy*m2/kg. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac magnetic resonancemeasurements of cardiac output/index in paediatric orthotopic heart transplant patients have poor concordance with Fick estimates; however, cardiac magnetic resonance has good internal validity and inter-reader reliability. Radiation doses are small for haemodynamics with biopsy and increase exponentially with angiography, identifying a new target for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Accuracy of free-breathing multi-parametric SASHA in identifying T1 and T2 elevations in pediatric orthotopic heart transplant patients.

T1/T2 parametric mapping may reveal patterns of elevation ("hotspots") in myocardial diseases, such as rejection in orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) patients. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of free-breathing (FB) multi-parametric SAturation recovery single-SHot Acquisition (mSASHA) T1/T2 mapping in identifying hotspots present on conventional Breath-held Modified Look-Locker Inversion recovery (BH MOLLI) T1 and T2-prepared balanced steady-state free-precession (BH T2p-bSSFP) maps in pediatric OHT patients. Pediatric OHT patients underwent noncontrast 1.5T CMR with BH MOLLI T1 and T2p-bSSFP and prototype FB mSASHA T1/T2 mapping in 8 short-axis slices. FB and BH T1/T2 hotspots were segmented using semi-automated thresholding (ITK-SNAP) and their 3D coordinate locations were collected (3-Matic, Materialise, Leuven, Belgium). Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis and measures of central tendency were utilized. 40 imaging datasets from 23 pediatric OHT patients were obtained. FB mSASHA yielded a sensitivity of 82.8% for T1 and 80% for T2 maps when compared to the standard BH MOLLI, as well as 100% specificity for both T1 and T2 maps. When identified on both FB and BH maps, hotspots overlapped in all cases, with an average long axis offset between FB and BH hotspot centers of 5.8 mm (IQR 3.5-8.2) on T1 and 5.9 mm (IQR 3.5-8.2) on T2 maps. FB mSASHA T1/T2 maps can identify hotspots present on conventional BH T1/T2 maps in pediatric patients with OHT, with high sensitivity, specificity, and overlap in 3D space. Free-breathing mapping may improve patient comfort and facilitate OHT assessment in younger patient populations.

Congenital Heart Disease Illustrated: Use of Cross-sectional Imaging in Pediatric Cardiology.

In the modern era of cardiac imaging, there is increasing use of cardiac computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance for visualization of congenital heart disease (CHD). Advanced visualization techniques such as virtual dissection, 3-dimensional modeling, and 4-dimensional flow are also commonly used in clinical practice. This review highlights such methods in five common forms of CHD, including double outlet right ventricle, common arterial trunk, sinus venosus defects, Tetralogy of Fallot variants, and heterotaxy, providing visualizations of pathology in both conventional and novel formats.

Right hepatic artery anomalies in pancreatoduodenectomy-a risk for arterial resection but not for postoperative outcomes.

Background: Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is a complex surgical procedure known for its significant morbidity rates, and the presence of an aberrant hepatic artery (AHA) introduces additional challenges. The impact of AHA on post-PD outcomes has been a subject of conflicting findings in the medical literature. This study aimed to investigate how variations in hepatic arterial anatomy influence intra-operative variables and postoperative morbidity. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 113 PD cases. Patients with variant hepatic arterial anatomy (n=38) were categorized as Group 1, while those without vascular abnormalities comprised Group 2. Perioperative and postoperative outcomes were examined. Results: Patients in Groups 1 and 2 exhibited similar characteristics, and no notable differences in surgical complications were observed. There was, however, a noticeable trend towards a higher incidence of postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) in Group 1 (31.6% vs. 20.0%; P=0.17). Furthermore, a statistically significant increase in the rate of arterial resections was noted in patients with vascular anomalies (10.5% vs. 1.33%; P=0.02). Conclusions: The prevalence of vascular abnormalities in the hepatic arterial circulation is more frequent than initially anticipated. These anomalies present additional complexities to the already intricate PD procedure, leading to a heightened necessity for arterial resection, albeit without any discernible impact on postoperative complications.

Bipolar Disorder in Social Media: An Examination of Instagram's Role in Disseminating Accurate Information.

Introduction Bipolar disorder is a chronic and recurring condition marked by fluctuations in both energy and mood that can be debilitating to individuals without treatment. While physicians clinically diagnose the condition, patients frequently seek information from alternate channels. Social media platforms, such as Instagram, have facilitated more convenient access to supplementary information about bipolar disorder. Nevertheless, there is apprehension regarding the accuracy of publicly disseminated information through these platforms. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy and dependability of information about Bipolar disorder found on the social media platform, Instagram. Methodology A cross-sectional observational study was conducted by gathering data from Instagram posts linked with popular bipolar disorder hashtags. To evaluate the credibility of the chosen entries, numerical ratings were assigned to each post using the established measurement scales of the Global Quality Score and Reliability Score. Results After analyzing 196 Instagram entries about Bipolar Disorder that fulfilled inclusion criteria, the study revealed that 70.4% (n=138) of these posts were shared by individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Among the content posted by these individuals, a statistically significant global quality score of 2 and a reliability score of 1 were observed. Conclusions Verified medical information of superior global quality should be shared on social media platforms by accountable parties. Individuals with further inquiries about medical knowledge should be advised to reach out to local physicians.

Virtual Planning and Patient-Specific Graft Design for Aortic Repairs.

PURPOSE: Patients presenting with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) may also suffer from co-existing transverse arch hypoplasia (TAH). Depending on the risks associated with the surgery and the severity of TAH, clinicians may decide to repair only CoA, and monitor the TAH to see if it improves as the patient grows. While acutely successful, eventually hemodynamics may become suboptimal if TAH is left untreated. The objective of this work aims to develop a patient-specific surgical planning framework for predicting and assessing postoperative outcomes of simple CoA repair and comprehensive repair of CoA and TAH. METHODS: The surgical planning framework consisted of virtual clamp placement, stenosis resection, and design and optimization of patient-specific aortic grafts that involved geometrical modeling of the graft and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation for evaluating various surgical plans. Time-dependent CFD simulations were performed using Windkessel boundary conditions at the outlets that were obtained from patient-specific non-invasive pressure and flow data to predict hemodynamics before and after the virtual repairs. We applied the proposed framework to investigate optimal repairs for six patients (n = 6) diagnosed with both CoA and TAH. Design optimization was performed by creating a combination of a tubular graft and a waterslide patch to reconstruct the aortic arch. The surfaces of the designed graft were parameterized to optimize the shape. RESULTS: Peak systolic pressure drop (PSPD) and time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) were used as performance metrics to evaluate surgical outcomes of various graft designs and implantation. The average PSPD improvements were 28% and 44% after the isolated CoA repair and comprehensive repair, respectively. Maximum values of TAWSS were decreased by 60% after CoA repair and further improved by 22% after the comprehensive repair. The oscillatory shear index was calculated and the values were confirmed to be in the normal range after the repairs. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the comprehensive repair outperforms the simple CoA repair and may be more advantageous in the long term in some patients. We demonstrated that the surgical planning and patient-specific flow simulations could potentially affect the selection and outcomes of aorta repairs.

A phantom for targeted endomyocardial biopsy training.

Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) of the right ventricular (RV) septal surface during cardiac catheterization is the standard method to assess cardiac allograft rejection, heart failure, or inflammatory cardiomyopathies. We developed methodology using a three-dimensional (3D) printed phantom to provide proof of concept for using biplane overlay technology for targeted EMB. A standard bioptome and steerable sheath were used to discern feasibility of biopsy for seven regions of the RV septum guided by 3D overlay. This novel biopsy phantom can help train operators in biopsy techniques, and biplane overlay technology has the potential to advance targeted EMB in transplant and cardiomyopathy populations.

Copper and Zinc Metal-Organic Frameworks with Bipyrazole Linkers Display Strong Antibacterial Activity against Both Gram+ and Gram- Bacterial Strains.

Here, we report a new synthetic protocol based on microwave-assisted synthesis (MAS) for the preparation of higher yields of zinc and copper in MOFs based on different bis(pyrazolyl)-tagged ligands ([M(BPZ)]n where M = Zn(II), Cu(II), H2BPZ = 4,4'-bipyrazole, [M(BPZ-NH2)]n where M = Zn(II), Cu(II); H2BPZ-NH2 = 3-amino-4,4'-bipyrazole, and [Mx(Me4BPZPh)] where M = Zn(II), x = 1; Cu(II), x = 2; H2Me4BPZPh = bis-4'-(3',5'-dimethyl)-pyrazolylbenzene) and, for the first time, a detailed study of their antibacterial activity, tested against Gram-negative (E. coli) and Gram-positive (S. aureus) bacteria, as representative agents of infections. The results show that all MOFs exert a broad-spectrum activity and strong efficiency in bacterial growth inhibition, with a mechanism of action based on the surface contact of MOF particles with bacterial cells through the so-called "chelation effect" and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, without a significant release of Zn(II) and Cu(II) ions. In addition, morphological changes were elucidated by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and bacterial cell damage was further confirmed by a confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) test.

The convergent cavopulmonary connection: A novel and efficient configuration of Fontan to accommodate mechanical support.

Objective: The current total cavopulmonary connection Fontan has competing inflows and outflows, creating hemodynamic inefficiencies that contribute to Fontan failure and complicate placement and efficiency of mechanical circulatory support. We propose a novel convergent cavopulmonary connection (CCPC) Fontan design to create a single, converged venous outflow to the pulmonary arteries, thus increasing efficiency and mechanical circulatory support access. We then evaluate the feasibility and hemodynamic performance of the CCPC in various patient sizes using computational fluid dynamic assessments of computer-aided designs. Methods: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging data from 12 patients with single ventricle (10 total cavopulmonary connection, 2 Glenn) physiology (body surface area, 0.5-2.0 m2) were segmented to create 3-dimensional replicas of all thoracic structures. Surgically feasible CCPC shapes within constraints of anatomy were created using iterative computational fluid dynamic and clinician input. Designs varied based on superior and inferior vena cava conduit sizes, coronal attachment height, coronal entry angle, and axial entry angle of the superior vena cava to the inferior vena cava. CCPC designs were optimized based on efficiency (indexed power loss), risk of arteriovenous malformations (hepatic flow distribution), and risk of flow stasis (% nonphysiologic wall shear stress). Results: All CCPC designs met hemodynamic performance thresholds for indexed power loss and hepatic flow distribution. CCPC designs showed improvements in reducing % nonphysiologic wall shear stress and balancing HFD. Conclusions: CCPC is physiologically and surgically feasible in various patient sizes using validated computational fluid dynamic models. CCPC configuration has analogous indexed power loss, hepatic flow distribution, and % nonphysiologic wall shear stress compared with total cavopulmonary connection, and the single inflow and outflow may ease mechanical circulatory support therapies. Further studies are required for design optimization and mechanical circulatory support institution.