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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Prophylactic Amiodarone Reduces Ventricular Fibrillation in LVH Patients Undergoing Open-Heart Surgery
In a comprehensive randomized controlled trial conducted by Chan-Juan Gong and colleagues, the researchers rigorously evaluated the effectiveness of prophylactic intravenous amiodarone in reducing the incidence of ventricular fibrillation (VF) post-aortic cross-clamp (ACC) removal in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) undergoing open-heart surgery. The study involved 54 patients who were randomly assigned to one…
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BiVACOR’s Total Artificial Heart Earns FDA Breakthrough Status
On June 2, 2025, the FDA granted Breakthrough Device status to the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart (TAH)—a next-generation fully implantable heart replacement system. What sets BiVACOR apart is its magnetically levitated pump, which allows for precise, continuous blood flow without the need for valves or diaphragms. The compact design is intended to serve as a…
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Ethical Challenges of NRP in Circulatory Death A 2025 Scoping Review
A 2025 scoping review titled “Ethical Issues in Normothermic Regional Perfusion in Controlled Organ Donation After Determination of Death by Circulatory Criteria” by Manara et al., published in Transplantation, offers a comprehensive evaluation of the ethical concerns surrounding Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP) in the context of controlled donation after circulatory determination of death (cDCDD). The…
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Impact of ECMO and CRRT Circuits on Ketamine and Dexmedetomidine Levels: Adjusting Sedative Dosing in ECLS-Supported Patients
The study by Andrew Chevalier and colleagues, published in the Journal of Extracorporeal Technology, investigates how extracorporeal life support (ECLS) circuits, specifically ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) and CRRT (continuous renal replacement therapy), affect the pharmacokinetics of sedatives ketamine and dexmedetomidine. These medications are commonly administered to patients on ECLS for pain and sedation management. ECLS…
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Utilizing NIRS and Vascular Occlusion Test (VOT) to Predict Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): The Significance of Desaturation Speed (D-speed) in Cardiac Surgery Patients
The study by Ling Peng et al., published in the Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, investigates the effectiveness of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with the Vascular Occlusion Test (VOT) in predicting acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). NIRS allows for non-invasive measurement of tissue oxygen saturation (StO2). At the…
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OPO-Led Normothermic Regional Perfusion Enhances Organ Recovery and Transplant Outcomes
A 2025 study evaluating outcomes of 90 non-thoracic donors managed with Organ Procurement Organization (OPO)-based Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP) demonstrated significant advancements in organ recovery effectiveness. The research revealed a substantial improvement in liver utilization rates, increasing steadily from 53% to 83% across three defined operational periods. This trend highlights the increasing efficiency and acceptance…
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Reversing Heart Damage: How α-Lipoic Acid Targets Senescent Macrophages in Myocardial Infarction
The study titled “α-Lipoic acid alleviates myocardial infarction by suppressing age-independent macrophage senescence” by Yuchao Wang et al., published in Scientific Reports, investigates the therapeutic role of α-Lipoic acid (ALA) in myocardial infarction (MI) through the modulation of macrophage senescence. MI remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype…
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