The role of temporary mechanical circulatory support in de novo heart failure syndromes with cardiogenic shock:A contemporary review

Cardiogenic shock(CS)is a complex clinical syndrome with a high mortality rate.It can occur to due to multiple etiologies of cardiovascular disease and is phenotypically heterogeneous.Acute myocardial infarction-related CS(AMI-CS)has historically been the most prevalent cause,and thus,research and guidance have focused primarily on this.Recent data suggest that the burden of non-ischemic CS is increasing in the population of patents requiring intensive care admission.There is,however,a paucity of data and guidelines to inform the management of these patients who fall into two broad groups:those with existing heart failure and CS and those with no known history of heart failure who present with"de novo"CS.The use of temporary mechanical circulatory support(MCS)has expanded across all etiologies,despite its high cost,resource intensity,complication rates,and lack of high-quality outcome data.Herein,we discuss the currently available evidence on the role of MCS in the management of patients with de novo CS to include fulminant myocarditis,right ventricular(RV)failure,Takotsubo syndrome,post-partum cardiomyopathy,and CS due to valve lesions and other cardiomyopathies.

Extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation in aortic surgery and dissection: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Very little is known about the role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO)for the management of patients undergoing major aortic surgery with particular reference to aortic dissection.AIM To review the available literature to determine if there was any evidence.METHODS A systematic literature search through PubMed and EMBASE was undertaken according to specific key words.RESULTS The search resulted in 29 publications relevant to the subject:1 brief communication,1 surgical technique report,1 invited commentary,1 retrospective case review,1 observational study,4 retrospective reviews,13 case reports and 7 conference abstracts.A total of 194 patients were included in these publications of whom 77 survived.CONCLUSION Although there is no compelling evidence for or against the use of ECMO in major aortic surgery or dissection,it is enough to justify its use in this patient population despite current adverse attitude.

Pharmacological strategies in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation weaning failure: a call to action

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has emerged as a viable alternative for stabilizing and improving critically ill patients in acute cardiovascular diseases.However,the weaning stage has been associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate.This makes searching for strategies that reduce failure in this final process necessary.Implementing a new approach must be tried and included in our protocols,seeking the patient’s well-being at all times.In this article,the authors discuss their point of view regarding potential pharmacological alternatives and the mechanism of action involved,which could decrease the mortality associated with this therapeutic.

Status on Heart Transplantation in China

INTRODUCTION ＂End-stage heart disease＂ commonly refers to an irreversible stage of cardiac decompensation caused by a variety of pathologies that cannot be treated using conventional drugs or traditional surgical treatments. The life expectancy of patients with end-stage heart disease ranges from 〈6 months to 1 year. Therapeutic strategies for end-stage heart disease patients are primarily based on three approaches： Internal medicine therapy, surgical therapy （heart transplantation）, and multiple organ protection therapy via the core method of mechanical circulation assistance. Among these approaches, heart transplantation has become recognized as the most efl＇ective treatment.

Integrated management of cardiac failure:the cardiac failure clinic

The prevalence of the risk factors and the risk of cardiac failure are both increasing in China.This might be the consequence of the changes of the life conditions(emigration to the urban areas,changes in the diet and life style,lack of physical exercise,etc.).The wide range of clinical presentations of cardiac failure(acute or chronic)and of therapeutic approaches(medical or surgical)makes necessary the integration within the same structure of the various experts involved in the diagnosis and the treatment of cardiac diseases.Technologic and human resources required to offer all the options represent a multifaceted commitment which should be focused optimally in dedicated centers.In these centers,collaboration should replace competition between the medical and the surgical cardiac specialists.Development of team work should permit to optimize the cost efficacy of the treatments.Most of all,such a structure will facilitate the translation of innovative therapies between the research centers and clinical facilities.