Use of physician-modified inverted limb in conjunction with Zenith fenestrated stent graft to rescue failed previous endovascular and open repair.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes and performance of inverted limbs (ILs) when used in conjunction with Zenith fenestrated stent grafts (Zfens) to treat patients with short distance between the lowest renal artery (RA) and aortic or graft bifurcation (A/GB). METHODS: This study was a multicenter, retrospective review of prospectively maintained database of patients with complex aortic aneurysms, failed endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), or open surgical repair (OSR) with short distance between LRA and A/GB treated using a combination of Zfen and an IL between 2013 and 2023. Endpoints included technical success, aneurysm sac regression, long-term device integrity, and target vessel patency. We defined technical success as implantation of the device with no endoleak, conversion to an aorto-uni-iliac or OSR. RESULTS: During this time, 52 patients underwent endovascular rescue of failed repair. Twenty (38.5%) of them required relining of the failed repairs using IL due to lowest RA to A/GB length restrictions. Two patients had undergone rescue with a fenestrated cuff alone but developed type III endoleaks. One patient with no previous implant had a short distance between the lowest RA and aortic bifurcation to accommodate the bifurcated distal device, and two patients had failed OSR or anastomotic pseudoaneurysms. The majority (94%) were men with a mean age of 76.8 ± 6.1 years. The mean aortic neck diameter and aneurysm size were 32 ± 4 cm and 7.2 ± 1.3 cm, respectively. The median time laps between initial repair and failure was 36 months (interquartile range [IQR], 24-54 months). Sixteen patients (80%) were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists class III, whereas four were class IV. Seventy-eight vessels were targeted and successfully incorporated. Technical success was 100%, and median estimated blood loss was 100 mL (IQR, 100-200 mL). Mean fluoroscopy time and dose were 61 ± 18 minutes and 2754 ± 1062 mGy, respectively. Average hospital length of stay was 2.75 ± 2.15 days. Postoperative complication occurred in one patient who required lower extremity fasciotomy for compartment syndrome. At a median follow-up of 50 months (IQR, 18-58 months), there were no device migration, components separation, aneurysmal related mortality, and type I or type III endoleak. Aneurysm sac regression (95%) or stabilization (5%) was observed in all patients, including in four patients (25%) with type II endoleak. CONCLUSIONS: The use of IL in conjunction with Zfen to treat patients with short distance between the lowest RA and A/GB is safe, effective, and has excellent long-term results. The technique expands the indication of Zfen, especially in patients with failed previous EVAR.

Examining the impact of median arcuate ligament-induced celiac artery compression on target vessel patency, long-term survival and device integrity in fenestrated and branched endovascular repairs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of celiac artery (CA) compression by median arcuate ligament (MAL) on technical metrics and long-term CA patency in patients with complex aortic aneurysms undergoing fenestrated/branched endograft repairs (F/B-EVARs). METHODS: Single-center, retrospective review of patients undergoing fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repairs and requiring incorporation of the CA between 2013 and 2023. Patients were divided into two groups-those with (MAL+) and without (MAL-) CA compression-based on preoperative computed tomography angiography findings. MAL was classified in three grades (A, B, and C) based on the degree and length of stenosis. Patients with MAL grade A had ≤50% CA stenosis measuring ≤3 mm in length. Those with grade B had 50% to 80% CA stenosis measuring 3 to 8 mm long, whereas those with grade C had >80% stenosis measuring >8 mm in length. End points included device integrity, CA patency and technical success-defined as successful implantation of the fenestrated/branched device with perfusion of CA and no endoleak. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty patients with complex aortic aneurysms (pararenal, 128; thoracoabdominal, 52) required incorporation of the CA during fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Majority (73%) were male, with a median age of 76 years (interquartile range [IQR], 69-81 years) and aneurysm size of 62 mm (IQR, 57-69 mm). Seventy-eight patients (43%) had MAL+ anatomy, including 33 patients with MAL grade A, 32 with grade B, and 13 with grade C compression. The median length of CA stenosis was 7.0 mm (IQR, 5.0-10.0 mm). CA was incorporated using fenestrations in 177 (98%) patients. Increased complexity led to failure in CA bridging stent placement in four MAL+ patients, but completion angiography showed CA perfusion and no endoleak, accounting for a technical success of 100%. MAL+ patients were more likely to require bare metal stenting in addition to covered stents (P = .004). Estimated blood loss, median operating room time, contrast volume, fluoroscopy dose and time were higher (P < .001) in MAL+ group. Thirty-day mortality was 3.3%, higher (5.1%) in MAL+ patients compared with MAL- patients (2.0 %). At a median follow-up of 770 days (IQR, 198-1525 days), endograft integrity was observed in all patients and CA events-kinking (n = 7), thrombosis (n = 1) and endoleak (n = 2) -occurred in 10 patients (5.6%). However, only two patients required reinterventions. MAL+ patients had overall lower long-term survival. CONCLUSIONS: CA compression by MAL is a predictor of increased procedural complexity during fenestrated/branched device implantation. However, technical success, long-term device integrity and CA patency are similar to that of patients with MAL- anatomy.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with severe comorbidities: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term outcomes of patients with severe comorbidities (sCM) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). BACKGROUND: The benefit of TAVR may be limited among patients with sCM due to a lack of mortality- or quality-of-life-benefit. METHODS: All TAVR patients in the Allina Health System between January 1, 2011 and August 7, 2018 were included (n = 890, 82 ± 8 years, 55% men). sCM included: severe lung disease, severe liver disease, end-stage renal disease, severe, severe dementia, severe dilated cardiomyopathy, and frailty. Outcomes between patients with (n = 215, 24%) and without (n = 675, 76%) sCM were compared. RESULTS: At baseline, patients with sCM had worse symptoms, higher STS-PROM and a lower Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) score compared to those without. During a median follow-up of 15 months (IQR, 7-29 months), there were 208 (23%) deaths. Patients with sCM had a lower 3-year survival free from all-cause mortality (40% vs. 79%, p < .001), and lower 3-year survival free from the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality, re-hospitalization for heart failure, myocardial infarction or stroke (31% vs. 64%, p < .001) compared to those without sCM. The estimated monthly increase in KCCQ scores following TAVR was 1.5, 95%CI (1.3, 1.7), p < .001 irrespective of sCM grouping. From Cox regression analysis, severe comorbidities, with the exception of liver disease, were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and any additional comorbidity was associated with a multiplicative increase in risk of mortality of 2.8 (95%CI 2.3, 3.6), p < .001. CONCLUSIONS: TAVR patients with sCM have poor 3-year outcomes but may experience improvements in their quality of life.

Comprehensive Myocardial Assessment by Computed Tomography: Impact on Short-Term Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Quantification of myocardial changes in severe aortic stenosis (AS) is prognostically important. The potential for comprehensive myocardial assessment pre-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) by computed tomography angiography (CTA) is unknown. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate whether quantification of left ventricular (LV) extracellular volume-a marker of myocardial fibrosis-and global longitudinal strain-a marker of myocardial deformation-at baseline CTA associate with post-TAVR outcomes. METHODS: Consecutive patients with symptomatic severe AS between January 2021 and June 2022 who underwent pre-TAVR CTA were included. Computed tomography extracellular volume (CT-ECV) was derived from septum tracing after generating the 3-dimensional CT-ECV map. Computed tomography global longitudinal strain (CT-GLS) used semi-automated feature tracking analysis. The clinical endpoint was the composite outcome of all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization. RESULTS: Among the 300 patients (80.0 ± 9.4 years of age, 45% female, median Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality score 2.80%), the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 58% ± 12%, the median CT-ECV was 28.5% (IQR: 26.2%-32.1%), and the median CT-GLS was -20.1% (IQR: -23.8% to -16.3%). Over a median follow-up of 16 months (IQR: 12-22 months), 38 deaths and 70 composite outcomes occurred. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards model, accounting for clinical and echocardiographic variables, demonstrated that CT-ECV (HR: 1.09 [95% CI: 1.02-1.16]; P = 0.008) and CT-GLS (HR: 1.07 [95% CI: 1.01-1.13]; P = 0.017) associated with the composite outcome. In combination, elevated CT-ECV and CT-GLS (above median for each) showed a stronger association with the outcome (HR: 7.14 [95% CI: 2.63-19.36]; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive myocardial quantification of CT-ECV and CT-GLS associated with post-TAVR outcomes in a contemporary low-risk cohort with mostly preserved LVEF. Whether these imaging biomarkers can be potentially used for the decision making including timing of AS intervention and post-TAVR follow-up will require integration into future clinical trials.

In Vivo Computed Tomography Sizing for Redo-Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Evolut Valves: Impact on Sizing, Feasibility, and Prosthesis-Patient Mismatch.

BACKGROUND: SAPIEN3 (S3) is a ubiquitous redo-transcatheter aortic valve (TAV) replacement alternative for degenerated Evolut valves, but S3 sizing for S3-in-Evolut remains unclear. We sought to compare the impact of in vivo computed tomography (CT)-sizing on redo-TAV feasibility for S3-in-Evolut with traditional bench-sizing. METHODS: CT scans of 290 patients treated using Evolut R/PRO/PRO+ between July 2015 and December 2021 were analyzed. S3-in-Evolut was simulated using S3 outflow/neoskirt plane (NSP) at node-6, -5, and -4. CT-sizing for S3 was determined by averaging 4 areas of the Evolut stent frame at NSP level and 3 nodes below. Redo-TAV was deemed feasible if the NSP was below the coronaries, or the narrowest valve (virtual S3)-to-aorta distance was >4 mm. Risk of prosthesis-patient mismatch was estimated using predicted indexed-effective orifice area. RESULTS: Compared with bench-sizing, CT-sizing yielded smaller S3 size in 82% at node-6, 81% at node-5, and 84% at node-4. Factors associated with CT-sizing less than bench-sizing were larger index Evolut size, underexpansion of index Evolut, and shallower implant depth (all P<0.05). CT-sizing increased redo-TAV feasibility by +8% at node-6, +10% at node-5, and +4% at node-4. Redo-TAV feasibility increased with annulus size, sinotubular junction dimensions, coronary heights, index Evolut size, deeper Evolut implant depth, and lower NSP levels (all P<0.05). CT-sizing had a slightly higher estimated risk of severe prosthesis-patient mismatch (9% at node-6, 7% at node-5, and 6% at node-4), which could be mitigated by changing the NSP. CONCLUSIONS: CT-sizing for S3-in-Evolut is associated with higher feasibility of redo-TAV compared with bench-sizing, potentially reducing the risk of excessive oversizing and S3 underexpansion. Further validation using real-world clinical data is necessary.

Preprocedural Computed Tomography Planning for Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Selection of transcatheter valve size using preprocedural computed tomography (CT) is standardized and well established. However, valve sizing for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is currently performed intraoperatively by using sizers, which may result in variation among operators and risk for prosthesis-patient mismatch. This study evaluated the usefulness of CT annulus measurement for SAVR valve sizing. METHODS: This study included patients who underwent SAVR using Inspiris or Magna Ease and received preoperative electrocardiogram-gated CT imaging. Starting from June 2022, study investigators applied a CT sizing algorithm using CT-derived annulus size to guide minimum SAVR label size. The final decision of valve selection was left to the operating surgeon during SAVR. The study compared the appropriateness of valve selection (comparing implanted size with CT-predicted size) and prosthesis-patient mismatch rates without aortic root enlargement between 2 cohorts: 102 cases since June 2022 (CT sizing cohort) and 180 cases from 2020 to 2021 (conventional sizing cohort). RESULTS: Implanted size smaller than CT predicted size and severe prosthesis-patient mismatch were significantly lower by CT sizing than by conventional sizing (12% vs 31% [P = .001] and 0% vs 6% [P = .039], respectively). Interoperator variability was a factor associated with implanted size smaller than CT predicted with conventional sizing, whereas it became nonsignificant with CT sizing. CONCLUSIONS: Applying CT sizing to SAVR led to improved valve size selection, less prosthesis-patient mismatch, and less interoperator variability. CT sizing for SAVR could also be used to predict prosthesis-patient mismatch before SAVR and identify patients who need aortic root enlargement.

Post-Shock Asystole in Patients Dying Out of Hospital While Wearing a Cardioverter Defibrillator.

BACKGROUND: The wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) prevents sudden cardiac death due to ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) but does not pace for post-shock asystole (PS-A) or bradycardia (PS-B;<50 beats/ min). OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess PS-A and PS-B in patients dying out of hospital (OOH) while wearing a WCD. METHODS: The database of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Manufacturers and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) was queried for manufacturers' reports of OOH deaths while patients were wearing a WCD. Excluded were patients who did not receive a shock or were initially shocked for asystole or during resuscitation. RESULTS: From January 2017 to March 2022, 313 patients received an initial WCD shock for VF (n = 150), VT (n = 90), and non-VF/VT rhythms (n = 73). PS-A occurred in 204 patients (65.2%), and PS-B occurred in 111 (35.5%); 85 (41.7%) PS-A patients also had PS-B. Most PS-A patients (n = 185; 90.7%) had an initial shocked rhythm of VF or VT, but 19 patients (9.3%) were initially inappropriately shocked for atrial fibrillation/supraventricular tachycardia (n = 7) and idioventricular (n = 8) or sinus (n = 4) rhythm. PS-A occurred after the first WCD shock in 118 (63.8%) and after the first, second, or third shocks in 159 patients (85.9%). Seven patients had post-shock heart block. Eight patients had permanent pacemakers; 1 became nonfunctional after 1 shock, and 7 showed noncapture and/or asystole after 1 to 4 shocks. CONCLUSIONS: Post-shock asystole appears to be common in patients who die OOH after being shocked by a WCD for VF or VT. PS-A also occurs after inappropriate WCD shocks for non-VF/VT rhythms. Implanted pacemakers may not prevent PS-A after a WCD shock. WCD backup pacing should be explored.

Causes and clinical consequences of inappropriate shocks experienced by patients wearing a cardioverter-defibrillator.

BACKGROUND: The LifeVest® wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) prevents sudden cardiac death in at-risk patients who are not candidates for an implantable defibrillator. The safety and efficacy of the WCD may be impacted by inappropriate shocks (IAS). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the causes and clinical consequences of WCD IAS in survivors of IAS events. METHODS: The Food and Drug Administration's Manufacturers and User Facility Device Experience database was searched for IAS adverse events (AE) that were reported during 2021 and 2022. RESULTS: A total of 2568 IAS-AE were found (average number of IAS per event: 1.5 ± 1.9; range 1-48). IAS were caused by tachycardias (1255 [48.9%]), motion artifacts (840 [32.7%]), and oversensing (OS) of low-level electrical signals (473 [18.4%]) (P <.001). Tachycardias included atrial fibrillation (AF) (828 [32.2%]), supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) (333 [13.0%]), and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (NSVT/VF) (87 [3.4%]). Activities responsible for motion-induced IAS included riding a motorcycle, lawnmower, or tractor (n = 128). In 19 patients, IAS induced sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation that subsequently were terminated by appropriate WCD shocks. Thirty patients fell and suffered physical injuries. Conscious patients (n = 1905) did not use the response buttons to abort shocks (47.9%) or used them improperly (20.2%). IAS resulted in 1190 emergency room visits or hospitalizations, and 17.3% of patients (421/2440) discontinued the WCD after experiencing IAS, especially multiple IAS. CONCLUSIONS: The LifeVest WCD may deliver IAS caused by AF, SVT, NSVT/VF, motion artifacts, and oversensing of electrical signals. These shocks may be arrhythmogenic, result in injuries, precipitate WCD discontinuation, and consume medical resources. Improved WCD sensing, rhythm discrimination, and methods to abort IAS are needed.

Importance of imaging-acquisition protocol and post-processing analysis for extracellular volume fraction assessment by computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) assessment of myocardial extracellular volume fraction (CT-ECV) is feasible, although the protocols for imaging acquisition and post-processing methodology have varied. We aimed to identify a pragmatic protocol for CT-ECV assessment encompassing both imaging acquisition and post-processing methodologies to facilitate its clinical implementation. METHODS: We evaluated consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing evaluation for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Pre-contrast and 3-min-delayed CTA were obtained in systole using either helical prospective-ECG-triggered (high-pitch) or axial sequential-ECG-gated acquisition, adding to standard TAVR CTA protocol. Using a dedicated software for co-registration of CTA datasets, three methodologies for ECV measurement were evaluated: (1) mid-septum region of interest (Septal ECV), (2) averaged-global ECV (Global ECV) encompassing 16-AHA segments, and (3) average of septal and lateral segments (Averaged ECVsep and Averaged ECVlat). RESULTS: Among the 142 patients enrolled (median â€‹= â€‹81 years, 44% females), 8 were excluded due to significant imaging artifacts precluding Global ECV assessment. High-pitch scan mode was performed in 68 patients (48%). Suboptimal image quality for Global ECV assessment was associated with high-pitch scan mode (odds ratio: OR â€‹= â€‹2.26, p â€‹= â€‹0.036), along with the presence of intracardiac leads (OR â€‹= â€‹4.91, p â€‹= â€‹0.002), and BMI≥35 â€‹kg/m2 (OR â€‹= â€‹2.80, p â€‹= â€‹0.026). Septal ECV [median â€‹= â€‹29.4%] and Averaged ECVsep [29.0%] were similar (p â€‹= â€‹0.108), while Averaged ECVlat [27.5%] was lower than Averaged ECVsep (p â€‹< â€‹0.001), resulting in lower Global ECV [28.6%]. CONCLUSIONS: Myocardial CT-ECV assessment is feasible using a systolic sequential acquisition pre-contrast, and similar additional 3-min delayed scan. Septal ECV measurement provides similar values to Global ECV and is equally reproducible.

Circadian dependence of microvascular obstruction during ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular obstruction (MVO) contributes significantly to adverse left-ventricular remodeling and mortality following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Because circadian processes contribute significantly to the timing and degree of ischemic injury in STEMI we hypothesized that the occurrence of MVO may also exhibit circadian behavior. METHODS AND RESULTS: A single center cohort trial of 336 STEMI patients (273 M 63 F) with their first STEMI who were reperfused with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and referred for cardiac MRI prior to discharge. The time of onset of chest pain was recorded from the patients chart and used to stratify patients with MVO over a 24-h cycle to analyze for circadian behavior. Subjects with MVO (n = 200) had greater infarct size by cMRI (45 vs. 20 g; p < 0.001), had reduced ejection fraction (LVEF = 50 vs 45%; p = 0.008) and significantly greater LV end-diastolic (LVEDVI) and end-systolic (LVESVI) volume index compared to subject without MVO (n = 136). The frequency of patients with MVO was compared against the frequency of patients without MVO at each 1-h and 3-h period over a 24-h cycle. A clear peak in patients with MVO (MVO + / MVO -) was seen at the 0700 h interval where 26 out of 27 patients had MVO (p = 0.0038) although MVO mass was not increased. This observation remained significant at the 06-09 time interval when 3-h segments were analyzed. Through 2021, mortality in patients with MVO was significantly greater compared to patients without MVO (n = 20 vs. 5, p < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: This analysis reveals for the first time a circadian dependence of the frequency of MVO in the setting of STEMI which could explain in part, the wide variation in MVO seen in STEMI patients with similar ischemic times and infarct size.

Right ventricular dysfunction by computed tomography associates with outcomes in severe aortic stenosis patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Although cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) assessment of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) is feasible, the incremental prognostic value remains uncertain in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) evaluation. This study sought to determine the incremental clinical utility of RVD identification by CCTA while accounting for clinical and echocardiographic parameters. METHODS: Patients who underwent multiphasic ECG-gated functional CCTA using dual-source system for routine TAVR planning were evaluated. Biphasic contrast protocol injection allowed for biventricular contrast enhancement. CCTA-based RVD was defined as right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) â€‹< â€‹50%. The association of CCTA-RVD with all-cause mortality and the composite outcome of death or heart failure hospitalization after TAVR was evaluated and examined for its incremental utility beyond clinical risk assessment and echocardiographic parameters. RESULTS: A total of 502 patients were included (median [IQR] age, 82 [77 to 87] years; 56% men) with a median follow-up of 22 [16 to 32] months. Importantly, 126 (25%) patients were identified as having RVD by CCTA that was not identified by echocardiography. CCTA-defined RVD predicted death and the composite outcome in both univariate analyses (HR for mortality, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.44-3.22; p â€‹< â€‹0.001; HR for composite outcome, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.48-3.01; p â€‹< â€‹0.001) and in multivariate models that included clinical risk factors and echocardiographic findings (HR for mortality, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.11-2.74; p â€‹= â€‹0.02; HR for composite outcome, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.09-2.44; p â€‹= â€‹0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Functional CCTA assessment pre-TAVR correctly identified 25% of patients with RVD that was not evident on 2D echocardiography. The presence of RVD on CCTA independently associates with clinical outcomes post-TAVR.

Association of baseline and change in global longitudinal strain by computed tomography with post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement outcomes.

AIMS: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedural planning requires computed tomography angiography (CTA) which allows for the assessment of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (CTA-LVGLS). There is, however, limited data on the feasibility of CTA-LVGLS, and its prognostic value. This study sought to evaluate the incremental prognostic value of baseline CTA-LVGLS, change in CTA-LVGLS after TAVR, and their association with post-TAVR outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 431 patients who underwent multiphasic gated CTA using dual-source system for TAVR planning at baseline and 1-month follow-up were included [median (interquartile range) age, 83 (77-87) years; 44% female, STS-PROM score: 3.3 (2.3-5.1)%, Echo-left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF): 60 (55-65)%, CTA-LVGLS: -18.0 (-21.6 to -14.2)%, feasible in 97% of patients]. CTA-LVGLS was measured using dedicated feature-tracking software. Over a median follow-up of 19 (13-27) months, 99 endpoints of all-cause death or heart failure hospitalization occurred. The relative hazard of the endpoint increased as baseline CTA-LVGLS worsened with -18.2% as the threshold for higher events (P = 0.005). After adjustment for baseline characteristics, CTA-LVGLS remained associated with the endpoint [hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval, CI), 1.08 (1.03-1.14); P = 0.005] and incrementally improved prognostication (C-index difference, 0.026). Although CTA-LVGLS improved after TAVR [-18.3 (-21.6 to -14.3)% vs. -18.7 (-21.9 to -15.4)%, P < 0.001], patients without CTA-LVGLS improvement had higher risk of the endpoint than those with improvement or preserved baseline global longitudinal strain [HR (95% CI), 1.92 (1.19-3.12); P = 0.008]. CONCLUSIONS: In this predominantly low-risk TAVR cohort of patients, mostly with normal LVEF, assessment of CTA-LVGLS is highly feasible improving risk stratification by providing independent and incremental prognostic value over clinical and echocardiographic characteristics.

Association of Left Ventricular Remodeling Assessment by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance With Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Aortic Regurgitation.

Importance: Chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) causes left ventricular (LV) volume overload, which results in progressive LV remodeling negatively affecting outcomes. Whether cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) volumetric quantification can provide incremental risk stratification over standard clinical and echocardiographic evaluation in patients with chronic moderate or severe AR is unknown. Objective: To compare LV remodeling measurements by CMR and echocardiography between patients with and without heart failure symptoms and to verify the association of remodeling measurements of patients with chronic moderate or severe AR but no or minimal symptoms with clinical outcomes receiving medical management. Design, Setting, and Participants: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with at least moderate chronic native AR evaluated by 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography and CMR examination within 90 days from each other between January 2012 and February 2020 at Allina Health System. Data were analyzed from June 2021 to January 2022. Exposures: Clinical evaluation and risk stratification by CMR. Main Outcomes and Measures: The end point was a composite of death, heart failure hospitalization, or progression of New York Heart Association functional class while receiving medical management, censoring patients at the time of aortic valve replacement (when performed) or at the end of follow-up. Results: Of the 178 included patients, 119 (66.9%) were male, 158 (88.8%) presented with no or minimal symptoms (New York Heart Association class I or II), and the median (IQR) age was 58 (44-69) years. Compared with patients with no or minimal symptoms, symptomatic patients had greater LV end-systolic volume index (LVESVi) by CMR (median [IQR], 66 [46-85] mL/m2 vs 42 [30-58] mL/m2; P < .001), while there were no significant differences by echocardiography (LVESVi: median [IQR], 38 [30-58] mL/m2 vs 27 [20-42] mL/m2; P = .07; LV end-systolic diameter index: median [IQR], 21 [17-25] mm/m2 vs 18 [15-22] mm/m2; P = .17). During the median (IQR) follow-up of 3.3 (1.6-5.8) years, 50 patients with no or minimal symptoms receiving medical management developed the composite end point, which, in multivariate analysis adjusted for age and EuroSCORE II, was independently associated with LVESVi of 45 mL/m2 or greater and aortic regurgitant fraction of 32% or greater, the latter adding incremental prognostic value to CMR volumetric assessment. Conclusions and Relevance: In patients with chronic moderate or severe AR, patients presenting with heart failure symptoms have greater LVESVi by CMR than those with no or minimal symptoms. In patients with no or minimal symptoms, CMR quantification of LVESVi and AR severity may identify those at risk of death or incident heart failure and therefore should be considered in the clinical evaluation and decision-making of these patients.

Comprehensive myocardial characterization using cardiac magnetic resonance associates with outcomes in low gradient severe aortic stenosis.

AIMS: This study sought to compare cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) characteristics according to different flow/gradient patterns of aortic stenosis (AS) and to evaluate their prognostic value in patients with low-gradient AS. METHODS AND RESULTS: This international prospective multicentric study included 147 patients with low-gradient moderate to severe AS who underwent comprehensive CMR evaluation of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), extracellular volume fraction (ECV), and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). All patients were classified as followings: classical low-flow low-gradient (LFLG) [mean gradient (MG) < 40 mmHg and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50%]; paradoxical LFLG [MG < 40 mmHg, LVEF ≥ 50%, and stroke volume index (SVi) < 35 ml/m2]; and normal-flow low-gradient (MG < 40 mmHg, LVEF ≥ 50%, and SVi ≥ 35 ml/m2). Patients with classical LFLG (n = 90) had more LV adverse remodelling including higher ECV, and higher LGE and volume, and worst LVGLS. Over a median follow-up of 2 years, 43 deaths and 48 composite outcomes of death or heart failure hospitalizations occurred. Risks of adverse events increased per tertile of LVGLS: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.50 [95% CI, 1.02-2.20]; P = 0.04 for mortality; HR = 1.45 [1.01-2.09]; P < 0.05 for composite outcome; per tertile of ECV, HR = 1.63 [1.07-2.49]; P = 0.02 for mortality; HR = 1.54 [1.02-2.33]; P = 0.04 for composite outcome. LGE presence also associated with higher mortality, HR = 2.27 [1.01-5.11]; P < 0.05 and composite outcome, HR = 3.00 [1.16-7.73]; P = 0.02. The risk of mortality and the composite outcome increased in proportion to the number of impaired components (i.e. LVGLS, ECV, and LGE) with multivariate adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: In this international prospective multicentric study of low-gradient AS, comprehensive CMR assessment provides independent prognostic value that is cumulative and incremental to clinical and echocardiographic characteristics.

Safety, Efficacy, and Dose Protocol of Metoprolol for Heart Rate Reduction in Pediatric Outpatients Undergoing Cardiac CT Angiography. / Segurança, Eficácia e Protocolo de Dose de Metoprolol para Redução de Frequência Cardíaca em Pacientes Pediátricos Externos que Passaram por Angiografia Cardíaca por TC.

BACKGROUND: Image quality and radiation dose are optimized with a slow, steady heart rate (HR) when imaging the coronary arteries during cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA). The safety, efficacy, and protocol for HR reduction with beta blocker medication is not well described in a pediatric patient population. OBJECTIVE: Provide a safe and efficient metoprolol dose protocol to be used in pediatric outpatients undergoing CCTA. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all pediatric outpatients who received metoprolol during CCTA. Demographic and clinical characteristics were summarized and the average reduction in HR was estimated using a multivariate linear regression model. Images were evaluated on a 1-4 scale (1= optimal). RESULTS: Seventy-eight pediatric outpatients underwent a CCTA scan with the use of metoprolol. The median age was 13 years, median weight of 46 kg, and 36 (46%) were male. The median doses of metoprolol were 1.5 (IQR 1.1, 1.8) mg/kg and 0.4 (IQR 0.2, 0.7) mg/kg for oral and intravenous administrations, respectively. Procedural dose-length product was 57 (IQR 30, 119) mGy*cm. The average reduction in HR was 19 (IQR 12, 26) beats per minute, or 23%. No complications or adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Use of metoprolol in a pediatric outpatient setting for HR reduction prior to CCTA is safe and effective. A metoprolol dose protocol can be reproduced when a slower HR is needed, ensuring faster acquisition times, clear images, and associated reduction in radiation exposure in this population. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(1):100-105).

FUNDAMENTO: Qualidade de imagem e dose de radiação são otimizadas com uma frequência cardíaca (FC) lenta e estável na realização de imagens de artérias coronárias durante a angiografia cardíaca por tomografia computadorizada (CCTA, do inglês cardiac computed tomography angiography) A segurança, a eficácia e o protocolo para a redução da FC com medicamento betabloqueador ainda não foi bem descrita em uma população de pacientes pediátricos. OBJETIVO: Oferecer um protocolo de dose de metoprolol eficiente a ser usado em pacientes pediátricos externos durante a CCTA. MÉTODOS: Realizamos uma revisão retrospectiva de todos os pacientes pediátricos externos que receberam o metoprolol durante a CCTA. As características demográficas e clínicas foram resumidas e a redução média em FC foi estimada utilizando-se um modelo de regressão linear multivariada. As imagens foram avaliadas em uma escala de 1 a 4 (1= ideal). RESULTADOS: Um total de 78 pacientes externos passaram a uma CCTA com o uso de metoprolol. A média de idade foi de 13 anos, a média de peso foi de 46 kg, e 36 pacientes (46%) eram do sexo masculino. As doses médias de metoprolol foram 1,5 (IQR 1,1; 1,8) mg/kg, e 0,4 (IQR 0,2; 0,7) mg/kg para administrações orais e intravenosas, respectivamente. O produto dose-comprimento por exame foi de 57 (IQR 30, 119) mGy*cm. A redução média da FC foi 19 (IQR 12, 26) batimentos por minuto, ou 23%. Não foram relatadas complicações ou eventos adversos. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de metoprolol num cenário de pacientes pediátricos externos para redução da FC antes de uma CCTA é seguro e eficiente. Pode-se reproduzir um protocolo de dose de metoprolol quando for necessário atingir uma FC mais lenta, garantindo tempos de aquisição mais rápidos, imagens mais claras e redução na exposição à radiação nessa população. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(1):100-105).

Prosthesis-patient mismatch defined by cardiac computed tomography versus echocardiography after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUNDS: Evaluation of prosthesis-patient mismatch (P-PM) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) has provided conflicting results regarding its impact on outcomes. Whether post-TAVR computed tomography angiography (CTA) evaluation of P-PM can improve our understanding is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the inter-modality (TTE vs. CTA) agreement, inter-valve platform (balloon-expanding valve [BEV] vs. self-expandable valve [SEV]) differences in P-PM severity, and outcomes related to P-PM after TAVR. METHODS: We analyzed patients with both CTA and TTE before and after TAVR. Indexed effective orifice area was calculated using two methods: TTE-derived left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) area from measured diameter and post-TAVR CTA-measured area. Body size specific cut-offs for P-PM severity were used: for body mass index (BMI) â€‹< â€‹30 â€‹kg/m2, moderate â€‹= â€‹0.66-0.85 â€‹cm2/m2 and severe≤0.65 â€‹cm2/m2; for BMI ≥30 â€‹kg/m2, moderate â€‹= â€‹0.56-0.70 â€‹cm2/m2 and severe≤0.55 â€‹cm2/m2. RESULTS: A total of 447 patients were included (median age, 83 years; 54% male). The prevalence of P-PM (moderate or severe) was lower with CTA vs. TTE (3.5% vs. 19.5%, p â€‹< â€‹0.001). The prevalence of P-PM measured by TTE was more common in BEV compared to SEV (p â€‹= â€‹0.002), while CTA assessment showed no difference in P-PM incidence and severity between TAVR platforms (p â€‹= â€‹0.40). In multivariable analysis, CTA-defined but not TTE-defined P-PM was associated with mortality after TAVR (HR:3.97; 95%CI,1.55-10.2; p â€‹= â€‹0.004). Both CTA-defined and TTE-defined P-PM were associated with the composite of death and heart failure rehospitalization. CONCLUSION: Although post-TAVR CTA substantially downgraded the prevalence of P-PM compared to TTE, it identified a subset of patients with clinically relevant P-PM which associated with outcomes.

Multi-institution assessment of the use and risk of cardiovascular computed tomography in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac computed tomography (CT) is increasingly used in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Variability of practice and of comprehensive diagnostic risk across institutions is not known. METHODS: Four centers prospectively enrolled consecutive pediatric CHD patients <18 years of age undergoing cardiac CT from January 6, 2017 to 1/30/2020. Patient characteristics, cardiac CT data and comprehensive diagnostic risk were compared by age and institutions. Risk categories included sedation and anesthesia use, vascular access, contrast exposure, cardiovascular medication, adverse events (AEs), and estimated radiation dose. RESULTS: Cardiac CT was performed in 1045 pediatric patients at a median (interquartile range, IQR) age of 1.7 years (0.3, 11.0). The most common indications were arterial abnormalities, suspected coronary artery anomalies, functionally single ventricle heart disease, and tetralogy of Fallot/pulmonary atresia. Sedation was used in 8% and anesthesia in 11% of patients. Peripheral vascular access was utilized for 93%. Median contrast volume was 2 â€‹ml/kg. Beta blockers were administered in 11% of cases and nitroglycerin in 2% of cases. The median (IQR) total procedural dose length product (DLP) was 20 â€‹mGy∗cm (10, 50). Sedation, vascular access, contrast exposure, use of cardiovascular medications and radiation dose estimates varied significantly by institution and age (p â€‹< â€‹0.001). Seven minor adverse events (0.7%) and no major adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Cardiac CT for CHD is safe in pediatric patients when appropriate CT technology and expertise are available. Scans can be acquired at relatively low radiation exposure with few minor adverse events.

High shocking and pacing impedances due to defibrillation lead calcification.

PURPOSE: We have reported the calcification of Endotak defibrillation leads that required replacement. The aim of this study was to assess calcified Endotak Reliance leads in the Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database and compare them to calcified Sprint Fidelis, Sprint Quattro Secure, Riata, and Durata leads in MAUDE. METHODS: We searched the MAUDE database from 2008 to 2019 for defibrillation lead calcification using the terms "calcium," "calcification," and "calcified". Included were explanted leads whose manufacturers found calcium on the shocking and/or pacing electrode. RESULTS: The MAUDE search identified 113 calcified defibrillation leads that qualified for the study, including 109 Endotak Reliance leads, 1 Sprint Quattro Secure lead, 2 Durata leads, 1 Riata ST lead, and no Sprint Fidelis lead. The sign of calcification was a gradual increase in shocking or pacing impedance. Average implant time was 7.4 ± 3.1 (range: 1.3-16.5) years. Only Endotak Reliance leads had shocking coil calcification (n = 72; 66.0%) and five (6.9%) of these failed defibrillation threshold (DFT) testing. Distal pacing electrode calcification affected 55 (50.4%) Endotak Reliance leads. The four other leads had pacing ring electrode calcification only. CONCLUSION: Endotak Reliance defibrillation leads appear prone to shocking coil and/or distal pacing electrode calcification. High impedances may compromise defibrillation and pacing therapy. Patients who have these leads should be monitored; those exhibiting high shocking impedances should be considered for DFT testing. Lead replacement should be considered for pacemaker-dependent patients whose leads exhibit progressively high impedances.

Clinical outcomes associated with sedation and analgesia in patients supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Sedatives and analgesics are frequently used in critically ill adult patients requiring mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit, but optimal agent selection and dosing in patients supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation remain poorly defined. This retrospective study evaluated whether sedative and analgesic agent selection and dosing had any impact on clinical outcomes after venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation. The primary endpoint of our study was the incidence of delirium within 48 h after venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation in patients who received an empiric ⩾50% sedation reduction of benzodiazepines (N = 22, group 2) compared to those who did not (N = 10, group 1) and those who required no sedatives within 24 h prior to venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation (N = 21, group 3). Secondary endpoints included time to extubation after decannulation, need for tracheostomy after decannulation, intensive care unit length of stay after decannulation, total hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. Delirium within 48 h after decannulation was observed in 47% of all patients and did not differ between the three groups (50% vs 50% vs 43%, p = 0.9). No differences were observed in the secondary endpoints; though there was a trend toward shorter duration of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit length of stay in patients who received an empiric ⩾50% sedation reduction. Our study suggests that we may need more than a 50% reduction in sedation but prospective studies with a larger sample size are warranted to evaluate how sedative/analgesic selection and dosing affect important clinical outcomes.

CD34+ cell therapy significantly reduces adverse cardiac events, health care expenditures, and mortality in patients with refractory angina.

Patients with refractory angina who are suboptimal candidates for further revascularization have improved exercise time, decreased angina frequency, and reduced major adverse cardiac events with intramyocardial delivery of CD34+ cells. However, the effect of CD34+ cell therapy on health care expenditures before and after treatment is unknown. We determined the effect of CD34+ cell therapy on cardiac-related hospital visits and costs during the 12 months following stem cell injection compared with the 12 months prior to injection. Cardiac-related hospital admissions and procedures were retrospectively tabulated for patients enrolled at one site in one of three double-blinded, placebo-controlled CD34+ trials in the 12 months before and after intramyocardial injections of CD34+ cells vs placebo. Fifty-six patients were randomized to CD34+ cell therapy (n = 37) vs placebo (n = 19). Patients randomized to cell therapy experienced 1.57 ± 1.39 cardiac-related hospital visits 12 months before injection, compared with 0.78 ± 1.90 hospital visits 12 months after injection, which was associated with a 62% cost reduction translating to an average savings of $5500 per cell therapy patient. Patients in the placebo group also demonstrated a reduction in cardiac-related hospital events and costs, although to a lesser degree than the CD34+ group. Through 1 January 2019, 24% of CD34+ subjects died at an average of 6.5 ± 2.4 years after enrollment, whereas 47% of placebo patients died at an average of 3.7 ± 1.9 years after enrollment. In conclusion, CD34+ cell therapy for subjects with refractory angina is associated with improved mortality and a reduction in hospital visits and expenditures for cardiac procedures in the year following treatment.