Transapical Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Under 3-Dimensional Guidance to Treat Pure Aortic Regurgitation in Patients with a Large Aortic Annulus.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a challenge for patients with aortic regurgitation (AR) and a large annulus. Our goal was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and predictors of transapical TAVR in AR patients with a large annulus and noncalcification and the feasibility and safety of 3-dimensional printing (3DP) in the preprocedural simulation. Methods: Patients with a large annulus (diameter >29 mm) were enrolled and divided into the simulation (n = 43) and the nonsimulation group (n = 82). Surgeons used the specific 3DP model of the simulation group to simulate the main steps before the procedure and to refit the transcatheter heart valve (THV) according to the simulated results. Results: The average annular diameter of the overall cohort was 29.8 ± 0.7 mm. Compared with the nonsimulation group, the simulation group used a higher proportion of extra oversizing for THVs (97.6% vs. 85.4%, p = 0.013), and the coaxiality performance was better (9.7 ± 3.9° vs. 12.7 ± 3.8°, p < 0.001). Both THV displacement and ≥ mild paravalvular leakage (PVL) occurred only in the nonsimulation group (9.8% vs. 0, p < 0.001; 9.8% vs. 0, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that extra oversizing, coaxial angle and annulus diameter were independent predictors of THV displacement and ≥ mild PVL, respectively. Conclusions: Based on 3DP guidance, transapical TAVR using extra oversizing was safe and feasible for patients with noncalcified AR with a large annulus. Extra oversizing and coaxial angle were predictors of postprocedural THV displacement and ≥ mild PVL in such patients.

Immediate results of transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To assess, analyze and present early postoperative results of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with aortic stenosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: During the period from 2017 to 2023, we examined in total 77 patients with severe aortic stenosis and high risk of surgery who were eligible for the TAVI procedure at the "Heart Institute Ministry of Health of Ukraine". RESULTS: Results: Before implantation, the mean and maximum aortic valve gradients were 53.7±19.1 mm Hg and 90.1±28.8 mm Hg, respectively. The mean and maximum aortic valve gradients after implantation were 9.67±3.18 and 18.7±6.41, respectively (p<0.001). The calculated left ventricular ejection fraction was 57.5±8.22% before surgery and 58.8±7.91% after surgery (p=0.412). After the procedure, moderate (2) degree of paravalvular aortic regurgitation was observed in 2 patients and light degree - in 21 patients. Before surgery, mitral regurgitation of 2-3 degrees was observed in 15 patients, and only in two patients after TAVI The survival rate of our patients was 96.4% after 180 days of supervision. In-hospital and 30-day mortality was 1.8%, while 180-day mortality was 3.6%. No deterioration was observed in patients with moderate aortic regurgitation during echocardiographic studies performed at 1, 3 and 6 months after TAVI. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: TAVI is rapidly emerging as a life-saving alternative for patients who are inoperable or at high risk of surgery due to comorbidities. The selection of patients for TAVI is important to optimize procedural and long-term outcomes. It is important for cardiologists in our country to refer patients with severe aortic stenosis after diagnosis to centers that perform TAVI.

Incidence of aortic valve reintervention in patients with aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation versus surgical aortic valve replacement: a systematic review and updated meta-analysis of randomized studies.

INTRODUCTION: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) are established interventions for alleviating symptoms and enhancing survival in individuals with severe aortic stenosis (AS). However, the long-term outcomes and incidence of reintervention associated with TAVI and SAVR remain uncertain. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the incidence of reintervention in TAVI versus SAVR. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled with a random-effects model. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Nine RCTs were included, with 5144 (50.9%) patients randomized to TAVI. Compared with SAVR, TAVI increased reinterventions (RR 1.89; 95% CI 1.29-2.76; p < 0.01) and the need for pacemakers (RR 1.91; 95% CI 1.49-2.45; p < 0.01). In addition, TAVI significantly reduced the incidence of new-onset atrial fibrillation (RR 0.43; 95% CI 0.32- 0.59; p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in all-cause mortality (RR 1.04; 95% CI 0.92-1.16; p = 0.55), cardiovascular mortality (RR 1.04; 95% CI 0.94-1.17; p = 0.44), stroke (RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.80-1.17; p = 0.76), endocarditis (RR 0.96; 95% CI 0.70-1.33; p = 0.82), and myocardial infarction (RR 1.06; 95% CI 0.79-1.41; p = 0.72) between groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with severe AS, TAVI significantly increased the incidence of reinterventions and the need for pacemakers as compared with SAVR.

Clinical impact of sex differences and procedural setting in transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a well-established treatment for symptomatic patients with aortic stenosis. Yet, the impact of sex differences and public vs. private procedural setting on TAVI outcomes remain uncertain. METHODS: The RIBAC-NT (Brazilian Registry for Evaluation of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Outcomes) dataset included 3194 TAVI patients from 2009 to 2021. This retrospective analysis explored disparities in baseline characteristics, procedural and in-hospital outcomes stratifying patients by sex and procedural setting. Temporal trends were also investigated. RESULTS: We included 1551 (49 %) female and 1643 (51 %) male patients. Women were older (83 [78-87] vs. 81 [75-85] years; p < 0.01) but had a lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus (30.2 % vs. 36.3 %, p < 0.01) and coronary artery disease (39.0 % vs. 52.2 %, p < 0.01). However, women had a 3-fold higher higher risk of life-threatening bleeding (6.1 % vs. 2.4 %, p < 0.01). Women presented higher procedural and in-hospital mortality rates (4.4 % vs. 2.5 % and 7.7 % vs. 4.5 %, all p < 0.01, respectively). Although public hospitals presented ~2-fold higher procedural mortality rate compared with private settings (5.0 % vs. 2.7 %, p < 0.01), after multivariable analysis procedural setting was not independently associated with in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Women had higher procedural and in-hospital mortality rates after TAVI as compared with men, while facing higher life-threatening bleeding and adverse events rates. Although public hospitals exhibited higher mortality rates than private centers, procedural setting was not independently associated with in-hospital mortality.

Successful nonsurgical therapeutic management in a case of early mechanical aortic prosthetic thrombosis and coronary embolism after a modified Bentall procedure.

Prosthetic valve thrombosis, although rare, is a life-threatening complication of valve replacement surgery. The authors present an atypical case of a modified Bentall procedure with the CarboSeal Valsalva™ conduit complicated by an early mechanical prosthetic aortic valve thrombosis and coronary embolism. The patient was successfully treated with an emergency percutaneous coronary angioplasty and intracoronary thrombus aspiration of the left anterior descending artery, followed by a systemic 10 mg bolus of tissue plasminogen activator followed by ultraslow (25 h) infusion of low-dose (25 mg), while supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

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A rare case report of tissue infection caused by Pantoea piersonii (basionym Kalamiella piersonii).

In 2019, Pantoea piersonii was initially isolated from the interior surfaces of the International Space Station. This microorganism is a species within the genus Pantoea in the family Erwiniaceae, belonging to the order Enterobacterales. Recent literature has documented four cases of its isolation. Despite initial predictions suggesting the non-pathogenicity of P. piersonii strains, evidence from observed cases indicates potential pathogenicity. According to documented evidence in the literature, this microorganism is capable of causing severe and life-threatening conditions, including sepsis. Traditional tests, as well as automated systems, may fail to provide complete differentiation due to these similarities. While MALDI-TOF MS is a valuable tool for identification in clinical diagnostic microbiology, sequencing may be necessary for precise identification. To determine the antibiotic susceptibility profile, various methods can be utilized, including minimum inhibitory concentration determination, disk diffusion testing (Kirby-Bauer test), genotypic resistance assays (PCR and sequencing), and automated systems. The literature reports a limited number of cases associating P. piersonii with human infection. This study contributes to this body of knowledge by reporting a novel case in which P. piersonii was isolated from a tissue sample for the first time. In this case report, the patient achieved recovery following the administration of appropriate antibiotic treatment based on the diagnosis. It underscores the need for precise identification and understanding of its pathogenicity.

Unraveling aortic hemodynamics using fluid structure interaction: biomechanical insights into bicuspid aortic valve dynamics with multiple aortic lesions.

Aortic lesions, exemplified by bicuspid aortic valves (BAVs), can complicate congenital heart defects, particularly in Turner syndrome patients. The combination of BAV, dilated ascending aorta, and an elongated aortic arch presents complex hemodynamics, requiring detailed analysis for tailored treatment strategies. While current clinical decision-making relies on imaging modalities offering limited biomechanical insights, integrating high-performance computing and fluid-structure interaction algorithms with patient data enables comprehensive evaluation of diseased anatomy and planned intervention. In this study, a patient-specific workflow was utilized to biomechanically assess a Turner syndrome patient's BAV, dilated ascending aorta, and elongated arch. Results showed significant improvements in valve function (effective orifice area, EOA increased approximately twofold) and reduction in valve stress (~ 1.8-fold) following virtual commissurotomy, leading to enhanced flow dynamics and decreased viscous dissipation (~ twofold) particularly in the ascending aorta. However, increased viscous dissipation in the distal transverse aortic arch offset its local reduction in the AAo post-intervention, emphasizing the elongated arch's role in aortic hemodynamics. Our findings highlight the importance of comprehensive biomechanical evaluation and integrating patient-specific modeling with conventional imaging techniques for improved disease assessment, risk stratification, and treatment planning, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

Pannus formation: a rare culprit of early bioprosthetic valve dysfunction-a case report.

Background: Early bioprosthetic valve dysfunction (BVD) due to pannus formation is uncommon in elderly patients, and only a limited number of cases have been reported. Case summary: An 84-year-old man presented with exertional dyspnoea 3 years after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) with a 19 mm Epic™ valve (Abbott, Santa Clara, CA, USA). Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated progressive BVD, and cardiac computed tomography (CT) revealed sub-aortic pannus formation. Re-operative SAVR was performed using a 19 mm INSPIRIS RESILIA® valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA), and pathological examination confirmed valve leaflet deformation caused by pannus overgrowth. At the 18-month follow-up, the patient exhibited favourable progress, with no indications of BVD or pannus recurrence. Discussion: This case highlights the importance of recognizing early pannus formation as a cause of BVD, even in elderly patients. Early detection of BVD based on clinical symptoms and echocardiography is vital to allow timely surgical intervention before the deterioration of cardiac function. Cardiac CT helps to differentiate pannus from thrombus formation and guide treatment decisions.

Marital status, educational level, and mid-term mortality risk in 5924 patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Aims: There is scarce knowledge about the association between social factors and mid-term outcome in older patients undergoing transaortic valve implantation (TAVI). Our aim in this study is to explore associations between marital status, educational level, and mortality risk in patients after TAVI. Methods and results: Patients aged ≥65 who underwent TAVI in Sweden during 2014-2020 were identified from the SWEDEHEART registry. Social factors and comorbidities were collected from mandatory national registries. Cox regression models adjusted for baseline comorbidities, age, sex, year of TAVI, social factors, and smoking were used to estimate mortality risk. Median follow-up was 1.9 years (interquartile range: 0.9-3.3). Overall, 5924 patients were included (47.3% women), with a mean age of 82.1 years (standard deviation: 6.1). Of the 1410 (23.8%) deaths during follow-up, 721 (51.2%) were related to cardiovascular causes. Patients with low education (<10 years) had a higher risk of mortality than patients with the highest education level [>12 years; adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-1.41]. Never being married/cohabiting was associated with an increased risk of mortality in comparison with being married/cohabiting (aHR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.05-1.65). A separate analysis of men and women showed an increased risk among never-married men (aHR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.23-2.14) but not among never-married women (aHR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.56-1.30). Conclusion: Disadvantage in social factors was associated with an increased mortality risk after TAVI in older patients. These findings emphasize the importance of developing strategies to increase health literacy and social support after TAVI in older patients with unfavourable social factors.

Higher-Than-Usual Target International Normalized Ratio (INR) Range Required With On-X Aortic Valve Secondary to Recurrent Thromboembolic Strokes: A Case Report.

Although the On-X aortic valve (AO) is considered less thrombogenic compared to its counterparts, we present a case where recurrent thromboembolic ischemic stroke occurred, first with a slightly sub-therapeutic, then even with an elevated International Normalized Ratio (INR).  A 36-year-old male, the background of On-X AO replacement but no other risk factors, developed thromboembolic stroke twice while on Warfarin, first with INR 1.4, second with INR 2.4. Despite extensive investigation, other than elevated levels of low-density lipoproteins, no other treatable cause was found with the latter episode. The INR range was increased to 2.5-3.5, and aspirin and statin were added. The occurrence of thromboembolic stroke with an On-X AO despite maintaining an INR of 2.4, presents a dilemma for future prevention. The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) guidelines for thromboembolism prevention in case of an On-X AO recommend an INR range of 1.5-2 as being effective when warfarin is used along with aspirin. The take-home message is that the recommendation of an INR range of 1.5-2 with an On-X AO should be approached with caution; aspirin should be strongly considered regardless of the presence of thromboembolic risk factors. Patients developing thromboembolism have a high risk of recurrence. Therefore, a higher INR, along with the addition of aspirin and statin should be considered. Studies are needed to establish guidelines for a reliable INR range in these scenarios.

Aortic root replacement for bicuspid aortic valve dysfunction does not impair survival rates.

BACKGROUND: Patients with a bicuspid aortic valve carry an increased risk for developing an ascending aortic aneurysm due to intrinsic aortic wall alterations. A lower threshold for aortic surgery may therefore be considered in these patients, especially in those who require aortic valve surgery. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of an isolated aortic valve replacement with that of an aortic root replacement in bicuspid aortic valve patients with an indication for aortic valve surgery. METHODS: Patients were included in retrospect from a tertiary academic hospital. Included patients received an elective aortic valve (AVR) or a composite valve-graft conduit (both mechanical and biological) between 2006 and 2021 without any concomitant procedure. Mortality data were retrieved from a national database and comparisons, including survival analyses, were performed between both groups. RESULTS: A total of 132 isolated AVR and 149 aortic root replacements were included. Patients who received an isolated AVR were significantly older than the aortic root replacement group (62.9 vs. 57.7 year respectively, p < 0.001). Survival analyses showed a comparable long-term mortality between both groups (8.1% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.321). CONCLUSION: This study shows that performing an aortic root replacement with a composite valve-graft conduit in bicuspid aortic valve patients does not impair the survival outcomes. In the light of preventing potential future aortic complications within this patient group with a congenitally and structurally weakened aortic wall, a more aggressive approach towards the treatment of BAV aortopathy might be considered.

Silent severe aortic regurgitation due to blunt chest trauma: ignore it at your peril-a case report.

Background: Blunt chest trauma (BCT) presenting to the emergency department is common and may cause life-threatening cardiac complications. Whilst complications causing haemodynamic instability are generally detected promptly, others may present late with long-term consequences. We describe a rare, serious complication of BCT presenting five years after a road traffic accident (RTA). Case summary: A 23-year-old man was incidentally found to have a murmur. Past history was notable only for BCT with rib fracture sustained in a RTA 5 years prior. Examination revealed a hyperdynamic pulse, loud decrescendo diastolic murmur, and Duroziez's sign over the femoral arteries. Echocardiography showed severe valvular aortic regurgitation (AR) from a hole in the left coronary cusp and holodiastolic flow reversal in the descending aorta. The left ventricle (LV) showed marked dilatation in diastole, mild dilatation in systole, and preserved systolic function. The aorta was normal. Severe AR was attributed to his previous BCT, with AR causing subsequent LV dilatation. He underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) with rapid recovery. He remains well, and his echo shows a well-functioning AVR with normalization of LV dimensions. Discussion: Aortic regurgitation following BCT is rare but well-recognized, most often resulting from RTAs. Only a third of cases are diagnosed acutely. In others, lack of haemodynamic instability means that emergency echocardiography is not routinely performed, such that this may go unrecognized with long-term consequences. Clinicians should be aware of possible valve damage following BCT. Prompt echocardiography should be routinely performed for all BCT at initial presentation, even without haemodynamic instability.

Diagnosing Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis Despite a Negative Work-Up.

A 38-year-old patient with a prosthetic aortic valve had weeks of fever and respiratory symptoms. Although endocarditis was suspected early, numerous blood cultures and echocardiograms failed to confirm the diagnosis. Key questions were: What is a broad differential diagnosis for the above symptoms? What is unique about diagnosing prosthetic valve endocarditis compared with native valve endocarditis? What other imaging modalities are useful for diagnosing prosthetic valve endocarditis when initial echocardiographic evaluation is negative? What organisms are classically implicated in "culture negative" infective endocarditis? Serial blood cultures and multimodal imaging, including cardiac positron emission computed tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose, lead to a diagnosis of prosthetic valve endocarditis with a HACEK (Haemophilus, Aggregatibacter, Cardiobacterium, Eikenella, Kingella) pathogen. Repeat blood cultures and serial multimodal imaging are paramount to diagnosing prosthetic valve endocarditis, particularly when caused by a fastidious organism.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Using the Evolut FX+ Platform With Optimal Diamond-Coronary Alignment.

We present one of the inaugural transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedures using the latest Medtronic platform, Evolut FX+. Successful coronary angiography was achieved within 28 seconds and 1 minute 49 seconds for the left and right coronary arteries, respectively. Postoperative cardiac computed tomography scan demonstrated optimal commissural and diamond-coronary alignment.

Florida Sleeve Technique for an Aortic Root Aneurysm in a Marfan Syndrome Patient.

Valve-sparing aortic root replacement is not widely performed due to technical requirements. The Florida sleeve technique (FST) is a new technique for aortic root remodeling with the preservation of the aortic valve without aortic root wall resection and coronary artery reconstruction. We successfully treated with the FST for a Marfan syndrome patient with an aortic root aneurysm and aortic valve insufficiency. We believe that this technique is very suitable for cases with moderately enlarged aortic roots. It could reduce surgical risks and prevent dilatation of the aortic root through coverage with a graft for a long time.

Fever and Chimpanzees: An Unexpected Life-Threatening Diagnosis.

Tropic fever can have several causes. It is important to investigate thoroughly and consider less obvious explanations. This paper presents the case of a biologist in close contact with chimpanzees, who developed fever in the tropics. Despite treatment for some tropical diagnosis, the fever persisted. On arrival in Belgium, further diagnostics revealed an unexpected diagnosis: Citrobacter koseri endocarditis of the native aortic valve. He was treated with ceftriaxone and amikacin and underwent aortic valve replacement. C koseri is a commensal in humans and animals. It is likely that the patient was infected with this bacterium through his close contact with chimpanzees. Only a few cases of C koseri endocarditis have been published worldwide, with most patients being immunocompromised. Patients with tropical fever may have unsuspected underlying causes, like endocarditis.

Physiological Insights From Asymptomatic Severe Valvular Disease in a Highly Trained Athlete.

Parameters relied on as tools for prognostication in valvular disease can be confounded by athletic physiological remodeling. This case describes how cardiopulmonary exercise testing and multimodality imaging may be helpful in assessment of a 46-year-old female athlete with bicuspid aortic valve and subaortic membrane with associated asymptomatic severe mixed aortic valve disease.

Acquired Coronary Cameral Fistula Mimicking Prosthetic Aortic Valve Regurgitation.

A coronary cameral fistula (CCF) is an abnormal communication between a coronary artery and any of the 4 cardiac chambers. Although congenital cases are more common, acquired CCFs, particularly after cardiac surgery, are rare. We present an unusual case of acquired CCF that occurred after bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement and septal myectomy and that mimics prosthetic regurgitation.

Ventricular Fibrillation Cardiac Arrest With Endocarditis During Pregnancy.

A 34-year-old pregnant woman collapsed at home without preceding symptoms. Following bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ventricular fibrillation was documented and successfully reverted with an external shock. The electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm, right bundle branch block, ST-segment depression, and T-wave inversion in anterior leads. She was then brought to the hospital for emergency management.