Ventricular Failure (ventricular + failure)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Kinds of Ventricular Failure

  • right ventricular failure


  • Selected Abstracts


    Successful Transition From Intravenous to Inhaled Prostacyclin in a Patient With Pulmonary Hypertension and Right Ventricular Failure

    CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, Issue 5 2008
    Madhavi T. Reddy MD
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    Assessment of a New Experimental Model of Isolated Right Ventricular Failure

    ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 3 2010
    Mahmood Ahmad MD
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    Extracorporeal Life Support: A Simple and Effective Weapon for Postcardiotomy Right Ventricular Failure

    ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 7 2009
    Kuo-Sheng Liu
    Abstract Postcardiotomy right ventricular (RV) failure develops during the perioperative period following pulmonary hypertensive crisis or acute myocardial infarction. This study reports our institutional experience in treating these patients with extracorporeal life support (ECLS). Between June 2002 and July 2005, 46 adults were treated with ECLS for postcardiotomy shock. Acute RV failure was the cause of support in 14 (30%). Patient mean age was 55.7 ± 15.4 years. Cardiac pathologies were valvular (n = 7), coronary (n = 1), combined coronary and valvular disease (n = 2), complex congenital heart (n = 2), aortic aneurysm (n = 1), and cardiomyopathy post heart transplant (n = 1). The triggers of RV failure were pulmonary hypertension (n = 6), RV infarction (n = 4), and not defined (n = 4). Patients were supported on ECLS for a mean duration of 71 ± 52 h (range, 10,183 h). Major complications included acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis (n = 4), reexploration for bleeding (n = 2), and acute subdural hematoma (n = 1). Nine (64%) patients were successfully weaned from ECLS, and seven (50%) survived to discharge. Preexisting pulmonary hypertension had a favorable tendency for weaning, and acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis correlated with in-hospital mortality. ECLS is beneficial for treating postcardiotomy RV failure when conventional therapy is exhausted. As it can be deployed rapidly and does not require resternotomy for weaning, ECLS could be regarded as the first choice of mechanical support for postcardiotomy RV failure. [source]


    Assessment of a New Experimental Model of Isolated Right Ventricular Failure

    ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 3 2009
    Petronio G. Thomaz
    Abstract We assessed a new experimental model of isolated right ventricular (RV) failure, achieved by means of intramyocardial injection of ethanol. RV dysfunction was induced in 13 mongrel dogs via multiple injections of 96% ethanol (total dose 1 mL/kg), all over the inlet and trabecular RV free walls. Hemodynamic and metabolic parameters were evaluated at baseline, after ethanol injection, and on the 14th postoperative day (POD). Echocardiographic parameters were evaluated at baseline, on the sixth POD, and on the 13th POD. The animals were then euthanized for histopathological analysis of the hearts. There was a 15.4% mortality rate. We noticed a decrease in pulmonary blood flow right after RV failure (P = 0.0018), as well as during reoperation on the 14th POD (P = 0.002). The induced RV dysfunction caused an increase in venous lactate levels immediately after ethanol injection and on the 14th POD (P < 0.0003). The echocardiogram revealed a decrease in the RV ejection fraction on the sixth and 13th PODs (P = 0.0001). There was an increased RV end-diastolic volume on the sixth (P = 0.0001) and 13th PODs (P = 0.0084). The right ventricle showed a 74% ± 0.06% transmural infarction area, with necrotic lesions aged 14 days. Intramyocardial ethanol injection has allowed the creation of a reproducible and inexpensive model of RV failure. The hemodynamic, metabolic, and echocardiographic parameters assessed at different protocol times are compatible with severe RV failure. This model may be useful in understanding the pathophysiology of isolated right-sided heart failure, as well as in the assessment of ventricular assist devices. [source]


    The effect of diabetes on heart rate and other determinants of myocardial oxygen demand in acute coronary syndromes

    DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 9 2004
    K. Foo
    Abstract Aims To compare major determinants of myocardial oxygen demand (heart rate, blood pressure and rate pressure product) in patients with and without diabetes admitted with acute coronary syndromes. Methods A cross-sectional study of the relation between diabetes and haemodynamic indices of myocardial oxygen demand in 2542 patients with acute coronary syndromes, of whom 1041 (41.0%) had acute myocardial infarction and 1501 (59.0%) unstable angina. Results Of the 2542 patients, 701 (27.6%) had diabetes. Major haemodynamic determinants of myocardial oxygen demand were higher in patients with than without diabetes: heart rate 80.0 ± 20.4 vs. 75.2 ± 19.2 beats/minute (P < 0.0001); systolic blood pressure 147.3 ± 30.3 vs. 143.2 ± 28.5 mmHg (P = 0.002); rate-pressure product 11533 ± 4198 vs. 10541 ± 3689 beats/minute × mmHg (P < 0.0001). Multiple regression analysis confirmed diabetes as a significant determinant of presenting heart rate [multiplicative coefficient (MC) 1.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03,1.07; P < 0.0001], rate pressure product (MC 1.09; CI 1.05,1.12; P < 0.0001) and systolic blood pressure, which was estimated to be 3.9 mmHg higher than in patients without diabetes (P = 0.003). These effects of diabetes were independent of a range of baseline variables including acute left ventricular failure and mode of presentation (unstable angina or myocardial infarction). Conclusions In acute coronary syndromes, heart rarte and other determinants of myocardial oxygen demand are higher in patients with than without diabetes, providing a potential contributory mechanism of exaggerated regional ischaemia in this high-risk group. [source]


    Long-Term Results of Heart Transplantation for End-Stage Valvular Heart Disease

    JOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 5 2009
    D.Sc., F.I.C.S., M.P.H., M.Sc., Ph.D., Yanto Sandy Tjang M.D.
    However, the outcomes of heart transplantation for patients with end-stage valvular heart disease are less well reported. This is a substantial group of patients, many of whom have had previous cardiac surgery. They therefore may be considered a subgroup with a poor prognosis. This study reports on the outcomes of heart transplantation for patients with end-stage valvular heart disease. Patients and methods: From March 1989 to December 2004, 75 consecutive adult heart transplantations were performed for end-stage valvular heart disease. Clinical characteristics were retrieved from a computerized database. Results: The early mortality risk in heart transplantation for end-stage valvular heart disease was 13%, compared to 8% for other indications (p = 0.12). The main causes of early death were rejection (20%) and right ventricular failure (20%). The total follow-up time was 415 patient-years. During the follow-up, another 23 patients died (55/1000 patient-years of late mortality rate), mostly due to infection (43%) and multiorgan failure (22%). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that increased waiting time to heart transplantation correlated with increased survival (HR = 0.998, p = 0.04). The survival at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years was 70%, 64%, 56%, and 46% compared to 78%, 68%, 53%, and 41% for other indications, respectively (p = 0.5). Conclusion: The outcomes of heart transplantation for patients with end-stage valvular heart disease are similar to those for other patients. Apparently, the longer the waiting time to heart transplantation the better the outcome becomes. [source]


    Current treatment strategies for pulmonary arterial hypertension

    JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2005
    S. H. LEE
    Abstract., Lee SH, Rubin LJ (University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA). Current treatment strategies for pulmonary arterial hypertension (Review). J Intern Med 2005; 258: 199,215. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease characterized by an elevation in pulmonary artery pressure that can lead to right ventricular failure and death. Although there is no cure for PAH, newer medical therapies have been shown to improve a variety of clinically relevant end-points including survival, exercise tolerance, functional class, haemodynamics, echocardiographic parameters and quality of life measures. Since the introduction of continuous intravenous prostacyclin, the treatment armamentarium of approved drugs for PAH has expanded to include prostacyclin analogues with differing routes of administration, a dual endothelin receptor antagonist, and a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor. Selective endothelin-A receptor antagonists have shown promise in clinical trials and are likely to be added to the list of options. As the number of medications available for PAH continues to increase, treatment decisions regarding first-line therapy, combination treatments, and add-on strategies are becoming more complex. This article reviews the current treatments strategies for PAH and provides guidelines for its management. [source]


    B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal-proBNP for heart failure diagnosis in shock or acute respiratory distress

    ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2006
    L. Bal
    Background:, Plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) assay is recommended as a diagnostic tool in emergency-room patients with acute dyspnea. In the intensive care unit (ICU), the utility of this peptide remains a matter of debate. The objectives of this study were to determine whether cut-off values for BNP and N-terminal-proBNP (NT-proBNP) reliably diagnosed right and/or left ventricular failure in patients with shock or acute respiratory distress, and whether non-cardiac factors led to an increase in these markers. Methods:, Plasma BNP and NT-proBNP levels and echocardiographic parameters of cardiac dysfunction were determined in 41 patients within 24 h of the onset of shock or acute respiratory distress. Results:, BNP and NT-proBNP levels were higher in the 25 patients with heart failure than in the other 16 patients: 491.7 ± 418 pg/ml vs. 144.3 ± 128 pg/ml and 2874.4 ± 2929 pg/ml vs. 762.7 ± 1128 pg/ml, respectively (P < 0.05). In the diagnosis of cardiac dysfunction, BNP > 221 pg/ml and NT-proBNP > 443 pg/ml had 68% and 84% sensitivity, respectively, and 88% and 75% specificity, respectively, but there was a substantial overlap of BNP and NT-proBNP values between patients with and without heart failure. BNP and NT-proBNP were elevated, but not significantly, in patients with isolated right ventricular dysfunction. Patients with renal dysfunction and normal heart function had significantly higher levels of BNP (258.6 ± 144 pg/ml vs. 92.4 ± 84 pg/ml) and NT-proBNP (2049 ± 1320 pg/ml vs. 118 ± 104 pg/ml) than patients without renal dysfunction. Conclusion:, Both BNP and NT-proBNP can help in the diagnosis of cardiac dysfunction in ICU patients, but cannot replace echocardiography. An elevated BNP or NT-proBNP level merely indicates the presence of a ,cardiorenal distress' and should prompt further investigation. [source]


    Randomized Study of Early Intravenous Esmolol Versus Oral Beta-Blockers in Preventing Post-CABG Atrial Fibrillation in High Risk Patients Identified by Signal-Averaged ECG: Results of a Pilot Study

    ANNALS OF NONINVASIVE ELECTROCARDIOLOGY, Issue 2 2002
    Nomeda Balcetyte-Harris M.D.
    Background: Patients with prolonged signal-averaged ECG have four times higher risk for development of atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Incidence of AF is reduced, but not eliminated by prophylaxis with beta-blockers. The limitations of prophylaxis with oral beta-blockers may be related to the delayed effect of oral therapy. We performed a pilot study of the efficacy of early intravenous esmolol and an oral beta-blocker regimen for prevention of postoperative AF. Methods: Fifty patients referred for CABG and considered to be at high risk for postoperative AF on the basis of prolonged signal-averaged ECG P wave duration > 140 ms were randomized to receive either a 24-hour infusion of esmolol 6,18 hours after CABG, at an average dose 67 ± 7 ,/kg/min, followed by oral beta-blockers versus oral beta-blockers only beginning on postoperative day 1. Results: Seven of 27 patients (26%) in the esmolol group and 6 of 23 patients (26%) in the oral beta-blocker group developed postoperative AF, P = NS. The mean time of onset of AF (2.7 ± 0.5 vs 2.7 ± 0.3 postoperative day, P = NS) and the median duration of AF (10 [2192] vs 7 [1.16] hours, P = NS) were similar between the two groups. Eleven (41%) patients treated with esmolol developed adverse events (hypotension: 8, bradycardia requiring temporary pacing: 2, left ventricular failure:1 patient) as compared to only one patient (4%) in the beta-blocker group who developed hypotension, P = 0.006. Conclusions: This randomized controlled pilot study suggests that intravenous esmolol is less well tolerated and offers no advantages to standard beta-blocker in preventing AF after CABG. A.N.E. 2002;7(2):86,91 [source]


    Risk for Contrast Nephropathy in Patients Undergoing Coronarography

    ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 6 2010
    Gaetano La Manna
    Abstract Among the causes of in-hospital acute renal failure, contrast-induced nephropathy ranks third in prevalence. Although it represents a condition of renal impairment with spontaneous recovery, contrast nephropathy should always be considered, because it prolongs hospitalization and it may become a severe complication requiring dialysis. The purposes of this study are: (i) to determine if the application of the most effective contrast-induced nephropathy prevention strategies in the Cardiology Intensive Care Unit can prove to be successful in reducing nephropathy risk; and (ii) to identify which of the involved risk factors persist after the preventive treatment. We examined the patients who had a coronarography at the Bentivoglio hospital from April 2007 to April 2008 who required at least 3 days of permanence in hospital due to the presence of potential risk factors; 136 out of 784 patients were included. Among the selected patients, 21 (15.44%) developed a renal impairment compatible with contrast-induced nephropathy. The risk factors that seemed to display the best correlation with risk of contrast nephropathy were advanced age and an ventricular failure (ejection fraction <40%); however, the critical condition did not appear to be due to a single risk factor, but it resulted from the association of more contextual risk factors. Particularly, the concomitant presence of ventricular failure, anemia, diabetes, previous myocardial infarction and advanced age (>70 years) determined a threefold increased risk of contrast nephropathy. Our data suggest that the development of contrast nephropathy following coronarography is associated with worse renal function during hospitalization and at discharge. [source]


    Low-Cost Pulsatile Cardiac Assist Device With Compliant Input Chamber

    ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 2 2010
    Juan Del Cañizo
    Abstract We propose a new, low-cost pulsatile ventricular assist device (VAD) for short-term applications. The new device could prove very useful in emergency ventricular failure in which patient survival is not assured. In these cases, the device allows ventricular function to be maintained as the patient's situation is evaluated and a decision is made on whether to perform a heart transplant or to replace the device with a long-term VAD. The device has a pneumatic tubular blood chamber, clip valves over the cannulae, and a compliant input chamber that improves filling of the pump. Clip valves and all other functions of the device are controlled by means of a computerized console. The use of clip valves reduces the cost of the disposable part of the device. [source]


    Experience With the Levitronix CentriMag in the Pediatric Population as a Bridge to Decision and Recovery

    ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 11 2009
    Peter C. Kouretas
    Abstract Short-term mechanical circulatory support in the pediatric population with acute cardiac failure has traditionally been limited to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation given the limited availability of pediatric-sized pumps. The Levitronix CentriMag system (Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, CA, USA) offers expanded options for short-term support for this population. We report our experience with the successful use of the CentriMag in the pediatric population as a bridge to decision after postcardiotomy ventricular failure and as a bridge to recovery after heart transplantation. The first patient was bridged to a long-term HeartMate II (Thoratec Corporation) as a bridge to potential recovery. The second patient was supported after severe graft failure post heart transplantation, with a full recovery. The Levitronix CentriMag has proven to be a versatile, safe, and effective short-term circulatory support system for our pediatric patients. [source]


    Long-term Management of an Implantable Left Ventricular Assist Device Using Low Molecular Weight Heparin and Antiplatelet Therapy: A Possible Alternative to Oral Anticoagulants

    ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 5 2007
    Bart Meuris
    Abstract:, Between January 2004 and December 2005, out of 14 patients with decompensated heart failure who were treated with an INCOR left ventricular assist device (Berlin Heart AG, Berlin, Germany), 10 patients were kept on a long-term regime of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and antiplatelet therapy. The treatment objective was bridge-to-transplantation. All patients received LMWH in therapeutic doses according to body weight, in combination with daily aspirin 160 mg, clopidogrel 75 mg, and three times dipyridamole 75 mg. Effectiveness of the low molecular weight regime was monitored through measurement of antifactor Xa activity (base and peak levels). Antiplatelet therapy was monitored through weekly platelet function tests. Within this group of 10 patients, six patients successfully received transplants and four patients died, the latest death after 405 days of INCOR support. Causes of death were sepsis, intestinal hemorrhage, acute right ventricular failure, and one major stroke. Long-term management of INCOR assist devices using a combination of LMWH and antiplatelet therapy is feasible. This treatment strategy can serve as an alternative to oral anticoagulants. [source]


    Causes of death in sickle cell disease: an autopsy study

    BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2003
    Elizabeth A. Manci
    Summary. More precise analysis of causes of death is needed to focus research efforts and improve morbidity and mortality in sickle cell disease. In this study, the morphological evidence of the cause of death was studied in 306 autopsies of sickle cell disease, which were accrued between 1929 and 1996. The most common cause of death for all sickle variants and for all age groups was infection (33,48%). The terminal infection was heralded by upper respiratory tract syndromes in 72·6% and by gastroenteritis in 13·7%. The most frequent portal of entry in children was the respiratory tract but, in adults, a site of severe chronic organ injury. Other causes of death included stroke 9·8%, therapy complications 7·0%, splenic sequestration 6·6%, pulmonary emboli/thrombi 4·9%, renal failure 4·1%, pulmonary hypertension 2·9%, hepatic failure 0·8%, massive haemolysis/red cell aplasia 0·4% and left ventricular failure 0·4%. Death was frequently sudden and unexpected (40·8%) or occurred within 24 h after presentation (28·4%), and was usually associated with acute events (63·3%). This study shows that the first 24 h after presentation for medical care is an especially perilous time for patients with sickle cell disease and an acute event. Close monitoring and prompt aggressive treatment are warranted. [source]


    Left main coronary artery compression from pulmonary artery enlargement due to pulmonary hypertension: A contemporary review and argument for percutaneous revascularization,

    CATHETERIZATION AND CARDIOVASCULAR INTERVENTIONS, Issue 4 2010
    Michael S. Lee MD
    Abstract Extrinsic compression of the left main coronary artery by an enlarged pulmonary artery is an increasingly recognized and potentially reversible cause of angina and left ventricular dysfunction in patients with pulmonary hypertension. The diagnosis of extrinsic left main coronary artery compression requires a high index of suspicion and should be considered in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension who experience angina. Coronary angiography with intravascular ultrasound is the gold standard for diagnosis of this condition, though cardiac computed tomography and magnetic resonance angiography allow for noninvasive means of screening. The optimal treatment is debatable, but percutaneous coronary intervention appears to be a feasible, safe, and effective treatment option for patients with extrinsic compression of the left main coronary artery from pulmonary artery enlargement. Given the high risk of postoperative right ventricular failure and mortality observed with surgical revascularization in these patients, we recommend that physicians recognize percutaneous coronary intervention as the preferred revascularization strategy for selected patients with extrinsic compression of the left main coronary artery due to pulmonary hypertension. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Acute left ventricular failure after large volume pericardiocentesis

    CLINICAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 12 2003
    A. Chamoun M.D.
    Abstract This paper reports on two cases of large volume pericardiocentesis followed by transient severe acute left ventricular (LV) systolic failure in the absence of any prior history of LV dysfunction. Acute LV volume overload due to inter-ventricular volume mismatch is believed by most authors to be the cause for this phenomenon. Another plausible physiopathologic explanation is the acute increase in "wall stress" (Laplace's law) due to acute distention of the cardiac chambers secondary to a sudden increase in venous return at high filling pressures, combined with a "vacuum" effect of the evacuated pericardial space. [source]


    Rest and exercise hemodynamics before and after valve replacement-A combined doppler/catheter study

    CLINICAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 1 2000
    G. Inselmann M.D.
    Abstract Background: Hemodynamic improvement is a common finding following valve replacement. However, despite a normally functioning prosthesis and normal left ventricular ejection fraction, some patients may show an abnormal hemodynamic response to exercise. Methods: In a combined catheter/Doppler study, rest and exercise hemodynamics were evaluated in 23 patients following aortic (n = 12) (Group 1) or mitral valve (n = 11) (Group 2) replacement and compared with preoperative findings. Patient selection was based on absence of coronary artery disease and left ventricular failure as shown by preoperative angiography. Cardiac output, pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary pressure, and pulmonary resistance were measured by right heart catheterization, whereas the gradient across the valve prosthesis was determined by Doppler echocardiography. Postoperative evaluation was done at rest and during exercise. The mean follow-up was 8.2 ± 2.2 years in Group 1 and 4.2 ± 1 years in Group 2. Results: With exercise, there was a significant rise in cardiac output in both groups. In Group 1, mean pulmonary pressure/capillary pressure decreased from 24 ± 9/18 ± 9 mmHg preoperatively to 18 ± 2/12 ± 4 mmHg postoperatively (p < 0.05), and increased to 43 ± 12/30 ± 8 mmHg with exercise (p < 0.05). The corresponding values for Group 2 were 36 ± 12/24 ± 6 mmHg preoperatively, 24 ± 7/17 ± 6 mmHg postoperatively (p < 0.05), and 51 ± 2/38 ± 4 mmHg with exercise (p < 0.05). Pulmonary vascular resistance was 109 ± 56 dyne·s·cm -5 preoperatively, 70 ± 39 dyne·s·cm -5 postoperatively (p < 0.05), and 70 ± 36 dyne·s·cm -5 with exercise in Group 1. The corresponding values for Group 2 were 241 ± 155 dyne·s·cm -5, 116 ± 39 dyne·s·cm -5 (p < 0.05), and 104 ± 47 dyne·s·cm -5. There was a significant increase in the gradients across the valve prosthesis in both groups, showing a significant correlation between the gradient at rest and exercise. No correlation was found between valve prosthesis gradient and pulmonary pressures. Conclusion: Exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension and abnormal left ventricular filling pressures seem to be a frequent finding following aortic or mitral valve replacement. Both hemodynamic abnormalities seem not to be determined by obstruction to flow across the valve prosthesis and may be concealed, showing nearly normal values at rest but a pathologic response to physical stress. [source]