Simultaneous ramp right heart catheterization and echocardiography in a Reliant Heart left ventricular assist device

Many clinicians caring for patients with continuous flow left ventricular assist devices(CF-LVAD) use ramp right heart catheterization(RHC) studies to optimize pump speed and also to troubleshoot CF-LVAD malfunction. An investigational device,the Reliant Heart Heart Assist 5(Houston,TX),provides the added benefit of an ultrasonic flow probe on the outflow graft that directly measures flow through the CF-LVAD. We performed a simultaneous ramp RHC and echocardiogram on a patient who received the above CF-LVAD to optimize pump parameters and investigate elevated flow through the CF-LVAD as measured by the flow probe. We found that the patient's hemodynamics were optimized at their baseline pump speed,and that the measured cardiac output via the Fick principle was lower than that measured by the flow probe. Right heart catheterization may be useful to investigate discrepancies between flow measured by a CF-LVAD and a patient's clinical presentation,particularly in investigational devices where little clinical experience exists. More data is needed to elucidate the correlation between the flow measured by an ultrasonic probe and cardiac output as measured by RHC.

Early Cardiac Catheterizations within 30 Days Post Congenital Heart Surgery in Children

Background:This study set out to assess the indications,feasibility,safety,and outcome of early cardiac catheterizations(CC)within 30 days after congenital heart surgery(CHS)in children.Methods and Results:This is a retrospective,single-center case review study of all CC within 30 days after CHS between 1/2010-12/2020.A total of 317(138 diagnostic,179 interventional)CC were performed in 245 patients at a median of 4 days(IQR 13)after CHS.The median age was 3 months(IQR 6),and body weight was 5 kg(IQR 4).A total of 194(61.2%)CC were performed in patients with univentricular hearts.CC revealed significant pathologies leading to early redo-surgery in 37 patients(12%).The transcatheter interventions primarily were needed in patients after cavo-pulmonary connection(n=69%,21.8%),right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit(n=39%,12.3%),and Norwood-I surgery(n=34%,10.7%)presenting with hypoxemia,prolonged postoperative course,and suspected arterial stenosis on echocardiography.The clinical impact of an early postoperative transcatheter intervention for the following clinical course was high in most cases.There were nine(2.8%)major and 20(6.3%)minor intra-procedural complications.Risk factor analysis revealed no difference for the occurrence of complications for patients’age,weight,and time from initial CHS,underlying uni-vs.biventricular heart disease,or ECMO.Conclusion:Early CC within 30 days after CHS in children can be performed safely with a high diagnostic and therapeutic value.The rate of complications is low,while the therapeutic consequence is relevant.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension confirmed by right heart catheterization following COVID-19 pneumonia: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)is a disease of the arterioles resulting in an increased resistance in pulmonary circulation with associated high pressures in the pulmonary arteries,causing irreversible remodeling of the pulmonary arterial walls.Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has been associated with development of new onset PAH in the literature leading to symptoms of dyspnea,cough and fatigue that persist in spite of resolution of acute COVID-19 infection.However,the majority of these cases of COVID related PAH were diagnosed using echocardiographic data or via right heart catheterization in mechanically ventilated patients.CASE SUMMARY Our case is the first reported case of COVID related PAH diagnosed by right heart catheterization in a non-mechanically ventilated patient.Right heart catheterization has been the gold standard for diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension.Our patient had right heart catheterization four months after her initial COVID-19 infection due to persistent dyspnea.CONCLUSION This revealed new onset PAH that developed following her infection with COVID-19,an emerging sequela of the infection.

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in heart failure:untying the Gordian knot

Atrial fibrillation(AF) and heart failure(HF) are complex clinical entities that occur concomitantly in a significant population of patients, and their prevalence is rising in epidemic proportions. Traditionally, both rate and rhythm control strategies have been regarded as equivalent in the management of dysrhythmia in this AF-HF cohort with escalation of treatment largely guided by symptoms. Both disorders are involved in an elaborate pathophysiological interplay with shared cardiovascular risk factors that contribute to the development and sustenance of both AF and HF. Recent studies and continued development of evidence to support catheter ablation for AF has brought into question the traditional belief in equivalence between rate and rhythm control. Indeed, recent trials, in particular the CASTLE-AF(Catheter Ablation versus Standard Conventional Therapy in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Atrial Fibrillation) study, suggest that catheter ablation for AF improves survival and rates of hospitalisation in patients with concomitant HF and AF, threatening a paradigm shift in the management of this patient cohort. The evident mortality benefit from clinical trials suggests that catheter ablation for AF should be considered as a therapeutic intervention in all suitable patients with the AF-HF syndrome as these patients may derive the greatest benefit from restoration of sinus rhythm. Further research is needed to refine the evidence base, especially to determine which subgroup of HF patients benefit most from catheter ablation and what is the optimal timing.

Exercise Catheterization for Hemodynamic Evaluation of Adults with Coarctation of the Aorta

Background: Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is associated with a generalized arteriopathy and long-term complicationsdespite repair. Data on invasive exercise hemodynamics in this population are lacking. Accordingly, wereviewed adults with CoA undergoing exercise catheterization to assess 1. hemodynamic profile;2. feasibilityfor assessment of CoA severity. Methods: Twenty patients undergoing exercise cardiac catheterization (12 armadduction and 8 supine cycle ergometry) at a quaternary care center between 2004 and 2021 were identified. Restingand exercise hemodynamic data were abstracted from the procedure logs. Results: Mean age was 43.6 ±12.0 years. Eleven patients (55%) had resting pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP) >15 mmHg;amongthose undergoing arterial catheterization, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was >15 mmHg in 63%. Elevenpatients (55%) had pulmonary hypertension: 7 (35%) combined and 4 (20%) isolated post-capillary. At peak exercise,ΔPAWP/Δcardiac output (CO) ≥2 and Δmean pulmonary artery pressure/ΔCO ≥3 mmHg/l/min were foundin 7 (78%) and 6 (67%) patients, respectively;the composite of exercise PAWP ≥25 mmHg or ΔPAWP/ΔCO>2 was seen in 12 (86%). CoA peak-to-peak gradients at baseline (n = 14) and during exercise (n = 9) were 12(3–16) and 16 mmHg (9–28), respectively. Only 2 patients had an increase in CoA gradient to >20 mmHg withexercise. Conclusions: Diastolic dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension were highly prevalent, with exerciseunmasking abnormal diastolic and pulmonary vascular reserve in some individuals. Most patients failed to showsignificant increases in CoA peak-to-peak gradients with exercise. Further studies are warranted to establish thebest diagnostic method for CoA severity assessment.

Current Advances in Transcatheter Intervention for Children Born with Congenital Heart Defects: A Review of Literature

This review aims to sum up the improvements witnessed in the field of interventional cardiology during recent times. The last decade has witnessed significant technical advances in the field of radiological imaging and also in interventional cardiology which has helped to offer more non-invasive solutions for the management of congenital heart defects. This has resulted from the use of advanced 3-dimensional fusion imaging instead of conventional 2-dimensional angiography, applying interactive real-time enhancement and using computed tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for interventional procedures. Similarly the introduction of next generation devices, have not only improved the final outcome of the procedure but also has helped in reducing the challenges that were faced before and with the initial generation of devices. These advances have helped not only in reducing the radiation exposure, the use of contrast medium dose but also have resulted in improved early survival. The field of neonatal cardiology has advanced at an unprecedented pace. The transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus has evolved over time and now it has been made possible at much lower body weight. Similarly, early use of stents for aortic coarctation has been found effective in some patients, especially when surgical intervention had been denied. The application of the hybrid approach for the management of complex congenital heart defects has also been effectively applied. More recently transcatheter placement of the pulmonary valve has been introduced for severely stenotic and/or regurgitant pulmonary valve in adolescents and adults. It is anticipated that in near future, this procedure would be available for relatively younger patients. In conclusion: last 2 decades have improvised pediatric interventional cardiology to incorporate less invasive solutions for CHD. The current advances in radio-diagnostic imaging, gadgetry and technical expertise have improved significantly and led to manage many of such defects by trans-catheter approach. This has led also, to replace the early surgical intervention with a more subtle hybrid approach, thus reducing not only the major surgical trauma but also been found to be cost-effective due to a shorter hospital stay. But a learning curve for performers is required for optimum results and also such procedures should be performed in a fully developed facility with an optimum surgical backup.

Femoral Access with Ultrasound-Guided Puncture and Z-Stitch Hemostasis for Adults with Congenital Heart Diseases Undergoing Electrophysiological Procedures

Aims:Although the application of ultrasound-guided vascular puncture and Z-stitch hemostasis to manage femoral access has been widely utilized,there is limited data on this combined application in adult congenital heart disease(ACHD)patients undergoing electrophysiological(EP)procedures.We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided puncture and postprocedural Z-stitch hemostasis for ACHD patients under-going EP procedures.Methods and Results:The population of ACHD patients undergoing transfemoral EP pro-cedures at the University of Zurich Heart Center between January 2019 and December 2022 was observed and analyzed.During the study period,femoral access(left/right,arterial/venous)was performed under real-time ultrasound guidance.At the end of the procedure,a single Z-stitch was performed at the puncture site.We eval-uated the incidence of in-hospital complications associated with femoral access puncture in this population.Among 101 patients who had a total of 147 previous ipsilateral vascular punctures(mean 1.5 per person),100 patients underwent successful femoral vascular access for EP procedures.The median age of the patients was 47±15 years and 34(34%)were male.Z-stitches were performed after the procedure in 100 patients with 303 femoral vascular accesses(mean 3 punctures per person).No patient developed vascular puncture relevant inguinal hematoma,pseudo aneurysm,arteriovenousfistula,venous or arterial thrombosis.Conclusion:In ACHD patients undergoing EP procedures,optimal femoral access management can be achieved with ultra-sound-guided puncture and postprocedural Z-stitch hemostasis.

Congenital heart“Challenges”in Down syndrome

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Kong et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Cardiology.In this interesting case,the authors present the challenges faced in managing a 13-year-old patient with Down syndrome(DS)and congenital heart disease(CHD)associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension.In this distinct population,the Authors underscore the need for early diagnosis and management as well as the need of a multidisciplinary approach for decision making.It seems that the occurrence of CHD in patients with DS adds layers of complexity to their clinical management.This editorial aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the intricate interplay between DS and congenital heart disorders,offering insights into the nuanced diagnostic and therapeutic considerations for physicians.

Migration of distal catheter of ventriculoperitoneal shunt into heart:report of 2 cases and review of literature

Objective To discuss the mechanism,clinical features,complications,diagnosis criteria and treatment of intracardiac migration of the distal catheter of ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Methods The diagnosis criteria and treatment of 2 cases of intracardiac migration of the distal catheter of

Feasibility and safety of cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation inpatients with congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is on the rise in the aging population with congenital heart disease (CHD). A few case series have described the feasibility and early outcomes associated with radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF centered on electrically isolating pulmonary veins (PV) in patients with CHD. In contrast, cryoballoon ablation has not previously been studied in this patient population despite its theoretical advantages, which include a favorable safety profile and shorter procedural time. AIM To assess the safety and feasibility of cryoballoon ablation for AF in an initial cohort of patients with CHD. METHODS The study population consisted of consecutive patients with CHD and cryoballoon ablation for AF at the Montreal Heart Institute between December 2012 and June 2017. Procedural complications, acute success, and 1-year freedom from recurrent AF after a single procedure with or without antiarrhythmic drugs were assessed. Procedures were performed under conscious sedation. Left atrial access was obtained via a single transseptal puncture or through an existing atrial septal defect (ASD). Cryoballoon occlusion was assessed by distal injection of 50% diluted contrast into the pulmonary vein. At least one 240-second cryothermal application was performed upon obtaining complete pulmonary vein occlusion. Following ablation, patients were routinely followed at outpatient visits at 1, 3, 6, and 12 mo, and then annually. RESULTS Ten patients, median age 57.9 (interquartile range 48.2-61.7) years, 60% female, met inclusion criteria and were followed for 2.8 (interquartile range 1.4-4.5) years.Two had moderately complex CHD (sinus venosus ASD with partial anomalous pulmonary venous return;aortic coarctation with a persistent left superior vena cava), with the remainder having simple defects. AF was paroxysmal in 8 (80.0%) and persistent in 2 (20.0%) patients. The pulmonary vein anatomy was normal in 6 (60.0%) patients. Four had left common PV (n = 3) and/or 3 right PV (n = 2). Electrical pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was acutely successful in all. One patient had transient phrenic nerve palsy that recovered during the intervention. No major complication occurred. One year after a single ablation procedure, 6 (60%) patients remained free from AF. One patient with recurrent AF had recovered pulmonary vein conduction and underwent a second PVI procedure. A second patient had ablation of an extra-pulmonary vein trigger for AF. CONCLUSION Cryoballoon ablation for AF is feasible and safe in patients with simple and moderate forms of CHD, with an excellent acute success rate and modest 1-year freedom from recurrent AF.

Hemodynamic monitoring in heart failure and pulmonary hypertension: From analog tracings to the digital age

Hemodynamic monitoring has long formed the cornerstone of heart failure(HF) and pulmonary hypertension diagnosis and management. We review the long history of invasive hemodynamic monitors initially using pulmonary artery(PA) pressure catheters in the hospital setting, to evaluating the utility of a number of implantable devices that can allow for ambulatory determination of intracardiac pressures. Although the use of indwelling PA catheters has fallen out of favor in a number of settings, implantable devices have afforded clinicians an opportunity for objective determination of a patient's volume status and pulmonary pressures. Some devices, such as the CardioM EMS and thoracic impedance monitors present as part of implantable cardiac defibrillators, are supported by a body of evidence which show the potential to reduce HF related morbidity and have received regulatory approval, whereas other devices have failed to show benefit and, in some cases, harm. Clearly these devices can convey a considerable amount of information and clinicians should start to familiarize themselves with their use and expect further development and refinement in the future.

Treatment with neurohormonal inhibitors and prognostic outcome in pulmonary arterial hypertension with risk factors for left heart disease

BACKGROUND Despite major advances in pharmacologic treatment,patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)still have a considerably reduced life expectancy.In this context,chronic hyperactivity of the neurohormonal axis has been shown to be detrimental in PAH,thus providing novel insights on the role of neurohormonal blockade as a potential therapeutic target.AIM To evaluate the application and prognostic effect of neurohormonal inhibitors(NEUi)in a single-center sample of patients with idiopathic PAH and risk factors for left heart disease.METHODS We analyzed data retrospectively collected from our register of right heart catheterizations performed consecutively from January 1,2005 to October 31,2018.Patients on beta-blocker,angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor,angiotensin receptor blocker or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist at the time of right heart catheterization were classified as NEUi users and compared to NEUi nonrecipients.RESULTS Complete data were available for 57 PAH subjects:27 of those(47.4%)were taking at least one NEUi at the time of right heart catheterization and were compared with the remaining 36 NEUi non-recipients.NEUi users were older and had a higher cardiovascular risk profile compared to non-recipients.Additionally,NEUi non-users had a higher probability of dying during the course of follow-up than NEUi recipients(56.7%vs 25.9%,log-rank P=0.020).CONCLUSION The above data highlighted a subgroup of patients with PAH and comorbidities for left heart disease in which NEUi use has shown to be associated with improved survival.Future prospective studies are needed to identify the most appropriate therapeutic strategies in this subset population.

Left Radial Approach versus Right Radial Approach of Coronary Angiography in the Diagnosis of Coronary Heart Disease

Background: Transradial coronary angiography has established itself as safe alternative to transfemoral approach. Today, the artery of approach lies completely on the operator’s choice. The Right Radial Approach (RRA) has been a favorite for most of the interventional cardiologists due to the convenience in operating from the right side. The Left Radial Approach (LRA) has always been a neglected route. LRA does have many advantages over the right, the vascular anatomy being one of them. The aim of our study was to compare the right radial approach of diagnostic coronary angiography with left radial approach. Method: A total of 70 cases of Coronary Angiography (CAG) with normal Allen test and satisfying the inclusion criteria were prospectively observed and studied after randomly assigning them into two equal groups, LRA (Left Radial Approach) n = 35 and RRA (Right Radial Approach) n = 35. Multipurpose TIG (Tiger) catheter was used in both the approaches to catheterize the right as well as left coronary artery. Results: The access time, catheter manipulation time, procedure time, amount of contrast used, hospital stay, intensity of pain experienced, cost of the procedure and quality of coronary angiogram observed were statistically insignificant while the fluoroscopy time was slightly statistically significant which was independent to catheter manipulation time. Conclusions: The neglected Left Radial Approach to coronary angiography is as efficacious, safe and cost effective with reduction in arterial spasm complications when compared to the Right Radial Approach performed by multipurpose Tiger catheter.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial tachycardias related to myocardial scar or incision

Objectives Intra-atrial re-entrant tachycardias(IARTs)are common late after heart surgery.Conventional mapping and ablation is relatively difficult because of the complicated anatomy and multiple potential re-entry loops.In this study we aimed to evaluate the electrophysiological characteristics and radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial tachycardia(AT)induced by myocardial scar or incision.Methods In 6 patients(three male and three female,aged 33.3±11.8 years)who had AT related to myocardial scar or incision, electrophysiological study and radiofrequency catheter ablation(RFCA)were performed.Earliest activation combined with entrain- ment mapping was adopted to determine a critical isthmus.Results Re-entry related to the lateral atriotomy scar was inducible in 5 of 6 patients.With entrainment mapping,the PPI(post-pacing interval)-TCL(tachycardia cycle length)difference was＜30 ms when pacing at the inferior margins of the right lateral atriotomy scar.Among them,3 patients had successful linear ablation between scar area to inferior vena cava,and 2 patients between scar area to tricuspid annulus.Re-entry involving an ASD patch was demonstrated in 1 of 6 patients.PPI-TCL differences＜30 ms were observed when entraining tachycardia at sites near the septal patch.But linear ablation failed in terminating AT.There was no complication during procedure.No recurrence of AT related to incision was observed during follow-up except for the failed patient.Conclusion Under conventional electrophysiological mapping,adopting linear ablation from scar area to anatomic barrier,successful ablation can be obtained in patients with IRATs related to myocardial scar or incision.

Transcatheter Device Closure of a Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defect in Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries

The majority of patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries,also known as transposition of the great arteries{S,L,L}have ventricular septal defects(VSD),most commonly perimembranous VSD(pmVSD).Transcatheter device closure of pmVSD in these patients has not been widely described.We present a case of device closure of pmVSD in L-TGA with an Amplatzer Duct Occluder II(ADOII)device using a deployment starting in the subpulmonary left ventricle.The case demonstrates some of the technical advantages of the ADOII device for VSD closure,specifically its low profile,symmetric shape,and soft material.These characteristics are advantageous in closing conventional pmVSD but are especially useful in patients with challenging anatomic substrates.

Upper body peripherally inserted central catheter in pediatric single ventricle patients

BACKGROUND There is risk of stenosis and thrombosis of the superior vena cava after upper extremity central catheter replacement.This complication is more serious among patients with single ventricle physiology,as it might preclude them from undergoing further life-sustaining palliative surgery.AIM To describe complications associated with the use of upper extremity percutaneous intravenous central catheters(PICCs)in children with single ventricle physiology.METHODS A single institution retrospective review of univentricular patients who underwent superior cavopulmonary anastomoses as their stage 2 palliation procedure from January 2014 until December 2018 and had upper body PICCs placed at any point prior to this procedure.Clinical data including ultrasonography,cardiac catheterization,echocardiogram reports and patient notes were used to determine the presence of thrombus or stenosis of the upper extremity and cervical vessels.Data regarding the presence and duration of upper extremity PICCs and upper extremity central venous catheter(CVC),and use of anticoagulation were recorded.RESULTS Seventy-six patients underwent superior cavopulmonary anastomoses,of which 56(73%)had an upper extremity PICC at some point prior to this procedure.Median duration of PICC usage was 24 d(25%,75%:12,39).Seventeen patients(30%)with PICCs also had internal jugular or subclavian central venous catheters(CVCs)in place at some point prior to their superior cavopulmonary anastomoses,median duration 10 d(25%,75%:8,14).Thrombus was detected in association with 2 of the 56 PICCs(4%)and 3 of the 17 CVCs(18%).All five patients were placed on therapeutic dose of low molecular weight heparin at the time of thrombus detection and subsequent cardiac catheterization demonstrated resolution in three of the five patients.No patients developed clinically significant venous stenosis.CONCLUSION Use of upper extremity PICCs in patients with single ventricle physiology prior to super cavopulmonary anastomosis is associated with a low rate of catheterassociated thrombosis.

Drug dispersion for single- and multi-lumen catheters

This study presents a comparison of the drug dispersion capability of various catheters which can be used to inject medication or stem cells into the arterial system. The study was carried out by the use of numerical simulation so that various geometric and physical operating parameters could be investigated. The blood was modeled with a power-law viscosity and the medication had two levels of viscosity to represent upper and lower bounds expected in practice. Two different medication flowrates were also incorporated into the study. Finally, the impact of an inflated balloon up-stream of the injection was studied. The artery was simply modeled as a straight circular tube with the catheters concentrically positioned. It was found that in some cases, dispersion was improved by use of a multi-lumen device, particularly when an upstream balloon was employed to regulate blood flow and drug residence time. In other cases, the dispersion from the single-lumen device was superior. Another finding was that the multi-lumen device had a reduced hydraulic resistance to blood flow, compared to the single-lumen device when an upstream balloon was inflated.

混合性结缔组织病相关肺动脉高压临床特点分析

目的探究混合性结缔组织病相关肺动脉高压(MCTD-PAH)患者的临床特点及发病危险因素。方法回顾性纳入12例住院治疗的MCTD-PAH患者(MCTD-PAH组),根据性别、年龄按1︰3随机抽取同期住院的36例混合性结缔组织病无肺动脉高压(MCTD-non-PAH)患者作为对照组,比较2组患者的临床表现和辅助检查,随诊2组患者生存状态。结果MCTD-PAH组较对照组出现活动后气短、肌炎及心包积液比例更高,血沉及免疫球蛋白G(IgG)水平更高。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,活动后气短及较高水平的IgG是预测MCTD发生PAH的危险因素。MCTD-PAH死亡3例(16.7%),对照组无患者死亡。结论PAH是MCTD严重的并发症之一,MCTD患者出现活动后气短及较高水平的IgG时需警惕合并PAH。

心房分流术应用于射血分数降低的心力衰竭患者的探索性研究

目的:探索心房分流术对射血分数降低的心力衰竭(HFrEF)患者心功能和临床预后的影响。方法:本研究为前瞻性单组研究,连续入选2021年12月至2022年12月在首都医科大学附属北京安贞医院采用D-Shant心房分流器行心房分流术的15例HFrEF患者。术前及术后即刻行右心导管测量肺毛细血管楔压(PCWP)、右心房平均压(RAP)、跨房间隔梯度压差、肺动脉平均压、全肺阻力(TPR)、肺血管阻力(PVR)、心脏指数(CI)及肺循环血流量/体循环血流量(Qp/Qs);术后对患者进行12个月随访,采用超声心动图评估患者心脏结构和功能变化,采用NYHA心功能分级、6分钟步行距离(6MWD)、堪萨斯城心肌病问卷(KCCQ)评分评估患者心功能,收集患者全因死亡、心力衰竭再住院以及器械相关不良事件等信息。结果:所有患者均成功接受心房分流术。与术前相比,术后即刻患者的PCWP、跨房间隔梯度压差、TPR均显著下降,Qp/Qs显著升高(P均<0.01),肺动脉平均压、RAP、PVR和CI的差异均无统计学意义(P均>005)。术后即刻与术后12个月的心房分流器分流孔径、分流速度及分流压差差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。与术前相比,术后12个月患者的左心室射血分数显著升高,NYHA心功能分级改善,KCCQ评分增高,6MWD>450 m的患者例数增加,N末端B型利钠肽原水平显著下降(P均<0.05),右心房内径、右心室面积变化率的差异均无统计学意义(P均>005)。12个月随访期内无患者死亡,无器械相关不良事件,2例患者因心力衰竭再住院。结论:小样本探索性研究表明心房分流术可有效改善HFrEF患者的血液动力学指标,随访12个月时患者心功能明显改善。

经胸超声心动图评价肺动脉高压的价值

目的探索经胸超声心动图(transthoracic echocardiography,TTE)检查与右心导管(right heart catheterization,RHC)检查评估肺动脉高压(pulmonary hypertension,PH)的一致性。方法回顾性分析2018年1月至2021年6月山东大学齐鲁医院经RHC检查诊断明确的PH患者249例,以RHC检查测得的肺动脉平均压(mean pulmonary artery pressure,mPAP)>20 mmHg为诊断PH标准,采用受试者工作特征(receiver operating characteristic,ROC)曲线、Kappa一致性分析、Bland-Altman一致性分析等考察TTE评估PH的准确性及与RHC检查的一致性。结果两种方法测得肺动脉收缩压(systolic pulmonary artery pressure,SPAP)、mPAP的相关性均具有统计学意义(r_(SPAP)=0.800,r_(mPAP)=0.744,P<0.001),配对样本t检验显示,两者测得的SPAP差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),两者测得的mPAP差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。ROC曲线判断TTE检查测得的SPAP筛查PH的可靠性,ROC曲线下面积(area under ROC curve,AUC)为0.964,最大约登指数为0.864,灵敏度为0.912,特异度为0.952,TTE检查测得的SPAP截断值为38.5 mmHg。TTE检查测得的SPAP、mPAP筛查PH与RHC检查的一致性分析Kappa值分别为0.844、0.825。Bland-Altman一致性分析可知,TTE检查与RHC检查分别测得的SPAP差值均值为0.36,95%一致性界限(limits of agreement,LoA)为-29.22~29.94,235(94.38%)个点位于95%LoA内。TTE检查与RHC检查测得的mPAP差值平均值为-2.98,95%LoA为-20.66~14.69,总体235(94.38%)个点位于95%LoA内。结论TTE检查测得的mPAP与SPAP与RHC检查测得的mPAP与SPAP相关性良好,用于筛查PH具有较高的灵敏度及特异度。