Prognostic impact of muscle ultrasound-guided diagnosis of sarcopenia in older adults with severe aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Muscle ultrasound is increasingly popular thanks to its advantages over other techniques. However, its usefulness in the diagnosis of sarcopenia in older adults with aortic stenosis (AS) has not been studied to date. OBJECTIVES: to analyze the prevalence of sarcopenia using muscle ultrasound and its impact on the health outcomes in older patients with AS. METHODS: The single-center FRESAS (FRailty-Evaluation-in-Severe-Aortic-Stenosis) registry was used to study patients over 75 years with severe AS susceptible to valve replacement. Sarcopenia was suspected in those individuals with diminished grip strength, and the diagnosis was confirmed in the presence of reduced ultrasound quadriceps muscle thickness, following the recommendations of the EWGSOP2 (European-Working-Group-on-Sarcopenia-in-Older-People). The primary composite endpoint was urgent hospital admission and mortality of cardiac cause 6 months after the diagnosis. RESULTS: Of the 150 patients studied, 55.3% were females, and only 17.3% were frail; the mean age was 83.4 years. Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 42 patients (28%). The overall survival rate at 6 months was 92%. The primary endpoint was recorded in 23.2% of the cases and was more frequent in the sarcopenic patients (33.3%) than in the non-sarcopenic individuals (17.6%) (p = 0.01). The regression analysis found that sarcopenia was associated with an increased risk of the primary endpoint (HR: 2.25; 95% CI 1.19-4.45; p = 0.02), adjusting for potential confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of serious cardiac complications in older patients with sarcopenia and severe AS is significant. The present study describes a noninvasive, ultrasound-guided diagnostic technique that may prove efficient in its predictive capacity.

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in severe aortic stenosis submitted to valve replacement: a multicenter study.

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of TTR amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) in severe aortic stenosis (SAS) patients, and to determine the independent predictors of major adverse events (MAE).Patients & methods: 91 SAS patients >65 years with an interventricular septum thickness ≥12.5 mm were referred for aortic valve replacement (AVR). 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy was applied to diagnose ATTR-CM, in the absence of monoclonal protein.Results: ATTR-CM was found in 11%. 78% of patients underwent AVR, but only 2 had ATTR-CM. There were no significant differences in the composite of all cause-mortality or cardiovascular hospitalizations. Lower left ventricle ejection fraction and not performing AVR were independent predictors of MAE.Conclusion: Not performing AVR was an independent predictor of MAE, regardless the ATTR-CM diagnosis.

Our study aimed to evaluate the number of people with severe narrowing of the aortic valve (SAS) and damage to the heart muscle caused to the deposition of filamentous structures composed of TTR (ATTR-CM), and to determine the independent predictors of severe undesirable medical occurrences (MAE). 91 patients >65 years with SAS and increased thickness of the heart muscle were referred to perform an aortic valve prosthesis implantation (AVR). A nuclear medicine exam was used to diagnose ATTR-CM, after excluding the deposition of filamentous structures composed of blood proteins in the heart muscle. ATTR-CM was found in 11%. 78% of patients underwent AVR, but only two had ATTR-CM. There were no significant differences in both death rate from all causes or hospitalizations from cardiovascular causes. A lower percentage of blood pumped out of the heart in each beat and not performing AVR independently predicted the occurrence of MAE in SAS patients, regardless the ATTR-CM diagnosis.

Recent advances in the treatment of refractory gastrointestinal angiodysplasia.

Gastrointestinal angiodysplasia (GIA) is a common, acquired, vascular abnormality of the digestive tract, and a frequent cause of bleeding. Refractory GIA criteria usually include recurrent bleeding, transfusions and/or repeat endoscopy. Pharmacological and interventional treatments have been the subject of recent high-quality publications. This review provides an overview of the latest updates on non-endoscopic management of refractory GIA. Aortic valve replacement has shown its efficacy in Heyde syndrome and should be considered if indicated. Anti-angiogenic drugs, such as Octreotide and Thalidomide, are efficient treatments of refractory GIA-related bleeding. Somatostatin analogs should, based on efficacy and tolerance profile, be considered first. In the future, a better understanding of the physiopathology of GIA might help develop new-targeted therapies.

Malposition of an Internal Aortic Annuloplasty Ring After Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Repair.

Poor tissue quality of adventitia and intima makes aortic root repair complex in patients with acute type A aortic dissection. The management of aortic root repair remains controversial. Internal aortic annuloplasty devices provide a standardized aortic valve repair technique to reduce and prevent annular dilation, while the modified Florida sleeve (mFS) procedure is an aortic root remodeling technique that does not require coronary artery reimplantation. However, little is known about the long-term durability of internal aortic annuloplasty with the hemispheric aortic annuloplasty remodeling ring (HARRT) combined with a mFS procedure in acute type A aortic dissection repair. A 52-year-old man had initial type A aortic dissection repair with an internal aortic annuloplasty ring and a mFS technique. He presented with dyspnea on exertion and intermittent chest pain one year later. Transesophageal echocardiogram revealed malposition of aortic annuloplasty ring and severe aortic insufficiency. He underwent a redo sternotomy with aortic valve replacement. Intraoperative findings demonstrated the aortic annuloplasty ring had dislodged from under the left and right coronary annulus and was adherent to the base of the noncoronary leaflet. The annuloplasty ring and aortic valve leaflets were excised and replaced with a mechanical aortic valve.

Gender-Dependent Association of Pulmonary Hypertension with Adverse Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Background: The relationship between pulmonary hypertension (PH) and outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been shown to be unfavorable. The impact of gender on TAVR outcomes remains controversial. There have been no studies evaluating the simultaneous effects of both factors on TAVR outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a prospective cohort of patients who underwent TAVR between January 2016 and December 2022. The patients were stratified by gender and the presence of PH. The primary outcome of the study was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization. Results: We identified a total of 133 female patients without PH, 179 males without PH, 87 females with PH, and 122 males with PH. The median follow-up period was 18 months. Female patients without PH demonstrated a lower cumulative mortality rate compared to those with male gender and/or PH. Adjusted multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses revealed that male gender and PH status, either individually or in combination, were independently associated with long-term mortality when compared to female patients without PH. Specifically, females with PH (HR 6.80, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.49-31.12, P=0.013), males without PH (HR 6.45, 95% CI: 1.47-28.22, P=0.013), and males with PH (HR 7.2, 95% CI: 1.63-31.81, P=0.009) demonstrated significantly higher risk for mortality. Conclusion: Patients who were male or had PH status had a higher risk of mortality. However, there was no synergistic effect between being male and having PH on the prognosis after TAVR.

Recent advancements in polymeric heart valves: From basic research to clinical trials.

Valvular heart diseases (VHDs) have become one of the most prevalent heart diseases worldwide, and prosthetic valve replacement is one of the effective treatments. With the fast development of minimal invasive technology, transcatheter valves replacement has been exploring in recent years, such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) technology. In addition, basic research on prosthetic valves has begun to shift from traditional mechanical valves and biological valves to the development of polymeric heart valves. The polymeric heart valves (PHVs) have shown a bright future due to their advantages of longer durability, better biocompatibility and reduced cost. This review gives a brief history of the development of polymeric heart valves, provides a summary of the types of polymer materials suitable for heart leaflets and the emerging processing/preparation methods for polymeric heart valves in the basic research. Besides, we facilitate a deeper understanding of polymeric heart valve products that are currently in preclinical/clinical studies, also summary the limitations of the present researches as well as the future development trends. Hence, this review will provide a holistic understanding for researchers working in the field of prosthetic valves, and will offer ideas for the design and research of valves with better durability and biocompatibility.

Usefulness of frailty assessment using the revised Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study on the prediction of clinical outcomes in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Frailty assessment is essential for deciding the treatment strategy for patients with aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Recently, the revised Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study (J-CHS) criteria has been proposed for the frailty assessment; however, it is unclear whether the criteria are useful for the risk stratification in these patients. We investigated the impact of frailty assessment using the revised J-CHS criteria on clinical outcomes in patients with AS undergoing TAVR. We examined 205 consecutive severe AS patients who underwent TAVR at two tertiary hospitals from May 2018 to December 2022. Frailty was defined by the revised J-CHS criteria (score ≥ 3) before TAVR. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Among the studied patients, the mean age was 84 years and 65% were female. Frailty was present in 51% of patients. During a median follow-up period of 1000 (interquartile range 677-1210) days, MACCE occurred in 22 patients. Frailty was significantly independently associated with higher risks of the MACCE adjusted for confounders related to nutritional status, severity of AS, comorbidities [hazard ratio (HR) 5.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.70-15.23; HR 3.94, 95% CI 1.34-11.55; HR 3.12, 95% CI 1.14-8.53; HR 3.31, 95% CI 1.21-9.02, respectively]. Frailty determined by the revised J-CHS criteria was associated with clinical outcomes, suggesting these criteria would be useful for risk stratification in Japanese patients with AS undergoing TAVR.

Hemodynamic effect of supra-annular implantation of SAPIEN 3 balloon expandable valve.

The hemodynamic impact of the implantation depth for balloon-expandable valves is under-investigated, especially with higher implantation techniques. We assessed the hemodynamic performance of supra-annular SAPIEN 3 valve implantation. This retrospective study involved consecutive patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using the SAPIEN 3. The device implantation depth and transcatheter heart valve (THV) leaflet-nadir position were angiographically analyzed, and supra-annular implantation was defined as a higher leaflet-nadir position than the original annular line. The Doppler hemodynamic status was evaluated at patient discharge. Among 184 patients, 120 (65%) underwent supra-annular implantation, and their mean implantation depth was significantly lower than that of intra-annular implantation (1.1 vs. 5.2 mm, p < 0.001). No patients developed valve embolization or coronary occlusion, and none required the TAV-in-TAV procedure. Two (1.6%) patients in the supra-annular implantation group had a mild or greater paravalvular leak. Echocardiography demonstrated that supra-annular implantation had better hemodynamic performance, showing a larger indexed effective orifice area (iEOA) compared with intra-annular implantation (1.09 vs. 0.97 cm2/m2, p < 0.01). There was a weak but negative correlation between the implantation depth and iEOA (r = - 0.27, p < 0.01). Moderate or severe prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) was found in 35.9% of the intra-annular group and 9.2% of supra-annular of the supra-annular group (p < 0.01). In the multivariable analysis, supra-annular implantation was an independent predictor of better THV function (iEOA > 0.85). Supra-annular SAPIEN 3 implantation provides beneficial hemodynamic effects and reduces the PPM risk.

Successful percutaneous coronary intervention of left main coronary artery dissection following mechanical aortic valve replacement surgery: a case report and literature review.

Background: Iatrogenic left main coronary artery (LMCA) dissection resulting from cardiac surgery is a rare complication. Its early detection is challenging and often poses a significant threat to the patient's life. However, evidence regarding the most effective management strategy for this condition remains limited at present. Case presentation: We present a case of 65-year-old female patient who developed cardiogenic shock after mechanical aortic valve replacement surgery associated acute myocardial infraction. Despite concurrent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, the patient's condition remained unimproved. Subsequent coronary angiography revealed extensive LMCA dissection involving the left circumflex (LCx) artery. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) guided by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) led to an immediate improvement in hemodynamic status. The patient was successfully discharged after 22 days of treatment. Conclusions: Iatrogenic LMCA dissection is an uncommon complication following cardiac surgery. It can manifest in a variety of ways, including as incidental findings, cardiogenic shock or sudden cardiac arrest. The precise prevalence rates of causes linked to cardiac surgery remain largely unknown due to the scarcity of reported cases and the absence of research on this issue. Currently, a definitive management strategy for this condition has not been established. However, previous reported clinical cases provide insight that CABG could be considered if coronary artery dissection is detected during cardiac surgery. Upon postoperative identification, diagnostic coronary angiography and PCI may be feasible alternatives.

Clinical profile, microbiology and outcomes in infective endocarditis treated with aortic valve replacement: a multicenter case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Aortic valve infective endocarditis (IE) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We aimed to describe the clinical profile, risk factors and predictors of short- and long-term mortality in patients with aortic valve IE treated with aortic valve replacement (AVR) compared with a control group undergoing AVR for non-infectious valvular heart disease. METHODS: Between January 2008 and December 2013, a total of 170 cases with IE treated with AVR (exposed cohort) and 677 randomly selected non-infectious AVR-treated patients with degenerative aortic valve disease (controls) were recruited from three tertiary hospitals with cardiothoracic facilities across Scandinavia. Crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were estimated using Cox regression models. RESULTS: The mean age of the IE cohort was 58.5 ± 15.1 years (80.0% men). During a mean follow-up of 7.8 years (IQR 5.1-10.8 years), 373 (44.0%) deaths occurred: 81 (47.6%) in the IE group and 292 (43.1%) among controls. Independent risk factors associated with IE were male gender, previous heart surgery, underweight, positive hepatitis C serology, renal failure, previous wound infection and dental treatment (all p < 0.05). IE was associated with an increased risk of both short-term (≤ 30 days) (HR 2.86, [1.36-5.98], p = 0.005) and long-term mortality (HR 2.03, [1.43-2.88], p < 0.001). In patients with IE, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR 2.13), underweight (HR 4.47), renal failure (HR 2.05), concomitant mitral valve involvement (HR 2.37) and mediastinitis (HR 3.98) were independent predictors of long-term mortality. Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent microbe (21.8%) and associated with a 5.2-fold increased risk of early mortality, while enterococci were associated with the risk of long-term mortality (HR 1.78). CONCLUSIONS: In this multicenter case-control study, IE was associated with an increased risk of both short- and long-term mortality compared to controls. Efforts should be made to identify, and timely treat modifiable risk factors associated with contracting IE, and mitigate the predictors of poor survival in IE.

Bicuspid Aortic Valve, from the Unknown till the Perfection of the Species.

The bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital cardiac abnormality. Though most often isolated, BAV may be associated with other cardiovascular malformations. BAV-related aortopathy is the most common, sharing genetic alterations and phenotypic heterogeneity characteristics. Sometimes silent for a lifetime, BAV may manifest as aortic valve dysfunction, aortic aneurysm, or more emergent situations, such as endocarditis or aortic dissection. Its embryological origin and the characterization of the genes involved, as well as the histopathological and hemodynamic aspects of its natural history, are becoming increasingly clear. In addition, emerging evidence of rhythm disorders associated with BAV has been identified. A new international nomenclature and classification has been introduced to interpret all the advances made in recent years for the comprehension of this condition. In the guidelines, more attention has been paid to the diagnosis of BAV and related aortopathy, together with surveillance, and family screening. Surgical treatment remains the gold standard, especially in young low-risk patients, and valve repair techniques have been shown to be effective and durable. Finally, the new era of transcatheter techniques is also being applied to dysfunctional BAV, allowing the treatment of patients at high surgical risk, with increasingly promising results, and the possibility of expanding indications through the introduction of more advanced devices. This review aims to comprehensively describe the BAV conundrum, focusing on anatomy, pathophysiology, genetics, diagnosis of BAV-related disorders, and the different treatment options available in the transcatheter era.

Outcome of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for Pure Native Aortic Regurgitation in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension.

Background: In recent years, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as a pivotal treatment for pure native aortic regurgitation (PNAR). Given patients with severe aortic regurgitation (AR) are prone to suffer from pulmonary hypertension (PH), understanding TAVR's efficacy in this context is crucial. This study aims to explore the short-term prognosis of TAVR in PNAR patients with concurrent PH. Methods: Patients with PNAR undergoing TAVR at Zhongshan Hospital, Affiliated with Fudan University, were enrolled between June 2018 to June 2023. They were categorized based on pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) into groups with or without PH. The baseline characteristics, imaging records, and follow-up data were collected. Results: Among the 103 patients recruited, 48 were afflicted with PH. In comparison to PNAR patients without PH, the PH group exhibited higher rates of renal dysfunction (10.4% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.014), increased Society of Thoracic Surgeons scores (6.4 ± 1.9 vs. 4.7 ± 1.6, p < 0.001), and elevated Nterminal fragment of pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Transthoracic ultrasound examination revealed that patients with PH displayed lower left ventricular ejection fraction, larger left ventricle dimension, and more frequent moderate to severe tcuspid regurgitation (TR). Following TAVR, both groups experienced significant reductions in PASP, mitral regurgitation (MR) and TR. There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative adverse events in patients with or without PH. Conclusions: We found TAVR to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with PNAR and PH, reducing the degree of aortic regurgitation and PH without increasing the risk of postoperative adverse events.

First-in-human: Leaflet laceration with balloon mediated annihilation to prevent coronary obstruction with radiofrequency needle (LLAMACORN) for valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Coronary obstruction (CO) is a potential pitfall for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), especially in valve in valve procedures into degenerated surgical or transcatheter prostheses. Bioprosthetic leaflet modification techniques that incorporate electrosurgery are evolving as the preferred strategy to mitigate the risk of CO in high CO risk settings. The UNICORN method is proposed as a more predictable leaflet modification strategy than the earlier described BASILICA approach, but its proponents have hitherto mandated the use of a balloon-expandable valve (BEV) prosthesis. Many patients have small prostheses and therein face a significant risk of patient prosthesis mismatch with BEV in this setting. This risk may be curtailed if a self-expanding valve (SEV) prosthesis could be used. Herein described is a modified approach to allow for the utilization of SEV systems in this setting.

The cardioprotective effects of adenosine-induced cardioplegic arrest versus saline in aortic valve replacement patients: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Adenosine is a widely used potent cardioprotective drug, but the effect of an adenosine bolus in initial cardioplegia on cardioprotection in aortic valve replacement (AVR) patients has not been demonstrated. The aim of this double-blind randomized clinical trial was to compare intra-aortic adenosine bolus with saline on the postoperative myocardial function in patients undergoing AVR. METHODS: Aortic valve stenosis patients scheduled for elective or urgent AVR surgery were randomized to receive either a 20 mg (4 mL) single dose of adenosine or a saline into the ascending aorta during the first cardioplegia infusion. The primary outcome was cardiac index (CI (L/min/m2) at four timepoints (before incision, after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), at 7 p.m. on the operation day, and at 6 a.m. the next morning). Secondary outcomes included left ventricular stroke work index, right ventricular stroke work index, and myocardial biomarkers at the same timepoints. RESULTS: Between November 2015 and March 2018, 45 patients were recruited, 23 in the adenosine group and 22 in the placebo group. The last follow-up date was 17 March 2018. There were no statistically significant differences in CI (mean differences with 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.09 L/min/m2 at baseline (-0.20 to 0.38), -1.39 L/min/m2 (-3.47 to 0.70) at post-CPB, -0.39 L/min/m2 (-0.78 to 0.004) at 7 p.m., and -0.32 L/min/m2 (-0.68 to 0.05) at 6 a.m., (p = 0.066)), right ventricular stroke work index, (p = 0.24), or cardiac biomarkers between the groups. Left ventricular stroke work index was lower in the adenosine group (-3.66 gm/m2 (-11.13 to 3.81) at baseline, -17.42 gm/m2 (-37.81 to 2.98) at post-CPB, -3.36 gm/m2 (-11.10 to 4.38) at 7 p.m., and -3.77 gm/m2 (-10.19 to 2.66) at 6 a.m. (p = 0.021)). CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences between 20 mg adenosine bolus and saline in the first cardioplegia infusion in CI improvement in AVR surgery for aortic valve stenosis.EudraCT number: 2014-001382-26.

A Case Report on the Utilization of a Hemostasis Analyzer System in the Management of a Patient With Essential Thrombocythemia.

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by persistent elevation of platelet count due to abnormal proliferation of megakaryocytes. While some cases may be asymptomatic, the condition is associated with an increased risk of complications such as thrombosis and bleeding tendencies, necessitating appropriate management tailored to individual cases. Hemostasis analyzer systems are automated analytical devices designed for comprehensive evaluation of blood coagulation function. These systems enable rapid and accurate measurement of multiple parameters, including coagulation time, platelet function, and fibrin formation, thus facilitating a holistic assessment of hemostatic function. A 76-year-old male patient presented to our hospital. At the age of 65, he received treatment for promyelocytic leukemia and achieved remission. At 75 years, he developed leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, and progressive anemia. A comprehensive examination, including bone marrow biopsy and genetic testing, revealed a JAK2 mutation, leading to the diagnosis of ET. At the age of 76 years, he complained of chest discomfort during exertion. Further investigation revealed severe aortic valve stenosis and two-vessel coronary artery disease. The patient underwent aortic valve replacement and three-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting. A hemostasis analyzer system was used to monitor coagulation function throughout the procedure. Compared with the normal range, his coagulation profile showed a tendency toward hypercoagulability. Intraoperative and postoperative transfusions were performed as required. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful without any complications related to bleeding or thrombosis.

Predictors and Trends of New Permanent Pacemaker Implantation: A Subanalysis of the International Navitor IDE Study.

Background: The Navitor Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) study is a prospective, multicenter, global study assessing the safety and effectiveness of the Navitor valve in a population with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis who are at high and extreme surgical risk. The impact of pre-existing conduction abnormalities and implantation technique on new permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) for the Navitor platform is not fully understood. Therefore, the goal of this analysis was to investigate the associations between patient and procedural factors and the 30-day new PPI rate. Methods: A total of 260 patients who underwent implantation of a Navitor valve in the Navitor IDE study were reviewed. Patients with preprocedural permanent pacemakers (n = 28) were excluded. Baseline risk factors were assessed for statistical significance. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of new PPI. Results: Mean age of the pacemaker-naïve population was 83.3 ± 5.2 years, 58.6% were female, average Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 3.8% ± 1.9%, median frailty score was 1 (interquartile range 1, 2), and 17.7% were deemed at extreme surgical risk. Pre-existing first-degree atrioventricular block and right bundle branch block significantly increased the risk of new PPI postimplantation, whereas left bundle branch block did not. Membranous septum length in relation to noncoronary cusp implant depth was a significant predictor of new PPI, with higher rates of new PPI observed when noncoronary cusp implant depth exceeded membranous septum length. Analysis of implant depth alone revealed deeper implants were associated with a higher rate of new PPI, regardless of patient baseline conduction abnormality. Conclusions: The 30-day rate of new PPI in the Navitor IDE study is associated with patient pre-existing baseline conduction disturbances and implantation depth.

Simultaneous Transcatheter Aortic and Mitral Native Valve Replacement: A Step-by-Step Procedural Approach.

Multivalvular heart disease (MVHD) is present in one-third of patients with valvular heart disease (VHD). Compared to single VHD patients, these patients have a more significant hemodynamic impact and are often left under medical treatment. Most importantly, when undergoing multiple valve interventions, they show worse rates of heart failure and mortality. The guidelines-supported interventions in patients with MVHD in combined aortic regurgitation and mitral stenosis include percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy, open mitral commissurotomy, or surgical mitral valve replacement followed by transcatheter or surgical aortic valve replacement, trying to minimize the increased mortality risk of double-valve replacement. Simultaneous transcatheter valve replacement (STVR) for native MVHD is still off-label and not yet considered in clinical guidelines since the evidence of its results is limited to a few cases reported worldwide. However, fully percutaneous transfemoral STVR seems promising for MVHD patients thanks to its minimal invasiveness, the continuous improvement of the transcatheter heart valve devices, the likely shorter length of stay and the fastest recovery. To our knowledge, this is the first case ever reported of fully percutaneous STVR for native MVHD in aortic regurgitation and mitral stenosis. Deep understanding of both pathologies and their interactions, not only from a pathological point of view but from the procedural planning and procedural steps point of view is mandatory. Hereby we present the specific STVR procedural planning considerations, a step-by-step guide on how to perform an aortic and mitral STVR and its critical considerations, as well as the procedural and follow-up results.

Thirty-Day High-Grade Aortic Valve Block Post-Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients Discharged on Heart Rhythm Monitor.

Background: Conduction disease is an important and common complication post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Previously, we developed a conduction disease risk stratification and management protocol post-TAVR. This study aims to evaluate high-grade aortic valve block (HAVB) incidence and risk factors in a large cohort undergoing ambulatory cardiac monitoring post-TAVR according to conduction risk grouping. Methods: This single-center, retrospective study evaluated all patients discharged on ambulatory cardiac monitoring between 2016 and 2021 and stratified them into 3 groups based on electrocardiogram predictors of HAVB risk (group 1 [low], group 2 [intermediate], and group 3 [high]). HAVB was defined as ≥2 consecutive nonconducted P waves in sinus rhythm or bradycardia <50 beats/minute with a fixed rate for atrial fibrillation/flutter. Descriptive statistics were used to show the incidence and timeline, while logistic regression was utilized to evaluate predictors of HAVB. Results: Five hundred twenty-eight patients were included (median age 80 years [74-85]; 43.8% female). Forty-one patients (7.8%) developed HAVB during ambulatory monitoring (68% were asymptomatic). Over a median follow-up of 2 years (1.3-2.7), the overall mortality rate was 15.0% (30-day mortality rate of 0.57%, n = 3). Risk factors for HAVB were male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.46, p = 0.02, 95% CI = 1.21-5.43), baseline right bundle branch block (OR = 2.80, p = 0.01, 95% CI = 1.17-6.19), and post-TAVR QRS >150 â€‹ms (OR = 2.16, p = 0.03, 95% CI = 1.01-4.40). The negative predictive value for patients in groups 1 and 2 for 30-day HAVB was 95.0 and 93.8%, respectively. Conclusions: The risk of 30-day HAVB post-TAVR on ambulatory monitoring post-TAVR varies according to post-TAVR electrocardiogram findings, and a 3-group algorithm effectively identifies groups with a low negative predictive value for HAVB.

TAVR for Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis with LVOT Stenosis: A Case Report.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been recently indicated for the treatment of patients with severe aortic stenosis in all risk profiles. At present, TAVR has become mature at home and abroad, but the relevant experience is deficient in the treatment of aortic valve stenosis with outflow tract stenosis. One case of a high-risk surgical patient was included in this paper who suffered from severe aortic valve stenosis with left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) stenosis. In this case, TAVR was performed with deep implantation of a new valve and both aortic valve stenosis and LVOT stenosis were treated through a single TAVR procedure. This case highlights the vital role of such treatment in dealing with both aortic valve stenosis and LVOT stenosis through a single TAVR procedure, thus providing valuable information for similar cases.