Utility of an additive frailty tests index score for mortality risk assessment following transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: The impact of frailty assessment on outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the individual effect of each frailty test and the utility of an additive frailty index score on short- and long-term survival following TAVR. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of consecutive TAVR patients for whom a complete set of frailty tests was obtained: algorithm defined grip strength and 5-m walking tests, body mass index <20 kg/m2, Katz activities of daily living ≤4/6, serum albumin <3.5 g/dL. Frailty status was defined as having 3 or more positive frailty tests. Included were 498 patients with a mean age of 82±8 years. RESULTS: Frailty status, observed in 266 (53%) patients, was associated with both 30-day and 1-year mortality (6% vs. 2%, P=.016; 20% vs. 9%, P<.001; within the respective frailty groups). As compared to 0-2 frailty criteria, a higher frailty index score was associated with increased risk of death at 1 year (OR 2.23; 95% CI 1.14-4.34; P=.019 and OR 3.30; 95% CI 1.36-8.00; P=.008 for 3 and 4-5 frailty criteria met, respectively). In Cox regression analysis, frailty status was correlated with 1-year mortality (HR=2.2; 95%CI 1.25-3.96; P=.007), and a higher frailty index was associated with increased mortality risk (HR=2.0; 95% CI 1.08-3.7; P=.027; and HR=3.07; 95% CI 1.4-6.7; P=.005; for any 3, and 4-5 frailty criteria, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty status and a higher frailty index score were associated with increased 1-year mortality risk following TAVR.

Impact of right ventricular function on outcome of severe aortic stenosis patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction was shown to be associated with adverse outcomes in a variety of cardiac patients and is considered a risk factor for adverse outcome according to the updated Valve Academic Research Consortium criteria. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to assess the impact of RV function at baseline on 1-year mortality among patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). METHODS: All patients with severe AS treated with TAVR from May 2007 to March 2015 at our center were included in the present study, and baseline and procedural characteristics were recorded for each patient. The patients were categorized according to RV function at baseline as assessed by current guidelines, and a comparison of mortality rates up to 1 year was performed. RESULTS: Among 650 patients, 606 had adequate echocardiogram quality and 146 (24%) had RV dysfunction. There were significant differences between the 2 groups, as patients with RV dysfunction were younger (81±9 vs 84±7 years, P=.01) and were more likely to be male (65% vs 42%, P<.001). In addition, patients with RV dysfunction had higher rates of prior myocardial infarction (26% vs 16%, P=.02) and atrial fibrillation (51% vs 39%, P=.02). Echocardiographic parameters demonstrated higher rates of left ventricular ejection fraction <40% (40% vs 18%, P<.001), tricuspid regurgitation above moderate (16% vs 9%, P=.04), and higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure (50±17 vs 44±16 mm Hg, P<.001) among patients with severe AS and RV dysfunction compared with patients with normal RV function. Despite the unfavorable cardiac function, patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR have similar functional class (P=.22) and mortality rates at 1year (27% vs 23%, log-rank P=.45). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe AS and RV dysfunction have similar 1-year mortality and functional class after TAVR to patients with normal RV function. The presence of RV dysfunction does not correlate with outcome in patients with severe AS.

Outcome of implantation of a second self-expanding valve for the treatment of residual significant aortic regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Residual aortic regurgitation (AR) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with adverse outcome. We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of second CoreValve (CV) implantation to treat residual AR following the initial CV deployment. METHODS AND RESULTS: TAVR patients treated with a second CV due to moderate and above residual AR were compared to single device implantation. Valvular function parameters were compared at baseline, post procedure, and 30 days. Among 172 CV TAVR patients, 11 required a second device (6%) due to significant residual AR. The main differences between the groups were higher rates of low ejection fraction in patients with 2 CV implanted and higher annular diameter (27 [29-25] vs. 25 [26-24] mm, P = 0.03), requiring a larger device. Although two patients in the two CV group had high initial implantation, low implantation was similar between the groups. A second CV achieved adequate reduction in residual AR in six patients (55%), while an additional four patients had moderate residual AR. Only one remained with moderate to severe AR after 30 days follow-up. There were no cases of peri-procedural stroke or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Second implantation of self-expanding valve can successfully reduce residual significant AR following initial CV implantation and should be considered as therapeutic option for this population. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Comparison of transradial and transfemoral access in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for complex coronary lesions.

OBJECTIVE: Comparison of transradial versus transfemoral access for complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with regard to both complications and long-term outcomes. BACKGROUND: Radial access has been shown to confer superior results in patients undergoing PCI, especially in patients with acute coronary syndromes. However, radial access has limitations of sheath and device size, which may increase procedure time and result in inferior outcomes. METHODS: Patients undergoing PCI for complex lesions, defined as type C according the ACC/AHA classification system, were included in this study. Propensity matching was performed to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics. Transradial patients were then compared to transfemoral patients in regard to procedural, in-hospital, and 6-month outcomes. RESULTS: Among 2142 patients with 2591 lesions treated, 1876 had femoral access and 267 had radial access. Radial access patients were more likely to be male (75% vs. 66%, P = 0.003) and less likely to present with acute myocardial infarction (27% vs. 42%, P < 0.001). Procedural characteristics demonstrated lower use of heparin in the femoral group (17% vs. 73%, P < 0.001) with similarly low use of glycoprotein inhibitors (5.6% vs. 3.4%, P = 0.14). Patients in the femoral group had higher rates of transfusions (3.7% vs. 0%, P = 0.004) and vascular complications (1.7% vs. 0%, P = 0.03). Following propensity matching, there was no difference in mid-term outcomes between radial and femoral groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with complex coronary lesions undergoing PCI, the radial approach demonstrates similar mid-term outcomes as the femoral approach with a potentially lower rate of complications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Cerebrovascular accidents after percutaneous coronary interventions from 2002 to 2014: Incidence, outcomes, and associated variables.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and transient ischemic attack (TIA) related to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are relatively rare complications, but they are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Given the evolution of both CVA risk and PCI techniques over time, this study was conducted to evaluate trends in CVA and TIA associated with PCI and to identify variables associated with neurologic events. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing PCI at the Washington Hospital Center between January 2002 and June 2015 were included. Prespecified data were prospectively collected, including baseline and procedural characteristics, in-hospital outcomes, and 1-year mortality. The subjects who had a CVA or TIA during or immediately after PCI were compared with those without procedure-associated CVA or TIA. RESULTS: Overall, 25,626 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 65.0 ± 12.4 years, 16,949 (65.2%) were male, and 7,436 (28.6%) were African American. From 2002 to 2015, 110 neurologic events post-PCI were diagnosed (0.43%); this included 86 CVAs (0.34%) and 24 TIAs (0.09%). The annual rate of postprocedural neurologic events was 0.42% ± 0.12%. There were significant changes in baseline risk factors over time, with increasing age, incidence of insulin-dependent diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Patients with neurologic events were more often African American (43.6% vs 28.6%, P < .001) with prior history of CVA (24.5% vs 7.8%, P < .001), chronic renal insufficiency (26.6% vs 15.2%, P < .001), and insulin-dependent diabetes (19.1% vs 12.4%, P = .03). Acute myocardial infarction (56% vs 30.4%, P < .001) and cardiogenic shock (20.2% vs 3%, P < .001) were also more common among patients with neurologic events post-PCI. After multivariable adjustment, use of an intraaortic balloon pump was strongly associated with neurologic events (odds ratio [OR] 4.9, 95% CI 2.7-8.8, P < .001), as was prior CVA (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4-4.4, P = .002) and African American race (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.5-3.9, P < .001); there was a borderline association with the use of a thrombus extraction device (OR 1.7, 95% CI 0.9-3.2, P = .09). In-hospital mortality (20.0% vs 1.5%, P < .001) and 1-year mortality (45.0% vs 7.3%, P < .001) were also much higher in patients with neurologic events. CONCLUSION: Neurologic events post-PCI are associated with markedly worse in-hospital outcomes. The incidence of CVA and TIA post-PCI, however, remained stable over the last 12 years despite an increase in risk factors for CVA.

Clinical profiles and correlates of mortality in nonagenarians with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is the current standard for nonoperable and high-risk surgical patients with aortic stenosis, including those of advanced age. However, the clinical profiles, procedural characteristics, and outcomes of nonagenarians undergoing TAVR have not been thoroughly reported. METHODS: A total of 654 patients (n = 107 >90 years old and n = 547 <90 years) with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR were included in this analysis. Baseline characteristics, procedural variables, and in-hospital outcomes and complications at 30 days and 12 months were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, of the patients included, 46% were high risk and 53% inoperable. Although nonagenarians had a higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons score of 9.2 ± 4 (12.1 ± 4 vs 8.6 ± 4, P < .001), other factors were considerably lower in this group: diabetes (22% vs 36%, P = .008), hyperlipidemia (65% vs 83%, P < .001), prior coronary artery bypass (13% vs 39%, P < .001), and mean body mass index (24.5 ± 5 vs 28.1 ± 7 kg/m(2), P < .001). The correlates for 1-year mortality in nonagenarians were as follows: ≥moderate aortic insufficiency post-TAVR (hazard ratio [HR] 5.07, 95% CI 1.17-22, P = .03), pacemaker implantation after TAVR (HR 6.87, 95% CI 2.32-20.3, P = .001), and peripheral vascular disease (HR 2.35, 95% CI 1.03-5.38, P = .042). Mortality at 30 days (12.1% vs 7.1%, P = .07) and at 1 year (25% vs 21%, P = .35) was similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Nonagenarians undergoing TAVR had a healthier clinical profile compared with younger patients. Age alone should not be a discriminatory factor when screening elderly patients with aortic stenosis because even the nonagenarians are doing well when compared with the younger elderly population. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement remains a viable option for the treatment of severe symptomatic aortic stenosis for the elderly regardless of their age.

Impact of baseline mitral regurgitation on short- and long-term outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of concomitant significant mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) ranges from 2% to 33%. The impact of significant MR on post-TAVR outcomes remains controversial. METHODS: The data from a cohort of patients with symptomatic severe AS undergoing TAVR at out institution were retrospectively analyzed. The last transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) before the index TAVR procedure was selected as the baseline assessment of the degree of MR. The total study cohort (N = 589) was divided into 2 groups: significant ≥moderate MR (n = 68) versus nonsignificant

The influence of advancing age on implantation of drug-eluting stents.

BACKGROUND: The influence of age upon the use of drug-eluting stents (DES) in patients aged ≥ 65 years is uncertain. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of age increase in patients aged ≥ 65 years in the use of DES in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHOD: The study cohort comprised 8,598 patients ≥ 65 years of age who underwent stent implantation from April 2003 to March 2014. We defined the first DES era as the period April 2003 to July 2008 and the second DES era as the period July 2008 to March 2014. Multivariable logistic regression was performed for both eras to assess the impact of age increase and analyze independent factors associated with DES implantation. RESULTS: In the first DES era cohort, the two groups of patients differed in their risk factor profile with lower rates of male sex, diabetes, smokers, and hypercholesterolemia in those aged ≥ 75 years. There were more Caucasian and less African-Americans in this age group. Furthermore, patients aged ≥ 75 years had lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and baseline haematocrit concentration were more likely to present with an acute myocardial infarction (MI) than stable or unstable angina and had higher rates of a previous history for congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic renal insufficiency (CRI), and peripheral vascular disease (PVD). These differences were broadly similar for patients in the second DES era except for similarities in LVEF, presentation with unstable angina, and PVD, as well as a lower rate for previous PCI. DES use was reduced with increasing age in both the first (OR=0.78; 95% CI=0.69-0.89) and second DES era (OR=0.53; 95% CI=0.47-0.58). In both eras, DES use was less likely in current smokers, patients presenting with acute MI and cardiogenic shock, and those with a previous history of CHF. CONCLUSION: In patients aged ≥ 65 years, the use of DES decreased with increasing age. This observation was apparent in both the first and second DES era. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Body mass index association with survival in severe aortic stenosis patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Conflicting results have been reported regarding impact of body mass index (BMI) on outcome of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients. This study evaluates the impact of BMI on 1 year mortality in patients undergoing TAVR via the transfemoral (TF) access. METHODS: Aortic stenosis (AS) patients undergoing TAVR via a TF access between May 2007 and December 2014 were categorized to 4 groups by BMI: low (<20), normal (20-24.9), overweight (25-30), and obese (>30). Baseline parameters were compared, and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were generated to assess outcome differences. RESULTS: Among 491 severe AS TAVR patients, 43 had low BMI, 148 had normal BMI, 162 were overweight, and 138 were obese. Obese patients were younger with lower Society of Thoracic Surgeons scores and higher rates of preserved ejection fraction and diabetes. There was a higher rate of women in the BMI extremes. Aortic valve area was higher among obese patients; however, the indexed area was inversely correlated with BMI. Vascular complications and transfusions were more common in the low-BMI group, while acute kidney injury was more common in obese patients. All-cause mortality at 1 year was higher in the low-BMI group (log-rank p = 0.003) with no significant difference among normal and above-normal BMI patients. In a multivariate model, BMI <20 kg/m(2) was an independent predictor of mortality (HR = 2.45, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: BMI <20 kg/m(2) should be considered a frailty marker during the screening process of severe AS TAVR patients as it is associated with higher mortality, while obesity confers similar mortality risk as normal weight. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Active Versus Passive Anchoring Vascular Closure Devices Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Safety and Efficacy Comparative Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluate the prevalence of complications and failure rates between the most commonly used "active" anchoring vascular closure device (VCD), AngioSeal™ and the "passive" anchoring VCD, Mynx™, in all-comers undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: A total of 4,074 patients between 2008 and 2014, representing an era when both devices were available, were included. Thirty-two percent were acute coronary syndromes (37% STEMI). VCD choice was at the operator's discretion and included AngioSeal (n = 2,910) or Mynx (1,164). Cardiogenic shock or patients receiving intra-aortic balloon pumps were excluded. Safety was assessed by vascular complications defined as either vascular injury (perforation, dissection, acute limb ischemia, arteriovenous fistula, pseudoaneurysm with thrombin injection, or surgical repair) or access-site bleed (hemoglobin droP >3 g/dL requiring transfusion, retroperitoneal bleed, or hematoma >5 cm, or the composite of both. Efficacy was evaluated by device failure and defined as inability to achieve immediate hemostasis or use of additional hemostatic mechanisms. Outcomes at 30-days were evaluated. RESULTS: Groups (AngioSeal vs Mynx) were fairly balanced with regards to bleeding risk factors of gender (male, 65% vs 66%), body mass index (30 ± 6 vs 30 ± 7), heart failure class III/IV (5% vs 6%), chronic kidney disease (15% vs 17%), use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (5% vs 4%), or bivalirudin (86% vs 88%), all P >0.5. The AngioSeal group was slightly younger (64 ± 12 vs 65 ± 12, P < 0.001) with less peripheral arterial disease (11.3% vs 13.9%, P = 0.03), and increased 7F sheath use compared with Mynx (59% vs 22%, P < 0.001). Safety and efficacy outcomes were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: AngioSeal and Mynx appear to be equally safe and efficacious VCDs following PCI. The passive anchoring system may prove desirable as no intra-arterial anchor remains upon device removal.

A Case of Acute Ischemic Stroke Treated With Alteplase Immediately After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Which Procedures or Surgeries are Considered Contraindications to Thrombolytics?

Undergoing a major surgery within 14 days is considered a contraindication for intravenous alteplase. However, there is no consensus as to what qualifies as major surgery or an invasive procedure. Occasionally, determining whether a procedure is "invasive" or too risky in the setting of emergency ischemic stroke thrombolytic management can be challenging. Stroke neurologists may not be able to make such a decision on their own. Guidance or clearance from the physicians who performed the procedure is essential. We report the case of a patient who received intravenous alteplase after developing a stroke immediately following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Impact of Baseline Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

We sought to assess the impact of diastolic dysfunction (DD) grade, as per the 2016 American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging guidelines, on survival of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We included consecutive patients with severe AS who underwent TAVI in our institution. DD grading was determined retrospectively according to the 2016 ASE DD guidelines and categorized to grade I-III and indeterminate grade I-II DD. Comparison of 1-year survival according to DD grade was performed by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and evaluation of DD at 1 year was performed in a subset of patients. Among 606 TAVI patients, 394 (65%) had sufficient data for DD grading. Seventy-seven (20%) had grade I DD, 191 (48%) had grade II, 60 (15%) had grade III, and 66 (17%) had an indeterminate grade between I and II. Baseline characteristics indicate higher rates of atrial fibrillation, brain natriuretic peptide level, pulmonary artery systolic pressure, and indexed left ventricular mass as DD grade increases (all p ≤0.01). In conclusion, comparison of 1-year survival revealed a higher rate of mortality in patients with grade III DD that remained statistically significant following adjustment in a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. DD grade after TAVI improved in patients with grades II and III. Severe AS patients with grade III DD have higher risk for 1-year mortality after TAVI compared with milder degrees of DD. Further research is warranted to explore a potential benefit for aortic valve therapy at an earlier stage of the disease process.

Intraprocedural invasive hemodynamic parameters as predictors of short- and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of invasive hemodynamic parameters as prognostic markers of mortality in patients undergoing TAVR. BACKGROUND: The value of invasive intraprocedural hemodynamic evaluation of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement is unclear. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral TAVR and had complete prospectively collected intraprocedural invasive hemodynamic parameters were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with alternative access, planned general anesthesia, or baseline ≥moderate Tricuspid Regurgitation were excluded. Pre- and post-valve implant parameters included heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, cardiac output and index, pulmonary arterial systolic and diastolic pressures, transaortic pressure gradient and right atrial pressure. The primary end points were the association of the intraprocedural hemodynamic changes with all-cause mortality at 30days and 1year. Extensive Receiver Operating Characteristic analyses yielded dichotomized threshold of hemodynamic values in association with the binary outcome of mortality. RESULTS: A total of 312 patients (52% male, mean age 83years) were evaluated. A significant association with 30-day and 1-year mortality was found between intraprocedural post-valve implant cardiac index <1.9 vs. ≥1.9L/min/m2 (Log-ranked p=0.0286 and p=0.0432, respectively). Four subgroups with pre- and post-valve implant CI changes (L/min/m2) were compared: [1] pre<1.9, stable_post<1.9; [2] pre<1.9, improved_post≥1.9; [3] pre≥1.9, stable_post≥1.9; and [4] pre≥1.9, worsened_post<1.9. Group 1 (lower CI with no post-valve improvement) had the worst survival, and Group 3 (higher CI and stable post-valve) had the best survival at 1-year follow-up (Log-ranked p=0.0089). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR, invasive monitoring can assess for hemodynamic prognostic markers of survival.

Comparison of Baseline Characteristics and Inhospital Outcomes of Patients and Use of Bare Metal Versus Drug-Eluting Stents During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention 2005 to 2015 at a Single Tertiary Hospital.

With steady growth in the use of drug-eluting stents (DES), the indications for bare metal stents (BMS) have significantly changed over the last decade. This study aims to describe trends in the use of BMS and the evolution of the population receiving them over the past 10 years and determine patient characteristics associated with using BMS. Consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at the Washington Hospital Center from January 2005 through March 2015 were included. Baseline characteristics and inhospital outcomes of patients who underwent PCI with BMS versus DES were compared during 2 different time periods: from 2005 to 2010 and from 2011 to 2015. Multivariable analyses were performed for each period of time to determine independent variables associated with the choice of BMS rather than DES; 20,321 patients who underwent PCI were included in the present study. The mean age was 65.0 ± 12.5 years, 65.2% were men, and 30.4% were black. BMS use peaked in 2007 (47%) but has fallen steadily since; BMS accounted for only 10% of stents used in 2015. Presentation with acute coronary syndrome or cardiogenic shock was more common in patients receiving a BMS; this was reflected in higher rates of inhospital mortality and major bleeding among patients receiving BMS versus DES. Covariables independently associated with receiving a BMS common to both time periods included black race, Hispanic ethnicity, cardiogenic shock or acute coronary syndrome, oral anticoagulation, current smoking, increasing age, lower hematocrit, and history of chronic renal insufficiency. In conclusion, there has been a precipitous decline in the use of BMS over the last decade. Newer stent technology that promises shorter duration of dual antiplatelet therapy is likely to lead to the extinction of BMS over the next decade.

Comparison of Platelet Reactivity in Black Versus White Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes After Treatment With Ticagrelor.

Ticagrelor, a potent platelet inhibitor, has primarily been studied in white patients. Platelet reactivity among black patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) on ticagrelor, however, is unknown. Our objective was to compare platelet reactivity in black versus white patients with ACS treated with ticagrelor. We conducted a prospective, pharmacodynamic study of 29 black patients with ACS treated with ticagrelor. Platelet reactivity was assessed at 1, 4, and 8 hours after a loading dose of ticagrelor 180 mg and at 30 days on a maintenance dose of ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily. Assays included light transmission aggregometry, VerifyNow P2Y12, and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein. We provided comparison with a historical white cohort. Platelet reactivity among blacks with ACS on ticagrelor was similar to that in whites, except that blacks had lower values at 4 hours, 8 hours, and on maintenance therapy for light transmission aggregometry with 20 µmol/L adenosine diphosphate. Among blacks, high-on-treatment platelet reactivity for all 3 assays was uncommon at 1 hour and nonexistent at 4 hours, 8 hours, and while on maintenance therapy. Blacks preloaded with clopidogrel (n = 17) had significantly lower results of VerifyNow (64 ± 65 vs 198 ± 86, p <0.001) and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (12.8 ± 21.6 vs 58.9 ± 19.9, p <0.001) at 1 hour compared with those with no clopidogrel preload. In conclusion, among patients with ACS receiving ticagrelor, levels of platelet reactivity in blacks are similar to that in whites. This suggests that the cardiovascular benefits of ticagrelor observed in the platelet inhibition and patient outcomes (PLATO) trial are likely to be observed in blacks and whites.

Choice of Balloon-Expandable Versus Self-Expanding Transcatheter Aortic Valve Impacts Hemodynamics Differently According to Aortic Annular Size.

We sought to determine whether balloon-expandable valve (BEV) and self-expanding valve (SEV) affect valve hemodynamics differently according to native aortic annulus size. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement can achieve superior prosthetic valve hemodynamics compared with surgical aortic valve replacement, particularly in patients with small aortic annulus. One hundred ninety-three consecutive transcatheter aortic valve replacement patients were grouped into tertiles defined by computed tomography derived aortic annulus systolic perimeter. The predischarge echocardiogram was analyzed for prosthetic valve hemodynamics. Tertile perimeter cutoffs were 73 and 80 mm. STS score decreased as annulus size increased (7.8% vs 7.6% vs 6.0%, p ≤0.05 for small, medium, and large annulus, respectively). In patients with small aortic annulus, SEV was associated with significantly higher dimensionless index (0.64 vs 0.53, p = 0.02) and lower peak velocity (1.8 vs 2.4 m/sec, p <0.001) and a trend toward lower mean gradient (7.5 vs 10.0 mm Hg, p = 0.07) compared with BEV. These differences were attenuated and absent in patients with medium and large annulus, respectively. Few patients had moderate/severe paravalvular leak, with no association with valve type or annulus size. There was no difference in mortality between tertiles or valve type at 30 days or 1 year. There was no association between aortic annulus perimeter and 1-year mortality by univariate analysis (hazard ratio 1.00, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.05, p = 0.86) or multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 1.02, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.09, p = 0.60). In conclusion, SEV hemodynamics was superior to BEV in patients with small aortic annulus. This difference was diminished in patients with larger aortic annulus. This study highlights the importance of valve selection in patients with small aortic annulus.

Management and Outcome of Residual Aortic Regurgitation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

We aimed to evaluate the success rates of balloon valvuloplasty post-dilation (BVPD) and a second-valve deployment in reducing residual aortic regurgitation (AR) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and its impact on outcome. Residual AR immediately post-TAVI in patients with aortic stenosis is a common condition that adversely affects outcome. Patients who underwent TAVI who had more-than-mild residual AR were managed either with medical therapy, re-intervention with BVPD, or a second valve. The clinical impact of these strategies was evaluated, and the anatomical features of patients with successful and unsuccessful intervention were compared. Among 572 patients with TAVI, 110 (19%) had significant residual AR after initial device deployment. Sixty patients were treated by BVPD (n = 49) or second-device deployment (n = 11), whereas 50 patients were treated medically. Successful reduction in residual AR to mild and below was achieved in 56% of the intervention group. Eccentric and calcified annuli were present in patients in whom residual AR remained despite re-intervention (p = 0.004). Interventions to reduce residual AR were independently associated with improved survival compared with conservative medical therapy (hazard ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.94 to 0.21, p = 0.03). BVPD or a second valve were safe and were not associated with increased rate of periprocedural complications. In conclusion, both BVPD and a second-valve deployment to reduce residual AR post-TAVI are effective and safe. The success rates are inversely correlated with the annulus eccentricity and calcification. These measures should be encouraged to reduce acute residual AR as they are associated with improved long-term survival.

What should a fellow-in-training expect at national cardiovascular conferences? The interventional cardiology fellows' perspective.

BACKGROUND: It has become challenging for cardiovascular fellows-in-training (FIT) to determine which national cardiovascular conference (NCC) to attend given the broad range of meetings and the breadth of information offered. The aim of this study was to report our own experiences of the utility and individual strengths of the NCCs and to further understand the interventional cardiology (IC) FITs' viewpoint regarding the benefits of the individual NCCs. METHODS: A survey was formulated with questions and scenarios regarding topics deemed to be of highest importance for an IC-FIT. The survey emphasized experiences regarding the utility and benefits of the NCCs, time management, optimization of acquired education, and specific interests in clinical and research topics. The completely anonymous survey was sent via an email format to a total of 234, majority of IC (fourth and fifth years) and a minority of general (third year), FITs. RESULTS: A completed survey response was received from 131 of the fellows (56%). The results demonstrated that the IC-FITs endorsed that the small, focused sub-specialty interventional meetings vs. the large society general meetings were more beneficial in regard to the didactic education offered. In addition, the IC-FITs indicated that pre-planning for the meetings is the most beneficial approach in optimizing one's education and that the caliber of expert faculty, case-based and live-case presentations are among the most important aspects of the meetings. CONCLUSIONS: Interventional cardiology FITs prefer the small sub-specialty interventional meetings over the large society general NCCs in regard to the benefits of didactic learning.

Comparison of Watchman device with new oral anti-coagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation: A network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: New oral anticoagulants (NOAC) and the Watchman device represent an alternative to warfarin for stroke prophylaxis in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. However, no studies compare these new treatments. We performed a network meta-analysis to indirectly compare Watchman and NOACs among AF patients. METHODS: We performed a MEDLINE search for studies comparing warfarin with NOACs (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban) or Watchman in AF patients with reported clinical outcomes. Mixed treatment comparison model generation was performed to directly and indirectly compare NOACs, warfarin and Watchman. RESULTS: 14 studies with 246,005 patients were included in the analysis, among which 124,823 were treated with warfarin, 120,450 were treated with NOACs and 732 had Watchman implanted. Mean age was 72 ± 9 years, 53% were male, and mean CHADS2 score was 2.1 ± 1.6. Both NOACs and Watchman were superior to warfarin in hemorrhagic stroke prevention (OR = 0.46 [0.30-0.82] and OR = 0.21 [0.05-0.99], respectively). NOACs significantly reduced total stroke (OR = 0.78 [0.58-0.96]) and major bleeding (OR = 0.78 [0.65-0.91]) compared with warfarin. Indirect comparison between NOAC and Watchman revealed no significant differences in outcomes, though there was a trend toward higher rates of ischemic stroke with Watchman compared with NOAC (OR 2.60 [0.60-13.96]) with the opposite findings with hemorrhagic stroke (OR = 0.44 [0.09-2.14]). CONCLUSIONS: NOAC therapy was superior to warfarin for multiple outcomes while Watchman reduced hemorrhagic stroke. Further studies are needed to assess Watchman versus NOAC to optimize therapy for stroke prevention in AF patients.

Impact of restrictive versus obstructive pulmonary function patterns on mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary function tests to estimate force vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) have increasingly been used in patients evaluated for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The impact of obstructive versus restrictive lung disease on mortality remains unclear. The authors sought to identify differences in survival in patients with 2 distinct pulmonary function patterns (obstruction vs. restriction). METHODS: The authors retrospectively analyzed all patients with abnormal FEV1 (lower than 80% of predicted) detected on the pulmonary function tests prior to TAVI from May 2011 to November 2014. Patients were divided into a group with obstructive pattern (FEV1/FVC<70% of predicted) and a group with restrictive pattern (FEV1/FVC>70% of predicted). Cox proportional hazards regression was used to explore the impact of FEV1 on mortality. RESULTS: A total of 94 patients were included in this analysis. Forty-one percent (n=38) had obstructive pattern, and 59% (n=56) had restrictive pattern. FEV1 values were similar between both groups (43±19 vs. 42±26, p=0.89). Both groups had similar rates of in-hospital, 30-day, and 1-year mortality. FEV1 was not a correlate for 1-year mortality. Patients with pulmonary obstructive and restrictive patters had similar rates of mortality. Moreover, FEV1 value is not a correlate for 1-year mortality. CONCLUSION: In the current era, the pattern on pulmonary function tests and FEV1 values should not influence the decision on whom to offer a transcatheter option for their severe valvular disease.