Intra-Caval Balloon Pump.

This clinical image vignette describes the inadvertent placement of a balloon pump in the vena cava during a "code blue" scenario, and the lessons to be learned from that experience. The hemodynamic benefits of intra-aortic balloon pump during experimental cardiac arrest include shorter circulation time and increases in end-tidal CO2 and coronary perfusion pressure. However, the hemodynamic effects of venous diastolic augmentation during experimental cardiogenic shock vary, being detrimental in cases of low preload, and possibly beneficial in a high preload state.

Left ventricular assist device implantation may be feasible in appropriately selected patients with severe renal insufficiency.

Objectives: Severe renal insufficiency is considered a relative contraindication to left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. After establishing an algorithmic approach to these patients, we hypothesized that LVAD implantation with severe renal insufficiency could be performed without increasing morbidity or mortality.

Methods: All consecutive patients (July 2015-December 2017) who underwent LVAD implantation were retrospectively reviewed.

Triage and optimization: A new paradigm in the treatment of massive pulmonary embolism.

Background: Massive pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a highly fatal condition. Although venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and surgical pulmonary embolectomy in the management of massive PE have been reported previously, the outcomes remain less than ideal. We hypothesized that the institution of a protocolized approach of triage and optimization using VA-ECMO would result in improved outcomes compared with historical surgical management.

Peripheral Distribution of Thrombus Does Not Affect Outcomes After Surgical Pulmonary Embolectomy.

Background: Thrombus located distal to the main or primary pulmonary arteries has been previously viewed as a relative contraindication to surgical pulmonary embolectomy. We compared outcomes for surgical pulmonary embolectomy for submassive and massive pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with central vs peripheral thrombus burden.

Methods: All consecutive patients (2011 to 2016) undergoing surgical pulmonary embolectomy at a single center were retrospectively reviewed.

Utilization of Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Massive Pulmonary Embolism.

Background: The management of massive pulmonary embolism remains challenging, with a considerable mortality rate. Although veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for massive pulmonary embolism has been reported, its use as salvage therapy has been associated with poor outcomes. We reviewed our experience utilizing an aggressive, protocolized approach of VA-ECMO to triage, optimize, and treat these patients.

Health Literacy: Readability of ACC/AHA Online Patient Education Material.

Objectives: To determine whether the online patient education material offered by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) is written at a higher level than the 6th-7th grade level recommended by the National Institute of Health (NIH).

Methods: Online patient education material from each website was subjected to reading grade level (RGL) analysis using the Readability Studio Professional Edition. One-sample t testing was used to compare the mean RGLs obtained from 8 formulas to the NIH-recommended 6.

Augmenting Function for Infarction from Infection: Impella 2.5 for Ischemic Cardiogenic Shock Complicating Sepsis.

Cardiac dysfunction is a common complication of sepsis in individuals with preexisting coronary disease and portends a poor prognosis when progressing to ischemic cardiogenic shock. In this setting, maximal medical therapy in isolation is often inadequate to maintain cardiac output for patients who are poor candidates for immediate revascularization. Furthermore, the use of vasopressors and inotropes increases myocardial demand and may lead to further injury.

Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm Following Inferior Myocardial Infarction: A Case for Conservative Management.

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication of myocardial infarction that carries a high mortality rate. Although conventional wisdom suggests prompt surgical repair in order to mitigate risk of expansion and rupture, there are some data to support non-operative management in asymptomatic individuals with likely chronic pseudoaneurysms, particularly when surgical candidacy is poor. We present a case of a medically managed left ventricular pseudoaneurysm subsequent to inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with 6-month follow-up data.

Cardiovascular Outcomes Trials in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Objectives: To review the spectrum of contemporary cardiovascular outcomes trials (CVOTS) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), spanning both the pre- and post-ACCORD eras.

Methods: We reviewed a total of 12 CVOTs and delineated the two eras in accordance with the 2008 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandate requiring completion of CVOTs prior the licensing of new glucose-lowering agents. The salient implications regarding macrovascular disease complications were summarized.

The broken heart syndrome: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

First described in 1990, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy consists of a transient systolic dysfunction of localized segments of the left ventricle. Commonly occurring in postmenopausal women, Takotsubo is often associated with intense physical and/or emotional stress. It is traditionally identified by distinctive wall motion patterns on transthoracic echocardiogram and left ventriculography.

The investigator and the IRB: a survey of depression and schizophrenia researchers.

Despite the integral part Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) play in U.S. research, research on IRBs is lacking.