Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for Sutureless Bioprosthetic Valve Tilting Resulting in Severe Paravalvular Leak.

Severe paravalvular leak (PVL) may be complicated by heart failure and haemolysis. PVL management is challenging, especially when the gap is large. We describe a case of PVL due to tilting of a sutureless biological prosthesis successfully treated by transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAV-in-SAV).

Redo-TAVI with the ACURATE neo2 and Prime XL for balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valve failure.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data regarding treatment for failed balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valves (THVs) in redo-transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). AIMS: We aimed to assess THV performance, neoskirt height and expansion when performing redo-TAVI with the ACURATE platform inside a SAPIEN 3 (S3) compared to redo-TAVI with an S3 in an S3. METHODS: Redo-TAVI was performed on the bench using each available size of the S3, the ACURATE neo2 (ACn2) and the next-generation ACURATE Prime XL (AC XL) implanted at 2 different depths within 20 mm/23 mm/26 mm/29 mm S3s serving as the "failed" index THV. Hydrodynamic testing was performed to assess THV function. Multimodality assessment was performed using photography, X-ray, microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), and high-speed videos. RESULTS: The ACURATE in S3 combinations had favourable hydrodynamic performance compared to the S3 in S3 for all size combinations. In the 20 mm S3, redo-TAVI with the ACn2 had lower gradients compared to the S3 (mean gradient 16.3 mmHg for the ACn2 vs 24.7 mmHg for the 20 mm S3 in 20 mm S3). Pinwheeling was less marked for the ACURATE THVs than for the S3s. On micro-CT, the S3s used for redo-TAVI were underexpanded across all sizes. This was also observed for the ACURATE platform, but to a lesser extent. CONCLUSIONS: Redo-TAVI with an ACn2/AC XL within an S3 has favourable hydrodynamic performance and less pinwheeling compared to an S3 in S3. This comes at the price of a taller neoskirt.

Retrieval of a left appendage device from the left ventricle using a large bore steerable catheter.

Left atrium appendage closure is a safe and effective therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation and high thromboembolic and hemorrhagic risks. Prosthesis embolization is a potential major complication with an incidence of 0.07%. We report a case of migration of an Amplatzer Amulet (Abbott) device that was successfully retrieved in an innovative way (4).

The Impact of Cerebral Embolic Protection Devices on Characteristics and Outcomes of Stroke Complicating TAVR.

BACKGROUND: Acute ischemic stroke remains a serious complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Cerebral embolic protection devices (CEPD) were developed to mitigate the risk of acute ischemic stroke complicating TAVR (AISCT). However, the existing body of evidence does not clearly support CEPD efficacy in AISCT prevention. OBJECTIVES: In a cohort of patients with AISCT, we aimed to compare the characteristics and outcomes of patients who have had unprotected TAVR (CEPD-) vs CEPD-protected TAVR (CEPD+). METHODS: Data were derived from an international multicenter registry focusing on AISCT. We included all patients who experienced ischemic stroke within 72 hours of TAVR. Stroke severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Primary outcomes were neurologic disability status according to the modified Rankin Score at 30 days, and 6-month all-cause death. Propensity score matched analysis was used to control for differences between groups. RESULTS: In 18,725 TAVR procedures, 416 AISCT (2.2%) within 72 hours were documented, of which 376 were in the CEPD- TAVR group and 40 in the CEPD+ TAVR group. Although the middle cerebral artery stroke rate was similar in both groups (29.7% CEPD- vs 33.3% CEPD+; P = 0.71), AISCT in the CEPD+ group was characterized by a lower rate of internal carotid artery occlusion (0% vs 4.7%) and higher rate of vertebrobasilar system strokes (15.4% vs 5.7%; P = 0.04). AISCT was severe (NIHSS ≥15) in 21.6% CEPD- and 23.3% CEPD+ AISCT (P = 0.20). Disabling stroke rates (modified Rankin Score >1 at 30 days) were 47.3% vs 42.5% (P = 0.62), and 6-month mortality was 31.3% vs 23.3% (P = 0.61), in the CEPD- and CEPD+ groups, respectively. In the propensity score matched cohort, disabling stroke rates were 56.5% vs 41.6% (P = 0.16), and 6-month mortality was 33% vs 19.5% (P = 0.35), in the CEPD- and CEPD+ groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In a large cohort of patients with AISCT, the use of CEPD had little effect on stroke distribution, severity, and outcomes.

Sex-Related Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation With Self-Expanding or Balloon-Expandable Valves: Insights from the OPERA-TAVI Registry.

Evidence regarding gender-related differences in response to transcatheter aortic valve implantation according to the valve type is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of gender on the treatment effect of Evolut PRO/PRO+ (PRO) or SAPIEN 3 Ultra (ULTRA) devices on clinical outcomes. The Comparative Analysis of Evolut PRO vs SAPIEN 3 Ultra Valves for Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (OPERA-TAVI) is a multicenter, multinational registry including patients who underwent the latest-iteration PRO or ULTRA implantation. Overall, 1,174 of 1,897 patients were matched based on valve type and compared according to gender, whereas 470 men and 630 women were matched and compared according to valve type. The 30-day and 1-year outcomes were evaluated. In the PRO and ULTRA groups, men had a higher co-morbidity burden, whereas women had smaller aortic root. The 30-day (device success [DS], early safety outcome, permanent pacemaker implantation, patient-prosthesis mismatch, paravalvular regurgitation, bleedings, vascular complications, and all-cause death) and 1-year outcomes (all-cause death, stroke, and heart failure hospitalization) did not differ according to gender in both valve groups. However, the male gender decreased the likelihood of 30-day DS with ULTRA versus PRO (p for interaction = 0.047). A higher risk of 30-day permanent pacemaker implantation and 1-year stroke and a lower risk of patient-prosthesis mismatch was observed in PRO versus ULTRA, regardless of gender. In conclusion, gender did not modify the treatment effect of PRO versus ULTRA on clinical outcomes, except for 30-day DS, which was decreased in men (vs women) who received ULTRA (vs PRO).

Long-term follow-up of balloon-expandable valves according to the implantation strategy: insight from the DIRECTAVI trial.

BACKGROUND: Safety and feasibility of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) without balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) using the SAPIEN 3 balloon-expandable device has been previously demonstrated. The impact on long-term valve hemodynamic performances and outcomes remains however unknown. We evaluate long-term clinical and hemodynamic results according to the implant strategy (direct TAVR vs BAV pre-TAVR) in patients included in the DIRECTAVI randomized trial (NCT02729519). METHODS: Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up until January 2023 was performed for all patients included in the DIRECTAVI trial since 2016 (n = 228). The primary endpoint was incidence of moderate/severe hemodynamic valve deterioration (HVD), according to the Valve Academic Research defined Consortium-3 criteria (increase in mean gradient ≥10 mmHg resulting in a final mean gradient ≥20 mmHg, or new/worsening aortic regurgitation of 1 grade resulting in ≥ moderate aortic regurgitation). RESULTS: Median follow-up was 3.8 (2.2-4.7) years. Mean age at follow-up was 87 ± 6.7 years. No difference in incidence of HVD in the direct implantation group compared to the BAV group was found (incidence of 1.97 per 100 person-years and 1.45 per 100 person-years, respectively, P = 0.6). Prevalence of predicted prothesis-patient mismatch was low (n = 13 [11.4%] in the direct TAVR group vs n = 15 [13.2%] in BAV group) and similar between both groups (P = .7). Major outcomes including death, stroke, hospitalization for heart failure and pacemaker implantation were similar between both groups, (P = .4, P = .7, P = .3, and P = .3 respectively). CONCLUSION: Direct implantation of the balloon-expandable device in TAVR was not associated with an increased risk of moderate/severe HVD or major outcomes up to 6-year follow-up. These results guarantee wide use of direct balloon-expandable valve implantation, when feasible. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05140317.

Age- and Sex-Specific Nomographic CT Quantitative Plaque Data From a Large International Cohort.

BACKGROUND: With growing adoption of coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA), there is increasing evidence for and interest in the prognostic importance of atherosclerotic plaque volume. Manual tools for plaque segmentation are cumbersome, and their routine implementation in clinical practice is limited. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop nomographic quantitative plaque values from a large consecutive multicenter cohort using coronary CTA. METHODS: Quantitative assessment of total atherosclerotic plaque and plaque subtype volumes was performed in patients undergoing clinically indicated coronary CTA, using an Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Quantitative Coronary Plaque Analysis tool. RESULTS: A total of 11,808 patients were included in the analysis; their mean age was 62.7 ± 12.2 years, and 5,423 (45.9%) were women. The median total plaque volume was 223 mm3 (IQR: 29-614 mm3) and was significantly higher in male participants (360 mm3; IQR: 78-805 mm3) compared with female participants (108 mm3; IQR: 10-388 mm3) (P < 0.0001). Total plaque increased with age in both male and female patients. Younger patients exhibited a higher prevalence of noncalcified plaque. The distribution of total plaque volume and its components was reported in every decile by age group and sex. CONCLUSIONS: The authors developed pragmatic age- and sex-stratified percentile nomograms for atherosclerotic plaque measures using findings from coronary CTA. The impact of age and sex on total plaque and its components should be considered in the risk-benefit analysis when treating patients. Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Quantitative Coronary Plaque Analysis work flows could provide context to better interpret coronary computed tomographic angiographic measures and could be integrated into clinical decision making.

Early mobilization after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: observational cohort study.

AIMS: Early mobilization is associated with improved outcomes in hospitalized older patients. We sought to determine the effect of a nurse-led protocol on mobilization 4 h after transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) across different units of care. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a prospective observational cohort single-centre study of consecutive patients. We implemented a standardized protocol for safe early recovery and progressive mobilization in the critical care and cardiac telemetry units. We measured the time to first mobilization and conducted descriptive statistics to identify patient and system barriers to timely ambulation. We recruited 139 patients (82.5 years, SD = 6.7; 46% women). At baseline, patients who were mobilized early (≤4 h) and late (>4 h) did not differ, except for higher rates of diabetes (25.5% vs. 43.9%, P = 0.032) and peripheral arterial disease (8.2% vs. 26.8%, P = 0.003) in the late mobilization group. The median time to mobilization was 4 h [inter-quartile range (IQR) 3.25, 4]; 98 patients (70.5%) were mobilized successfully after 4 h of bedrest; 118 (84.9%) were walking by the evening of the procedure (<8 h bedrest); and 21 (15.1%) were on bedrest overnight and mobilized the following day. Primary reasons for overnight bedrest were arrhythmia monitoring (n = 10, 7.2%) and haemodynamic and/or neurological instability (n = 6, 4.3%); six patients (4.3%) experienced delayed ambulation due to system issues. Procedure location in the hybrid operating room and transfer to critical care were associated with longer bedrest times. CONCLUSION: Standardized nurse-led mobilization 4 h after TF TAVI is feasible in the absence of clinical complications and system barriers.

One-year clinical outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the latest iteration of self-expanding or balloonexpandable devices: insights from the OPERA-TAVI registry.

BACKGROUND: Midterm comparative analyses of the latest iterations of the most used Evolut and SAPIEN platforms for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are lacking. AIMS: We aimed to compare 1-year clinical outcomes of TAVI patients receiving Evolut PRO/PRO+ (PRO) or SAPIEN 3 Ultra (ULTRA) devices in current real-world practice. METHODS: Among patients enrolled in the OPERA-TAVI registry, patients with complete 1-year follow-up were considered for the purpose of this analysis. One-to-one propensity score matching was used to compare TAVI patients receiving PRO or ULTRA devices. The primary endpoint was a composite of 1-year all-cause death, disabling stroke and rehospitalisation for heart failure. Five prespecified subgroups of patients were considered according to leaflet and left ventricular outflow tract calcifications, annulus dimensions and angulation, and leaflet morphology. RESULTS: Among a total of 1,897 patients, 587 matched pairs of patients with similar clinical and anatomical characteristics were compared. The primary composite endpoint did not differ between patients receiving PRO or ULTRA devices (Kaplan-Meier [KM] estimates 14.0% vs 11.9%; log-rank p=0.27). Patients receiving PRO devices had higher rates of 1-year disabling stroke (KM estimates 2.6% vs 0.4%; log-rank p=0.001), predominantly occurring within 30 days after TAVI (1.4% vs 0.0%; p=0.004). Outcomes were consistent across all the prespecified subsets of anatomical scenarios (all pinteraction>0.10). CONCLUSIONS: One-year clinical outcomes of patients undergoing transfemoral TAVI and receiving PRO or ULTRA devices in the current clinical practice were similar, but PRO patients had higher rates of disabling stroke. Outcomes did not differ across the different anatomical subsets of the aortic root.

Case Report: Stretching the limits-late valvuloplasty for THV dysfunction following redo mitral valve-in-valve implantation.

Late balloon valvuloplasty can be used to treat under-expansion-related transcatheter heart valve (THV) dysfunction. Whether this can be performed following redo-THV implantation is unknown. Herein, we report a case of a 72-year-old male presenting with symptomatic gradient elevation following redo mitral valve-in-valve implantation. The patient was successfully treated with late balloon valvuloplasty with gradient improvement. In conclusion, late valvuloplasty is effective even with several layers of valves. However, larger studies are required to clarify the role of this approach further.

TAVR in TAVR: Where Are We in 2023 for Management of Failed TAVR Valves?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: As TAVR is increasingly performed on younger patients with a longer life expectancy, the number of redo-TAVR procedures is likely to increase in the coming years. Limited data is currently available on this sometimes challenging procedure. We provide a summary of currently published literature on management of patients with a failed transcatheter aortic valve. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent registry data have increased the clinical knowledge on redo-TAVR. Additionally, numerous bench studies have provided valuable insights into the technical aspects of redo-TAVR with various combinations of valve types. Redo-TAVR can be performed safely in selected cases with a high procedural success and good short-term outcomes. However, at present, the procedure remains relatively infrequent and many patients are not eligible. Bench testing can be useful to understand important concepts such as valve expansion, neoskirt, leaflet overhang, and leaflet deflection as well as their potential clinical implications.

Outcomes After Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement According to Regurgitation Etiology.

BACKGROUND: Whether transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) devices perform similarly with respect to the underlying mitral regurgitation (MR) etiology remains unknown. The aim of the present analysis was to assess outcomes of TMVR according to the MR underlying etiology among the CHoice of OptImal transCatheter trEatment for Mitral Insufficiency (CHOICE-MI) registry. METHODS: Of 746 patients, 229 patients (30.7%) underwent TMVR. The study population was subdivided according to primary, secondary, or mixed MR. Patients with mitral annular calcification were excluded. The primary study endpoint was a composite endpoint of all-cause mortality or hospitalization for heart failure at 1 year. Secondary study endpoints were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality at 1 year, New York Heart Association functional class, and residual MR, both at discharge and 1 year. RESULTS: The predominant MR etiology was secondary MR (58.4%), followed by primary MR (28.7%) and mixed MR (12.9%). Technical success and procedural mortality were similar according to MR etiology. Discharge echocardiography revealed residual MR 2+ in 11.3%, 3.7%, and 5.3% of patients with primary, secondary, and mixed MR, respectively (P = .1). MR elimination was similar in all groups up to the 1-year follow-up. There was no difference in terms of primary combined outcome occurrence according to MR etiology. One-year all-cause mortality was reported in 28.8%, 24.2%, and 32.1% of patients with primary, secondary, and mixed MR, respectively (P = .07). CONCLUSIONS: In our study we did not find differences in short-term and 1-year outcomes after TMVR according to MR etiology.

Update on Transcatheter Treatment of Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Mitral and tricuspid regurgitation represents a clinical challenge. They are associated with a poor prognosis, and many patients are not eligible for conventional surgery. Transcatheter therapies have been the focus of numerous studies and devices over the past decade. Here, we provide a summary of current options for transcatheter treatment of these 2 entities. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have demonstrated the benefits of edge-to-edge repair for increasing numbers of patients. Encouraging early results with transcatheter valve replacement are also becoming available. To date, transcatheter edge-to-edge repair is currently the first-line transcatheter treatment for both mitral and tricuspid regurgitation for many patients who are not candidates for surgery. A number of transcatheter replacement devices are under development and clinical investigation but, for the most part, their current use is limited to compassionate cases or clinical trials.

Valve-in-Valve Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement: A Large First-in-Human 13-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: Favourable early outcomes have been reported following valve-in-valve transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR). However, reports of long-term outcomes are lacking. We aimed to evaluate early and late outcomes in a large first-in-human valve-in-valve TMVR 13-year experience. METHODS: All patients undergoing valve-in-valve TMVR in our centre from 2008 to 2021 were included. Clinical and echocardiographic outcomes, defined according to the Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium, were reported. RESULTS: A total of 119 patients were analysed: mean age 76.8 ± 10.2 years, mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 10.7 ± 6.8%, 55.4% female, 63.9% transapical access. Thirty-day mortality was 2.5% for the total population and 0.0% after transseptal TMVR. Maximum follow-up was 13.1 years. During a median follow-up of 3.4 years (interquartile range 1.8-5.3 years), 55 patients (46.2%) died, mainly from noncardiovascular causes. Valve hemodynamics were acceptable at 5 years, with 2.5% structural dysfunction. Patients treated from 2016 on (n = 68; 57.1%), following the advent of routine use of the Sapien 3 valve, CT screening, and transseptal access, were compared with those treated before 2016 (n = 51; 42.9%). Patients from 2016 on had a higher technical success rate (100.0% vs 94.1%; P = 0.04), shorter hospitalisation (P < 0.001), trending lower 30-day mortality (1.5% vs 3.9%; P = 0.4) and better 5-year survival (74.7% vs 41.1%; P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Valve-in-valve TMVR can be performed with little morbidity and low mortality. Mid- to long-term survival remains limited owing to advanced age and comorbidities. Structural bioprosthetic valve dysfunction was rare and redo TMVR feasible in selected patients. Outcomes continue to improve, but the role for valve-in-valve TMVR in lower surgical risk patients remains unclear.

Identification of Low- versus High-Risk Acute Coronary Syndrome for a Selective ECG Monitoring Strategy.

BACKGROUND: While admission of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in cardiology intensive care unit (CICU) is usual, in-hospital major outcomes in lower risk patients may be evaluated after early coronary angiography according to the European guidelines. METHODS: Consecutive ACS patients were prospectively included after coronary angiography evaluation within 24 h and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), when required. Patients were classified as high- or low-risk according to hemodynamics, rhythmic state, ischemic and bleeding risks. Major in-hospital outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: From January to June 2021, 277 patients were enrolled (62.8% with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (n = 174); 37.2% with non-NSTEMI (NSTEMI) (n = 103). PCI was required for 260 patients (93.9%). Seventy-four patients (26.7%) were classified as low-risk (n = 47 NSTEMI; n= 27 STEMI) and 203 patients (73.3%) as high-risk of events. All patients were monitored in CICU. While 38 patients (18.7%) from the high-risk group reached the primary endpoint, mainly related to rhythmic or conduction disorder (n = 24, 11.8%) or unstable hemodynamics (n = 17; 8.4%), only 1 patient (1.3%) in the low-risk group had one major outcome (no fatal bleeding); p < 0.01. The negative predictive value of our patient stratification for the absence of major in-hospital outcome was 100% (CI95%: 100-100%) for STEMI and 97.9% [CI95%: 93.2-100%] for NSTEMI patients. CONCLUSIONS: Stratification of ACS patients after early coronary angiography and most of the time PCI, identify a population with very low risk of in-hospital events (1/4 of all ACS and 1/2 of NSTEMI) who may probably not require ECG monitoring and/or CICU admission. (NCT04378504).