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Aims: Patients with aortic dissection have a high prevalence of left ventricular structural alterations, including left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), but little is known about the impact of sex on this regard. This study compared clinical, cardiac, and prognostic characteristics between men and women with aortic dissection., Methods: We retrospectively assessed clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, and 1-year mortality in 367 aortic dissection patients (30% women; 66% with Stanford-A) who underwent echocardiography 60 days before or after the diagnosis of aortic dissection from three Brazilian centers., Results: Men and women had similar clinical characteristics, except for higher age (59.4 ± 13.4 vs. 55.9 ± 11.6 years; P  = 0.013) and use of antihypertensive classes (1.4 ± 1.3 vs. 1.1 ± 1.2; P  = 0.024) and diuretics (32 vs. 19%; P  = 0.004) in women compared with men. Women had a higher prevalence of LVH (78 vs. 65%; P  = 0.010) and lower prevalence of normal left ventricular geometry (20 vs. 10%; P  = 0.015) than men. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors showed that women were less likely to have normal left ventricular geometry (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval = 0.42, 0.20-0.87; P  = 0.019) and were more likely to have LVH (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval = 1.91, 1.11-3.27; P  = 0.019). Conversely, multivariable Cox-regression analysis showed that women had a similar risk of death compared to men 1 year after aortic dissection diagnosis (hazard ratio, 95% confidence interval = 1.16, 0.77-1.75; P  = 0.49)., Conclusion: In aortic dissection patients, women were typically older, had higher use of antihypertensive medications, and exhibited a greater prevalence of LVH compared with men. However, 1-year mortality after aortic dissection diagnosis did not differ between men and women., (Copyright © 2024 Italian Federation of Cardiology - I.F.C. All rights reserved.)

Background: In-hospital delays in permanent cardiac pacemaker (PPM) implantation are common and may result in in-hospital infection among patients waiting for PPM implantation (pre-PPM-HI). This study investigated the predictors and prognostic impact of these events., Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 905 consecutive patients (68.2 ± 16.0 years; 54% males) who underwent PPM implantation. Clinical characteristics, pre-PPM-HI and 30-day mortality were recorded and a risk score for pre-PPM-HI was generated using multivariable logistic regression coefficients., Results: Eigthy-nine patients (10% of the sample) developed pre-PPM-HI. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified urinary catheter use, complete atrioventricular block, implantation of temporary pacemaker and diabetes mellitus as independent predictors of pre-PPM-HI. The generated score (range 0-10.1) played a better role in predicting pre-PPM-HI than individual factors, yielding an area under the curve [95%CI] of 0.754 [0.705-0.803]. Patients with score ≥ 7.5 had 18-fold greater risk of developing pre-PPM-HI than those with score < 2.5. Furthermore, multivariable Cox-regression analysis showed that patients who developed pre-PPM-HI had greater 30-day mortality after PPM implantation (hazard ratio [95%CI] = 2.90 [1.18-7.16], p = 0.021) compared with their counterparts., Conclusions: This study reveals that pre-PPM-HI is an independent predictor of early mortality after PPM implantation. In addition, a clinical score developed from simple clinical variables accurately identified patients at high risk of pre-PPM-HI. In scenarios where delays in PPM implantation are unavoidable, such as reference hospitals with high demand, the use of this tool can potentially help in the hierarchy of patients and in the reduction of this adverse event., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study compared clinical, echocardiographic, and prognostic characteristics among patients with aortic dissection (AD) with (HypHist) and without (No-HypHist) hypertension history and evaluated the association of blood pressure (BP) at presentation with 1-year mortality, left ventricular (LV) remodeling and renal dysfunction., Methods: We investigated clinical and echocardiographic characteristics and 1-year mortality among 367 patients with AD (81% HypHist, 66% Type-A) from three Brazilian centers., Results: Patients with No-HypHist were more likely to have Marfan syndrome, bicuspid aortic valve, to undergo surgical therapy, were less likely to have LV hypertrophy and concentricity, and had similar mortality compared with HypHist patients. Adjusted restricted cubic spline analysis showed that systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) at presentation had a J-curve association with mortality among patients with No-HypHist, but did not associate with death among patients with HypHist ( p for interaction = 0.001 for SBP and = 0.022 for DBP). Conversely, the association between SBP at presentation and mortality was influenced by previous use of antihypertensive medications in the HypHist group ( p for interaction = 0.002). Results of multivariable logistic regression analysis comprising the whole sample showed direct associations of SBP and DBP at presentation with LV hypertrophy ( p = 0.009) and LV concentricity ( p = 0.015), respectively, and an inverse association between pulse pressure at presentation and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m 2 ( p = 0.008)., Conclusion: Combined information on BP at presentation, previous diagnosis of hypertension, and use of antihypertensive medications might be useful to predict mortality risk and to estimate extra-aortic end-organ damage among patients with AD., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Oliveira, Rocha, Soares, L'Armée, Martins, Rocha, Feitosa, Lima, Oliveira, Silveira-Filho, Coelho-Filho, Matos-Souza, Petrucci, Sposito and Nadruz.)

Background This study compared left ventricular (LV) characteristics between patients with type-A and type-B aortic dissection (AD) and evaluated the ability of LV remodeling phenotypes (hypertrophy, concentricity, or geometric patterns) to predict mortality in both AD types. Methods and Results We evaluated 236 patients with type A and 120 patients with type B who had echocardiograms within 60 days before or after AD diagnosis (median [25th, 75th percentiles] time difference between echocardiogram and AD diagnosis=1 [0, 6] days) from 3 centers. Patients were stratified according to LV phenotypes, and early (90-day) and late (1-year) mortality after AD diagnosis were assessed. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, patients with type A had higher and lower odds of concentric and eccentric hypertrophy (odds ratio [OR], 2.56; 95% CI, 1.50-4.36; P <0.001; and OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.31-0.97; P =0.039, respectively) than those with type B. Results of multivariable Cox-regression analysis showed that LV remodeling phenotypes were not related to mortality in patients with type B. By contrast, LV concentricity was associated with greater early and late mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 2.22; 95% CI, 1.24-3.96; P =0.007 and HR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.20-3.54; P =0.009, respectively) in type A. In further analysis considering normal LV geometry as reference, LV concentric remodeling and concentric hypertrophy were associated with early mortality (HR, 7.78; 95% CI, 2.35-25.78; P <0.001 and HR, 4.38; 95% CI, 1.47-13.11; P =0.008, respectively), whereas concentric remodeling was associated with late mortality (HR, 5.40; 95% CI, 1.91-15.26; P <0.001) among patients with type A. Assessment of LV geometric patterns and concentricity provided incremental prognostic value in predicting early and late mortality beyond clinical variables in patients with type A based on net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement. Conclusions LV geometric patterns derived from LV concentricity were associated with greater mortality among patients with type A and may be markers of adverse prognosis in this population.

Risk stratification in secondary prevention has emerged as an unmet clinical need in order to mitigate the Number-Needed-to-Treat and make expensive therapies both clinically relevant and cost-effective. P wave indices reflect atrial conduction, which is a sensitive marker for inflammatory, metabolic, and pressure overload myocardial cell remodeling; the three stimuli are traditional mechanisms for adverse clinical evolution. Accordingly, we sought to investigate the predictive role of P-wave indices to estimate residual risk in patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CAD). The cohort included 520 post-Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting patients with a median age of 60 years who were followed for a median period of 1025 days. The primary endpoint was long-term all-cause death. Cubic spline model demonstrated a linear association between P-wave duration and incidence rate of long-term all-cause death (p = 0.023). P-wave >110ms was a marker for an average of 425 days shorter survival as compared with P-wave under 80ms (Logrank p = 0.020). The Cox stepwise regression models retained P-wave duration as independent marker (HR:1.37; 95%CI:1.05-1.79,p = 0.023). In conclusion, the present study suggests that P-wave measurement may constitute a simple, inexpensive and accessible prognostic tool to be added in the bedside risk estimation in CAD patients., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Introduction: In vitro hydrodynamic characterization of prosthetic heart valves provides important information regarding their operation, especially if performed by noninvasive techniques of anemometry. Once velocity profiles for each valve are provided, it is possible to compare them in terms of hydrodynamic performance. In this first experimental study using laser doppler anemometry with mechanical valves, the simulations were performed at a steady flow workbench., Objective: To compare unidimensional velocity profiles at the central plane of two bi-leaflet aortic prosthesis from St. Jude (AGN 21 - 751 and 21 AJ - 501 models) exposed to a steady flow regime, on four distinct sections, three downstream and one upstream., Methods: To provide similar conditions for the flow through each prosthesis by a steady flow workbench (water, flow rate of 17L/min.) and, for the same sections and sweeps, to obtain the velocity profiles of each heart valve by unidimensional measurements., Results: It was found that higher velocities correspond to the prosthesis with smaller inner diameter and instabilities of flow are larger as the section of interest is closer to the valve. Regions of recirculation, stagnation of flow, low pressure, and flow peak velocities were also found., Conclusions: Considering the hydrodynamic aspect and for every section measured, it could be concluded that the prosthesis model AGN 21 - 751 (RegentTM) is superior to the 21 AJ - 501 model (Master Series). Based on the results, future studies can choose to focus on specific regions of the these valves.

This study aims at the influence on hemolysis of the differences between the maximum and minimum amplitudes of pressure in the outlet of three roller pump models adjusted by dynamic calibration method. Tests were performed with silicone tubes (½ × (3)/(16) inches) in fluid analogous to blood and fresh bovine blood from slaughterhouse. Tests with analogous solution to blood were performed varying the dynamic calibration pressure between 78 and 500 mm Hg. Tests with fresh bovine blood were performed with the three pumps simultaneously, and pressure differences and free hemoglobin in the plasma were measured during 360 minutes. Tests with both analogous solution to blood and fresh bovine blood showed differences of mean pressures of pump 2 related to pumps 1 and 3 (p < 0.01). The different models of roller pumps analyzed presented differences in pressure amplitudes (p < 0.01) and hemolysis (p < 0.01) adjusted for the same dynamic calibration pressure. Raceway profile of pump 2 resulted in smaller pressure amplitude, implying lower hemolysis rate compared with pumps 1 and 3.

The rotation of rollers in cardiopulmonary bypass pumps propels the blood through various devices to reach the patient. Very occlusive settings may squeeze red blood cells, whereas a nonocclusive setting may result in retrograde flow. Occlusion of roller pumps may be regulated either by measuring the drop rate or by dynamic calibration. This study evaluated the influence of silicone tubing residual stress found on pump regulation. Silicone tubes obtained from two different suppliers were used in 6-inch DeBakey roller pumps. The variations occurring over time in the measurements of drop rate, dynamic calibration, and tube residual stress were analyzed. Covariance analysis of the four linear regressions has shown a progressive and accentuated reduction in drop rate (p < 0.002). It is noticeable that the angular coefficients of the drop rate measurements of the four silicone tubes are the same (p > 0.56). This reduction in drop rate measurements may affect the regulation of the pumps before surgical procedures. One probable cause for this reduction is the residual stress found in the silicone tubes. Settings based on the dynamic calibration process tended to be repeated over time. Simple linear regression test (angular coefficient equals zero) has shown a p > 0.79 showing no interference of the silicone tubes residual stress on dynamic calibration, suggesting that one should use this method to calibrate roller pumps.

Objective: To identify a statistical method that may express the patient length of stay in the operating room and build a 'matrix of relationship' for optimizing this time, the real and exact time of the operation., Methods: The analysis of survival and the Kaplan-Meier estimator allowed to calculate the survival curves for different times and the 'matrix of relationship' with 10 hypothesis to help in choosing the new operation. The study consisted of a simple random sample of 71 patients, from elective operations for adults in Cardiac Surgery/Clinics Hospital/Unicamp, with confidence level of 95% in 2008., Results: On average, the times of the operations over at a range of 140 minutes to 200 minutes and excess from 5 minutes to 90 minutes. In general, on average, one operation was daily performed within 520 minutes, for a time of 720 minutes., Conclusion: 1) With the maximum available time of 720 minutes is not possible to perform surgery, unless using the 'matrix of relationship', whereas the maximum time available varies between 660 minutes and 690 minutes, considering the range of cleaning of the room. 2) The time of the patient in the operating room is a time that includes the time of learning by the student in an university hospital school. 3) When optimizing the time, most patients will benefit, causing a decrease from the waiting list for new opeartions. 4) The 'matrix of relationship' allows to view and express opinion on a better decision making in addition to decide upon several assumptions.

Objective: The aim of this study is to verify in an isolated working heart swine model if the acute administration of trimetazidine to cardioplegia, without pre-treatment improves heart performance., Methods: Eighteen pairs of swine were used in this working heart model, divided into three groups (n = 6) that underwent regional and global ischemia. Each group was selected to a different treatment: St. Thomas cardioplegia (ST), St. Thomas enriched with trimetazidine (TMZ) and control group (Co). Data was collected during reperfusion period at 30, 60 and 90 minutes. Hemodynamic parameters such as elastance contractility index (Emax), preload recruitable stroke work relationship (PRSW) and heart "stiffness" (EDPVR) were measured. Other data included coronary flow, lactate, oxygen and glucose consumption. Results were statistically analyzed., Results: All contractility data were not significantly different among three groups. Lactate became constantly higher according to time uniformly in all three groups. Coronary flow, glucose consumption and oxygen consumption presented large variations during time periods but according to treatments showed no statistical differences in all three groups. Left ventricle final weight was significantly lower in trimetazidine group compared to both other groups., Conclusion: Administration of trimetazidine enhanced cardioplegia, without pre-treatment, showed no hemodynamic or metabolic improvement in swine isolated working heart model.

Objective: To develop an isolated working heart model with parabiotic circulation in swine and verify its stability and possibility to allow effective measurements of hemodynamic and metabolic data., Methods: This model was developed during study of association of agents to cardiology. There were performed 18 experiments, each with a support animal and a donor animal. Donor animal heart was perfused as isolated working heart with parabiotic circulation from support animal. Isolated heart underwent regional ischemia by interventricular artery clamping, followed by global ischemia. During reperfusion in working heart state mode at 30, 60 and 90 minutes, contractility indices such as elastance, preload recruitable stroke work index and metabolic data were acquired., Results: Support animals were kept stable throughout the procedures without use of blood transfusions or vasoactive drugs. pH, oxygen partial pressure and hematocrit were kept stable and within physiologic ranges. Isolated heart was perfused adequately throughout the experiment. All hemodynamic and metabolic data proposed were adequately measured in working heart state mode., Conclusion: This swine isolated "working heart" model was kept stable throughout the experiments with no administration of vasoactive drugs and it allowed adequate measurements of metabolic and hemodynamic data.

Introduction: Renal cell carcinoma with thrombus in the inferior vena cava and no apparent metastasis requires immediate surgical treatment. Over the last few years, extracorporeal circulation with deep hypothermia and total circulatory arrest have played an increasingly important role in the treatment of diseases not associated with primary cardiovascular disorders, such as cavoatrial tumor thrombus in uterine tumors, adrenal tumors, Wilms' tumor, as well as renal cell carcinoma., Case Report: A 78-year-old patient with renal cell carcinoma and tumoral thrombus in the inferior vena cava and above the supra-hepatic veins underwent right radical nephrectomy and removal of the thrombus from the vena cava with extracorporeal circulation and deep hypothermia with total circulatory arrest without opening the chest. The patient presented good post-operative evolution.

The pacemaker with rate-responsiveness was a great advance in cardiac stimulation, however, the choice of the best biosensor is still object of research. A 35 year-old woman with a responsive pacemaker implanted due to a complete heart block after interventricular septal defect surgical correction was admitted. The pacemaker showed improper cronothropic response with high frequency due to biosensing malfunction. Malfunction related to muscle stimulation in the generator pocket and a high response rate. A palliative procedure was made until the end of pregnancy, by reducing the sensitivity of biosensing.