Repeat left ventricular-assisted device exchange and upgrade from second- to third-generation devices in a high-volume single center.

Background: Pump exchange is an established strategy to treat LVAD-related complications such as thrombosis, infection, and driveline failure. Pump upgrades with an exchange to newer generation devices are being performed to the advantage of the patient on long-term support. The safety and efficacy of a repeat LVAD exchange with a concomitant upgrade to a third-generation pump have not been reported.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock.

Postcardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (PC-ECMO), the most frequent indication for ECMO in the United States, is increasingly used as the first-line mechanical circulatory support in patients who are refractory to conventional treatment. Despite increasing use of PC-ECMO, limited evidence is available regarding its safety, efficacy, and optimal timing for initiation and weaning. The decision to use PC-ECMO often is made in the absence of robust clinical data, leading to variability in patient selection, management, and outcomes across different institutions.

Factors Associated With Prolonged Survival in Left Ventricular Assist Device Recipients.

Background: Limited data exist on factors predicting prolonged survival in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients. We sought to identify patient characteristics and complications associated with prolonged survival.

Methods: We conducted retrospective review of the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) database, including primary continuous-flow LVAD recipients, between May 2012 and March 2013.

PDX1 regulation of FABP1 and novel target genes in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells.

The transcription factor pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1) plays an essential role in pancreatic development and in maintaining proper islet function via target gene regulation. Few intestinal PDX1 targets, however, have been described. We sought to define novel PDX1-regulated intestinal genes.