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FUNDAMENTO: O implante valvar aórtico transcateter (TAVI), do inglês Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation, apresenta crescimento exponencial de suas indicações desde sua introdução na prática médica. No Brasil, a TAVI foi recentemente incorporada no rol de procedimentos do Sistema Único de Saúde, o que ampliará sua utilização em nosso país. OBJETIVO: Conhecer os fatores associados a mortalidade e complicações não fatais intrahospitalares, como também a sobrevida com seguimento de 2 anos, em ambos os sexos, na população do Registro Brasileiro de Implante de Bioprótese Valvar Aórtica por Cateter e Novas Tecnologias (RIBAC-NT). MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Análise do banco de dados RIBAC-NT de 2008 a 2022. Aplicado modelos logísticos e machine learning, com construção de árvores de classificação e árvores de sobrevida, para conhecimento da associação das variáveis com os desfechos estudados. Empregou-se o software R com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 2588 pacientes, com mediana de idade de 82 anos, sendo 51% mulheres. A mortalidade foi de 8,2% intrahospitalar, 7,5%, 10,8%, 13% e 15,7% nos seguimentos de 30 dias, de 6 meses, e de 1 e 2 anos, respectivamente. As complicações do procedimento foram os principais fatores associados aos desfechos, dentre elas destacam-se as complicações vasculares maiores (CVM) e insuficiência renal aguda (IRA), que tiveram associação com morte intra-hospitalar (p<0,0001). A CVM ocorreu em 6% dos pacientes com 34% de mortalidade e IRA em 8,8% com 13% de mortalidade. As complicações do procedimento diminuíram a sobrevida no período total de seguimento (p<0,0001), com maior impacto para CVM (p<0,001), seguida de distúrbios de condução (p<0,001). A IRA diminuiu a sobrevida até 1 ano de seguimento (p<0,001). Apesar das taxas de ocorrência menores, obstrução coronariana (p<0,002), acidente vascular cerebral (p=0,046) e Society Thoracic Surgery escore >39,7 (p<0,002), impactaram significativamente a sobrevida a curto prazo. Comorbidades como insuficiência renal crônica, doença vascular periférica e doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) contribuíram para menor sobrevida nos seguimentos a partir de 6 meses do procedimento, sendo que DPOC somente quando se associou a complicações do procedimento. Mulheres foram relacionadas à maior percentual de complicações do procedimento que os homens, sendo estatisticamente significativo com uso de próteses de segunda geração (p= 0,003), mas sem se traduzirem em mortalidade. A melhor sobrevida nas mulheres ocorreu somente com uso de próteses de primeira geração. CONCLUSÃO: A população do RIBAC-NT apresenta taxa de mortalidade intra-hospitalar e de 30 dias elevadas se comparadas a registros de outros países. As complicações do procedimento, com ênfase às CVM e IRA, são as principais responsáveis pelos desfechos fatais e pela diminuição da sobrevida em todos os períodos da análise, se sobressaindo sobre os dados demográficos e as comorbidades dos pacientes. Sexo não se relacionou a mortalidade e teve influencia diferenciada na sobrevida somente quando utilizadas próteses de primeira geração.(AU)

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) has demonstrated exponential growth in its indications since its introduction in medical practice. In Brazil, TAVI was recently incorporated into the procedures schedule of the Brazilien Unified Public Health System, which will expand its use in our country. AIMS: To understand the factors associated with mortality and non-fatal in-hospital complications, as also the survival after 2-year of follow-up, in both sexes, in the population of the Brazilian Registry of Transcatheter Bioprosthesis Aortic Valve Implantation and New Technologies (RIBAC-NT). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Analysis of the RIBAC-NT database from 2008 to 2022. Logistic models and machine learning techniques were applied, with constructions of classification and survival trees, to understand the association between the variables and outcomes studied. The R software was applied with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: A total of 2588 patients were analyzed, with median age 82 years, 51% women. In-hospital mortality was 8.2%, and the mortality rates were 7,5% at 30 days, 10.8% at 6 months, 13% and 15.7% at 1 and 2 years, respectively. Procedural complications were the main factors associated with outcomes, with highlighting for major vascular complications (MVC) and acute kidney injury (AKI), which were associated with in-hospital death (p<0.0001). MVC occurred in 6% with 34% mortality, and AKI in 8.8% with 13% mortality. Procedure complications decreased survival over the entire follow-up period (p<0.0001), with greater impact for MVC (p<0.001), followed by conduction disturbances (p<0.001). AKI decreased survival up to 1 year of follow-up (p<0.001). Despite lower occurrence rates, coronary obstruction (p<0.002), stroke (p=0.046) and Society Thoracic Surgery score >39.7 (p<0.002) significantly impacted survival in the early months of follow-up. Comorbidities such as chronic kidney injury, peripheral vascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) contributed to decrease survival from sixth 6 months post-procedure, with COPD only when associated with procedure-related complications. Women were related to a higher percentage of procedure complications than men, statistically significant with the use of second-generation prostheses (p = 0.003), without translating into mortality. Better survival in women occurred only with the use of first-generation prostheses. CONCLUSION: The RIBAC-NT population presents high rates of in-hospital and 30-day mortality compared to registries from other countries. Procedure complications, with emphasis on MVC and AKI, are mainly responsible for fatal outcomes and decreased survival in all periods of analysis, outweighing demographic data and patient comorbidities. Sex was not related to mortality and had differentiated influence on survival only when first-generation prostheses were used.(AU)

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La indicación en el implante de la válvula aortica percutánea (TAVI) se ha incrementado considerablemente en los últimos años, utilizando de preferencia el acceso transfemoral (TF), sin embargo, no queda claro cual debería ser la 2 vía de preferencia ante contraindicaciones a esta última. Presentamos un paciente de 81 años con alto riesgo quirúrgico en quien luego de discusión con heart team se decidió realizar TAVI y posterior a la identificación de obstrucción de la luz aortica descendente de 50%, se decidido realizar acceso transcarotideo izquierdo. Numerosos abordajes alternativos a la vía TF han sido descriptos en los últimos años. La vía transcarotidea ha sido la de mejores resultados en distintas revisiones clínicas y la que se ha presentado como 2° alternativa a la TF en algoritmos establecidos. Reportamos el primer implante de TAVI por vía transcarotidea en el hospital las Higueras, Chile.

The indication for percutaneous aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has increased considerably in recent years, preferably using transfemoral access (TF); however, it is not clear which should be the preferred access in the event of contraindications to the latter. We present an 81-year-old patient with high surgical risk in whom a 50% obstruction of the descending aortic lumen was identified and so, a left transcarotid access was chosen. Numerous alternative approaches to the TF approach have been described in recent years. The transcarotid approach has been the one with the best results in different clinical reviews and the one that has been presented as the second alternative to TF in established algorithms. We report the first transcarotid TAVI implantation in Las Higueras Hospital, Talcahuano, Chile.

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Fundamento: A avaliação da área valvar mitral por meio da reconstrução multiplano na ecocardiografia tridimensional é restrita a softwares específicos e à experiência dos ecocardiografistas. Eles precisam selecionar manualmente o frame do vídeo que contenha a área de abertura máxima da valva mitral, dimensão fundamental para a identificação de estenose mitral. Objetivo: Automatizar o processo de determinação da área de abertura máxima da valva mitral, por meio da aplicação de Processamento Digital de Imagens (PDI) em exames de ecocardiograma, desenvolvendo um algoritmo aberto com leitura de vídeo no formato avi. Método: Este estudo piloto observacional transversal foi realizado com vinte e cinco exames diferentes de ecocardiograma, sendo quinze com abertura normal e dez com estenose mitral reumática. Todos os exames foram realizados e disponibilizados por dois especialistas, com autorização do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa, que utilizaram dois modelos de aparelhos ecocardiográficos: Vivid E95 (GE Healthcare) e Epiq 7 (Philips), com sondas multiplanares transesofágicas. Todos os vídeos em formato avi foram submetidos ao PDI através da técnica de segmentação de imagens. Resultados: As medidas obtidas manualmente por ecocardiografistas experientes e os valores calculados pelo sistema desenvolvido foram comparados utilizando o diagrama de Bland-Altman. Observou-se maior concordância entre valores no intervalo de 0,4 a 2,7 cm². Conclusão: Foi possível determinar automaticamente a área de máxima abertura das valvas mitrais, tanto para os casos advindos da GE quanto da Philips, utilizando apenas um vídeo como dado de entrada. O algoritmo demonstrou economizar tempo nas medições quando comparado com a mensuração habitual. (AU)

Background: The evaluation of mitral valve area through multiplanar reconstruction in 3-dimensional echocardiography is restricted to specific software and to the experience of echocardiographers. They need to manually select the video frame that contains the maximum mitral valve opening area, as this dimension is fundamental to identification of mitral stenosis. Objective: To automate the process of determining the maximum mitral valve opening area, through the application of digital image processing (DIP) in echocardiography tests, developing an open algorithm with video reading in avi format. Method: This cross-sectional observational pilot study was conducted with 25 different echocardiography exams, 15 with normal aperture and 10 with rheumatic mitral stenosis. With the authorization of the Research Ethics Committee, all exams were performed and made available by 2 specialists who used 2 models of echocardiographic devices: Vivid E95 (GE Healthcare) and Epiq 7 (Philips), with multiplanar transesophageal probes. All videos in avi format were submitted to DIP using the image segmentation technique. Results: The measurements obtained manually by experienced echocardiographers and the values calculated by the developed system were compared using a Bland-Altman diagram. There was greater agreement between values in the range from 0.4 to 2.7 cm². Conclusion: It was possible to automatically determine the maximum mitral valve opening area, for cases from both GE and Philips, using only 1 video as input data. The algorithm has been demonstrated to save time on measurements when compared to the usual method. (AU)

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A regurgitação tricúspide (RT) importante está associada à alta morbidade e mortalidade. Como o tratamento cirúrgico da RT isolada tem sido associado à alta mortalidade, as intervenções transcateter na valva tricúspide (VT) têm sido utilizadas para o seu tratamento, com risco relativamente mais baixo. Há um atraso na intervenção da RT e provavelmente está relacionado a uma compreensão limitada da anatomia da VT e do ventrículo direito, além da subestimação da gravidade da RT. Nesse cenário, faz-se necessário o conhecimento anatômico abrangente da VT, a fisiopatologia envolvida no mecanismo de regurgitação, assim como a sua graduação mais precisa. A VT tem peculiaridades anatômica, histológica e espacial que fazem a sua avalição ser mais complexa, quando comparado à valva mitral, sendo necessário o conhecimento e treinamento nas diversas técnicas ecocardiográficas que serão utilizadas frequentemente em combinação para uma avaliação precisa. Esta revisão descreverá a anatomia da VT, o papel do ecocardiograma no diagnóstico, graduação e fisiopatologia envolvida na RT, as principais opções atuais de tratamento transcateter da RT e a avaliação do resultado após intervenção transcateter por meio de múltiplas modalidades ecocardiográficas.(AU)

Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Given that surgical treatment of TR alone has been associated with high mortality, transcatheter interventions in the tricuspid valve (TV) have been used for its treatment, with relatively lower risk. There is a delay in intervention for TR, and this is probably related to a limited understanding of the anatomy of the TV and the right ventricle, in addition to an underestimation of the severity of TR. In this scenario, it is necessary to have comprehensive anatomical knowledge of the TV, the pathophysiology involved in the mechanism of regurgitation, and more accurate grading. The TV has anatomical, histological, and spatial peculiarities that make its assessment more complex when compared to the mitral valve, requiring knowledge and training in the various echocardiographic techniques that will often be used in combination for accurate assessment. This review will describe the anatomy of the TV, the role of echocardiography in the diagnosis, grading, and pathophysiology involved in TR; the main transcatheter treatment options currently available for TR; and the assessment of outcomes after transcatheter intervention by means of multiple echocardiographic modalities.(AU)

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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.

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Objective: To explore the safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using the "All in One" single-artery/vessel technique. Methods: This is a retrospective study. A total of 30 consecutive patients underwent TAVR using the single artery/vascular technique in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from August to December 2021 were included. Baseline clinical data, operative situation, postoperative outcomes, and incidence of adverse events during hospitalization and at one month post TAVR were analyzed. Results: Mean age was (72.6±9.7) years, 16 were male patients, STS score was (4.73±3.12)%. Four patients were diagnosed as isolated aortic regurgitation (all with tricuspid aortic valves), and 26 patients were diagnosed as aortic stenosis (AS), 10 of whom with tricuspid aortic valves and 16 of whom with bicuspid aortic valves. The single-vessel technique was applied in 3 aortic stenosis cases; the single-artery technique was applied in 27 cases. Echocardiography was performed immediately after procedure and results showed no or trace perivalvular leak in 27 cases and small perivalvular leak in 3 cases; the mean aortic transvalvular gradient of 26 AS patients decreased from (50.4±16.0) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) to (9.4±3.2) mmHg (P<0.001). The procedure time was (64.8±18.9) min. There were no intraoperative death, valve displacement, conversion to surgery, coronary artery occlusion in all 30 patients. There were no major cardiac adverse events such as myocardial infarction or stroke occurred during hospitalization or at follow-up. One-month follow-up echocardiography indicated prosthesis works well. The symptoms were significantly alleviated, and the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Score (KCCQ score) of all patients increased from 48.1±18.4 to 73.5±17.6 (P<0.001). Conclusions: TAVR using the single artery/vessel technique is safe and feasible. This technique is related to reduced access complications and worthy of wide application.

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Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary clinical results of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) with the domestically-produced balloon-expandable Prizvalve system. Methods: This is a prospective single-center observational study. Patients with postoperative right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction, who were admitted to West China Hospital of Sichuan University from September 2021 to March 2023 and deemed anatomically suitable for TPVR with balloon-expandable valve, were included. Clinical, imaging, procedural and follow-up data were analyzed. The immediate procedural results were evaluated by clinical implant success rate, which is defined as successful valve implantation with echocardiography-assessed pulmonary regurgitation<moderate and peak trans-pulmonary pressure gradient<40 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). Results: A total of 5 patients were included, with 4 males, aged 14 to 37 years. The initial diagnosis included Tetralogy of Fallot (2 cases), truncus arteriosus (1 case), pulmonary atresia (1 case) and subaortic stenosis (1 case, prior Ross procedure). Four patients underwent RVOT reconstruction with homograft or artificial conduit, and one patient was treated with trans-annular patch technique. The indications of TPVR included RVOT obstruction and regurgitation (3 cases), isolated obstruction (1 case), and isolated regurgitation (1 case). Of the 4 patients with varying severity of ROVT obstruction, the average preprocedural peak jet velocity of RVOT was 3.5 m/s, and the average peak pressure gradient was 50.0 mmHg. Except for one patient, who had previously been implanted with a covered Cheatham-Platinum (CP) stent due to severe stenosis of the main pulmonary artery, other patients underwent pre-stenting with a covered CP stent before TPVR. Clinical implant success was achieved in all of the 5 patients, and there was no serious periprocedural complications. The average trans-pulmonary peak jet velocity and peak pressure gradient derived from postprocedural echocardiography was 2.3 m/s and 21.2 mmHg, respectively. All patients experienced significant symptom relief after the procedure. All patients completed 3-month follow-up, and 4 completed 6-month follow-up. There was no case of infectious endocarditis during follow-up. All patients were graded as NYHA functional class one at the latest follow-up. Conclusions: TPVR using the domestically-produced balloon-expandable Prizvalve system is safe and feasible for the treatment of patients with post-surgical RVOT dysfunction and suitable landing-zone anatomy. The safety, effectiveness, and long-term valve durability of the Prizvalve system deserve further research.

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Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of different anticoagulants in patients with indications for anticoagulation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods: This is a retrospective study. Patients who underwent TAVR from April 2016 to February 2022 in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and had indications for anticoagulation were included and divided into two groups according to the type of anticoagulants, i.e. non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) and warfarin, and patients were followed up for 30 days. The primary endpoint was the combination of death, stroke, myocardial infarction, valve thrombosis, intracardiac thrombosis and major bleeding. The incidence of endpoints was compared between two groups, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to adjust the bias of potential confounders. Results: A total of 80 patients were included. Mean age was (74.4±7.1) years, 43 (53.8%) were male. Forty-nine (61.3%) patients used NOAC, 31 used warfarin, and major indication for anticoagulants was atrial fibrillation (76/80, 95.0%). The adjusted risks of the primary endpoint (OR=0.23, 95%CI 0.06-0.94, P=0.040) of NOAC were lower than that of warfarin, mainly driven by a lower risk of major bleeding (OR=0.19, 95%CI 0.04-0.92, P=0.039). Conclusions: The short-term outcome of NOAC is better than that of warfarin in patients with indications for anticoagulation after TAVR. Randomized controlled trials of large sample size with long-term follow-up are needed to further testify this finding.

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Objective: To explore the safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using the "All in One" single-artery/vessel technique. Methods: This is a retrospective study. A total of 30 consecutive patients underwent TAVR using the single artery/vascular technique in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from August to December 2021 were included. Baseline clinical data, operative situation, postoperative outcomes, and incidence of adverse events during hospitalization and at one month post TAVR were analyzed. Results: Mean age was (72.6±9.7) years, 16 were male patients, STS score was (4.73±3.12)%. Four patients were diagnosed as isolated aortic regurgitation (all with tricuspid aortic valves), and 26 patients were diagnosed as aortic stenosis (AS), 10 of whom with tricuspid aortic valves and 16 of whom with bicuspid aortic valves. The single-vessel technique was applied in 3 aortic stenosis cases; the single-artery technique was applied in 27 cases. Echocardiography was performed immediately after procedure and results showed no or trace perivalvular leak in 27 cases and small perivalvular leak in 3 cases; the mean aortic transvalvular gradient of 26 AS patients decreased from (50.4±16.0) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) to (9.4±3.2) mmHg (P<0.001). The procedure time was (64.8±18.9) min. There were no intraoperative death, valve displacement, conversion to surgery, coronary artery occlusion in all 30 patients. There were no major cardiac adverse events such as myocardial infarction or stroke occurred during hospitalization or at follow-up. One-month follow-up echocardiography indicated prosthesis works well. The symptoms were significantly alleviated, and the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Score (KCCQ score) of all patients increased from 48.1±18.4 to 73.5±17.6 (P<0.001). Conclusions: TAVR using the single artery/vessel technique is safe and feasible. This technique is related to reduced access complications and worthy of wide application.

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Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary clinical results of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) with the domestically-produced balloon-expandable Prizvalve system. Methods: This is a prospective single-center observational study. Patients with postoperative right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction, who were admitted to West China Hospital of Sichuan University from September 2021 to March 2023 and deemed anatomically suitable for TPVR with balloon-expandable valve, were included. Clinical, imaging, procedural and follow-up data were analyzed. The immediate procedural results were evaluated by clinical implant success rate, which is defined as successful valve implantation with echocardiography-assessed pulmonary regurgitation<moderate and peak trans-pulmonary pressure gradient<40 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). Results: A total of 5 patients were included, with 4 males, aged 14 to 37 years. The initial diagnosis included Tetralogy of Fallot (2 cases), truncus arteriosus (1 case), pulmonary atresia (1 case) and subaortic stenosis (1 case, prior Ross procedure). Four patients underwent RVOT reconstruction with homograft or artificial conduit, and one patient was treated with trans-annular patch technique. The indications of TPVR included RVOT obstruction and regurgitation (3 cases), isolated obstruction (1 case), and isolated regurgitation (1 case). Of the 4 patients with varying severity of ROVT obstruction, the average preprocedural peak jet velocity of RVOT was 3.5 m/s, and the average peak pressure gradient was 50.0 mmHg. Except for one patient, who had previously been implanted with a covered Cheatham-Platinum (CP) stent due to severe stenosis of the main pulmonary artery, other patients underwent pre-stenting with a covered CP stent before TPVR. Clinical implant success was achieved in all of the 5 patients, and there was no serious periprocedural complications. The average trans-pulmonary peak jet velocity and peak pressure gradient derived from postprocedural echocardiography was 2.3 m/s and 21.2 mmHg, respectively. All patients experienced significant symptom relief after the procedure. All patients completed 3-month follow-up, and 4 completed 6-month follow-up. There was no case of infectious endocarditis during follow-up. All patients were graded as NYHA functional class one at the latest follow-up. Conclusions: TPVR using the domestically-produced balloon-expandable Prizvalve system is safe and feasible for the treatment of patients with post-surgical RVOT dysfunction and suitable landing-zone anatomy. The safety, effectiveness, and long-term valve durability of the Prizvalve system deserve further research.

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Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of different anticoagulants in patients with indications for anticoagulation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods: This is a retrospective study. Patients who underwent TAVR from April 2016 to February 2022 in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and had indications for anticoagulation were included and divided into two groups according to the type of anticoagulants, i.e. non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) and warfarin, and patients were followed up for 30 days. The primary endpoint was the combination of death, stroke, myocardial infarction, valve thrombosis, intracardiac thrombosis and major bleeding. The incidence of endpoints was compared between two groups, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to adjust the bias of potential confounders. Results: A total of 80 patients were included. Mean age was (74.4±7.1) years, 43 (53.8%) were male. Forty-nine (61.3%) patients used NOAC, 31 used warfarin, and major indication for anticoagulants was atrial fibrillation (76/80, 95.0%). The adjusted risks of the primary endpoint (OR=0.23, 95%CI 0.06-0.94, P=0.040) of NOAC were lower than that of warfarin, mainly driven by a lower risk of major bleeding (OR=0.19, 95%CI 0.04-0.92, P=0.039). Conclusions: The short-term outcome of NOAC is better than that of warfarin in patients with indications for anticoagulation after TAVR. Randomized controlled trials of large sample size with long-term follow-up are needed to further testify this finding.

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Objective: To determine the feasibility of using temporary permanent pacemaker (TPPM) in patients with high-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as bridging strategy to reduce avoidable permanent pacemaker implantation. Methods: This is a prospective observational study. Consecutive patients undergoing TAVR at Beijing Anzhen Hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from August 2021 to February 2022 were screened. Patients with high-degree AVB and TPPM were included. Patients were followed up for 4 weeks with pacemaker interrogation at every week. The endpoint was the success rate of TPPM removal and free from permanent pacemaker at 1 month after TPPM. The criteria of removing TPPM was no indication of permanent pacing and no pacing signal in 12 lead electrocardiogram (EGG) and 24 hours dynamic EGG, meanwhile the last pacemaker interrogation indicated that ventricular pacing rate was 0. Routinely follow-up ECG was extended to 6 months after removal of TPPM. Results: Ten patients met the inclusion criteria for TPPM, aged (77.0±11.1) years, wirh 7 females. There were 7 patients with third-degree AVB, 1 patient with second-degree AVB, 2 patients with first degree AVB with PR interval>240 ms and LBBB with QRS duration>150 ms. TPPM were applied on the 10 patients for (35±7) days. Among 8 patients with high-degree AVB, 3 recovered to sinus rhythm, and 3 recovered to sinus rhythm with bundle branch block. The other 2 patients with persistent third-degree AVB received permanent pacemaker implantation. For the 2 patients with first-degree AVB and LBBB, PR interval shortened to within 200 ms. TPPM was successfully removed in 8 patients (8/10) at 1 month without permanent pacemaker implantation, of which 2 patients recovered within 24 hours after TAVR and 6 patients recovered 24 hours later after TAVR. No aggravation of conduction block or permanent pacemaker indication were observed in 8 patients during follow-up at 6 months. No procedure-related adverse events occurred in all patients. Conclusion: TPPM is reliable and safe to provide certain buffer time to distinguish whether a permanent pacemaker is necessary in patients with high-degree conduction block after TAVR.

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The patient-specific aortic silicone model was established based on CTA data. The digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) test method in the modified ViVitro pulsatile flow system was used to investigate the aortic hemodynamic performance and flow field characteristics before and after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The results showed that the hemodynamic parameters were consistent with the clinical data, which verified the accuracy of the model. From the comparative study of preoperative and postoperative effective orifice area (0.33 cm2 and 1.78 cm2), mean pressure difference (58 mmHg and 9 mmHg), percentage of regurgitation (52% and 8%), peak flow velocity (4.60 m/s and 1.81 m/s) and flow field distribution (eccentric jet and uniform jet), the immediate efficacy after TAVR is good. From the perspective of viscous shear stress and Reynolds shear stress, the risk of hemolysis and thrombotic problems was low in preoperative and postoperative patient-specific models. This study provides a set of reliable DPIV testing methods for aortic flow field, and provides biomechanical basis for the immediate and long-term effectiveness of TAVR from the perspective of hemodynamics and flow field characteristics. It has important application value in clinical diagnosis, surgical treatment and long-term evaluation.

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Considering the surgical risk stratification for patients with severe calcific aortic stenosis (AS), transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a reliable alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) (Fan et al., 2020, 2021; Lee et al., 2021). Despite the favorable clinical benefits of TAVR, stroke remains a dreaded perioperative complication (Auffret et al., 2016; Kapadia et al., 2016; Kleiman et al., 2016; Huded et al., 2019). Ischemic overt stroke, identified in 1.4% to 4.3% of patients in TAVR clinical practice, has been associated with prolonged disability and increased mortality (Auffret et al., 2016; Kapadia et al., 2016; Levi et al., 2022). The prevalence of hyperintensity cerebral ischemic lesions detected by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) was reported to be about 80%, which is associated with impaired neurocognitive function and vascular dementia (Vermeer et al., 2003; Barber et al., 2008; Kahlert et al., 2010).

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INTRODUCTION: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), and it presents a higher risk of myocardial infarction, severe bleeding, transfusión, dialysis, and mortality. Dexmedetomidine has a protective effect on AKI after adult cardiac surgery. We want to study the impact of dexmedetomidine on the incidence of AKI in the postoperative period of TAVI procedure in our center. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study comparing the administration of dexmedetomidine (DEX group) versus other sedatives (NO-DEX group) during elective TAVI procedure under transfemoral approach. RESULTS: A total of 122 patients were included in the study. Both groups presented a similar incidence of AKI (19,8% DEX group; 19,2% NO-DEX group; p = 0,949). A subgroup analysis with patients presenting chronic kidney disease showed an AKI incidence of 24%, without statistically significant differences between both groups either. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find any difference on AKI incidence, length of hospital stay, 30-day mortality or 12-month mortality in patients undergoing TAVI procedure under sedation with dexmedetomidine compared to other sedatives in our center. It would be interesting to study this hypothetical association through studies with larger samples and better designs.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La insuficiencia renal aguda (AKI) es una complicación frecuente tras el implante de válvula aórtica transcatéter (TAVI), y presenta un mayor riesgo de infarto agudo de miocardio, sangrado severo, transfusión, diálisis y mortalidad. La dexmedetomidina presenta un efecto protector sobre AKI tras cirugía cardíaca en el adulto. Queremos estudiar el impacto de la dexmedetomidina en la incidencia de AKI en el posoperatorio de procedimiento TAVI en nuestro centro. MÉTODOS: Hemos realizado un estudio de cohorte retrospectiva comparando la administración de dexmedetomidina (grupo DEX) frente a otros sedantes (grupo NO-DEX) durante el procedimiento TAVI electivo con abordaje transfemoral. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron en el estudio un total de 122 pacientes. Ambos grupos presentaron una incidencia similar de AKI (19,8% el grupo DEX; 19,2% el grupo NO-DEX; p = 0,949). En un análisis de subgrupo en pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica mostró una incidencia del 24% sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ambos grupos tampoco. CONCLUSIONES: No hemos encontrado ninguna diferencia en la incidencia de AKI, duración de estancia hospitalaria, mortalidad a 30 días y mortalidad a 12 meses en pacientes intervenidos de TAVI bajo sedación con dexmedetomidina comparada con otros sedantes en nuestro centro. Sería interesante estudiar esta hipotética asociación mediante estudios con muestras mayores y mejor diseñados.

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A insuficiência mitral moderada a grave é observada em 17 a 35% dos pacientes submetidos a implante transcateter de válvula aórtica. Estudo que reporta a insuficiência mitral pós- realização de implante transcateter de válvula aórtica por estenose aórtica demonstra que 50% dos pacientes com refluxo moderado a grave apresentaram melhora da regurgitação, e 8,7% evidenciam piora do quadro. Nesses pacientes com piora, houve aumento da mortalidade. Essa progressão sugere que condutas convencionais, baseadas em otimização medicamentosa, podem não ser capazes de prevenir quadros negativos. Relatamos um caso sobre a evolução da insuficiência mitral após implante transcateter de válvula aórtica e o uso do MitraClip® como alternativa de tratamento e benefícios.

Moderate to severe mitral regurgitation is observed in 17 to 35% of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation. A study reporting mitral regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation due to aortic stenosis demontrated 50% of patients with moderate to severe reflux showed improvement in regurgitation, and 8.7% showed worsening of the condition, which led to increased mortality. This progression suggested conventional management, based on medication optimization, may not be able to prevent poor outcomes. We report a case on the clinical course of a patient with mitral regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation, and the use of MitraClip® as an alternative treatment and its benefits.

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BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic-valve implantation (TAVI) was introduced in 2002 and the first implants in our country were performed in 2010. AIM: To review the TAVI experience in our hospital, considering the technology improvements and gained experience throughout this period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients undergoing TAVI in our center were included. Results and complications were adjudicated according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2) criteria. Patients were divided in 3 groups, according to procedural year: Period 1: 2010-2015 (n = 35); Period 2: 2016-2018 (n = 35); Period 3: 2019-2021 (n = 41). Mortality up to one year after the procedure was recorded. RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2021, 111 TAVI procedures were performed. The mean age of patients was 82 years and 47% were women. Risk scores for in-hospital mortality were STS 6.7%, EUROSCORE II 8.0% and ACC/STS TAVR Score 4.9%. The trans-femoral route was used in 88% and a balloon-expandable valve was chosen in 82% of patients. A successful implant was achieved in 96%, with an in-hospital mortality of 1.8%. Mortality at 30 days and 1-year were 2.7 and 9.0%, respectively. During period 3, 100% of implants were successful, with no in-hospital mortality, less vascular complications (p < 0.01), less stroke (p = 0.04), less severe paravalvular leak (p = 0.01) and significantly lower rate of acute complications (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: TAVI achieves excellent results. With greater experience and better available technologies, these results are even more favorable.

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Abstract Background and objectives We aimed to investigate the effects of two different anesthetic techniques in our patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Methods In this study, 303 patients who underwent TAVI procedure with a diagnosis of severe aortic stenosis between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were divided according to the type of anesthesia given during each procedure as; general anesthesia (GA), local anesthesia (LA). Results LA was preferred in 245 (80.8%) of 303 patients who underwent TAVI, while GA was preferred in 58 patients (19.1%). Median ages ​​of our patients who received LA and GA were 83 and 84, respectively. The procedure and anesthesia durations of the patients in the GA group were longer than the LA group (p< 0.00001, p< 0.00001, respectively). Demographic and pre-operative clinical data were similar in comparison between two groups (p> 0.05) except for peripheral artery disease. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity in both groups. While the number of inotrope use was significantly higher in patients who received GA (p< 0.00001), no significant differences were found between LA and GA patients in terms of major complications and mortality (p> 0.05). Intensive care and hospital stays were significantly shorter in the LA group (p= 0.001, p= 0.023, respectively). Conclusion The anesthetic technique of TAVI procedure did not have a significant effect on outcomes including; complications, mortality and success of the procedure. LA provides shorter duration of procedure and hospital stay.