Left atrial global function in chronic heart failure patients with functional mitral regurgitation after MitraClip.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial (LA) volumes and function are believed to improve following interventional reduction of mitral regurgitation (MR) with MitraClip. However, exact LA alterations after MitraClip in patients with functional MR and functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) are unknown. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the effect of MitraClip on LA volumes and global function in patients with FMR and its importance for patients' prognosis. METHODS: All patients underwent three-dimensionally transthoracic echocardiography with an offline evaluation of LA geometry and strain analysis at baseline and follow-up (FU). FU examinations were planned for 6 and 12 months after MitraClip. RESULTS: We prospectively included 50 consecutive surgical high-risk (logistic EuroSCORE: 17.2 ± 13.9%) patients (77 ± 9 years, 22% female) with symptomatic moderate-to-severe to severe functional MR without atrial fibrillation. Echocardiographic evaluation showed that the E/E' ratio was significantly higher at FU (15.6 ± 7.3, 24.1 ± 13.2, p = .05) without relevant changes in systolic left ventricle (LV) function (p = .5). LA volumes (end-diastolic volume [LA-EDV] and end-systolic volume [LA-ESV]) (LA-EDV: 83.1 ± 39.5 ml, 115.1 ± 55.3 ml, p = .012; LA-ESV: 58.4 ± 33.4 ml, 80.1 ± 43.9 ml, p = .031), muscular mass (105.1 ± 49.3 g, 145.4 ± 70.6 g, p = .013), as well as LA stroke volume (24.6 ± 12.5 ml, 34.9 ± 19.1 ml, p = .016) significantly increased after the procedure. LA ejection fraction (LA-EF: 31.7 ± 12.8%, 31.1 ± 12.3%, p = .8) and atrial global strain (aGS: -10.8 ± 5.4%, -9.7 ± 4.45%, p = .4) showed no significant changes at FU. Despite no relevant changes during FU, the baseline aGS was found to be the strongest predictor for mortality and adverse interventional outcome. CONCLUSION: MitraClip increases atrial stroke volume, atrial volumes, and muscular mass in patients with FMR. We found that the baseline aGS the strongest predictor for mortality, rehospitalization, and higher residual MR at FU.

Right ventricular assessment in patients undergoing transcatheter or surgical aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an alternative treatment option to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in selected high-risk patients. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of right ventricular (RV) functional imaging to predict clinical response to TAVR and SAVR. METHODS: One hundred and ten patients with symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis (AVS) undergoing successful TAVR and 32 controls undergoing SAVR were prospectively enrolled. Six months follow up (FU) included two-dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with RV deformation imaging. RESULTS: Baseline TTE showed no significant differences between groups (TAVR and SAVR) in conventional left ventricular (LV) and RV functional parameters (LV ejection fraction [LV-EF]: p = .21; tricuspidal annular plane systolic excursion [TAPSE]: 1.8 ± 0.5 cm, 1.9 ± 0.4 cm, p = .21), and RV strain (right ventricular-global longitudinal strain [RV-GLS] -11.6 ± 5.2%, -11.5 ± 6.5%, p = .70). At FU LV function was unchanged in both groups (p > .05); RV function was significantly improved after TAVR (RV-GLS: -11.6 ± 5.2%, -13.4 ± 6.1%, p = .005; TAPSE: 1.8 ± 0.5 cm, 1.9 ± 0.3 cm, p = .05), and worsened after SAVR (RV-GLS: -11.5 ± 6.5%, -8.9 ± 5.2%, p = .04; TAPSE: 1.9 ± 0.4 cm, 1.5 ± 0.3 cm, p < .001). Functional New York Heart Association (NYHA) class remained unchanged in patients after SAVR (p = .21), and improved after TAVR (p < .001). Baseline RV function was linked with clinical response to TAVR (TAPSE, p < .0001; RV-GLS, p = .04), and the development of RV-GLS was associated with functional worsening after SAVR (p = .05). CONCLUSION: Baseline RV function and changes of right heart mechanics are closely associated with functional improvements after AVR. SAVR, but not TAVR, seems to have detrimental effects on RV-function.

TAVR outcome after reclassification of aortic valve stenosis by using a hybrid continuity equation that combines computed tomography and echocardiography data.

BACKGROUND: In the continuity equation, assumption of a round-shaped left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) leads to underestimation of the true aortic valve area in two-dimensional echocardiography. The current study evaluated whether inclusion of the LVOT area, as measured by computed tomography (CT), reclassifies the degree of aortic stenosis (AS) and assessed the impact on patient outcome after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). METHODS AND RESULTS: Four hundred and twenty-two patients with indexed aortic valve area index (AVAi) of <0.6 cm2 /m2 , assessed by using the classical continuity equation (mean age: 81.5 ± 6.1 years, 51% female, mean left ventricular ejection fraction: 53.2 ± 13.6%), underwent TAVR and were included. After inclusion of the CT measured LVOT area into the continuity equation, the hybrid AVAi led to a reclassification of 30% (n = 128) of patients from severe to moderate AS. Multivariate predictors for reclassification were male sex, lower mean aortic gradient, and lower annulus/LVOT ratio (all p < .01). Reclassified patients had significantly higher sST2 at baseline and higher NT-proBNP values at baseline and 6 months follow-up compared to non-reclassified patients. Acute kidney injury was experienced more frequently after TAVR by reclassified patients, but no significant mortality difference occurred during 2 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The hybrid AVAi reclassifies a significant portion of low-gradient severe AS patients into moderate AS. Reclassified patients showed increased fibrosis and heart failure markers at baseline compared to non-reclassified patients. But reclassification had no significant impact on mortality up to 2 years after TAVR. Routine assessment of hybrid AVAi seems not to improve further risk stratification of TAVR patients.

Transcatheter Treatment of Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation With the Edge-to-Edge MitraClip Technique.

BACKGROUND: Current surgical and medical treatment options for severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) are limited, and additional interventional approaches are required. In the present observational study, the safety and feasibility of transcatheter repair of chronic severe TR with the MitraClip system were evaluated. In addition, the effects on clinical symptoms were assessed. METHODS: Patients with heart failure symptoms and severe TR on optimal medical treatment were treated with the MitraClip system. Safety, defined as periprocedural adverse events such as death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiac tamponade, and feasibility, defined as successful implantation of 1 or more MitraClip devices and reduction of TR by at least 1 grade, were evaluated before discharge and after 30 days. In addition, functional outcome, defined as changes in New York Heart Assocation class and 6-minute walking distance, were assessed. RESULTS: We included 64 consecutive patients (mean age 76.6±10 years) deemed unsuitable for surgery who underwent MitraClip treatment for chronic, severe TR for compassionate use. Functional TR was present in 88%; in addition, 22 patients were also treated with the MitraClip system for mitral regurgitation as a combined procedure. The degree of TR was severe or massive in 88% of patients before the procedure. The MitraClip device was successfully implanted in the tricuspid valve in 97% of the cases. After the procedure, TR was reduced by at least 1 grade in 91% of the patients, thereof 4% that were reduced from massive to severe. In 13% of patients, TR remained severe after the procedure. Significant reductions in effective regurgitant orifice area (0.9±0.3cm2 versus 0.4±0.2cm2; P<0.001), vena contracta width (1.1±0.5 cm versus 0.6±0.3 cm; P=0.001), and regurgitant volume (57.2±12.8 mL/beat versus 30.8±6.9 mL/beat; P<0.001) were observed. No intraprocedural deaths, cardiac tamponade, emergency surgery, stroke, myocardial infarction, or major vascular complications occurred. Three (5%) in-hospital deaths occurred. New York Heart Association class was significantly improved (P<0.001), and 6-minute walking distance increased significantly (165.9±102.5 m versus 193.5±115.9 m; P=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter treatment of TR with the MitraClip system seems to be safe and feasible in this cohort of preselected patients. Initial efficacy analysis showed encouraging reduction of TR, which may potentially result in improved clinical outcomes.

Increased myocardial contractility identifies patients with decompensated cirrhosis requiring liver transplantation.

Late allocation of organs for transplant impairs post-liver transplantation (LT) survival. Cardiac dysfunction, especially diastolic and autonomic dysfunction, is frequent and plays an important role in the prognosis of patients with cirrhosis. However, the role of myocardial contractility is unexplored, and its prognostic value is controversially discussed. This study analyses the role of myocardial contractility assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography in LT allocation. In total, 168 patients with cirrhosis (training cohort, 111; validation cohort [VC], 57) awaiting LT in 2 centers were included in this retrospective study. Also, 51 patients from the training and all patients from the VC were transplanted, 36 patients of the training and 38 of the VC were alive at the end of follow-up, and 21 nontransplanted patients died. Contractility of the left ventricle (LV) increased with severity of the Child-Pugh score. Interestingly, higher LV contractility in the training cohort patients, especially in those with Child-Pugh C, was an independent predictor of reduced transplant-free survival. In male patients, the effects on survival of increased left and right ventricular myocardial contractility were more pronounced. Notably, competing risk analysis demonstrated that increased contractility is associated with earlier LT, which could be confirmed in the VC. Importantly, LV myocardial contractility had no impact on survival of patients not receiving LT or on post-LT survival. In conclusion, this study demonstrates for the first time that increased myocardial contractility in decompensated patients identifies patients who require LT earlier, but without increased post-LT mortality. Liver Transplantation 24 15-25 2018 AASLD.

Transcatheter treatment of severe tricuspid regurgitation with the MitraClip system.

AIM: The aim of this study was to show technical principles and feasibility of transcatheter tricuspid valve repair by use of the MitraClip system. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three consecutive patients were treated successfully for severe symptomatic Tricuspid regurgitation. Three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography confirmed reduction of measured effective regurgitant orifice in all patients [effective regurgitant orifice area-baseline/post-procedure (cm(2)): 0.7/0.3; 1.5/0.8; 0.4/0.1], which was accompanied by an increase in left ventricular stroke volumes [baseline/post-procedure (mL): 42.8/45.4; 38/45; 35.2/45], decrease of measured levels of N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (pg/mL: baseline/post-procedure: 548/440; 2526/1702; 1754/623), and significant relief of clinical symptoms for chronic right heart failure in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter tricuspid valve repair by use of interventional edge-to-edge repair with the MitraClip system was feasible, and safe in three consecutive patients. Reduction of tricuspid insufficiency associates with relief of clinical symptoms for right heart failure. This strategy seems a promising treatment option for patients at prohibitive surgical risk.

Cardioband, a transcatheter surgical-like direct mitral valve annuloplasty system: early results of the feasibility trial.

AIMS: Cardioband system is a direct annuloplasty adjustable device that is implanted in the beating heart on the posterior annulus under fluoroscopic and transoesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) guidance. We report the early (1 month) outcomes of the first-in-man pre-CE-mark feasibility and safety trial. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study enrolled high-risk adult individuals at five institutions in Europe with symptomatic secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) despite optimal medical therapy. The primary efficacy endpoints included the technical success rate of implantation, feasibility of the Cardioband adjustment (technical performance), and ability to reduce the annular septolateral dimension and MR grade at hospital discharge and at 30 days. The study group included 31 consecutively enrolled high-risk patients with moderate-to-severe or severe secondary MR with at least 1 month of follow-up (mean age 71.8 ± 6.9 years). All patients received the full implant of a Cardioband. Adjustment of the Cardioband resulted in a significant reduction in the septolateral dimension in all but two patients (septolateral dimension from 36.8 ± 4.8 to 29 ± 5.5 mm after the procedure, P < 0.01). Following Cardioband adjustment (29 of 31 patients) MR was none or trace in 6 (21%), mild in 21 (72%), and moderate in 2 (7%). No patient had severe MR after adjustment. Procedural mortality was zero and in-hospital mortality was 6.5% (2 of 31 patients, neither procedure- nor device-related). At 30 days, 22 of the 25 patients (88%) had MR ≤2+. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of percutaneous direct mitral annuloplasty with the Cardioband device in high-risk patients with MR.

Modulation of carotid strain by statin therapy in atherosclerosis patients.

BACKGROUND: The beneficial effect of statin therapy on the progress of atherosclerotic disease has been demonstrated by numerous studies. Vascular strain imaging is an arising method to evaluate arterial stiffness. Our study examined whether an influence of statin therapy on the vessel wall could be detected by vascular strain imaging. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 88 patients with recently detected atherosclerosis underwent an angiological examination including ankle-brachial index (ABI), pulse wave index (PWI), central puls ewave velocity and duplex ultrasound. Captures for vascular strain analysis were taken in B-mode during ultrasound examination of the common carotid artery and evaluated using a workstation equipped with a speckle tracking based software. A statin therapy was recommended and after six months a follow-up examination took place. Meanwhile, the non-adherence of a group of patients (N = 18) lead to a possibility to observe statin effects on the vascular strain. RESULTS: In the statin non-adherent group the ABI decreased significantly to a still non-pathological level (1.2 ± 0.2 vs. 1.0 ± 0.2; p = 0.016) whereas it stagnated in the adherent group (1.0 ± 0.2 vs. 1.0 ± 0.2; p = 0.383). The PWI did not differ in the non-adherent group (180.5 ± 71.9 vs. 164.4 ± 75.8; p = 0.436) but under statin therapy it decreased significantly (261.8 ± 238.6 vs. 196.4 ± 137.4; p = 0.016). In comparison to the adherent group (4.2 ± 2.0 vs. 4.0 ± 1.8; p = 0.548) under statin therapy the radial strain decreased significantly in the non-adherent group (4.7 ± 2.0 vs. 3.3 ± 1.1; p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal a beneficial influence of statin therapy on the arterial wall detected by vascular strain analysis.

Left atrial thrombus resolution in atrial fibrillation or flutter: Results of a prospective study with rivaroxaban (X-TRA) and a retrospective observational registry providing baseline data (CLOT-AF).

BACKGROUND: Data on left atrial/left atrial appendage (LA/LAA) thrombus resolution after non-vitamin K antagonist (VKA) oral anticoagulant treatment are scarce. The primary objective of X-TRA was to explore the use of rivaroxaban for the resolution of LA/LAA thrombi in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter, with the CLOT-AF registry providing retrospective data after standard-of-care therapy in this setting. METHODS: X-TRA was a prospective, single-arm, open-label, multicenter study that investigated rivaroxaban treatment for 6 weeks for LA/LAA thrombus resolution in patients with nonvalvular AF or atrial flutter and LA/LAA thrombus confirmed at baseline on a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). CLOT-AF retrospectively collected thrombus-related patient outcome data after standard-of-care anticoagulant treatment for 3 to 12 weeks in patients with nonvalvular AF or atrial flutter who had LA/LAA thrombi on TEE recorded in their medical file. RESULTS: In X-TRA, patients were predominantly (95.0%) from Eastern European countries. The adjudicated thrombus resolution rate was 41.5% (22/53 modified intention-to-treat [mITT] patients, 95% CI 28.1%-55.9%) based on central TEE assessments. Resolved or reduced thrombus was evident in 60.4% (32/53 mITT patients, 95% CI 46.0%-73.6%) of patients. In CLOT-AF, the reported thrombus resolution rate was 62.5% (60/96 mITT patients, 95% CI 52.0%-72.2%) and appeared better in Western European countries (34/50; 68.0%) than in Eastern European countries (26/46; 56.5%). CONCLUSION: X-TRA is the first prospective, multicenter study examining LA/LAA thrombus resolution with a non-VKA oral anticoagulant in VKA-naïve patients or in patients with suboptimal VKA therapy. Rivaroxaban could be a potential option for the treatment of LA/LAA thrombi.

Rationale and design of a study exploring the efficacy of once-daily oral rivaroxaban (X-TRA) on the outcome of left atrial/left atrial appendage thrombus in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter and a retrospective observational registry providing baseline data (CLOT-AF).

There are still many unresolved issues concerning patient outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and left atrial/left atrial appendage (LA/LAA) thrombi. Rivaroxaban (Xarelto®), a potent and highly selective oral, direct factor Xa inhibitor, is a new therapeutic option in this setting. The planned study program will consist of a prospective interventional study (X-TRA) and a retrospective observational registry (CLOT-AF). The primary objective of the X-TRA study is to explore the efficacy of rivaroxaban in the treatment of LA/LAA thrombi in patients with nonvalvular AF or atrial flutter, scheduled to undergo cardioversion or AF ablation, in whom an LA/LAA thrombus has been found on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) before the procedure. The primary end point is the complete LA/LAA thrombus resolution rate at 6 weeks of end of treatment confirmed by TEE. The secondary objectives are to describe categories of thrombus outcome in patients (resolved, reduced, unchanged, larger, or new) confirmed on TEE at the end of treatment (after 6 weeks of treatment), incidence of the composite of stroke and noncentral nervous system systemic embolism at the end of treatment and during follow-up, and incidence of all bleeding at the end of treatment and during follow-up. The objective of the CLOT-AF registry is to provide retrospective thrombus-related patient outcome data after standard-of-care anticoagulant treatment in patients with nonvalvular AF or atrial flutter, who have TEE-documented LA/LAA thrombi. The data will be used as a reference for the prospective X-TRA study. In conclusion, X-TRA and CLOT-AF will provide some answers to the many unresolved issues concerning patient outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with AF and LAA thrombi. Results from this study program would provide the first prospective interventional study (X-TRA) and a large international retrospective observational registry (CLOT-AF) on the prevalence and natural history of LA/LAA thrombi. Unique data on clot resolution with rivaroxaban in a prospective cohort would be obtained in X-TRA.

Risk scores and biomarkers for the prediction of 1-year outcome after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Up to 50% of the patients still die or have to be rehospitalized during the first year after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This emphasizes the need for more strategic patient selection. The aim of this prospective observational cohort study was to compare the prognostic value of risk scores and circulating biomarkers to predict all-cause mortality and rehospitalization in patients undergoing TAVR. METHODS: We calculated the hazard ratios and C-statistics (area under the curve [AUC]) of 4 risk scores (logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation [EuroSCORE], EuroSCORE II, Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality, and German aortic valve score) and 5 biomarkers of inflammation and/or myocardial dysfunction (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, growth differentiation factor (GDF)-15, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) for the risk of death (n = 80) and the combination of death or rehospitalization (n = 132) during the first year after TAVR in 310 consecutive TAVR patients. RESULTS: The EuroSCORE II and GDF-15 had the strongest predictive value for 1-year mortality (EuroSCORE II, AUC 0.711; GDF-15, AUC 0.686) and for the composite end point (EuroSCORE II, AUC 0.690; GDF-15, AUC 0.682). When added to the logistic EuroSCORE and EuroSCORE II, GDF-15 enhanced the prognostic performance of the score and enabled substantial reclassification of patients. Combinations of increasing tertiles of the logistic EuroSCORE or EuroSCORE II and GDF-15 allowed the stratification of the patients into subgroups with mortality rates ranging from 4.0% to 49.1% and death/rehospitalization rates ranging from 15.3% to 68.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified GDF-15 in addition to the logistic EuroSCORE and the EuroSCORE II as the most promising predictors of a poor outcome after TAVR.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with sarcoidosis: the Pulsar single center experience.

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease with unknown etiology. Lungs and lymph nodes are commonly affected. Also, cases of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are described. However, the exact prevalence of PAH in patients with sarcoidosis is unclear. A 111 patients with proven sarcoidosis were recruited from January 2010 to October 2010. All patients were studied prospectively by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for the presence of PH. In assumed PH, a right heart catheterization (RHC) followed if there were no other reasons for PH. In 23 of the 111 patients (21%) PH was assumed in TTE. Three patients presented with severe mitral insufficiency III° and IV°, in eight patients PH was supposed to be caused by chronic heart failure or relevant diastolic dysfunction > II°, two patients declined undergoing RHC. Of the ten patients investigated with RHC, four showed a precapillary pulmonary arterial hypertension and in one patient a postcapillary hypertension was diagnosed. All four patients with precapillary PH had a radiologic stage III and IV. In three of the four patients a significantly reduced transfer factor for carbon monoxide (TLCO) <50% was found. All patients with precapillary PH had a chronic course of sarcoidosis lasting ≥13 years. This is the first study which prospectively investigated a large cohort of patients with sarcoidosis for the prevalence of PH and PAH. The prevalence of precapillary PH was found to be at least 3.6% (4/111) and therefore exceeds the prevalence of PAH in the normal population by far. A chronic and progressive lung involvement due to sarcoidosis seems to be the most evident risk factor for developing a sarcoidosis PH.

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome predicts increased mortality in patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

AIMS: The outcome of patients undergoing surgical or interventional therapy is unfavourably influenced by severe systemic inflammation. We assessed the impact of a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) on the outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-two high-risk patients (mean age: 80.5 ± 6.5 years, mean logistic EuroSCORE: 30.4 ± 8.1%) with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis underwent TAVI. Proinflammatory cytokines [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8)], and acute phase reactants [C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT)] were measured at baseline and 1, 4, 24, 48, 72 h, and 7 days after TAVI. Sixty-one of 152 patients developed SIRS during the first 48 h after TAVI. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome patients were characterized by leucocytosis ≥12 × 10(9)/L (83.6 vs. 12.1%; P < 0.001), hyperventilation (80.3 vs. 35.2%; P < 0.001), tachycardia (37.7 vs. 9.9%; P < 0.001), and fever (31.1 vs. 3.3%; P < 0.001) compared with patients without SIRS. Furthermore, the occurrence of SIRS was characterized by a significantly elevated release of IL-6 and IL-8 with subsequent increase in the leucocyte count, CRP, and PCT. Major vascular complications [odds ratio (OR) 5.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3-19.6; P = 0.018] and the number of ventricular pacing runs (OR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.8; P = 0.025) were independent predictors of SIRS. The occurrence of SIRS was related to 30-day and 1-year mortality (18.0 vs. 1.1% and 52.5 vs. 9.9%, respectively; P < 0.001) and independently predicted 1-year mortality risk (hazard ratio: 4.3, 95% CI: 1.9-9.9; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SIRS may occur after TAVI and is a strong predictor of mortality. The development of SIRS could be easily identified by a significant increase in the leucocyte count shortly after TAVI.

'Just the two of us': single-operator interventional left atrial appendage closure-a case report.

Background: Different procedural strategies have been published targeting to facilitate transcatheter left atrial appendage closure (LAAc). We demonstrate feasibility of a procedural set-up allowing single-operator LAAc in a selected patient. Case summary: A 87-year-old male with persistent Afib (CHA2DS2VASc, five; HASBLED, three) was referred to our hospital for LAAc. Pre-procedural planning and device sizing with three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) confirmed a non-complex anatomy of the essential anatomical structures predicting suitability for LAAc. Therefore, the procedure was performed with a simplified single-operator interventional approach. Intraprocedural TEE guidance, device preparation, and LAAc were accomplished by the interventionalist himself. For procedural guidance, the TEE probe was arranged and handled in a technique comparable to the use of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE). Procedure time (skin-to-skin) was 21 min, left atrial access time 9 min, and fluoroscopy time was 4:28 min without the use of contrast dye. The patient was discharged the following day in good medical conditions. Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on successful single-operator LAAc in a selected patient. The intervention, pre-procedural screening, and intraprocedural 3D TEE were performed by one single experienced interventionalist. This simplified technique is based on a standardized pre-procedural imaging-protocol with 3D echocardiography. According to our experience, this streamlined approach is a valuable option in non-complex LAAc cases. In the growing field of structural cardiac interventions, this approach might be an interesting option for centres with limited personal and technical resources.

Left atrial deformation imaging with ultrasound based two-dimensional speckle-tracking predicts the rate of recurrence of paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation after successful ablation procedures.

OBJECTIVE: Since predictors of recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after ablation procedures are poorly defined, this prospective study was conducted to assess the value of left atrial (LA) deformation imaging with two-dimensional speckle-tracking (2D-ST) to predict AF recurrences after successful ablation procedures. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred and three consecutive patients (age 58.1 ± 16.6 years, 72.8% male) with AF (76 paroxysmal, 27 persistent) and 30 matched controls underwent transthoracic echocardiography and 2D-ST-LA-deformation analysis with assessment of LA-radial and LA-longitudinal strain (Sr, Sl), and velocities derived from the apical 4- and 2-chamber views (4CV, 2CV). AF recurrence was assessed during 6 months of follow-up. For determination of AF-related LA changes, AF patients were compared to controls and patients with AF recurrences after ablation procedures (n = 30, 29.1%) were compared with patients who maintained sinus rhythm (n = 73, 70.9%). Atrial deformation capabilities were significantly reduced (P < 0.0005) in patients with AF (4CVSl 17.8 ± 13.5%; 4CVSr 22.3 ± 14.9%; 4CV-velocities 2.53 ± 0.97 seconds) when compared with controls (4CVSl 31.3 ± 12.4%; 4CVSr 30.3 ± 9.1%; 4CV-velocities 3.48 ± 1.01 cm/s). Independent predictors for AF recurrence after ablation procedures were 2CV-LA-global-strain (Sr, P = 0.03; Sl, P = 0.003), 4CV-LA-gobal-strain (Sr, P = 0.03; Sl, P = 0.02), and regional LA-septal wall-Sl (P = 0.008). LA-global-strain parameters were superior to regional LA function analysis for the prediction of AF recurrences, with cutoff values (cov), hazard ratios (HR), positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were: 4CVSl cov, 10.79% (HR 27.8, P < 0.0005; PPV 78.8%, NPV 93.9%), 4CVSr cov, -16.65% (HR 24.8, P < 0.0005; PPV 69.4%, NPV 96.6%), 2CVSl cov, 12.31% (HR 22.7, P < 0.0005; PPV 75.8%, NPV 95.3%), and 2CVSr cov, -14.9% (HR 12.9, P < 0.0005; PPV 64.3%, NPV 93.2%). CONCLUSION: Compared with controls, AF itself seems to decrease LA deformation capabilities. The assessment of global LA strain with 2D-ST identifies patients with high risk for AF recurrence after ablation procedures. This imaging technique may help to improve therapeutic guiding for patients with AF.

Treatment of a degenerative stenosed CoreValve(®) aortic bioprosthesis by transcatheter valve-in-valve insertion.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve insertion (TAVI) is an emerging therapy in patients at high risk for open heart surgery. The long-term durability of the bioprosthesis is unknown. This is the first report of a severely degeneratively stenosed 2nd generation 26 mm CoreValve(®) aortic bioprosthesis which occurred five and a half years after TAVI. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 92-year-old patient presented with decompensated heart failure NYHA class IV, pulmonary edema, and severe pulmonary hypertension. Echocardiography revealed critical AV-stenosis due to heavily calcified bioprosthetic valve leaflets. Due to high surgical risk with an EuroSCORE of 64.97% and a STS-mortality score of 27.0%, we decided to attempt a valve-in-valve insertion of a 3rd generation CoreValve(®) prosthesis of the same size. Following the delicate retrograde passage of the calcified valve with a preformed stiff wire, balloon valvuloplasty of the severely stenosed CoreValve(®) prosthesis under rapid right ventricular pacing was complicated by two balloon catheter ruptures. Insertion of the 3rd generation CoreValve(®) prosthesis of the same size was quite complex but finally it was successfully completed. There was mild periprosthetic regurgitation and significant decrease in transaortic pressure without residual transvalvular gradient immediately after TAVI. Echocardiography and clinical follow-up at 72 hr after TAVI confirmed excellent valve function with a decrease in systolic pulmonary artery pressure from 70 mm Hg to 35 mm Hg, increase in LV-EF from 35% to 45%, and improvement of functional status from NYHA IV to NYHA II. The patient was discharged in good medical conditions at day eight. CONCLUSION: Degenerative stenosis of a CoreValve(®) bioprothesis may be observed during long-term follow-up after successful TAVI for the treatment of severe aortic valve stenosis. A second valve-in-valve insertion appears feasible but may require particular interventional approaches.

3D-speckle-tracking echocardiography correlates with cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis of acute myocarditis - An observational study.

Background: The diagnostic importance of three-dimensional (3D) speckle-tracking strain-imaging echocardiography in patients with acute myocarditis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to test the diagnostic performance of 3D-speckle-tracking echocardiography compared to CMR (cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging) for the diagnosis of acute myocarditis. Methods and results: 45 patients with clinically suspected myocarditis were enrolled in our study (29% female, mean age: 43.9 ± 16.3 years, peak troponin I level: 1.38 ± 3.51 ng/ml). 3D full-volume echocardiographic images were obtained and offline 2D as well as 3D speckle-tracking analysis of regional and global LV deformation was performed. All patients received CMR scans and myocarditis was diagnosed in 29 subjects based on original Lake-Louise criteria. The 16 patients, in whom myocarditis was excluded by CMR, served as controls. Regional changes in myocardial texture (diagnosed by CMR) were significantly associated with regional impairment of circumferential, longitudinal, and radial strain, as well as regional 3D displacement and total 3D strain. Interestingly, the 2D and 3D global longitudinal strain (GLS) showed higher diagnostic performance than well-known parameters associated with myocarditis, such as LVEF (as obtained by echocardiography and CMR) and LVEDV (as obtained by CMR). Conclusions: In this study, we examined the use of 3D-speckle-tracking echocardiography in patients with acute myocarditis. Global longitudinal strain was significantly impaired in patients with acute myocarditis and correlated with CMR findings. Therefore, 3D echocardiography could become a useful diagnostic tool in the primary diagnosis of myocarditis.

Perioperative bridging of chronic oral anticoagulation in patients undergoing pacemaker implantation--a study in 200 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of bleeding and thromboembolism (TE) of bridging therapy with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in patients undergoing pacemaker implantation. BACKGROUND: Current guidelines on peri-procedural management of patients with chronic oral anticoagulation (OAC) give no explicit recommendations on how to treat patients undergoing pacemaker implantations. METHODS AND RESULTS Since 2000 all patients with chronic OAC undergoing pacemaker implantation were prospectively enrolled and treated following a pre- specified bridging regimen with enoxaparin using reduced LMWH doses in patients at non high TE risk and renal impairment. Patients were followed up for 30 days regarding bleeding complications, incidence of thromboembolism, length of therapy and adverse events following bridging therapy. 200 patients (age 78.4 ± 8.3 years; 60.5% male) were enrolled and treated with enoxaparin for a mean of 7.3 ± 4.2 days. 109 patients (54.4%) were assigned to high TE risk and 91 (45.6%) to non high TE risk. Renal insufficiency (CrCl of <50 ml/min) was present in 92 patients (46%). After risk stratification 72.5% of patients (n = 145) were treated with reduced LMWH doses. Outpatient treatment was feasible in 39 patients (19.5%). Nine bleeding complications were observed (4.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1-8.4%), including one major bleed (0.5%; 95% CI 0.01%-2.75%) and eight minor bleeds (4%; 95% CI 1.74%-7.73%). No thromboembolic complications evolved due to bridging therapy (0%; 95% CI 0.0-1.49%). After multivariate regression analysis independent predictors for bleedings were the development of thrombozytopenia (hazard ratio [HR] 6.0, 95% CI 0.3-139.8; P = 0.002), the prevalence of congestive heart failure (HR 4.5, 95% CI 0.9-22.2; P = 0.01), high TE risk (HR 6.9, 95% CI 1.9-25.6; P = 0.03) and an increasing CHADS2 score (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.0-5.4; P = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Oral anticoagulation can be safely interrupted before pacemaker implantation under overlapping therapy with enoxaparin. Reducing heparin doses in patients with low thromboembolic risk and renal insufficiency led to a low incidence of major bleeding without increasing thromboembolic events.