Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a clinically prevalent valvular heart disease with an age-dependent increase in incidence. Patients with symptomatic severe TR are confronted with limited efficacy of medical treatment and high risks of surgical intervention. In recent years, transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement has rapidly evolved as a novel therapeutic strategy to address the challenge. This article systematically reviews the design features and clinical studies of transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement devices globally, providing valuable insights and evidence for expanding clinical approaches in the treatment of the patients with TR.
Post-implantation early right heart failure (RHF) following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement is characterized by a high incidence and poor prognosis. Current risk stratification models primarily rely on hemodynamic, imaging, and organ function parameters obtained under resting conditions, but their external validation and generalizability are limited. In contrast, stress testing, which increases cardiac load through vasodilators or exercise, offers incremental value in predicting postoperative RHF. This review centers on a dual-state assessment (rest and stress), summarizing the strengths and limitations of indices such as the ratio of central venous pressure to pulmonary artery wedge pressure (CVP/PAWP) and the pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi). It further compares established risk models like CRITT score and European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support (EUROMACS), demonstrating the augmented predictive power of pharmacological or exercise stress testing. A stratified strategy is proposed, involving initial screening with static parameters followed by confirmatory stress testing. Furthermore, an integrated approach of incorporating stress-derived parameters into these models is suggested. Finally, the paper advocates for prospective validation studies in the cohort of patients receiving domestically-produced LVAD, with the aim of establishing a systematic framework to guide perioperative decision-making and enhance individualized prediction.
Objective To discuss the safety and validity of pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients with severe right heart failure (RHF). Methods PEA procedures were performed on 36 patients in Fu Wai Hospital from January 2015 to April 2016. There were 28 males and 8 females, with a mean age of 46.56±11.85 years. According to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function classification, 36 patients were divided into preoperative severe RHF group (grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ,n=28) and preoperative without severe RHF group (grade Ⅱ,n=8). Hemodynamic parameters before and after PEA were recorded and 3-18 months' follow-up was done. Results All the patients having PEA surgeries had an obvious decrease of mean pulmonary arterial pressure (from 49.53±13.14 mm Hg to 23.58±10.79 mm Hg) and pulmonary vascular resistance (from 788.46±354.60 dyn·s/cm5 to 352.89±363.49 dyn·s/cm5, bothP<0.001). There was no in-hospital mortality among all the patients. Persistent pulmonary hypertension occurred in 2 patients, perfused lung in 2 patients, pericardial effusion in 2 patients. No mortality was found during the follow-up period. All patients improved to NYHA grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ (WHO grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ), and only 2 patients remained in the NYHA grade Ⅲ (P<0.01). Conclusion The CTEPH patients having PEA surgeries had an obvious improvement in both their hemodynamics results and postoperative heart function, which in return could improve their quality of life.
Short-term left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has been widely applied in patients with end-stage heart failure, effectively improving hemodynamic perfusion and cardiac function. As a bridge to heart transplantation, this technology has rapidly developed. However, recent studies indicate that right heart failure (RHF) represents the most common complication following LVAD implantation, with an incidence rate of 25%-30%. This condition induces right-sided congestive symptoms, leading to deterioration of quality of life, reduced survival rates, and even compromising successful bridging to heart transplantation. Currently, diagnostic criteria and early identification methods for post-LVAD RHF remain under investigation, while echocardiographic parameters and invasive hemodynamic measurements provide comprehensive assessment of right ventricular function. Therefore, this study systematically reviews recent research findings from both domestic and international scholars regarding echocardiographic and hemodynamic predictors of RHF, aiming to identify potential directions for enhancing predictive capabilities of post-LVAD RHF.