Purpose of ReviewOwing to increased utilization of Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) devices, patients with these devices frequently present for surgeries requiring anesthetic support. The current article provides basics of perioperative management of these devices. Recent Findings Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are on the rise with recently updated management guidelines. Veno-venous ECMO utilization has been widely utilized as a salvage therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Summary Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps continue to be one of the most frequently used devices after acute myocardial infarction. ECMO is utilized for pulmonary or cardiopulmonary support as salvage therapy. LVADs are used in patients with end-stage heart failure as a destination therapy or bridge to transplant. Each of these devices present with their own set of management challenges. Anesthetic management of patients with MCS devices requires a thorough understanding of underlying operating and hemodynamic principles.

Background Patients with obesity and advanced heart failure face unique challenges on the path to heart transplantation. There are limited data on waitlist and transplantation outcomes in this population. We aimed to evaluate the impact of obesity on heart transplantation outcomes, and to investigate the effects of the new organ procurement and transplantation network allocation system in this population. Methods and Results This cohort study of adult patients listed for heart transplant used the United Network for Organ Sharing database from January 2006 to June 2020. Patients were stratified by body mass index (BMI) (18.5–24.9, 25–29.9, 30–34.9, 35–39.9, and 40–55 kg/m 2 ). Recipient characteristics and donor characteristics were analyzed. Outcomes analyzed included transplantation, waitlist death, and posttransplant death. BMI 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m 2 was used as the reference compared with progressive BMI categories. There were 46 645 patients listed for transplantation. Patients in higher BMI categories were less likely to be transplanted. The lowest likelihood of transplantation was in the highest BMI category, 40 to 55 kg/m 2 (hazard ratio [HR], 0.19 [0.05–0.76]; P =0.02). Patients within the 2 highest BMI categories had higher risk of posttransplantation death (HR, 1.29; P <0.001 and HR, 1.65; P <0.001, respectively). Left ventricular assist devices among patients in obese BMI categories decreased after the allocation system change ( P <0.001, all). After the change, patients with obesity were more likely to undergo transplantation (BMI 30–35 kg/m 2 : HR, 1.31 [1.18–1.46], P <0.001; BMI 35–55 kg/m 2 : HR, 1.29 [1.06–1.58]; P =0.01). Conclusions There was an inverse relationship between BMI and likelihood of heart transplantation. Higher BMI was associated with increased risk of posttransplant mortality. Patients with obesity were more likely to undergo transplantation under the revised allocation system.

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Purpose of reviewThe use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices, such as left ventricular assist device and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the elderly have been rapidly increasing in various clinical settings over the past two decades. This review briefly summarizes recent literature on the role and outcomes of such mechanical circulatory support devices use in the elderly. Recent findingsElderly patients are receiving increasing number of LVADs with improved survival and quality-of-life outcomes, despite multiple comorbidities. ECMO is a viable option in elderly patients but they have a higher risk of mortality after both VA ECMO and VV ECMO support. However, comorbidities, clinical presentation and timing of ECMO initiation seems to have a greater impact on prognosis than for younger patients. SummaryMCS device use continue to rise in the elderly population. Meticulously selected elderly patients could be successfully supported with MCS devices with favorable outcomes and acceptable mortality and complication rate.

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