Hemodynamic effects of COVID-19 vaccination in hospitalized patients awaiting heart transplantation.

Background: The hemodynamic effects of pre-transplant vaccination against COVID-19 among heart transplant candidates hospitalized for advanced heart failure remains unknown.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted at a high-volume transplant center from January through December 2021. 22 COVID-19 vaccination events occurred among patients hospitalized for decompensated heart failure while awaiting transplantation.

The Impact of Transitioning From In-Person to Virtual Heart Transplantation Selection Committee Meetings: Observational Study.

Background: Heart transplant selection committee meetings have transitioned from in-person to remote video meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic, but how this impacts committee members and patient outcomes is unknown.

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the perceived impact of remote video transplant selection meetings on usability and patient care and to measure patient selection outcomes during the transition period from in-person to virtual meetings.

Methods: A 35-item anonymous survey was developed and distributed electronically to the heart transplant selection committee.

Heart transplantation in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: A single-center case series.

The infectious disease coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. The impact of COVID-19 on solid organ transplantations, including heart transplantation, is currently unclear. Many transplant programs have been forced to swiftly re-evaluate and adapt their practices, leading to a marked decrease in transplants performed.

Effect of high-frequency chest wall oscillation versus chest physiotherapy on lung function after lung transplant.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of chest physiotherapy (CPT) and high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) on lung function in lung transplant recipients.

Background: Chest physiotherapy and HFCWO are routinely used after lung transplant to attenuate dyspnea, increase expiratory flow, and improve secretion clearance.

Methods: In a two-group experimental, crossover design with repeated-measures, 45 lung transplant recipients (27 single, 18 bilateral; 64% male; mean age, 57 years) were randomized to receive CPT at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM followed by HFCWO at 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM (n=22) or vice versa (n=23) on postoperative day 3.

CNE article: pain after lung transplant: high-frequency chest wall oscillation vs chest physiotherapy.

Background Chest physiotherapy and high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) are routinely used after lung transplant to facilitate removal of secretions. To date, no studies have been done to investigate which therapy is more comfortable and preferred by lung transplant recipients. Patients who have less pain may mobilize secretions, heal, and recover faster.