Infective Endocarditis After Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Scarce data are available comparing infective endocarditis (IE) following surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This study aimed to compare the clinical presentation, microbiological profile, management, and outcomes of IE after SAVR versus TAVR. METHODS: Data were collected from the "Infectious Endocarditis after TAVR International" (enrollment from 2005 to 2020) and the "International Collaboration on Endocarditis" (enrollment from 2000 to 2012) registries. Only patients with an IE affecting the aortic valve prosthesis were included. A 1:1 paired matching approach was used to compare patients with TAVR and SAVR. RESULTS: A total of 1688 patients were included. Of them, 602 (35.7%) had a surgical bioprosthesis (SB), 666 (39.5%) a mechanical prosthesis, 70 (4.2%) a homograft, and 350 (20.7%) a transcatheter heart valve. In the SAVR versus TAVR matched population, the rate of new moderate or severe aortic regurgitation was higher in the SB group (43.4% vs 13.5%; P < .001), and fewer vegetations were diagnosed in the SB group (62.5% vs 82%; P < .001). Patients with an SB had a higher rate of perivalvular extension (47.9% vs 27%; P < .001) and Staphylococcus aureus was less common in this group (13.4% vs 22%; P = .033). Despite a higher rate of surgery in patients with SB (44.4% vs 27.3%; P < .001), 1-year mortality was similar (SB: 46.5%; TAVR: 44.8%; log-rank P = .697). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical presentation, type of causative microorganism, and treatment differed between patients with an IE located on SB compared with TAVR. Despite these differences, both groups exhibited high and similar mortality at 1-year follow-up.

Myocardial revascularization failure among patients requiring cardiac catheterization and secondary revascularization in contemporary clinical practice: Results of the REVASEC multicenter registry.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial revascularization failure (MRF) and Secondary revascularization (SR) are contemporary interventional cardiology challenges. AIM: To investigate the characteristics, management, and prognosis of patients with myocardial revascularization failure (MRF) and need for secondary revascularization (SR) in contemporary practice. METHODS: The REVASEC study is a prospective registry (NCT03349385), which recruited patients with prior revascularization referred for coronary angiography at 19 centers. The primary endpoint is a patient-oriented composite (POCE) at 1 year, including death, myocardial infarction, or repeat revascularization. RESULTS: A total of 869 patients previously revascularized by percutaneous intervention (83%) or surgery (17%) were recruited. MRF was found in 83.7% (41.1% stent/graft failure, 32.1% progression of coronary disease, and 10.5% residual disease). SR was performed in 70.1%, preferably by percutaneous intervention (95%). The POCE rate at 1 year was 14% in the overall cohort, with 6.4% all-cause death. In the multivariate analysis, lower POCE rates were found in the groups without MRF (9.4%) and with disease progression (11%) compared with graft/stent failure (17%) and residual disease (18%), hazard ratio 0.67 (95% confidence interval: 0.45-0.99), p = 0.043. At 1 year, the SR group had less chronic persistent angina (19% vs. 34%, p < 0.001), but a higher rate of repeat revascularization (9% vs. 2.9%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: MRF was found in 84% of patients with prior revascularization referred for coronary angiography. Stent/graft failure and residual coronary disease were associated with a worse prognosis. SR provided better symptom control at the expense of a higher rate of new revascularization.

Conservative, surgical, and percutaneous treatment for mitral regurgitation shortly after acute myocardial infarction.

AIMS: Severe mitral regurgitation (MR) following acute myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with high mortality rates and has inconclusive recommendations in clinical guidelines. We aimed to report the international experience of patients with secondary MR following acute MI and compare the outcomes of those treated conservatively, surgically, and percutaneously. METHODS AND RESULTS: Retrospective international registry of consecutive patients with at least moderate-to-severe MR following MI treated in 21 centres in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The registry included patients treated conservatively and those having surgical mitral valve repair or replacement (SMVR) or percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) using edge-to-edge repair. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. A total of 471 patients were included (43% female, age 73 ± 11 years): 205 underwent interventions, of whom 106 were SMVR and 99 PMVR. Patients who underwent mitral valve intervention were in a worse clinical state (Killip class ≥3 in 60% vs. 43%, P < 0.01), but yet had lower in-hospital and 1-year mortality compared with those treated conservatively [11% vs. 27%, P < 0.01 and 16% vs. 35%, P < 0.01; adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18-0.46, P < 0.01]. Surgical mitral valve repair or replacement was performed earlier than PMVR [median of 12 days from MI date (interquartile range 5-19) vs. 19 days (10-40), P < 0.01]. The immediate procedural success did not differ between SMVR and PMVR (92% vs. 93%, P = 0.53). However, in-hospital and 1-year mortality rates were significantly higher in SMVR than in PMVR (16% vs. 6%, P = 0.03 and 31% vs. 17%, P = 0.04; adjusted HR 3.75, 95% CI 1.55-9.07, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Early intervention may mitigate the poor prognosis associated with conservative therapy in patients with post-MI MR. Percutaneous mitral valve repair can serve as an alternative for surgery in reducing MR for high-risk patients.

Perivalvular Extension of Infective Endocarditis After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis (IE) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been associated with a dismal prognosis. However, scarce data exist on IE perivalvular extension (PEE) in such patients. METHODS: This multicenter study included 579 patients who had the diagnosis of definite IE at a median of 171 (53-421) days following TAVR. PEE was defined as the presence of an intracardiac abscess, pseudoaneurysm, or fistula. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients (18.1%) were diagnosed with PEE (perivalvular abscess, pseudoaneurysm, fistula, or a combination in 87, 7, 7, and 4 patients, respectively). A history of chronic kidney disease (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj], 2.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27-3.41; P = .003) and IE secondary to coagulase-negative staphylococci (ORadj, 2.71; 95% CI: 1.57-4.69; P < .001) were associated with an increased risk of PEE. Surgery was performed at index IE episode in 34 patients (32.4%) with PEE (vs 15.2% in patients without PEE, P < .001). In-hospital and 2-year mortality rates among PEE-IE patients were 36.5% and 69.4%, respectively. Factors independently associated with an increased mortality were the occurrence of other complications (stroke post-TAVR, acute renal failure, septic shock) and the lack of surgery at index IE hospitalization (padj < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: PEE occurred in about one-fifth of IE post-TAVR patients, with the presence of coagulase-negative staphylococci and chronic kidney disease determining an increased risk. Patients with PEE-IE exhibited high early and late mortality rates, and surgery during IE hospitalization seemed to be associated with better outcomes.

Usefulness of a novel sizing chart for left atrial appendage occlusion with the Amplatzer Amulet.

PURPOSE: The present article aims to compare a novel sizing chart based on both maximum and minimum diameters (novel MATRIX) with the current sizing recommendation instructions for use (IFU) based on the maximum diameter. BACKGROUND: Current IFU with the Amulet device are still based on the maximum left atrial appendage (LAA) diameter, which might lead to inappropriate oversizing, especially in elliptic appendages. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing LAA occlusion in two high-volume centers. Two hundred patients were included (100 patients with baseline cardiac computed tomography angiography [CCTA] and 100 with baseline 2D and 3D-transesophageal echocardiography [TEE]). The degree of concordance between the predicted device size recommendation and the actual device selection was the primary outcome. RESULTS: The novel MATRIX showed a higher level of concordance between the predicted and implanted device size, regardless of imaging modalities. CCTA showed the strongest, and 2D-TEE the weakest concordance between the predicted and implanted device for both MATRIX and IFU charts. The percentage of patients in whom the disagreement among the predicted and implanted device represented >1 size was higher when using the IFU chart. In elliptical LAA anatomies, the differences favoring the use of MATRIX compared to the IFU in terms of predicted/implanted agreement were higher. Finally, no significant differences in clinical or imaging endpoints were observed between the two different sizing charts. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating both the LAA maximum and minimum diameters, as opposed to just maximum diameter, appears to improve sizing accuracy. The proposed MATRIX sizing chart offered a higher level of concordance between predicted and implanted device compared to the current IFU.

Temporal Trends, Characteristics, and Outcomes of Infective Endocarditis After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Procedural improvements combined with the contemporary clinical profile of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may have influenced the incidence and outcomes of infective endocarditis (IE) following TAVR. We aimed to determine the temporal trends, characteristics, and outcomes of IE post-TAVR. METHODS: Observational study including 552 patients presenting definite IE post-TAVR. Patients were divided in 2 groups according to the timing of TAVR (historical cohort [HC]: before 2014; contemporary cohort [CC]: after 2014). RESULTS: Overall incidence rates of IE were similar in both cohorts (CC vs HC: 5.45 vs 6.52 per 1000 person-years; P = .12), but the rate of early IE was lower in the CC (2.29‰ vs 4.89‰, P < .001). Enterococci were the most frequent microorganism. Most patients presented complicated IE ( CC: 67.7%; HC: 69.6%; P = .66), but the rate of surgical treatment remained low (CC: 20.7%; HC: 17.3%; P = .32). The CC exhibited lower rates of in-hospital acute kidney injury (35.1% vs 44.6%; P = .036) and in-hospital (26.6% vs 36.4%; P = .016) and 1-year (37.8% vs 53.5%; P < .001) mortality. Higher logistic EuroScore, Staphylococcus aureus etiology, and complications (stroke, heart failure, and acute renal failure) were associated with in-hospital mortality in multivariable analyses (P < .05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Although overall IE incidence has remained stable, the incidence of early IE has declined in recent years. The microorganism, high rate of complications, and very low rate of surgical treatment remained similar. In-hospital and 1-year mortality rates were high but progressively decreased over time.

Survival benefit of revascularization versus optimal medical therapy alone for chronic total occlusion management in patients with diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Chronic total occlusion (CTO) is common in patients with diabetes mellitus. Data on the long-term outcomes after treatment of CTOs in this high-risk population are scarce. AIM: To compare the long-term clinical outcomes of CTO revascularization either by coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) or successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus optimal medical treatment (MT) alone in patients with diabetes. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 538 consecutive patients with diabetes and at least one CTO were identified from 2010 to 2014 in our center. In the present analysis, patients were stratified according to the CTO treatment strategy that was selected. MT was selected in 61% of patients whereas revascularization in the remaining 39%. Patients undergoing revascularization were younger, had higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), lower ACEF score, and more positive myocardial ischemia detection results compared to the MT group (p < .001).Patients referred for CABG had higher rates of left main disease compared to the PCI and MT groups (32% vs. 3% and 11%, respectively; p < .001). Complete revascularization was more often achieved in the CABG group, compared to the PCI group (62% vs. 32% p < .001). Multivariable analysis showed that revascularization with CABG was associated with lower rates of all-cause and cardiac mortality rates compared to MT, [hazard ratio (HR) 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.25-0.70, p < .001 and HR 0.40, 95% CI 0.20-81, p = .011, respectively]. Successful CTO-PCI showed a trend towards benefit in all-cause mortality (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.33-1.04, p = .06). CONCLUSION: In our registry, CTO revascularization in diabetic patients, especially with CABG, was associated with lower long-term mortality rates as compared to MT alone.

Left atrial appendage occlusion in chicken-wing anatomies: Imaging assessment, procedural, and clinical outcomes of the "sandwich technique".

OBJECTIVES: To describe imaging assessment, procedural and follow-up outcome of patients undergoing left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion (LAAO) using a "sandwich" technique. BACKGROUND: The presence of a LAA with chicken wing morphology constitutes a challenge that sometimes requires specific occlusion strategies like the "sandwich" technique. However, procedural and follow-up data focusing on this implanting strategy is scarce. METHODS: This multicenter study collected individual data from eight centers between 2012 and 2019. Consecutive patients with chicken-wing LAAs defined as an early (<20 mm from the ostium) and severe bend (>90°) who underwent LAAO with Amplatzer devices and using the "sandwich" technique were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 190 subjects were enrolled in the study. Procedures were done with the Amulet device (85%) and the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (15%). Successful implantation was achieved in 99.5% with ≤1 partial recapture in 80% of cases. Single (46.2%) and dual antiplatelet therapy (39.4%) were the most used antithrombotic therapies after LAAO. In-hospital major adverse events rate was 1.5% with no deaths. One patient (0.5%) had cardiac tamponade requiring percutaneous drainage. With a mean follow-up of 19.6 ± 14.8 months, the mortality and stroke rates were 7.7%/year and 2.5%/year, respectively. Follow-up transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) at 2-3 months showed device-related thrombosis in 2.8% and peri-device leak ≥3 mm in 1.2% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: In a large series of patients with chicken wing LAA anatomies undergoing LAAO, the use of the "sandwich" technique was feasible and safe. Preprocedural imaging was a key-factor to determine specific measurements.

Use of MitraClip for mitral valve repair in patients with acute mitral regurgitation following acute myocardial infarction: Effect of cardiogenic shock on outcomes (IREMMI Registry).

OBJECTIVES: To assess outcomes in patients with acute mitral regurgitation (MR) following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who received percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) with the MitraClip device and to compare outcomes of patients who developed cardiogenic shock (CS) to those who did not (non-CS). BACKGROUND: Acute MR after AMI may lead to CS and is associated with high mortality. METHODS: This registry analyzed patients with MR after AMI who were treated with MitraClip at 18 centers within eight countries between January 2016 and February 2020. Patients were stratified into CS and non-CS groups. Primary outcomes were mortality and rehospitalization due to heart failure. Secondary outcomes were acute procedural success, functional improvement, and MR reduction. Multivariable Cox regression analysis evaluated association of CS with clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Among 93 patients analyzed (age 70.3 ± 10.2 years), 50 patients (53.8%) experienced CS before PMVR. Mortality at 30 days (10% CS vs. 2.3% non-CS; p = .212) did not differ between groups. After median follow-up of 7 months (IQR 2.5-17 months), the combined event mortality/re-hospitalization was similar (28% CS vs. 25.6% non-CS; p = .793). Likewise, immediate procedural success (90% CS vs. 93% non-CS; p = .793) and need for reintervention (CS 6% vs. non-CS 2.3%, p = .621) or re-admission due to HF (CS 13% vs. NCS 23%, p = .253) at 3 months did not differ. CS was not independently associated with the combined end-point (hazard ratio 1.1; 95% CI, 0.3-4.6; p = .889). CONCLUSIONS: Patients found to have significant MR during their index hospitalization for AMI had similar clinical outcomes with PMVR whether they presented in or out of cardiogenic shock, provided initial hemodynamic stabilization was first achieved before PMVR.

Incidence, predictors, and clinical impact of bleeding recurrence in patients with prior gastrointestinal bleeding undergoing LAAC.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is associated with a high recurrence rate and a prior GIB episode is common in real-world left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) recipients. The present study sought to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with prior GIB undergoing LAAC, and to determine the factors associated with and clinical impact of GIB recurrence. METHODS: Multicenter study including 277 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous LAAC and had prior GIB. All-cause death, all bleeding, GIB recurrence, and clinical ischemic stroke were recorded. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 17 (interquartile range: 6-37) months post-LAAC, the rates of death, bleeding, GIB recurrence, and ischemic stroke were 14.0 per 100 person-year (PY), 29.3 per 100 PY, 17.7 per 100 PY, and 1.1 per 100 PY, respectively. GIB recurrence occurred within 3 months post-LAAC in 55.8% of patients. A previous lower GIB (vs. upper or unclassified) (HR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.09-2.82; p = .020) and eGFR < 45 mL/min (HR: 1.70; 95% CI:1.04-2.67; p = .033) determined an increased risk of GIB recurrence. By multivariable analysis, eGFR < 45 mL/min (HR: 2.72; 95% CI: 1.70-4.34; p < .001), GIB recurrence following LAAC (HR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.33-3.46; p = .002), diabetes mellitus (HR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.10-2.84; p = .018), and age (HR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.03-1.10; p < .001) were associated with an increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with prior GIB undergoing LAAC exhibited a relatively low rate of GIB recurrence, and prior lower GIB and moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease determined an increased risk. GIB recurrence was associated with an increased mortality.

Clinical impact of conduction disturbances in transcatheter aortic valve replacement recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: The clinical impact of new-onset persistent left bundle branch block (NOP-LBBB) and permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) on transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) recipients remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate the impact of (i) periprocedural NOP-LBBB and PPI post-TAVR on 1-year all-cause death, cardiac death, and heart failure hospitalization and (ii) NOP-LBBB on the need for PPI at 1-year follow-up. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a systematic search from PubMed and EMBASE databases for studies reporting raw data on 1-year clinical impact of NOP-LBBB or periprocedural PPI post-TAVR. Data from 30 studies, including 7792 patients (12 studies) and 42 927 patients (21 studies) for the evaluation of the impact of NOP-LBBB and PPI after TAVR were sourced, respectively. NOP-LBBB was associated with an increased risk of all-cause death [risk ratio (RR) 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-1.49; P < 0.001], cardiac death (RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.20-1.78; P < 0.001), heart failure hospitalization (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.05-1.72; P = 0.02), and PPI (RR 1.89, 95% CI 1.58-2.27; P < 0.001) at 1-year follow-up. Periprocedural PPI after TAVR was associated with a higher risk of all-cause death (RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.11-1.25; P < 0.001) and heart failure hospitalization (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.03-1.36; P = 0.02). Permanent pacemaker implantation was not associated with an increased risk of cardiac death (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.67-1.05; P = 0.13). CONCLUSION: NOP-LBBB and PPI after TAVR are associated with an increased risk of all-cause death and heart failure hospitalization at 1-year follow-up. Periprocedural NOP-LBBB also increased the risk of cardiac death and PPI within the year following the procedure. Further studies are urgently warranted to enhance preventive measures and optimize the management of conduction disturbances post-TAVR.

Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure, a safe alternative to anticoagulation for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis: A single center experience.

The evidence about the effectiveness and safety of oral anticoagulation in patients on hemodialysis is conflicting and scarce. Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has demonstrated to be a valid alternative therapeutic option for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). The aim of this study is to present the outcomes of percutaneous LAAO in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis and NVAF in our center. We conducted a retrospective review of clinical records, demographics, LAAO procedure, complications, and outcomes of patients with NVAF and ESRD on hemodialysis who underwent a percutaneous LAAO in our center between January 2017 and January 2019. In the period of the study, eight patients with ESRD on hemodialysis underwent a percutaneous LAAO in our center. The overall mean age was 67.5 years (range 56-81; SD ± 7.2). All patients had permanent NVAF. The total mean dialysis duration was 8.49 years (range 0.83-14.8; SD ± 6.2). The mean CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were high (4.75 [SD ± 1.16] and 4.62 [SD ± 0.91], respectively). All patients had history of a major hemorrhagic event (BARC Score ≥3). Most patients (n = 6) showed left ventricular hypertrophy, and the average LVEF was 54% (SD ± 6.5). All devices were implanted successfully. Postprocedural antithrombotic regimen prescribed was based on antiplatelet therapy. No deaths, cardioembolic events, or major bleeding (according to the BARC scale) were reported during a mean follow-up of 14.24 months (SD ± 9.44). Percutaneous LAAO could be of particular interest in patients with NVAF and CKD in hemodialysis. Further studies will be necessary to confirm this hypothesis.

Impact of revascularization versus medical therapy alone for chronic total occlusion management in older patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic total occlusions (CTOs) are present in more than one third of older patients with myocardial ischemia, but controversy remains about the best therapeutic approach. AIMS: To compare long-term survival after CTO revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI] or coronary artery bypass graft [CABG]) versus medical treatment (MT) alone in patients aged 75 and older. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 1,252 consecutive patients with at least one CTO were identified from 2010 to 2014 in our center. Patients were stratified by age (<75 years vs. ≥75 years) in the present analysis. All-cause and cardiac mortality were assessed at a median follow-up of 3.5 years. In the older subgroup (26%), patients were more likely to be treated with MT alone (71% vs. 43% of younger patients; p < 0.001). Patients undergoing revascularization were younger and had higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and lower age, creatinine, ejection fraction (ACEF) score (age/LVEF +1 if creatinine >2.0 mg/dL), compared to the MT group (p < 0.05). As compared to MT, revascularization predicted lower rates of cardiac mortality and all-cause mortality in older patients, both in the subgroups treated with CABG (hazard ratio [HR] 0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.17-0.71; HR 0.39, 95%CI 0.18-0.81) and PCI (HR 0.57, 95%CI 0.33-0.98; HR 0.59, 95%CI 0.28-1.2). No differences in mortality were observed according to type of revascularization procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients aged at least 75 years with a CTO, revascularization (PCI or CABG) rather than MT alone may portend a better outcome in terms of all-cause and cardiac mortality.

Thrombocytopenia after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. A comparison between balloon-expandable and self-expanding valves.

BACKGROUND: Thrombocytopenia after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is common and has been related to higher mortality and major complications. No comparison between balloon-expandable (BEV) and self-expanding valves (SEV) regarding drop platelet count (DPC) has been reported to date. The objectives of this study were to analyze the differences in DPC between BEVs or SEVs and their prognostic implications in clinical outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing TAVI. Platelet counts after TAVI were collected. Two groups were created: DPC ≤ 30% and DPC > 30%. VARC-2 criteria were used to define outcomes. RESULTS: Study population was composed of 195 patients (age 77.5 ± 6.7, 57.4% males). All of them but one experienced DPC (mean DPC 31.9 ± 15.3%). DPC was significantly higher among the patients treated with BEV compared to those treated with SEV (36.3 ± 15.1% vs 27.7 ± 14.4, P < 0.001). After multivariate analysis, the use of BEV was independently associated with a higher rate of DPC > 30% (67.4% vs 36.0%; OR 3.4; 95% CI, 1.42-8.16). At 30 days, the DPC > 30% was associated with a higher rate of life-threatening/major bleeding, major vascular complications, in-hospital sepsis and mortality. At one year, there were no statistically significant differences in the mortality rate between groups (6.35% vs 10.0%, HR 1.54; 95% CI, 0.56-4.25). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the use of BEV was associated with a higher risk of DPC after TAVI. A DPC rate > 30% was associated with an increased risk of major complications at 30 days.

Significant mitral regurgitation in patients undergoing TAVR: Mechanisms and imaging variables associated with improvement.

BACKGROUND: Significant mitral regurgitation (MR) is associated with poorer outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Factors associated with MR improvement have not been studied thoroughly. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients treated with TAVR with more than mild MR at baseline. MR evolution was assessed at 1-3 and 6-12 months after intervention. MR severity and mechanisms were assessed by echocardiography. Mitral annulus calcification (MAC) was quantified using preoperative cardiac CT. RESULTS: From 674 consecutive TAVR recipients, 78 with more than mild MR had a 6-12 months follow-up. Following TAVR, MR improved in 34 patients (43%), remained stable in 38 (49%) and worsened in 6 (8%). Patients with MR improvement had greater tenting area (141 ± 56 vs. 99 ± 40 mm2 , P < 0.01), tenting height (7.2 ± 1.9 vs. 5.6 ± 1.9 mm, P < 0.01) and lower ejection fraction (43 ± 16 vs. 52 ± 14%, P = 0.01). MAC was frequent (87.7% of patients) and a trend in greater MAC was observed in patients without MR improvement (3560 ± 5587 vs. 2053 ± 2800, P = 0.16). In multivariable analysis, tenting area (OR per 10 mm2 increase: 1.012, 95% CI, 1.001-1.024 P = 0.039) and annulus calcifications associated with leaflet restriction (OR = 0.108, 95% CI, 0.012-0.956, P = 0.045) were independently associated with MR outcome after TAVR. CONCLUSION: Larger mitral valve tenting area was associated with more improvement of MR after TAVR whereas extensive MAC associated with leaflet restriction was associated with less improvement. This may help in the clinical decision-making process of TAVR candidates with concomitant MR.

Predictors and Association With Clinical Outcomes of the Changes in Exercise Capacity After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: At present, there are no objective data specifically examining the clinical impact of variations in exercise capacity post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We describe the changes in exercise capacity between baseline and 6 months post-TAVR, and ascertain factors associated with and clinical implications of a lack of improvement in exercise capacity post-TAVR. METHODS: A total of 305 patients (mean age, 79±9 years; 44% men; Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk mortality score, 6.7±4.2%) undergoing TAVR completed both baseline and follow-up exercise capacity assessments at 6 months post-TAVR. Exercise capacity was evaluated by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Clinical outcomes were compared between patients displaying greater than (n=152; improving group) versus less than (n=153; nonimproving group) the median percentage change in distance walked between baseline and 6-month follow-up examinations. The primary outcome measure was clinical event rates, measured from the 6-month post-TAVR period onward. Further dichotomization according to baseline 6MWT distance (less than versus more than median walking distance, or slow walker versus fast walker) was also assessed. RESULTS: The mean overall distances walked pre- and post-TAVR (6 months post-TAVR) were 204±119 and 263±116 m, respectively (Δ6MWT=60±106 m), with 219 (72%) patients demonstrating an increase in their walking distance (median percentage increase of the entire population was 20% [interquartile range, 0%-80%]). Factors independently correlated with reduced exercise capacity improvement included a range of baseline clinical characteristics (older age, female sex, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; P<0.05 for all), periprocedural major or life-threatening bleeding (P=0.009) and new-onset anemia at 6 months post-TAVR (P=0.009). Failure to improve the 6MWT distance by at least 20% was independently associated with all-cause mortality (P=0.002) and cardiovascular death or rehospitalization for cardiovascular causes (P=0.001). Baseline slow walkers who were able to improve the 6MWT distance presented with significantly better outcomes than nonimprovers (P=0.01 for all-cause mortality; P=0.001 for cardiovascular end point). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-third of patients undergoing TAVR did not improve their exercise capacity postprocedure. The lack of functional improvement post-TAVR was predicted by a mix of baseline and periprocedural factors translating into poorer clinical outcomes. These results suggest that systematically implementing exercise capacity assessment pre- and post-TAVR may help to improve patient risk stratification.

MitraClip® Repair in Cardiogenic Shock Due to Acute Mitral Regurgitation: From Near-Death to Walking.

A patient with ischemic myocardiopathy who had undergone resynchronization therapy was admitted to the authors' institution with progressive dyspnea. Echocardiography demonstrated a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 25%, with a massive mitral regurgitation (MR) secondary to anterior leaflet prolapse and posterior leaflet restriction. Despite intensive medical treatment, the patient developed cardiogenic shock and required mechanical ventilation, inotropic support and intra-aortic balloon pumping. The patient was rejected for surgery due to the high operative risk, but subsequently underwent a successful percutaneous repair with two MitraClip® devices. Immediately after the intervention there was a progressive improvement that allowed the patient to be discharged, such that the clinical outcome was favorable at the six-month follow up (NYHA class II/IV). This case report describes the benefits of minimally invasive therapy in selected patients who are at very high surgical risk and who, despite being in a critical condition and with low LVEF, experience an outstanding clinical improvement following the resolution of a massive MR.

Unidirectional left-to-right interatrial shunting for treatment of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a safety and proof-of-principle cohort study.

BACKGROUND: In patients with heart failure, interventions to reduce elevated left atrial pressure improve symptoms and reduce the risk of hospital admission. We aimed to assess the safety and potential efficacy of therapeutic left-to-right interatrial shunting in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. METHODS: We did this proof-of-principle cohort study at one centre in Canada. Patients (aged ≥18 years) with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction were enrolled under the Canadian special access programme. Shunt implants were done after transseptal catheterisation with transoesophageal echocardiographic guidance under general anaesthesia. Patients had clinical and echocardiography evaluations at baseline and months 1 and 3 after shunt implantation. FINDINGS: Between Oct 10, 2013, and March 27, 2015, we enrolled ten patients. The device was successfully implanted in all patients; no device-related or procedural adverse events occurred during follow-up. Transoesophageal echocardiography at 1 month showed that all shunts were patent, with no thrombosis or migration. From baseline to 3 month follow-up, we recorded improvements in NYHA classification (from class III to class II in seven [78%] of nine patients, from class III to class I in one [11%] patient, and no change in one [11%] patient; p=0·0004); quality of life, as assessed by the Duke Activity Status Index (from a mean score of 13 [SD 6·2] to 24·8 [12·9]; p=0·016) and the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (from a mean score of 44·3 [SD 9·8] to 79·1 [13·0]; p=0·0001); and 6 min walk test distance (from a mean of 244 m [SD 112] to 318 m [134]; p=0·016). Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was reduced from a mean of 23 mm Hg (SD 5) at baseline to 17 mm Hg (8) at 3 months (p=0·035), with no changes in right atrial pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure, or pulmonary resistance. No patient was admitted to hospital for worsening heart failure. One (10%) patient was admitted to hospital with gastrointestinal bleeding at month 1; one (10%) patient died after incessant ventricular tachycardia storm, which led to terminal heart failure 2 months post-procedure. INTERPRETATION: This first-in-man experience with an implanted left-to-right interatrial shunt demonstrates initial safety and early beneficial clinical and haemodynamic outcomes in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Further large-scale randomised studies are warranted. FUNDING: V-Wave.

Feasibility, safety, and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve replacement without balloon predilation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of direct transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), that is, TAVR without balloon predilation (BPD), by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of available evidence. BACKGROUND: Avoiding BPD during TAVR was shown to be feasible in previous studies but the risks and benefits of this technique are unknown owing to the limited number of patients included in these studies. METHODS: We performed a systematic search for studies comparing direct TAVR vs TAVR performed with BPD. Crude risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each endpoint were calculated using random effects models. RESULTS: Twenty studies including 3586 patients (1606 undergoing direct TAVR) were selected for the analysis. Mean device success with direct TAVR was 88% with <5% of bail-out techniques. There were no differences between direct and BPD-TAVR in short-term (in-hospital or 30-day) mortality (RR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.78-1.43) or cerebrovascular events (RR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.58-1.46). Direct TAVR associated with reduced moderate or severe paravalvular leak post-TAVR (RR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.36-0.98) but not with a reduced risk of permanent pacemaker implantation (RR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.71-1.02). A slight increase in postdilation was observed in direct transfemoral-TAVR recipients (RR: 1.2; 95% CI: 1.00-1.44). CONCLUSION: Direct TAVR is feasible and safe. However, given the unadjusted nature of our results, uncertainties remain regarding the independent effect of direct TAVR on outcomes post-TAVR. Randomized studies are warranted to determine the potential benefits of direct TAVR. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Left atrial appendage closure: Initial experience with the ultraseal device.

OBJECTIVES: We report the initial experience of percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure with the Ultraseal device. BACKGROUND: LAA closure is an alternative to oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and high risk of bleeding. The Ultraseal device is a new LAA closure prosthesis that consists of a distal soft bulb and a proximal sail attached by an articulating joint that allows a high degree of device conformability to the different variations of the LAA anatomy. METHODS: We included 12 consecutive patients with NVAF who underwent LAA closure with the Ultraseal device between January and December 2015 in our center. Patients had clinical and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examinations at baseline and at 45 days following LAA closure. RESULTS: The device was successfully implanted in all patients, with no periprocedural complications. There were no episodes of bleeding, stroke, pericardial effusion, or device embolization at 45-day follow-up. No cases with residual leaks >5 mm were observed at TEE. One patient presented a device related thrombus without clinical consequences. CONCLUSIONS: This initial experience with the Ultraseal LAA closure device demonstrates preliminary safety and feasibility. Further larger studies with longer follow-up are warranted. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.