Grading of Aortic Valve Calcification Severity and Risk Stratification in Aortic Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Thresholds of aortic valve calcification (AVC) to define hemodynamically moderate aortic stenosis (AS) from mild are lacking. We aimed to establish a novel grading classification of AVC as quantified by computed tomography and determine its prognostic value. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study included 915 patients with at least mild AS (mean age 70±12 years, 30% women) from a multicenter prospective registry. All patients underwent Doppler-echocardiography and noncontrast computed tomography within 3 months. Primary end point was the occurrence of all-cause death. Receiver operating characteristic curves analyses were used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of sex-specific thresholds of AVC to identify hemodynamically moderate AS. Optimal thresholds (ie, with best sensitivity/specificity) of AVC to distinguish moderate (aortic valve area 1.0-1.5 cm2 and mean gradient 20-39 mm Hg) from mild AS (aortic valve area >1.5 cm2 and mean gradient <20 mm Hg) were AVC ≥360 arbitrary units in women and ≥1037 arbitrary units in men. Based on the guidelines' thresholds for severe AS and the new thresholds in our study for moderate AS, 312 (34%) patients had mild, 253 (28%) moderate, and 350 (38%) severe AVC. During a mean follow-up of 5.6±3.9 years, 183 (27%) deaths occurred. In Cox multivariable models, AVC remained associated with an increased risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio per grade increase, 1.94 [95% CI, 1.53-2.56]; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A novel grading classification of anatomic AS severity based on sex-specific thresholds of AVC provides significant prognostic value for predicting mortality. These findings support the complementarity of computed tomography-calcium scoring to Doppler-echocardiography to corroborate AS severity and enhance risk stratification in patients with AS.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions on the Provision of Adult Congenital Heart Disease Care Across Canada: A National Survey.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted health care access across Canada with the reduction in in-person evaluations. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to health care services among the Canadian population with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). Methods: All Canadian adult congenital heart affiliated centres were contacted and asked to collect data on outpatient clinic and procedural volumes for the 2019 and 2020 calendar years. A survey was sent detailing questions on clinic and procedural volumes and wait times before and after pandemic restrictions. Descriptive statistics were used with the Student t-test to compare groups. Results: In 2019, there were 19,326 ACHD clinic visits across Canada and only 296 (1.5%) virtual clinic visits. However, during the first year of the pandemic, there were 20,532 clinic visits and 11,412 (56%) virtual visits (P < 0.0001). There were no differences in procedural volumes (electrophysiology, cardiac surgery, and percutaneous intervention) between 2019 and 2020. The mean estimated wait times (months) before the pandemic vs the pandemic were as follows: nonurgent consult 5.4 ± 2.6 vs 6.6 ± 4.2 (P = 0.65), ACHD surgery 6.0 ± 3.5 vs 7.0 ± 4.6 (P = 0.47), electrophysiology procedures 6.3 ± 3.3 vs 5.7 ± 3.3 (P = 0.72), and percutaneous intervention 4.6 ± 3.9 vs 4.4 ± 2.3 (P = 0.74). Conclusions: During the pandemic and restrictions of social distancing, the use of virtual clinic visits helped to maintain continuity in ACHD clinical care, with 56% of ACHD visits being virtual. The procedural volumes and wait times for consultation and percutaneous and surgical interventions were not delayed.

Contexte: La pandémie de COVID-19 a eu des répercussions sur l'accès aux soins de santé partout au Canada, y compris une diminution des évaluations en personne. La présente étude visait à évaluer l'effet de la pandémie de COVID-19 sur l'accès aux soins de santé chez les adultes atteints de cardiopathie congénitale. Méthodologie: Nous avons communiqué avec tous les centres canadiens de prise en charge de la cardiopathie congénitale chez l'adulte et nous leur avons demandé de recueillir des données sur les consultations externes et le volume des interventions pour les années 2019 et 2020. Un sondage détaillé leur a été transmis sur les volumes de consultations et d'interventions et sur les temps d'attentes avant et après la mise en place de restrictions liées à la pandémie. Les groupes ont été comparés lors d'une analyse statistique descriptive utilisant le test t de Student. Résultats: En 2019, 19 326 consultations pour cause de cardiopathie congénitale chez l'vadulte ont été enregistrées au Canada, dont seulement 296 (1,5 %) ont eu lieu en mode virtuel. Au cours de la première année de la pandémie, 20 532 consultations ont été relevées; 11 412 (56 %) ont été menées virtuellement (p < 0,0001). Aucune différence n'a été observée dans le volume d'interventions (interventions en électrophysiologie, interventions chirurgicales et interventions percutanées) entre 2019 et 2020. Les temps d'attente moyens estimés en mois, avant et pendant la pandémie, étaient les suivants : consultations non urgentes, 5,4 ± 2,6 vs 6,6 ± 4,2 (p = 0,65); interventions chirurgicales, 6,0 ± 3,5 vs 7,0 ± 4,6 (p = 0,47); interventions en électrophysiologie, 6,3 ± 3,3 vs 5,7 ± 3,3 (p = 0,72); et interventions percutanées, 4,6 ± 3,9 vs 4,4 ± 2,3 (p = 0,74). Conclusion: Au cours de la pandémie et de la période où les restrictions de distanciation sociale étaient en vigueur, le recours aux consultations virtuelles dans les cliniques a contribué à la continuité des soins offerts aux adultes atteints de cardiopathie congénitale, puisque 56 % des visites se sont déroulées virtuellement. Le volume d'interventions n'a pas été touché et les temps d'attentes pour les consultations, les interventions percutanées et les interventions chirurgicales ne se sont pas allongés.

Transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions: Current devices and associated evidence.

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a common finding in patients with chronic cardiopathy, and often a marker of an advanced disease. Being silent or with symptoms intertwined with the primitive left heart disease, TR has often been neglected, leading to the late referral of patients with advanced right-heart failure. Hence, isolated tricuspid surgery has been associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, the worse of all valve interventions, and medical management has been limited to symptomatic treatment. In this context, percutaneous therapies for severe TR have gained traction, addressing the unmet therapeutic gap for a less invasive disease-modifying management. The aim of this review is to provide an updated overview on transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions, focusing on devices' characteristics, associated evidence, and future perspectives.

Transcatheter Interventions for Tricuspid Valve Disease: What to Do and Who to Do It On.

Tricuspid valve disease, and particularly the management of severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR), has gained momentum in recent years. Although it is well known that this frequent condition is associated with poor clinical outcomes, these patients have been classically managed medically, leading to end-stage right ventricular heart failure. Moreover, late referral to surgery has contributed to a high rate of periprocedural complications and in-hospital surgical mortality. Thus, the development of a less invasive catheter-based therapy would be of high clinical relevance in this context. Several transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention (TTVI) devices have been developed in recent years. The particular characteristics of the tricuspid valve (large noncalcific annulus, presence of chief surrounding structures such as the conduction system or the right coronary artery) make multimodality imaging (eg, transesophageal echocardiography, computed tomography) key in the preprocedural assessment of TTVI. According to their mechanism of action and therapeutic target, TTVI includes transcatheter repair either with coaptation or annuloplasty systems, caval valve devices, and transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement. The initial TTVI experience showed that most procedures were well tolerated, with high procedural success and low in-hospital and early mortality. Also, most TTVI recipients improved their functional status and recent data suggest improved outcomes compared with medical management. However, the rate of significant residual TR after transcatheter tricuspid valve repair remains high and very scarce data exist on longer term (beyond 6-12 months) outcomes. The present review provides an overview regarding the framework of chronic TR and TTVI therapeutic options, and describes the updated current evidence in this challenging field.

Effect of Regional Upper Septal Hypertrophy on Echocardiographic Assessment of Left Ventricular Mass and Remodeling in Aortic Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the reference method for evaluation of aortic stenosis (AS), and it is extensively used to quantitate left ventricular (LV) mass and volumes. Regional upper septal hypertrophy (USH) or septal bulge is a frequent finding in patients with AS and may lead to overestimation of LV mass when using linear measurements. The objective of this study was to compare estimates of LV mass obtained by two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiographic LV dimensions measured at different levels of the LV cavity with those obtained by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). METHODS: One hundred six patients (mean age, 63 ± 15 years; 68% men) with AS were included in this subanalysis of the PROGRESSA study. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiographic measurements of LV dimensions were obtained at the basal level (BL; as recommended in guidelines), immediately below the septal bulge (BSB), and at a midventricular level (ML). Regional USH was defined as a basal interventricular septal thickness ≥ 13 mm and >1.3 times the thickness of the septal wall at the ML. Agreement between transthoracic echocardiographic and CMR measures was evaluated using Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: The distribution of AS severity was mild in 23%, moderate in 57%, and severe in 20% of patients. Regional USH was present in 28 patients (26%). In the whole cohort, two-dimensional TTE overestimated LV mass (bias: BL, +60 ± 31 g; BSB, +59 ± 32 g; ML, +54 ± 32 g; P = .02). The biplane Simpson method slightly but significantly underestimated LV end-diastolic volume (bias -10 ± 20 mL, P < .001) compared with CMR. Overestimation of LV mass was more marked in patients with USH when measuring at the BL and was significantly lower when measuring LV dimensions at the ML (P < .025 vs BL and BSB). CONCLUSIONS: Two-dimensional TTE systematically overestimated LV mass and underestimated LV volumes compared with CMR. However, the bias between TTE and CMR was less important when measuring at the ML. Measurements at the BL as suggested in guidelines should be avoided, and measurements at the ML should be preferred in patients with AS, especially in those with USH.

Early Multinational Experience of Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement for Treating Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this registry was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of transcatheter tricuspid valve implantation (TTVI) in patients with extreme surgical risk. BACKGROUND: Isolated tricuspid regurgitation (TR) surgery is associated with high in-hospital mortality. METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients (mean age 75 ± 10 years; 56% women) from 10 institutions, with symptomatic functional TR, had institutional and notified body approval for compassionate use of the GATE TTVI system. Baseline, discharge, and 30-day follow-up echocardiographic data and procedural, in-hospital, and follow-up clinical outcomes were collected. RESULTS: At baseline, all patients had multiple comorbidities, severe or greater TR, and reduced baseline right ventricular function. Technical success was achieved in 26 of 30 patients (87%). Device malpositioning occurred in 4 patients, with conversion to open heart surgery in 2 (5%). Of those who received the device, 100% had reductions in TR of ≥1, and 75% experienced reductions of ≥2 grades, resulting in 18 of 24 of patients (76%) with mild or less TR at discharge. All patients had mild or less central TR. There was continued improvement in TR grade between discharge and 30 days in 15 of 19 patients (79%). In-hospital mortality was 10%. At mean follow-up of 127 ± 82 days, 4 patients (13%) had died. Of patients alive at follow-up, 62% were in New York Heart Association functional class I or II, with no late device-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Compassionate treatment of severe, symptomatic functional TR using a first-generation TTVI device is associated with significant reduction in TR and improvement in functional status with acceptable in-hospital mortality. Further studies are needed to determine the appropriate patient population and long-term outcomes with TTVI therapy.

Estimation of Stroke Volume and Aortic Valve Area in Patients with Aortic Stenosis: A Comparison of Echocardiography versus Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance.

BACKGROUND: In aortic stenosis, accurate measurement of left ventricular stroke volume (SV) is essential for the calculation of aortic valve area (AVA) and the assessment of flow status. Current American Society of Echocardiography and European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging guidelines suggest that measurements of left ventricular outflow tract diameter (LVOTd) at different levels (at the annulus vs 5 or 10 mm below) yield similar measures of SV and AVA. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the location of LVOTd measurement on the accuracy of SV and AVA measured on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) compared with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). METHODS: One hundred six patients with aortic stenosis underwent both TTE and CMR. SV was estimated on TTE using the continuity equation with LVOTd measurements at four locations: at the annulus and 2, 5, and 10 mm below annulus. SV was also determined on CMR using phase contrast acquired in the aorta (SVCMR-PC), and a hybrid AVACMR-PC was calculated by dividing SVCMR-PC by the transthoracic echocardiographic Doppler aortic velocity-time integral. Comparison between methods was made using Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: Compared with the referent method of phase-contrast CMR for the estimation of SVCMR-PC and AVACMR-PC (SVCMR-PC 83 ± 16 mL, AVACMR-PC 1.27 ± 0.35 cm2), the best agreement was obtained by measuring LVOTd at the annulus or 2 mm below (P = NS), whereas measuring 5 and 10 mm below the annulus resulted in significant underestimation of SV and AVA by up to 15.9 ± 17.3 mL and 0.24 ± 0.28 cm2, respectively (P < .01 for all). Accuracy for classification of low flow was best at the annulus (86%) and 2 mm below (82%), whereas measuring 5 and 10 mm below the annulus significantly underperformed (69% and 61%, respectively, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Measuring LVOTd at the annulus or very close to it provides the most accurate measures of SV and AVA, whereas measuring LVOTd 5 or 10 mm below significantly underestimates these parameters and leads to significant overestimation of the severity of aortic stenosis and prevalence of low-flow status.

Effect of bicuspid aortic valve phenotype on progression of aortic stenosis.

AIMS: To compare the progression of aortic stenosis (AS) in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) or tricuspid aortic valve (TAV). METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred and forty-one patients with mild-to-moderate AS, recruited prospectively in the PROGRESSA study, were included in this sub-analysis. Baseline clinical, Doppler echocardiography and multidetector computed tomography characteristics were compared between BAV (n = 32) and TAV (n = 109) patients. The 2-year haemodynamic [i.e. peak aortic jet velocity (Vpeak) and mean transvalvular gradient (MG)] and anatomic [i.e. aortic valve calcification density (AVCd) and aortic valve calcification density ratio (AVCd ratio)] progression of AS were compared between the two valve phenotypes. The 2-year progression rate of Vpeak was: 16 (-0 to 40) vs. 17 (3-35) cm/s, P = 0.95; of MG was: 1.8 (-0.7 to 5.8) vs. 2.6 (0.4-4.8) mmHg, P = 0.56; of AVCd was 32 (2-109) vs. 52 (25-85) AU/cm2, P = 0.15; and of AVCd ratio was: 0.08 (0.01-0.23) vs. 0.12 (0.06-0.18), P = 0.16 in patients with BAV vs. TAV. In univariable analyses, BAV was not associated with AS progression (all, P ≥ 0.26). However, with further adjustment for age, AS baseline severity, and several risk factors (i.e. sex, history of hypertension, creatinine level, diabetes, metabolic syndrome), BAV was independently associated with faster haemodynamic (Vpeak: ß = 0.31, P = 0.02) and anatomic (AVCd: ß = 0.26, P = 0.03 and AVCd ratio: ß = 0.26, P = 0.03) progression of AS. CONCLUSION: In patients with mild-to-moderate AS, patients with BAV have faster haemodynamic and anatomic progression of AS when compared to TAV patients with similar age and risk profile. This study highlights the importance and necessity to closely monitor patients with BAV and to adequately control and treat their risk factors. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov Unique identifier: NCT01679431.

Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement for Treating Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation: Initial Experience With the NaviGate Bioprosthesis.

Despite the growing evidence with emerging transcatheter tricuspid valve repair therapies, the experience with transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement remains sparse. We describe a case of severe tricuspid regurgitation in a 79-year-old patient deemed unsuitable for isolated tricuspid valve surgery, successfully treated with a 40-mm self-expandable NaviGate (NaviGate Cardiac Structures, Inc, Lake Forest, CA) valved stent via a transatrial approach, with excellent result and hemodynamic performance at 4 months.

Anomalous Left Coronary Artery From the Pulmonary Artery: Masquerading as Peripartum Cardiomyopathy.

Diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy 8 years earlier, a 45-year-old woman had sudden cardiac death. After resuscitation, the patient was diagnosed with an anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery and underwent a successful coronary repair. The management of a patient with clinical features of cardiomyopathy is reviewed.

ApoB/ApoA-I Ratio is Associated With Faster Hemodynamic Progression of Aortic Stenosis: Results From the PROGRESSA (Metabolic Determinants of the Progression of Aortic Stenosis) Study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies reported that middle-aged patients with atherogenic lipoprotein-lipid profile exhibit faster progression of aortic valve stenosis (AS). The ratio of apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I (apoB/apoA-I) reflects the balance between atherogenic and anti-atherogenic lipoproteins. The aim of this study was to examine the association between apoB/apoA-I ratio and AS hemodynamic progression and to determine whether this association varies according to age. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 159 patients (66±13 years, 73% men) with AS were prospectively recruited in the PROGRESSA (Metabolic Determinants of the Progression of Aortic Stenosis) study. Hemodynamic progression of AS was determined by the change in peak aortic jet velocity (Vpeak) measured by Doppler-echocardiography between baseline and 2-year follow-up. Patients in the top tertile of apoB/apoA-I ratio (≥0.62) had a faster progression rate of AS compared with those in the bottom/mid tertiles (Vpeak progression: 0.30 [0.09-0.49] versus 0.16 [0.01-0.36] m/s, P=0.02). There was a significant interaction (P=0.007) between apoB/apoA-I ratio and age. Among younger patients (ie, aged <70 years; median value of the cohort), those in the top tertile of apoB/apoA-I ratio had a 3.4-fold faster AS progression compared with those in the bottom/mid tertiles (Vpeak progression: 0.34 [0.13-0.69] versus 0.10 [-0.03-0.31] m/s, P=0.002), whereas there was no significant difference between tertiles in the subgroup of older patients (P=0.83). After comprehensive adjustment, higher apoB/apoA-I ratio was significantly associated with faster AS progression in the subset of younger patients (all, standardized ß≥0.36; P≤0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Higher apoB/apoA-I ratio is significantly associated with faster hemodynamic progression of AS in the younger patients. These findings suggest that atherogenic lipid factors may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of AS in younger patients, but may be are less important in older patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01679431.

Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Repair With a New Transcatheter Coaptation System for the Treatment of Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation: 1-Year Clinical and Echocardiographic Results.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to describe the 1-year experience with the transcatheter FORMA system for severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR). BACKGROUND: Severe TR is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Novel transcatheter therapies have been recently developed. METHODS: Eighteen patients underwent device implantation at 3 centers in Canada and Switzerland. Baseline characteristics, procedural, 30-day, and 1-year outcomes were prospectively evaluated using multimodality imaging and hemodynamic and clinical assessments. RESULTS: Procedural success was achieved in 16 (89%) patients. Unsuccessful procedures were because of right ventricular perforation requiring open surgery and device dislocation. At 1 year there were no deaths, significant arrhythmias, device infections, or dislocations. Thrombus was observed on 1 device at 4 months and there was 1 rehospitalization for heart failure. Among the 14 patients with successful device implantation and 1-year follow-up, 79% were in New York Heart Association functional class I/II (p < 0.001), the average 6-min walk test increased by 84 m (p = 0.03), and the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire heart failure score improved by 18 points (p = 0.02) compared with baseline. Echocardiography showed a reduction of TR from severe in 17 of 18 (94%) patients at baseline to moderate-severe or less in 11 of 16 patients (69%) by 30 days (p = 0.001) and 6 of 13 patients (46%) by 1 year (p = 0.01). The diameters of the tricuspid annulus and the right ventricle were reduced at 1 year (45.7 ± 4.8 mm to 42.1 ± 4.4 mm, p = 0.004; 54 ± 5.3 mm to 49.9 ± 4.3 mm, p = 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of the FORMA system in high-risk patients with severe TR shows feasibility with a good mid-term safety profile. At 1 year, despite variable success in reducing echocardiographic TR grade, there were significant clinical improvements and reductions in right ventricular dimensions.

Systolic hypertension and progression of aortic valve calcification in patients with aortic stenosis: results from the PROGRESSA study.

AIMS: Hypertension is highly prevalent in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and is associated with worse outcomes. The current prospective study assessed the impact of systolic hypertension (SHPT) on the progression of aortic valve calcification (AVC) measured by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in patients with AS. METHODS AND RESULTS: The present analysis includes the first series of 101 patients with AS prospectively recruited in the PROGRESSA study. Patients underwent comprehensive Doppler echocardiography and MDCT exams at baseline and after 2-year follow-up. AVC and coronary artery calcification (CAC) were measured using the Agatston method. Patients with SHPT at baseline (i.e. systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg; n = 37, 37%) had faster 2-year AVC progression compared with those without SHPT (i.e. systolic blood pressure <140 mmHg) (AVC median [25th percentile-75th percentile]: +370 [126-824] vs. +157 [58-303] AU; P = 0.007, respectively). Similar results were obtained with the analysis of AVC progression divided by the cross-sectional area of the aortic annulus (AVCdensity: +96 [34-218] vs. +45 [14-82] AU/cm2, P = 0.01, respectively). In multivariable analysis, SHPT remained significantly associated with faster progression of AVC or AVCdensity (all P = 0.001). There was no significant difference between groups with respect to progression of CAC (+39 [3-199] vs. +41 [0-156] AU, P = 0.88). CONCLUSION: This prospective study shows for the first time that SHPT is associated with faster AVC progression but not with CAC progression in AS patients. These findings provide further support for the elaboration of randomized clinical trials to assess the efficacy of antihypertensive medication to slow the stenosis progression in patients with AS.

Effect of age and aortic valve anatomy on calcification and haemodynamic severity of aortic stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of age and aortic valve anatomy (tricuspid (TAV) vs bicuspid (BAV) aortic valve) on the relationship between the aortic valve calcification (AVC) and the haemodynamic parameters of aortic stenosis (AS) severity. METHODS: Two hundred patients with AS and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction were prospectively recruited in the PROGRESSA (Metabolic Determinants of the Progression of Aortic Stenosis) study and underwent a comprehensive Doppler echocardiography and multidetector CT (MDCT). Mean transvalvular gradient (MG) measured by Doppler echocardiography was used to assess AS haemodynamic severity and AVC was evaluated by MDCT using the Agatston method and indexed to the left ventricular outflow tract area to obtain AVC density (AVCd). All analyses were adjusted for sex. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients had a BAV and 161 a TAV. Median age was 51 and 72 years for BAV and TAV patients, respectively. There was a modest correlation between MG and AVCd (ρ=0.51, p<0.0001) in the whole cohort. After dichotomisation for valve anatomy, there was a good correlation between AVCd and MG in the TAV group (ρ=0.61, p<0.0001) but weak correlation in the BAV group (ρ=0.32, p=0.046). In the TAV group, the strength of the AVCd-MG correlation was similar in younger (<72 years old; ρ=0.59, p<0.0001) versus older (≥72 years old; ρ=0.61, p<0.0001) patients. In the BAV group, there was no correlation between AVCd and MG in younger patients (<51 years old; ρ=0.12, p=0.65), whereas there was a good correlation in older patients (≥51 years old; ρ=0.55, p=0.009). AVCd (p=0.005) and age (p=0.02) were both independent determinants of MG in BAV patients while AVCd (p<0.0001) was the only independent determinant of MG in TAV patients. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with TAV as well as in older patients with BAV, AVCd appears to be the main factor significantly associated with the haemodynamic severity of AS and so it may be used to corroborate AS severity in case of uncertain or discordant findings at echocardiography. However, among younger patients with BAV, some may have a haemodynamically significant stenosis with minimal AVCd. The results of MDCT AVCd should thus be interpreted cautiously in this subset of patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01679431; Pre-results.

First-in-Man Experience of a Novel Transcatheter Repair System for Treating Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Isolated tricuspid valve surgery is associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially in patients with prior cardiac surgery. The transcatheter Forma Repair System (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, California) is designed to provide a surface for native leaflet coaptation to reduce tricuspid regurgitation (TR) by occupying the regurgitant orifice area. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the feasibility and exploratory efficacy with this transcatheter repair system for the treatment of severe TR. METHODS: Seven high-risk patients with severe TR and clinical signs of heart failure were declined for surgery and offered transcatheter treatment with this device. All procedures were performed within a cardiac catheterization laboratory or hybrid operating room under general anesthesia with transesophageal echocardiographic guidance. Vascular access was via the left axillary vein. Baseline characteristics, procedural and in-hospital outcomes, as well as 30-day follow-up were prospectively collected. RESULTS: All patients had severe TR and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class II to IV (mean age 76 ± 13 years; mean logistic EuroSCORE 25.7 ± 17.4%), and underwent device implantation to improve tricuspid leaflet coaptation, thereby reducing TR. Device implantation was successful without procedural complications in all patients, with significant reductions in TR severity (moderate in 3 patients and mild in 4 patients). Median hospital length of stay was 4 days. At 30-day follow-up, all patients but 1 demonstrated improvements in NYHA functional status (to class II) with pronounced reductions in the presence and severity of peripheral edema. TR severity was assessed as being moderate at 30-day transthoracic echocardiography follow-up in all patients. No complications related to the device or vascular access were observed during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A transcatheter-based treatment option for severe TR appears safe and feasible with this repair system. Improvements in TR severity were documented in all patients, which were accompanied by improvements in peripheral edema and functional status.

Surgical lead extraction for total occlusion of the superior vena cava by chronic lead infection after mustard procedure.

We present a case of total occlusion of the superior vena cava (SVC) with extensive thrombosis of the adjacent large veins secondary to multiple abandoned pacemaker leads with a superimposed chronic lead infection by Corynebacterium jeikeium. A surgical lead extraction was performed with an extensive en-bloc resection of the SVC together with the right subclavian vein and the right innomate vein. No venous reconstruction was required because of an unobstructed runoff via a well-developed azygos system.