Patrick Sullivan The field of organ transplantation has made incredible strides, particularly in the use of donation after circulatory death (DCD) hearts. However, assessing the viability of these hearts remains a significant challenge. One of the most promising tools for evaluating the functionality of DCD hearts is PV loop screening of DCD hearts, which allows for real-time … Read more
Introduction Mechanical circulatory support devices have revolutionized the management of patients with advanced heart failure, especially those awaiting heart transplants or experiencing chronic heart conditions. Among these devices, ventricular assist devices (VADs) stand out as a significant tool, assisting in the reduction of cardiac workload and enhancing overall circulatory function. One of the primary physiological … Read more
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a complex cardiac condition where the heart maintains normal pumping ability, but its capacity to fill properly is compromised. Unlike heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), where the heart’s ability to pump blood is diminished, HFpEF involves challenges in ventricular filling, leading to significant impacts on … Read more
The LV PV loop (left ventricular pressure-volume loop) is a powerful tool in cardiology, specifically in the realms of cardiac surgery and device therapy. It provides a graphical representation of the relationship between left ventricular pressure and volume during a cardiac cycle, giving invaluable insights into heart function. These loops are integral to intraoperative assessments … Read more
Aortic stenosis (AS) is a progressive and serious condition that affects the heart’s ability to efficiently pump blood to the rest of the body. Specifically, aortic stenosis increases the workload on the heart by narrowing the aortic valve, which reduces the blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta. One of the most critical … Read more
Heart failure is a complex and progressive condition that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. One of the critical tools used to understand the mechanics of heart failure is the pressure-volume (PV) loop. This loop is a graphical representation of the relationship between pressure and volume in the heart during one complete cardiac … Read more
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition characterized by elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, leading to progressive strain on the right side of the heart. As the right ventricle (RV) plays a crucial role in pumping blood through the lungs, it faces unique challenges under increased pulmonary artery pressure. A powerful tool in understanding … Read more
Understanding the pathophysiology of systolic heart failure is crucial to diagnosing and treating this condition effectively. One of the most insightful methods to examine heart function in systolic heart failure is by analyzing the pressure-volume loop. This graphical representation provides a comprehensive view of the changes in stroke volume, contractility, and overall left ventricular function … Read more
Pressure-volume (PV) loops are a cornerstone in understanding cardiac physiology, offering a graphical representation of the relationship between pressure and volume within the heart during a cardiac cycle. These loops provide critical insights into ventricular function, particularly contractility, which is the intrinsic ability of the heart muscle (myocardium) to generate force during contraction, independent of … Read more
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) has become a cornerstone in treating patients with heart failure (HF), specifically those who exhibit electrical dyssynchrony. It works by improving the synchrony of ventricular contractions, which enhances the overall efficiency of the heart. Traditionally, CRT has been guided by ECG and imaging techniques such as echocardiography to ensure optimal lead … Read more