We introduce an implantable intracardiac soft robotic right ventricular ejection device (RVED) for dynamic approximation of the right ventricular (RV) free wall and the interventricular septum (IVS) in synchrony with the cardiac cycle to augment blood ejection in right heart failure (RHF). The RVED is designed for safe and effective intracardiac operation and consists of an anchoring system deployed across the IVS, an RV free wall anchor, and a pneumatic artificial muscle linear actuator that spans the RV chamber between the two anchors. Using a ventricular simulator and a custom controller, we characterized ventricular volume ejection, linear approximation against different loads and the effect of varying device actuation periods on volume ejection. The RVED was then tested in vivo in adult pigs (n = 5). First, we successfully deployed the device into the beating heart under 3D echocardiography guidance (n = 4). Next, we performed a feasibility study to evaluate the device’s ability to augment RV ejection in an experimental model of RHF (n = 1). RVED actuation augmented RV ejection during RHF; while further chronic animal studies will provide details about the efficacy of this support device. These results demonstrate successful design and implementation of the RVED and its deployment into the beating heart. This soft robotic ejection device has potential to serve as a rapidly deployable system for mechanical circulatory assistance in RHF.

The aim of this study is to assess the influence of gene CYP2C19, CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and ABCB1 polymorphisms on clopidogrel antiplatelet activity, rivaroxaban concentration equilibrium, and clinical outcomes among patients with acute coronary syndrome and non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Methods: In the multicenter prospective registry study of the efficacy and safety of a combined antithrombotic therapy 103 patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation both undergoing or not a percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled. The trial assessed the primary outcomes (major bleeding, in-hospital death, cardiovascular death, stroke\transient ischaemic attack, death/renal insufficiency) and secondary outcomes (platelet reactivity units (PRU), rivaroxaban concentration). Results: For none of the clinical outcomes when combined with other covariates, the carriership of polymorphisms CYP3A5*3 rs776746, CYP2C19*2 rs4244285;*17 rs12248560, ABCB1 3435 C>T, ABCB1 rs4148738 was significant. None of the markers under study (CYP3A5*3 rs776746, CYP2C19*2 rs4244285, *17 rs12248560, ABCB1 3435 C>T, ABCB1 rs4148738) has proven to affect rivaroxaban equilibrium concentration in blood plasma among patients with atrial fibrillation and acute coronary syndrome. Conclusion: In situations of double or triple antithrombotic rivaroxaban and clopidogrel therapy among patients with atrial fibrillation and acute coronary syndrome, the genetic factors associated with bleeding complications risk (CYP2C19*17) may prove to be clinically relevant.

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AimThe aim of this study was to determine the impact of CYP2C19 and ABCB1 gene polymorphisms and CYP3A4 isoenzyme activity on stent implantation complications among patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Patients and methodsSeventy-six patients (median age 63, range 37–91 years) with an ACS who underwent PCI were screened for CYP2C19 and ABCB1 gene polymorphisms with real-time polymerase chain reaction: CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*17, and ABCB1 3435. CYP3A4 isoenzyme activity was determined by urine cortisol and 6-beta-hydroxycortisol levels. Stent implantation complications such as stent thrombosis (n=2) and restenosis (n=1) were observed among drug-eluting stent recipients.ResultsLow mean 6-beta-hydroxycortisol/cortisol ratio is indicative of impaired CYP3A4 activity and was associated with higher risk of thrombosis (b coefficient=0.022, SE 0.009, p=0.021 in the linear regression model). The increase in the length of the implanted stent was associated with higher risk of restenosis (b coefficient=0.006, SE=0.002, p=0.001 in the linear regression model). The presence of the CYP2C19*2 polymorphism did not affect the incidence of stent thrombosis (b coefficient=−1.626, SE=1.449, p=0.262 in the logistic regression model), nor did the CYP2C19*17 (b coefficient=−0.907, SE=1.438, p=0.528 in the logistic regression model) and ABCB1 3435 polymorphisms (b coefficient=1.270, SE=1.442, p=0.378 in the logistic regression model).ConclusionWe did not find evidence that the presence of CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*17, and ABCB1 3435 polymorphisms may jeopardize the safety of stent implantation in patients with an ACS. Patients with low CYP3A4 isoenzyme activity may have increased risk of stent thrombosis.