Learning three-dimensional aortic root assessment based on sparse annotations.

Purpose: Analyzing the anatomy of the aorta and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) is crucial for risk assessment and planning of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). A comprehensive analysis of the aortic root and LVOT requires the extraction of the patient-individual anatomy via segmentation. Deep learning has shown good performance on various segmentation tasks. If this is formulated as a supervised problem, large amounts of annotated data are required for training. Therefore, minimizing the annotation complexity is desirable. Approach: We propose two-dimensional (2D) cross-sectional annotation and point cloud-based surface reconstruction to train a fully automatic 3D segmentation network for the aortic root and the LVOT. Our sparse annotation scheme enables easy and fast training data generation for tubular structures such as the aortic root. From the segmentation results, we derive clinically relevant parameters for TAVI planning. Results: The proposed 2D cross-sectional annotation results in high inter-observer agreement [Dice similarity coefficient (DSC): 0.94]. The segmentation model achieves a DSC of 0.90 and an average surface distance of 0.96 mm. Our approach achieves an aortic annulus maximum diameter difference between prediction and annotation of 0.45 mm (inter-observer variance: 0.25 mm). Conclusions: The presented approach facilitates reproducible annotations. The annotations allow for training accurate segmentation models of the aortic root and LVOT. The segmentation results facilitate reproducible and quantifiable measurements for TAVI planning.

Early clinical outcomes of Portico and Edwards Sapien 3 valve prosthesis in transcatheter aortic valve replacement: propensity-matched analysis.

Introduction: There is a lack of real-world data directly comparing different valve prostheses for transaortic valve replacement (TAVR). We aimed to compare early clinical outcomes at 30-days between the self-expandable Portico valve (Abbott) with the balloon-expandable Edwards Sapien 3 valve (Edwards Lifesciences) (ES3). Methods: Out of 1,901 patients undergoing TAVR between January 2018 and December 2021, all patients who received either Portico valve or ES3 valve via transfemoral TAVR were matched using nearest-neighbor (1:1) propensity scoring. Primary endpoints were single safety endpoints and early safety composite endpoints defined by Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2) criteria. The secondary endpoint was to analyze risk predictors for new permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation in TAVR. Results: Out of 661 complete cases, a total of 434 patients were successfully matched based on age, sex, Euro Score II and STS-score. In the matched cohort, 217 received either a Portico or valve and 217 received an ES3 valve. The VARC-2 early safety composite scores indicated a significantly greater overall 30-day safety risk in the Portico group at 9.2% (n = 20) compared to 3.7% (n = 8) in the ES3 group (p = 0.032). The requirement for new permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation was also higher in the Portico group, at 21.2% (n = 46) vs. 13.4% (n = 29) in the ES3 group (p = 0.042). 30-day mortality was higher was 3.7% (n = 8) in Portico group compared to 0.9% in ES3 group (p = 0.11). Furthermore, implantation of the Portico valve was identified as a significant risk predictor for new PPM implantation, alongside higher age, preprocedural atrioventricular block (AVB) and longer total procedure duration. Conclusion: This study shows significantly higher rates of early clinical complications for Portico valve prostheses compared to ES3. These findings should be especially taken into consideration when selecting valve prosthesis for high-risk patients.

The role of concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting in acute type A aortic dissection complicated by coronary malperfusion.

OBJECTIVES: Managing acute type A aortic dissection with coronary malperfusion is challenging. This study outlines our revascularization strategy for these patients. METHODS: Patients undergoing surgery for acute type A aortic dissection with coronary malperfusion and aortic root involvement from January 2000 to December 2021 were included. Patients were classified using the Neri classification for coronary dissection, including a novel 'Neri -' class (no coronary dissection). Patients undergoing revascularization either as a planned or as a bailout strategy due to persisting low cardiac output were compared additionally. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 195 patients: 43 (22%) Neri -, 43 (22%) Neri A, 74 (38%) Neri B and 35 (18%) Neri C. Aortic root replacement was mainly performed in 25 Neri C patients (71%; P < 0.001). Concomitant bypass surgery was performed in 4 (9%) of Neri -, 5 (12%) of Neri A, 21 (28%) of Neri B and 32 (91%) of Neri C patients (P < 0.001). Thirty-day mortality was 42% with 21 (49%) Neri -, 12 (28%) Neri A, 30 (41%) Neri B and 19 (54%) Neri C patients (P = 0.087). Bailout revascularization was primarily performed in 11 Neri B patients (69%; P = 0.001) and associated with a higher 30-day mortality of 81% compared to 48% for planned revascularization (P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative outcomes in case of coronary malperfusion are poor, irrespective of the anatomic dissection pattern. The decision for concomitant bypass surgery is crucial but may be considered in Neri C patients combined with aortic root replacement. Bailout revascularization was most common in Neri B and showed dismal outcome.

The Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent: A One-Fits-All Strategy for the Treatment of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection?

The treatment of DeBakey type I aortic dissection remains a major challenge in the field of aortic surgery. To upgrade the standard of care hemiarch replacement, a novel device called an "Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent" (AMDS) is now available. This hybrid device composed of a proximal polytetrafluoroethylene cuff and a distal non-covered nitinol stent is inserted into the aortic arch and the descending thoracic aorta during hypothermic circulatory arrest in addition to hemiarch replacement. Due to its specific design, it may result in a reduced risk for distal anastomotic new entries, the effective restoration of branch vessel malperfusion and positive aortic remodeling. In this narrative review, we provide an overview about the indications and the technical use of the AMDS. Additionally, we summarize the current available literature and discuss potential pitfalls in the application of the AMDS regarding device failure and aortic re-intervention.

A simulation-based phantom model for generating synthetic mitral valve image data-application to MRI acquisition planning.

PURPOSE: Numerical phantom methods are widely used in the development of medical imaging methods. They enable quantitative evaluation and direct comparison with controlled and known ground truth information. Cardiac magnetic resonance has the potential for a comprehensive evaluation of the mitral valve (MV). The goal of this work is the development of a numerical simulation framework that supports the investigation of MRI imaging strategies for the mitral valve. METHODS: We present a pipeline for synthetic image generation based on the combination of individual anatomical 3D models with a position-based dynamics simulation of the mitral valve closure. The corresponding images are generated using modality-specific intensity models and spatiotemporal sampling concepts. We test the applicability in the context of MRI imaging strategies for the assessment of the mitral valve. Synthetic images are generated with different strategies regarding image orientation (SAX and rLAX) and spatial sampling density. RESULTS: The suitability of the imaging strategy is evaluated by comparing MV segmentations against ground truth annotations. The generated synthetic images were compared to ones acquired with similar parameters, and the result is promising. The quantitative analysis of annotation results suggests that the rLAX sampling strategy is preferable for MV assessment, reaching accuracy values that are comparable to or even outperform literature values. CONCLUSION: The proposed approach provides a valuable tool for the evaluation and optimization of cardiac valve image acquisition. Its application to the use case identifies the radial image sampling strategy as the most suitable for MV assessment through MRI.

Alternative minimally invasive surgical explantation techniques for failed transcatheter mitral valve repair devices.

Objective: The use of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) devices is increasing in elderly and high-risk patients. However, the increasing number of patients with recurrent mitral regurgitation (MR) has confronted surgeons with the issue of how to explant the devices and whether the mitral valve should be repaired or replaced. The aim of the study is to summarize our clinical experience with the explantation of different TMVr devices and to provide alternative surgical techniques that can be performed in different clinical scenarios. Methods: A simulator system including a dummy valve representing native valves was used to create video documentation and to develop alternative surgical methods for clip explantation. Moreover, the clip explantation techniques were shown in 2 patients undergoing minimally-invasive mitral valve repair after a failed TMVr. Results: Alternative explantation techniques were described for each TMVr device; 2 techniques for MitraClip and 3 techniques for PASCAL (Precision Transcatheter Valve Repair System), which may be adjusted for each individual according to the underlying valve pathology and the degree of device encapsulation. The patients were discharged without residual MR and remained MR free at the follow-up. Conclusions: Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair devices can be surgically explanted without damaging the MV leaflets. Removal of each device may require a different technique tailored to the degree of device encapsulation and valve pathology. Increasing experience may facilitate repair in patients with recurrent MR after TMVr.

Image-based ring size prediction for mitral valve repair.

OBJECTIVES: Annuloplasty rings are routinely used in mitral valve repair (MVr). However, accurate annuloplasty ring size selection is essential to obtain a favourable outcome. Moreover, ring sizing can be challenging in some patients and is highly influenced by surgeons' experience. This study investigated the utility of three-dimensional mitral valve (3D-MV) reconstruction models to predict annuloplasty ring size for MVr. METHODS: A total of 150 patients undergoing minimally invasive MVr with annuloplasty ring due to Carpentier type II pathology and who were discharged with none/trace residual mitral regurgitation were included. 3D-MV reconstruction models were created with a semi-automated software package (4D MV Analysis) to quantitate mitral valve geometry. To predict the ring size, univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Between 3D-MV reconstruction values and implanted ring sizes, the highest correlation coefficients were provided by commissural width (CW) (0.839; P < 0.001), intertrigonal distance (ITD) (0.796; P < 0.001), annulus area (0.782; P < 0.001), anterior mitral leaflet area (0.767; P < 0.001), anterior-posterior diameter (0.679; P < 0.001) and anterior mitral leaflet length (0.515; P < 0.001). In multivariable regression analysis, only CW and ITD were found to be independent predictors of annuloplasty ring size (R2 = 0.743; P < 0.001). The highest level of agreement was achieved with CW and ITD, and 76.6% of patients received a ring with no >1 ring size difference from the predicted ring sizes. CONCLUSIONS: 3D-MV reconstruction models can support surgeons in the decision-making process for annuloplasty ring sizing. The present study may be a first step towards accurate annuloplasty ring size prediction using multimodal machine learning decision support.

Minimally Invasive Extirpation of Benign Atrial Cardiac Tumors: Clinical Follow-Up and Survival.

OBJECTIVE: Evidence determining the optimal treatment for cardiac tumors is rare. We report our midterm clinical outcome and patient characteristics of our series undergoing atrial tumor removal through a right lateral minithoracotomy (RLMT). METHODS: From 2015 to 2021, 51 patients underwent RLMT for atrial tumor extirpation. Patients receiving concomitant atrioventricular valvular, cryoablation, and/or patent foramen ovale closure surgery were included. Follow-up was performed using standardized questionnaires (mean: 1,041 ± 666 days). Follow-up involved any tumor recurrence, clinical symptoms, and any recurrent arterial embolization. Survival analysis was successfully achieved in all patients. RESULTS: Successful surgical resection was achieved in all patients. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamping times were 75 ± 36 and 41 ± 22 min, respectively. The most common tumor location was the left atrium (n = 42, 82.4%). Mean ventilation time was 12.74 ± 17.23 h, intensive care unit stay ranged from 1 to 1.9 days (median: 1 day). Nineteen patients (37.3%) received concomitant surgery. Histopathological analysis showed 38 myxoma (74.5%), 9 papillary fibroelastoma (17.6%), and 4 thrombus (7.8%). Thirty-day mortality was observed in 1 case (2%). One patient (2%) suffered a stroke postoperatively. No patient had a relapse of cardiac tumor. Three patients (9.7%) showed arterial embolization during follow-up. Thirteen follow-up patients (25.5%) were in New York Heart Association class ≤II. Overall survival was 90.2% at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: A minimally invasive approach for benign atrial tumor resection is effective, safe, and reproducible. Of the atrial tumors, 74.5% were myxoma and 82% were located in the left atrium. A low 30-day mortality rate with no manifestation of recurrent intracardiac tumor was observed.

Comparison of hemodynamics in biological surgical aortic valve replacement and transcatheter aortic valve implantation: An in-silico study.

OBJECTIVES: In aortic valve replacement (AVR), the treatment strategy as well as the model and size of the implanted prosthesis have a major impact on the postoperative hemodynamics and thus on the clinical outcome. Preinterventional prediction of the hemodynamics could support the treatment decision. Therefore, we performed paired virtual treatment with transcatheter AVR (TAVI) and biological surgical AVR (SAVR) and compared hemodynamic outcomes using numerical simulations. METHODS: 10 patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing TAVI were virtually treated with both biological SAVR and TAVI to compare post-interventional hemodynamics using numerical simulations of peak-systolic flow. Virtual treatment procedure was done using an in-house developed tool based on position-based dynamics methodology, which was applied to the patient's anatomy including LVOT, aortic root and aorta. Geometries were automatically segmented from dynamic CT-scans and patient-specific flow rates were calculated by volumetric analysis of the left ventricle. Hemodynamics were assessed using the STAR CCM+ software by solving the RANS equations. RESULTS: Virtual treatment with TAVI resulted in realistic hemodynamics comparable to echocardiographic measurements (median difference in transvalvular pressure gradient [TPG]: -0.33 mm Hg). Virtual TAVI and SAVR showed similar hemodynamic functions with a mean TPG with standard deviation of 8.45 ± 4.60 mm Hg in TAVI and 6.66 ± 3.79 mm Hg in SAVR (p = 0.03) while max. Wall shear stress being 12.6 ± 4.59 vs. 10.2 ± 4.42 Pa (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Using the presented method for virtual treatment of AS, we were able to reliably predict post-interventional hemodynamics. TAVI and SAVR show similar hemodynamics in a pairwise comparison.

Single-Center Experience With a Self-Expandable Venous Cannula During Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Venous drainage is often problematic in minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS). Here, we describe our experience with a self-expandable stent cannula designed to optimize venous drainage. METHODS: The smart canula® was used in 58 consecutive patients undergoing MICS for mitral valve disease (n = 40), left atrial myxoma (n = 3), left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (n = 1), and aortic valve replacement via a right anterior minithoracotomy (n = 14) procedures. The venous cannula was placed under transesophageal echocardiography guidance to reach the superior vena cava. Vacuum-assisted venous drainage (between -20 and -35 mm Hg) was used to reach a target flow index of 2.2 L/min/m² at a core temperature of 34 °C using a goal-directed perfusion strategy aimed at a minimum DO2 of 272 mL/min/m2. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) parameters were recorded, and hemolysis-related parameters were analyzed on postoperative days 1 to 7. RESULTS: Mean body surface area and median body mass index were 1.9 ± 0.2 m2 and 25.2 (23.4, 30.2) kg/m2. Mean CPB and median cross-clamping times were 107.7 ± 24.4 min and 64.5 (53, 75.8) min, and median CPB flow during cardioplegic arrest was 4 (3.6, 4.2) L/min (median cardiac index 2.1 [2, 2.2] L/min/m²). Venous drainage was considered sufficient by the surgeon in all cases, and insertion and removal were uncomplicated. Mean SvO2 during CPB was 80.2% ± 5.5%, and median peak lactate was 10 (8, 14) mg/dL, indicating sufficient perfusion. Mean venous negative drainage pressure during cross-clamping was 27.2 ± 12.3 mm Hg. Platelets dropped by 73.6 ± 37.5 K/µL, lactate dehydrogenase rose by 81.5 (44.3, 140.8) U/L, and leukocytes rose by 3.4 (2.2, 7.2) K/µL on postoperative day 1. CONCLUSIONS: The venous smart canula® allows for optimal venous drainage at low negative drainage pressures, facilitating sufficient perfusion in MICS.

Cardiovalve in mitral valve position-Additional solution for valve replacement.

We report on a 72 years old male patient with recurrent heart failure hospitalizations caused by severe mitral regurgitation due to severe restriction of the posterior mitral leaflet treated with the transfemoral mitral valve replacement (TMVR) system Cardiovalve. Immediate interventional success was obtained resulting in a quick mobilization and discharge.

Factors associated with an unsuccessful fast-track course following minimally invasive surgical mitral valve repair.

OBJECTIVES: Analyses of fast-track (FT) processes demonstrated that low-risk cardiac surgical patients require minimal intensive care, with a low incidence of mortality or morbidity. We investigated perioperative factors and their association with fast-track failure (FTF) in a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve surgery. METHODS: Patients undergoing minimally invasive surgical mitral valve repair for Carpentier type I or type II mitral regurgitation between 2014 and 2020 were included in the study. The definition of FTF consisted of >10 h mechanical ventilation, >24 h intensive care unit stay, reintubation after extubation and re-admission to the intensive care unit. Multivariable logistic regression analysis enabled the identification of factors associated with FTF. RESULTS: In total, 491 patients were included in the study and were analysed. Two hundred and thirty-seven patients (48.3%) failed the FT protocol. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that a New York Heart Association classification ≥III [odds ratio (OR) 2.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38-3.08; P < 0.001], pre-existing chronic kidney disease (OR 2.03; 95% CI 1.14-3.70; P = 0.018), coronary artery disease (OR 1.90; 95% CI 1.13-3.23; P = 0.016), postoperative bleeding requiring surgical revision (OR 8.36; 95% CI 2.81-36.01; P < 0.001) and procedure time (OR 1.01; 95% CI 1.01-1.01; P < 0.001) were independently associated with FTF. CONCLUSIONS: Factors associated with FTF in patients with Carpentier type I and II pathologies undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve repair are a New York Heart Association classification III-IV at baseline, pre-existing chronic kidney disease and coronary artery disease. Postoperative bleeding requiring rethoracotomy and procedure time were also identified as important factors associated with failed FT.

Valve embolization during transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Incidence, risk factors and follow-up by computed tomography.

Background: In most cases of transcatheter valve embolization and migration (TVEM), the embolized valve remains in the aorta after implantation of a second valve into the aortic root. There is little data on potential late complications such as valve thrombosis or aortic wall alterations by embolized valves. Aims: The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of TVEM in a large cohort of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and to examine embolized valves by computed tomography (CT) late after TAVI. Methods: The patient database of our center was screened for cases of TVEM between July 2009 and July 2021. To identify risk factors, TVEM cases were compared to a cohort of 200 consecutive TAVI cases. Out of 35 surviving TVEM patients, ten patients underwent follow-up by echocardiography and CT. Results: 54 TVEM occurred in 3757 TAVI procedures, 46 cases were managed percutaneously. Horizontal aorta (odds ratio [OR] 7.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.4-16.6, p < 0.001), implantation of a self-expanding valve (OR 4.63, 95% CI 2.2-9.7, p < 0.01) and a left ventricular ejection fraction < 40% (OR 2.94, 95% CI 1.1-7.3, p = 0.016) were identified as risk factors for TVEM. CT scans were performed on average 26.3 months after TAVI (range 2-84 months) and detected hypoattenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) in two patients as well as parts of the stent frame protruding into the aortic wall in three patients. Conclusion: TVEM represents a rare complication of TAVI. Follow up-CT detected no pathological findings requiring intervention.

Bail-Out Implantation of an Embolized Balloon-Expandable Transcatheter Heart Valve in the Aortic Arch Using Self-Expandable Stents.

Embolization of a balloon expandable valve during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVR) is a rare complication which generally can be managed by implantation of the embolized valve into the aorta. We present a TAVR case where the combination of an ascending aortic aneurysm and a narrow aortic arch precluded implantation of an embolized balloon-expandable valve into either the ascending and descending aorta. As a bailout strategy, the embolized valve was secured in the aortic arch using two self-expandable stents. Six month after the procedure, computed tomography confirmed a stable valve position with unobstructed blood flow into the supra-aortic arteries.