First North American experience with the transfemoral ACURATE-neoTM self-expanding transcatheter aortic bioprosthesis.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become a therapeutic alternative for patients presenting with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis and considered at high-surgical risk. Paravalvular leak (PVL), conduction disorders, and coronary obstruction remain unresolved procedure-related complications. The aim of this manuscript was to report the first North American experience with the ACURATE-neoTM aortic bioprosthesis and its ACURATE-TFTM delivery system (Symetis S.A., Ecublens, Switzerland). METHODS: Transfemoral ACURATE-neoTM aortic valve implantation was performed in 20 patients. Clinical and echocardiographic assessment was performed at baseline, postprocedure and at least 30 days. Outcomes were assessed according to valvular academic research consortium (VARC-2) criteria. RESULTS: The mean age was 82.7 ± 7.0 years with a mean logistic-EuroSCORE-II of 5.0 ± 2.9% and Society of Thoracic Surgeons score of 4.7 ± 2.3%. Device success was achieved in all patients. The mean distance between the aortic-annulus and the left main coronary artery ostium was 14.3 ± 3.2 mm, and eight (40%) patients had <12 mm. At 30 days, there were no deaths, conversions to surgery, or major procedure-related complications. New-pacemaker implantation was required in one (5.3%) patient. ACURATE-neoTM implantation resulted in a significant reduction in mean transvalvular gradient (49.9 ± 15.8 to 9.7 ± 5.7 mm Hg, P < 0.0001) and increase in effective-orifice area (0.65 ± 0.16 to 1.83 ± 0.36 cm2 , P = 0.001) at hospital discharge. Paravalvular leak was absent in four (20%) patients, trace in nine (45%) patients, and mild in seven (35%) patients. Hospital discharge occurred at a mean of 7.0 ± 4.5 days, and all patients were in NYHA class I-II at a mean follow-up of 8.6 ± 2.3 months. CONCLUSION: The present initial North American experience shows that the ACURATE-neoTM aortic bioprosthesis was safely and successfully implanted by transfemoral approach. The special design of this newer-generation device affords a stable and predictable implantation, while providing optimal hemodynamic performance with a relatively low rate of PPI. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Salvaging catastrophe in transcatheter aortic valve implantation: rehearsal, preassigned roles, and emergency preparedness.

PURPOSE: Emergency rescue plans for acute complications during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) commonly include cardiopulmonary resuscitation, femoro-femoral cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and hemodynamic stabilization before definitive intervention is achieved. Nevertheless, most cases of emergency resuscitation remain chaotic and disorganized and often take longer than necessary, even in experienced centres. We sought to determine which factors and procedures may be associated with improved patient outcomes when emergencies arise during TAVI. SOURCES: MEDLINE(®) and EMBASE™ were searched with the following key words: "TAVI" or "TAVR" or "transcatheter valve implantation" or "transcatheter valve replacement" and "emergency cardiac surgery" or "conversion". Two hundred seventeen articles met the criteria and were reviewed. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Utilization of a formal emergency checklist by a multidisciplinary TAVI team may reduce procedural errors, smooth the transition to CPB, and ultimately speed the delivery of corrective measures including emergency cardiac surgery. CONCLUSION: A well-organized regularly-rehearsed emergency rescue plan that preassigns resuscitative roles may shorten the duration of patient instability and resuscitation and improve patient outcomes when catastrophe occurs in TAVI. The anesthesia team plays a central role in preventing, detecting, and treating intraprocedural complications during TAVI.

Sevoflurane in acute myocardial infarction: a pilot randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Experimental evidence suggests that the inhalational anesthetic sevoflurane has a cardioprotective effect. Our objective was to determine if sedation with sevoflurane will reduce infarct size in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) who are treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We randomized 50 patients presenting with a first acute ST-elevation MI treated by primary PCI within 6 hours from symptom onset to sedation with sevoflurane inhalation or standard sedation (control). Coronary flow at the end of PCI was assessed by corrected Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction frame count. Myocardial reperfusion was assessed by ST-segment resolution 60 minutes post-PCI. Infarct size was assessed by release of creatinine kinase (CK) and troponin T. RESULTS: There was no difference in the primary end point: troponin T or CK release adjusted to the area at risk, between groups. However, among patients with anterior MI, there was a trend toward lower CK (P = .05) and nonsignificant decrease in troponin (P = .11) levels in the sevoflurane group. Corrected Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction frame count was 12.3 ± 1.5 in the sevoflurane group and 15.6 ± 9.1 in the control group (P = .16). There was more ST resolution in patients treated by sevoflurane 80.7% ± 25.8% versus 56.6% ± 35.7% (P = .01). Sevoflurane had no significant adverse effect during administration. CONCLUSIONS: Sevoflurane administration during primary PCI did not reduce infarct size. There was a trend toward a reduction in infarct size among patients with anterior MI. Sevoflurane administration was associated with improvement in ST-segment resolution.

Surgical Repair of Ventricular Septal Defect Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Case Report.

This case report describes the rare occurrence of a ventricular septal defect (VSD) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in an 88-year-old male patient with aortic stenosis and other comorbidities. Initially asymptomatic, the patient was discharged but readmitted 2 weeks later with decompensated heart failure. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed an increase in the size of the VSD and right ventricular dilation. Surgical intervention was chosen over percutaneous closure due to the patient's condition. A bovine pericardial patch was successfully used for repair. This case highlights the importance of vigilant post-TAVI monitoring and individualized treatment for TAVI-related complications.

Next-Day Discharge After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation With the ACURATE neo/neo2 Self-Expanding Aortic Bioprosthesis.

Previous studies have shown the safety of early discharge pathways in selected patients and using selected transcatheter heart valves. Hence, we sought to evaluate the safety of next-day discharge (NDD) in patients who underwent transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TF-TAVI) with the ACURATE neo/neo2 (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts) self-expanding aortic bioprosthesis. Patients who underwent TF-TAVI between January 2018 and April 2023 were prospectively included. Patients were stratified into 3 groups according to discharge times within 24 hours (NDD), between 24 and 48 hours, and those discharged >48 hours after TAVI. The primary outcome was the first unplanned readmission at 30 days after TAVI. Log-rank test was used to assess the differences in the outcome of interest between the groups. A total of 368 all-comers were included in this study. According to discharge times, 204 patients followed NDD, 69 patients 24 to 48 hours discharge, and 95 patients >48 hours discharge after TAVI. The mean age was 84 ± 6.3 years and 61% were women, without differences between the groups. The mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was lower in those with NDD versus 24 to 48 hours and >48 hours (2.9 ± 1.0, 3.2 ± 1.2, and 3.4 ± 1.4, respectively, p = 0.014). There were no differences between the groups in terms of preprocedural right bundle branch block or pacemaker. The need for new permanent pacemaker implantation was the leading postprocedural complication; it occurred more frequently in the >48 hours group than the 24 to 48 hours, and <24 hours groups (24% vs 8.6% and 2.2%, p <0.001). There were 5 strokes (1.4%) and all of them occurred in the >48 hours group (p = 0.005). At 30 days after discharge, there were no deaths and no differences in all-cause readmissions (9.3% in <24 hours, 8.6% in 24 to 48 hours, and 19% in >48 hours, log-rank p = 0.087). The readmission rates for new permanent pacemaker implantation requirement were 3.3% (n = 6) in NDD, 0% in 24 to 48 hours, and 1.6% (n = 5) in the >48 hours groups (p = 0.27). In conclusion, in unselected patients who underwent TF-TAVI with the ACURATE neo/neo2 self-expanding bioprosthesis, the NDD pathway is feasible and appears to be safe, without an increased risk of death or all-cause rehospitalization through 30 days after hospital discharge.

Hyperpolarized 129Xe Pulmonary MRI and Asymptomatic Atrial Septal Defect.

In an asymptomatic 19-year-old who regularly underwent cardiopulmonary fitness testing for national lifeguard-accreditation, 129Xe MRI unexpectedly revealed an abnormally augmented RBC signal and RBC-to-alveolar-capillary-tissue ratio with spatially homogeneous ventilation, tissue barrier, and RBC images. Pulmonary function was normal, but cardiopulmonary follow-up including transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiogram, heart catheterization, and contrast-enhanced cardiac CT imaging led to the diagnosis of a large (20 × 27 mm) secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) with a net right-to-left shunt (Qp:Qs = 0.5) and normal pulmonary pressures. This novel, unexpected case revealed that 129Xe RBC signal intensity likely reflected erythrocytosis, compensatory to the abnormal cardiovascular hemodynamics that resulted from a large congenital ASD. Unlike ASD cases that present with dyspnea and exercise limitation, this 129Xe MRI abnormality was detected in an asymptomatic teenager. This is the first report of asymptomatic adult congenital heart disease diagnosed subsequent to novel 129Xe MRI that led to early intervention, avoiding long-term complications of cyanosis, including ventricular fibrosis and thromboembolic and bleeding risks.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Through a Single Femoral Access: A Multicenter Experience.

OBJECTIVES: During the past few years, physicians have optimized transcatheter aortic valve replacement and its periprocedural management, with the minimalist approach becoming popular. We aimed to further simplify the procedure using a single femoral access (the "all-in-one" technique). Here, we report a multicenter experience with TAVR with Acurate neo/neo2 transcatheter heart valves (Boston Scientific) through a single, large-bore, femoral sheath. METHODS: Patients underwent TAVR with the Acurate neo or neo2 through a single femoral access at 4 centers. The large sheath was used for both the delivery catheter and the pigtail used to visualize the aortic root. RESULTS: A total of 157 patients (59% women) with a mean age of 82 ± 6 years underwent TAVR with the Acurate neo (n = 100) or the Acurate neo2 (n = 57). The procedure was successfully performed through a single large sheath in all patients. Median duration of hospitalization stay was 2 days (interquartile range, 1-3 days). On echocardiography before discharge, the mean gradient was 7 ± 3 mm Hg and 7 patients (4.4%) had more than mild paravalvular leak. At 30 days, a major vascular complication had occurred in 2 patients (1.3%), 2 patients (1.3%) had suffered a stroke, and only 4 patients (2.5%) had required new permanent pacemaker implantation. A total of 3 patients (1.9%) had died. CONCLUSIONS: An all-in-one access technique allows safe implantation of Acurate neo and neo2 transcatheter heart valves, with low rates of periprocedural complications and favorable short-term outcomes.

Transcatheter Balloon-Expandable Valve-in-Valve to Treat Severe Paravalvular Leak Secondary to ACURATE-neo Self-expanding Prosthesis-Annulus Mismatch.

A 75-year-old male with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation with a Large (27-mm) ACURATE-neo transcatheter aortic valve, complicated by severe paravalvular leak. He developed rapid and progressive worsening heart failure. Reanalysis of the computed tomography images suggested evidence of prosthesis-annulus mismatch. Therefore, a redo transcatheter aortic valve implantation utilizing a 29-mm SAPIEN 3 transcatheter aortic valve was performed. This case illustrates the importance of proper valve sizing to avoid paravalvular leak, and how to safely cross an ACURATE-neo valve to avoid catheter entangling.

Un homme de 75 ans présentant une sténose aortique symptomatique sévère a subi l'implantation d'une valve aortique par cathéter, dont une ACURATE neo de 27-mm compliquée par une fuite paravalvulaire sévère. Par la suite, le patient a présenté une insuffisance cardiaque sévère . Une nouvelle analyse de ses examens tomodensitométriques a indiqué des signes d'incompatibilité entre la prothèse et l'anneau mitral. Il a donc fallu réaliser une nouvelle implantation valvulaire aortique par cathéter avec une valve SAPIEN 3 de 29 mm. Ce cas illustre l'importance d'une bonne évaluation de l'anneau valvulaire pour éviter les fuites paravalvulaires, et décrit comment traverser une valve ACURATE neo pour éviter l'enchevêtrement du cathéter.

Short Durations of Radial Hemostatic Device After Diagnostic Transradial Cardiac Catheterization: The PRACTICAL-2 Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is the most common complication following transradial approach (TRA) for cardiac catheterisation. Our aim was to assess if decreasing radial hemostatic device (RHD) time reduces the risk of RAO among individuals receiving small sheath sizes with no adjunctive heparin. METHODS: We randomised 450 individuals undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization via TRA to 3 durations of RHD time: 10, 20, or 30 minutes. After these time periods, the RHD was gradually released over 20 minutes. The primary efficacy end point was forearm hematoma grade ≥ 2 (5-10 cm) and the primary safety end point was RAO (as determined by Doppler ultrasound) 1 hour after RHD removal (before discharge). RESULTS: The mean age was 66 years and 64% were male. Five-French sheaths were used in all patients. Hematoma grade ≥ 2 occurred in only 1 patient, who was in the 20-minute group (P = 0.39). RAO occurred in 6.7% of patients in the 10-minute group, 10.7% in the 20-minute group and 6% in the 30-minute group (P = 0.26). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients receiving small-caliber sheaths without adjunctive heparin, the incidence of forearm hematoma and RAO are low. Shorter durations of RHD time did not further reduce the risk of these complications.

Clinical outcomes of a combined transcatheter and minimally invasive atrial septal defect repair program using a 'Heart Team' approach.

BACKGROUND: Contemporary transcatheter and minimally invasive approaches allow for improved cosmesis and eliminate sternotomy; however, access to a 'Heart Team' approach to minimally invasive atrial septal defect (ASD) repair remains limited in Canada. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of all minimally invasive atrial septal defect repairs performed between 2009 and 2017 at a quaternary cardiac care centre were included. We compared residual shunt, functional status, periprocedural complications, and hospital lengths-of-stay between patients undergoing transcatheter and minimally invasive endoscopic ASD repair. RESULTS: Between 2009 and 2017, 61 consecutive patients underwent ASD repair at a single centre: 28 patients underwent transcatheter closure (64.3% female; median age 57, interquartile range 43-70.5) and 33 patients underwent minimally invasive endoscopic repair (72.7% female; median age 37, interquartile range 24-50). Patient demographics were similar between the two groups with the exception of transcatheter patients having smaller defect size (1.65 cm versus 2.35 cm, p = 0.002). Procedural success was 93% (26/28) and 100% (33/33) for transcatheter and minimally invasive groups (p = 0.21), respectively. Periprocedural complications were similarly low between the two groups with the exception of longer hospital length-of-stay in the surgical patients (5 days vs 1 day, p < 0.0001). Over a follow-up period (transcatheter: 0.5-56.5 months, surgical: 0.25-89 months), there was no difference in residual shunt (14.3% versus 6.1%, p = 0.4) or NYHA I Functional Class (88.5% versus 96.9%, p = 0.21). CONCLUSION: Transcatheter and minimally invasive approaches to ASD repair are safe and feasible in selected patients using a 'Heart Team' approach and represent attractive alternatives to median sternotomy.

Is There a Role for Diagonal Coronary Artery Stenting in Patients Undergoing Robotic Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery?

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of diagonal coronary artery stenting in patients undergoing robotic left internal thoracic artery-to-left anterior descending (LITA-to-LAD) anastomosis is not well defined. The objective of this study was to assess graft and stent patency in a single-stage hybrid revascularization with LITA-to-LAD anastomosis and PCI to a diagonal coronary artery. METHODS: From 2004 to 2014, a total of 25 patients consented to robotic-assisted LITA harvesting and a small left anterior thoracotomy for off-pump coronary artery bypass anastomosis onto the LAD along with concomitant PCI to the diagonal coronary artery. PCI to the diagonal coronary artery was performed in the same fluoroscopy-equipped hybrid operating room. RESULTS: Patients were on average 66 ± 11 years with 32% female. Pre-operative characteristics of these patients included 8% with a grade 3 or 4 left ventricle, 16% with a recent MI, and 92% with CCS III/IV symptoms. There were no death, one patient required an intra-aortic balloon pump, and one patient required re-operation for bleeding. The average ICU stay was 1.1 ± 0.53 days, and the average hospital stay was 4.6 ± 2.4 days. Fitzgibbon Grade A LITA-to-LAD patency at 6-month follow-up was 100%. As well, at 6-month follow-up the DES to the diagonal coronary artery had a patency rate of 96%. CONCLUSIONS: Single-stage hybrid revascularization strategy for bifurcating lesions of the LAD and diagonal coronary arteries with LITA-to-LAD anastomosis and PCI to a diagonal coronary artery appears to have acceptable clinical results with excellent 6-month angiographic patency results.

Nitroglycerin-Derived Pd/Pa for the Assessment of Intermediate Coronary Lesions.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the predictive value of Pd/Pa after nitroglycerin administration (Pd/Pa[N]) as compared with standard fractional flow reserve (FFR). METHODS: Consecutive patients with intermediate coronary lesions assessed by FFR between January 2014 and October 2015 were included. We measured Pd/Pa at baseline, Pd/Pa(N), and Pd/Pa after incremental doses of intracoronary adenosine. RESULTS: A total of 134 patients (27% females; mean age, 65 years) were included. The diagnostic performance of Pd/Pa(N) and identification of cut-off value for Pd/Pa(N) compared with FFR threshold of 0.8 using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve analysis was between 0.98 (95% confidence interval, 0.95-1.00; P<.05) for 48 µg and 0.86 (95% confidence interval, 0.79-0.94; P<.05) for 240 µg adenosine. Pd/Pa(N) ≤0.8 had 100% positive predictive value. Pd/Pa(N) ≥0.94 provided 100% negative predictive value with a high sensitivity (>92%). Optimal diagnostic accuracy of Pd/Pa(N) was achieved for values ≤0.84. The Pearson's correlation between Pd/Pa(N) and FFR varied between 0.89 for 24 µg adenosine and 0.77 for 240 µg (P<.01). CONCLUSION: Pd/Pa(N) values can be used for diagnosis of hemodynamically significant lesions. Pd/Pa(N) correlates well with standard FFR. Pd/Pa(N) cut-off of ≤0.8 can be considered significant without need for adenosine injection. The value of using adenosine whenever Pd/Pa(N) is ≥0.94 is limited.

Early clinical outcomes of a novel self-expanding transapical transcatheter aortic valve bioprosthesis.

OBJECTIVE: Coronary obstruction remains a challenging complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement; however, a new self-expanding transapical prosthesis may reduce this risk. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the early 1-year outcomes of patients with low coronary heights who received the Acurate TA bioprosthesis (Symetis, Ecublens, Switzerland). METHODS: Between May 2014 and April 2015, 30 consecutive patients (aged 85 ± 6 years, 63% were female, Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 8.4 ± 6.0) with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement with the Acurate TA bioprosthesis. Relevant patient characteristics included reoperation in 47% (n = 14), peripheral vascular disease in 43% (n = 13), and porcelain aorta in 30% (n = 9). The mean left and right coronary heights were 10.8 ± 1.5 mm and 16.4 ± 4.1 mm, respectively, with a sinus of Valsalva : annular ratio of 1.3 ± 0.8. RESULTS: All 30 device implants were successful. The 30-day in-hospital mortality was 3.3% (n = 1), and no patients had coronary obstruction or stroke. One patient (3.3%) had apical rupture requiring cardiopulmonary bypass for repair, 1 patient (3.3%) had a localized femoral artery dissection, and 1 patient (3.7%) required a new pacemaker. There were no other complications. Mean and peak transaortic valve gradients decreased from 59 ± 17 and 84 ± 31 mm Hg to 14 ± 7 and 28 ± 12 mm Hg, respectively (P < .0005). No patients had more than mild paravalvular aortic insufficiency. At 30 days, there were no further complications and 96.7% (n = 29) were in New York Heart Association class I/II. Survival at 30 days and 1 year was 97% and 89%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Symetis Acurate TA device demonstrates high procedural success and excellent acute and 1-year patient outcomes. The device allows safe implantation in patients at higher risk for coronary artery obstruction.

Effect of defibrillation testing on management during implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation.

BACKGROUND: Verification of defibrillation efficacy by defibrillation threshold (DFT) testing during implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation is the current standard. Generally, defibrillation of ventricular fibrillation at 10 J below the maximum output of a device is felt to establish an adequate safety margin. Nonetheless, DFT testing adds to cost and carries some potential for morbidity, whereas its impact on outcomes in the modern era of defibrillator technology is unclear. We aimed to determine the frequency that DFT testing resulted in a change at device implant and to identify clinical and echocardiographic predictors of the need for DFT testing. METHODS: We reviewed all implantable cardioverter-defibrillators that were implanted at the London Health Sciences Centre (Ontario, Canada) from June 1999 to August 2003 and used multivariate analysis to determine variables associated with DFT test failures and elevated DFT values. When a defibrillation failure was not observed, a lowest energy to defibrillate (LED) was recorded. RESULTS: Among 168 implants, DFT testing was successful with a minimum 10-J safety margin in 152 (90%), whereas the remaining 16 required changes at device implant. In a multivariate analysis, use of amiodarone was independently associated with DFT failure (odds ratio, 4.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-17.0). Significantly higher mean DFT/LED values were observed among patients on amiodarone (1.36 J; P = .0041). Those with nonischemic cardiomyopathy had a higher mean DFT/LED compared with those with ischemic cardiomyopathy (1.44 J; P = .028). CONCLUSIONS: Use of amiodarone is associated with a 4-fold increase in risk of DFT failure and subsequent need for changes at implant to achieve a safe threshold. Defibrillation threshold testing appears to be most useful for patients taking amiodarone.

First North American Experience With the Engager Self-Expanding Transcatheter Aortic Valve: Insights From the London Health Sciences Centre Heart Team.

The Engager aortic bioprosthesis consists of bovine pericardial leaflets mounted on a self-expandable frame with unique anatomic orientation capabilities to engage the aortic valve cusps. We report the initial North American transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) experience with the Engager device. Transapical TAVI was performed in 4 patients (mean age 80 ± 6 years, Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 5 ± 1%). The valve was anatomically oriented and successfully implanted in all patients. There were no conversions to open operation or major procedure-related adverse events. Pacemaker implantation was necessary in 1 patient. None of the patients showed paravalvular leak. The Engager device for TAVI provides anatomic orientation and anchoring that prevents coronary obstruction and paravalvular leak.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation With or Without Preimplantation Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Preimplantation balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) is considered a routine procedure during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) to facilitate prosthesis implantation and expansion; however, it has been speculated that fewer embolic events and/or less hemodynamic instability may occur if TAVI is performed without preimplantation BAV. The aim of this study was to systematically review the clinical outcomes associated with TAVI undertaken without preimplantation BAV. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a search of Medline and Embase to identify studies that evaluated patients who underwent TAVI with or without preimplantation BAV for predilation. Pooled analysis and random-effects meta-analyses were used to estimate the rate and risk of adverse outcomes. Sixteen studies involving 1395 patients (674 with and 721 without preimplantation BAV) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Crude device success was achieved in 94% (1311 of 1395), and 30-day all-cause mortality occurred in 6% (72 of 1282) of patients. Meta-analyses evaluating outcomes of strategies with and without preimplantation BAV showed no statistically significant differences in terms of mortality (relative risk [RR] 0.61, 95% CI 0.32-1.14, P=0.12), safety composite end point (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.62-1.18, P=0.34), moderate to severe paravalvular leaks (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.23-1.99, P=0.48), need for postdilation (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.66-1.13, P=0.58), stroke and/or transient ischemic attack (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.30-1.71, P=0.45), and permanent pacemaker implantation (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.49-1.30, P=0.37). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis suggests that TAVI procedures with or without preimplantation BAV were associated with similar outcomes for a number of clinically relevant end points. Further studies including a large number of patients are needed to ascertain the impact of TAVI without preimplantation BAV as a standard practice.

Transcatheter ACURATE-TA Aortic Valve Implantation in a Patient With a Previous Mechanical Mitral Valve.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in the presence of a mechanical mitral valve (MMV) prosthesis is still challenging because of the rigid mitral frame within the aortomitral curtain. Moreover, low-lying coronary ostia represent a hazardous problem of coronary obstruction, especially in narrow or porcelain aortic roots. The present case demonstrates the successful management of 2 challenging anatomical issues, the rigid cage of the MMV and the low-lying left main coronary ostium (LMCO), with the implantation of the ACURATE-TA bioprosthesis (Symetis SA, Ecublens, Switzerland). It also highlights the importance of having multiple TAVI devices in order to choose the ideal transcatheter aortic bioprosthesis to fit the unique anatomical presentation of the patient.