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

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

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

Recent advances in the treatment of refractory gastrointestinal angiodysplasia.

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

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

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

Conduction Abnormalities after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Incidence, Impact and Management Using CT Data Interpretation.

The demonstrated safety and effectiveness of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) among low surgical risk patients opened the road to its application in younger low-risk patients. However, the occurrence of conduction abnormalities and need for permanent pacemaker implantation remains a frequent problem associated with adverse outcomes. The clinical implications may become greater when TAVI shifts towards younger populations, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to address this issue. Beyond currently available clinical and electrocardiographic predictors, patient-specific anatomical assessment of the aortic root using multi-sliced CT (MSCT) imaging can refine risk stratification. Moreover, leveraging MSCT data for computational 3D simulations to predict device-anatomy interactions may help guide procedural strategy to mitigate conduction abnormalities. The aims of this review are to summarise the incidence and clinical impact of new left bundle branch block and permanent pacemaker implantation post-TAVI using contemporary transcatheter heart valves; and highlight the value of MSCT data interpretation to improve the management of this complication.

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

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

The Landscape of Congenital Heart Disease Treated with the Ross Procedure.

OBJECTIVES: The Ross procedure has excellent outcomes in the pediatric population. Some series report age and anatomy dependent outcomes, but no comprehensive analysis stratified by these variables exists. We sought to describe the landscape of congenital heart disease (CHD) treated with the Ross procedure and identify the patients best served with this operation. METHODS: Over 30 years, 317 pediatric patients underwent the Ross procedure. Patients were stratified into 4 age groups: neonates (<31days,n=21), infants (31days-1year,n=40), children (1-12years,n=165), and adolescents (13-18years,n=91), and 3 anatomical groups: isolated aortic valve (AV) disease (n=221), Shone's complex or multilevel LVOT obstruction (n=61), and complex CHD (n=35). Groups were compared across outcomes. RESULTS: Neonates and infants had the highest rates of Shone's syndrome (p<0.001), complex CHD (p<0.001), concomitant root enlargement (p<0.001), and arch procedures (p<0.001). Operative mortality and morbidity were 14/317 (4.4%) and 44/317 (14%) respectively. Both were higher in neonates and infants (p<0.001,p<0.001), but lower for patients with isolated AV disease (p<0.001,p<0.001). 10-year survival and freedom from LVOT reintervention were 92% and 81% and were both significantly better in patients with isolated AV disease compared to those with complex CHD (p<0.001,p=0.005). In neonates and infants with isolated AV disease, operative mortality was 1/23 (4%), morbidity was 2/23 (9%), 10-year survival was 85.6%, and 10-year freedom from LVOT reintervention was 88.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Among pediatric patients, those with isolated AV disease are best served with the Ross procedure, regardless of age. Complex CHD is associated with lower survival and increased risk of LVOT reintervention.

Impact of Balloon-Expandable TAVR Valve Deformation and Calcium Distribution on Outcomes in Bicuspid Aortic Valve.

BACKGROUND: Research on the role of transcatheter heart valve (THV) deformation and calcium distribution in patients with bicuspid aortic valves (BAVs) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains limited. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of THV deformation on clinical outcomes in individuals with BAVs undergoing TAVR and the influence of calcium on these outcomes. METHODS: In total, 229 consecutive patients with BAVs who underwent TAVR with balloon-expandable valves and had computed tomography (CT) performed 30 days post-TAVR were analyzed. Patients were stratified into 3 groups: group 1 (n = 125), with no THV underexpansion or eccentricity; group 2 (n = 69), with underexpansion or eccentricity; and group 3 (n = 35), with both. Calcium distribution was assessed using CT, and its associations with clinical outcomes, including all-cause mortality at 3 years and leaflet thrombosis at 30 days, were determined. A subgroup analysis of patients with type 1 BAVs was conducted. RESULTS: Group 3 exhibited higher rates of all-cause mortality than the other groups, along with the highest risk for hypoattenuated leaflet thickening at 30 days. Multivariate analysis identified annular and left ventricular outflow tract calcification as independent predictors of all-cause mortality and hypoattenuated leaflet thickening. In patients with type 1 BAVs, excessive calcification at the raphe and opposite leaflet were associated with all-cause mortality at 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: THV deformation post-TAVR was significantly linked to all-cause mortality in patients with BAVs. Annular and left ventricular outflow tract calcification correlated with increased risks for all-cause mortality and leaflet thrombosis. (Assessment of Transcatheter and Surgical Aortic Bioprosthetic Valve Thrombosis and Its Treatment With Anticoagulation [RESOLVE]; NCT02318342).

Asymmetrical Expansion of Balloon-Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve Prostheses: Implications for Valve Hemodynamic and Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Asymmetrical expansion of transcatheter heart valves (THVs), manifesting as stent frame deformation, is an occasional fluoroscopic finding in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of asymmetrical expansion of balloon-expandable THVs on hemodynamic valve performance and clinical outcomes. METHODS: In a prospective registry, TAVR asymmetry index was measured using freeze-frame fluoroscopic images and was defined as the ratio of THV heights: [(longer height/shorter height) - 1] × 100. THV hemodynamic performance was measured using echocardiography before hospital discharge. Impaired hemodynamic valve performance was defined as a mean residual THV gradient ≥20 mm Hg and/or moderate or greater paravalvular regurgitation. RESULTS: Among 1,216 patients undergoing transfemoral TAVR for native severe aortic valve stenosis with contemporary balloon-expandable THVs between February 2014 and June 2022, asymmetry index was an excellent predictor of impaired hemodynamic valve performance (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.84-0.92; P < 0.001). The optimal asymmetry index threshold for predicting impaired THV performance was >5.5% (sensitivity 77%, specificity 86%) and occurred in 17% of patients. Higher asymmetry index, as a continuous variable, was associated with impaired hemodynamic valve performance independent of total aortic valve calcium, bicuspid anatomy, balloon-expandable valve prosthesis type or size, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality score (OR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.29-1.46; P < 0.001). High TAVR asymmetry index was not associated with all-cause mortality during a median of 376 days of follow-up (HR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.71-1.41; P = 0.989). CONCLUSIONS: Asymmetrical expansion of balloon-expandable THVs was associated with impaired hemodynamic valve performance but not with clinical outcomes.

Predictors of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction after biventricular repair in interrupted aortic arch or aortic coarctation.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) re-intervention is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) or interrupted aortic arch (IAA) after aortoplasty. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed data from neonates with IAA/CoA who underwent biventricular repair between 2012 and 2022. LVOTO events were defined by the detection of color Doppler flow acceleration ≥3.0 m/s at the valvular, subvalvular, or supravalvular regions via transthoracic echocardiography, and the necessity for surgical or catheter intervention to relieve the obstruction. RESULTS: Among 121 neonates with CoA/IAA, 16 (13.7%) primary aortoplasty patients developed LVOTO. Additionally, one patient (25%) who underwent a staged Yasui operation developed LVOTO due to a narrowed ventricular septal defect-pulmonary atresia tunnel. During follow-up, 58% of patients with a bicuspid valve and 25% of patients with a subaortic ridge developed LVOTO. The combination of either a bicuspid valve, subaortic ridge, or an aortic valve annulus Z-score < -3.0 predicted a high re-intervention rate (7/8 [87.5%]). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with IAA/CoA, the presence of multiple risk factors, including a bicuspid valve, subaortic ridge, and an aortic valve annulus Z-score < -3.0, is associated with a significantly increased rate of re-intervention for LVOTO.

"One-stop" interventional therapy for quadricuspid aortic valve combined with severe coronary artery disease: a case report.

Congenital Quadricuspid Aortic Valve (QAV) malformation is a relatively rare cardiac valve malformation, especially with abnormal coronary opening and severe stenosis of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). The patient underwent "one-stop" interventional treatment with transcatheter aortic valve replacement and percutaneous coronary stent implantation. Follow up for 12-month with good outcomes.

Outcomes of patients with active cancer after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: an updated meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with active cancer and aortic stenosis may be under-referred for valve interventions due to concerns over a prohibitive risk. However, whether active cancer impacts outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains unknown. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library in December 2023 for studies comparing the post-TAVR outcomes of patients with versus without active cancer. We pooled odds ratios (OR) and adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) applying a random-effects model. Statistical analyses were performed in R version 4.3.2. RESULTS: We included nine observational studies analyzing 133,906 patients, of whom 9,792 (7.3%) had active cancer. Compared with patients without cancer, patients with active cancer had higher short- (OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.15-1.55; p < 0.001) and long-term mortality (OR 2.29; 95% CI 1.80-2.91; p < 0.001) rates, not driven by cardiovascular mortality (OR 1.30; 95% CI 0.70-2.40; p = 0.40), and higher major bleeding rates (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.15-2.42; p = 0.008). The higher mortality rate was sustained in an adjusted analysis (aHR 1.77; 95% CI 1.34-2.35; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in cardiac, renal, and cerebral complications at a follow-up ranging from 180 days to 10 years. CONCLUSION: Patients with active cancer undergoing TAVR had higher non-cardiovascular mortality and bleeding rates, with comparable incidences of other complications. This highlights the need for a shared decision and appropriate patient selection considering cancer type, staging, bleeding risk, and optimal timing for intervention.

Impact of multiple comorbidities on long-term mortality in older patients following transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Background: Older candidates for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) frequently present with both cardiac and noncardiac comorbidities. There are few risk scores that evaluate a wide range of comorbidities. Methods: Patients who underwent TAVR for severe aortic stenosis were retrospectively evaluated. A new prediction model (Cardiac and nonCardiac Comorbidities risk score: 3C score) was determined based on coefficient in the multivariate Cox regression analysis for two-year all-cause mortality. C-statistics were assessed to compare the predictive abilities of the 3C score, the Charlson Comorbidities Index (CCI) score, the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) II, and the Model for End-stage Liver Disease eXcluding International normalized ratio (MELD-XI) score. Results: The present study included 226 patients (age, 86 ± 5 years; males, 38 %). The values of the CCI score, EuroSCORE II, and MELD-XI score were 2 (1-3), 3.36 (2.12-4.58), and 5.35 (3.05-8.55), respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified two cardiac (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] <40 % [2 points]; pulmonary hypertension [1 point]) and three noncardiac comorbidities (hepatobiliary system impairment [3 points]; estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 ml/min/1.73 m2 [1 point]; cachexia [1 point]). The C-statistics of the 3C score, EuroSCORE II, MELD-XI score, and CCI score were 0.767 (0.666-0.867), 0.610 (0.491-0.729), 0.580 (0.465-0.696), and 0.476 (0.356-0.596), respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Among cardiac and noncardiac comorbidities, special attention should be given to hepatobiliary system impairment and reduced LVEF in older patients following TAVR. The 3C score may contribute to the risk stratification.

Multicenter, propensity-weighted comparison of stented, rapid-deployment and new-generation aortic valves.

Background: Conventional stented, rapid deployment and new-generation stented valves are now available for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). New-generation devices feature advanced tissue treatment for theoretical prolonged durability and a new stent design able to expand in case of future transcatheter Valve-in-Valve. Aim of this retrospective, multicenter, propensity-weighted study was to compare early clinical and hemodynamic outcomes of these three different bioprostheses. Methods: We analyzed data of 2589 patients from two national multicenter registries and one Institutional database. Study devices were Magna Ease, Intuity/Intuity Elite and Inspiris Resilia (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) and were implanted in 296 (11.4 %), 1688 (65.2 %) and 605 (23.4 %) patients, respectively. A propensity score weighting approach was employed. Results: In isolated SAVR, aortic cross clamp (ACC) time was shorter for Intuity (Magna Ease: 87, Intuity: 55, Inspiris: 70 min; Magna Ease vs. Intuity: p < 0.001; Inspiris vs. Intuity: p < 0.001). Overall mortality was 2 %, 1.7 % and 0.5 % in Magna Ease, Intuity and Inspiris groups, respectively (Magna Ease vs. Intuity: p = 0.476; Inspiris vs. Intuity: p = 0.395); permanent pace-maker implantation rate was lower for Inspiris (Magna Ease: 6 %, Intuity: 6 %, Inspiris: 2 %; Magna Ease vs. Intuity: p = 0.679; Inspiris vs. Intuity: p < 0.001). Median mean gradients were 13, 10 and 10 mmHg for Magna Ease, Intuity and Inspiris, respectively (Magna Ease vs. Intuity: p < 0.001; Inspiris vs. Intuity: p = 0.13). Conclusions: All study devices provide excellent early clinical and hemodynamic outcomes. Inspiris shows low rates of permanent pace-maker implantation and its transaortic gradients are similar to rapid-deployment valves and lower than Magna Ease.

The use of pledget-reinforced sutures during surgical aortic valve replacement: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Literature presents conflicting results on the pros and cons of pledget-reinforced sutures during surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). We aimed to investigate the effect of pledget-reinforced sutures versus sutures without pledgets during SAVR on different outcomes in a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A literature search was performed in five different medical literature databases. Studies must include patients undergoing SAVR and must compare any pledget-reinforced with any suturing technique without pledgets. The primary outcome was paravalvular leakage (PVL), and secondary outcomes comprised thromboembolism, endocarditis, mortality, mean pressure gradient (MPG) and effective orifice area (EOA). Results were pooled using a random-effects model as risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MDs) for which the no pledgets group served as reference. Results: Nine observational studies met the inclusion criteria. The risk of bias was critical in seven studies, and high and moderate in two other. The pooled RR for moderate or greater PVL was 0.59 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.13, 2.73). The pooled RR for mortality at 30-days was 1.02 (95 % CI 0.48, 2.18) and during follow-up was 1.15 (95 % CI 0.67, 2.00). For MPG and EOA at 1-year follow-up, the pooled MDs were 0.60 mmHg (95 % CI -4.92, 6.11) and -0.03 cm2 (95 % CI -0.18, 0.12), respectively. Conclusions: Literature on the use of pledget-reinforced sutures during SAVR is at high risk of bias. Pooled results are inconclusive regarding superiority of either pledget-reinforced sutures or sutures without pledgets. Hence, there is no evidence to support or oppose the use of pledget-reinforced sutures.

Computer simulation help predict the frame deformation following a Venus-A transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with pure aortic regurgitation: a retrospective study.

Background: Patient-specific computer simulation of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) predicts the interaction between an implanted device and the surrounding anatomy. In this study, we validated the predictive value of computer simulation for the frame deformation following a Venus-A TAVI implant in patients with pure aortic regurgitation (AR). Furthermore, we used the validated computational model to evaluate the anchoring mechanism within the same cohort. Methods: This was a retrospective study. FEops HEARTguide technology was used to simulate the virtual implantation of a Venus-A valve model in a patient-specific geometry. The predicted frame deformation was quantitatively compared to the postoperative device deformation at multiple levels. The outward forces acting on the frame were extracted for each patient and the total outward force acting around the aortic annular (AA) and sinotubular junction (STJ) planes were recorded. Results: Thirty patients were enrolled in the study with 10 in the migration group and 20 in the non-migration group. The dimensions of the simulated and observed frames had good correlations at Dmax (R2=0.88), Dmin (R2=0.91), perimeter (R2=0.92), and area (R2=0.92). The predicted outward force acting on the frame at the AA level was comparable between the migration and no-migration groups. The predicted outward force acting on the frame at the STJ level was always significantly higher in the migration group than the no migration group at different bandwidths: 3 mm (P=0.002), 5 mm (P=0.005), 10 mm (P=0.002). Conclusions: Patient-specific computer simulation of TAVI accurately predicted frame deformation in Chinese patients with pure AR. The forces at the STJ facilitated stabilization of the device within the aortic root, which might be used as a discriminator to identify patients at risk of device migration prior to intervention.

Naples prognostic score as a predictor of mortality in surgical aortic valve replacement.

Aim: Investigating the impact of nutritional and inflammatory status, assessed by the Naples-Prognostic-Score (NPS), on postoperative mortality in 173 older adults undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement(SAVR) for aortic stenosis(AS).Methods: Retrospective study calculating NPS from neutrophils/lymphocytes, lymphocytes/monocytes, total cholesterol and serum albumin.Results: Mean age was 69.39 ± 6.153 with 45.1% females. The post-operative mortality was 23.7% over a follow-up period of 50 ± 31 months. The 1-month mortality rate is 2.89%. High NPS significantly associated with increased mortality; multivariate logistic regression confirmed its independence (odds-ratio:3.494, 95% confidence-interval:1.555-7.849, p = 0.002). NPS cutoff of 2 showed 73.2% sensitivity, 56.8% specificity and area-under-the-curve of 0.758 for predicting all-cause mortality. Kaplan-Meier analysis supported lower NPS correlating with better survival.Conclusion: NPS independently predicts postoperative mortality in SAVR patients.

[Box: see text].

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

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