Clinical outcomes of left atrial appendage occlusion in patients with previous intracranial or gastrointestinal bleeding: Insights from the LOGIC (Left atrial appendage Occlusion in patients with Gastrointestinal or IntraCranial bleeding) International Multicenter Registry.

AIMS: To compare outcomes of patients who underwent left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and contraindication to anticoagulants due to history of either gastrointestinal (GI) or intracranial (IC) bleeding. METHODS: Patients with NVAF that underwent LAAO for GI or IC bleeding from seven centers were included in this observational study. Baseline characteristics, procedural features, and follow-up data were collected, and compared between the two groups. The primary outcomes were incidence of ischemic and hemorrhagic events at 12-month. RESULTS: Six hundred twenty-eight patients were included, 57% with previous GI-bleeding, and 43% with previous IC-bleeding. Median CHA 2 DS 2-VASc score was 4 (interquartile range [IQRs]: 3-5) for both GI-bleeding and IC-bleeding patients, while GI-bleeding patients had a higher HAS-BLED score (4 [IQRs: 3-4] vs. 3 [IQRs]: 2-3]; p = 0.001). At 12-month follow-up, relative risk reduction for stroke was similar between the two groups. The GI-bleeding group had more hemorrhagic events compared to IC-bleeding group (any bleeding 8.4% vs. 3.2%; p = 0.012; major bleeding BARC 3-5: 4.3% vs. 1.8; p = 0.010). At multivariate analysis history of GI bleeding was an independent predictor of hemorrhagic events (adjusted HR: 2.39, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-5.63; p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes after LAAO may be affected by the different indications for the procedure. In our study, GI-bleeding and IC-bleeding as indication to LAAO differ in their baseline characteristics. LAAO confirms its efficacy in ischemic risk reduction in both groups, while GI bleeding seems to be an independent predictor of bleeding recurrence at 12 months behind the antithrombotic regimen.

Surgical redo versus transseptal or transapical transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve implantation for failed mitral valve bioprosthesis.

BACKGROUND: Redo surgical mitral valve replacement (SMVR) is the current standard of care for patients with failed bioprosthetic mitral valve (MV). Transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve replacement (TMViV) is arising as an alternative to SMVR in high risk patients. We sought to evaluate procedural safety, early and mid-term outcomes of patients who underwent transseptal TMViV (TS-TMViV), transapical TMViV (TA-TMViV), or redo-SMVR. METHODS: We identified patients with failed bioprosthetic MV who underwent TS-TMViV, TA-TMViV, or SMVR at four Italian Centers. Clinical and echocardiographic data were codified according to Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium definition (MVARC), except for significant valve stenosis. RESULTS: Between December 2012 and September 27, 2019 patients underwent TS-TMViV, 22 TA-TMViV, and 29 redo-SMVR. TS-TMViV and TA-TMViV patients presented higher mean age and surgical risk scores compared with SMVR group (77.8 ± 12 years, 77.3 ± 7.3 years, 67.8 ± 9.4 years, p < .001; STS PROM 8.5 ± 7.2; 8.9 ± 4.7; 3.6 ± 2.6, p < .001). TS-TMViV procedure was associated with shorter intensive care unit time and total length of stay (LOS) compared with TA-TMViV and SMVR group. There were no differences in MVARC procedural success at 30-days (74.1, 72.7, and 51.7%, p = .15) and one-year all-cause mortality between groups (14.8, 18.2, and 17.2%, p = 1.0). MV mean gradient was similar between TS-TMViV, TA-TMViV, and SMVR groups at 30 days and 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: For the selected patients, TS-TMViV and TA-TMViV are to be considered a valid alternative to redo-SMVR with comparable 1-year survival. TS-TMViV is the less invasive strategy and has the advantage of shortening the LOS compared with TA-TMViV.

Use of edge-to-edge percutaneous mitral valve repair for severe mitral regurgitation in cardiogenic shock: A multicenter observational experience (MITRA-SHOCK study).

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of edge-to-edge PMVR on short and mid-term clinical outcomes in patients with CS and severe MR. BACKGROUND: Severe mitral regurgitation (MR) in the setting of cardiogenic shock (CS) is associated with three times higher risk of 1-year mortality. In refractory CS, edge-to-edge percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) can be a potential therapeutic option. METHODS: We retrospectively included consecutive patients with refractory CS and concomitant severe MR treated with MitraClip® system. CS was defined according to the criteria used in the SHOCK trial and procedural success according to Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium (MVARC) criteria. The 30-day and 6-month mortality were the primary and secondary endpoints respectively. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients (median age 73 years [interquartile range, IQR 66-78], 25.8% female), STS mortality score 37.9 [IQR 30.4-42.4]), with CS and concomitant severe MR treated with edge-to-edge PMVR were retrospectively enrolled. Procedural success was 87.1%. Thirty-day and 6-month survival rates were 78.4 and 45.2% respectively. Univariate Cox Regression Model analysis showed that procedural success was a predictor of both 30-day (HR = 0.12, 95% CI 0.03-0.55, p < .01) and 6-month survival (HR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.06-0.84, p = .027). CONCLUSIONS: Edge-to-edge PMVR in patients with CS and concomitant severe MR was associated with good procedural safety and success with acceptable short and mid-term survival rates. It could be considered a bailout option in this setting of patients.

Contrast induced acute kidney injury in interventional cardiology: an update and key guidance for clinicians.

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a serious complication that can affect outcome and prognosis of patients undergoing percutaneous diagnostic and interventional procedures in catheterization laboratories. There have been advancements in case definition and epidemiology. Additionally strategies have emerged that are positioned to have impact in the catheterization laboratory for patients undergoing cardiovascular procedures. The aim of this review is to provide the state-of-the-art of diagnosis, prevention and management of CI-AKI in interventional cardiology.

Computational fluid dynamic-derived wall shear stress of non-significant left main bifurcation disease may predict acute vessel thrombosis at 3-year follow-up.

Wall shear stress (WSS) plays a pivotal role on plaque progression in coronary artery disease. We assess the prognostic role of baseline mean WSS in developing a bifurcation-located myocardial infarction (B-MI) over the following 3 years in angiographically non-significant LM bifurcation disease. For this purpose, we retrospectively reviewed the procedural and medical records of consecutive patients evaluated in our center from 1st January 2014 to 1st January 2019 who had a non-significant LM bifurcation disease as evaluated at coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and confirmed by coronary angiography. Each bifurcation model was reconstructed on the patient-specific geometries derived from the CCTA. The population was divided into two groups: patients with (n = 12) and without B-MI (n = 20) over the following 3 years. Both the mean WSSprox of each branch and the WSSentire_lesion of each vessel, adjusted for the respective mean lesions lengths and 3-dimensional percentage of stenosis (DS%), resulted in independent predictors of 3-year B-MI. Multivariate Cox-regression analysis confirmed that a baseline mean WSSentire_model ≥ 5.05 Pa (HR 1.98, 95% CI 1.83-2.10, p = 0.001) was a predictor of 3-year B-MI independently from the entire mean lesions lengths (HR 1.56. 95% CI 1.43.1.68, p = 0.002) and DS% (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.18-1.37, p = 0.03). In conclusion, in patients with angiographically non-significant LM bifurcation disease, both the mean WSSprox of each branch and WSSentire_lesion of each stenotic vessel predicted the occurrence of B-MI over the following 3 years. Moreover, the WSSentire_bifurcation ≥ 5.05 Pa seems to be a predictor of 3-year B-MI independently from the DS% and lesions lengths.

Correlations between serum homocysteine levels and RoPE score in patients with patent foramen ovale.

The pathophysiological relationship between elevated serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels and patent foramen ovale (PFO) has not yet been completely clarified. In the present study, we assess the correlation between serum homocysteine levels and the RoPE score in PFO patients. We retrospectively reviewed clinical and instrumental data of 244 subjects referred to a single tertiary center for PFO evaluation and/or treatment between January 2010 and January 2018,stratified as closure and control group, respectively. Patients in the closure group had an higher serum Hcy levels compared to the control group (28.5 ± 8.5 vs 10.2 ± 6.6 µg/dL, p < 0.0001). A significant direct correlation was observed between serum Hcy levels and the RoPE Score in the entire population. A positive significant correlation continued to exist also in the closure and control groups (r = 0.472, p < 0.0001 and r = 0.378, p < 0.0001, respectively). A receiver operating characteristics curve identified the optimal cutoff value of homocysteinemia as a predictor of RoPE score > 7 in the closure group (AUC 0.90, 95% CI 0.81-0.94, p < 0.0001) when 19.5 µg/dL. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that an Hcy serum level ≥ 19.5 µg/dL predict an RoPE score > 7 (OR 3.21, 95% CI 2.82-3.26, p < 0.0001) in closed patients independently from the presence of permanent right-to-left (RLS) (OR 2.28, 95% CI 2.01-2.43, p = 0.001) and atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) (OR 3.04, 95% CI 2.64-3.51, p < 0.0001). Serum homocysteine levels in PFO patients are positively correlated with the RoPE score. Moreover, a homocysteinemia ≥ 19.5 µg/dL predicts an RoPE score > 7 independently from the presence of a permanent RLS and a concomitant ASA.

A Call to Action to Develop Integrated Curricula in Cardiorenal Medicine.

With the adoption of the new definition and classification of cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) and its relevant subtypes, much attention has been placed on elucidating the mechanisms of heart and kidney interactions. The pathophysiologic pathways are of great interest by which acute heart failure may result in acute kidney injury (AKI; type 1), chronic heart failure accelerates the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD; type 2), AKI provokes cardiac events (type 3), and CKD increases the risk and severity of cardiovascular disease (type 4). A remarkable interest has also been placed on the acute and chronic systemic conditions, such as sepsis and diabetes, that simultaneously affect heart and kidney function (type 5). Furthermore, the physiology of acute and chronic heart-kidney crosstalk is drawing attention to hemodynamics (fluids, pressures, flows, resistances, perfusion), physiochemical (electrolytes, pH, toxins) and biologic (inflammation, immune system activation, neurohormonal signals) processes. Common clinical scenarios call for recognition, knowledge, and skill in managing CRS. There is a clear need for medical and surgical specialists who are well versed in the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations that arise in the setting of CRS. With this editorial, we make a call to action to encourage universities, medical schools, and teaching hospitals to create a core curriculum for cardiorenal medicine to better equip the physicians of the future for these common, serious, and frequently fatal syndromes.

A Call to Action to Develop Integrated Curricula in Cardiorenal Medicine.

With the adoption of the new definition and classification of cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) and its relevant subtypes, much attention has been placed on elucidating the mechanisms of heart and kidney interactions. Of great interest are the pathophysiological pathways by which acute heart failure may result in acute kidney injury (AKI; type 1), chronic heart failure accelerating the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD; type 2), AKI provoking cardiac events (type 3), and CKD increasing the risk and severity of cardiovascular disease (type 4). A remarkable interest has also been placed on the acute and chronic systemic conditions, such as sepsis and diabetes, which simultaneously affect heart and kidney function (type 5). Furthermore, the physiology of acute and chronic heart-kidney cross talk is drawing attention to hemodynamics (fluids, pressures, flows, resistances, perfusion), physiochemical (electrolytes, pH, and toxins), and biological (inflammation, immune system activation, neurohormonal signals) processes. Common clinical scenarios call for recognition, knowledge, and skill in managing CRS. There is a clear need for medical and surgical specialists that are well versed in the pathophysiology and the clinical manifestations that arise in the setting of CRS. With this editorial, we are making a call to action to stimulate universities, medical schools, and teaching hospitals to create a core curriculum for cardiorenal medicine to better equip the physicians of the future for these common, serious, and frequently fatal syndromes.

Edge-to-Edge Technique to Minimize Ovelapping of Multiple Bioresorbable Scaffolds Plus Drug Eluting Stents in Revascularization of Long Diffuse Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: Implantation of Drug Eluting Stents (DES) plus bioresorbable scaffolds (BVS) in very long diffuse left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) disease may be problematic because of multiple devices overlapping. We sought to assess the short and mid-tern outcomes of combined implantation of DES and BVS using a novel "edge-to-edge" technique in patients with diffuse LAD disease. METHODS: Patients with long diffuse LAD disease were enrolled in a prospective registry from 1st August 2014 to 1st August 2015 and treated with IVUS-aided percutaneous coronary intervention using a DES plus a single or multiple BVS using a novel "edge-to-edge" technique. Clinical follow up and invasive follow up driven by clinical justification was performed. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (5 females, mean age 59.1± 9.1 years) were enrolled. Mean length of LAD disease was 73.1 ± 20.6 mm. Mean number of DES and BVS implanted was 1.2 ± 0.4 and 1.7 ± 1.3, respectively. At a mean follow-up of 11.3 ± 3.8 months, no stent thrombosis or MACE were observed. Angiographic and IVUS follow-up at a mean of 6.6 ± 0.7 months showed no significant angiographic restenosis and no appreciable stent gaps. CONCLUSIONS: In revascularization of long diffuse disease of the LAD, the edge-to-edge implantation technique appears to be feasible resulting in no restenosis or thrombosis on the short-term follow-up. (J Interven Cardiol 2016;29:275-284).

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair With the MitraClip Device for Prior Mitral Valve Repair Failure: Insights From the GIOTTO-FAILS Study.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive mitral valve repair has a favorable risk-benefit profile in patients with significant de novo mitral regurgitation. Its role in patients with prior mitral valve repair is uncertain. We aimed to appraise the outcome of patients undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) with prior transcatheter or surgical mitral valve repair (SMVR). METHODS AND RESULTS: We queried the Italian multicenter registry on TEER with MitraClip, distinguishing naïve patients from those with prior TEER or (SMVR). Inhospital and long-term clinical/echocardiographic outcomes were appraised. The primary outcome was the occurrence of death or rehospitalization for heart failure. A total of 2238 patients were included, with 2169 (96.9%) who were naïve to any mitral intervention, 29 (1.3%) with prior TEER, and 40 (1.8%) with prior SMVR. Several significant differences were found in baseline clinical and imaging features. Respectively, device success was obtained in 2120 (97.7%), 28 (96.6%), and 38 (95.0%, P=0.261) patients; procedural success in 2080 (95.9%), 25 (86.2%), and 38 (95.0%; P=0.047); and inhospital death in 61 (2.8%), 1 (3.5%), and no (P=0.558) patients. Clinical follow-up after a mean of 14 months showed similar rates of death, cardiac death, rehospitalization, rehospitalization for heart failure, and their composite (all P>0.05). Propensity score-adjusted analysis confirmed unadjusted analysis, with lower procedural success for the prior TEER group (odds ratio, 0.28 [95% CI, 0.09-0.81]; P=0.019) but similar odds ratios and hazard ratios for all other outcomes in the naïve, TEER, and SMVR groups (all P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In carefully selected patients, TEER can be performed using the MitraClip device even after prior TEER or SMVR.

Incidence and Predictors of Cerebrovascular Accidents in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair with Mitraclip.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter mitral edge-to-edge repair (TEER) with transcatheter devices has become a mainstay in the minimally invasive treatment of patients with severe mitral regurgitation at increased surgical risk. Despite its apparently favorable risk profile, there is uncertainty on the risk and features of cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) early and long after TMVR. We aimed at appraising incidence and predictors of CVA in patients undergoing TEER. METHODS: We explicitly queried the dataset of an ongoing multicenter prospective observational study dedicated to TEER with MitraClip (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA). Incidence of CVA after TEER was formally appraised, and we explored also potential predictors of such event. Descriptive, bivariate and diagnostic accuracy analyses were performed. RESULTS: Out of 2238 patients undergoing TEER, CVA occurred in 33 (1.47% [95% confidence interval 1.02% to 2.06%]), including 6 (0.27% [0.10% to 0.58%]) inhospital strokes and 27 events after discharge (0.99% [0.66% to 1.44%]) over a median follow-up of of 14 months. Most CVA were major ischemic strokes, during the inhospital phase as well as subsequently. Overall, CVA were more common in patients with atrial fibrillation (p=0.018), renal dysfunction (p=0.032), higher EuroSCORE II (p=0.033), and, as expected, higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (p=0.033), despite the limited prognostic accuracy of such score. Notably, the occurrence of CVA did not confer a significantly increased risk of long-term death (p=0.136) or cardiac death (p=0.397). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of CVA in patients undergoing TEER is low, with most events occurring after discharge, and being associated with pre-existing risk features. These findings, while reassuring on the safety of TEER, call for proactive antithrombotic therapy whenever CVA risk is increased before, as well as after such intervention.

Transcatheter mitral valve repair with MitraClip: comparison of NT, NTr, and XTr Devices.

OBJECTIVES: Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) has become an established minimally invasive treatment for significant mitral regurgitation. Ongoing refinements and the availability of different clipping devices have expanded the indications for and effectiveness of TEER, but comprehensive comparative data on this issue are lacking. In this study, we compared NT, NTr, and XTr MitraClip devices (Abbot) for TEER. METHODS: Details on patient, imaging, and procedural details, as well as short- and long-term outcomes, were sought from a national prospective clinical registry on TEER with MitraClip. The primary outcome of interest was discharge after procedural success without major clinical complications. RESULTS: A total of 2236 patients were included, 1228 (54.9%) in whom NT implantation only was attempted, 233 (10.4%) in whom NTr but not XTr implantation was attempted, and 775 (34.7%) in whom XTr implantation was attempted. Clinical and imaging features differed substantially across the groups, reflecting expanding indications with NTr and XTr devices. In-hospital outcomes were largely similar among the 3 groups, including death. Long-term unadjusted estimates of effect showed significant differences in several outcomes, including death, rehospitalization, and their composite, which demonstrated that NT was associated with more unfavorable outcomes compared with the other devices (all P less than .05). However, most differences depended on baseline features, as adjusted analysis showed no significant differences for early as well as long-term outcomes, including long-term death, rehospitalization, and their composite (all P greater than .05). CONCLUSIONS: New-generation MitraClip devices are associated with favorable procedural and clinical outcomes, despite being used in patients with more adverse features, when compared with patients treated with previous devices.

Diuretics and Ultrafiltration in Heart Failure.

Fluid overload is a risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality, especially in patients with heart disease. The treatment options are limited to diuretics and mechanical fluid removal using ultrafiltration or renal replacement therapy. This paper provides an overview of the challenges of managing fluid overload, outlines the risks and benefits of different pharmacological options and extracorporeal techniques, and provides guidance for clinical practice.

Key Considerations regarding the Renal Risks of Iodinated Contrast Media: The Nephrologist's Role.

BACKGROUND: The administration of iodinated contrast medium during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures has always been associated with the fear of causing acute kidney injury (AKI) or an exacerbation of chronic kidney disease. This has led, on the one hand, to the deterrence, when possible, of the use of contrast medium (preferring other imaging methods with the risk of loss of diagnostic power), and on the other hand, to the trialling of multiple prophylaxis protocols in an attempt to reduce the risk of kidney injury. SUMMARY: A literature review on contrast-induced (CI)-AKI risk mitigation strategies was performed, focussing on the recognition of individual risk factors and on the most recent evidence regarding prophylaxis. KEY MESSAGES: Nephrologists can contribute significantly in the CI-AKI context, from the early stages of the decision-making process to stratifying patients by risk, individualising prophylaxis measures based on the risk profile, and ensuring appropriate evaluation of kidney function and damage post-procedure to improve care.

Intracardiac Echocardiography to Guide Watchman FLX Implantation: The ICE LAA Study.

BACKGROUND: Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is increasingly used to guide left atrial appendage closure (LAAC). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of ICE-guided LAAC with the Watchman FLX device. METHODS: The ICE LAA (I Can See Left Atrial Appendage) study was a prospective, multicenter study with independent adjudication of echocardiographic data by a core laboratory and clinical events by a clinical events committee. Patients with atrial fibrillation with CHA2DS2-VASc scores ≥2 and clinical indications for LAAC were eligible. Preplanning with either cardiac computed tomography or transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) within 7 days prior to LAAC was mandatory. Intraprocedural ICE was carried out from the left atrium. The primary outcome was the rate of significant peridevice leaks (>5 mm) at 45-day TEE. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 76 ± 8 years, the mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4.0 ± 1.5, and the mean HAS-BLED score was 2.5 ± 0.9. The incidence of the primary outcome of significant peridevice leak (>5 mm) was 0%; all patients evaluated by TEE at 45 days had effective LAAC. All patients received Watchman FLX devices, and technical success was 100%. The number of devices per case was 1.0 ± 0.1. ICE successfully guided the assessment of device release criteria, including device compression (19.2% ± 7.1%; recommended range: 10%-30%). No subject required conversion to TEE. Procedural complications were 4 access-site bleeds. There was no stroke, transient ischemic attack, systemic embolization, pericardial effusion, device embolization, or device-related thrombus during the procedure or 45-day follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: ICE can be used to successfully guide LAAC with the Watchman FLX, with excellent procedural success, a high rate of effective LAAC, and minimal periprocedural complications. (I Can See Left Atrial Appendage [ICELAA] Clinical Study; NCT04196335).

Intra-Cardiac versus Transesophageal Echocardiographic Guidance for Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion with a Watchman FLX Device.

This study aimed to compare the peri-procedural success and complication rate within a large registry of intra-cardiac echocardiography (ICE)- vs. transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)-guided left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedures with a Watchmann FLX device. Data from 772 LAAO procedures, performed at 26 Italian centers, were reviewed. Technical success was considered as the final implant of a Watchmann FLX device in LAA; the absence of pericardial tamponade, peri-procedural stroke and/or systemic embolism, major bleeding and device embolization during the procedure was defined as a procedural success. One-year stroke and major bleeding rates were evaluated as outcome. ICE-guided LAA occlusion was performed in 149 patients, while TEE was used in 623 patients. Baseline characteristics were similar between the ICE and TEE groups. The technical success was 100% in both groups. Procedural success was also extremely high (98.5%), and was comparable between ICE (98.7%) and TEE (98.5%). ICE was associated with a slightly longer procedural time (73 ± 31 vs. 61.9 ± 36 min, p = 0.042) and shorter hospital stay (5.3 ± 4 vs. 5.8 ± 6 days, p = 0.028) compared to the TEE group. At one year, stroke and major bleeding rates did not differ between the ICE and TEE groups. A Watchmann FLX device showed high technical and procedural success rate, and ICE guidance does not appear inferior to TEE.

Impact of coronary artery disease on outcome after transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system.

BACKGROUND: The clinical impact of coronary artery disease (CAD) on the prognosis of patients undergoing MitraClip implantation is still unclear. METHODS: One thousand nine hundred fifty-three patients undergoing MitraClip implantation included in the multicenter GIOTTO Registry were stratified according to CAD. Endpoints were all-cause death, cardiac death, and re-hospitalization for heart failure at follow-up (median 15.8 months). RESULTS: Although younger, CAD patients were more symptomatic, had worse cardiovascular risk profile, higher burden of comorbidities, more frequently affected by functional MR, with higher left ventricle (LV) diameters and lower ejection fraction (EF). At follow-up, CAD patients showed higher rates of all-cause death (25.4% vs. 19.6%; P=0.002), cardiovascular death (14.0% vs. 10.1%; P=0.007) and re-hospitalization for heart failure (13.9% vs. 10.2%; P=0.011). Dividing the population according to mitral regurgitation (MR) etiology (functional vs. non-functional MR), no differences were observed between CAD and no-CAD patients. At multivariate logistic regression, NYHA III/IV class, prior heart failure hospitalization, severe chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, LV end-diastolic diameter and LVEF<30% but not CAD resulted independent predictors of all-cause death. The same finding was confirmed even after propensity score adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: CAD did not show a relevant impact on mid-term prognosis per se, but seemed to identify a more complex and diseased cohort of patients with worse clinical and functional status.

Cardio-renal syndromes: a systematic approach for consensus definition and classification.

The "Cardio-Renal Syndrome" (CRS) is a disorder of the heart and kidneys whereby acute or chronic dysfunction in one organ may induce acute or chronic dysfunction of the other. The general definition has been expanded to five subtypes reflecting the primacy of organ dysfunction and the time-frame of the syndrome: CRS type I: acute worsening of heart function (AHF-ACS) leading to kidney injury and/or dysfunction. CRS type II: chronic abnormalities in heart function (CHF-CHD) leading to kidney injury or dysfunction. CRS type III: acute worsening of kidney function (AKI) leading to heart injury and/or dysfunction. CRS type IV: chronic kidney disease (CKD) leading to heart injury, disease and/or dysfunction. CRS type V: systemic conditions leading to simultaneous injury and/or dysfunction of heart and kidney. Different pathophysiological mechanisms are involved in the combined dysfunction of heart and kidney in these five types of the syndrome.

Balloon-Assisted Crossing of a Severely Calcified Aortic Valve During Transcatheter Balloon-Expandable Bioprosthesis Implantation.

A 91-year-old man presented with syncope secondary to severe aortic stenosis. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed a calcified stenotic trileaflet aortic valve (AV) with a mean gradient of 60 mm Hg and cardiac computed tomography demonstrated a heavily calcified trileaflet AV without commissural fusion. Following heart team discussion, transfemoral transcatheter AV replacement (TAVR) was the preferred option in view of the patient's age. Due to the severe aortic leaflet calcifications, a balloon-expandable 32-mm Myval transcatheter heart valve (Meril Life Sciences) implantation preceded by balloon predilation was planned. After numerous catheter and wire exchanges, the transcatheter heart valve was finally implanted with a good final result.

Implantation of one, two or multiple MitraClip™ for transcatheter mitral valve repair: insights from a 1824-patient multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) with MitraClip™ (Abbott Laboratories; Abbott Park, IL, USA) is an established treatment for mitral regurgitation (MR). More than one MitraClip™ may be implanted if a single one does not reduce MR adequately. We aimed to appraise the outlook of patients undergoing implantation of one, two or multiple MitraClip™ for TMVR. METHODS: Exploiting the ongoing prospective GISE Registry of Transcatheter Treatment of Mitral Valve Regurgitation (GIOTTO) Study dataset, we compared patients, procedural details and outcomes distinguishing those receiving one, two or multiple MitraClip™. The primary endpoint was the composite of 1-year cardiac death or rehospitalization for heart failure. Additional endpoints included all cause death, surgical mitral repair, and functional class. Multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazard analysis was used for confirmatory purposes. RESULTS: As many as 1824 patients were included: 718 (39.4%) treated with a single MitraClip™, and 940 (51.5%) receiving two MitraClip™, and 166 (9.1%) receiving three or more. Significant differences were found for baseline features, including age, female gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, prior myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, permanent pacemaker, cardiac resynchronization therapy, implantable cardioverter defibrillator, and prior mitral valve repair (all P<0.05). Several imaging features were also different, including left ventricular dimensions, MR severity and proportionality, mitral valve area, flail leaflet, and pulmonary vein flow (all P<0.05). Among procedural features, significant differences were found for anesthesia type, MitraClip™ type, fluoroscopy, device, and operating room times, postprocedural mitral gradient, residual MR, smoke-like effect, device success partial detachment and surgical conversion (all P<0.05). In-hospital death occurred more frequently in patients receiving multiple MitraClip™, and the same applied severe residual MR (all P<0.05). Mid-term follow-up (15±13 months) showed significant differences in the risk of death, cardiac death, rehospitalization for heart failure, and their composites, mainly, but not solely, associated with multiple MitraClip™ (all P<0.05). Adjusted analysis confirmed the significantly increased risk of composite adverse events when comparing the multiple vs. single MitraClip™ groups (P=0.014 for death and rehospitalization, P=0.013 for cardiac death or rehospitalization). CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of one or two MitraClip™ is associated with favorable clinical outcomes. Conversely, bail-out implantation of three or more MitraClip™ may portend a worse long-term prognosis.