[Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with conscious sedation and early discharge. Report of seven cases]. / Abordaje del implante valvular aórtico transcateter durante la pandemia por COVID-19 con alta prevoz: reporte de una serie de casos.

COVID-19 pandemic generated multiple challenges for the health system. Cardiovascular disease is associated with a worse prognosis of infections. Moreover, most hospital resources and operative rooms were destined to patients with COVID-19 infection, deferring the treatment of most valvular patients requiring surgery. We report seven patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with conscious sedation and early discharge. No patient required intensive care unit admission or mechanical ventilation. After a 90-day follow-up, there were no complications or unplanned readmissions.

[Use of anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation]. / Uso de anticoagulantes orales directos en pacientes con fibrilación auricular post implante de TAVI: resultados de una encuesta internacional.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is beneficial in patients with symptomatic severe Aortic Stenosis (AS). There is no consensus about the best anticoagulation strategy for patients with a recent TAVI and with atrial fibrillation (AF). Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are effective to prevent embolic events with a significant lower incidence of bleeding. There is scarce evidence about the use of these drugs in patients undergoing TAVI. AIM: To assess the management of anticoagulation at the moment of discharge of patients with AF and TAVI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A four question survey was sent to cardiologists involved in TAVI programs in different international centers. RESULTS: The survey was answered by 72 interventional cardiologists. Even with the lack of randomized evidence, in most of the scenarios DOACs are prescribed at discharge in patients with indication for anticoagulation. Also, in patients with high bleeding risk, most cardiologists would perform a left atrial appendage closure. In patients with concomitant coronary artery disease, if a stent was recently implanted, prescription of the combination of a DOAC and one antiplatelet drug was the most common answer. In patients with a former coronary angioplasty, DOAC or Warfarin was the therapy of choice. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of randomized data, interventional cardiologists prescribe DOACs at discharge to patients with AF and TAVI, without following current guidelines in most cases.

[Acute myocardial infarction caused by thrombosis of left main coronary artery. Report of two cases]. / Importancia del electrocardiograma en el diagnóstico del infarto agudo al miocardio por obstrucción del tronco común de arteria coronaria izquierda.

Acute myocardial infarction caused by thrombosis of left main coronary artery generate acute cardiac failure, cardiogenic shock and death. Along with the clinical history, the electrocardiogram (EKG) is the most useful tool for its recognition and timely management. Classically the EKG shows ST elevation > 1 mm in aVR or V1 with ST depression in the other leads. Urgent coronary angiography with percutaneous coronary angioplasty using drug eluting stents is recommended when the diagnosis is made. We report two cases to exemplify the clinical presentation, EKG and angiographic findings and therapeutic approach.

[Combined use of left ventricular assist devices in cardiogenic shock. Report of one case]. / ECMELLA: Uso combinado de dispositivos de asistencia ventricular izquierda en el manejo del shock cardiogénico postinfarto agudo al miocardio.

We report a 55-year-old woman with a history of hypothyroidism and type 2 diabetes mellitus who consulted at the emergency room because of intermittent oppressive chest discomfort. At admission, electrocardiogram showed a complete atrioventricular block. A transthoracic echocardiogram disclosed severe left ventricular dysfunction. The patient developed cardiogenic shock that required the installation of the Impella system. An emergency coronary angiography showed an ostial occlusion of the anterior descending artery. Despite successful primary angioplasty, she persisted with refractory shock and progressive hypoxemia. A concomitant connection to the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation system (ECMO) was decided. The support of both devices allowed the stabilization of the patient and the improvement of perfusion parameters.

[Tricuspid and pulmonary valve involvement in carcinoid syndrome. Report of two cases]. / Síndrome carcinoide y compromiso valvular cardiaco, a propósito de 2 casos.

Carcinoid is a rare neuroendocrine tumor typically arising in the gastrointestinal tract that can cause heart valve involvement. We report two patients with carcinoid syndrome and tricuspid/pulmonary valve lesions. A 33-year-old male presenting with fatigue and weight loss: A tumor in the tail of the pancreas was found on an abdominal CAT scan. The percutaneous biopsy was informed as a carcinoid tumor. A trans-esophageal echocardiogram showed a tricuspid and pulmonary valve involvement, which was replaced surgically. The biopsy informed an extensive fibrous and myxoid degeneration of the valves. A 35-year-old male with a carcinoid syndrome and cardiac failure: An echocardiogram showed a severe tricuspid stenosis and severe pulmonary regurgitation. The patient was subjected to a double surgical valve replacement. The pathology report of the excised valve showed a deforming fibrous and myxoid valvulopathy.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) outcomes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have not been fully evaluated and some structural programs in the world have been suspended during this period. We sought to evaluate and compare clinical outcomes in patients undergoing TAVI in pandemic versus nonpandemic era. In a single center, we compared 198 TAVI patients performed during 2019 to 59 patients performed during the COVID-19 pandemic period (March 1st to June 30th, 2020). Primary outcome was procedural success according to VARC criteria and 30-day mortality rates. VARC-defined procedural success was high in both groups (93.3% vs 96.6%; p = 0.53). There were no differences in any vascular complications (26% vs 19%; p = 0.3), permanent pacemaker implantation (11.8% vs 15.3%; p = 0.63), and length of hospital stay (5.2 vs 4.2 days; p = 0.29). Thirty-day mortality was similar (3% vs 3.4%; p = 1.0). We had no documented COVID-19 disease in our patients during follow up. In conclusion, TAVI procedures can be performed effectively and safely during the COVID-9 pandemic, using a minimalist approach, early discharge, and by maintaining proper use of personal protective equipment.

Successful Percutaneous Closure of a Ruptured Saphenous Vein Graft Aneurysm.

A 68-year-old man with previous coronary artery bypass surgery presented with acute onset chest pain. After ruling out an acute coronary syndrome, a computed tomography scan demonstrated a giant aneurysm (10 cm × 8 cm) of the right coronary artery saphenous vein graft (SVG) with signs of rupture into the mediastinum. An Amplatzer Vascular Plug II was successfully deployed at the proximal anastomosis of the SVG, achieving complete exclusion. At 6-month follow-up the patient remained asymptomatic and a computed tomography scan confirmed adequate position of the device. Amplatzer Vascular Plug II is a reasonable alternative for SVG aneurysm closure, providing the vein graft supplies nonviable myocardium.

Características y predictores ecocardiográficos de mortalidad en pacientes intervenidos con TAVI. La importancia de anticiparse al daño cardíaco global / Predictors of late mortality after TAVI: the relevance of early intervention to prevent global deterioration of cardiac function

Introducción: En nuestro medio, el implante percutáneo de prótesis aórtica (TAVI) se encuentra limitado a pacientes más añosos o de mayor riesgo quirúrgico, en quienes frecuentemente se retarda la intervención hasta que presenten signos avanzados de enfermedad. Objetivo: Evaluar el grado de compromiso miocárdico en pacientes sometidos a TAVI y determinar si la magnitud de este compromiso predice los resultados alejados del procedimiento. Métodos: Registro de pacientes sometidos a TAVI en 2 instituciones de Chile. Según la clasificación propuesta por Genereux el año 2017, se clasificaron desde el punto de vista ecocardiográfico como: 1) compromiso de ventrículo izquierdo; 2) compromiso de aurícula izquierda; 3) hipertensión pulmonar / insuficiencia tricuspídea significativa y 4) disfunción de ventrículo derecho. Resultados: Se incluyeron 209 pacientes. Se logró un procedimiento exitoso en 98,6%, registrándose una mortalidad intrahospitalaria de 2,9%. El compromiso cardíaco se extendió más allá de las cavidades izquierdas en 24,7% de los casos (estadíos 3 y 4). A una mediana de seguimiento de 650 días se registró una mortalidad de 26,8%. El compromiso de cavidades derechas (estadíos 3 y 4) se asoció a una mayor mortalidad (39,6% vs 22,1%, log rank p=0,015). En análisis multivariado, este compromiso fue el único factor que de forma independiente predijo mortalidad (HR 1,87, IC 1,01-3,44, p=0,044). Conclusiones: El compromiso de cavidades derechas se asocia a una mayor mortalidad alejada en pacientes sometidos a TAVI. Estos resultados debiesen estimular una derivación precoz de estos pacientes que, aunque añosos y de alto riesgo, tienen buenos resultados intervenidos precozmente.

Background: Locally, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is limited to very old or high-risk patients, whose intervention is frequently delayed until they develop signs of advanced disease. Aim: To evaluate the degree of myocardial compromise in patients undergoing TAVI and to determine whether the level of this compromise can predict results during follow-up. Methods: Registry of TAVI patients from 2 institutions in Chile. According to the classification proposed by Genereux in 2017, patients were classified based on the echocardiogram as 1) left ventricular compromise; 2) left atrial compromise; 3) pulmonary hypertension / severe tricuspid regurgitation; 4) right ventricular dysfunction. Results: The study included 209 patients. A successful procedure was achieved in 98.6% of cases, with an in-hospital mortality of 2.9%. Cardiac compromise extended beyond left chambers in 24.7% of cases (stages 3 and 4). During follow-up (median of 650 days) mortality was 26.8%. Right chambers involvement (stages 3 and 4) was associated with increased mortality (39.6% vs 22.1%, log rank p=0.015). In multivariate analysis, this compromise was the only factor that independently predicted mortality (HR 1.87, IC 1.01-3.44, p=0,044). Conclusions: Right chambers involvement was associated to increased mortality during follow-up of patients undergoing TAVI. These results should stimulate earlier referral of these high risk and older patients in order to obtain better results following the intervention.

Abordaje del implante valvular aórtico transcateter durante la pandemia por COVID-19 con alta prevoz: reporte de una serie de casos / Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with conscious sedation and early discharge: report of seven cases

COVID-19 pandemic generated multiple challenges for the health system. Cardiovascular disease is associated with a worse prognosis of infections. Moreover, most hospital resources and operative rooms were destined to patients with COVID-19 infection, deferring the treatment of most valvular patients requiring surgery. We report seven patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with conscious sedation and early discharge. No patient required intensive care unit admission or mechanical ventilation. After a 90-day follow-up, there were no complications or unplanned readmissions.

Uso de anticoagulantes orales directos en pacientes con fibrilación auricular post implante de TAVI: resultados de una encuesta internacional / Use of anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is beneficial in patients with symptomatic severe Aortic Stenosis (AS). There is no consensus about the best anticoagulation strategy for patients with a recent TAVI and with atrial fibrillation (AF). Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are effective to prevent embolic events with a significant lower incidence of bleeding. There is scarce evidence about the use of these drugs in patients undergoing TAVI. AIM: To assess the management of anticoagulation at the moment of discharge of patients with AF and TAVI. Material and Methods: A four question survey was sent to cardiologists involved in TAVI programs in different international centers. Results: The survey was answered by 72 interventional cardiologists. Even with the lack of randomized evidence, in most of the scenarios DOACs are prescribed at discharge in patients with indication for anticoagulation. Also, in patients with high bleeding risk, most cardiologists would perform a left atrial appendage closure. In patients with concomitant coronary artery disease, if a stent was recently implanted, prescription of the combination of a DOAC and one antiplatelet drug was the most common answer. In patients with a former coronary angioplasty, DOAC or Warfarin was the therapy of choice. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of randomized data, interventional cardiologists prescribe DOACs at discharge to patients with AF and TAVI, without following current guidelines in most cases.

Importancia del electrocardiograma en el diagnóstico del infarto agudo al miocardio por obstrucción del tronco común de arteria coronaria izquierda

Acute myocardial infarction caused by thrombosis of left main coronary artery generate acute cardiac failure, cardiogenic shock and death. Along with the clinical history, the electrocardiogram (EKG) is the most useful tool for its recognition and timely management. Classically the EKG shows ST elevation > 1 mm in aVR or V1 with ST depression in the other leads. Urgent coronary angiography with percutaneous coronary angioplasty using drug eluting stents is recommended when the diagnosis is made. We report two cases to exemplify the clinical presentation, EKG and angiographic findings and therapeutic approach.

Uso de la litotripsia intracoronaria en el manejo de lesiones calcificadas: reporte de dos casos / Lithoplasty for calcified coronary artery lesiones

Recently, intravascular lithoplasty (IVL) has been introduced as a novel technique for treating calcified intracoronary artery lesions. There are no reports of this intervention in Latin America. We report 2 cases in which IVL was successfully used to treat this type of coronary artery lesions.

ECMELLA: Uso combinado de dispositivos de asistencia ventricular izquierda en el manejo del shock cardiogénico postinfarto agudo al miocardio / Combined use of left ventricular assist devices in cardiogenic shock. Report of one case

We report a 55-year-old woman with a history of hypothyroidism and type 2 diabetes mellitus who consulted at the emergency room because of intermittent oppressive chest discomfort. At admission, electrocardiogram showed a complete atrioventricular block. A transthoracic echocardiogram disclosed severe left ventricular dysfunction. The patient developed cardiogenic shock that required the installation of the Impella system. An emergency coronary angiography showed an ostial occlusion of the anterior descending artery. Despite successful primary angioplasty, she persisted with refractory shock and progressive hypoxemia. A concomitant connection to the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation system (ECMO) was decided. The support of both devices allowed the stabilization of the patient and the improvement of perfusion parameters.

Litoplastía iliaco-femoral para implante transcatéter de válvula órtica / Iliac-femoral lithoplasty for a transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Report of one case

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has a lower perioperative risk than traditional surgery mostly when the transfemoral access is used. Some patients have anatomical conditions that contraindicate the use of this route. Lithoplasty is a novel technique that fractures calcium in coronary and peripheral arteries using pulsatile waves transmitted through an angioplasty balloon. We report an 83 year-old male with an aortic stenosis requiring TAVI, with severe calcification of his femoral and aortic arteries. A balloon lithoplasty of the right iliac-femoral tract was carried out, which allowed the use of the transfemoral route to install the aortic prosthesis. The patient had a good subsequent evolution.

Enfoque minimalista en el implante de válvula aórtica percutánea / A minimalist approach for transcatheter aortic valve replacement

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: En pacientes con estenosis Aórtica (EA) severa sintomática, el implante de válvula aórtica percutánea transcatéter (TAVI) por vía transfemoral constituye el estándar de tratamiento en aquellos de riesgo quirúrgico intermedio o alto. El uso de un abordaje minimalista ha demostrado ser seguro y efectivo, si bien no existen reportes sobre la realidad nacional Métodos: Estudio descriptivo sobre la experiencia con pacientes sometidos al implante de TAVI bajo un protocolo minimalista en Unidad de Cardiología Intervencional y Hemodinamia del Hospital Sótero del Río desde Enero de 2018. Se analizaron las variables clínicas de los pacientes y del procedimiento así como desenlaces clínicos intrahospitalarios y seguimiento alejado. Resultados: Entre Enero 2018 hasta Abril 2019, un total de 10 pacientes fueron sometidos al implante de TAVI por vía transfemoral. El score STS-PROM promedio fue de 7,1. Se logró un implante exitoso en el 100% de los casos con un gradiente medio residual de 8 mmHg y sin leak moderado a severo en ningún paciente. No hubo eventos cerebrovasculares isquémicos perioperatorios ni muerte en este grupo. Se requirió implante de marcapasos definitivo en 3 pacientes y un paciente presentó hematoma femoral perioperatorio que requirió transfusión de glóbulos rojos. La mediana de la estadía hospitalaria fue de 2 días. Conclusiones: El uso de una estrategia minimalista para el implante de TAVI en nuestra realidad nacional es seguro y aplicable. Los resultados perioperatorios y a 30 días fueron comparables a los descritos en experiencias internacionales.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: In patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis, transcatheter percutaneous aortic valve implant (TAVI) is the standard treatment in those with intermediate or high surgical risk. The use of a minimalist approach has proven to be safe and effective, although there are no reports on the national reality Methods: Descriptive study on the experience with patients undergoing TAVI implantation under a minimalist protocol at the Interventional Cardiology and Hemodynamics Unit of the Hospital Sótero del Río since January 2018. Clinical characteristics of the patients and the procedure were analyzed as well as intrahospital outcomes and at 30-days follow up. Results: Between January 2018 and April 2019, a total of 10 patients underwent TAVI implantation by transfemoral approach in our institution. The average STS-PROM score was 7.1. A successful implant was achieved in 100% of cases with an average residual gradient of 8 mmHg and no moderate to severe leak in any patient. There were no perioperative ischemic cerebrovascular events nor death in this group. A definitive pacemaker implant was required in 3 patients and one patient developed femoral hematoma that required red blood cell transfusion. The median hospital stay was 2 days. Conclusions: The use of a minimalist strategy for TAVI implantation in our national reality is safe and applicable. Immediate results and at 30-days follow up were comparable to those described in international experiences.

Implante percutáneo de válvula aórtica transcatéter por vía femoral en paciente joven con obesidad extrema / Trans femoral TAVI in extremely obese patient with severe aortic stenosis

RESUMEN:TAVI transfemoral en una paciente con obesidad extrema y estenosis aórtica severa. Una mujer extremadamente obesa (IMC 62.5 Kg/M2) con estenosis aórtica severa fue descartada para cirugía bariátrica y reemplazo valvular aórtico. Se efectuó una TAVI por vía transfemoral, sin anestesia general. Se describen cuidadosas técnicas para efectuar la punción femoral y su sellado posterior. La paciente se recuperó sin incidentes, la gradiente transvalvular aórtica se redujo significativamente y hubo mínima insuficiencia valvular.

ABSTRACT: An extremely obese woman (BMI 62.5 Kg/M2) with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis was discarded for bariatric surgery or aortic valve replacement. A transfemoral TAVI was performed, without general anesthesia. Careful techniques to perform and seal the transfemoral puncture are described. The patient recovered uneventfully with a significant decrease in aortic valve gradient and minimal aortic insufficiency.

Angiographic and electrocardiographic parameters of myocardial reperfusion in angioplasty of patients with ST elevation acute myocardial infarction loaded with ticagrelor or clopidogrel (MICAMI-TICLO trial).

INTRODUCTION: Ticagrelor has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with ACS. However, the effects of this drug on parameters of microvascular flow in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have not been completely evaluated. METHODS: Ninety-two patients presenting with STEMI where randomized to a loading dose of clopidogrel (600 mg) or ticagrelor (180 mg) before undergoing primary angioplasty. We assessed angiographic and electrocardiographic parameters of myocardial reperfusion. Blinded operators calculated angiographic corrected TIMI Frame count (cTFC) and myocardial blush grade (MBG) before and after stent implantation. ST segment resolution was also measured in all patients. Primary endpoint was cTFC after PCI. Secondary endpoints were cTFC prior to PCI, TIMI flow grade, MBG and the percentage of ST resolution. RESULTS: Of the 92 randomized patients, 70 patients were analyzed. Mean age of patients was 58.8±10 years. Patients presented with a mean ischemic time of 4.4±2.6 hours. There were no significant differences in the time between loading dose and stent deployment (35.2±36.4 in ticagrelor and 42.7±29.5 min in clopidogrel, p=0.36). cTFC before angioplasty was significantly lower in ticagrelor than in clopidogrel (81.1±29.4 vs. 95.1±17.5 frames respectively, p=0.01). After angioplasty there were no differences between ticagrelor and clopidogrel in cTFC (24.6±9.3 vs. 27.0±13.4 frames respectively, p=0.62); MBG grade 3 was present in 76.4 vs. 69.4% of patients, respectively (p=0.41). The percentage of ST resolution did not show any differences between groups (84.8±23.4 in ticagrelor vs. 70.8±33.7 in clopidogrel, p=0.36). CONCLUSION: Compared with clopidogrel, ticagrelor loading in patients presenting with STEMI is not associated with an improvement of angiographic and electrocardiographic parameters of myocardial reperfusion after angioplasty.

Implante percutáneo de válvula aórtica con apoyo de circulación extracorpórea en paciente con insuficiencia aórtica severa / Trans catheter aortic valve implantation with extra corporeal circulation support in a patient with severe aortic insufficiency

An 84-year man with prior coronary artery bypass surgery and endovascular repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm developed congestive heart failu-re. He had calcific aortic valve disease with severe regurgitation. A #29 Edwards-Sapien aortic valve via trans-apical approach was implanted with the patient connected to extra corporeal circulation. The patient recovered successfully and remained in functional class II 8 months after hospital dis-charge.