Nitric Oxide-cGMP Pathway Modulation in an Experimental Model of Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension.

Manipulation of nitric oxide (NO) may enable control of progression and treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Several approaches may modulate the NO-cGMP pathway in vivo. Here, we investigate the effectiveness of 3 modulatory sites: (i) the amount of l-arginine; (ii) the size of plasma NO stores that stimulate soluble guanylate cyclase; (iii) the conversion of cGMP into inactive 5'-GMP, with respect to hypoxia, to test the effectiveness of the treatments with respect to hypoxia-induced PH.

Patient-specific computational fluid dynamics analysis of transcatheter aortic root replacement with chimney coronary grafts.

Objectives: Transcatheter aortic root repair (TARR) consists of the simultaneous endovascular replacement of the aortic valve, the root and the proximal ascending aorta. The aim of the study is to set-up a computational model of TARR to explore the impact of the endovascular procedure on the coronary circulation supported by chimney grafts.

Methods: Computed tomography of a patient with dilated ascending aorta was segmented to obtain a 3-dimensional representation of the proximal thoracic aorta, including aortic root and supra-aortic branches.

Characterizing the impact of minor cannula design modification.

Objective: Bench evaluation of the hydrodynamic behavior of venous cannulas is a valuable technique for the analysis of their performance during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the internal diameter of the extracorporeal connecting tube of venous cannulas on flow rate (Q), pressure drop (delta P), and cannula resistance (delta P/Q²) values, using a computer assisted test bench.

Methods: An in vitro circuit was set up with silicone tubing between the test cannula encased in a movable reservoir, and a static reservoir.

Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibition mimics intermittent reoxygenation and improves cardioprotection in the hypoxic myocardium.

Unlabelled: Although chronic hypoxia is a claimed myocardial risk factor reducing tolerance to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), intermittent reoxygenation has beneficial effects and enhances heart tolerance to I/R.

Aim Of The Study: To test the hypothesis that, by mimicking intermittent reoxygenation, selective inhibition of phosphodiesterase-5 activity improves ischemia tolerance during hypoxia. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to hypoxia for 15 days (10% O₂) and treated with placebo, sildenafil (1.

PulseCath iVAC 3LTM hemodynamic performance for simple assisted flow.

The PulseCath iVAC 3L™ left ventricular assist device is an option to treat transitory left heart failure or dysfunction post-cardiac surgery. Assisted blood flow should reach up to 3 l/min. In the present in vitro model exact pump flow, depending on various frequencies and afterload was examined.