Initial clinical experience with VersaCross transseptal system for transcatheter mitral valve repair.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to describe the initial experience with versacross transseptal (TS) system for transseptal puncture for the transcatheter mitral valve repair using the MitraClip device. BACKGROUND: Transeptal puncture is a key step in transcatheter mitral valve repair (MVR) and the use of the VersaCross system comprised of a sheath, a dilator and a radiofrequency wire has not been previously described. METHODS: Prospective single center study of consecutive patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair with the MitraClip device were included. Targeted TS puncture was performed under transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) guidance. Baseline demographics, procedural characteristics, and major adverse procedural events were collected. RESULTS: Twenty-five consecutive patients underwent transseptal puncture using the VersaCross TS system. Transseptal puncture was successful in 100% of patients. The mean time for TS puncture was 3 3 ± 1.6 min with no major adverse procedural events. The mean time from insertion of the VersaCross system to insertion of the MitraClip guide catheter was 3.8 ± 3.0 minutes. CONCLUSION: The VersaCross TS system was successful in all patients for MitraClip procedure with no adverse procedural events and may be associated with increased procedural efficiency.

Impact of left ventricular function on clinical outcomes of functional mitral regurgitation patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of baseline left ventricular (LV) function on the clinical outcomes of patients with functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) treated with MitraClip. BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether patients with significant FMR and severe LV dysfunction benefit from MitraClip. METHODS: A cohort of 77 patients with significant FMR undergoing MitraClip procedure between December 2010 and January 2015 was categorized by baseline LV ejection fraction (LVEF) into tertiles: LVEF <27% (n = 27), LVEF 27-37% (n = 25), and LVEF >37% (n = 25). We sought to evaluate the impact of LVEF on all-cause mortality at follow-up. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in baseline comorbidities, medical treatment and MR severity among tertiles of LVEF. Overall procedural success was 94%, with no differences among groups (LVEF <27%: 89%; LVEF 27-37%: 100%; LVEF >37%: 92%; P = 0.25). Median follow-up was 372 days (interquartile range: 128-627 days). MR severity improved in all three groups, as compared to baseline. There were no differences in the prevalence of MR ≤2+ on follow-up (P = 0.40). Mortality was highest in patients with LVEF <27% (41%), as compared with LVEF 27-37% (16%) and LVEF >37% (4%), P = 0.004. Patient who died had a lower baseline LVEF compared to those who survived (24.8 ± 7.7% versus 35.5 ± 13.7%, P < 0.001). An LVEF <27% was an independent predictor of mortality after adjusting for procedural success: hazard ratio 3.4 (95% CI: 1.1 to 10.0; P = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: MitraClip is effective in FMR patients regardless of the severity of LV dysfunction. However, low baseline LVEF is associated with increased mortality, despite procedural success. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Impact of coronary artery disease on left ventricular ejection fraction recovery following transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study was to assess if the presence and severity of CAD is associated with decreased LVEF recovery after TAVI. BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) and low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) are common findings in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The impact of CAD on LVEF recovery after TAVI has not been specifically evaluated. METHODS: All patients with LVEF≤50% who underwent TAVI between March 2006 and May 2012 were included in the study. The presence and severity of coronary artery disease was measured using the Duke Myocardial Jeopardy Score (DMJS). A DMJS = 0 corresponds to patients without CAD or complete revascularization and a DMJS > 0 to those with incomplete revascularization. LVEF recovery was assessed by transthoracic echocardiography, measuring the change in LVEF from baseline to 3-months post-TAVI. Myocardial viability was evaluated in a subgroup of patients using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging pre-TAVI. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were included in the study. Twenty-eight patients (50%) had a DMJS > 0. At 3 months, patients with incomplete revascularization (DMJS > 0) demonstrated less LVEF recovery post-TAVI (2.0 ± 9.2% versus 11.7 ± 8.9% if DMJS = 0; P = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, DMJS and presence of significant delayed-enhancement were found to be independent predictors of LVEF recovery. Patients with incomplete revascularization exhibited a worse prognosis with higher mortality at 30-days (22.2% versus 0% if DMJS = 0; P = 0.010) and 1-year (25.9% versus 3.5% if DMJS = 0; P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates an independent association between incomplete revascularization and decreased LVEF recovery in patients with left ventricular dysfunction undergoing TAVI for severe aortic stenosis.

The chicken-wing morphology: an anatomical challenge for left atrial appendage occlusion.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the particular assessment and closure strategy that was followed in patients with left atrial appendages (LAA) with an early and severe bend. BACKGROUND: The presence of a chicken-wing morphology with an early and severe bend constitutes one of the most difficult anatomical settings for transcatheter LAA occlusion. METHODS: Between November 2009 and December 2012, patients who presented chicken-wing LAA with an early (<20 mm from the ostium) and severe bend (<180°) were identified and included in the analysis. A particular implanting strategy consisting of deploying the distal lobe of the device inside the chicken-wing bend was used in all cases. RESULTS: Among 42 patients who underwent LAA occlusion during the study period, 5 (12%) presented the pre-specified anatomy. Following the mentioned implanting strategy, all patients underwent successful LAA occlusion using the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (n = 2) and the Amplatzer Amulet (n = 3). Successful occlusion was achieved in all patients. None of them presented any procedural complication. Follow-up transesophageal echocardiography at 3 months showed successful LAA sealing in all patients and no device embolization or thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, the pre-specified closing implantation technique for chicken-wing LAAs with an early and severe bend might be a valid strategy for this challenging anatomical setting. Further cases will be necessary to confirm the results.

The Evolution of Transcatheter Therapies for Mitral Valve Disease: From Mitral Valvuloplasty to Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement.

The prevalence of mitral valve disease has evolved over the past 5 decades from primarily a disease of rheumatic origin to a disease affecting the aging population that encompasses a range of phenotypes from rheumatic mitral stenosis, degenerative mitral regurgitation, and degenerative mitral valve calcification to secondary mitral regurgitation. A reflection on the history of therapy for mitral valve disease is an expedition that follows the birth and development of structural heart intervention from the first percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty to innovative technologies for transcatheter mitral valve repair and replacement. This review will lead you along this journey, pause to acknowledge the feats accomplished, and reflect on the road that lies ahead.

Bicuspid Aortic Valve Stenosis: From Pathophysiological Mechanism, Imaging Diagnosis, to Clinical Treatment Methods.

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most frequent congenital anomaly and has a natural evolution toward aortic regurgitation or stenosis due to the asymmetrical valve function associated with an evolutive ascending aortopathy. Several BAV classifications exist describing the presence and number of raphe, amount and location of calcium, and the symmetry of the functional cusps. The impact of BAV morphology on transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) outcomes still remains little investigated. Pivotal randomized trials comparing TAVI with surgery have excluded BAV until yet. However, data from registries and observational studies including highly selected patients have shown promising results of TAVI in BAV. With this review, we aimed at describing anatomical and pathophysiological characteristics of BAV, discussing the main aspects to assess diagnostic imaging modalities, and giving an overview of TAVI outcomes and technical considerations specific to BAV morphology.

A Rare Case of Coronary Artery Dilatation and Giant Pseudoaneurysm.

Coronary artery fistula are anomalous connections with coronary vessels or cardiac chambers, potentially resulting in coronary dilatation and pseudoaneurysm formation. We present the case of a 68-year-old woman referred to our institution for a voluminous coronary pseudoaneurysm secondary to coronary artery fistula presenting as a nearly completely obstructive left atrial mass. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Optimizing Timing of Valve Intervention in Patients With Asymptomatic Severe Valvular Heart Disease.

The management of valvular heart disease has changed dramatically over the past decade with advances in cardiac imaging, the use of novel biomarkers, and the development of transcatheter valve repair and replacement technology. International society guidelines have kept pace to provide recommendations for diagnosis, follow-up, and timing of intervention. The most challenging patient cohort for clinicians are patients with asymptomatic severe disease in whom the optimal timing of intervention can be ill-defined. It is a fine balance between the risks of early intervention on asymptomatic patients and improving patient outcomes by preventing long-term cardiac complications. The key in optimal patient management is gathering the necessary information on patient risk and combining that with the risk, efficacy, and durability of valve interventions to arrive at the appropriate timing for intervention. This group of patients will be the focus of this review as we delve into the natural history, recommended follow-up, and indications for intervention in patients with degenerative aortic and mitral valve disease.

Late echocardiographic and clinical outcomes after mitral valve repair for degenerative disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Mitral valve repair is the procedure of choice for severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR). The objective of this study was to review prospectively gathered echocardiographic and clinical results with mitral valve repair for degenerative disease. METHODS: Between May 1995 and July 2004, 403 patients underwent mitral valve repair for degenerative disease (mean age 63 +/- 12 years, 72% males). Concomitant procedures included CABG (29%), radiofrequency left-sided maze procedure (8%), aortic valve replacement (6%), and tricuspid valve repair (4%). RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality was 0.4% for patients with isolated mitral valve repair and 5.1% for patients with mitral valve repair and concomitant procedure (p = 0.003). Five-year survival was higher for isolated mitral valve repair compared to mitral valve repair with a combined procedure (92 +/- 2% vs. 76 +/- 5%; p < 0.001). Pulmonary artery pressure and left atrial and left ventricular end-diastolic diameters were significantly improved following mitral valve repair (all p

Role of transesophageal echocardiography in percutaneous aortic valve replacement with the CoreValve Revalving system.

Percutaneous aortic valve replacement (PAVR) is an emerging therapy for nonsurgical patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). We examined the role of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in PAVR. TEE was used initially to assess the native valve and aortic root, and served as a guide during PAVR. Following prosthetic valve deployment, TEE was used to assess valve function. Eleven patients aged 82 +/- 10 years with NYHA III-IV underwent PAVR. Periprocedural TEE gave immediate information on prosthetic position and function, LV function, mitral regurgitation, pericardium, and thoracic aorta anatomy. There was excellent visual agreement between fluoroscopic and TEE images of prosthetic positioning and deployment. TEE facilitated the detection and management of procedure-related complications. Compared with pre-PAVR, AV area (0.56 +/- 0.19 cm(2) vs. 1.3 +/- 0.4 cm(2); P < 0.001) and LVEF (49 +/- 17% vs. 56 +/- 11%; P < 0.001) increased. TEE provides key anatomical and functional information, and serves as a diagnostic guide for complications, which may arise during PAVR.

Clinical outcomes and economic impact of transcatheter mitral leaflet repair in heart failure patients.

BACKGROUND: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common valvular heart disorder requiring intervention once it becomes severe. Transcatheter mitral repair with the MitraClip device is a safe and effective therapy for selected patients denied surgery. The authors sought to evaluate the clinical outcomes and economic impact of this therapy compared to medical management in heart-failure patients with symptomatic mitral regurgitation. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study was comprised of two phases; an observational study of patients with heart failure and mitral regurgitation treated with either medical therapy or the MitraClip, and an economic model. Results of the observational study were used to estimate parameters for the decision model, which estimated costs, and benefits in a hypothetical cohort of patients with heart failure and moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation treated with either standard medical therapy or MitraClip. The cohort of patients treated with the MitraClip was propensity matched to a population of heart failure patients, and their outcomes compared. At a mean follow-up of 22 months, all-cause mortality was 21% in the MitraClip cohort and 42% in the medical management cohort (p = .007). The decision model demonstrated that MitraClip increased life expectancy from 1.87-3.60 years and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) from 1.13-2.76 years. The incremental cost was $52,500 Canadian dollars, corresponding to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $32,300.00 per QALY gained. Results were sensitive to the survival benefit. CONCLUSION: In heart failure patients with symptomatic moderate-severe mitral regurgitation, therapy with the MitraClip is associated with superior survival and is cost-effective compared to medical therapy.

Fifteen years of clinical and echocardiographic follow up with the carbomedics heart valve.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Mechanical prostheses are used in young patients, the CarboMedics valve having been the mechanical valve of choice of the present authors during the past 15 years. The study aim was to analyze long-term clinical and echocardiographic results obtained with CarboMedics mechanical valves. METHODS: A total of 2,953 patients underwent valve replacement with the CarboMedics valve between 1988 and 2004 at the Montreal Heart Institute. Patients were prospectively followed at the outpatient valve clinic. Subsequently, 1,004 patients underwent echocardiographic examinations during follow up. RESULTS: In total, 1,597 patients (mean age 57 +/- 12 years) underwent isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR), 1,043 patients (mean age 59 +/- 10 years) underwent isolated mitral valve replacement (MVR), and 313 patients (mean age 58 +/- 11 years) underwent AVR+MVR. The mean five-, 10- and 15-year actuarial survival rates were 83 +/- 1%, 70 +/- 2% and 62 +/- 3% in AVR patients, 76 +/- 1%, 59 +/- 2% and 40 +/- 14% in MVR patients, and 68 +/- 3%, 51 +/- 4% and 33 +/- 9% in AVR+MVR patients. The mean 15-year freedom from cerebral embolism, hemorrhage and reoperation was 95 +/- 1%, 97 +/- 1% and 95 +/- 1% in AVR patients, 92 +/- 1%, 97 +/- 1% and 93 +/- 1% in MVR patients, and 94 +/- 2%, 93 +/- 2% and 91 +/- 4% in AVR+MVR patients. AVR patients had a mean aortic gradient of 29 +/- 14, 20 +/- 8, 18 +/- 7, 16 +/- 7, 12 +/- 5 and 11 +/- 5 mmHg with 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29 mm prostheses, respectively (p = 0.001). MVR patients had a mean mitral gradient of 5.3 +/- 3, 4.9 +/- 2.2, 4.6 +/- 2, 4.4 +/- 2.9 and 4.9 +/- 1.8 mmHg with 25, 27, 29, 31 and 33 mm prostheses, respectively (p = 0.63). CONCLUSION: Patient survival and valve-related complications were satisfactory at 15 years after valve replacement with the CarboMedics valve. Mean aortic gradients were high with the 19-mm aortic prostheses, but all other valve sizes showed good hemodynamic performance, as measured using transthoracic echocardiography.

Side-by-Side Comparison of LAA Occlusion Performance With the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug and Amplatzer Amulet.

BACKGROUND: The Amplatzer Amulet, a second-generation device for left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), has been designed to facilitate the implantation process, improve the closure performance, and reduce the risk of complications. The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (ACP) with the Amplatzer Amulet for LAAO, with a special focus on the incidence of residual leaks. METHODS: This was a prospective, single-center review of consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous LAAO with either ACP or Amulet devices. The first transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) at follow-up (1-3 months) was utilized to assess the occurrence of residual leaks. RESULTS: Between November 2009 and August 2013, a total of 59 patients underwent LAAO with either the ACP device (n = 31) or Amulet device (n = 28). The device was successfully implanted in 58 patients (98.3%). There was no procedural device embolization, stroke, or cardiac tamponade. Follow-up TEE was available in 86% (50 patients; 25 ACP devices and 25 Amulet devices). At follow-up, there was no procedural device embolization, and only 1 patient who received an Amulet device presented with device thrombosis at follow-up. Amulet use was associated with a significant reduction of any leak (minor, moderate, or major) compared with ACP use (48% ACP vs 8% Amulet; P=.01). CONCLUSION: In this initial series, the Amulet showed similar procedural and short-term clinical outcomes compared with the ACP. The Amulet was, however, associated with a significant reduction of residual leaks at follow-up.

Early results of extra-aortic annuloplasty ring implantation on aortic annular dimensions.

OBJECTIVES: Dilatation of the aortic annulus is a cause of recurrent aortic regurgitation following the Ross or Yacoub procedures. Use of an extra-aortic annuloplasty ring is a potentially useful adjunct procedure. The aim of this study was to analyze the early effectiveness and mid-term stability of this surgical approach. METHODS: From 2011 to 2015, 50 patients (mean age, 43 ± 14 years) underwent adjunct extra-aortic annuloplasty ring implantation (n = 39 Dacron rings and n = 11 ExAo rings [CORONEO Inc, Montreal, Canada]). Median ring size was 28 mm (range, 27-32 mm). All patients had aortic regurgitation or a dilated aortic annulus. Concomitant surgical procedure was a valve-sparing remodeling procedure (n = 32) or a Ross procedure (n = 18). Baseline and follow-up echocardiographic systolic and diastolic aortic annular dimensions were prospectively collected. Longitudinal analyses were performed using mixed-effect models. Median follow-up was 12 months (98% complete). RESULTS: Use of an extra-aortic annuloplasty ring resulted in a significant decrease in both systolic (27.9 ± 0.5 mm preoperatively vs 23.6 ± 0.3 mm at discharge, P < .001) and diastolic (24.8 ± 0.4 mm preoperatively vs 20.3 ± 0.3 mm at discharge, P < .001) dimensions. Mean systolic and diastolic dimensions remained statistically unchanged up to 2 years postoperatively, compared with their predischarge values. Systolic expansion of the annulus was conserved early after surgery (16% systolic expansion) and preserved up to 2 years after ring implantation. CONCLUSIONS: Use of an extra-aortic annuloplasty ring is effective at reducing annular diameters. This remains stable at mid-term follow-up, with preservation of aortic annular dynamics. Longer-term studies are required to determine the continued stability and impact on long-term clinical outcomes.

Guidelines for the provision of echocardiography in Canada: recommendations of a joint Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Society of Echocardiography Consensus Panel.

Recognizing the central role of echocardiographic examinations in the assessment of most cardiac disorders and the need to ensure the provision of these services in a highly reliable, timely, economical and safe manner, the Canadian Cardiovascular Society and Canadian Society of Echocardiography undertook a comprehensive review of all aspects influencing the provision of echocardiographic services in Canada. Five regional panels were established to develop preliminary recommendations in the five component areas, which included the echocardiographic examination, the echocardiographic laboratory and report, the physician, the sonographer and indications for examinations. Membership in the panels was structured to recognize the regional professional diversity of individuals involved in the provision of echocardiography. In addition, a focus group of cardiac sonograhers was recruited to review aspects of the document impacting on sonographer responsibilities and qualification. The document is intended to be used as a comprehensive and practical reference for all of those involved in the provision of echocardiography in Canada.

Prosthetic valve thrombosis: twenty-year experience at the Montreal Heart Institute.

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic valve thrombosis is a life-threatening complication. We reviewed the incidence, risk factors, and treatment strategies of this rare complication. METHODS: From February 1981 through January 2001, 5430 valve operations were performed in 4924 patients at the Montreal Heart Institute. Of this cohort, 39 patients presented with prosthetic valve thrombosis and had complete follow-up data obtained from our prospective valve clinic database. RESULTS: In this series 82% of patients were women, and the mean age was 58 +/- 11 years. The underlying pathology involved the mitral valve in 75% of cases. Most prosthetic valve thromboses occurred with mechanical prostheses (95%). The time interval from first valve replacement to prosthetic valve thrombosis was 39 +/- 42 months. The most frequent clinical presentation was severe congestive heart failure (44%). On prosthetic valve thrombosis presentation, the international normalized ratio was less than 2.5 in 54%, with inadequate anticoagulation management in 26% and poor compliance in 26%. Eighty-two percent of patients underwent a surgical procedure, consisting of thrombectomy in 47%, mitral valve replacement in 47%, and aortic valve replacement in 6% of patients. The 30-day operative mortality and total in-hospital mortality after prosthetic valve thrombosis were 25% and 41%, respectively. The 10-year actuarial survival after prosthetic valve thrombosis was 46% +/- 10%. CONCLUSION: Inadequate level of anticoagulation is the most important factor involved in the pathogenesis of prosthetic valve thrombosis. The overall mortality rate despite surgical treatment remains high. This study underscores the importance of meticulous surveillance of anticoagulation therapy in patients with prosthetic valves.

Long-term results with triple valve surgery.

BACKGROUND: Whether to use biological or mechanical prostheses and whether to repair or replace the tricuspid valve during primary and reoperative triple valve surgery remains controversial. The objective of the present study was to review our experience with primary and reoperative triple valve surgery using CarboMedics (CM) and Carpentier-Edwards (C-E) heart valves. METHODS: All 73 patients undergoing triple valve surgery since 1982 were prospectively followed at the Montreal Heart Institute valve clinic. Aortic valve replacement was performed with CM prostheses (57 patients) and with C-E prostheses (16 patients). Mitral valve replacement was performed with mechanical prostheses (56 patients) and with biological valves (14 patients). Mitral valve repair was done in 3 patients. Tricuspid valve annuloplasty or commissurotomy or both were performed in 66 patients and the tricuspid valve was replaced in 7 patients. Patient survival, complications, and the type of valve procedures were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty patients averaging 62+/-10 years of age underwent primary triple valve surgery and 43 patients averaging 60+/-10 years of age underwent reoperative triple valve surgery (p = 0.5). Tricuspid repair consisted of annuloplasty with the Bex linear reducer (n = 47), the C-E ring (n = 13), or the De Vega technique (n = 5). Tricuspid valve replacement was done using the C-E pericardial prostheses. The 30-day mortality was 17% and 12% in patients with primary and reoperative surgery, respectively (p = 0.5) and patient survival averaged 80%+/-7%, 75%+/-8%, and 41%+/-15%, and 70%+/-7%, 57%+/-9%, and 50%+/-10%, respectively 1, 5, and 10 years following surgery (p = 0.5). The freedom rate from thromboembolism and from bleeding complications were 87%+/-6% and 95%+/-3% in primary and reoperative patients, respectively, 5 years following surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Triple valve surgery, either as a primary or a reoperative procedure, results in acceptable long-term survival with both mechanical and biological prostheses.

Twenty-five years' clinical experience with repair of tricuspid insufficiency.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Tricuspid regurgitation secondary to pulmonary hypertension due to left-sided heart valve lesions is common. Here, the results are reported of 25 years' experience with three surgical techniques; the De Vega semicircular annuloplasty, the Bex flexible linear reducer, and the Carpentier-Edwards prosthetic ring annuloplasty. METHODS: Between 1976 and 2002, 463 patients underwent 478 tricuspid annuloplasty procedures to correct valve regurgitation during associated left-sided valve surgery. Patients were followed prospectively at the Montreal Heart Institute Valve Clinic. RESULTS: A total of 107 patients (23%) underwent the De Vega semicircular annuloplasty, 267 (58%) the Bex flexible linear reducer, and 89 (19%) the Carpentier-Edwards prosthetic ring annuloplasty. Excluding 30-day mortality, the mean 5-, 10- and 15-year patient survival was 82+/-4%, 58+/-6% and 30+/-6% respectively after the De Vega semicircular annuloplasty, 76+/-3%, 54+/-4% and 36+/-6% respectively after the Bex flexible linear reducer, and the mean five-year patient survival was 88+/-4% after the Carpentier-Edwards prosthetic ring annuloplasty (p = 0.65, for comparison of the three survival curves). The mean freedom rate from tricuspid repair failure (clinical right heart failure, redo annuloplasty, tricuspid valve replacement at follow up) was 95+/-3%, 93+/-3% and 72+/-8% at 5, 10 and 15 years respectively after the De Vega semicircular annuloplasty, and 97+/-1%, 87+/-4% and 66+/-9% after the Bex flexible linear reducer. The mean freedom rate from repair failure was 94+/-3% at five years after the Carpentier-Edwards prosthetic ring annuloplasty (p = 0.18 for comparison of the three freedom from failure curves). CONCLUSION: All three techniques of tricuspid valve repair resulted in a low rate of failure, and in good patient survival at long-term follow up.

Detection of myocardial perfusion abnormalities after a recent acute coronary syndrome by quantitative Levovist myocardial contrast echocardiography: comparison with 99m Tc-Myoview SPECT imaging.

BACKGROUND: The value of stress harmonic power Doppler imaging (HPDI) for the evaluation of myocardial perfusion has never been assessed in patients after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the agreement between stress HPDI and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging for the assessment of myocardial perfusion after unstable angina or myocardial infarction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with a recent ACS underwent HPDI and SPECT. Images were obtained at rest and during dipyridamole infusion (0.56 mg/kg over 4 min). Apical two- and four-chamber views were used for HPDI. Ten myocardial segments were scored for myocardial perfusion. Semiquantitative and quantitative video intensity analysis with background subtraction were performed. RESULTS: Concordance by patients between quantitative HPDI and SPECT was 76% (kappa=0.40, Phi=0.46) for normal versus abnormal perfusion. When semiquantitative analysis was used, concordance was 72% (kappa=0.42, Phi=0.46). Agreement between methods was best in the left anterior descending artery territory for quantitative (80%) (kappa=0.60, Phi=0.60) and semiquantitative analysis (78%) (kappa=0.51, Phi=0.60) for normal versus abnormal perfusion. Discrepancies between HPDI and SPECT were most important in the circumflex territory, with a concordance of 59% (kappa=0.22) for identification of normal perfusion versus irreversible and reversible defects. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that HPDI can detect myocardial perfusion at rest and during pharmacological stress in patients after a recent ACS. Given the suboptimal agreement with SPECT, further advances are required before the routine use of contrast echocardiography is possible for the assessment of myocardial perfusion.