Transfemoral-only transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A single center experience of 400 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: In transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), transfemoral (TF) access offers several advantages over alternative access routes. Advances in sheaths and valve delivery technology have catalyzed the feasibility of TF-TAVR, even in challenging anatomies. AIMS: Report procedural characteristics and outcomes of a TAVR program aiming for a 100% TF access rate. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing TAVR were enrolled in a prospective registry. Equipment used to facilitate TF-access in challenging anatomies included low-profile sheaths, dilatators, peripheral balloons, covered and uncovered self-expanding and balloon-expandable stents, and intravascular lithotripsy (IVL). RESULTS: A total of 400 patients with a mean age of 81 ± 6 years (42% female) were analyzed. Minimal iliofemoral artery diameter (MLD) of the main access side was <5 mm in 42 (10.5%), extreme tortuosity was present in 65 (16.3%), and severe calcification in 59 (14.8%). TF-access was successful in 399 (99.8%) patients. A transaxillary access was used in one patient. In multivariable analysis, an MLD < 5 mm was the strongest predictor for vascular complications (11.9% vs. 3.9%, OR: 3.86, 95% CI: 1.38-10.8, p = 0.01). Such patients also had more major/life-threatening bleeding (14.2% vs. 3.1%, p < 0.001) and required more planned and unplanned peripheral interventions to enable TF access (35.8% vs. 3.4%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that utilization of dedicated sheaths, peripheral balloons, stents, and IVL enables TAVR via TF access in >99% of patients. However, rates of vascular and bleeding complications in patients with narrow iliofemoral arteries (MLD < 5 mm) were high.

Cerebral embolic protection during transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Insights from a consecutive series with the Sentinel cerebral protection device.

BACKGROUND: Growing interest in neuroprotection in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has catalyzed the development of cerebral protection systems (CPS). OBJECTIVES: Report insights from consecutive real-world patients undergoing TAVR with the Sentinel-CPS. METHODS: Patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR from April 2019 to May 2022 were enrolled in a prospective registry. The reason for unsuccessful Sentinel-CPS deployment and the amount of debris captured by the filters were prospectively recorded. RESULTS: The Sentinal CPS was successfully deployed in 330 patients (85%, Group 1). Deployment was not attempted, unsuccessful or only partially successful in 59 patients (15%, Group 2), caused by anatomical factors such as tortuosity, heavy calcification or small dimensions of radial or brachial artery in 46, technical aspects such as puncture failure or dissection in 5 or use of right radial access for the pigtail in 6. Debris was captured in 98% of patients in Group 1. In 40%, the amount of debris was graded moderate or extensive. Predictors for moderate/extensive debris were moderate/severe aortic calcification (OR 1.50, CI 1.05-2.15, p = 0.03), pre- and postdilatation (OR 1.97, CI 1.02-3.79, p = 0.04 and OR 1.71, CI 1.01-2.89, p = 0.048). The risk of stroke was numerically lower in patients who underwent TAVR with the Sentinel CPS (2.1 vs. 5.1%, respectively, p = 0.15). There was no stroke during CPS deployment, but one patient had a stroke immediately after device retrieval. CONCLUSIONS: The Sentinel-CPS was successfully deployed in 85% of patients. Predictors for moderate/extensive debris captured were moderate/severe aortic calcification, pre- and postdilatation.

Cerebral embolic protection during transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of propensity score matched and randomized controlled trials using the Sentinel cerebral embolic protection device.

BACKGROUND: The Sentinel cerebral embolic protection device (CEP) aims to reduce the risk of stroke during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of propensity score matched (PSM) and randomized controlled trials (RCT) investigating the effect of the Sentinel CEP to prevent strokes during TAVR. METHODS: Eligible trials were searched through PubMed, ISI Web of science databases, Cochrane database, and proceedings of major congresses. Primary outcome was stroke. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, major or life-threatening bleeding, major vascular complications and acute kidney injury at discharge. Fixed and random effect models were used to calculate the pooled risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and absolute risk difference (ARD). RESULTS: A total of 4066 patients from 4 RCTs (3'506 patients) and 1 PSM study (560 patients) were included. Use of Sentinel CEP was successful in 92% of patients and was associated with a significantly lower risk of stroke (RR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.48-0.95, p = 0.02. ARD: -1.3%, 95% CI: -2.3 - -0.2, p = 0.02, number needed to treat (NNT) = 77), and a reduced risk of disabling stroke (RR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.17-0.65. ARD: -0.9%, 95% CI: -1.5 - -0.3, p = 0.004, NNT = 111). Use of Sentinel CEP was associated with a lower risk of major or life-threatening bleeding (RR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.16-0.87, p = 0.02). Risk for nondisabling stroke (RR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.62-1.40, p = 0.73), all-cause mortality (RR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.35-1.40, p = 0.31), major vascular complications (RR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.33-1.67, p = 0.47) and acute kidney injury (RR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.37-1.50, p = 0.40) were similar. CONCLUSIONS: The use of CEP during TAVR was associated with lower risks of any stroke and disabling stroke with an NNT of 77 and 111, respectively.

The relevance of tricuspid regurgitation in patients undergoing percutaneous treatment of mitral regurgitation.

OBJECTIVES: Investigate the impact of concomitant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) on clinical outcomes during long-term follow-up in patients undergoing percutaneous treatment of mitral regurgitation (MR) with the MitraClip system. BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing mitral repair using the MitraClip frequently present with concomitant TR. It is uncertain how the presence of TR impacts the long-term outcomes of such patients. METHODS: We analyzed consecutive patients with MitraClip implantation from the prospective MitraSwiss registry. Endpoints were all-cause mortality, hospitalization for heart failure, and the composite endpoint of the two. RESULTS: We enrolled 177 patients (mean age 76 ± 9 years, 37% female). Acute procedural success was achieved in 149 (84%). Concomitant moderate or severe TR was present in 31% at baseline and 32% before discharge. After a median follow-up of 1103 days (IQR: 555-1766 days), 70 (40%) of patients had died, and 34 (19%) were hospitalized for heart failure. In multivariable analysis, TR at baseline was associated with an increase in all-cause mortality (HR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.36-4.03, p < 0.01), hospitalization for heart failure (HR: 3.19, 95% CI: 1.37-7.41, p = 0.01), and the composite endpoint (HR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.19-3.36, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Despite treatment of MR, TR did not improve in most patients. The presence of relevant TR at baseline was associated with reduced survival and higher rates of hospitalization for heart failure. More research is needed to understand the causal role of TR in such patients and to investigate if simultaneous treatment of concomitant TR may improve prognosis in patients undergoing percutaneous treatment of MR.

Thrombotic microangiopathy as a cause of cardiovascular toxicity from the BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor ponatinib.

The third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) ponatinib has been associated with high rates of acute ischemic events. The pathophysiology responsible for these events is unknown. We hypothesized that ponatinib produces an endothelial angiopathy involving excessive endothelial-associated von Willebrand factor (VWF) and secondary platelet adhesion. In wild-type mice and ApoE-/- mice on a Western diet, ultrasound molecular imaging of the thoracic aorta for VWF A1-domain and glycoprotein-Ibα was performed to quantify endothelial-associated VWF and platelet adhesion. After treatment of wild-type mice for 7 days, aortic molecular signal for endothelial-associated VWF and platelet adhesion were five- to sixfold higher in ponatinib vs sham therapy (P < .001), whereas dasatinib had no effect. In ApoE-/- mice, aortic VWF and platelet signals were two- to fourfold higher for ponatinib-treated compared with sham-treated mice (P < .05) and were significantly higher than in treated wild-type mice (P < .05). Platelet and VWF signals in ponatinib-treated mice were significantly reduced by N-acetylcysteine and completely eliminated by recombinant ADAMTS13. Ponatinib produced segmental left ventricular wall motion abnormalities in 33% of wild-type and 45% of ApoE-/- mice and corresponding patchy perfusion defects, yet coronary arteries were normal on angiography. Instead, a global microvascular angiopathy was detected by immunohistochemistry and by intravital microscopy observation of platelet aggregates and nets associated with endothelial cells and leukocytes. Our findings reveal a new form of vascular toxicity for the TKI ponatinib that involves VWF-mediated platelet adhesion and a secondary microvascular angiopathy that produces ischemic wall motion abnormalities. These processes can be mitigated by interventions known to reduce VWF multimer size.

Reduction of MANTA-associated vascular complications after implementation of key insights on failure mechanisms.

OBJECTIVES: Report MANTA-associated vascular complications after implementation of key insights on failure mechanisms. BACKGROUND: The MANTA vascular closure device is utilized to close large-bore arterial access sites. We have previously identified and published the mechanisms and predictors of MANTA-associated vascular complications. We identified three distinct mechanisms leading to MANTA-associated vascular complications, predictors were a common femoral artery (CFA) diameter <6 mm and clinically established peripheral artery disease (PAD). METHODS: We compared 100 consecutive patients of the initial cohort (first n = 100) with consecutive patients in which the key insights acquired in the initial cohort were implemented (second n = 100). RESULTS: The initial cohort (n = 100 patients) had a MANTA-related vascular complication rate of 11% (7% major and 4% minor), and 14% MANTA-related bleeding complications. In a subsequent cohort of n = 100 patients, we applied the abovementioned findings: we did not use the MANTA device if the CFA was <6 mm and in patients with PAD. In addition, femoral puncture was ultrasound guided. This strategy led to a decline in MANTA-related vascular complication rates: 2% (1% major and 1% minor) p = .03, as well as a reduction in MANTA-related bleeding complications to 5% p = .01. To the best of our knowledge, this is the lowest rate of MANTA-related vascular complication reported thus far. CONCLUSIONS: Our strategy achieves low MANTA-related vascular and bleeding complication rates. Careful and critical examination of complications can lead to rapid identification of complication mechanism and its predictors. In turn, rapid implementation of these insights can lead to a decline in complication rates.

The Allegra transcatheter heart valve: Short term results from a multicenter registry.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of the Allegra transcatheter heart valve (THV) for the treatment of severe aortic valve stenosis in a large patient population treated under real-world conditions. BACKGROUND: The Allegra is a novel self-expanding THV with supra-annular bovine leaflets. The valve is available in three different sizes (23, 27, and 31 mm), all are delivered through an 18F sheath. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing TAVR with the Allegra THV were enrolled in a multicenter-registry. Data were collected throughout initial hospital-stay and at 30-day follow-up. Clinical endpoints were defined according to the updated definitions of the Valve-Academic-Research-Consortium. RESULTS: This registry included 255 patients (mean age 83 ± 6 years, 48% women) from four European centers. Median European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II score (EuroSCORE II) was 3.3% (IQR 1.9-5.8%). Acute device success was 95.7%. The remaining 11 patients had either moderate paravalvular regurgitation immediately after the procedure (7 patients) or the device could not be optimal positioned requiring implantation of a second THV (4 patients). Major vascular complications and major/life-threatening bleedings occurred in 10 (3.9%) and 12 (4.7%) patients, respectively. At 30 day follow-up, mean effective orifice area was 2.2 ± 0.5 cm2 , mean gradient was 6.9 ± 3.8 mmHg, 7 (3.3%) patients had more than mild paravalvular leakage, 3 patients (1.2%) had died, 6 patients (2.4%) had a stroke and 30 (12.8%) patients had required implantation of a new permanent pacemaker. CONCLUSIONS: Transfemoral implantation of the Allegra THV resulted in favorable clinical and echocardiographic outcomes during hospitalization and short-term follow up.

Dedicated plug based closure for large bore access -The MARVEL prospective registry.

OBJECTIVES: To study safety and performance of the MANTA Vascular closure device (VCD) under real world conditions in 10 centers. BACKGROUND: The MANTA is a novel plug-based device for large bore arteriotomy closure. METHODS: We included all eligible patients who underwent transfemoral large bore percutaneous procedures. Exclusion criteria were per operator's discretion and included severe calcification or marked tortuosity of the access vessel, presence of marked obesity/cachexia or a systolic blood pressure above 180 mmHg. The primary performance endpoint was time to hemostasis. Primary and secondary safety endpoints were major and minor access site related vascular complications up to 30 days, respectively. Vascular complications were adjudicated by an independent clinical event committee according to VARC-2 criteria. We performed multivariable logistic regression to estimate the effect of baseline and procedural characteristics on any and major vascular complications. RESULTS: Between February 2018 and July 2019 500 patients were enrolled undergoing Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR, N = 496), Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV, N = 2), Mechanical circulatory support (MCS, N = 1) or Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR, N = 1). Mean age was 80.8 ± 6.6 years with a median STS-score of 2.7 [IQR 2.0-4.3] %. MANTA access site complications were major in 20 (4%) and minor in 28 patients (5.6%). Median time to hemostasis was 50 [IQR 20-120] sec. Severe femoral artery calcification, scar presence in groin, longer procedure duration, female gender and history of hypertension were independent predictors for vascular complications. CONCLUSION: In this study, MANTA appeared to be a safe and effective device for large bore access closure under real-world conditions.

Simplifying transfemoral ACURATE neo implantation using the TrueFlow nonocclusive balloon catheter.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of ACURATE neo transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) facilitated by predilatation with the nonocclusive TrueFlow balloon catheter. BACKGROUND: Now that TAVR is moving forward, physicians have attempted to simplify and streamline the procedure and the so-called minimalist approach has become more popular. METHODS: We enrolled 142 patients (mean age: 82 ± 5 years, 61% female) in a prospective registry. Patients at low risk for intraprocedural third-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) underwent TAVR with the TrueFlow balloon without rapid pacing and without insertion of a provisional pacemaker (n = 121). The remaining 21 patients were predilated with rapid pacing using a provisional pacemaker and a standard balloon. RESULTS: Predilatation with the TrueFlow balloon was successful in all 121 patients. Postdilatation was less frequently required after predilatation with the TrueFlow (25% vs. 57%, p = .003). Moreover, median procedural duration with the TrueFlow was significantly shorter (42 [interquartile range, IQR: 34-53] vs. 55 [IQR: 46-61] min, p = .004). In-hospital outcomes were similar. At 30 days, there was no mortality, two (1%) patients had suffered a stroke and only four (3%) had required implantation of a new pacemaker. CONCLUSION: Among patients with a low risk for intraprocedural third-degree AVB, the TrueFlow nonocclusive balloon catheter facilitates implantation of the ACURATE neo without the necessity of rapid pacing and a provisional pacemaker.

Pulmonary vein isolation using ablation index vs. CLOSE protocol with a surround flow ablation catheter.

AIMS: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using ablation index (AI) incorporates stability, contact force (CF), time, and power. The CLOSE protocol combines AI and ≤6 mm interlesion distance. Safety concerns are raised about surround flow ablation catheters (STSF). To compare safety and effectiveness of an atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation strategy using AI vs. CLOSE protocol using STSF. METHODS AND RESULTS: First cluster was treated using AI and second cluster using CLOSE. Procedural data, safety, and recurrence of any atrial tachycardia (AT) or AF >30 s were collected prospectively. All Classes 1c and III anti-arrhythmic drugs (AAD) were stopped after the blanking period. In total, all 215 consecutive patients [AI: 121 (paroxysmal: n = 97), CLOSE: n = 94 (paroxysmal: n = 74)] were included. Pulmonary vein isolation was reached in all in similar procedure duration (CLOSE: 107 ± 25 vs. AI: 102 ± 24 min; P = 0.1) and similar radiofrequency time (CLOSE: 36 ± 11 vs. AI: 37 ± 8 min; P = 0.4) but first pass isolation was higher in CLOSE vs. AI [left veins: 90% vs. 80%; P < 0.05 and right veins: 84% vs. 73%; P < 0.05]. Twelve-month off-AAD freedom of AF/AT was higher in CLOSE vs. AI [79% (paroxysmal: 85%) vs. 64% (paroxysmal: 68%); P < 0.05]. Only four patients (2%) without recurrence were on AAD during follow-up. Major complications were similar (CLOSE: 2.1% vs. AI: 2.5%; P = 0.87). CONCLUSION: The CLOSE protocol is more effective than a PVI approach solely using AI, especially in paroxysmal AF. In this off-AAD study, 79% of patients were free from AF/AT during 12-month follow-up. The STSF catheter appears to be safe using conventional CLOSE targets.

Pulmonary vein isolation using a higher power shorter duration CLOSE protocol with a surround flow ablation catheter.

INTRODUCTION: The CLOSE protocol combines ablation index (AI) and ≤6 mm interlesion distance using standard power settings for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose was to compare the safety and efficacy of a conventional CLOSE and a higher power shorter duration (HPSD)-CLOSE pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) strategy. METHODS AND RESULTS: All consecutive patients referred for PVI were included after informed consent was obtained from them. Group 1 was treated with a standard CLOSE protocol and group 2 with a HPSD-CLOSE protocol (45 W anterior and 35 W posterior). Procedural parameters and 6-month follow-up were analyzed. In total, 174 patients (group 1: n = 94 [paroxysmal: n = 74]; group 2: n = 80 [paroxysmal: n = 65], similar baseline characteristics) were included. PVI was reached in all, but procedure duration (82 ± 18 minutes vs 100 ± 22 minutes; P < .0001) and radiofrequency (RF) time (23 ± 5 minutes vs 36 ± 11 minutes; P < .0001) was shorter in group 2. First pass isolation was similar in groups 2 and 1 (left veins: 94% vs 90%; P = .42 and right veins: 83% vs 84%; P = .79, respectively). Six-month off- antiarrhythmic drugs freedom of AF/AT was similar in groups 2 and 1 (82% [paroxysmal: 86%] vs 83% [paroxysmal: 88%]; P = .93, respectively). Major complications were similar (group 2: 1% vs group 1: 3%; P = .39). CONCLUSION: A higher-power short duration approach can shorten a CLOSE procedure and reduce ablation time without having a negative impact on safety or efficiency.

Long-Term Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Patients With Chronic Inflammatory Disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammatory disease (CID) accelerates atherosclerosis and the development of aortic stenosis. Data on long-term outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in those patients are missing. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical long-term outcomes of patients with and without autoimmune-related CID undergoing TAVI for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: From a prospective registry, consecutive patients with TAVI were included. Baseline clinic and imaging data (echocardiographic and computed tomography) were analyzed. Long-term (up to 5 years) clinical and echocardiographic outcomes were studied. Of 1000 consecutive patients (mean age 81±6 years, 46% female), 107 (11%) had CID; the most frequent entities included polymyalgia rheumatica (31%) and rheumatoid arthritis (28%). Patients with CID were predominantly female (60% versus 44%, P=0.002) and more often had pulmonary disorders (21% versus 13%, P=0.046) and atrial fibrillation (32% versus 20%, P=0.003). The presence of CID was associated with a higher rate of postinterventional infection (5% versus 1%, P=0.007) and further emerged as a risk factor for rehospitalization for bleeding or infection (hazard ratio, 1.93 and 1.62, respectively). Premature valve degeneration, endocarditis, and all-cause mortality were not increased among patients with CID. CONCLUSIONS: This real-world analysis found that patients with CID undergoing TAVI were associated with a higher risk of postinterventional infectious complications and rehospitalization due to infection. However, valve durability and survival seem not to differ between patients with TAVI with versus without CID.

Amplatzer or Figulla Flex II Occluder: a comparative study of outcomes after transcatheter patent foramen ovale closure.

OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) for the prevention of recurrent paradoxical thromboembolic events has been shown to be safe and effective in randomized controlled trials. However, it remains uncertain if differences in the structure and design of the occluder devices impact the outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare results of percutaneous PFO closure using 2 widely used double-disc occluders. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous PFO closure with the Abbott Amplatzer occluder (APO) or the Occlutech Figulla-Flex-II occluder (OPO) at the Heart Center Lucerne between February 2017 and December 2022 were included in a registry. The primary endpoint was effective closure of the PFO, defined as a residual shunt grade 0 or 1, assessed by contrast echocardiogram at 6-month follow-up. Secondary endpoints included procedural efficacy/safety and major adverse cardiovascular events during the hospital stay and at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-three consecutive patients (mean age 51.7 ± 12.5 years; 39% women; Risk of Paradoxical Embolism (RoPE) score = 7, IQR = 6-8) underwent percutaneous PFO closure with the APO (120 patients, 62.2%) or the OPO (73 patients, 37.8%). Main indications for closure were crypotogenic stroke in 168 patients (87.1%) and peripheral embolism in 13 patients (6.7%). At baseline, right-to-left shunt (RLS) greater than or equal to grade 2 was present in 189 patients (97.9%). Immediate procedural success was 99.5%. In 1 patient, an air embolism occurred during positioning of the APO occluder with transient chest pain and electrocardiogram changes, but without further sequelae to the patient. At 6-month follow-up, effective closure was achieved in 185 patients (95.8%; APO: 96.6% vs OPO: 94.5%, P = .30). Rates of atrial fibrillation and recurrent thromboembolic events were 4.2 and 0.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PFO closure is safe and effective when performed with either the self-expanding Abbott Amplatzer or Occlutech Figulla Flex II PFO occluder.

The impact of elevated C-reactive protein levels on long-term outcomes of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: In patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), elevated pre-procedural C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are frequently observed. Its impact on long-term results of TAVR is unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate the long-term (up to six years) clinical outcomes of TAVR patients with normal compared to elevated CRP levels before TAVR. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing TAVR between August 2012 and January 2023 at a tertiary cardiology facility were included. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on the baseline CRP levels: normal CRP (≤ 5 mg/l) and elevated CRP (>5 mg/l). The cohorts were followed clinically for up to six years after TAVR. RESULTS: From a total of 1000 TAVR patients (mean age 81 ± 6 years), 268 patients (27 %) were found to have elevated baseline CRP (>5 mg/l). Such patients had significantly more co-morbidities (e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, concomitant valvopathies). They also developed periprocedural infections more frequently (3 % vs. 1 %, p = 0.007) and required more commonly repeat hospitalizations for infections during follow-up (HR 1.97, CI 1.47-2.64, p < 0.001). All-cause mortality and development of valve dysfunction did not significantly differ between patients with elevated and normal baseline CRP levels. CONCLUSION: Albeit long-term results of TAVR patients with elevated pre-procedural CRP levels seem favorable in terms of survival and development of valve dysfunction, they have an increased risk for periprocedural infections and re-admissions due to infections of any type during the follow-up period.

A fully automated artificial intelligence-driven software for planning of transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is increasingly performed for the treatment of aortic stenosis. Computed tomography (CT) analysis is essential for pre-procedural planning. Currently available software packages for TAVR planning require substantial human interaction. We describe development and validation of an artificial intelligence (AI) powered software to automatically rend anatomical measurements and other information required for TAVR planning and implantation. METHODS: Automated measurements from 100 CTs were compared to measurements from three expert clinicians and TAVR operators using commercially available software packages. Correlation coefficients and mean differences were calculated to assess precision and accuracy. RESULTS: AI-generated annular measurements had excellent agreements with manual measurements by expert operators yielding correlation coefficients of 0.97 for both perimeter and area. There was no relevant bias with a mean difference of -0.07 mm and - 1.4 mm2 for perimeter and area, respectively. For the ascending aorta measured 5 cm above the annular plane, correlation coefficient was 0.95 and mean difference was 1.4 mm. Instruction for use-based sizing yielded agreement with the effective implant size in 87-88 % of patients for self-expanding valves (perimeter-based sizing) and in 88 % for balloon-expandable valves (area-based sizing). CONCLUSIONS: A fully automated software enables accurate and precise anatomical segmentation and measurements required for TAVR planning without human interaction and with high reliability.

Outcomes following coronary chronic total occlusion revascularization with drug-coated balloons.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the introduction of improved drug eluting stents (DES), the rate of repeat revascularization procedures following percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in coronary chronic total occlusions (CTO) remains high. By leaving vessels uncaged and limiting length of stented segments, drug-coated balloons (DCB) represent an appealing alternative to DES for CTO-PCI. Since data supporting the use of DCBs in CTO-PCI is scarce, we compared the outcomes of patients undergoing CTO-PCI involving DCBs vs DES only. METHODS: From 2 prospective registries, outcomes of patients undergoing CTO-PCI involving DCBs and those undergoing PCI with DES only were compared. Outcomes included major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and cardiovascular death (CV-death). RESULTS: Overall, 157 patients were studied; 112 (71%) underwent CTO-PCI involving DCBs and 45 (29%) were treated with DES only. Mean J-CTO score was 1.84 ± 0.7. Most CTO-lesions involved the right coronary artery, 88 (56%), and 26 (17%) cases were in-stent occlusions. In the DCB group, 46 (41%) lesions were treated with DCBs alone. Mean lengths of the stented segments in the DCB vs DES cohorts were 59 ± 28 mm vs 87 ± 37 mm (P less than .001), respectively. After 12 months, the MACCE rate was higher in the DES only vs DCB group (26% vs 11%, P=.03). Length of the stented segment was an independent predictor for MACCE (HR 1.15 [95% CI, 1.05-1.26] per 10-mm stent length). CONCLUSIONS: Revascularization of CTO lesions involving DCBs appears safe and potentially lowers MACCE rates compared to treatment with DES alone. Importantly, using DCBs for CTO treatment may reduce total stent length, which determines PCI outcomes.

Relevance of Motion Artifacts in Planning Computed Tomography on Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Background: Motion artifacts in planning computed tomography (CT) for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) can potentially skew measurements required for procedural planning. Whether such artifacts may affect safety or efficacy has not been studied. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 852 consecutive patients (mean age, 82 years; 47% women) undergoing TAVI-planning CT at a tertiary care center. Two independent observers divided CTs according to the presence of motion artifacts at the annulus level (Motion vs. Normal group). Endpoints included surrogate markers for inappropriate valve selection: annular rupture, valve embolization or misplacement, need for a new permanent pacemaker, paravalvular leak (PVL), postprocedural transvalvular gradient, all-cause death. Results: Forty-six (5.4%) patients presented motion artifacts on TAVI-planning CT (Motion group). These patients had more preexisting heart failure, moderate-severe mitral regurgitation, and atrial fibrillation. Interobserver variability of annular measurement (Normal vs. Motion group) did not differ for mean annular diameter but was significantly different for perimeter and area. Presence of motion artifacts on planning CT did not affect the prevalence of PVL (≥moderate PVL 0% vs. 2.5% p = 0.5), mean transvalvular gradient (6±3 mmHg vs 7±5 mmHg, p = 0.1), or the need for additional valve implantation (0% vs. 2.8%, p = 0.6). One annular rupture occurred (Normal group). Pacemaker implantation, procedural duration, hospital stay, 30-day outcomes, and all-cause mortality did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: Motion artifacts on planning CT were found in about 5% of patients. Measurements for valve selection were possible without the need for repeat CT, with mean diameter-derived annulus measurement being the most accurate. Motion artifacts were not associated with worse outcomes.

"Burying" covered coronary stents under drug-eluting stents: A novel approach to ensure long-term stent patency.

BACKGROUND: Covered coronary stent (CS) implantation is associated with a high risk for in-stent restenosis (ISR) and stent thrombosis (ST). We describe the outcomes after overstenting ("burying") CS using contemporary drug-eluting stents (DES). METHODS: We analyzed short- and long-term outcomes of consecutive patients who had had a CS implanted, which was consecutively covered ("buried") with a third-generation DES. CSs were primarily post-dilated and then covered with a longer DES overlapping the proximal and distal edges of the CS. To ensure optimal stent expansion and appositions, all lesions were post-dilated using adequately sized non-compliant balloons. RESULTS: Between 2015 and 2020, 23 patients (mean age 67 ± 14 years, 74% males) were treated using this novel approach. Reasons for implanting CS included treatment of coronary aneurysms (n = 7; 30%), coronary perforations (n = 13; 57%), and aorto-ostial dissections (n = 3; 13%). All CSs were successfully deployed, and no peri-procedural complications occurred. The median time of follow-up was 24.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 11.7-37.9) months. All patients had a 1-month follow-up (FU) and 19/23 (83%) patients had 12-month FU (FU range 1-60 months). No probable or definite STs occurred, and no cardiovascular deaths were observed. Among patients undergoing angiographic FU (11/23 [48%]), 1/23 showed angiographically significant ISR 6 months post CS implantation. CONCLUSIONS: Burying a coronary CS under a DES appears to be a safe and promising strategy to overcome the limitations of the currently available CS devices, including a relatively high risk for target lesion failure due to ISR and ST.

Comparison of Clinical and Economic Outcomes of an Optimized Lean Versus a Standard Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Program (from SOLAR [Safe Outcomes Lean And Resourceful] Study).

The increasing prevalence of aortic stenosis (AS) and the increasing number of patients indicated for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) can lead to increased hospital constraints. This study aimed to compare, from the hospital perspective, the costs, resource use, and 30-day clinical outcomes of patients who underwent TAVI under an optimized or standard clinical pathway. A single-center, retrospective study was conducted among patients with native AS who underwent TAVI between January 2018 and March 2021. Patients who underwent optimized lean TAVI were propensity-score matched 1:1 to those who underwent standard TAVI. In-hospital costs and 30-day clinical outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. A total of 182 patients (91 in each group) were included in the final analysis. Baseline covariates were well balanced after matching. Patients who underwent lean TAVI had shorter length of stay (median [interquartile range] 3.0 days [2.0 to 6.0] vs 6.0 days [5.0 to 9.0], p <0.001). Patients in the lean TAVI group incurred lower total costs than did those in the standard TAVI group (mean ± SD: $41,346 ± 10,062 vs $50,471 ± 15,115, p = 0.002). There was no between-group difference in 30-day all-cause mortality (2.2% vs 1.1%, p = 0.573) and pacemaker implantations (5.5% vs 6.6%, p = 0.788). Rates of procedural complications were comparable between groups. In conclusion, lean TAVI leads to hospital efficiencies without compromising patient safety. Efforts to streamline the TAVI procedure should be encouraged to improve access to TAVI for patients with AS, amid resource constraints.