Right Ventriculoarterial Coupling Surrogates and Long-Term Survival in LVAD Recipients: Results of the ASSIST-ICD Multicentric Registry.

BACKGROUND: Prediction of outcomes remains an unmet need in candidates for LVADs. The development of right-heart failure portends an excess in mortality rates, but imaging parameters of right ventricular systolic function have failed to demonstrate a prognostic role. By integrating pulmonary pressure, right ventriculoarterial coupling could fill this gap. METHODS: The ASSIST-ICD registry was used to test right ventriculoarterial coupling as a surrogate parameter at implantation for the prediction of all-cause mortality. RESULTS: The ratio of the tricuspid annular-plane systolic excursion over the estimated systolic pulmonary pressure (TAPSE/sPAP) was not associated with long-term survival in univariate analysis (P = 0.89), nor was the pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) (P = 0.13). Conversely, the ratio of the right atrial pressure over the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (RAP/PCWP) was associated with all-cause mortality (P < 0.01). After taking tricuspid regurgitation severity, LVAD indication, LVAD model, age, blood urea nitrogen levels, and pulmonary vascular resistance into account, RAP/PCWP remained associated with survival (HR 1.35 [1.10 - 1.65]; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Among pre-implant RVAC surrogates, only RAP/PCWP was associated with long-term all-cause mortality in LVAD recipients. This association was independent of established risk factors.

Outcome of Temporary Circulatory Support As a Bridge-to-Left Ventricular Assist Device Strategy in Cardiogenic Shock Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Temporary circulatory support (TCS) as a bridge-to-left ventricular assist device (BTL) in cardiogenic shock patients has been increasing, but limited data exists on this BTL strategy. We aimed at analyzing the outcome of BTL patients in a population of cardiogenic shock patients compared with those without TCS at the time of the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgery and identify predictors of postoperative mortality in this specific population. DESIGN: A multicenter retrospective observational study conducted in 19 centers from 2006 to 2016. SETTING: Nineteen French centers. PATIENTS: A total of 329 cardiogenic shock patients at the time of LVAD implantation were analyzed. Patients were divided in three groups: those under TCS at the time of LVAD implantation (n = 173), those with TCS removal before LVAD surgery (n = 24), and those who did not undergo a bridging strategy (n = 152). Primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Among the BTL group, 68 (39.3%), 18 (10.4%), and 15 (8.7%) patients were under venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, Impella, and IABP support alone, and 72 patients (20.6%) were under multiple TCS support. BTL patients presented similar 30 days survival compared with the TCS removal and non-BTL groups. However, BTL group had a significantly longer ICU duration stay, with two-fold duration of mechanical ventilation time, but the three groups experienced similar postoperative complications. Multivariate analysis identified three independent predictors of mortality in the BTL group: combined surgery with LVAD, body mass index (BMI), and heart failure (HF) duration. BTL strategy was not an independent predictor of mortality in cardiogenic shock patients who underwent LVAD. CONCLUSIONS: BTL strategy is not associated with a lower survival among cardiogenic shock patients with LVAD implantation. Predictors of mortality are combined surgery with LVAD, higher BMI, and HF duration.

Implantable cardiac defibrillator leads dysfunction after LVAD implantation.

BACKGROUND: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) lead dysfunction has been reported after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation in limited single-center studies. We aimed at describing and characterizing the incidence of ICD lead parameters dysfunction after LVAD implantation. METHODS: Among the 652 patients enrolled in the ASSIST-ICD study, only patients with an ICD prior to LVAD were included (n = 401). ICD lead parameters dysfunction following LVAD implantation is defined as follows: (a) >50% decrease in sensing threshold, (b) pacing lead impedance increase/decrease by >100Ω, and (c) >50% increase in pacing threshold. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two patients with an ICD prior to LVAD had available ICD interrogation reports prior and after LVAD. A total of 67 (55%) patients exhibited at least one significant lead dysfunction: 17 (15%) exhibited >50% decrease in right ventricular (RV) sensing, 51 (42%) had >100 Ω increase/decrease in RV pacing impedance, and 24 (20%) experienced >50% increase in RV pacing threshold. A total of 52 patients experienced ventricular arrhythmia during follow-up and all were successfully detected and treated by the device. All lead dysfunction could be managed conservatively. CONCLUSION: More than 50% of LVAD-recipients may experience >1 significant change in lead parameters but none had severe clinical consequences.

Risk factors and prognostic impact of left ventricular assist device-associated infections.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD)-associated infections may be life-threatening and impact patients' outcome. We aimed to identify the characteristics, risk factors, and prognosis of LVAD-associated infections. METHODS: Patients included in the ASSIST-ICD study (19 centers) were enrolled. The main outcome was the occurrence of LVAD-associated infection (driveline infection, pocket infection, or pump/cannula infection) during follow-up. RESULTS: Of the 652 patients enrolled, 201 (30.1%) presented a total of 248 LVAD infections diagnosed 6.5 months after implantation, including 171 (26.2%), 51 (7.8%), and 26 (4.0%) percutaneous driveline infection, pocket infection, or pump/cannula infection, respectively. Patients with infections were aged 58.7 years, and most received HeartMate II (82.1%) or HeartWare (13.4%). Most patients (62%) had implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) before LVAD, and 104 (16.0%) had ICD implantation, extraction, or replacement after the LVAD surgery. Main pathogens found among the 248 infections were Staphylococcus aureus (n = 113' 45.4%), Enterobacteriaceae (n = 61; 24.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 34; 13.7%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (n = 13; 5.2%), and Candida species (n = 13; 5.2%). In multivariable analysis, HeartMate II (subhazard ratio, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.03 to 2.36; P = .031) and ICD-related procedures post-LVAD (subhazard ratio, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.03-1.98; P = .031) were significantly associated with LVAD infections. Infections had no detrimental impact on survival. CONCLUSIONS: Left ventricular assist device-associated infections affect one-third of LVAD recipients, mostly related to skin pathogens and gram-negative bacilli, with increased risk with HeartMate II as compared with HeartWare, and in patients who required ICD-related procedures post-LVAD. This is a plea to better select patients needing ICD implantation/replacement after LVAD implantation.

Rerouting the internal thoracic pedicle: a novel solution for maxillofacial reconstruction in vessel-depleted situations? A preliminary anatomic study.

PURPOSE: Microsurgical reconstruction in a vessel-depleted neck is a challenge due to the lack of reliable vessels in or nearby the host site. The use of the internal thoracic pedicle (ITP) by rib section or sparring is a limited option due to the small length of the pedicle of some flaps. However, in cardiac surgery, the internal thoracic artery (ITA) is widely used for myocardial revascularization, providing a long and versatile pedicle. We aimed at determining precise anatomical bases for the use of the ITP, approached by sternotomy and rerouted in the neck, as recipient vessels for free-flap facial reconstructions. METHODS: We performed a descriptive single centre anatomical study on 20 formalin-embalmed cadavers. The ITP was harvested on both sides from the emergence of the artery under the brachiocephalic vein to its terminal division. The level reached by the ITP in the cervicofacial area was described. Distal arterial and venous diameters, pedicle length and other parameters were measured. RESULTS: In at least 85% of the cases, the ITP reached the mandibular angle. The mean diameter at the distal extremity for the ITA was 2.36 ± 0.15, and 2.48 ± 0.19 mm for the committing vein. The mean length of the ITP was 177.3 mm. CONCLUSION: Rerouting the ITP towards the cervicofacial area could provide a reliable pedicle for free-flap reconstructions in patients with a vessel-depleted neck but it should be limited to selected patients. This novel solution for situations where current techniques are unfeasible warrants further clinical research.

Role of inflammatory cells and adenosine in lung ischemia reoxygenation injury using a model of lung donation after cardiac death.

AIM: The objective of this study is to analyze the role of inflammation in the lung ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury and determine the protective role of adenosine in an in vitro lung transplantation model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a hybrid model of lung donor after cardiac death, with warm ischemia in corpo of varying duration (2 h, 4 h) followed by in vitro lung slices culture for reoxygenation (1 h, 4 h and 24 h), in the presence or not of lymphocytes and of adenosine. To quantify the inflammatory lesions, we performed TNFα, IL2 assays, and histological analysis. RESULTS: In this model of a nonblood perfused system, the addition of lymphocytes during reoxygenation lead to higher rates of TNFα and IL2 after 4 h than after 2 h of warm ischemia (P < .05). These levels increased with the duration of reoxygenation and were maximum at 24 h (P < .05). In the presence of adenosine TNFα and IL2 decreased. After 2 h of warm ischemia, we observed a significant inflammatory infiltration, alveolar thickening and a necrosis of the bronchiolar cells. After 4 h of warm ischemia, alveolar cells necrosis was associated. CONCLUSION: This model showed that lymphocytes increased the inflammatory response and the histological lesions after 4 h of warm ischemia and that adenosine could have an anti-inflammatory role with potential reconditioning action when used in the pneumoplegia solution.

Organotypic lung culture: A new model for studying ischemia and ex vivo perfusion in lung transplantation.

AIM: Donors after cardiac death (DCD) in lung transplantation is considered as a solution for organ shortage. However, it is characterized by warm ischemic period, which could be involved in severe Ischemia-Reperfusion lesion (IR) with early graft dysfunction. We describe a new hybrid model combining in vivo ischemia followed by in vitro reoxygenation using organ-specific culture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A hybrid model using in vivo ischemic period followed by in vitro lung slice reoxygenation was set up in rat to mimic DCD in lung transplantation with in vitro perfusion. Different markers (bioenergetics, oxidant stress assays, and histology) were measured to evaluate the viability of lung tissue after different ischemic times (I-0, I-1, I-2, I-4, I-15 hours) and reoxygenation times (R-0, R-1, R-4, R-24 hours). RESULTS: No differences were found in cell viability, ATP concentrations, extracellular LDH assays or histology, demonstrating extensive viability of up to 4 hours in lung tissue warm ischemia. We found oxidative stress mainly during the ischemic period with no burst at reoxygenation. Cytosolic anti-oxidant system was involved first (I-0,I-1,I-2) followed by mitochondrial anti-oxidant system for extensive ischemia (I-4). Histological features showed differences in this model of ischemia-reoxygenation between bronchial epithelium and lung parenchymal cells, with epithelium regeneration after 2 hours of warm ischemia and 24 hours of perfusion. CONCLUSION: The results of our hybrid model experiment suggest extensive lung viability of up to 4 hours ischemia. Our model could be an interesting tool to evaluate ex vivo reconditioning techniques after different in vivo lung insults.

Association between pulmonary artery pulsatility and mortality after implantation of left ventricular assist device.

AIMS: Right ventricular failure after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is a major concern that remains challenging to predict. We sought to investigate the relationship between preoperative pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) and mortality after LVAD implantation. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective analysis of the ASSIST-ICD multicentre registry allowed the assessment of PAPi before LVAD according to the formula [(systolic pulmonary artery pressure - diastolic pulmonary artery pressure)/central venous pressure]. The primary endpoint was survival at 3 months, according to the threshold value of PAPi determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A multivariate analysis including demographic, echographic, haemodynamic, and biological variables was performed to identify predictive factors for 2 year mortality. One hundred seventeen patients were included from 2007 to 2021. The mean age was 58.45 years (±13.16), with 15.4% of women (sex ratio 5.5). A total of 53.4% were implanted as bridge to transplant and 43.1% as destination therapy. Post-operative right ventricular failure was observed in 57 patients (48.7%), with no significant difference between survivors and non-survivors at 1 month (odds ratio 1.59, P = 0.30). The median PAPi for the whole study population was 2.83 [interquartile range 1.63-4.69]. The threshold value of PAPi determined by the ROC curve was 2.84. Patients with PAPi ≥ 2.84 had a higher survival rate at 3 months [PAPi < 2.84: 58.1% [46.3-72.8%] vs. PAPi ≥ 2.84: 89.1% [81.1-97.7%], hazard ratio (HR) 0.08 [0.02-0.28], P < 0.01], with no significant difference after 3 months (HR 0.67 [0.17-2.67], P = 0.57). Other predictors of 2 year mortality were systemic hypertension (HR 4.22 [1.49-11.97], P < 0.01) and diabetes mellitus (HR 4.90 [1.83-13.14], P < 0.01). LVAD implantation as bridge to transplant (HR 0.18 [0.04-0.74], P = 0.02) and heart transplantation (HR 0.02 [0.00-0.18], P < 0.01) were associated with a higher survival rate at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative PAPi < 2.84 was associated with a higher risk of early mortality after LVAD implantation without impacting 2 year outcomes among survivors.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation: The road to a minimalist "stent-like" procedure.

BACKGROUND: Since the first-in-man implantation of a transcatheter aortic stented valve in April 2002 in Rouen, the procedure has expanded worldwide. In our centre, all transfemoral procedures have been performed using local anaesthesia without transoesophageal echocardiographic monitoring. AIM: To report our experience of transfemoral arterial transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) over the last 2 decades, following the evolution of devices, practices and indications. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2021, 2097 consecutive patients had a TAVI procedure in our centre. Among them, 1780 underwent transfemoral arterial aortic valve implantation, and were subdivided into three groups according to the time period: before 2009; 2009-2014; and 2014-2021. RESULTS: Median age was 85 years, and remained unchanged over time. The mean logistic EuroSCORE gradually decreased over time (28% before 2009 vs 15% for 2009-2014 vs 11% since 2014; P<0.001). Predilatation was performed almost systematically before 2009 (93%), but was rarely performed in the last period (14%; P<0.001). Thirty-day all-cause mortality decreased over time, and was only 1.4% in 2021. Length of stay decreased considerably, with a median duration of only 2 days after the procedure, and>70% of patients were discharged home within 72hours. Similarly, procedural duration, X-ray time and contrast volume decreased over time. CONCLUSION: Transfemoral aortic valve implantation, performed as a minimalist "stent-like" procedure using only local anaesthesia, is feasible in the vast majority of patients, with excellent outcomes.

Characteristics and outcome of ambulatory heart failure patients receiving a left ventricular assist device.

AIMS: Despite regularly updated guidelines, there is still a delay in referral of advanced heart failure patients to mechanical circulatory support and transplant centres. We aimed to analyse characteristics and outcome of non-inotrope-dependent patients implanted with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). METHODS AND RESULTS: The ASSIST-ICD registry collected LVAD data in 19 centres in France between February 2006 and December 2016. We used data of patients in Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support Classes 4-7. The primary endpoint was survival analysis. Predictors of mortality were searched with multivariable analyses. A total of 303 patients (mean age 61.0 ± 9.9 years, male sex 86.8%) were included in the present analysis. Ischaemic cardiomyopathy was the leading heart failure aetiology (64%), and bridge to transplantation was the main implantation strategy (56.1%). The overall likelihood of being alive while on LVAD support or having a transplant at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 66%, 61.7%, 58.7%, and 55.1%, respectively. Age [hazard ratio (HR) 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00-1.05; P = 0.02], a concomitant procedure (HR 2.32, 95% CI 1.52-3.53; P < 0.0001), and temporary mechanical right ventricular support during LVAD implantation (HR 2.94, 95% CI 1.49-5.77; P = 0.002) were the only independent variables associated with mortality. Heart failure medications before or after LVAD implantation were not associated with survival. CONCLUSION: Ambulatory heart failure patients displayed unsatisfactory survival rates after LVAD implantation. A better selection of patients who can benefit from LVAD may help improving outcomes.

Comparison of Outcomes and Mortality in Patients Having Left Ventricular Assist Device Implanted Early -vs- Late After Diagnosis of Cardiomyopathy.

LVAD implantation in patients with a recently diagnosed cardiomyopathy has been poorly investigated. This work aims at describing the characteristics and outcomes of patients receiving a LVAD within 30 days following the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy. Patients from the ASSIST-ICD study was divided into recently and remotely diagnosed cardiomyopathy based on the time from initial diagnosis of cardiomyopathy to LVAD implantation using the cut point of 30 days. The primary end point of the study was all-cause mortality at 30-day and during follow-up. A total of 652 patients were included and followed during a median time of 9.1 (2.5 to 22.1) months. In this population, 117 (17.9%) had a recently diagnosed cardiomyopathy and had LVAD implantation after a median time of 15.0 (9.0 to 24.0) days following the diagnosis. This group of patients was significantly younger, with more ischemic cardiomyopathy, more sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) events at the time of the diagnosis and were more likely to receive temporary mechanical support before LVAD compared with the remotely diagnosed group. Postoperative in-hospital survival was similar in groups, but recently diagnosed patients had a better long-term survival after hospital discharge. SCA before LVAD and any cardiac surgery combined with LVAD implantation were identified as 2 independent predictors of postoperative mortality in recently diagnosed patients. In conclusion, rescue LVAD implantation for recently diagnosed severe cardiomyopathy is common in clinical practice. Such patients experience a relatively low postoperative mortality and have a better long-term survival compared with remotely diagnosed patients.

Hemolysis induced by Left Ventricular Assist Device is associated with proximal tubulopathy.

BACKGROUND: Chronic subclinical hemolysis is frequent in patients implanted with Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) and is associated with adverse outcomes. Consequences of LVADs-induced subclinical hemolysis on kidney structure and function is currently unknown. METHODS: Thirty-three patients implanted with a Heartmate II LVAD (Abbott, Inc, Chicago IL) were retrospectively studied. Hemolysis, Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and the evolution of estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate were analyzed. Proximal Tubulopathy (PT) groups were defined according to proteinuria, normoglycemic glycosuria, and electrolytic disorders. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze threshold of LDH values associated with PT. RESULTS: Median LDH between PT groups were statistically different, 688 IU/L [642-703] and 356 IU/L [320-494] in the "PT" and "no PT" groups, respectively p = 0.006. To determine PT group, LDH threshold > 600 IU/L was associated with a sensitivity of 85.7% (95% CI, 42.1-99.6) and a specificity of 84.6% (95% CI, 65.1-95.6). The ROC's Area Under Curve was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.68-0.98). In the "PT" group, patients had 4.2 [2.5-5.0] AKI episodes per year of exposure, versus 1.6 [0.4-3.7] in the "no PT" group, p = 0.03. A higher occurrence of AKI was associated with subsequent development of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) (p = 0.02) and death (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: LVADs-induced subclinical hemolysis is associated with proximal tubular functional alterations, which in turn contribute to the occurrence of AKI and subsequent CKD. Owing to renal toxicity of hemolysis, measures to reduce subclinical hemolysis intensity as canula position or pump parameters should be systematically considered, as well as specific nephroprotective therapies.

Current results of left ventricular assist device therapy in France: the ASSIST-ICD registry.

OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to provide a picture of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) activity in France between 2007 and 2016 based on the multicentric ASSIST-ICD registry. METHODS: We retrospectively collected 136 variables including in-hospital data, follow-up survival rates and adverse events from 671 LVAD recipients at 20 out of 24 LVAD implant centres in France. The average follow-up time was 1.2 years (standard deviation: 1.4); the total follow-up time was 807.5 patient-years. RESULTS: The included devices were the HeartMate II®, HeartWare LVAS® or Jarvik 2000®. The overall likelihood of being alive while on LVAD support or having a transplant (primary end point) at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years postimplantation was 65.2%, 59.7%, 55.9% and 47.7%, respectively, given a cumulative incidence of 29.2% of receiving a transplant at year 5. At implantation, 21.5% of patients were on extracorporeal life support. The overall rate of cardiogenic shock at implantation was 53%. The major complications were driveline infection (26.1%), pump pocket or cannula infection (12.6%), LVAD thrombosis (12.2%), ischaemic (12.8%) or haemorrhagic stroke (5.4%; all strokes 18.2%), non-cerebral haemorrhage (9.1%) and LVAD exchange (5.2%). The primary end point (survival) was stratified by age at surgery and by the type of device used, with inference from baseline profiles. The primary end point combined with an absence of complications (secondary end point) was also stratified by device type. CONCLUSIONS: The ASSIST-ICD registry provides a real-life picture of LVAD use in 20 of the 24 implant centres in France. Despite older average age and a higher proportion of patients chosen for destination therapy, survival rates improved compared to those in previous national registry results. This LVAD registry contrasts with other international registries because patients with implants have more severe disease, and the national policy for graft attribution is distinct. We recommend referring patients for LVAD earlier and suggest a discussion of the optimal timing of a transplant for bridged patients (more dismal results after the second year of support?).

Relation of Body Mass Index to Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure Implanted With Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

We aimed at characterizing the impact of low and high body mass index (BMI) on outcomes after left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgery and define the predictors of mortality in patients with abnormal BMI (low/high). This study was conducted in 19 centers from 2006 to 2016. Patients were divided based on their baseline BMI into 3 groups of BMI: low (BMI ≤18.5 kg/m²); normal (BMI = 18.5 to 24.99 kg/m²) and high (BMI ≥25 kg/m²) (including overweight (BMI = 25 to 29.99 kg/m²), and obesity (BMI ≥30 Kg/m²)). Among 652 patients, 29 (4.4%), 279 (42.8%) and 344 (52.8%) had a low-, normal-, and high BMI, respectively. Patients with high BMI were significantly more likely men, with more co-morbidities and more history of ventricular/supra-ventricular arrhythmias before LVAD implantation. Patients with abnormal BMI had significantly lower survival than those with normal BMI. Notably, those with low BMI experienced the worst survival whereas overweight or obese patients had similar survival. Four predictors of mortality for LVAD candidates with abnormal BMI were defined: total bilirubin ≥16 µmol/L before LVAD, hypertension, destination therapy, and cardiac surgery with LVAD. Depending on the number of predictor per patients, those with abnormal BMI may be divided in 3 groups of 1-year mortality risk, i.e., low (0 to 1 predictor: 29% and 31%), intermediate (2 to 3 predictors, 51% and 52%, respectively), and high (4 predictors: 83%). In conclusion, LVAD recipients with abnormal BMI experience lower survival, especially underweight patients. Four predictors of mortality have been identified for LVAD population with abnormal BMI, differentiating those a low-, intermediate-, and high risks of death.

Technique of transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the Edwards-Sapien heart valve using the transfemoral approach.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) using a balloon-expandable valve has been developed by the authors' group 7 years ago to offer a therapeutic solution to nonoperable or surgical high-risk patients with degenerative aortic stenosis. The technique and the devices used have rapidly evolved thereafter and TAVI has become a clinical reality with more than 3,500 patients implanted worldwide with this device. The currently used Edwards-Sapien Transcatheter Heart Valve (THV) consists of a balloon-expandable stent with an integrated bovine pericardial valve. It can be implanted within the diseased native aortic valve using either the retrograde transfemoral or antegrade transapical routes. This article is aimed at describing the updated transfemoral technique. Appropriate patient selection is crucial for a successful procedure including close evaluation of the arterial characteristics. After predilatation of the native valve with a balloon catheter, the THV with its delivery system is introduced within the femoral artery, advanced to the native aortic valve under X-ray control, positioned across the aortic annulus, and delivered by balloon inflation under rapid heart pacing. The acute procedural success is 96% and the technique leads to an immediate and lasting improvement of hemodynamics and clinical status. Complications are rare and the mortality rate is 6.3% at 1 month in this cohort of very sick patients. Procedural complications are headed by vascular injury related to the large size of the arterial introducers. An upcoming lower- profile Edwards THV should improve this issue and increase the indication for this less invasive approach in the near future. At the present time, the indications should be restricted to nonoperable or surgical high-risk patients and the procedure performed by experienced and formally trained physicians working in an optimal multidisciplinary environment.

Assessment of Long-Term Structural Deterioration of Transcatheter Aortic Bioprosthetic Valves Using the New European Definition.

BACKGROUND: The durability of transcatheter aortic bioprosthetic valves is a crucial issue, but data are scarce, especially beyond 5 years of follow-up. We aimed to assess long-term (7 years) structural valve deterioration (SVD) and bioprosthetic valve failure of transcatheter aortic bioprosthetic valves. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive patients with at least 5-year follow-up available undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation from April 2002 to December 2011 in 5 French centers were included. Incidence of SVD and bioprosthetic valve failure were defined according to newly standardized criteria of the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions/European Society of Cardiology/European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery and reported as cumulative incidence function to account for the competing risk of death. One thousand four hundred three consecutive patients were included with a mean age of 82.6±7.5 years and with a mean logistic EuroSCORE (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) of 21.3±7.5%. A balloon-expandable valve was used in 83.7% of cases. Survival rates were 83.5% (95% CI, 81.4%-85.5%) and 18.6% (95% CI, 15.3%-21.8%) at 1 and 7 years, respectively. Median duration of follow-up was 3.9 years. Bioprosthetic valve failure occurred in 19 patients with a 7-year cumulative incidence of 1.9% (95% CI, 1.4%-2.4%). SVD occurred in 49 patients (moderate, n=32; severe, n=17) with a 7-year cumulative incidence of moderate and severe SVD of 7.0% (95% CI, 5.6%-8.4%) and 4.2% (95% CI, 2.9%-5.5%), respectively. Five patients had aortic valve reintervention (1.0%; 95% CI, 0.4%-1.6%) including 1 case of surgical aortic valve replacement and 4 redo-transcatheter aortic valve implantation. The incidences of SVD and bioprosthetic valve failure were not significantly different between balloon and self-expandable prostheses. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term assessment of transcatheter aortic bioprosthetic valves durability is limited by the poor survival of our population beyond 5 years. Further studies are warranted, particularly in younger and lower-risk patients.

Incidence, predictors, and clinical impact of electrical storm in patients with left ventricular assist devices: New insights from the ASSIST-ICD study.

BACKGROUND: Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) can occur after continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation as a single arrhythmic event or as electrical storm (ES) with multiple repetitive VA episodes. OBJECTIVE: We aimed at analyzing the incidence, predictors, and clinical impact of ES in LVAD recipients. METHODS: Patients analyzed were those included in the multicenter ASSIST-ICD observational study. ES was consensually defined as occurrence of ≥3 separate episodes of sustained VAs within a 24-hour interval. RESULTS: Of 652 patients with an LVAD, 61 (9%) presented ES during a median follow-up period of 9.1 (interquartile range [IQR] 2.5-22.1) months. The first ES occurred after 17 (IQR 4.0-56.2) days post LVAD implantation, most of them during the first month after the device implantation (63%). The incidence then tended to decrease during the initial years of follow-up and increased again after the third year post LVAD implantation. History of VAs before LVAD implantation and heart failure duration > 84 months were independent predictors of ES. The occurrence of ES was associated with an increased early mortality since 20 patients (33%) died within the first 2 weeks of ES. Twenty-two patients (36.1%) presented at least 1 recurrence of ES, occurring 43.0 (IQR 8.0-69.0) days after the initial ES. Patients experiencing ES had a significantly lower 1-year survival rate than did those free from ES (log-rank, P = .039). CONCLUSION: There is a significant incidence of ES in patients with an LVAD. The short-term mortality after ES is high, and one-third of patients will die within 15 days. Whether radiofrequency ablation of arrhythmias improves outcomes would require further studies.

Endocarditis complicating a congenital quadricuspid aortic valve.

The most common aortic valve congenital abnormality is observed in bicuspid aortic valve. Only a few cases of aortic valve quadricuspidy have been reported in the literature. We report a new case of endocarditis complicating a congenital quadricuspid aortic valve.

HeartMate II left ventricular assist device; early European experience.

OBJECTIVE: The novel axial flow left ventricular assist device HeartMate II was introduced into clinical practice in Europe as part of the pilot study and after CE approval in November 2005. In order to get an overview of the use and performance of the device in Europe a group of investigators was founded to compare the initial results. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis of the first 101 consecutive cases in Europe, data were collected with regard to postoperative outcome and severe adverse events and anticoagulation protocols. Results were stratified by intention to treat as a bridge to transplant or as chronic support therapy in heart failure (destination therapy). RESULTS: In 70% of patients, the HeartMate II was intended as a bridge to transplant therapy, in 30%, it was used as a destination therapy device. The perioperative mortality post implant was 20% in the bridge to transplant patients and 7% in the destination therapy arm. However, after 1 year a comparable survival was observed in both groups (69% destination therapy, 63% bridge to transplant). Main causes of death were multiple organ failure (n=12) and cerebrovascular accidents (n=5). All, but one cerebrovascular accident occurred in the first 9 days after surgery. Only one other death was reported thereafter and there was no mechanical failure of the device. CONCLUSIONS: Even in the early experience the HeartMate II was used as a chronic support device in a substantial number of patients in Europe. Although the total experience is still limited, the incidence of cerebrovascular accidents is very low and the survival beyond the perioperative period is excellent.