Patient-specific commissural alignment for ACURATE neo2 implantation in degenerated surgical bioprostheses.

Valve-in-valve TAVI to treat failing surgical aortic valves (SAVs) is increasingly performed, and commissural alignment is a key technical aspect in such procedures. Surgeons optimize valve alignment, accounting for potential coronary eccentricity and achieving a patient-specific optimized commissural orientation, representing the ideal target for TAVI alignment. Therefore, here we present a dedicated stepwise valve-in-valve implantation technique using the ACURATE neo2. In a specific SAV postoverlap view, isolating one surgical post to the right of the screen representing the target for alignment, rotational orientation of the TAVI commissures, matching the SAV orientation, is achieved and verified before implantation. This technique has been tested in a patient-specific three-dimensionally-printed aortic root anatomy, attached to a pulsatile flow simulator, allowing for native-like simulation of coronary cannulations under fluoroscopy, and enabling detailed assessment with fluoroscopic as well as direct videographic visualization. Furthermore, the technique is exemplified by providing an educational clinical case example.

Update on supra-annular sizing of transcatheter aortic valve prostheses in raphe-type bicuspid aortic valve disease according to the LIRA method.

Recent evidence has shown that transcatheter heart valve (THV) anchoring in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients occurs at the level of the raphe, known as the LIRA (Level of Implantation at the RAphe) plane. Our previous work in a cohort of 20 patients has shown that the delineation of the perimeter and device sizing at this level is associated with optimal procedural outcome. The goals of this study were to confirm the feasibility of this method, evaluate 30-day outcomes of LIRA sizing in a larger cohort of patients, assess interobserver variation and reproducibility of this sizing methodology, and analyse the interaction of LIRA-sized prostheses with the surrounding anatomy. The LIRA sizing method was applied to consecutive patients presenting to our centre with raphe-type BAV disease between November 2018 and October 2021. Supra-annular self-expanding THVs were sized based on baseline CT scan perimeters at the LIRA plane and the virtual basal ring. In cases where there was discrepancy between the two measurements, the plane with the smallest perimeter was considered the reference for prosthesis sizing. Post-procedural device success, defined according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2) criteria, was evaluated in the overall cohort. A total of 50 patients (mean age 80 ± 6 years, 70% male) with raphe-type BAV disease underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using different THV prostheses. The LIRA plane method appeared to be highly successful (100% VARC-2 device success) with no procedural mortality, no valve migration, no moderate-severe paravalvular leak, and low transprosthetic gradients (residual mean gradient 8.2 ± 3.4 mmHg). There were no strokes, no in-hospital or 30-day mortality, and an incidence of in-hospital pacemaker implantation of 10%. Furthermore, measurement of the LIRA plane perimeter was highly reproducible between observers (r = 0.980; P < 0.001) and predictive of the post-procedural prosthetic valve perimeter on CT scanning (r = 0.981; P < 0.001). We confirm the feasibility of supra-annular sizing using the LIRA method in a large cohort of patients with high procedural success and good clinical outcomes at 30 days. Application of the LIRA method optimizes THV prosthesis sizing in patients with raphe-type BAV disease.

Revival of transcatheter PFO closure: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - impact of shunt size and age.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter foramen ovale closure (TPC) has emerged as a potential treatment option for patients with cryptogenic strokes and persistent foramen ovale (PFO). However, previous randomized controlled trials could hardly demonstrate any benefit compared to medical treatment (Med-Tx). Recently new data have become available which may change current practice of transcatheter PFO closure. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing TPC and Med-Tx based on all available multicentric randomized controlled trials was performed. The primary outcome of interest was the recurrence of stroke in both groups. RESULTS: Five studies met the inclusion criteria with 1829 patients in the TPC and 1622 in the Med-Tx group. The median follow-up was 4 years. In the intention-to-treat analysis we found a statistically significant relative risk reduction in recurrence of strokes in the TPC group compared to the Med-Tx group (pooled hazard ratio (HR): 0.32; 95% CI: 0.13-0.8; P = .018). Excluding one study due to potential publication bias resulted in a pooled HR of 0.48 (95% CI: 0.25-0.91, P = .024). Patients younger than 45 years of age (pooled HR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.16-0.75; P = .007) and those with moderate to severe shunt (pooled HR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.14-0.55; P < .001) were more likely to benefit from closure. CONCLUSION: According to our meta-analysis TPC plus antiplatelets was superior in terms of stroke prevention when compared to Med-Tx. Furthermore, patients with moderate to severe shunts and those younger than 45 years of age were found to benefit most from TPC.

Repeated MitraClip procedure in patients with recurrent MR after a successful first procedure: Limitations and outcome.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the outcome and potential limitations of a repeated MitraClip procedure (ReClip). BACKGROUND: The MitraClip procedure has emerged as a treatment option in high surgical risk patients suffering from severe mitral regurgitation (MR). However, despite successful initial repair a significant number of patients develops severe recurrent MR. METHODS: Patients undergoing a ReClip procedure in our institution were retrospectively identified. Baseline data and the procedural outcome were assessed to identify potential limitations of such procedures. RESULTS: Fifteen out of 234 patients undergoing a mitral-valve repair with the MitraClip device (Abbott Vascular) underwent a ReClip due to recurrent MR. In 11 patients, a MR reduction of at least one degree without causing mitral valve stenosis (trans-mitral mean gradient ≥5 mmHg) was achieved by performing a ReClip. After 1 year, two patients developed severe recurrent MR again. Pulmonary artery pressures significantly decreased after the procedure in individuals with successful repair (MR reduction of at least one degree and mitral valve mean gradient <5 mmHg). CONCLUSION: A ReClip procedure may be feasible in patients with recurrent MR but the risk benefit ratio should be carefully balanced against other treatment options.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation to Treat Degenerated Aortic, Mitral and Tricuspid Bioprosthesis.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is now well established as the treatment of choice for patients with native aortic valve stenosis who are high or intermediate risk for surgical aortic valve replacement. Recent data has also supported the use of TAVI in patients at low surgical risk and also in anatomical subsets that were previously felt to be contra-indicated including bicuspid aortic valves and aortic regurgitation. With advancements and refinements in procedural techniques, the application of this technology has now been further expanded to include the management of degenerated bioprosthesis. After the demonstration of feasibility and safety in the management of degenerated aortic bioprosthetic valves, mitral and tricuspid bioprosthetic valve treatment is now also well-established and provides an attractive alternative to performing redo surgery. In this review, we appraise the latest clinical evidence and highlight procedural considerations when utilising TAVI technology in the management of degenerated aortic, mitral or tricuspid prosthesis.

Transcaval Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for Pure Aortic Regurgitation Using a Dedicated Self-Expanding Device.

Novel dedicated devices allow transcatheter treatment of pure aortic regurgitation (AR). The JenaValve Trilogy Heart Valve System was introduced as the first dedicated and on-label AR transcatheter aortic valve replacement system, implementing a locator-based and calcium-independent anchoring mechanism. Here, we present the first-in-human transcatheter aortic valve replacement for pure AR via a transcaval access in a patient with prohibitive alternative arterial accesses.

Impact of leaflet splitting on coronary access after redo-TAVI for degenerated supra-annular self-expanding platforms.

BACKGROUND: Coronary access (CA) is a major concern in redo-transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for failing supra-annular self-expanding transcatheter aortic valves (TAVs). AIMS: This ex vivo study evaluated the benefit of leaflet splitting (LS) on subsequent CA after redo-TAVI in anatomies deemed at high risk of unfeasible CA. METHODS: Ex vivo, patient-specific models were printed three-dimensionally. Index TAVI was performed using ACURATE neo2 or Evolut PRO (TAV-1) at the standard implant depth and with different degrees of commissural misalignment (CMA). Redo-TAVI was performed using the balloon-expandable SAPIEN 3 Ultra (TAV-2) at different implant depths with commissural alignment. Selective CA was attempted for each configuration before and after LS in a pulsatile flow simulator. The leaflet splay area was assessed on the bench. RESULTS: In matched comparisons of 128 coronary cannulations across 64 redo-TAVI configurations, the overall feasibility of CA significantly increased after LS (60.9% vs 18.7%; p<0.001). The effect of LS varied according to the sinotubular junction height, TAV-1 design, TAV-1 CMA, and TAV-2 implant depth, given TAV-2 alignment. LS enabled CA for up to CMA 45° with the ACURATE neo2 TAV-1 and up to CMA 30° with the Evolut PRO TAV-1. The combination of LS and a low TAV-2 implant provided the highest feasibility of CA after redo-TAVI. The leaflet splay area ranged from 25.60 mm2 to 37.86 mm2 depending on the TAV-1 platform and TAV-2 implant depth. CONCLUSIONS: In high-risk anatomies, LS significantly improves CA feasibility after redo-TAVI for degenerated supra-annular self-expanding platforms. Decisions on redo-TAVI feasibility should be carefully individualised, taking into account the expected benefit of LS on CA for each scenario.

Transcatheter mitral and tricuspid interventions-the bigger picture: valvular disease as part of heart failure.

The prevalence of mitral (MR) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR), especially in heart failure (HF) populations, is high. However, the distinct role of atrioventricular valve diseases in HF, whether they are merely indicators of disease status or rather independent contributors in a vicious disease cycle, is still not fully understood. For decades, tricuspid regurgitation (TR) was considered an innocent bystander subsequent to other heart or lung pathologies, thus, not needing dedicated treatment. Recent increasing awareness towards the role of atrioventricular valve diseases has revealed that MR and TR are, in fact, independent predictors of outcome in HF, thus, warranting attention in the HF treatment algorithm. This awareness arose, especially, with the development of minimally invasive transcatheter solutions providing new treatment options, which can also be used for patients considered as having increased surgical risk. However, outcomes of such transcatheter treatments have, in part, been sub-optimal and likely influenced by the status of the concomitant HF disease. Thus, this review aims to summarize data on the current understanding regarding the role of MR and TR in HF, how HF impacts outcomes of transcatheter MR and TR interventions, and how the understanding of this relationship might help to identify patients that benefit most from these therapies, which have proven to be lifesaving in properly selected candidates.

Management of Volume Overload in Severe Atrial-Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation: Improved Feasibility of Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair.

Patients with tricuspid regurgitation are often referred late in their disease course and present with volume overload, which is a detrimental factor leading to right-sided chamber dilatation and dysfunction. Treatment of volume overload can 1) improve patient functional status; 2) avoid repeated invasive examinations; and 3) establish eligibility for transcatheter tricuspid intervention. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Nonagenarians: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Nonagenarians represent only a small proportion of patients included in large transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) trials, but will become a relevant future population in need of treatment due to demographic change. Thus, this study sought to evaluate outcomes of TAVR for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis (AS) in nonagenarian patients. METHODS: We screened Medline/Pubmed for studies that stated specific outcomes for nonagenarians undergoing TAVR. A weighted meta-analysis was conducted, calculating pooled estimate rates using a binary random-effects model for dichotomous variables, and comparing non-dichotomous outcomes with a continuous random-effects model. RESULTS: Data from 23 studies including 16,094 nonagenarians were merged; 53.4% were women. Despite reasonable rates of comorbidities, Society of Thoracic Surgeons mortality risk score was 10.2 ± 5.4. Pooled estimate rate of procedural success was 94.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 91.7-96.6), with major vascular complications occurring in 6.3% (95% CI, 2.7-9.8) and at least moderate postprocedural paravalvular leak in 7.5% (95% CI, 4.4-10.6). The rate of periprocedural stroke or transient ischemic attack was 2.6% (95% CI, 2.0-3.2). At 30 days, the pooled estimate of mortality was 6.1% (95% CI, 4.7-7.4) and a permanent pacemaker was implanted in 12.6% (95% CI, 7.6-17.6). After 1 year, the mortality rate was 20.5% (95% CI, 15.9-25.1). CONCLUSION: TAVR in nonagenarians is an effective and safe procedure, with encouraging outcomes given the general life expectancy of these patients. Currently, only selected nonagenarians are undergoing TAVR, but their number will grow as life expectancy continues to increase in the developed world. Specific research to identify ideal candidates and techniques in this cohort is needed.

Cerebral embolisation during transcatheter edge-to-edge repair of the mitral valve with the MitraClip system: a prospective, observational study.

BACKGROUND: New ischaemic brain lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are reported in up to 86% of patients after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair of the mitral valve (TEER-MV). Knowledge of the exact procedural step(s) that carry the highest risk for cerebral embolisation may help to further improve the procedure. AIMS: The aim of this study was to identify the procedural step(s) that are associated with an increased risk of cerebral embolisation during TEER-MV with the MitraClip system. Furthermore, the risk of overt stroke and silent brain ischaemia after TEER-MV was assessed. METHODS: In this prospective, pre-specified observational study, all patients underwent continuous transcranial Doppler examination during TEER-MV to detect microembolic signals (MES). MES were assigned to specific procedural steps: (1) transseptal puncture and placement of the guide, (2) advancing and adjustment of the clip in the left atrium, (3) device interaction with the MV, and (4) removal of the clip delivery system and the guide. Neurological examination using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and cerebral MRI were performed before and after TEER-MV. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients were included. The number of MES differed significantly between the procedural steps with the highest numbers observed during device interaction with the MV. Mild neurological deterioration (NIHSS ≤3) occurred in 9/54 patients. New ischaemic lesions were detected in 21/24 patients who underwent MRI. Larger infarct volume was significantly associated with neurological deterioration. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral embolisation is immanent to TEER-MV and predominantly occurs during device interaction with the MV. Improvements to the procedure may focus on this procedural step.

Behavioural determinants impacting the adoption rate of coronary physiology.

BACKGROUND: Despite international revascularisation guidelines strongly recommending functional assessment of coronary artery stenosis using pressure-wire derived indices, the adoption rate of coronary physiology remains low. METHODS: An online questionnaire was designed to evaluate behavioural determinants impacting the adoption rate of coronary physiology. Factor analysis was performed to combine multiple items of a common behavioural domain into one explanatory factor. Regression analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of resulting factors on the variance of the coronary physiology adoption rate. Additionally, the influence of experience, demographics and provider structures was assessed. RESULTS: 104 interventional cardiologists, from 21 countries, completed the questionnaire. Mean adoption rate of coronary physiology was 26.9%. Regression analysis revealed that factors ease-of-use (Coefficient = 0.58, p = 0.01), financial and/or time constraints (Coefficient = -0.22, p = 0.01) and knowledge about guideline recommendations (Coefficient = 0.21, p = 0.06) had the greatest influence on coronary physiology adoption rate variance (R2 = 0.3, p < 0.001), with ease-of-use and guideline recommendations positively influencing greater uptake and constraints influencing lesser uptake of adoption of coronary physiology. CONCLUSION: Ease-of-use, financial and/or time constraints, and knowledge about guideline recommendations were the most relevant behavioural factors impacting the adoption rate of coronary physiology. Ease-of-use was identified as the most influential factor, highlighting the importance of cardiac catheterisation laboratory teams being adequately trained to perform coronary physiology assessment seamlessly.

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement: Current Evidence and Concepts.

Over the past decade, several transcatheter devices have been developed to address the treatment of severe mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients at high surgical risk, mainly aimed at repairing the native mitral valve (MV). MV repair devices have recently been shown to have high efficacy and safety. However, to replicate promising trial results, specific anatomical and pathophysiological criteria have to be met and operators need a high level of experience. As yet, the longer-term durability of transcatheter MV repair remains unknown. Transcatheter MV replacement (TMVR) might be a treatment option able to target various anatomies, reliably abolish MR, and foster ease of use with a standardised implantation protocol. This review presents upcoming TMVR devices and available data and discusses how TMVR might further advance the field of transcatheter treatment of MR.

Longitudinal Neointimal Distribution Pattern After Everolimus-Eluting Stent Implantation: Insights From Optical Coherence Tomography Study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Everolimus-eluting stents (EES) are established as latest generation drug eluting stents. However, optical coherence tomography (OCT) assessment of neointimal distribution after EES implantation is lacking. We aimed to assess the longitudinal neointimal distribution pattern after EES implantation using OCT. METHODS: Data from 3 prospective studies (HEAL-EES, REVER and RESERVOIR), including patients with EES implantation and OCT follow-up study, were merged. Analyzed stents were divided into 3 segments of equal length (distal, medial, proximal). Longitudinal neointimal distribution patterns were compared between the 3 segments using generalized estimating equation. Neointimal thickness (NIT), neointimal area obstruction, and uncovered or malapposed struts were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 86 patients (92 lesions) were analyzed. Time of OCT follow-up was 9.0 ± 1.5 months. NIT was 101.7 ± 65.4 µm and neointimal obstruction area was 12.2 ± 7.6%. The number of assessed struts was the same in all three segments. NIT tended to be higher at the medial segment (108.8 ± 71.1 µm) compared to distal (103.0 ± 63.4 µm) and proximal (93.3 ± 61.1 µm) (p = 0.076). Neointimal area obstruction was significantly different between the 3 segments (12.4 ± 7.5% [distal], 13.1 ± 7.7% [medial], 11.1 ± 7.5% [proximal]; p = 0.037). In the proximal segment, there was a significantly higher frequency of uncovered struts compared to medial and distal segments (3.9% vs. 2.1% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.009). The distribution of malapposed struts was not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Distribution of neointimal hyperplasia seems to be different between stent segments, being higher in the medial segment as compared to proximal and distal. Whether this may reflect a response to local pre-interventional plaque burden centrally covered by the stent should be confirmed in a future study. MANUSCRIPT SUMMARY: As optical coherence tomography based assessment of neointimal distribution after everolimus-eluting stent implantation is lacking, we analyzed data of 86 patients (92 lesions) from 3 prospective trials to evaluate neointimal distribution in distal, medial and proximal stent segments. Neointimal hyperplasia seemed to be different between the three segments, with a higher burden in the medial stent segment. Whether this reflects a response to local pre-interventional plaque burden centrally covered by the stent should be confirmed in a future study.

Intracardiac echocardiography to enable successful edge-to-edge transcatheter tricuspid valve repair in patients with insufficient TEE quality.

BACKGROUND: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) as a guiding tool for edge-to-edge transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (EETVr) using MitraClip (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, USA) may not offer sufficient image quality in a significant proportion of patients. OBJECTIVES: Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) as additional guiding tool in EETVr with the MitraClip device. METHODS: Appropriate angulations of the ICE catheter to visualize each commissure of the tricuspid valve were established in 3D printed heart models. In a single tertiary-care center ICE was used to support EETVr as additional guidance when TEE image quality was insufficient. Procedural safety and outcomes up to 30-days were compared between ICE/TEE and TEE only guided patients. RESULTS: In 6 of 11 patients (54.5%) undergoing EETVr with MitraClip TEE alone was unsatisfactory, necessitating additional ICE guidance. In 4 of these 6 patients ICE enabled a successful completion of the procedure. The steering maneuvers identified in the 3D models were well applicable in all patients, providing examples for potential future ICE implementation in EETVr. Under both TEE alone (n = 5) and ICE (n = 6) guidance the rate of procedural complications was 0%. According to vena contracta values at discharge significant TR reduction was achievable in the treated cohort (p = 0.011). At 30-days follow-up one patient (ICE guided) died following global heart failure, not associated with the procedure itself. CONCLUSIONS: ICE guidance may offer an additional tool to guide EETVr with the MitraClip device in patients with poor TEE quality, as it enables successful results without impairing procedural safety.

The impact of moderate Aortic Valve Disease in patients undergoing MitraClip for severe MR.

BACKGROUND: High surgical risk patients presenting with severe mitral valve regurgitation (MR) and concomitant aortic valve disease are frequently a challenge for the interdisciplinary heart team meeting. If open-heart surgery for severe MR is performed, aortic stenosis (AS) or regurgitation (AR) is corrected during the same procedure if at least moderate severity of AS or AR has been confirmed. In patients with prohibitive surgical risk, optimal management strategies in the light of available transcatheter interventions still needs to be established. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this retrospective single center study, we aimed to investigate the impact of coincident moderate aortic valve disease on the outcome of patients undergoing MitraClip for severe MR. In 286 MitraClip procedures performed in our institution, 21 patients (7,3%) were identified to suffer from concomitant moderate AS and 28 patients had moderate AR (9,8%). Patients with AS were found to have a higher incidence of >moderate MR following the procedure when compared to patients without aortic valve disease (14,3% vs. 8,9%, p = 0.001). No differences between the groups were found regarding a combined endpoint of all cause deaths and heart failure hospitalizations after 1 year follow up (no aortic-valve disease vs. moderate AS: 19% vs 18%; p = 0,881 and no aortic valve disease vs moderate AR: 19% vs. 25%; p = 0.477). However, mortality was significantly higher in patients with coincidental moderate AR (3.8% patients without aortic valve disease, 5% in patients with AS, 17,9% in patients with AR; p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: According to our analysis coincidental Aortic valve stenosis may be associated with worse technical results regarding residual MR after MitraClip. Although our results regarding a combined endpoint of all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalizations within one year of follow up were comparable between the groups, patients with moderate AR had significantly higher mortality rates. Due to the limited number of patients, our study is only hypothesis generating. Larger trials are necessary to confirm our result.

Pacemaker-Related Complications in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to describe the rate of complications secondary to permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). METHODS: Patients were identified by retrospective review of a dedicated TAVI database at a single center between 2008 and 2015. Clinical and procedural data were collected to determine the incidence and severity of the main adverse events following this procedure. The overall population included 736 patients and 123 (16.7%) underwent PPM implantation. Three patients were excluded from the final analysis due to PPM implantation occurring at other institutions post discharge. The final population consisted of 120 patients (16.3%). RESULTS: Self- and mechanically expandable valves were associated with a higher risk of PPM after TAVI compared with balloon-expandable valves (23.9% vs 27.5% vs 7.6%, respectively; P<.001). Year of procedure and operator's experience did not affect the PPM-related complication rate. A high rate of major bleeding complications (n = 29; 24.1%) was observed. Major bleeding occurred more frequently in patients who received PPM implantation within the first 24 hours post TAVI than in the group of patients who required a PPM >24 hours post TAVI (38.2% vs 12.3%, respectively; P<.01). Patients who experienced a major bleeding event following PPM insertion were more frequently on triple-antithrombotic therapy (51.7% vs 9.9%; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: PPM-related complications are common in elderly patients after TAVI, and some of these adverse events can be life threatening. Particular attention is required in the periprocedural management of these patients.

The MitraClip Procedure in Patients With Moderate Resting but Severe Exercise-Induced Mitral Regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Optimal timing for percutaneous mitral regurgitation (MR) treatment using MitraClip (Abbott Vascular) remains unclear. We evaluated the outcome after MitraClip in patients with moderate resting MR, progressing to severe exercise- induced MR (MR2+) compared to patients with severe resting MR (MR3). METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 221 patients undergoing MitraClip. All-cause deaths and heart failure (HF) hospitalizations were assessed as the combined primary endpoint. RESULTS: We identified 55 MR2+ and 166 MR3 patients. At baseline, MR3 patients showed higher STS scores (6.7 ± 7.3 vs 4.4 ± 5.5; P<.01), more HF hospitalizations in the 2 years prior to the procedure (51% vs 29%; P<.01), worse left ventricular ejection fraction (44.9 ± 16.5% vs 52.5 ± 14.3%; P<.01), larger left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd; 57.0 ± 9.3 mm vs 51.7 ± 8.2 mm; P<.001), and larger left atrial volumes (118.3 ± 55.8 mL vs 98.6 ± 35.2 mL; P=.02). Long-term outcome according to the combined endpoint was significantly worse in MR3 patients (P=.01). HF hospitalizations significantly declined in both groups 2 years after MitraClip (P<.001 in MR3 patients, P=.03 in MR2+ patients). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed LVEDd (hazard ratio, 1.035; 95% confidence interval, 1.005-1.066; P=.02) and previous HF hospitalizations (hazard ratio, 1.813; 95% confidence interval, 1.016-3.234; P=.04) as strong outcome predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic patients with moderate resting and severe exercise-induced MR during handgrip echocardiography may represent an MR cohort at an earlier disease stage with improved treatment response following MitraClip implantation compared to individuals with severe resting MR. Larger left ventricular diameters and preprocedural HF hospitalizations were identified as independent adverse outcome predictors.

Update on the Current Landscape of Transcatheter Options for Tricuspid Regurgitation Treatment.

Most patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation lack treatment options because of prohibitive surgical risk. New transcatheter treatments under development and investigation might be able to address this unmet clinical need. This article gives an update on the landscape of devices for transcatheter tricuspid regurgitation treatment including different approaches (i.e. repair with leaflet approximation or annuloplasty and replacement using orthotopic or heterotopic valves) at different stages of development, from experimental to clinical trial. Repair devices such as the Cardioband or the MitraClip are leading the field with promising preliminary data and further trials are ongoing. However, with implantations of the Gate bioprosthesis, replacement devices are catching up. Potential advantages of different approaches and most recent data are discussed.