Unexpected systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve-related hypoxemia during transurethral resection of the prostate under spinal anesthesia: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Dynamic obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract resulting from systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve can be an unexpected cause of acute and severe perioperative hypotension in noncardiac surgery. We report a patient undergoing spinal anesthesia for transurethral resection of the prostate who experienced sudden hypoxemia caused by systolic anterior motion-induced mitral regurgitation but with a clinically picture simulating fluid overload. CASE PRESENTATION: An 83-year-old man with a history of hypertension was scheduled for transurethral resection of the prostate. One hour after spinal anesthesia, he developed acute restlessness and dyspnea, with pink frothy sputum and progressive hypoxemia. Slight hypertension was noted, and an electrocardiogram showed atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response. Furosemide and nitroglycerin were thus administered for suspected fluid overload or transurethral resection of the prostate syndrome; however, he then became severely hypotensive. After tracheal intubation, intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography was promptly performed, which revealed an empty hypercontractile left ventricle, significant mitral regurgitation and mosaic flow signal in the left ventricular outflow tract. Following aggressive fluid therapy, his hemodynamic changes stabilized. Repeat echocardiography in intensive care unit confirmed the presence of systolic anterior motion of the anterior mitral leaflet obstructing the left ventricular outflow tract. We speculate that pulmonary edema was induced by systolic anterior motion-associated mitral regurgitation and rapid atrial fibrillation, and the initial management had worsened his hypovolemia and provoked left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and hemodynamic instability. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary edema caused by systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve can be difficult to clinically differentiate from that induced by fluid overload. Therefore, bedside echocardiography is paramount for timely diagnosis and prompt initiation of appropriate therapy in the perioperative care setting.

Overview of mitral valve replacement versus mitral valve repair due to ischemic papillary muscle rupture: A meta-analysis inspired by a case report.

BACKGROUND: Papillary muscle rupture (PMR) is an infrequent but catastrophic complication after myocardial infarction (MI). Surgical procedure is considered the optimal treatment, despite high risk. However, the gold standard technique is still a major dilemma. Therefore, a meta-analysis was carried out to assess and provide an overview comparing mitral valve replacement (MVR) and mitral valve repair (MVr) for PMR post-MI. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed. Data were extracted and verified using a standardized data extraction form. Meta-analysis was realized mainly using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS: From four observational studies 1640 patients were identified; 81% underwent MVR and 19% MVr. Operative mortality results were significantly higher in MVR group than the MVr group. MVR was performed under emergency conditions and patients admitted in cardiogenic shock or who required the use of mechanical cardiac support underwent MVR. MVr had shorter time of hospitalization and similar incidence of postoperative complications than MVR. No significant differences existed between the two procedures regarding cardiopulmonary bypass time. CONCLUSIONS: Mitral valve repair appears to be a viable alternative to MVR for post-MI PMR, given that it has lower operative mortality, shorter time of hospitalization and similar incidence of short-term postoperative complications than MVR. However, it needs to be pointed out that MVR was associated with the most critical clinical condition following PMR. There is uncertainty regarding the overall survival and improvement of the quality of life between the procedures. Nevertheless, further completed investigation is required.

Short-term melatonin supplementation decreases oxidative stress but does not affect left ventricular structure and function in myxomatous mitral valve degenerative dogs.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac wall stress and high oxidative stress are often found in cases of myxomatous mitral valve degenerative (MMVD) disease and can lead to myocardial injuries and cardiac dysfunction. Melatonin, an antioxidant, has been shown to exert cardioprotection in laboratory animal models. However, its effect on metabolic parameters and left ventricular (LV) adaptation in MMVD dogs has rarely been investigated. This clinical trial hypothesized that a melatonin supplement for 4 weeks would improve metabolic parameters, LV structure (diameters and wall thickness), and LV function in MMVD dogs. Blood profiles, echocardiograms, and oxidative stress levels were obtained from 18 dogs with MMVD stage B2 and C at baseline and after prescribed Melatonin (2 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Eleven dogs with MMVD stage B2 and C, which received a placebo, were evaluated as a control group. RESULTS: In this clinical trial, the baseline plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) was no different between the treatment and placebo groups. The post-treatment plasma MDA levels (4.50 ± 0.63 mg/mL) in the treatment group was significantly decreased after 4 weeks of melatonin supplementation compared to pre-treatment levels (7.51 ± 1.11 mg/mL) (P = 0.038). However, blood profiles and LV structure and function investigated using echocardiography were found not to different between pre-and post-treatment in each group. No adverse effects were observed following melatonin supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: This clinical trial demonstrated that a melatonin supplement for 4 weeks can attenuate oxidative stress levels in MMVD dogs, especially in MMVD stage C, but does not result in LV structural changes or LV function in MMVD dogs of either stage B2 or stage C.

Do alternative approaches work in surgical septal myectomy?

Trans-aortic septal myectomy is the gold standard for septal reduction therapy. This technique has low peri-procedural mortality and excellent long-term survival. Moreover, it relieves the heart failure symptoms and improves the quality of life. Secondary chordal cutting along with septal myectomy has shown to improve the outcome but can potentially cause deterioration of left ventricular function. In patients with relatively thin inter-ventricular septum, abnormalities of mitral valve apparatus may be the main reason for systolic anterior motion and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. These patients may require additional procedures on the mitral valve to shift the coaptation plane away from outflow tract. Mitral valve replacement should be performed only in patients with intrinsic mitral valve abnormalities that are not suitable for repair and its routine use along with limited septal myectomy should be discouraged. Minimal access surgery although attractive in concept requires more robust data before universal application.

Current Perspectives on Contemporary Rheumatic Mitral Valve Repair.

The surgical management of rheumatic mitral valve disease remains a challenge for cardiac surgeons. Durability of mitral valve repair (MVr) is likely compromised not simply due to high technical demand, but surgeon reluctance, despite boasting copious advantages over MV replacement. This comprehensive review aims to evoke a deeper understanding of MVr concepts necessary to abate these limitations and shift mindset towards a more holistic approach to repair. Details of commonly utilized techniques in contemporary MVr for rheumatic heart disease will be discussed. Of importance, the reparative procedures will be mapped to an in-depth physiological exploration of the mitral complex-dynamism and rheumatic interplay. This is further emphasized by outlining the current "aggressive" resection strategy in contemporary rheumatic MVr.

Surgical Treatment of Ischemic Dilative Cardiomyopathy by Ventricular Restoration.

Patients with symptomatic post-ischemic dilative myocardiopathy of the left ventricle require, in selected cases, an operation to reshape and reduce the volume of the left ventricular chamber, in addition to surgical myocardial revascularization and mitral valve repair, with the aim of prolonging survival, improving the quality of life and minimizing the need for re-hospitalizations related to recurrent heart failure. This procedure is called surgical ventricular restoration (SVR), and is a useful tool for the treatment of heart failure patients as an alternative to heart transplant. This article provides an overview of surgical ventricular restoration for the treatment of dilative ischemic myocardiopathy. It illustrates several surgical options, describes the operative details, and discusses the correct indications for the procedure. Finally, an interesting protocol for one-step cell therapy during SVR is proposed, as an innovative treatment for heart failure patients.

The Yin-Yang Sign of Severe Mitral Regurgitation.

In select patients with severe, eccentric mitral regurgitation, we have observed that the regurgitant jet may entrain blood along the left atrial wall to produce a Chinese yin-yang symbol on color Doppler. This clinical imaging series demonstrates this unique phenomenon in an 81-year-old woman with symptomatic, severe, functional mitral regurgitation secondary to non-ischemic cardiomyopathy who was referred for transcatheter mitral valve repair. The yin-yang symbol resolved on transthoracic echocardiography after placement of 2 MitraClip NTR devices.

Transcatheter mitral valve repair with a mitraclip for severe mitral regurgitation in a patient on hemodialysis.

A 55-year-old male patient undergoing hemodialysis (HD) had shortness of breath, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IIm (moderate limitation of physical activity) due to chronic heart failure. His past medical history was remarkable for chronic heart diseases and severe functional mitral regurgitation (MR), with an ejection fraction of only 33%. The cardiologist considered this severe MR as the cause of his symptom. Due to the multiple comorbidities and low cardiac function, transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) using a MitraClip was selected as an alternative to surgery. TMVR with MitraClip was successfully performed. Postoperatively, the degree of MR decreased from severe to trivial, with an obvious improvement in symptoms to NYHA class I. He was discharged without any postoperative complications. TMVR with MitraClip is an effective nonsurgical treatment for mitral valve disease in HD patients with multiple comorbidities.

Percutaneous mitral valve repair in recurrent severe mitral valve regurgitation after mitral annuloplasty : MitraClip-in-the-ring as a complementary strategy.

BACKGROUND: Patients with reduced left ventricular (LV) function undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery or/and aortic valve replacement occasionally show severe mitral valve (MV) regurgitation and thus also undergo surgical mitral annuloplasty. Over time, further deterioration of LV function and additional ischemic events cause recurrence of severe MV regurgitation due to the Carpentier IIIb morphology of the MV that is not adequately addressed by the previously implanted annuloplasty ring. METHODS: Seven patients (Society of Thoracic Surgeons score: 7.5 ± 1.5%) with Carpentier type-IIIb recurrent severe MV regurgitation, having undergone prior cardiothoracic surgery (median: 40 months) including mitral annuloplasty, were treated with the MitraClip device. RESULTS: MitraClip implantation resulted in significantly reduced MV regurgitation and improved New York Heart Association functional state, translating into an increased exercise capability and improved cardiac biomarkers. The morphology of the MV was adequately addressed without causing relevant MV stenosis, while the MV annulus area remained unaltered. The procedure was safe with a 30-day mortality rate of 0%. CONCLUSION: MitraClip-in-the-ring is feasible and in principle safe for treating Carpentier type IIIb severe MV regurgitation after surgical MV repair using mitral annuloplasty. MitraClip-in-the-ring resulted in immediate amelioration of clinical symptoms and increased physical exercise capacity.

Early Experience With a Novel Transfemoral Mitral Valve Implantation System in Complex Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, procedural results, and 6-month outcomes of a novel transfemoral transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) system (Cephea) in patients with complex primary mitral regurgitation (MR). BACKGROUND: TMVI is emerging as an alternative to surgery in patients with severe MR. To date, the great majority of TMVI systems use the transapical surgical approach. METHODS: This study included consecutive patients undergoing transfemoral TMVI with the Cephea valve system. All patients were suboptimal candidates for catheter-based repair for anatomic reasons. Patients underwent clinical, echocardiographic, and computed tomographic angiographic follow-up at 6 months. Main outcomes were procedural success, peri-procedural complications, and valve hemodynamic status early and at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Three patients with severe primary MR (2 women, mean age 79 ± 3 years) at prohibitive surgical risk (mean European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II score 13.8 ± 2.4%) were included. The valves were successfully implanted in all patients, with no procedural complications. Post-procedural echocardiography showed normal valve function in all patients (mean transvalvular gradient 3 mm Hg; range: 2 to 4 mm Hg), no moderate to severe valvular or paravalvular leak, and no clinically significant left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. At 6 months, all patients had improved quality of life (mean improvement vs. baseline 16.4 ± 12 points). All valve hemodynamic parameters were maintained. Computed tomographic angiography confirmed annular stability, proper valve geometry and no structural failure. CONCLUSIONS: The transfemoral delivery of a purposely designed mitral prosthesis (Cephea valve) was safe and feasible in prohibitive risk patients. Valve performance was sustained, and clinical outcomes improved at 6 months. Larger clinical studies are required.

A bioenergetics assessment of aortic regurgitation: A new tool to assess severity?

Aortic regurgitation is frequently classified as mild, moderate or severe based on echocardiography. Patients with mild aortic regurgitation are usually managed medically. Decisions with regard to moderate aortic regurgitation can be difficult. We hypothesise that mild aortic regurgitation as assessed volumetrically can in fact be moderate to severe when analysed from a bioenergetics point of view. The conservation of energy predicts that any regurgitant volume will require the heart to provide more work energy to support the circulation. Aortic regurgitation involves the left ventricle imparting potential energy, via blood pressure, and kinetic energy, via increased ejected volume and velocity respectively. This implies that regurgitant volume, ejection velocity, diastolic and systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and regurgitant orifice area are all important factors. We present limited data to demonstrate our hypothesis. A bioenergetic analysis of aortic regurgitation, reveals that correlation between regurgitant volume and effective regurgitant orifice can be poor in certain physiological circumstances. In addition we identify the importance of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate control in patients with aortic regurgitation. The concept that mild aortic regurgitation can be ignored is from an engineering point fundamentally flawed in some cases.

Rheumatic mitral valve repair: a personal perspective and results.

Rheumatic mitral valve disease remains a challenge for cardiac surgeons. Valve repair has several advantages over valve replacement but is technically demanding for good results. To improve rheumatic mitral valve repair, surgeons need to have a deep understand of the mitral valve complex and its dynamics. The goal of repair is to restore normal diastolic and systolic function. The current approach is to perform a holistic repair of the entire mitral complex. Each part of the complex is thoroughly explored to define the problem. Several innovative techniques have been introduced to correct valve dysfunction and provide gratifying results. The details of these techniques will be described, based on an understanding of the relationship of the mitral valve complex and dynamics. With this approach, rheumatic mitral valve repair is becoming more successful, reproducible, and safe. Long-term follow-up is mandatory.

Impact of the Commercial Introduction of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair on Mitral Surgical Practice.

Background There has been uncertainty regarding the effect of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) with MitraClip on cardiac surgical practice. Our aim was to examine the impact of the commercial introduction of TMVr to a comprehensive mitral program. Methods and Results We evaluated 875 patients (aged 69±14 years; 58% men) who underwent transcatheter or mitral surgical procedures over a 6-year period at our institution. Main outcomes were changes in surgical procedural volume after TMVr introduction and short-term mortality for surgical and TMVr procedures. The numbers of patients treated with MitraClip, isolated mitral repair, and any mitral surgery were 249, 292, and 626 patients, respectively. Compared with surgery, patients with MitraClip were older (aged 82±8 versus 64±12 years; P<0.001) and had more severe morbidity. Following the introduction of MitraClip, surgical volumes steadily increased to a rate of 10 (95% CI, 3-7) procedures per year for isolated mitral procedures and 17 (95% CI, 13-20) procedures per year for all mitral surgeries. Both MitraClip and surgical volumes increased at the same rate (P=0.42). In-hospital mortality was 3.2% for MitraClip and 2.1% for all mitral surgeries (P=0.33). At 30 days, survival free of all mortality (P=0.17) and freedom from heart failure rehospitalization (P=0.75) were similar for transcatheter and surgical procedures. Conclusions The commercial introduction of TMVr may be associated with growth in cardiac surgery, without detracting from other therapies, and favorable clinical outcomes for all treated mitral regurgitation patients. These findings demonstrate the potential benefits of complementary therapies in the treatment of patients with mitral regurgitation.

Secondary mitral regurgitation: pathophysiology, proportionality and prognosis.

Secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) occurs as a result of multifactorial left atrioventricular dysfunction and maleficent remodelling. It is the most common and undertreated form of mitral regurgitation (MR) and is associated with a very poor prognosis. Whether SMR is a bystander reflecting the severity of the cardiomyopathy disease process has long been the subject of debate. Studies suggest that SMR is an independent driver of prognosis in patients with an intermediate heart failure (HF) phenotype and not those with advanced HF. There is also no universal agreement regarding the quantitative thresholds defining severe SMR and indeed there are challenges with echocardiographic quantification. Until recently, no surgical or transcatheter intervention for SMR had demonstrated prognostic benefit, in contrast with HF medical therapy and cardiac resynchronisation therapy. In 2018, the first two randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of edge-to-edge transcatheter mitral valve repair versus guideline-directed medical therapy in HF (Percutaneous Repair with the MitraClip Device for Severe (MITRA-FR), Transcather mitral valve repair in patients with heart failure (COAPT)) reported contrasting yet complimentary results. Unlike in MITRA-FR, COAPT demonstrated significant prognostic benefit, largely attributed to the selection of patients with disproportionately severe MR relative to their HF phenotype. Consequently, quantifying the degree of SMR in relation to left ventricular volume may be a useful discriminator in predicting the success of transcatheter intervention. The challenge going forward is the identification and validation of such parameters while in parallel maintaining a heart-team guided holistic approach.

Reccurent thrombus in the gigantic left atrium during effective anticoagulant therapy: case report.

BACKGROUND: Gigantic left atrium is defined in the current literature as an excessive dilatation of the left atrium above 65mm. Chronic mitral valve disease is associated with the development of thrombus in the left atrium in up to 19% of all cases of mitral insufficiency and appropriate treatment must be initiated to prevent thromboembolic events. In order to diagnose thrombi in the left atrium or left atrial appendage, various imaging methods may be used, including cardiac magnetic resonance. CASE PRESENTATION: The case report describes a 73-year-old male who developed recurrent sessile thrombus on the posterior wall of the gigantic left atrium. A large thrombus was first detected following mitral valve surgery despite effective vitamin K antagonist anticoagulation therapy. Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance were used within the diagnostic procedure and to monitor the treatment outcomes. Cardiac magnetic resonance was shown to be beneficial as it provided a more precise description of the intra-atrial masses located on the posterior left atrial wall, and in such situations, is of greater benefit than standard echocardiography. This led to the surgical removal of the intra-atrial mass; nevertheless, it was quickly followed by the recurrence of the thrombus. The anticoagulant therapy was adjusted and fortified by the introduction of acetylsalicylic acid and sequentially clopidogrel, but this also did not resolve the thrombus formation. Finally, employing a combination of rivaroxaban and clopidogrel resulted in partial thrombus regression. Therefore, various pathophysiological aspects of thrombus formation and used anticoagulation strategies are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a unique case of a recurrent thrombus located on the posterior wall of the gigantic left atrium. Cardiac magnetic resonance was shown to be beneficial in providing a more precise description of the intra-atrial masses located on the posterior left atrial wall as compared to standard echocardiographic examination. Development of a thrombus after mitral valve surgery despite effective anticoagulant therapy and its final resolution by introducing a combination of rivaroxaban and clopidogrel highlights the complex etiopathogenesis of thrombus formation. This supports the potential use of this combination in tailoring an individual personalized therapy for patients with recurrent atrial thrombi.

[Mitral Valve Repair in a Jehovah's Witnesses Patient with Post Myocardial Infarction Papillary Muscle Rupture;Report of a Case].

A 70-years old man was referred to our department for acute heart failure due to post myocardial infarction papillary muscle rupture. We planned emergent surgery, but he refused blood transfusion because of religious reason( Jehovah's Witness). Therefore, we chose medical therapy using intra-aortic balloon pumping and catecholamine. He was also treated with subcutaneous erythropoietin and intravenous iron supplement to increase preoperative hemoglobin. One month later, we decided to undergo mitral valve repair because he was stabilized with medical treatment. The patient underwent mitral valve repair with artificial chordae through median sternotomy. The mitral valve A3 prolapse was caused by posterior papillary muscle rupture. No blood transfusion was given and postoperative course was uneventful. We experienced successful mitral repair for post infarction papillary muscle rupture in a Jehova's Witnessess patient.