Targeting Cell Death and DAMPs During Normothermic Perfusion to Improve Graft Outcomes
In Part two of his review published in Frontiers in Transplantation, Dr. Walter G. Land explores innovative strategies to improve transplant outcomes by targeting regulated cell death (RCD) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) during normothermic perfusion of donor organs. The review presents a conceptual framework in which injury-induced RCD leads to the release of DAMPs…
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AngioVac-Assisted Debulking before Lead Extraction in Device-Related Endocarditis
Mobeen Zaka Haider and his team conducted a case series examining the efficacy of the AngioVac device in debulking intracardiac vegetations before cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) lead extractions in patients with infective endocarditis. The study included five patients who presented with systemic infections related to CIEDs, most commonly involving Staphylococcus aureus. Vegetations were primarily…
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Dual-Circulation EVLP Enhances Airway Preservation in Lung Transplantation
Aravind Krishnan and his team conducted a pioneering study to investigate the benefits of preserving bronchial artery perfusion during ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP), a process typically used to assess and rehabilitate donor lungs before transplantation. In standard lung transplants, bronchial arteries are often sacrificed, leaving airways vulnerable to ischemic injury. The researchers developed a…
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Emerging Role of TAVR in Older Adults with Cardiogenic Shock: Balancing Risks, Outcomes, and Patient-Centered Care
Min Ji Kwak and her team conducted a comprehensive review of the use of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) in older adults with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and cardiogenic shock (CS). AS, a common valvular disease in the elderly, can lead to acute decompensated heart failure and CS, which carries a high mortality risk. While…
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Role of Non-Dietary Cardiovascular Health in Reducing Economic Burden After Stroke
Abraham M. Enyeji and his team conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study analyzing Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data from 2011 to 2022 to evaluate how improvements in cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics impact healthcare costs in individuals aged 45 and older, particularly those with a history of stroke. By applying the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple…
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Mitochondrial DNA Signals Linked to Aortic Valve Replacement Complications
A recent pilot study, led by Kieran Hyslop et al. and published in Scientific Reports, explored the potential role of circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cf-mtDNA) as a predictor of postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). Although AVR remains the standard and highly effective treatment for severe aortic valve disease, managing post-surgical…
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Christiaan Barnard and the Dawn of Heart Transplantation
Dr. Christiaan Barnard, a South African cardiac surgeon. Out of curiosity and a sense of destiny, Barnard sought further education as a cardiac surgeon in South Africa and the United States, where he studied the then-new realm of open-heart surgery. Upon returning to Cape Town, he became the head of cardiothoracic surgery at Groote Schuur…
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ECPELLA as a Bridge to Heart Transplantation in Post-MI VSD with Refractory Arrhythmias: A Novel Case Application
Dr. Max Frenkel and colleagues presented a unique case of using ECPELLA—a combination of Impella 5.5 and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO)—as a bridge to heart transplantation in a patient with a large post-myocardial infarction (MI) ventricular septal defect (VSD) and refractory ventricular arrhythmias. A 59-year-old male arrived with cardiogenic shock and was initially supported…
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New Cardiac Assist Technology Proven Accurate Through Advanced Simulation
In a study published in the ASAIO Journal by Erica C. Perez and colleagues, researchers validated the Harvi cardiovascular simulation platform as a reliable tool for predicting the effects of a novel non-blood-contacting direct cardiac compression (DCC) device developed by CorInnova.The innovative device functions by repeatedly compressing the ventricles in step with the heartbeat, providing…
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Optimizing Marginal Lung Use Consensus on EVLP Practices
Dr. Matthew Bacchetta and his multidisciplinary team of North American experts conducted a comprehensive consensus study on the clinical application of ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) using acellular perfusate. With only 15–30% of donor lungs traditionally suitable for transplantation, this research addresses a critical need to expand donor lung utilization. EVLP offers a means to…
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FDA Recognizes SeaStar Medical’s SCD as Breakthrough Device for Managing Systemic Inflammation
In April 2025, the FDA granted Breakthrough Device designation to SeaStar Medical’s Selective Cytopheretic Device (SCD), recognizing its potential to address a critical unmet need in post-cardiac surgery care. The SCD is designed to manage systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), a potentially life-threatening complication that can occur following major cardiac procedures. This breakthrough status highlights…
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Outcomes and Mortality Predictors in Postcardiotomy ECMO for Patients Aged 70 and Above
A retrospective study by Maged Makhoul and colleagues, published in JTCVS Open, examined the outcomes of postcardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (PC-ECMO) in older patients aged 70 years and above compared with younger patients. The analysis included 2057 patients treated between 2000 and 2020, of whom 33% were aged 70 or older. Results demonstrated that older…
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