Utility of Fractional Flow Reserve Computed Tomography Angiography in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease.

Coronary computed tomography angiography is a modality with high negative predictive value for evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, its diagnostic accuracy for obstructive CAD is limited by multiple factors. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) computed tomography (FFR) is an emerging analysis tool for identifying flow-limiting disease; nonetheless, the prognostic value of FFR is not well established.

The Effect of TAVR on Left Ventricular and Left Atrial Mechanics in Patients with Aortic Stenosis.

Measures of adverse cardiac remodeling, left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and left atrial (LA) phasic function, are predictive of cardiac events in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). How these parameters of cardiac function change following TAVR requires further investigation. A number of 109 consecutive patients with symptomatic severe AS who were seen in the heart valve clinic between 2014 and 2019 for TAVR were included.

Discriminatory performance of positive urine hemoglobin for detection of significant hemolysis in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices.

Background: Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is the standard measure for detection of hemolysis and thus surveillance for device thrombosis in patients on continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) support. Significant hemolysis has been defined as LDH ≥600 IU/L. However, LDH testing requires phlebotomy, precluding frequent home monitoring.

Outcomes after stroke complicating left ventricular assist device.

Background: Stroke is one of the leading complications during continuous flow-left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) support. Risk factors have been well described, although less is known regarding treatment and outcomes. We present a large single-center experience on stroke outcome and transplant eligibility by stroke sub-type and severity in CF-LVAD patients.