Preoperative Three-Dimensional Echocardiography to Assess Risk of Right Ventricular Failure After Left Ventricular Assist Device Surgery

Preoperative passive venous pressure-driven cardiac function determines left ventricular assist device outcomes

BACKGROUND

Right heart output in heart failure can be compensated through increasing systemic venous pressure. We determined whether the magnitude of this "passive cardiac output" can predict LVAD outcomes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of 383 patients who received a continuous-flow LVAD at the University of Michigan between 2012 and 2021. Pre-LVAD cardiac output driven by venous pressure was determined by dividing right atrial pressure by mean pulmonary artery pressure, multiplied by total cardiac output. Normalization to body surface area led to the passive cardiac index (PasCI). The Youden J statistic was used to identify the PasCI threshold, which predicted LVAD death by 2 years.

RESULTS

Increased preoperative PasCI was associated with reduced survival (hazard ratio [HR], 2.27; P < .01), and increased risk of right ventricular failure (RVF) (HR, 3.46; P = .04). Youden analysis showed that a preoperative PasCI ≥0.5 (n = 226) predicted LVAD death (P = .10). Patients with PasCI ≥0.5 had poorer survival (P = .02), with a trend toward more heart failure readmission days (mean, 45.09 ± 67.64 vs 35.13 ± 45.02 days; P = .084) and increased gastrointestinal bleeding (29.2% vs 20.4%; P = .052). Additionally, of the 97 patients who experienced readmissions for heart failure, those with pre-LVAD implantation PasCI ≥0.5 were more likely to have more than 1 readmission (P = .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although right heart output can be augmented by raising venous pressure, this negatively impacts end-organ function and increases heart failure readmission days. Patients with a pre-LVAD PasCI ≥0.5 have worse post-LVAD survival and increased RVF. Using the PasCI metric in isolation or incorporated into a predictive model may improve the management of LVAD candidates with RV dysfunction.

Right heart failure with left ventricular assist devices: Preoperative, perioperative and postoperative management strategies. A clinical consensus statement of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the ESC

Right heart failure (RHF) following implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a common and potentially serious condition with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations with an unfavourable effect on patient outcomes. Clinical scores that predict the occurrence of right ventricular (RV) failure have included multiple clinical, biochemical, imaging and haemodynamic parameters. However, unless the right ventricle is overtly dysfunctional with end-organ involvement, prediction of RHF post-LVAD implantation is, in most cases, difficult and inaccurate. For these reasons optimization of RV function in every patient is a reasonable practice aiming at preparing the right ventricle for a new and challenging haemodynamic environment after LVAD implantation. To this end, the institution of diuretics, inotropes and even temporary mechanical circulatory support may improve RV function, thereby preparing it for a better adaptation post-LVAD implantation. Furthermore, meticulous management of patients during the perioperative and immediate postoperative period should facilitate identification of RV failure refractory to medication. When RHF occurs late during chronic LVAD support, this is associated with worse long-term outcomes. Careful monitoring of RV function and characterization of the origination deficit should therefore continue throughout the patient's entire follow-up. Despite the useful information provided by the echocardiogram with respect to RV function, right heart catheterization frequently offers additional support for the assessment and optimization of RV function in LVAD-supported patients. In any patient candidate for LVAD therapy, evaluation and treatment of RV function and failure should be assessed in a multidimensional and multidisciplinary manner.

Right heart failure after durable left ventricular assist device implantation

INTRODUCTION

Right heart failure (RHF) is a well-known complication after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation and portends increased morbidity and mortality. Understanding the mechanisms and predictors of RHF in this clinical setting may offer ideas for early identification and aggressive management to minimize poor outcomes. A variety of medical therapies and mechanical circulatory support options are currently available for the management of post-LVAD RHF.

AREAS COVERED

We reviewed the existing definitions of RHF including its potential mechanisms in the context of durable LVAD implantation and currently available medical and device therapies. We performed a literature search using PubMed (from 2010 to 2023).

EXPERT OPINION

RHF remains a common complication after LVAD implantation. However, existing knowledge gaps limit clinicians' ability to adequately address its consequences. Early identification and management are crucial to reducing the risk of poor outcomes, but existing risk stratification tools perform poorly and have limited clinical applicability. This is an area ripe for investigation with the potential for major improvements in identification and targeted therapy in an effort to improve outcomes.

Evolution of Mechanical Circulatory Support for advanced heart failure

This comprehensive review highlights the significant advancements in Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) therapy, emphasizing its evolution from the early pulsatile flow systems to the cutting-edge continuous-flow devices, particularly the HeartMate 3 (HM3) LVAD. These advancements have notably improved survival rates, reduced complications, and enhanced the quality of life (QoL) for patients with advanced heart failure. The dual role of LVADs, as a bridge-to-transplantation and destination therapy is discussed, highlighting the changing trends and policies in their application. The marked reduction in hemocompatibility-related adverse events (HRAE) with the HM3 LVAD, compared to previous models signifies ongoing progress in the field. Challenges such as managing major infections are discussed, including innovative solutions like energy transfer systems aimed at eliminating external drivelines. It explores various LVAD-associated complications, including HRAE, infections, hemodynamic-related adverse events, and cardiac arrhythmias, and underscores emerging strategies for predicting post-implantation outcomes, fostering a more individualized patient care approach. Tools such as the HM3 risk score are introduced for predicting survival based on pre-implant factors, along with advanced imaging techniques for improved complication prediction. Additionally, the review highlights potential new technologies and therapies in LVAD management, such as hemodynamic ramp tests for optimal speed adjustment and advanced remote monitoring systems. The goal is to automate LVAD speed adjustments based on real-time hemodynamic measurements, indicating a shift towards more effective, patient-centered therapy. The review concludes optimistically that ongoing research and potential future innovations hold the promise of revolutionizing heart failure management, paving the way for more effective and personalized treatment modalities.

Added value of 3D echocardiography in the diagnosis and prognostication of patients with right ventricular dysfunction

Recent inroads into percutaneous-based options for the treatment of tricuspid valve disease has brought to light how little we know about the behavior of the right ventricle in both health and disease and how incomplete our assessment of right ventricular (RV) physiology and function is using current non-invasive technology, in particular echocardiography. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of what three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) can offer currently to enhance RV evaluation and what the future may hold if we continue to improve the 3D evaluation of the right heart.

Proportion of right ventricular failure and echocardiographic predictors in continuous-flow left ventricular assist device: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Right ventricular failure (RVF) in patients with a continuous-flow left ventricle assist device (CF-LVAD) is associated with higher incidence of mortality. This systematic review aims to assess the overall proportion of RVF and the pre-operative echocardiographic parameters which are best correlating to RVF.

Methods

A systematic research was conducted between 2008 and 2019 on MEDLINE, EMBASE, PUBMED, UPTODATE, OVID, COCHRANE LIBRARY, and Google Scholar electronic databases by performing a PRISMA flowchart. All observational studies regarding echocardiographic predictors of RVF in patients undergoing CF-LVAD implantation were included.

Results

A total number of 19 observational human studies published between 2008 and 2019 were included. We identified 524 RVF patients out of a pooled final population of 1741 patients. The RVF overall proportion was 28.25% with 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.24-0.34. The highest variability of perioperative echocardiographic parameters between the RVF and no right ventricular failure (NO-RVF) groups has been found with tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change (FAC), and right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RVGLS). Their standardized mean deviation (SMD) was - 0.33 (95% CI - 0.54 to - 0.11; p value 0.003), - 0.34 (95% CI - 0.53 to - 0.15; p value 0.0001), and 0.52 (95% CI 0.79 to 0.25; p value 0.0001), respectively.

Conclusions

The echocardiographic predictors of RVF after CF-LVAD placement are still uncertain. However, there seems to be a trend of statistical correlation between TAPSE, FAC, and RVGLS with RVF event after CF-LVAD placement.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12055-022-01447-7.

Preoperative Computed Tomography Assessment of Risk of Right Ventricle Failure After Left Ventricular Assist Device Placement

Identification of patients who are at a high risk for right ventricular failure (RVF) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is of critical importance. Conventional tools for predicting RVF, including two-dimensional echocardiography, right heart catheterization (RHC), and clinical parameters, generally have limited sensitivity and specificity. We retrospectively examined the ability of computed tomography (CT) ventricular volume measures to identify patients who experienced RVF after LVAD implantation. Between September 2017 and November 2021, 92 patients underwent LVAD surgery at our institution. Preoperative CT-derived ventricular volumes were obtained in 20 patients. Patients who underwent CT evaluation had a similar demographics and rate of RVF after LVAD as patients who did not undergo cardiac CT imaging. In the study cohort, seven of 20 (35%) patients experienced RVF (2 unplanned biventricular assist device, 5 prolonged inotropic support). Computed tomography-derived right ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volume indices were the strongest predictors of RVF compared with demographic, echocardiographic, and RHC data with areas under the receiver operating curve of 0.79 and 0.76, respectively. Computed tomography volumetric assessment of RV size can be performed in patients evaluated for LVAD treatment. RV measures of size provide a promising means of pre-LVAD assessment for postoperative RV failure.

Prediction, prevention, and management of right ventricular failure after left ventricular assist device implantation: A comprehensive review

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly common across the heart failure population. Right ventricular failure (RVF) is a feared complication that can occur in the early post-operative phase or during the outpatient follow-up. Multiple tools are available to the clinician to carefully estimate the individual risk of developing RVF after LVAD implantation. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of available tools for RVF prognostication, including patient-specific and right ventricle (RV)-specific echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters, to provide guidance in patient selection during LVAD candidacy. We also offer a multidisciplinary approach to the management of early RVF, including indications and management of right ventricular assist devices in this setting to provide tools that help managing the failing RV.

Right Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain as a Predictor of Acute and Early Right Heart Failure Post Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Early right heart failure (RHF) occurs in up to 40% of patients following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The most recent report from the Mechanical Circulatory Support-Academic Research Consortium (MCS-ARC) working group subdivides early RHF into early acute RHF and early postimplant RHF. We sought to determine the effectiveness of right ventricular (RV) longitudinal strain (LS) in predicting RHF according to the new MCS-ARC definition. We retrospectively analyzed clinical and echocardiographic data of patients who underwent LVAD implantation between 2015 and 2018. RVLS in the 4-chamber (4ch), RV outflow tract, and subcostal views were measured on pre-LVAD echocardiograms. Fifty-five patients were included in this study. Six patients (11%) suffered early acute RHF, requiring concomitant RVAD implantation intraoperatively. Twenty-two patients (40%) had postimplant RHF. RVLS was significantly reduced in patients who developed early acute and postimplant RHF. At a cutoff of -9.7%, 4ch RVLS had a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 77.8% for predicting RHF and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.86 (95% confidence interval 0.76-0.97). Echocardiographic RV strain outperformed more invasive hemodynamic measures and clinical parameters in predicting RHF.

Right ventricular failure: a comorbidity or a clinical emergency?

There has been ample data providing a convincing perception about the underlying mechanism pertaining to left ventricle (LV) hypertrophy progressing towards LV failure. In comparison, data available on the feedback of right ventricle (RV) due to volume or pressure overload is minimal. Advanced imaging techniques have aided the study of physiology, anatomy, and diseased state of RV. However, the treatment scenario of right ventricular failure (RVF) demands more attention. It is a critical clinical risk in patients with carcinoid syndrome, pulmonary hypertension, atrial septal defect, and several other concomitant diseases. Although the remodeling responses of both ventricles on an increase of end-diastolic pressure are mostly identical, the stressed RV becomes more prone to oxidative stress activating the apoptotic mechanism with diminished angiogenesis. This instigates the advancement of RV towards failure in contrast to LV. Empirical heart failure (HF) therapies have been ineffective in improving the mortality rate and cardiac function in patients, which prompted a difference between the underlying pathophysiology of RVF and LV failure. Treatment strategies should be devised, taking into consideration the anatomical and physiological characteristics of RV. This review would emphasize on the pathophysiology of the RVF and the differences between two ventricles in molecular response to stress. A proper insight into the underlying pathophysiology is required to develop optimized therapeutic management in RV-specific HF.

Prediction of right ventricular failure after left ventricular assist device implantation in patients with heart failure: a meta-analysis comparing echocardiographic parameters

OBJECTIVES

Between 10% and 40% of patients who receive a left ventricular assistance device (LVAD) suffer from right ventricular failure (RVF) shortly after the device is implanted. Patients with post-LVAD RVF tend to have poor outcomes. Only a few predictive factors concerning the right ventricle (RV) have been investigated. Our goal was to search for non-invasive variables that correlate with RV function, focusing on echocardiographic parameters of the RV.

METHODS

We selected 3 parameters: tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, right ventricular fractional area change and right ventricular global longitudinal strain. We searched the literature and pooled relevant studies in a meta-analysis. Finally, we performed a statistical analysis to confirm whether each parameter was a reliable predictor of RVF after LVAD implantation.

RESULTS

We retained 19 articles involving a total of 1561 patients. We found a pooled standardized mean deviation of -0.13 cm for the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, with the lower and upper tails of -0.21 and -0.04 cm, respectively. Concerning the right ventricular fractional area change, the averaged standardized mean deviation was equal to -2.61%, with the lower and upper extremities of -4.12% and -1.09%, respectively. Finally, regarding the global longitudinal strain, the standardized mean deviation was equal to -2.06% with an uncertainty value between -3.23% and -0.88%.

CONCLUSIONS

The tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion could be a reliable parameter in RVF prediction. The right ventricular fractional area change and global longitudinal strain are likely to be stronger predictors of RVF after LVAD implantation. Prospective studies should be carried out to confirm this observation.

Prediction of right heart failure after left ventricular assist implantation: external validation of the EUROMACS right-sided heart failure risk score

AIMS

Prediction of right heart failure (RHF) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implant remains a challenge. The EUROMACS right-sided heart failure (EUROMACS-RHF) risk score was proposed as a prediction tool for post-LVAD RHF but lacks from large external validation. The aim of our study was to externally validate the score.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From January 2007 to December 2017, 878 continuous-flow LVADs were implanted at three tertiary centres. We calculated the EUROMACS-RHF score in 662 patients with complete data. We evaluated its predictive performance for early RHF defined as either (i) need for short- or long-term right-sided circulatory support, (ii) continuous inotropic support for ≥14 days, or (iii) nitric oxide for ≥48 h post-operatively. Right heart failure occurred in 211 patients (32%). When compared with non-RHF patients, pre-operatively they had higher creatinine, bilirubin, right atrial pressure, and lower INTERMACS class (P < 0.05); length of stay and in-hospital mortality were higher. Area under the ROC curve for RHF prediction of the EUROMACS-RHF score was 0.64 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60-0.68]. Reclassification of patients with RHF was significantly better when applying the EUROMACS-RHF risk score on top of previous published scores. Patients in the high-risk category had significantly higher in-hospital and 2-year mortality [hazard ratio: 1.64 (95% CI 1.16-2.32) P = 0.005].

CONCLUSION

In an external cohort, the EUROMACS-RHF had limited discrimination predicting RHF. The clinical utility of this score remains to be determined.

Ventricular systolic dysfunction with and without altered myocardial contractility: Clinical value of echocardiography for diagnosis and therapeutic decision-making

The inability of one of the two or both ventricles to contract normally and expel sufficient blood to meet the functional demands of the body results from a complex interplay between intrinsic abnormalities and extracardiac factors that limit ventricular pump function and is a major cause for heart failure (HF). Even if impaired myocardial contractile function was the primary cause for ventricular dysfunction, with the progression of systolic dysfunction, additionally developed diastolic dysfunction can also contribute to the severity of HF. Although at the first sight, the diagnosis of systolic HF appears quite easy because it is usually defined by reduction of the ejection fraction (EF), in reality this issue is far more complex because ventricular pumping performance depends not only on myocardial contractility, but also largely on loading conditions (preload and afterload), being also influenced by valvular function, ventricular interdependence, pericardial constraint, synchrony of ventricular contrac-tion and heart rhythm. Conventional echocardiography (ECHO) combined with new imaging techniques such as tissue Doppler and tissue tracking can detect early subclinical alteration of ventricular systolic function. However, no single ECHO parameter reveals alone the whole picture of systolic dysfunction. Multiparametric ECHO evaluation and the use of integrative approaches using ECHO-parameter combinations which include also the ventricular loading conditions appeared particularly useful especially for differentiation between primary (myocardial damage-induced) and secondary (hemodynamic overload-induced) systolic dysfunction. This review summarizes the available evidence on the usefulness and limitations of comprehensive evaluation of LV and RV systolic function by using all the currently available ECHO techniques.

Predicting the Risk of Right Ventricular Failure in Patients Undergoing Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Background:

Right ventricular failure (RVF) is a cause of major morbidity and mortality after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. It is, therefore, integral to identify patients who may benefit from biventricular support early post-LVAD implantation. Our objective was to explore the performance of risk prediction models for RVF in adult patients undergoing LVAD implantation.

Methods:

A systematic search was performed on Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception until August 2019 for all relevant studies. Performance was assessed by discrimination (via C statistic) and calibration if reported. Study quality was assessed using the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool criteria.

Results:

After reviewing 3878 citations, 25 studies were included, featuring 20 distinctly derived models. Five models were derived from large multicenter cohorts: the European Registry for Patients With Mechanical Circulatory Support, Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support, Kormos, Pittsburgh Bayesian, and Mechanical Circulatory Support Research Network RVF models. Seventeen studies (68%) were conducted in cohorts implanted with continuous-flow LVADs exclusively. The definition of RVF as an outcome was heterogenous among models. Seven derived models (28%) were validated in at least 2 cohorts, reporting limited discrimination (C-statistic range, 0.53–0.65). Calibration was reported in only 3 studies and was variable.

Conclusions:

Existing RVF prediction models exhibit heterogeneous derivation and validation methodologies, varying definitions of RVF, and are mostly derived from single centers. Validation studies of these prediction models demonstrate poor-to-modest discrimination. Newer models are derived in cohorts implanted with continuous-flow LVADs exclusively and exhibit modest discrimination. Derivation of enhanced discriminatory models and their validations in multicenter cohorts is needed.

Advanced imaging of right ventricular anatomy and function

Right ventricular (RV) size and function are important predictors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with various conditions. However, non-invasive assessment of the RV is a challenging task due to its complex anatomy and location in the chest. Although conventional echocardiography is widely used, its limitations in RV assessment are well recognised. New techniques such as three-dimensional and speckle tracking echocardiography have overcome the limitations of conventional echocardiography allowing a comprehensive, quantitative assessment of RV geometry and function without geometric assumptions. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and CT provide accurate assessment of RV geometry and function, too. In addition, tissue characterisation imaging for myocardial scar and fat using CMR and CT provides important information regarding the RV that has clinical applications for diagnosis and prognosis in a broad range of cardiac conditions. Limitations also exist for these two advanced modalities including availability and patient suitability for CMR and need for contrast and radiation exposure for CT. Hybrid imaging, which is able to integrate anatomical information (usually obtained by CT or CMR) with physiological and molecular data (usually obtained with positron emission tomography), can provide optimal in vivo evaluation of Rv functional impairment. This review summarises the clinically useful applications of advanced echocardiography techniques, CMR and CT for comprehensive assessment of RV size, function and mechanics.

Right ventricle failure in patients treated with left ventricular assist device

This review article aim to highlight the right ventricular function peri left ventricular assist device implantation, and to assess the incidence, physiopathology, predictors, management and prognosis, of right ventricular failure post-implant.

Intraoperative Hemodynamic and Echocardiographic Measurements Associated With Severe Right Ventricular Failure After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

BACKGROUND

Severe right ventricular failure (RVF) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation increases morbidity and mortality. We investigated the association between intraoperative right heart hemodynamic data, echocardiographic parameters, and severe versus nonsevere RVF.

METHODS

A review of LVAD patients between March 2013 and March 2016 was performed. Severe RVF was defined by the need for a right ventricular mechanical support device, inotropic, and/or inhaled pulmonary vasodilator requirements for >14 days. From a chart review, the right ventricular failure risk score was calculated and right heart hemodynamic data were collected. Pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) [(pulmonary artery systolic pressure - pulmonary artery diastolic pressure)/central venous pressure (CVP)] was calculated for 2 periods: (1) 30 minutes before cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and (2) after chest closure. Echocardiographic data were recorded pre-CPB and post-CPB by a blinded reviewer. Univariate logistic regression models were used to examine the performance of hemodynamic and echocardiographic metrics.

RESULTS

A total of 110 LVAD patients were identified. Twenty-five did not meet criteria for RVF. Of the remaining 85 patients, 28 (33%) met criteria for severe RVF. Hemodynamic factors associated with severe RVF included: higher CVP values after chest closure (18 ± 9 vs 13 ± 5 mm Hg; P = .0008) in addition to lower PAPi pre-CPB (1.2 ± 0.6 vs 1.7 ± 1.0; P = .04) and after chest closure (0.9 ± 0.5 vs 1.5 ± 0.8; P = .0008). Post-CPB echocardiographic findings associated with severe RVF included: larger right atrial diameter major axis (5.4 ± 0.9 vs 4.9 ± 1.0 cm; P = .03), larger right ventricle end-systolic area (22.6 ± 8.4 vs 18.5 ± 7.9 cm; P = .03), lower fractional area of change (20.2 ± 10.8 vs 25.9 ± 12.6; P = .04), and lower tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (0.9 ± 0.2 vs 1.1 ± 0.3 cm; P = .008). Right ventricular failure risk score was not a significant predictor of severe RVF. Post-chest closure CVP and post-chest closure PAPi discriminated severe from nonsevere RVF better than other variables measured, each with an area under the curve of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.64-0.86).

CONCLUSIONS

Post-chest closure values of CVP and PAPi were significantly associated with severe RVF. Echocardiographic assessment of RV function post-CPB was weakly associated with severe RVF.

Comparative Analysis of Established Risk Scores and Novel Hemodynamic Metrics in Predicting Right Ventricular Failure in Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients

BACKGROUND

Right ventricular failure (RVF) portends poor outcomes after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Although numerous RVF predictive models have been developed, there are few independent comparative analyses of these risk models.

METHODS AND RESULTS

RVF was defined as use of inotropes for >14 days, inhaled pulmonary vasodilators for >48 hours or unplanned right ventricular mechanical support postoperatively during the index hospitalization. Risk models were evaluated for the primary outcome of RVF by means of logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curves. Among 93 LVAD patients with complete data from 2011 to 2016, the Michigan RVF score (C = 0.74 [95% CI 0.61-0.87]; P = .0004) was the only risk model to demonstrate significant discrimination for RVF, compared with newer risk scores (Utah, Pitt, EuroMACS). Among individual hemodynamic/echocardiographic metrics, preoperative right ventricular dysfunction (C = 0.72 [95% CI 0.58-0.85]; P = .0022) also demonstrated significant discrimination of RVF. The Michigan RVF score was also the best predictor of in-hospital mortality (C = 0.67 [95% CI 0.52-0.83]; P = .0319) and 3-year survival (Kaplan-Meier log-rank 0.0135).

CONCLUSIONS

In external validation analysis, the more established Michigan RVF score-which emphasizes preoperative hemodynamic instability and target end-organ dysfunction-performed best, albeit modestly, in predicting RVF and demonstrated association with in-hospital and long-term mortality.

Right Ventricular Dysfunction and Its Contribution to Morbidity and Mortality in Left Ventricular Heart Failure

PURPOSE

In patients with left-sided HF, there has been less emphasis on the pathophysiology of the RV in terms of diagnostic evaluation and treatment, versus focus on structural abnormalities of the LV. This review seeks to delineate the importance of RV dysfunction in terms of its contribution to symptomatic limitations and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with left-sided HF.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies have demonstrated that RV dysfunction is common in both HFpEF and HFrEF, but more pronounced in HFrEF. LV dysfunction and atrial fibrillation are most commonly associated with RV dysfunction in left-sided HF. RV dysfunction may develop due to afterload-dependent and afterload-independent pathways. Regardless, RV dysfunction is strongly associated with functional limitations and worsened survival in patients with left-sided HF. In patients with HFpEF, a recent study showed that RV failure was the most common cause of overall mortality. Among LVAD patients and patients post-cardiac transplantation, RV dysfunction is also strongly associated with survival. Despite a number of previous and ongoing clinical trials that target the RV directly or decrease RV afterload in left-sided HF, there are no definitive therapies specifically targeting RV dysfunction in left-sided HF patients CONCLUSIONS: RV dysfunction is an important determinant of symptomatic limitations and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with left-sided HF. Further research is needed to developed pharmacotherapy that may target the RV specifically in left-sided HF patients.

Role of multimodality imaging in patients with left ventricular assist device

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The article provides an overview of recent advances in imaging patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).

RECENT FINDINGS

There is a growing population of patients with LVADs. LVADs improve survival in patients with end-stage heart failure, but are also associated with significant adverse outcomes. Imaging, particularly echocardiography, plays a critical role in patient selection and in predicting and detecting complications.

SUMMARY

Recent studies have illustrated links between imaging parameters with adverse outcomes, such as pump thrombosis, right ventricular failure, and continuous aortic regurgitation. Novel parameters and imaging techniques have been developed.

Prevention and Treatment of Right Ventricular Failure During Left Ventricular Assist Device Therapy

Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are increasingly used for the treatment of end-stage heart failure. Right ventricular (RV) failure after LVAD implantation is an increasingly common clinical problem, occurring in patients early after continuous flow LVAD implant. RV failure is associated with a substantial increase in post-LVAD morbidity and mortality. RV failure can be predicted using preoperative hemodynamic, clinical, and echocardiographic variables and a variety of risk prediction algorithms. However, RV failure may also develop due to unanticipated intraoperative or perioperative factors. Early recognition and treatment are critical in terms of mitigating the impact of RV failure on post-LVAD outcomes.

Role of Echocardiography in the Evaluation of Left Ventricular Assist Devices: the Importance of Emerging Technologies

The role of left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) in patients with end-stage heart failure is well known, both as a temporary treatment before transplantation and as destination therapy, in a scenario of a relative shortage of donors to satisfy the increasing requests for transplantation. The increased population of LVAD patients needs careful imaging assessment before, during, and after LVAD implantation; echocardiography is the best tool for their evaluation and is considered the diagnostic technique of choice for the assessment before, during, and after device implantation. Although the conventional echocardiographic assessment is quite effective in evaluating the main critical issues, the role of new technologies like three-dimensional echocardiography and myocardial deformation measurements is still not properly clarified. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the main elements that should be considered in the assessment of these patients, underlining the role that could be played by new techniques to improve the diagnostic and prognostic effectiveness of echocardiography in this setting.

Echocardiographic assessment of the right ventricle in the current era: Application in clinical practice

The right ventricle has unique structural and functional characteristics. It is now well recognized that the so-called forgotten ventricle is a key player in cardiovascular physiology. Furthermore, there is accumulating evidence that demonstrates right ventricular dysfunction as an important marker of morbidity and mortality in several commonly encountered clinical situations such as heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism, right ventricular myocardial infarction, and adult congenital heart disease. In contrast to the left ventricle, echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular function is more challenging as volume estimations are not possible without the use of three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography. Guidelines on chamber quantification provide a standardized approach to assessment of the right ventricle. The technique and limitations of each of the parameters for RV size and function need to be fully understood. In this era of multimodality imaging, echocardiography continues to remain a useful tool for the initial assessment and follow-up of patients with right heart pathology. Several novel approaches such as 3D and strain imaging of the right ventricle have expanded the usefulness of this indispensable modality.

Left Ventricular Assist Devices in the Management of Heart Failure

Mechanical circulatory support has emerged as an important therapy for advanced heart failure, with more than 18,000 continuous flow devices implanted worldwide to date. These devices significantly improve survival and quality of life and should be considered in every patient with end-stage heart failure with reduced ejection fraction who has no other life-limiting diseases. All candidates for device implantation should undergo a thorough evaluation in order to identify those who could benefit from device implantation. Long-term management of ventricular assist device patients is challenging and requires knowledge of the characteristic complications with their unique clinical presentations.