Multimarker Approach to Improve Risk Stratification of Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Background: A blood multimarker approach may be useful to enhance risk stratification in patients undergoing TAVI. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the prognostic value of multiple blood biomarkers in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) patients. Methods: In this prospective study, several blood biomarkers of cardiovascular function, inflammation, and renal function were measured in 362 patients who underwent TAVI. The cohort was divided into 3 groups according to the number of elevated blood biomarkers (ie, ≥ median value for the whole cohort) for each patient before the procedure. Survival analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between blood biomarkers and risk of adverse event following TAVI. Results: During a median follow-up of 2.5 (IQR: 1.9-3.2) years, 34 (9.4%) patients were rehospitalized for heart failure, 99 (27%) patients died, and 113 (31.2%) met the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality or heart failure rehospitalization. Compared to patients with 0 to 3 elevated biomarkers (referent group), those with 4 to 7 and 8 to 9 elevated biomarkers had a higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 1.54 [95% CI: 0.84-2.80], P = 0.16, and HR: 2.81 [95% CI: 1.53-5.15], P < 0.001, respectively) and of the composite endpoint (HR: 1.65 [95% CI: 0.95-2.84], P = 0.07, and HR: 2.67 [95% CI: 1.52-4.70] P < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, adding the number of elevated blood biomarkers into the clinical multivariable model provided significant incremental predictive value for all-cause mortality (Net Reclassification Index = 0.71, P < 0.001). Conclusions: An increasing number of elevated blood biomarkers is associated with higher risks of adverse clinical outcomes following TAVI. The blood multimarker approach may be helpful to enhance risk stratification in TAVI patients.

Incidence, Predictors, and Prognostic Impact of Bleeding Events After TAVR According to VARC-3 Criteria.

BACKGROUND: The updated Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC) definition for bleeding events after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) lacks of clinical validation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, predictors, and clinical impact of bleeding events following TAVR as defined by recent VARC-3 criteria. METHODS: A total of 2,384 consecutive patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR were included. Early (at index hospitalization) and late (after hospital discharge) bleeding complications were defined according to VARC-3 criteria as type 1, 2, 3, or 4. Baseline, procedural, and follow-up (24 [IQR: 12-43] months) data were prospectively collected. RESULTS: Bleeding events occurred in 761 patients (31.9%): types 1, 2, 3, and 4 in 169 (22.2%), 399 (52.4%), 149 (19.6%), and 44 (5.8%) patients, respectively. The primary vascular access site and gastrointestinal locations were the most common bleeding sources among early and late bleeding events, respectively. Female sex, thoracotomy access, larger (14-F) sheath use, and dual antiplatelet therapy determined an increased risk of early bleeding events (P < 0.02 for all). The use of the radial artery for secondary access was associated with a significant risk reduction of early bleeding (P < 0.001). Type 2 and type 3 events were associated with an increased mortality risk at 30-day (HR: 2.94 [95% CI: 1.43-6.03; P = 0.003] and HR: 4.91 [95% CI: 2.19-11.03; P < 0.001], respectively) and 1-year (HR: 1.86 [95% CI: 1.28-2.69; P = 0.001] and HR: 2.28 [95% CI: 1.41-3.66; P = 0.001], respectively) follow-up. A similar prognostic pattern was observed when applying VARC-2 criteria but with a much lower global incidence of early bleeding events (19% vs 27%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Bleeding events after TAVR were associated with poorer short- and long-term survival. The magnitude of this correlation was proportional to bleeding severity defined according to VARC-3 criteria. Further studies on bleeding prevention following TAVR are warranted to improve procedural safety and patient prognosis.

Fractional Flow Reserve to Assess Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Long-Term Outcomes.

Background: The long-term outcomes of patients undergoing functional assessment of coronary lesions with fractional flow reserve (FFR) while awaiting transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are unknown. Data on the safety of intracoronary adenosine use in this setting are scarce. The objectives of this study were to describe (1) the long-term outcomes based on the coronary artery disease (CAD) assessment strategy used and (2) the safety of intracoronary adenosine in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Methods: 1023 patients with severe AS awaiting TAVI were included. Patients were classified according to their CAD assessment strategy: angiography guided or FFR guided. Patients were further subdivided according to the decision to proceed with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI): angiography-guided PCI (375/1023), angiography-guided no-PCI (549/1023), FFR-guided PCI (50/1023), and FFR-guided no-PCI (49/1023). Patients were followed up for the occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs). Results: At a mean follow-up of 33.7 months, we observed no significant differences in terms of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in the angiography-guided group (42.4%) compared with the FFR-guided group (37.4%) (p = 0.333). When comparing outcomes of the FFR-guided no-PCI group (32.7%) with the angiography-guided PCI group (46.4%), no significant difference was noted (p = 0.999). Following intracoronary adenosine, a single adverse event occurred. Conclusions: In this population, intracoronary adenosine is safe and well tolerated. We found no significant benefit to an FFR-guided strategy compared with an angiography-guided strategy with respect to MACCEs. Although clinically compelling, avoiding the procedural risks of PCI by deferring the intervention in functionally insignificant lesions failed to show a statistically significant benefit.

Myocardial Injury After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement According to VARC-3 Criteria.

BACKGROUND: The Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-3 definition for myocardial injury after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) lacks of clinical validation. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the incidence, predictors, and clinical impact of periprocedural myocardial injury (PPMI) following TAVR as defined by recent VARC-3 criteria. METHODS: We included 1,394 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR with a new-generation transcatheter heart valve. High-sensitivity troponin levels were assessed at baseline and within 24 hours after the procedure. PPMI was defined according to VARC-3 criteria as an increase ≥70 times in troponin levels (vs ≥15 times according to the VARC-2 definition). Baseline, procedural, and follow-up data were prospectively collected. RESULTS: PPMI was diagnosed in 193 (14.0%) patients. Female sex and peripheral artery disease were independent predictors of PPMI (P < 0.01 for both). PPMI was associated with a higher risk of mortality at 30-day (HR: 2.69, 95% CI: 1.50-4.82; P = 0.001) and 1-year (for all-cause mortality, HR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.04-2.27; P = 0.032; for cardiovascular mortality, HR: 3.04; 95% CI: 1.68-5.50; P < 0.001) follow-up. PPMI according to VARC-2 criteria had no impact on mortality. CONCLUSIONS: About 1 out of 10 patients undergoing TAVR in the contemporary era had PPMI as defined by recent VARC-3 criteria, and baseline factors like female sex and peripheral artery disease determined an increased risk. PPMI had a negative impact on early and late survival. Further studies on the prevention of PPMI post-TAVR and implementing measures to improve outcomes in PPMI patients are warranted.

Angina in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of patients with angina undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for severe aortic stenosis. METHODS: A total of 1687 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR at our center were included and classified according to patient-reported angina symptoms prior to the TAVR procedure. Baseline, procedural and follow-up data were collected in a dedicated database. RESULTS: A total of 497 patients (29%) had angina prior to the TAVR procedure. Patients with angina at baseline showed a worse New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class (NYHA class> II: 69% vs 63%; P=.017), a higher rate of coronary artery disease (74% vs 56%; P <.001), and a lower rate of complete revascularization (70% vs 79%; P <.001). Angina at baseline had no impact on all-cause mortality (HR, 1.02; 95%CI, 0.71-1.48; P=.898) and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 1.2; 95%CI, 0.69-2.11; P=.517) at 1 year. However, persistent angina at 30 days post-TAVR was associated with increased all-cause mortality (HR, 4.86; 95%CI, 1.71-13.8; P=.003) and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 20.7; 95%CI, 3.50-122.6; P=.001) at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: More than one-fourth of patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR had angina prior to the procedure. Angina at baseline did not appear to be a sign of a more advanced valvular disease and had no prognostic impact; however, persistent angina at 30 days post-TAVR was associated with worse clinical outcomes.

From the Evolut Pro to the Evolut FX self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve replacement systems: current status and future perspectives.

INTRODUCTION: Since the initial experience with the CoreValve (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota), there have been continuous iterations of this valve system in order to improve procedural success and reduce periprocedural complications. The Evolut Pro, Pro+, and FX are the latest generations of this transcatheter heart valve (THV). AREAS COVERED: This review paper aims to analyze the main characteristics and clinical evidence about the Evolut Pro THV and summarize the main iterations of the newer generation Evolut FX valve system. EXPERT OPINION: The Evolut Pro system has been associated with good clinical outcomes and excellent valve hemodynamic performance including reduced rates of paravalvular leaks. Technical enhancements to improve valve positioning, orientation, and vascular access have been implemented in the newer generation Evolut FX system.

Impact of residual transvalvular gradient on clinical outcomes following valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: High (≥20 mmHg) postprocedural mean transvalvular gradients are relatively common among valve-in-valve (ViV) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) recipients, but its clinical impact remains controversial. METHODS: Observational study including 190 consecutive ViV-TAVR recipients. Patients were classified according to the presence of high (≥20 mmHg) or low (<20 mmHg) residual mean transvalvular gradient on post-procedural echocardiography. Functional status (NYHA class, DASI), exercise capacity (6MWT), and quality of life (KCCQ) were evaluated at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: 73 (38.4%) and 117 (61.6%) patients exhibited high (HG) and low (LG) postprocedural gradients, respectively. Baseline characteristics were well balanced between groups except for a lower rate of large (>23 mm) surgical valves, atrial fibrillation, and aortic regurgitation as mechanism of valve failure in the HG group (p < 0.05 for all). After a median follow-up of 3 (1-5) years, there were no differences between HG and LG groups in HF hospitalization (HRadj: 1.38, 95%CI 0.44-4.22, p = 0.57), cardiac death (HRadj: 0.50; 95%CI 0.11-2.41, p = 0.39), all-cause mortality (HRajd: 0.71; 95%CI 0.35-1.46, p = 0.36), or the composite endpoint of heart failure/all-cause mortality (HRadj:1.00; 95%CI 0.52-1.94, p = 0.98). At 1-year follow-up, functional status (ΔDASI score, HG: 9.9 ± 10.9, LG: 9.9 ± 12.5, padj = 0.41), exercise capacity (Δ6MWT, HG: 111 ± 67 m, LG: 103 ± 124 m, padj = 0.14), and quality of life parameters (ΔKCCQ, HG: 27 ± 18, LG: 17 ± 21, padj = 0.12) improved similarly in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: HG as evaluated by echocardiography following ViV-TAVR were not associated with a negative effect on clinical outcomes including major adverse events, functional status, exercise capacity and quality of life parameters.

Carotid ultrasound following transcarotid transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Transcarotid (TC) is a common alternative access for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) when the transfemoral route is not suitable. However, scarce data exist on systematic ultrasound (US) follow-up of these patients. This study aims to evaluate the safety of TC-TAVR using pre-and post-procedure carotid artery US assessment. METHODS: We performed an observational prospective study including 50 consecutive patients who underwent TC-TAVR that had a follow-up at our institution between September 2016 and July 2020. RESULTS: All patients had a carotid US examination at a median time of 13 months (IQR: 5-17) following the procedure. Thirty-six (71%) patients also had a US examination prior to the procedure. Mean pre-procedural access route common carotid artery (AR-CCA) peak systolic velocity (PSV) was 62.9 cm/s (SD:16.8) vs. 69.0 cm/s (SD: 53.4) in the contralateral CCA (CL-CCA), p = 0.562). There was a significant increase in post-procedural PSV values in the AR-CCA (30.3 cm/s (SD: 36.3), p < 0.001) but not in the CL-CCA (5.8 cm/s (SD: 51.7), p = 0.503). Two new carotid stenoses (4%) were diagnosed after the procedure. No baseline or procedural variables were associated with a higher increase in carotid flow velocities at follow-up. There were no cerebrovascular events related to these findings after a median follow-up of 29 months (IQR:13-33). CONCLUSIONS: TC-TAVR was associated with a mild but significant increase in carotid flow velocities, with new significant (>50%) carotid stenosis diagnosed in 4% of patients. These findings were not associated with clinical events after a median follow-up of 2 years. Further studies are warranted.

Unplanned Hospital Readmissions After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in the Era of New-Generation Devices.

OBJECTIVES: Unplanned hospital readmissions after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are frequent and have been associated with a poor prognosis. We sought to determine the trends in the incidence and causes of unplanned hospital readmission after TAVR in patients receiving new-generation devices (NGDs) vs early-generation devices (EGDs). METHODS: The study population consisted of 1802 consecutive TAVR recipients (863 EGDs and 939 NGDs). Early and late readmissions were defined as those occurring ≤30 days and >30 days to 1-year post TAVR, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 986 unplanned hospital readmissions (cardiac cause, 38.4%; non-cardiac cause, 61.6%) were recorded at a median time of 110 days (interquartile range [IQR], 37-217) post TAVR. The rates of early (12.3% vs 9.4%; P=.046) and late (39.1% vs 31.6%; P<.01) readmission were lower in the NGD population. In the NGD group, major/life-threatening periprocedural bleeding (hazard ratio [HR], 2.40, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-5.42; P=.04) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min at hospital discharge (HR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.15-2.83; P=.01) were associated with an increased risk of early readmission post TAVR. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.07-1.88; P=.02), eGFR <60 mL/min (HR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.11-1.84; P<.01), and combining antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy (HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.01-1.85; P=.04) determined an increased risk of late readmission. CONCLUSIONS: TAVR recipients receiving NGDs exhibited a significant but modest reduction in unplanned hospital readmissions, with about one-third of patients still requiring rehospitalization at 1-year follow-up in the contemporary TAVR era. Non-cardiac comorbidities, periprocedural bleeding events, and intensive antithrombotic therapy determined an increased risk.

Cranial nerve injury during transcarotid transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: No data exist about cranial nerve injury (CNI) as a potential complication of transcarotid (TC) transcatheter valve replacement (TAVR). METHODS: This monocentric study included 318 consecutive patients undergoing TC-TAVR from May 2015 to August 2021. RESULTS: CNI occurred in 7 (2.2%) TAVR-TC patients. Five out of the 7 patients (71.4%) had an injury of the laryngeal branch of the vagus nerve, and 2 patients (28.6%) had an injury of the facial nerve. The majority of patients were male (85.7%), with high body mass index (35.6 (IQR: 30.1-37.3) kg/m2). The induced disabilities were clinically important especially for patients with dysphonia. CONCLUSIONS: CNI is a potential complication of TC-TAVR likely avoidable by a meticulous surgical technique. Structural heart teams must be aware of this serious setback.

Late Access Site Complications Following Transfemoral Aortic Valve Implantation.

Few data exist on late vascular complications (VCs) after transfemoral (TF) transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence and predictors of late access site VC after TF TAVI. A total of 128 patients (mean age: 80 ± 8 years, women: 52%) who underwent TF TAVI without major VC were included. A femoral US-Doppler evaluation was performed in all patients at a median of 5 (3 to 15) months after the procedure, and 76 patients (59.4%) also had a preprocedural ultrasound (US)-Doppler examination. The impact of baseline and procedural factors (including the use of simple 2 Proglides or complex additional Proglide or Angioseal device on top of the 2 Proglide technique, hemostasis techniques, and the use of balloon dilation for optimizing femoral hemostasis) were evaluated. The follow-up US-Doppler evaluation detected 2 asymptomatic VCs (1.6%), and 5 (3.9%) patients exhibited significant femoral stenosis (peak systolic velocity [PSV] ≥300 cm/s). Female gender (p <0.001) and smaller femoral diameter (p = 0.045) were associated with higher femoral PSV values. In those patients who underwent a pre-TAVI femoral US-Doppler, the median PSV values after TAVI were higher compared with those obtained pre-TAVI (p <0.001), but similar results were found for the contralateral femoral arteries. A complex hemostasis technique or the use of balloon optimization at the puncture site was not associated with any increase in PSV values. In conclusion, percutaneous femoral hemostasis after TAVI was associated with a low rate of late VC. The results were similar irrespective of the hemostasis technique and the use of balloon dilation at the puncture site, but women and a smaller femoral size were associated with increased PSV values. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal femoral hemostasis technique in TAVI procedures.

Hemodynamic and Clinical Outcomes in Redo-Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement vs. Transcatheter Valve-in-Valve.

Background: Transcatheter valve-in-valve replacement (ViV-TAVR) has emerged as an alternative to redo-surgical aortic valve replacement (Redo-SAVR) for the treatment of failed surgical aortic bioprostheses. However, the benefit of ViV-TAVR compared with Redo-SAVR remains debated with regard to short-term hemodynamic results and short- and long-term clinical outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to compare short-term hemodynamic performance and long-term clinical outcomes of ViV-TAVR vs. Redo-SAVR in patients treated for surgical aortic bioprosthetic valve failure. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data prospectively collected in 184 patients who underwent Redo-SAVR or ViV-TAVR. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed before and after the procedure and analyzed in an echocardiography core laboratory using the new Valve Academic Research Consortium-3 criteria. An inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to compare the outcomes between both procedures. Results: ViV-TAVR showed lower rate of intended hemodynamic performance (39.2% vs. 67.7%, p < 0.001) at 30 days, which was essentially driven by a higher rate (56.2% vs. 28.8%, p = 0.001) of high residual gradient (mean transvalvular gradient ≥20 mm Hg). Despite a trend for higher 30-day mortality in the Redo-SAVR vs. ViV-TAVR group (8.7% vs. 2.5%, odds ratio [95% CI]: 3.70 [0.77-17.6]; p = 0.10), the long-term mortality was significantly lower (24.2% vs. 50.1% at 8 years; hazard ratio [95% CI]: 0.48 [0.26-0.91]; p = 0.03) in the Redo-SAVR group. After inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis, Redo-SAVR remained significantly associated with reduced long-term mortality compared with ViV-TAVR (hazard ratio [95% CI]: 0.32 [0.22-0.46]; p < 0.001). Conclusions: ViV-TAVR was associated with a lower rate of intended hemodynamic performance and numerically lower mortality at 30 days but higher rates of long-term mortality compared with Redo-SAVR.

Results of transcarotid compared with transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

OBJECTIVES: The femoral artery is the preferred vascular access to perform transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, the optimal alternative approach has not been elucidated in patients who are not candidates for a transfemoral (TF) access. The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of TAVR performed by the transcarotid (TC) compared with the TF approach. METHODS: This was a single-center study that included 526 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR between 2015 and 2019. TC-TAVR was performed in 127 and TF-TAVR in 399 patients. Postprocedural and 30-day clinical events were evaluated according to main access (TC vs TF) using a multivariate logistic regression model. One-year survival and freedom from neurological events were also evaluated. RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease, and peripheral vascular disease was higher in the TC group. In-hospital mortality (3.2% vs 2.0%, adjusted odds ratio, 1.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.47-7.15; P = .39), and 30-day stroke (2.4% vs 3.3%; odds ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.21-3.41; P = .81), were similar between groups as were other outcomes: procedural success (98.4% vs 97.0%; P = .52), 30-day cumulative mortality (4.8% vs 2.8%; P = .26), major vascular complication (2.4% vs 4.5%; P = .25), and major/life-threatening bleeding (4.7% vs 6.0%; P = .41) (TC vs TF, respectively). No differences were found among groups regarding survival or neurological events at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The TC approach is a safe alternate-access strategy for TAVR, and is associated with similar outcomes compared with TF-TAVR, despite a higher disease burden in TC patients.

Midterm Outcomes Following Sutureless and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Low-Risk Patients With Aortic Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Sutureless-surgical aortic valve replacement (SU-SAVR) has been proposed as a surgical alternative for treating aortic stenosis, which facilitates a minimally invasive approach. While some studies have compared the early outcomes of SU-SAVR versus transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), most data were obtained in high-risk patients and/or limited to in-hospital outcomes. This study aimed to compare in-hospital and midterm clinical outcomes following SU-SAVR and TAVR in low-risk patients with aortic stenosis. METHODS: A total of 806 consecutive low-risk (EuroSCORE II <4%) patients underwent TAVR or SU-SAVR between 2011 and 2020 in 2 centers. A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed and identified 171 pairs with similar characteristics that were included in the analysis. Baseline characteristics, in-hospital and follow-up events (defined according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-2) were collected. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were well balanced between groups, with a median EuroSCORE II of 1.9% (1.3%-2.5%) in both SU-SAVR and TAVR groups (P=0.85). There were no statistically significant differences regarding in-hospital mortality (SU-SAVR: 4.1%, TAVR: 1.8%, P=0.199) and stroke (SU-SAVR: 2.3%, TAVR: 2.9%, P=0.736), but SU-SAVR recipients exhibited higher rates of bleeding and new-onset atrial fibrillation, higher residual transvalvular gradients (P<0.001), and a lower rate of pacemaker implantation (P=0.011). After a median follow-up of 2 (1-3) years, there were no differences between groups in all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.52-1.82], P=0.936) and stroke (hazard ratio, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.32-2.15], P=0.708), but SU-SAVR was associated with a higher risk of heart failure hospitalization (hazard ratio, 5.38 [95% CI, 1.88-15.38], P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In low-risk patients with aortic stenosis, TAVR was associated with improved in-hospital outcomes (except for conduction disturbances) and valve hemodynamics, compared with SU-SAVR. Although similar mortality and stroke rates were observed at 2-year follow-up, the risk of heart failure hospitalization was higher among SU-SAVR patients. These results may contribute to reinforce TAVR over SU-SAVR for the majority of such patients. Graphic Abstract: A graphic abstract is available for this article.

Multimodality evaluation of transcatheter structural valve degeneration at long-term follow-up.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: We assessed the long-term hemodynamic performance of transcatheter heart valve (THV) by paired transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and the incidence, characteristics and factors associated with THV structural valve degeneration (SVD). METHODS: A total of 212 patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement and had a potential follow-up >5 years with at least 1 TTE ≥ 1-year postprocedure were included. All patients had a TTE at 1 to 5 years and 36 had another one at 6 to 10 years. SVD was defined as subclinical (increase >10mmHg in mean transvalvular gradient+decrease >0.3cm2 in valve area and/or new-onset mild or moderate aortic regurgitation) and clinically relevant (increase> 20mmHg in mean transvalvular gradient+decrease> 0.6cm2 in valve area and/or new-onset moderate-to-severe aortic regurgitation). Fifteen patients had a transesophageal echocardiography at the time of SVD diagnosis, and 85 an opportunistic computed tomography examination at 1 (0.5-2) years. RESULTS: Transvalvular mean gradient increased and valve area decreased over time (P<.01). At 8 years of follow-up, SVD occurred in 30.2% of patients (clinically relevant: 9.3%). Transesophageal echocardiography revealed thickened and reduced-mobility leaflets in 80% and 73% of SVD cases, respectively. No baseline or procedural factors were associated with SVD. THV underexpansion (3.5%) or eccentricity (8.2%) had no impact on valve hemodynamics/SVD at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A gradual THV hemodynamic deterioration occurred throughout a 10-year period, leading to SVD in ∼30% of patients (clinically relevant in < 10%). Leaflet morphology/mobility were frequently impaired in SVD cases, but THV geometry did not influence valve hemodynamics or SVD.

Radiation Exposure During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Impact of Arterial Approach and Prosthesis Type.

BACKGROUND: The impact of novel alternative access and valve type on radiation exposure during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has not yet been evaluated. This study sought to determine the impact of a transarterial approach and prosthesis type on physician and patient exposure to radiation during TAVR. METHODS: This was a prospective study including 140 consecutive patients undergoing TAVR by transfemoral (n = 102) or transcarotid (TC) (n = 38) access at 2 centers. Implanted valves were the self-expanding Evolut R/PRO system (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN; n = 38) and the balloon-expandable SAPIEN 3 valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA; n = 102). The primary endpoint was first operator radiation exposure. The secondary endpoint was patient radiation exposure. RESULTS: First operator radiation exposure was 4-fold greater during TC TAVR (P < .001). The use of a self-expanding valve was associated with a longer x-ray time (P = .015) and a 2-fold greater first operator radiation dose (P = .018). Patient radiation dose was not significantly affected by arterial approach (P = .055) or valve type (P = .095). After adjustment for potential confounders, the TC approach remained associated with a 174.8% (95% confidence interval, 80.6-318.3, P < .001) increase in first operator radiation dose, whereas the use of a self-expanding valve no longer influenced the first operator dose (P = .630). CONCLUSIONS: TC access and the use of a self-expanding valve were associated with a 4- and 2-fold greater first operator radiation exposure during TAVR procedures, respectively. Unlike the arterial approach, the effect of bioprosthesis type on radiation exposure was mainly related to x-ray time and was no longer significant after adjustment.

Impact of Left-Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients With High- and Low- Gradient Severe Aortic Stenosis Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with high-gradient (HG) severe aortic stenosis (AS) and reduced left-ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) are unknown. METHODS: Patients undergoing TAVR for native severe AS between 2009 and 2018 were retrospectively included and classified into 3 groups: HG (≥ 40 mm Hg) and preserved EF (≥ 50%), HG low EF (< 50%), and low gradient (LG < 40 mm Hg) low EF. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular mortality and readmission for heart failure at 1 year after TAVR. RESULTS: Of the 526 patients included, 323 (61%) had HG preserved EF, 69 (13%) had HG low EF, and 134 (26%) had LG low EF. HG low EF group had higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation and heart failure and higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons score compared with the HG preserved EF group. Patients in the LG low EF group were older and had higher prevalence of coronary artery disease compared with those in the HG groups. All-cause mortality at 30 days (4.0%) was similar across the 3 groups. After adjustment, the risk of primary endpoint was similar in the HG low-EF vs preserved EF groups. Conversely, the risk of primary endpoint was higher in the LG low EF group vs the HG preserved EF group (hazard ratio [HR], 2.24; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.36-3.70; P = 0.002) and vs HG low EF group (HR, 3.50; 95% CI, 1.55-7.90; P = 0.003), whereas the risk of all-cause mortality was similar across the 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of patients with HG low EF severe AS following TAVR is as good as that of patients with HG preserved EF.

Cerebral Embolism After Transcarotid Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Factors Associated With Ipsilateral Ischemic Burden.

BACKGROUND: Transcarotid transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) recipients may be exposed to a higher ipsilateral subclinical cerebral ischemic burden compared with the contralateral hemisphere. We sought (1) to compare the cerebral ischemic burden of the 2 hemispheres after transcarotid TAVR, as evaluated by diffusion weighted-magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI), and (2) to identify the factors associated with ipsilateral ischemic burden. METHODS: This prospective study included 52 patients undergoing transcarotid TAVR, followed by a DW-MRI examination. All DW-MRIs were analyzed offline by a radiologist blinded to the clinical data. RESULTS: TAVR was performed through the left (n = 50) or right (n = 2) carotid artery. Procedural success was achieved in all patients, carotid dissection requiring patch closure occurred in 1 patient, and there were no periprocedural stroke events. At least 1 cerebral ischemic lesion was identified in the ipsilateral and contralateral hemisphere in 84.6% and 63.5% of patients, respectively (P = .005), and the number of ischemic lesions per patient was higher in the ipsilateral vs the contralateral hemisphere (2 [interquartile range, 1-5] vs 1 [interquartile range, 0-3], P = .005). The lesion volume (per lesion) and the average lesion volume (per patient) did not differ between the 2 hemispheres. A larger sheath/catheter size (≥18F vs ≤16F) was associated with a higher ipsilateral ischemic burden (P = .026). CONCLUSIONS: Carotid artery access for TAVR was associated with a higher number of cerebral ischemic lesions in the ipsilateral (vs contralateral) cerebral hemisphere. The use of a larger sheath/delivery system (≥18F) was associated with an increased ipsilateral ischemic burden.

Timing and evolution of advanced conduction disturbances in patients with right bundle branch block undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

AIMS: This study sought to determine the timing and evolution over time of advanced conduction disturbances (CDs) in patients with baseline right bundle branch block (RBBB) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred and ten consecutive patients with pre-existing RBBB were included (out of 1341, 8.2%). All arrhythmias during the hospitalization period were recorded. Follow-up was performed at 30 days, 1 year, and yearly thereafter. Conduction recovery and ventricular pacing percentage (VPP) was evaluated at 30 days in those patients with permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI). Sixty-one (55.5%) patients suffered advanced CDs [97% complete or high-degree atrioventricular block (CHB/HAVB)], and the vast majority (98%) occurred within the first 3 days post-procedure (intraprocedural: 85%). Fifty-two (47.3%) patients had PPMI (vs. 11.0% in non-RBBB patients, P < 0.001). Ventricular pacing percentage at 1 month was higher in patients with persistent-intraprocedural CHB/HAVB compared to those with transient-intraprocedural or post-procedural CHB/HAVB [99 (interquartile range, IQR 97-100)% vs. 72 (IQR 30-99)%, P = 0.02]. Complete recovery (VPP < 1%) was observed in only one patient (2%) with CHB/HAVB. After hospital discharge, no symptomatic bradyarrhythmias or sudden death occurred within 30 days. Patients with pre-existing RBBB exhibited a higher risk of PPMI at 4-year follow-up (26% vs. 8% in non-RBBB patients, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients with pre-existing RBBB, the vast majority of advanced CDs occurred within the 3 days following TAVR, and most did not recover at 1-month, particularly those with intra-procedural persistent CHB/HAVB. These results should help to determine the hospitalization length and timing of PPMI in RBBB patients undergoing TAVR.