Learning from Controversy and Revisiting the Randomized Trials of Secondary Mitral Regurgitation.

Until recently, conventional mitral valve surgery has been the treatment of choice even in secondary mitral regurgitation. Recent evidence, however, advocates the use of transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TEER) of the mitral valve. This has been reflected by the change in guidelines of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association. We reviewed the literature to shed light on the risks and benefits of all interventions, surgical, transcatheter and guideline-directed medical therapy. Secondary mitral regurgitation occurs due to an imbalance between closing forces and tethering forces. Given the pathology extends beyond the valve alone, treatment should be directed at restoring the geometrical shape of the left ventricle alongside the valve. Myocardial revascularization plays a pivotal role in preventing recurrence. The role of papillary muscle approximation in addition to restrictive mitral annuloplasty should be considered in a select group of patients. We also reviewed the current literature on TEERs from the COAPT and Mitra-FR trials while highlighting the concept of proportionate/disproportionate MR which may help identify which patients benefit from mitral valve restoration. Treatment of this condition will require robust randomized trials alongside the use of state-of-the-art imaging technologies available with the full complement of the multidisciplinary team to ensure the best outcomes for each patient.

Mitral valve edge-to-edge repair versus indirect mitral valve annuloplasty in atrial functional mitral regurgitation.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare indirect mitral annuloplasty using the Carillon Mitral Contour System and edge-to-edge repair via MitraClip in atrial functional mitral regurgitation (aFMR). BACKGROUND: In patients with left ventricular dilation, both edge-to-edge repair and indirect mitral annuloplasty are effective in reducing mitral regurgitation, while no clinical trial has compared both interventional methods in aFMR. METHODS: In a retrospective single-center analysis, 41 patients with aFMR underwent either edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (MitraClip group, n = 20) or indirect annuloplasty (Carillon group, n = 21). RESULTS: Both treatment groups showed high procedural success (100%) and low complication rates. Both treatment groups showed a comparable reduction of New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification postimplantation, after 3- and 12-months follow-up. Quantitative reduction in echocardiographic FMR parameters was significantly pronounced in the MitraClip group (reduction in vena contracta MitraClip vs. Carillon: postimplantation -74.6 ± 25.8 vs. -29.1 ± 17.8%, 3-months follow-up -65.8 ± 31.2 vs. -33.9 ± 17.5%, 12-months follow-up -50.8 ± 27.9 vs. -23.9 ± 17.0%, p < 0.05). Qualitative mitral valve assessment showed improved FMR class postimplantation, at 3-and 12-months follow-up in both treatment groups. Edge-to-edge repair revealed better results with lower average FMR classification compared to indirect coronary sinus-based annuloplasty. After 12-months left atrial (LA) volume was significantly reduced in the Carillon group, while in the MitraClip group no LA remodeling was found (reduction in LA volume MitraClip vs. Carillon at 12 months: +9.6 ± 25.1% vs. -12.3 ± 12.7%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both indirect mitral valve annuloplasty and edge-to-edge repair are feasible and safe in patients with aFMR, while the reduction in FMR was pronounced in the edge-to-edge repair group.

Ex vivo biomechanical analysis of flexible versus rigid annuloplasty rings in mitral valves using a novel annular dilation system.

BACKGROUND: Mitral annuloplasty rings restore annular dimensions to increase leaflet coaptation, serving a fundamental component in mitral valve repair. However, biomechanical evaluations of annuloplasty rings are lacking. We aim to biomechanically analyze flexible and rigid annuloplasty rings using an ex vivo mitral annular dilation model. METHODS: Juvenile porcine mitral valves (n = 4) with intercommissural distance of 28 mm were dilated to intercommissural distances of 40 mm using a 3D-printed dilator and were sewn to an elastic mount. Fiber bragg grating sensors were anchored to native chordae to measure chordal forces. The valves were repaired using size 28 rigid and flexible annuloplasty rings in a random order. Hemodynamic data, echocardiography, and chordal force measurements were collected. RESULTS: Mitral annular dilation resulted in decreased leaflet coaptation height and increased mitral regurgitation fraction. Both the flexible and rigid annuloplasty rings effectively increased leaflet coaptation height compared to that post dilation. Rigid ring annuloplasty repair significantly decreased the mitral regurgitation fraction. Flexible annuloplasty ring repair reduced the chordal rate of change of force (7.1 ± 4.4 N/s versus 8.6 ± 5.9 N/s, p = 0.02) and peak force (0.6 ± 0.5 N versus 0.7 ± 0.6 N, p = 0.01) compared to that from post dilation. Rigid annuloplasty ring repair was associated with higher chordal rate of change of force (9.8 ± 5.8 N/s, p = 0.0001) and peak force (0.7 ± 0.5 N, p = 0.01) compared to that after flexible ring annuloplasty repair. CONCLUSIONS: Both rigid and flexible annuloplasty rings are effective in increasing mitral leaflet coaptation height. Although the rigid annuloplasty ring was associated with slightly higher chordal stress compared to that of the flexible annuloplasty ring, it was more effective in mitral regurgitation reduction. This study may help direct the design of an optimal annuloplasty ring to further improve patient outcomes.

Papillary Muscle Heads Focalization for Functional Mitral Regurgitation with Severe Tethering.

We performed "Papillary muscle heads focalization" for three patients with severe functional mitral regurgitation with severe leaflet tethering (coaptation distance ≥1 cm and/or posterior leaflet angle ≥45 degrees). All separated papillary muscle heads were sutured together and both the anterolateral and posteromedial papillary muscles were reconstructed as single head papillary muscles. The stitches are positioned to adjust the levels of mitral leaflet tips, concerning the length of the marginal chordae connected to each head. A downsized annuloplasty is performed concomitantly. At discharge, no patient showed moderate/severe mitral regurgitation. Their coaptation lengths were 7.1, 8.5, and 8.3 mm.

Flow adjusted transmitral pressure gradient as a modified indicator of functional mitral stenosis after repair for degenerative mitral regurgitation.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: After repair of degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR), the focus is on functional mitral stenosis (FMS) when there is a decline of mitral hemodynamics. Yet, the clinical impacts and a standardized definition are still undecided. Since common mitral hemodynamic parameters are influenced by transmitral flow, the aim of this study is to seek the impact of flow adjusted transmitral pressure gradient (TMPG) by left ventricular stroke volume (LVSV) on the midterm outcomes. METHODS: Three hundred one patients who had undergone isolated mitral valve repair for degenerative lesions with annuloplasty prosthesis between October 2012 and June 2019 were included. Postoperative adverse events occurred in 20 patients (6.6%). Flow adjusted TMPG was defined as TMPG/LVSV. RESULTS: Common mitral hemodynamic parameters were not associated with adverse events. By multivariable analysis, patients' age, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and mean TMPG/LVSV were isolated as independent predictors (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.05, 0.95, and 1.16; p = .037, .005, and .035). Flow adjusted TMPG was significantly higher in the full ring group compared to the partial band group (0.051 mmHg/ml, [0.038-0.068] vs. 0.041 mmHg/ml, [0.031-0.056]; p < .001) and had a significantly negative correlation with the size of the annuloplasty prosthesis (r = -0.37, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Conventional mitral hemodynamic parameters were not associated with adverse cardiac events after repair for DMR. Adjustment by flow has a potential to advance pressure gradient to a more sensitive indicator of FMS associated with clinical outcomes.

Acquired left ventricular-right atrial communication after mitral valve replacement and tricuspid annuloplasty.

A 77-year-old woman underwent mitral valve replacement and tricuspid annuloplasty for severe mitral stenosis and tricuspid regurgitation with pulmonary hypertension. Two months later, the patient was readmitted because of marked edema. A new harsh pansystolic murmur was auscultated, and echocardiography revealed a jet from the left ventricle to the right atrium but no paravalvular leakage was detected at the mitral valve position. At operation, an 6 mm defect adjacent to the tricuspid annulus in the interatrial septum and detachment of the anterior edge of the tricuspid ring were detected. The defect was closed using a pericardial patch. An inadequate stitch at the anteroseptal commissure in the previous operation led to left ventricular-right atrial communication.

CT-Angiography to predict outcome after indirect mitral annuloplasty in patients with functional mitral regurgitation.

OBJECTIVES: Coronary sinus (CS) based mitral annuloplasty using the Carillon device is effective in reducing functional mitral valve regurgitation (FMR). However, this positive effect might be dependent on the relation between CS and the mitral annulus. BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) assessment prior to mitral valve interventions is an emerging technique to optimize patient selection. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis 30 patients underwent Carillon device implantation and received CT-angiography prior to CS based percutaneous mitral valve repair. Patients were assigned to responders or non-responders according to the 3-month transthoracic echocardiographic follow-up including quantitative mitral valve regurgitation assessment. A prototype software for CS reconstruction was used to assess distance and angle of both CS and mitral annulus planes. RESULTS: Comparison of the distance and angle of the CS plane and the mitral valve annulus plane showed a significant shorter distance and lower angle in the responder group implicating an impact on procedure success. Our results suggest a CS plane and MV annulus plane with a favorably distance of <7.8 mm and an optimal angle of <14.2° could be considered favorably for mitral annuloplasty using a Carillon device. CONCLUSIONS: Distance and angle of mitral annulus and CS planes determined by three-dimensional reconstructions of CT-angiography might predict a reduction in echocardiographic FMR using Carillon Mitral Contour System.

Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair for annuloplasty ring dehiscence: The peri-ring approach.

Recurrent severe primary mitral regurgitation from annuloplasty ring dehiscence is very rare and is associated with adverse outcomes. We present a case where transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral repair with MitraClip was used in high surgical risk patient using a peri-ring approach due to unfavorable anatomy for a conventional intra-ring approach.

Procedural planning of CS-based indirect mitral annuloplasty using CT-angiography.

OBJECTIVES: Coronary sinus (CS) based mitral annuloplasty using the Carillon device could be limited by compromise of the left circumflex artery (Cx). BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) might be a feasible tool for preprocedural planning of indirect mitral valve annuloplasty. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis, 25 patients underwent Carillon device implantation and received CT-angiography (CTA) analysis prior to CS based percutaneous mitral valve repair. We used a retrospective approach with preprocedural CTA and intraprocedural coronary sinus angiography (CSA) measurements to determine the CS to Cx distance at the occlusion or compression point or in the distal landing zone in absence of Cx compromise. RESULTS: According to left coronary artery angiography, we identified 7 patients with Cx occlusion, 7 with Cx compression and 11 without Cx compromise. No difference in minimal CS to Cx distance between the three groups could be obtained. Also, neither distal CS diameter nor distal Carillon anchor size were related to Cx impingement. However, ROC analysis identified a CS to Cx distance of <8.6 mm specifically in the distal device landing zone to predict Cx compromise. Furthermore, CTA was accurate in assessing device length in comparison to CSA, but failed predicting Carillon device anchor size. CONCLUSIONS: CTA derived CS to Cx distance in the device landing zone might be helpful to predict Cx occlusion during Carillon device implantation. Furthermore, CTA predicted CS length but not anchor size correctly. Therefore, CT-angiographic procedural planning might help improving the results of percutaneous CS-based mitral valve repair.

Case series of late complications after transcatheter mitral annuloplasty using Cardioband and surgical treatment options.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of functional mitral regurgitation using transcatheter techniques such as the Cardioband annuloplasty device (Edwards Lifesciences) has gained wide acceptance in the recent years. However, complications of such devices are rarely reported. METHODS: Here, we present a case series involving two patients with dislocation of the Cardioband device and discuss the surgical management. RESULTS: In the former the valve was re-repaired by surgical implantation of an annuloplasty ring, and in the latter the valve had to be replaced due to severe damage of the mitral valve annulus. Both patients had an uncomplicated course and were discharged to rehabilitation Center. CONCLUSION: Dislocation of the Cardioband devices can be successfully managed by surgical approaches. Depending on the extent of damage to the mitral valve annulus, the valve could be re-repaired or should be repalced.

Early and Mid-Term Results After Repair of Ischaemic Mitral Regurgitation with Complete Annuloplasty Ring and Incomplete Ring.

BACKGROUND: The choice of ring type for mitral valve (MV) repair is still debatable and usually is left to the surgeon's discretion. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the early and mid-term results after repair of ischaemic mitral regurgitation (MR) with complete and incomplete annuloplasty rings. METHODS: Collected data included preoperative assessment (age, sex, comorbidities, clinical status, NYHA grade, and the EURO score); intraoperative details (echocardiography, degree of MR, and cross-clamp time); and results (the length of ICU and hospital stay, duration and need for inotropes, duration of mechanical ventilation, and postoperative adverse events). Follow up after discharge included assessment of dyspnea status, the degree and progression of MR, and left ventricular function and dimensions. RESULTS: The present study included 133 patients: 61 with incomplete rings and 72 with complete rings inserted. There was no significant difference in the rate of postoperative complications between the two groups, apart from a significantly higher percentage of patients with incomplete ring who required prolonged ventilation >24 hours (P = 0.002). There were no significant differences between the two groups, regarding the grade of residual MR (P = 0.464), postoperative dyspnea status (P = 0.723), 30-day mortality rate (P = 0.687), and mean duration of survival (P = 0.276). CONCLUSION: The choice of incomplete or complete annuloplasty ring was not associated with a marked difference in the early and midterm results of ischaemic MV repair.

The Impact of Aorto-Mitral Angle on New-Onset Atrial Arrhythmia after Mitral Valve Repair in Patients with Mitral Regurgitation.

In this study, we hypothesized that post-operative aorto-mitral angle might be associated to the occurrence of post-operative atrial arrhythmia (AA), including atrial fibrillation and atrial tachycardia, after mitral valve repair in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR). Thus, this present study aims to determine the effects of post-operative aorto-mitral angle on new-onset AA after mitral valve repair with mitral annuloplasty for the treatment of MR.In total, 172 patients without any history of AA underwent mitral valve repair with mitral annuloplasty in our institution between 2008 and 2017. Patient information, including medical records and echocardiographic data, were retrospectively studied.As per our findings, AA occurred in 15 (8.7%) patients during the follow-up period (median, 35.7 months; range, 0.5-132 months). The patients with AA were noted to have a longer cardiopulmonary bypass time and a smaller aorto-mitral angle at post-operative TTE than the others (119 ± 6° versus 125 ± 10°, P = 0.003). No significant difference was noted in the degree of post-operative residual MR or functional MS between the groups. In a multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, the longer cardiopulmonary bypass time and the smaller post-operative aorto-mitral angle were independent predictors of the occurrence of AA during the follow-up period (odds ratio per 10 minutes 1.11; 95% CI 1.02-1.22, P = 0.019: odds ratio 0.91; 95% CI 0.85-0.98, P = 0.012).A small aorto-mitral angle at post-operative TTE was determined to be a predictor of new-onset AA after a mitral valve repair for treating MR.

[Long term outcome of valve repair for degenerative mitral valve disease in Iceland].

OBJECTIVES: Degenerative mitral valve disease is the most common indication for mitral valve repair in the Western world. The aim of this study was to study the long term outcome of mitral valve repair for degenerative mitral valve regurgitation in Iceland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 101 consecutive mitral valve repair patients (average age 57.7 years, 80.2% male) operated in Iceland 2004-2018 for degenerative mitral valve regurgitation. Long term survival and MACCE (major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event) free survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared to age and gender matched reference population. Median follow-up time was 83 months. RESULTS: On average there were 6,7 (range 1-14) mitral valve repairs performed annually with 99% of the patients receiving ring annuloplasty. A total of 82 (82,2%) underwent resection of the posterior leaflet and 64.4% recieved Gore-Tex®-chordae. Major early complications occured in 28.7% of cases, most commonly perioperative myocardial infarction (11.9%) and reoperation for bleeding (8.9%). Mortality within 30 days was 2%, the median duration of intensive care unit stay was one day and the median hospital length of stay was 8 days. One patient needed reoperation later for recurrent mitral regurgitation. Five and ten year MACCE-free survival was 91.1% (95%-CI: 85.3-97.2) and 81.0 (95%-CI: 71.6-91.6), respectively. Five year survival was 93.5% (95-CI: 88.6-98.7) and 10 year survival 85.3% (95%-CI: 76.6-94.9), which was not different from an age and gender matched reference population (p=0.135, log-rank test). CONCLUSION: Outcomes of mitral valve repair due to degenerative mitral regurgitation is good in Iceland and results are comparable to larger institutions overseas. Long term prognosis is generally good although early postoperative complications often occur.

Mitral Annular Calcification: Association with Atherosclerosis and Clinical Implications.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review summarizes the pathophysiology of mitral annular calcification (MAC) with recent findings and current strategies for diagnosis and treatment. RECENT FINDINGS: Major factors in MAC development seem to be shear stress of the flow past the mitral valve, local inflammation, and dysregulation in regulators of mineral metabolism. MAC itself poses daunting technical challenges. Implanting a valve on top of the calcium bar might lead to paravalvular leak (PVL) that is less likely to heal. Annular decalcification allows for better valve seating and potentially better healing and less PVL. This, however, comes with the risk for catastrophic atrioventricular groove disruption. MAC can be sharply dissected with the scalpel; the annulus can be reconstructed with the autologous pericardium. Transcatheter mitral valve replacement is a promising approach in the treatment of patients who are deemed high-risk surgical candidates with severe MAC. MAC is a multifactorial disease that has some commonalities with atherosclerosis, mainly regarding lipid accumulation and calcium deposition. It is of great clinical importance, being a risk marker of cardiovascular events (including sudden death) and, with its progression, can have a negative impact on patients' lives.

Paravalvular leak closure of acute mitral valve ring dehiscence during mitral valve-in-ring procedure.

The replacement of surgically corrected mitral valves, also known as percutaneous transcatheter repair, is a relatively young field. Even though these procedures are usually successful, they can present significant intraoperative or postoperative challenges. To our knowledge, we present the first case of acute focal dehiscence of mitral ring repair during the mitral valve-in-ring procedure.

Implantation of one versus two MitraClips in the German TRAMI registry: Is more always better?

OBJECTIVES: To compare baseline characteristics and outcomes in patients treated with either 1 or 2 MitraClips in the German TRAMI (Transcatheter Mitral Valve Interventions) registry. BACKGROUND: The MitraClip community seems to silently assume that results should intrinsically be better after implantation of more than one clip, although data is still sparse. METHODS: In 2010-2013, 803 patients were enrolled prospectively into TRAMI (461 one-clip and 312 two-clip procedures). Follow-up was performed centrally at 30 days and 1 year. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of TRAMI-patients with two clips differed significantly from single-clip patients regarding constitutional (more men, taller body height) and heart failure-related factors (larger left ventricular dimensions, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, more severe heart failure). Also, a significant increase in two-clip procedures over time was present. After propensity score matching for differing baseline characteristics, residual moderate mitral regurgitation (MR) occurred more frequently after implantation of two clips, whereas residual severe MR could more frequently be observed after one-clip procedures. However, no or mild residual MR at discharge was present in 71.6% after single-clip and in 70.1% after two-clips implantation (p = .81). After 1 year, no significant differences regarding mortality or New York Heart Association status could be detected in the propensity matched cohorts. However, TRAMI-patients treated with two clips had a significantly higher incidence of cerebral-vascular events (p = .02). CONCLUSIONS: TRAMI data cannot support the theory that implantation of more than one clip is associated with better clinical outcomes. The finding of more cerebral-vascular events after two-clip procedures might be hypothesis-generating.

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Implantation (TMVI) Using Edwards SAPIEN 3 Prostheses in Patients at Very High or Prohibitive Surgical Risk: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Mitral valve surgery in patients with failing bioprosthesis, annuloplasty rings, or in patients with advanced mitral annular calcification (MAC) is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Percutaneous antegrade transseptal transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) has recently successfully been performed in those patients at high or prohibitive surgical risk, but data on patients treated by TMVI are sparse. This study sought to evaluate short- and midterm outcomes of patients treated by TMVI at our site in clinical practice. METHODS AND RESULTS: From October 2016 to February 2018, seven patients (six women and one man) at high or prohibitive surgical risk underwent TMVI at our site. Three procedures were performed as TMVI in failed mitral valve bioprostheses (TMVI-VIV, "valve-in-valve"), one procedure was performed as TMVI in a failed mitral annuloplasty ring (TMVI-R), and three procedures were performed as TMVI in advanced native mitral annular calcification (TMVI-MAC). Mean age of the population treated was 77 ± 8.1 years, and mean log EuroScore I was 39 ± 0.12%. In all patients, an Edwards SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve was implanted under 3D-TOE and fluoroscopic guidance using a transvenous/transseptal access. Indication for TMVI was the presence of advanced heart failure symptoms in all patients (NYHA class III/IV). The predominant dysfunction of the mitral valve treated was severe regurgitation in 72% (n = 5) and severe stenosis in 29% (n = 2) of all patients. TMVI was technically successful in all procedures. Clinical success with functional improvement of at least one NYHA class after procedure compared with before procedure was also achieved in all patients. Median NYHA class improved significantly from 4 before procedure to 2 after TMVI (p=0.008). Mitral valve regurgitation was reduced to trace or mild in all but one patient, who showed moderate MR after TMVI-MAC. No patient-prosthesis mismatch or LVOT obstruction occurred after TMVI. Two patients underwent interventional ASD closure during the in-hospital course due to a large and persisting atrial septal defect after transseptal access. One patient underwent pacemaker implantation due to complete AV-block after TMVI. One patient died in hospital 12 days after the procedure due to severe hospital-acquired pneumonia and sepsis. In-hospital mortality rate was 14% (1/7) in this high-risk population. After hospital discharge, no death occurred and clinical improvement-according to NYHA functional class-remained stable during one-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: In this small single-center series, TMVI appears promising for patients at high or prohibitive surgical risk with either failing mitral bioprostheses/annuloplasty rings or native mitral valve dysfunction in combination with advanced MAC. Gaining experience in TMVI and new valves will further improve safety and efficacy of this new treatment option.

Impact of Mitral Valve Repair Case Volume on Postoperative Mortality　- A Nationwide Korean Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Although mitral valve repair is recommended over replacement due to better outcomes, repair rates vary significantly among centers. This study examined the effect of institutional mitral valve repair volume on postoperative mortality.Methods and Results:All cases of adult mitral valve repair performed in Korea between 2009 and 2016 were analyzed. The association between case volume and 1-year mortality was analyzed after categorizing centers according to the number of mitral valve repairs performed as low-, medium-, or high-volume centers (<20, 20-40, and >40 cases/year, respectively). The effect of case volume on cumulative all-cause mortality was also assessed. In all, 6,041 mitral valve repairs were performed in 86 centers. The 1-year mortality in low-, medium-, and high-volume centers was 10.1%, 8.7%, and 4.7%, respectively. Low- and medium-volume centers had increased risk of 1-year mortality compared with high-volume centers, with odds ratios of 2.80 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.15-3.64; P<0.001) and 2.66 (95% CI 1.94-3.64; P<0.001), respectively. The risk of cumulative all-cause mortality was also worse in low- and medium-volume centers, with hazard ratios of 1.96 (95% CI 1.68-2.29; P<0.001) and 1.77 (95% CI 1.47-2.12; P<0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Lower institutional case volume was associated with higher mortality after mitral valve repair. A minimum volume standard may be required for hospitals performing mitral valve repair to guarantee adequate outcome.

Advances in transcatheter mitral and tricuspid therapies.

BACKGROUND: While rheumatic mitral stenosis has been effectively treated percutaneously for more than 20 years, mitral and tricuspid regurgitation treatment appear as a contemporary unmet need. The advent of transcatheter therapies offer new treatment options to often elderly and frail patients at high risk for open surgery. We aimed at providing an updated review of fast-growing domain of transcatheter mitral and tricuspid technology. MAIN BODY: We reviewed the existing literature on mitral and tricuspid transcatheter therapies. Mitraclip is becoming an established therapy for secondary mitral regurgitation in selected patients with disproportionately severe regurgitation associated with moderate left ventricle dysfunction. Evidence is less convincing for primary mitral regurgitation. Transcatheter mitral valve replacement is a promising emerging alternative to transcatheter repair, for secondary as well as primary mitral regurgitation. But further development is needed to improve delivery. Transcatheter tricuspid intervention arrives late after similar technologies have been developed for aortic and mitral valves and is currently at its infancy. This is likely due in part to previously under-recognized impact of tricuspid regurgitation on patient outcomes. Edge-to-edge repair is the most advanced transcatheter solution in development. Data on tricuspid annuloplasty and replacement is limited, and more research is warranted. CONCLUSION: The future appears bright for transcatheter mitral therapies, albeit their place in clinical practice is yet to be clearly defined. Tricuspid transcatheter therapies might address the unmet need of tricuspid regurgitation treatment.

Reccurent thrombus in the gigantic left atrium during effective anticoagulant therapy: case report.

BACKGROUND: Gigantic left atrium is defined in the current literature as an excessive dilatation of the left atrium above 65mm. Chronic mitral valve disease is associated with the development of thrombus in the left atrium in up to 19% of all cases of mitral insufficiency and appropriate treatment must be initiated to prevent thromboembolic events. In order to diagnose thrombi in the left atrium or left atrial appendage, various imaging methods may be used, including cardiac magnetic resonance. CASE PRESENTATION: The case report describes a 73-year-old male who developed recurrent sessile thrombus on the posterior wall of the gigantic left atrium. A large thrombus was first detected following mitral valve surgery despite effective vitamin K antagonist anticoagulation therapy. Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance were used within the diagnostic procedure and to monitor the treatment outcomes. Cardiac magnetic resonance was shown to be beneficial as it provided a more precise description of the intra-atrial masses located on the posterior left atrial wall, and in such situations, is of greater benefit than standard echocardiography. This led to the surgical removal of the intra-atrial mass; nevertheless, it was quickly followed by the recurrence of the thrombus. The anticoagulant therapy was adjusted and fortified by the introduction of acetylsalicylic acid and sequentially clopidogrel, but this also did not resolve the thrombus formation. Finally, employing a combination of rivaroxaban and clopidogrel resulted in partial thrombus regression. Therefore, various pathophysiological aspects of thrombus formation and used anticoagulation strategies are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a unique case of a recurrent thrombus located on the posterior wall of the gigantic left atrium. Cardiac magnetic resonance was shown to be beneficial in providing a more precise description of the intra-atrial masses located on the posterior left atrial wall as compared to standard echocardiographic examination. Development of a thrombus after mitral valve surgery despite effective anticoagulant therapy and its final resolution by introducing a combination of rivaroxaban and clopidogrel highlights the complex etiopathogenesis of thrombus formation. This supports the potential use of this combination in tailoring an individual personalized therapy for patients with recurrent atrial thrombi.