Ventricular arrhythmias following balloon-expandable transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement in the native right ventricular outflow tract.

BACKGROUND: Ventricular arrhythmia incidence in children and adolescents undergoing transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) within the native right ventricular outflow tract (nRVOT) is unknown. We sought to describe the incidence, severity, and duration of ventricular arrhythmias and identify associated risk factors in this population. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of 78 patients <21 years of age who underwent TPVR within the nRVOT. Patients were excluded for pre-existing ventricular arrhythmia or antiarrhythmic use. Study variables included surgical history, valve replacement indication, valve type/size, and ventricular arrhythmia. Univariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate factors associated with ventricular arrhythmias, followed by subset analyses. RESULTS: Nonsustained ventricular arrhythmia occurred in 26/78 patients (33.3%). The median age at the procedure was 10.3 years (interquartle range [IQR]: 6.5, 12.8). Compared with other nRVOT types, surgical repair with transannular patch was protective against ventricular arrhythmia incidence: odds ratio (OR): 0.35 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13-0.95). Patient weight, valve type/size, number of prestents, and degree of stent extension into the RVOT were not associated with ventricular arrhythmia occurrence. Beta blocker was started in 16/26 (61.5%) patients with ventricular arrhythmia. One additional patient was lost to follow-up. The median beta blocker duration was 46 days (IQR 42, 102). Beta blocker was discontinued in 10 patients by 8-week follow-up and in the remaining four by 9 months. CONCLUSIONS: Though common after balloon-expandable TPVR within the nRVOT, ventricular arrhythmias were benign and transient. Antiarrhythmic medications were successfully discontinued in the majority at 6- to 8-week follow-up, and in all patients by 20 months.

Over-expansion of right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduits during transcatheter pulmonary valve placement.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the safety and feasibility of over-expansion of right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduits during transcatheter pulmonary valve placement. BACKGROUND: Transcatheter pulmonary valve placement is an alternative to surgical pulmonary valve replacement. Traditionally, it was thought to be unsafe to expand a conduit to >110% of its original size. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study from two centers includes patients with right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduits with attempted transcatheter pulmonary valve placement from 2010 to 2017. Demographic, procedural, echocardiographic and follow-up data, and complications were evaluated in control and overdilation (to >110% original conduit size) groups. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-two patients (51 overdilation and 121 control) had attempted transcatheter pulmonary valve placement (98% successful). The overdilation group was younger (11.2 versus 16.7 years, p < 0.001) with smaller conduits (15 versus 22 mm, p < 0.001); however, the final valve size was not significantly different (19.7 versus 20.2 mm, p = 0.2). Baseline peak echocardiographic gradient was no different (51.8 versus 55.6 mmHg, p = 0.3). Procedural complications were more frequent in overdilation (18%) than control (7%) groups (most successfully addressed during the procedure). One patient from each group required urgent surgical intervention, with no procedural mortality. Follow-up echocardiographic peak gradients were similar (24.1 versus 26 mmHg, p = 0.5). CONCLUSIONS: Over-expansion of right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduits during transcatheter pulmonary valve placement can be performed successfully. Procedural complications are more frequent with conduit overdilation, but there was no difference in the rate of life-threatening complications. There was no difference in valve function at most recent follow-up, and no difference in rate of reintervention. The long-term outcomes of transcatheter pulmonary valve placement with conduit over-expansion requires further study.

Comparison of the investigational device exemption and post-approval trials of the Melody transcatheter pulmonary valve.

OBJECTIVE: We compared 5-year outcomes of transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV) replacement with the Melody TPV in the post-approval study (PAS) and the investigational device exemption (IDE) trial. BACKGROUND: As a condition of approval of the Melody TPV after the IDE trial, the Food and Drug Administration required that a PAS be conducted to evaluate outcomes of TPV replacement in a "real-world" environment. The 5-year outcomes of the PAS have not been published, and the IDE and PAS trials have not been compared. METHODS: The cohorts comprised all patients catheterized and implanted at 5 IDE sites and 10 PAS sites. Differences in trial protocols were detailed. Time-related outcomes and valve-related adverse events were compared between the two trials with Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank testing. RESULTS: 167 patients (median age, 19 years) were catheterized and 150 underwent TPV replacement in the IDE trial; 121 were catheterized (median age, 17 years) and 100 implanted in the PAS. Freedom from hemodynamic dysfunction (p = .61) or any reintervention (p = .74) over time did not differ between trials. Freedom from stent fracture (p = .003) and transcatheter reintervention (p = .010) were longer in PAS, whereas freedom from explant (p = .020) and TPV endocarditis (p = .007) were shorter. Clinically important adverse events (AEs) were reported in 14% of PAS and 7.2% of IDE patients (p = .056); the incidence of any particular event was low in both. CONCLUSIONS: Hemodynamic and time-related outcomes in the PAS and IDE trials were generally similar, confirming the effectiveness of the Melody TPV with real-world providers. There were few significant complications and limited power to identify important differences in AEs. The lack of major differences in outcomes between the two studies questions the usefulness of mandated costly post-approval studies as part of the regulatory process for Class III medical devices.

ASSURED clinical study: New GORE® CARDIOFORM ASD occluder for transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect.

OBJECTIVE: Assess clinical performance of a new device for transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD). BACKGROUND: Previously-approved ASD Closure devices have known limitations. Device erosion has been associated with the AMPLATZER® septal occluder in patients with retro-aortic rim deficiency (<5 mm), while defects ≥18 mm are too large for the GORE® CARDIOFORM septal occluder. The GORE® CARDIOFORM ASD occluder (GCA), a hybrid of the approved devices, was designed to expand the eligible ASD population. METHODS: One-hundred and twenty-five ASD patients were enrolled in a prospective, multicenter registry. Descriptive clinical endpoints included: technical implant success, closure success, serious adverse events (SAE), clinically significant new arrhythmia, and wire frame fracture. Procedural outcomes and adverse events were adjudicated by an Echocardiography Core Lab and Independent Data Review Board, respectively. RESULTS: Median subject age was 12.3 years (range 2.9-84.7), with 72% of patients ≤18 years old. Median ASD stop-flow diameter was 17.0 mm (8.0-30.0), with 43% ≥18 mm. Deficient retro-aortic rim occurred in 57% of subjects, and 30% had both diameter ≥ 18 mm and deficient rim. Technical Implant Success was achieved in 120/125 (96%), though three devices were removed within 24 hr. At the scheduled 6-month evaluation, 112/117 returned for evaluation. All 112 had closure success. SAE occurred in 6/125 (4.8%) and 6/125 (4.8%) had clinically significant new arrhythmia. Wire frame fractures occurred in 37/104 (36%), without any associated clinical sequelae, residual shunt, or device instability. CONCLUSION: The GCA performed effectively and safely in this initial cohort, and led to FDA approval based on this data.

Implantation of the Melody transcatheter pulmonary valve PB1016 in patients with dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tract conduits.

OBJECTIVES: This study describes procedural and 1-year outcomes of the 16 mm Melody PB1016 valve in patients with dysfunctional RVOT conduits. BACKGROUND: The Melody PB1016 is a standard Melody valve produced from a 16 mm bovine jugular vein and is intended for deployment up to 20 mm. METHODS: This is a prospective, non-randomized, multicenter study of the procedural and short-term outcomes of Melody PB1016 TPV replacement within dysfunctional RVOT conduits. Data from eight centers were included in the analysis. RESULTS: During the study period, 39 patients underwent attempted Melody TPVR. Of the 39 patients, 30 underwent successful Melody TPVR. The majority of patients underwent placement of one or more stents prior to TPVR. There was a significant reduction in peak conduit pressure gradient following TPVR (38 mmHg vs. 11 mmHg, P < 0.001). There were three cases of confined conduit tears successfully treated with covered stents or the valve itself. Repeat catheterization was performed in one patient for early re-obstruction that was successfully treated with balloon valvuloplasty. At recent follow-up, there were no cases of more than mild valve regurgitation and the mean pulmonary valve gradient by echocardiogram remained reduced relative to pre-TPVR implant measurements (33.5 mmHg vs. 15.2 mmHg). There were no cases of valve stent fracture or endocarditis reported at the 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis of TPVR with the PB1016 valve in RVOT conduits showed it to be safe and effective and can be performed in a wide range of conduit sizes with preserved valve function. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02347189.

Relationship Between Time to Left Atrial Decompression and Outcomes in Patients Receiving Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support: A Multicenter Pediatric Interventional Cardiology Early-Career Society Study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the variation in timing of left atrial decompression and its association with clinical outcomes in pediatric patients supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation across a multicenter cohort. DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective study. SETTING: Eleven pediatric hospitals within the United States. PATIENTS: Patients less than 18 years on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation who underwent left atrial decompression from 2004 to 2016. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 137 patients (median age, 4.7 yr) were included. Cardiomyopathy was the most common diagnosis (47%). Cardiac arrest (39%) and low cardiac output (50%) were the most common extracorporeal membrane oxygenation indications. Median time to left atrial decompression was 6.2 hours (interquartile range, 3.8-17.2 hr) with the optimal cut-point of greater than or equal to 18 hours for late decompression determined by receiver operating characteristic curve. In univariate analysis, late decompression was associated with longer extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration (median 8.5 vs 5 d; p = 0.02). In multivariable analysis taking into account clinical confounder and center effects, late decompression remained significantly associated with prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration (adjusted odds ratio, 4.4; p = 0.002). Late decompression was also associated with longer duration of mechanical ventilation (adjusted odds ratio, 4.8; p = 0.002). Timing of decompression was not associated with in-hospital survival (p = 0.36) or overall survival (p = 0.42) with median follow-up of 3.2 years. CONCLUSIONS: In this multicenter study of pediatric patients receiving venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, late left atrial decompression (≥ 18 hr) was associated with longer duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support and mechanical ventilation. Although no survival benefit was demonstrated, the known morbidities associated with prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use may justify a recommendation for early left atrial decompression.

Percutaneous transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement in children weighing less than 20 kg.

BACKGROUND: Since FDA approval of the Melody valve, transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) has been offered to an expanding population. Limited data exist regarding the safety and feasibility of TPVR in smaller patients. METHODS: All patients weighing <20 kg who underwent catheterization for percutaneous TPVR at four centers were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 51 patients reviewed, 43 (84%) had successful valve implantation and 8 (16%) were found not to be candidates due to access veins too small (n = 3), coronary artery/aortic root compression (n = 3), and RVOT too large (n = 2). The 43 patients who underwent successful percutaneous TPVR had a median age and weight of 5.8 years (3.3-10) and 17.7 kg (13.5-19.8), and most had tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). TPVR was performed via femoral vein (FV) access in 24 patients and internal jugular vein (IJV) access in 19 patients. Median weight in patients with IJV implant was 1.1 kg lower than those who underwent transfemoral implant (17.0 vs. 18.1 kg, P = 0.05). There were four adverse events: one iliac vein injury, one contained MPA tear, and two patients with post-procedure femoral vein bleeding. All patients were alive at recent follow-up, a median of 2.0 years (0.1-6.0) after TPVR. There was excellent valve function with mean Doppler gradients of 3-20 mm Hg, and trivial or mild pulmonary regurgitation in all but one patient. There were no RVOT reinterventions and no cases of endocarditis. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous TPVR can be safely performed in patients <20 kg. The procedure frequently requires IJV access, and access site/bleeding complications may be more common in this cohort.

Serial Versus Direct Dilation of Small Diameter Stents Results in a More Predictable and Complete Intentional Transcatheter Stent Fracture: A PICES Bench Testing Study.

Balloon-expandable stents, implanted in infants and children with congenital heart disease (CHD), often require redilation to match somatic growth. Small diameter stents may eventually require longitudinal surgical transection to prevent iatrogenic vascular stenosis. Intentional transcatheter stent fracture (TSF) is an emerging alternative approach to stent transection, but little is known about the optimal stent substrate and best protocol to improve the likelihood of successful TSF. Bench testing was performed with a stent dilation protocol. After recording baseline characteristics, stents were serially or directly dilated using ultra-high-pressure balloons (UHPB) until fracture occurred or further stent dilation was not possible. Stent characteristics recorded were as follows: cell design, metallurgy, mechanism, and uniformity of fracture. Stents tested included bare-metal coronary stents, premounted small diameter stents, and ePTFE-covered small diameter premounted stents. Ninety-four stents representing 9 distinct models were maximally dilated, with 80 (85%) demonstrating evidence of fracture. Comprehensive fracture details were recorded in 64 stents: linear and complete in 34/64 stents (53.1%), linear and incomplete in 9/64 stents (14.1%), transverse/complex and complete in 6/64 stents (9.4%), and transverse/complex and incomplete in 15/64 stents (23.4%). Stent fracture was not accomplished in some stent models secondary to significant shortening, i.e., "napkin-ring" formation. Serial dilation resulted in evidence of fracture in 62/67 (92.5%) stents compared with 18/27 (66.7%) stents in the direct dilation group (p = 0.003). Intentional TSF is feasible in an ex vivo model. Serial dilation more reliably expanded the stent and allowed for ultimate stent fracture, whereas direct large diameter dilation of stents was more likely to generate a "napkin-ring" configuration, which may be more resistant to fracture. In vivo animal and human testing is necessary to better understand the response to attempted TSF for newly developed stents as well as those currently in use.

Acute and mid-term outcomes of stent implantation for recurrent coarctation of the aorta between the Norwood operation and fontan completion: A multi-center Pediatric Interventional Cardiology Early Career Society Investigation.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate outcomes of stent implantation (SI) for recurrent coarctation of the aorta (RC) following the Norwood operation. BACKGROUND: RC is common following the Norwood operation. Balloon angioplasty (BA) is standard treatment but may result in unsatisfactory relief of RC. SI may improve RC, but outcome data are limited. METHODS: We performed a multi-center retrospective study of patients who underwent SI for RC between the Norwood operation and Fontan completion. Outcomes were examined, including procedural success, serious adverse events (SAE), and freedom from re-intervention. A core laboratory was utilized to review angiograms. Coarctation Index (CI) was calculated before and after SI. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to compare pre- and post-SI variables. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients at 8 centers underwent SI for RC at a median age of 5 months (IQR 4.1, 13.3) and weight of 5.9 kg (5.2, 8.6). Aortic arch gradient improved from 20 (15, 24) to 0 (0, 2) mmHg following SI (P < 0.0001). The median CI improved from 0.54 (0.43, 0.62) to 0.97 (0.89, 1.06) following SI (P < 0.0001). There were no procedural deaths but SAEs occurred in 12 (36%) patients. During a median follow-up duration of 29.7 months (6.8, 48.0), freedom from death or heart transplant was 82%, and from re-intervention was 45%, with median time to re-intervention of 20.1 months (11.4, 40.3). CONCLUSIONS: SI for treatment of RC in patients after the Norwood operation provides excellent acute relief of obstruction. Intraprocedural hemodynamic instability is common and re-intervention is frequent at mid-term follow-up.

Acute and midterm results following perventricular device closure of muscular ventricular septal defects: A multicenter PICES investigation.

OBJECTIVES: To describe acute and mid-term results of hybrid perventricular device closure of muscular ventricular septal defects (mVSDs). BACKGROUND: Perventricular device closure of mVSDs can mitigate technical limitations of percutaneous closure and need for cardiopulmonary bypass or ventriculotomy with a surgical approach. METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing hybrid perventricular mVSD device closure from 1/2004 to 1/2014. Procedural details, adverse events, outcomes, and follow-up data were collected. Patients were divided into two groups: (1) simple (mVSD closure alone) and (2) complex (mVSD closure with concomitant cardiac surgery). RESULTS: Forty-seven patients (60% female) underwent perventricular mVSD device closure at a median age of 5.2 months (IQR 1.8-8.9) and weight of 5.1 kg (IQR 4.0-6.9). Procedural success was 91% [100% (n = 22) simple and 84% (n = 21/25) complex]. Adverse events occurred in 19% (9/47) [9% (2/22) simple and 28% (7/25) complex]. Hospital length of stay (LOS) was shorter in the simple vs. complex group (4 vs. 14 days, P < 0.01). At mid-term follow-up of 19.2 months (IQR 2.3-43) 90% of pts had complete mVSD closure; none developed late heart block, increased atrioventricular (AV) valve insufficiency or ventricular dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Perventricular device closure of simple mVSD was associated with a high rate of procedural success, few adverse events, and short hospital LOS. Procedural adverse events were associated with the presence of concomitant complex surgery. Residual mVSD, AV valve insufficiency, or ventricular dysfunction were uncommon at mid-term follow-up. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

SCAI/CCAS/SPA Expert Consensus Statement for Anesthesia and Sedation Practice: Recommendations for Patients Undergoing Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures in the Pediatric and Congenital Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.

Current practice of sedation and anesthesia for patients undergoing pediatric and congenital cardiac catheterization laboratory (PCCCL) procedures is known to vary among institutions, a multi-society expert panel with representatives from the Congenital Heart Disease Council of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia and the Congenital Cardiac Anesthesia Society was convened to evaluate the types of sedation and personnel necessary for procedures performed in the PCCCL. The goal of this panel was to provide practitioners and institutions performing these procedures with guidance consistent with national standards and to provide clinicians and institutions with consensus-based recommendations and the supporting references to encourage their application in quality improvement programs. Recommendations can neither encompass all clinical circumstances nor replace the judgment of individual clinicians in the management of each patient. The science of medicine is rooted in evidence, and the art of medicine is based on the application of this evidence to the individual patient. This expert consensus statement has adhered to these principles for optimal management of patients requiring sedation and anesthesia. What follows are recommendations for patient monitoring in the PCCCL regardless of whether minimal or no sedation is being used or general anesthesia is being provided by an anesthesiologist.

Transcatheter neoaortic valve replacement utilizing the Melody Valve in hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Percutaneous transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement with the Melody Valve is fast becoming an important adjunct in the treatment of older children and adults with failing right ventricular outflow tract conduits. Recently, the Melody Valve has also been successfully implanted in the tricuspid, mitral, and aortic positions, typically within a failing bioprosthetic valve. We present a patient who underwent Fontan palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome variant and subsequently developed severe neoaortic regurgitation, which was successfully treated with a transcatheter neoaortic valve replacement. To our knowledge, this is the first successful use of the Melody Valve in the neoaortic position in a patient with single-ventricle physiology. Successful relief of neoaortic valve regurgitation using replacement with a transcatheter valve may allow avoidance of additional surgery, increase functional longevity of single-ventricle palliation, and postpone the need for orthotopic heart transplantation.

Intervention for recoarctation in the single ventricle reconstruction trial: incidence, risk, and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Recoarctation after the Norwood procedure increases risk for mortality. The Single Ventricle Reconstruction (SVR) trial randomized subjects with a single right ventricle undergoing a Norwood procedure to a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt or a right ventricle-pulmonary artery shunt. We sought to determine the incidence of recoarctation, risk factors, and outcomes in the SVR trial. METHODS AND RESULTS: Recoarctation was defined by intervention, either catheter based or surgical. Univariate analysis and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were performed with adjustment for center. Of the 549 SVR subjects, 97 (18%) underwent 131 interventions (92 balloon aortoplasty, 39 surgical) for recoarctation at a median age of 4.9 months (range, 1.1-10.5 months). Intervention typically occurred at pre-stage II catheterization (n=71, 54%) or at stage II surgery (n=38, 29%). In multivariable analysis, recoarctation was associated with the shunt type in place at the end of the Norwood procedure (hazard ratio, 2.0 for right ventricle-pulmonary artery shunt versus modified Blalock-Taussig shunt; P=0.02), and Norwood discharge peak echo-Doppler arch gradient (hazard ratio, 1.07 per 1 mm Hg; P<0.01). Subjects with recoarctation demonstrated comorbidities at pre-stage II evaluation, including higher pulmonary arterial pressures (15.4±3.0 versus 14.5±3.5 mm Hg; P=0.05), higher pulmonary vascular resistance (2.6±1.6 versus 2.0±1.0 Wood units·m(2); P=0.04), and increased echocardiographic volumes (end-diastolic volume, 126±39 versus 112±33 mL/BSA(1.3), where BSA is body surface area; P=0.02). There was no difference in 12-month postrandomization transplantation-free survival between those with and without recoarctation (P=0.14). CONCLUSIONS: Recoarctation is common after Norwood and contributes to pre-stage II comorbidities. Although with intervention there is no associated increase in 1-year transplantation/mortality, further evaluation is warranted to evaluate the effects of associated morbidities.

Screening for aortic aneurysm after treatment of coarctation.

Isolated coarctation of the aorta (CoA) occurs in 6-8 % of patients with congenital heart disease. After successful relief of obstruction, patients remain at risk for aortic aneurysm formation at the site of the repair. We sought to determine the diagnostic utility of echocardiography compared with advanced arch imaging (AAI) in diagnosing aortic aneurysms in pediatric patients after CoA repair. The Congenital Heart Databases from 1996 and 2009 were reviewed. All patients treated for CoA who had AAI defined by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or catheterization were identified. Data collected included the following: type, timing, and number of interventions, presence and time to aneurysm diagnosis, and mortality. Patients were subdivided into surgical and catheterization groups for analysis. Seven hundred and fifty-nine patients underwent treatment for CoA during the study period. Three hundred and ninety-nine patients had at least one AAI. Aneurysms were diagnosed by AAI in 28 of 399 patients at a mean of 10 ± 8.4 years after treatment. Echocardiography reports were available for 380 of 399 patients with AAI. The sensitivity of echocardiography for detecting aneurysms was 24 %. The prevalence of aneurysms was significantly greater in the catheterization group (p < 0.05) compared with the surgery group. Aneurysm was also diagnosed earlier in the catheterization group compared with the surgery group (p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis showed a significantly increased risk of aneurysm diagnosis in patients in the catheterization subgroup and in patients requiring more than three procedures. Aortic aneurysms continue to be an important complication after CoA repair. Although serial echocardiograms are the test of choice for following-up most congenital cardiac lesions in pediatrics, our data show that echocardiography is inadequate for the detection of aneurysms after CoA repair. Because the time to aneurysm diagnosis was shorter and the risk greater in the catheterization group (particularly for patients requiring more than one procedure), surveillance with cardiac MRI or CT should begin earlier in these patients.

Ethnic variation in the activity of lipid desaturases and their relationships with cardiovascular risk factors in control women and an at-risk group with previous gestational diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Lipid desaturase enzymes mediate the metabolism of fatty acids to long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and their activities are related to metabolic risk factors for Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and coronary heart disease (CHD). There are marked ethnic differences in risks of CHD and T2DM but little is known about ethnic differences in desaturase activities. METHODS: Samples from a study of CVD risk in women with previous gestational diabetes were analysed for percentage fatty acids in plasma free fatty acid, triglyceride, cholesterol ester and phospholipid pools for 89 white European, 53 African Caribbean and 56 Asian Indian women. The fatty acid desaturase activities, stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD, calculated separately for C16 and C18 fatty acids), delta 6 desaturase (D6D) and delta 5 desaturase (D5D) were estimated from precursor-to-product ratios and their relationships with adiposity, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol and insulin sensitivity explored. Ethnic differences in desaturase activities independent of ethnic variation in risk factor correlates of desaturase activities were then identified. RESULTS: There was significant ethnic variation in age, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, serum triglycerides and HDL cholesterol concentrations and insulin resistance. Desaturase activities showed significant correlations, independent of ethnicity, with BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol. Independent of ethnic variation in BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol, SCD-16 activity, calculated from each of the four lipid pools measured, was 18-35 percent higher in white Europeans than in African Caribbeans or Asian Indians (all p < 0.001). Similar, though less consistent differences were apparent for SCD-18 activity. Also independently of risk factor variation, but specifically when calculated from the cholesterol ester and phospholipid, pools, D6D activity was significantly lower in Asian Indians, and D5D activity higher in African Caribbeans. CONCLUSIONS: Significant ethnic differences exist in desaturase activities, independently of ethnic variation in other risk factors. These characteristics did not accord with higher risk of T2DM among African Caribbeans and Asian Indians nor with lower risk of CHD among African Caribbeans but did accord with the higher risk of CHD in Asian Indians.

1-Year Outcomes in a Pooled Cohort of Harmony Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Clinical Trial Participants.

BACKGROUND: The Harmony transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV) is the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved device for severe pulmonary regurgitation (PR) in the native or surgically repaired right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). OBJECTIVES: One-year safety and effectiveness of the Harmony TPV were evaluated in patients from the Harmony Native Outflow Tract Early Feasibility Study, Harmony TPV Pivotal Study, and Continued Access Study, representing the largest cohort to date of Harmony TPV recipients. METHODS: Eligible patients had severe PR by echocardiography or PR fraction ≥ 30% by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and clinical indications for pulmonary valve replacement. The primary analysis included 87 patients who received a commercially available TPV22 (n = 42) or TPV25 (n = 45) device; 19 patients who received an early device iteration prior to its discontinuation were evaluated separately. RESULTS: In the primary analysis, median patient age at treatment was 26 years (IQR: 18-37 years) in the TPV22 group and 29 years (IQR: 19-42 years) in the TPV25 group. At 1 year, there were no deaths; 98% of TPV22 and 91% of TPV25 patients were free from the composite of PR, stenosis, and reintervention (moderate or worse PR, mean RVOT gradient >40 mmHg, device-related RVOT reoperation, and catheter reintervention). Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia occurred in 16% of patients. Most patients had none/trace or mild PR (98% of TPV22 patients, 97% of TPV25 patients). Outcomes with the discontinued device are reported separately. CONCLUSIONS: The Harmony TPV device demonstrated favorable clinical and hemodynamic outcomes across studies and valve types through 1 year. Further follow-up will continue to assess long-term valve performance and durability.

Echocardiographic Assessment of Melody Versus Sapien Valves Following Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the immediate and midterm echocardiographic performance of the Melody (Medtronic Inc) and Sapien (Edwards Lifesciences Inc) valves after transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) in native and conduit right ventricular outflow tracts (RVOTs). BACKGROUND: TPVR is now a common procedure, but limited data exist comparing postimplantation echocardiographic findings between Melody and Sapien valves. METHODS: This was a single-institution retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent successful TPVR from 2011 to 2020. Patient demographics, procedural details, and immediate and midterm echocardiographic findings were collected and compared between valve types using the Wilcoxon rank sum, chi-square, or Fisher exact test as appropriate. Subgroups were analyzed individually and were adjusted for multiple comparisons using the Bonferroni method. RESULTS: A total of 328 patients underwent successful TPVR (Melody: n = 202, Sapien: n = 126). The groups had a similar baseline age, weight, and diagnosis. The most common indications for TPVR were pulmonary stenosis (32.2%) or mixed disease (46%) in the Melody group and pulmonary insufficiency in the Sapien group (52.4%) (P < 0.001). Sapien valves were more often placed in native RVOTs (43.7% vs 18.8%; P < 0.001). The discharge and follow-up mean and peak Doppler gradients were similar between the Melody and Sapien groups. Valves implanted in native RVOTs had significantly lower postimplantation gradients at each follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Echocardiographic performance after TPVR was generally acceptable and similar when comparing Melody and Sapien valves despite differences in the indication and anatomy in each group. The peak and mean gradients were lower in transcatheter valves implanted in native RVOTs compared with those implanted in conduits or bioprosthetic valves.

Transcatheter and Surgical Aortic Valve Implantation in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With Congenital Heart Disease.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is common in adults but rare in children and adolescents. Since 2014, our institution has incorporated a transcatheter approach as an option for aortic valve replacement in this population. The purpose of this study was to compare short-term outcomes of TAVI with surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). This single-center, retrospective study included patients aged 10 to 21 years who had a native SAVR or TAVI between January 2010 to April 2020. Comparative analysis of baseline characteristics and a composite outcome (stroke within 6 months, readmission within 30 days, death) between SAVR and TAVI were made using chi-square test or Wilcoxon rank sum test, as appropriate. Of the 77 patients who underwent native aortic valve implantation during the study period (60 SAVR, 17 TAVI), 46 were aged 10 to 21 years (30 SAVR, 16 TAVI). Median follow-up was 3.8 years (interquartile range 1.5 to 4.9) for the SAVR group and 1.5 years (interquartile range 1.1 to 1.2) for the TAVI group. There was no difference in the composite outcome between groups. Patients in the SAVR group were more likely to have undergone concomitant surgical intervention and have longer intensive care unit and hospital stays. In conclusion, our study suggests similar short-term outcomes between SAVR and TAVI in children and young adults aged 10 to 21 years. Longer-term studies are essential to understand the utility of TAVI and to better consider the option of a transcatheter approach as an alternative to SAVR in the pediatric population.

Short-Term Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Children.

BACKGROUND: There are no published data on left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in children. The aim of this study was to assess changes in LV echocardiographic parameters 6 months after TAVR in children. METHODS: This single-center, retrospective study included all 22 patients (age < 21 years) who underwent TAVR. The median age was 14.7 years (interquartile range, 13.3-15.9 years), median weight was 57 kg (interquartile range, 46.0-66.3 kg), and 59% of patients were male. Demographics, type and duration of aortic valve dysfunction, symptom and treatment data, and preprocedural and 6-month follow-up echocardiographic data (LV volume, mass, end-diastolic dimension, end-systolic dimension, ejection fraction [EF], sphericity, and longitudinal strain) were collected. Failure to reverse remodel at 6 months was defined as meeting at least two of the following: Z score ≥ 2 that was unchanged or increased from baseline for LV volume, mass, end-diastolic dimension, or end-systolic dimension; abnormally high sphericity index that was unchanged or increased; and abnormally low EF or longitudinal strain. Median, interquartile range, and range are reported for continuous variables, and pre- and post-TAVR data were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: Eight patients (36%) had isolated aortic stenosis, four (18%) had isolated regurgitation, and 10 had (46%) mixed disease. Twelve (55%) had symptoms and 20 (91%) had prior surgical or catheter valve interventions. The primary complication was left bundle branch block, occurring in four children (18%). At 6 months, LV volume, mass, end-diastolic dimension, end-systolic dimension, and sphericity index improved. EF and strain were normal at baseline and at follow-up. Of three patients who failed to reverse remodel, two had left bundle branch block. Of three patients with persistent symptoms, one had failure of reverse remodeling. CONCLUSIONS: Most pediatric patients had evidence of reverse LV remodeling 6 months after TAVR, suggesting a possible alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement in this population. Functional parameters (EF and strain) were normal at baseline and follow-up. Future studies are needed to determine optimal timing of TAVR and to explore the association of postprocedural left bundle branch block on failed reverse remodeling and outcomes in this population.

Amplatzer occlusion of accessory ventriculopulmonary connections.

BACKGROUND: Children with complex congenital heart disease often require staged palliation to regulate systemic and pulmonary blood flow. Accessory sources of pulmonary blood flow including aortopulmonary collaterals, aortopulmonary shunts, and ventriculopulmonary connections following Glenn or Fontan palliation can be associated with elevated central venous pressures and persistent pleural drainage. Occlusion of accessory ventriculopulmonary connections in this setting has traditionally been accomplished surgically. OBJECTIVE: To review the efficacy of Amplatzer devices in transcatheter occlusion of accessory ventriculopulmonary connections in children with complex congenital heart disease. METHODS: Patients were identified and their records retrospectively reviewed for indication, procedural details, and clinical efficacy and outcome. RESULTS: Between December 2004 and March 2008, seven patients underwent occlusion of accessory ventriculopulmonary connections using an Amplatzer Septal Occluder (3), an Amplatzer Duct Occluder (3), or an Amplatzer Vascular Plug (1). Underlying single ventricle physiology was present in six of these patients. The site of occlusion was the right ventricle to pulmonary artery (Sano) conduit in two patients, the native main pulmonary artery in three patients, the pulmonary valve in one patient, and a left ventricle to pulmonary artery homograft in one patient with biventricular physiology. There were no complications associated with these procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Amplatzer occlusion devices provide a safe and effective means of eliminating accessory ventriculopulmonary connections in children who have undergone surgical palliation of congenital heart disease.