Feasibility of Non-Invasive Coronary Artery Disease Screening with Coronary CT Angiography before Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) screening is usually performed before transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) by invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Computed coronary tomography angiography (CCTA) has shown good diagnostic performance for CAD screening in patients with a low probability of CAD and is systematically performed before TAVI. CCTA could be an efficient alternative to ICA for CAD screening before TAVI. We sought to investigate the diagnostic performance of CCTA in a population of unselected patients without known CAD who were candidates for TAVI. All consecutive patients referred to our center for TAVI without known CAD were enrolled. All patients underwent CCTA and ICA, which were considered the gold standard. A statistical analysis of the diagnostic performance per patient and per artery was performed. 307 consecutive patients were enrolled. CCTA was non-analyzable in 25 patients (8.9%). In the per-patient analysis, CCTA had a sensitivity of 89.6%, a specificity of 90.2%, a positive predictive value of 65.15%, and a negative predictive value of 97.7%. Only five patients were classified as false negatives on the CCTA. Despite some limitations of the study, CCTA seems reliable for CAD screening in patients without known CAD who are candidates for TAVI. By using CCTA, ICA could be avoided in patients with a CAD-RADS score ≤ 2, which represents 74.8% of patients.

Reintervention of Residual Aortic Dissection after Type A Aortic Repair: Results of a Prospective Follow-Up at 5 Years.

Background After a type A aortic dissection repair, a patent false lumen in the descending aorta is the most common situation encountered, and is a well-known risk factor for aortic growth, reinterventions and mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term results of residual aortic dissection (RAD) at a high-volume aortic center with prospective follow-up. Methods In this prospective single-center study, all patients operated for type A aortic dissection between January 2017 and December 2022 were included. Patients without postoperative computed tomography scans or during follow-up at our center, and patients without RAD were excluded. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality during follow-up for patients with RAD. The secondary endpoints were perioperative mortality, rate of distal aneurysmal evolution, location of distal aneurysmal evolution, rate of distal reinterventions, outcomes of distal reinterventions, and aortic-related death during follow-up. Results In total, 200 survivors of RAD comprised the study group. After a mean follow-up of 27.2 months (1-66), eight patients (4.0%) died and 107 (53.5%) had an aneurysmal progression. The rate of distal reintervention was 19.5% (39/200), for malperfusion syndrome in seven cases (3.5%) and aneurysmal evolution in 32 cases (16.0%). Most reinterventions occurred during the first 2 years (82.1%). Twenty-seven patients were treated for an aneurysmal evolution of RAD including aortic arch with hybrid repair in 21 cases and branched aortic arch endoprosthesis in six cases. In the hybrid repair group, there was no death, and the rate of morbidity was 28.6% (6/21) (one minor stroke, one pulmonary complication, one recurrent paralysis with complete recovery and three major bleeding events). In the branched endograft group, there was no death, no stroke, and no paraplegia. There was one case (16.7%) of carotid dissection. Complete aortic remodeling or complete FL thrombosis on the thoracic aorta was found in 18 cases (85.7%) and in five cases (83.3%) in the hybrid and branched endograft groups, respectively. Conclusions: Despite a critical course in most cases of RAD, with a high rate of aneurysmal evolution and reintervention, the long-term mortality rate remains low with a close follow-up and a multidisciplinary management in an expert center.

Long-Term Prognosis Value of Paravalvular Leak and Patient-Prosthesis Mismatch following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Insight from the France-TAVI Registry.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is the preferred treatment for symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) in a majority of patients across all surgical risks. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Paravalvular leak (PVL) and patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) are two frequent complications of TAVI. Therefore, based on the large France-TAVI registry, we planned to report the incidence of both complications following TAVI, evaluate their respective risk factors, and study their respective impacts on long-term clinical outcomes, including mortality. RESULTS: We identified 47,494 patients in the database who underwent a TAVI in France between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2019. Within this population, 17,742 patients had information regarding PPM status (5138 with moderate-to-severe PPM, 29.0%) and 20,878 had information regarding PVL (4056 with PVL ≥ 2, 19.4%). After adjustment, the risk factors for PVL ≥ 2 were a lower body mass index (BMI), a high baseline mean aortic gradient, a higher body surface area, a lower ejection fraction, a smaller diameter of TAVI, and a self-expandable TAVI device, while for moderate-to-severe PPM we identified a younger age, a lower BMI, a larger body surface area, a low aortic annulus area, a low ejection fraction, and a smaller diameter TAVI device (OR 0.85; 95% CI, 0.83-0.86) as predictors. At 6.5 years, PVL ≥ 2 was an independent predictor of mortality and was associated with higher mortality risk. PPM was not associated with increased risk of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis from the France-TAVI registry showed that both moderate-to-severe PPM and PVL ≥ 2 continue to be frequently observed after the TAVI procedure. Different risk factors, mostly related to the patient's anatomy and TAVI device selection, for both complications have been identified. Only PVL ≥ 2 was associated with higher mortality during follow-up.

Prosthesis-Patient Mismatch in Small Aortic Annuli: Self-Expandable vs. Balloon-Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Prosthesis−patient mismatch (PPM) is associated with worse outcomes following surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). PPM has been identified in a significant proportion of TAVR, particularly in patients with small aortic annuli. Our objective was to evaluate the hemodynamic performances of balloon-expandable (BE) (Sapiens 3TM) versus two different self-expandable (SE) (Evolut ProTM, Accurate NeoTM) TAVR devices in patients with small aortic annulus defined by a computed tomography aortic annulus area (AAA) between 330 and 440 mm2. We enrolled 131 consecutive patients corresponding to 76 Sapiens 3 23 mm (58.0%), 26 Evolut Pro (19.9%) and 29 Accurate Neo (22.1%). Mean age was 82.5 ± 7.06 years, 22.9% of patients were male and mean Euroscore was 4.0%. Mean AAA was 374 ± 27 mm2 for Sapiens 3, 383 ± 29 mm2 for Corevalve Evolut Pro and 389 ± 25 mm2 for Accurate Neo. BE devices were associated with significantly higher rates of PPM (39.5%) as compared to SE devices (15.4% for Corevalve Evolut Pro and 6.9% for Accurate Neo) (p < 0.0001). Paravalvular leaks ≥ 2/4 were more often observed in SE devices (15.4% for Corevalve Evolut Pro and 17.2% for Accurate Neo) than in BE devices (2.6%) (p = 0.007). In conclusion, SE TAVR devices did achieve better hemodynamic results despite higher rates of paravalvular leaks. Therefore, SE TAVI devices could be considered as first choice in small aortic anatomy.

Myocardial Revascularization Strategies in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Without Urgent Revascularization: Insight From a Nationwide Study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcomes of patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) without early (<48 hours) revascularization, according to percutaneous versus surgical revascularization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Based on the French administrative hospital discharge database, the study collected information for all consecutive patients seen for a STEMI in France between January 1, 2010, to June 31, 2019, who underwent either a first percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or a first coronary artery bypass graft between 48 hours and 90 days after the index hospitalization. Propensity score matching was used for the analysis of outcomes. RESULTS: Of 71,365 patients with STEMI in the analysis, 59,340 patients underwent PCI and 12,025 patients underwent coronary artery bypass graft. In a matched analysis of 12,012 patients by arm, surgical revascularization was associated with lower rates of all cause (5.1% vs 7.1%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.70; 95% CI, 0.66 to 0.75) and cardiovascular (2.6% vs 3.1%; HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.91) death. Rehospitalization for heart failure was less often reported after surgery (5.5% vs 7.5%; HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.71 to 0.81) whereas stroke incidence was not statistically different between the two arms (2.1% vs 2.3%; HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.80 to 1.00). Major bleeding was less often reported in the PCI arm (4.6% vs 6.1%; HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.22 to 1.41). CONCLUSION: In patients with STEMI who did not undergo urgent revascularization (ie, within 48 hours after presentation), surgical revascularization was associated with better outcomes and should be individually considered as an alternative to PCI.

Outcomes Following Aortic Stenosis Treatment (Transcatheter vs Surgical Replacement) in Women vs Men (From a Nationwide Analysis).

Gender-differences in survival following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) have been suggested. The objective of this study was to analyze outcomes following TAVR according to gender and to compare outcomes between TAVR and SAVR in women, at a nationwide level. Based on the French administrative hospital-discharge database, the study collected information for all consecutive patients treated with TAVR and SAVR between 2010 and 2019. Outcomes were analyzed according to gender and propensity score matching was used for the analysis of outcomes. In total 71,794 patients were identified in the database. After matching on baseline characteristics, we analyzed 12,336 women and 12,336 men treated with TAVR. In a second matched analysis, we compared 9,297 women treated with TAVR and 9,297 women treated with SAVR. Long term follow-up showed lower risk of all-cause death (12.7% vs 14.8%, hazard ratio (HR) 0.85, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.90) in women than men. Although the difference in cardiovascular death remained non-significant (5.8% vs 6.0%, HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.05), non-cardiovascular death was less frequent in women than in men following TAVR (6.9% vs 8.8% HR 0.78, 95%CI 0.72 to 0.84).When TAVR was compared with SAVR in women, long-term follow-up with TAVR showed higher rates of all-cause death (11.2% vs 6.5%, HR 1.91, 95%CI 1.78 to 2.05), cardiovascular death (5.0% vs 3.2%, HR 1.44, 95%CI 1.30 to 1.59), and non-cardiovascular death (6.2% vs 3.3%, HR 2.48, 95% CI 2.25 to 2.72). In conclusion, we observed that women undergoing TAVR have lower long-term all-cause mortality as compared with TAVR in men, driven by non-cardiovascular mortality. SAVR was associated with lower rates of long-term cardiovascular adverse events in women as compared with TAVR.

Rapid deployment versus trans-catheter aortic valve replacement in intermediate-risk patients: A propensity score analysis.

BACKGROUND: There are insufficient studies comparing rapid deployment aortic valve replacement (RDAVR) and trans-aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in intermediate-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). AIMS: We compared 2-year outcomes between RDAVR with INTUITY and TAVR with SAPIEN 3 in intermediate-risk patients with AS. METHODS: Inclusion criteria were patients with severe AS at a EuroSCORE II ≥ 4%, who received RDAVR or TAVR implantation and clinical evaluation by the Heart Team. Regression adjustment for the propensity score was used to compare RDAVR and TAVR. Primary outcome was the composite criterion of death, disabling stroke, or rehospitalization. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: major bleeding complications postoperation, paravalvular regurgitation ≥ 2, patient-prosthesis mismatch, and pacemaker implantation. RESULTS: A total of 152 patients were included from 2012 to 2018: 48 in the RDAVR group and 104 in the TAVR group. The mean age was 82.7 ± 6.0,51.3% patients were female, the mean EuroSCORE II was 6.03 ± 1.6%, mean baseline LVEF was 56 ± 13%, mean indexed effective orifice area was 0.41 ± 0.1 cm/m2 , and the mean gradient was 51.7 ± 14.7 mmHg. RDAVR patients were younger (79.5 ± 6 years vs. 82.6 ± 6 years; p = .01), and at higher risk (EuroSCORE II, 6.61 ± 1.8% vs. 5.63 ± 1.5%; p = .005), Twenty-two patients (45.99%) in the RDAVR group and 32 (66.67%) in the TAVR group met the composite criterion. Through the 1:1 propensity score matching analysis, there was a significant difference between the groups, favoring RDAVR (HR = 0.58 [95% CI: 0.34-1.00]; p = .04). No differences were observed in terms of patient-prosthesis mismatch (0.83 [0.35-1.94]; p = .67), major bleeding events (1.33 [0.47-3.93]; p = .59), paravalvular regurgitation ≥ 2 (0.33[0-6.28]; p = .46), or pacemaker implantation (0.84 [0.25-2.84]; p = .77) CONCLUSION: RDAVR was associated with better 2-year outcomes than TAVR in intermediate-risk patients with severe symptomatic AS.

Prosthesis-patient mismatch is an independent predictor of congestive heart failure after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the effect of prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) on outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. We reported previously an increased risk of PPM with the SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve (S3-THV). AIMS: To investigate the association of PPM with 1-year outcomes in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) implanted with S3-THV. METHODS: Moderate PPM was defined by an indexed effective orifice area (iEOA)≤0.85cm2/m2, and severe PPM by an iEOA<0.65cm2/m2. Inclusion criteria were severe symptomatic AS and implantation with S3-THV. The primary endpoint was hospitalization for congestive heart failure (CHF) at 1 year; the secondary endpoint was all-cause mortality. RESULTS: A total of 208 consecutive patients were included between 2016 and 2018. Male sex was prevalent (53.8%), mean age was 81.9±6.2 years, mean EuroSCORE II was 4.35±3.37, mean LVEF was 57.9±13%. Moderate and severe PPM were observed in 69 (33.2%) and 10 (4.8%) patients. Patients with PPM were younger (80.4±7 vs 82.8±5.41 years; P=0.006), had a larger BSA (1.84±0.19 vs 1.77±0.19 m2; P=0.01), a lower iEOA (0.73±0.08 vs 1.11±0.22 cm2/m2; P<0.001) and a higher mean gradient (14±4.6 vs 11.9±3.9mmHg; P<0.001). CHF occurred in 16.5% vs 7% (P=0.03). By multivariable analysis, PPM was independently associated with CHF (hazard ratio [HR] 3.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17 to 8.55; P=0.032), especially in patients with mitral regurgitation≥2/4 (HR>100, 95%CI>100 to>1000; P<0.01). PPM did not correlate with all-cause mortality (HR 0.90, 95%CI 0.22 to 3.03; P=0.86). CONCLUSIONS: PPM after S3-THV implantation is strongly associated with CHF at 1 year, but is not correlated with overall mortality.

Long-term results of surgical treatment of secondary severe mitral regurgitation in patients with end-stage heart failure: Advantage of prosthesis insertion.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) is controversial. AIM: To analyse outcome after undersizing annuloplasty (UA) and mitral valve replacement (MVR). METHODS: Consecutive patients operated on for severe SMR, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)<40% and refractory CHF, were included. Endpoints were in-hospital mortality, mid-term cardiovascular (CV) mortality, evolution of LV variables and recurrence of mitral regurgitation (MR). RESULTS: 59 patients were included (mean age 65±10 years, preoperative LVEF 36±6%; effective regurgitant orifice [ERO] 41±17 mm2), 41 with ischaemic disease: 12 underwent UA and 47 underwent MVR; only eight had concomitant coronary revascularization. In-hospital mortality was 3.3% (8.3% in UA group; 2.1% in MVR group). Eight-year CV mortality was 39±13% (40±18% in UA group; 27±10% in MVR group). Older age (hazard ratio 1.14, 95% confidence interval 1.07 to 1.22; P<0.001) and LV end-systolic diameter (hazard ratio 1.18, 95% confidence interval 1.09 to 1.27; P<0.001) independently predicted CV mortality. LVEF did not change between the preoperative and follow-up transthoracic echocardiograms in the MVR group (36±6% vs. 35±10%; P=0.6) or the UA group (36±5% vs. 31±12%; P=0.09). Conversely, LV end-diastolic diameter decreased significantly in the MVR group (64±8m to 59±9mm; P=0.002), but not in the UA group (61±7m to 64±10mm; P=0.2). Recurrence of significant MR occurred in 81% of patients in the UA group (mean postoperative ERO 19±6 mm2) versus none in the MVR group. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of SMR can be performed with acceptable operative risk and mid-term survival in severe heart failure, even if there is no indication for revascularization. MVR is associated with significant reverse remodelling, and UA with prohibitive risk of MR recurrence.

Rapid-deployment aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis: 1-year outcomes in 150 patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of rapid-deployment aortic valve replacement (RDAVR) for severe aortic stenosis (AS). METHODS: All consecutive patients with severe AS who underwent RDAVR with the EDWARDS INTUITY bioprosthesis were prospectively included in a single-centre, cohort study between July 2012 and April 2015. Clinical examination and transthoracic echocardiography were performed preoperatively and at 1-month and 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: We included 150 patients: mean age 76.8 ± 6.2 years, 68.7% male and mean EuroSCORE II 3.4 ± 3.7%. Implantation was successful in all: 103 (68.7%) had isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) and 47 (31.3%) had concomitant procedures. For isolated AVR, mean cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times were 37.6 ± 13.3 and 59.9 ± 20.4 min, respectively. Overall, the 1-year Kaplan-Meier survival rate was 97.1% (95% confidence interval 92.4-98.9%). At 1 year, stroke occurred in 5 patients (3.34%), myocardial infarction in 1 (0.69%), endocarditis in 1 (0.69%), early explantation in 1 (0.67%), pacemaker implantation in 8 (5.6%) and Grade 2 periprosthetic regurgitation in 4 (3.2%; no grade 3 of 4). There were significant decreases from baseline ( P < 0.001) in the proportion at New York Heart Association Class III/V (35.3-4.1%), mean gradient (54.9 ± 17.3 mmHg to 11.3 ± 4.8 mmHg) and mean left ventricular mass index (160.3 ± 44.8 g/m 2 to 118.5 ± 39.4 g/m 2 ). Mean indexed effective orifice area at 1 year was 1.02 ± 0.37 cm 2 /m 2 . Ten patients (6.6%) had severe patient-prosthesis mismatch. CONCLUSIONS: RDAVR for severe AS provided favourable outcomes over 1 year.

Severe right ventricular dysfunction is an independent predictor of pre- and post-transplant mortality among candidates for heart transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Heart transplantation is the gold-standard treatment for end-stage heart failure. However, the shortage of grafts has led to longer waiting times and increased mortality for candidates without priority. AIMS: To study waiting-list and post-transplant mortality, and their risk factors among patients registered for heart transplantation without initial high emergency procedure. METHODS: All patients registered on the heart transplantation waiting list (2004-2015) without initial high emergency procedure were included. Clinical, biological, echocardiographic and haemodynamic data were collected. Waiting list and 1-year post-transplant survival were analysed with a Kaplan-Meier model. RESULTS: Of 221 patients enrolled, 168 (76.0%) were men. Mean age was 50.0±12.0 years. Forty-seven patients died on the waiting list, resulting in mortality rates of 11.2±2.7% at 1 year, 31.9±5.4% at 2 years and 49.4±7.1% at 3 years. Median survival was 36.0±4.6 months. In the multivariable analysis, left ventricular ejection fraction<30% (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38-10.24; P=0.010) and severe right ventricular systolic dysfunction (HR: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.41-5.92; P=0.004) were associated with increased waiting-list mortality. The post-transplant survival rate was 73.1±4.4% at 1 year. Pretransplant severe right ventricular dysfunction and age>50 years were strong predictors of death after transplantation (HR: 5.38, 95% CI: 1.38-10.24 [P=0.020] and HR: 6.16, 95% CI: 1.62-9.32 [P=0.0130], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Mortality among candidates for heart transplantation remains high. Patients at highest risk of waiting-list mortality have to be promoted, but without compromising post-transplant outcomes. For this reason, candidates with severe right ventricular dysfunction are of concern, because, for them, transplantation is hazardous.

Drug-induced aortic valve stenosis: An under recognized entity.

BACKGROUND: We have been intrigued by the observation that aortic stenosis (AS) may be associated with characteristic features of mitral drug-induced valvular heart disease (DI-VHD) in patients exposed to valvulopathic drugs, thus suggesting that beyond restrictive heart valve regurgitation, valvulopathic drugs may be involved in the pathogenesis of AS. METHODS: Herein are reported echocardiographic features, and pathological findings encountered in a series of patients suffering from both AS (mean gradient >15mmHg) and mitral DI-VHD after valvulopathic drugs exposure. History of rheumatic fever, chest radiation therapy, systemic disease or bicuspid aortic valve disease were exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Twenty-five (19 females, mean age 62years) patients having both AS and typical features of mitral DI-VHD were identified. Mean transaortic pressure gradient was 32+/-13mmHg. Aortic regurgitation was ≥ mild in 24 (96%) but trivial in one. Known history of aortic valve regurgitation following drug initiation prior the development of AS was previously diagnosed in 17 patients (68%). Six patients underwent aortic valve replacement and 3 both aortic and mitral valve replacement. In the 9 patients with pathology analysis, aortic valvular endocardium was markedly thickened by dense non-inflammatory fibrosis, a characteristic feature of DI-VHD. CONCLUSION: The association between AS and typical mitral DI-VHD after valvulopathic drug exposure may not be fortuitous. Aortic regurgitation was usually associated to AS and preceded AS in most cases but may be lacking. Pathology demonstrated the potential role of valvulopathic drugs in the development of AS.

Rapid Deployment of Aortic Bioprosthesis in Elderly Patients With Small Aortic Annulus.

BACKGROUND: Aortic valve replacement in elderly patients with a small aortic annulus remains challenging. Patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) should be prevented without impacting operative mortality. Hemodynamic benefits resulting from rapid-deployment aortic valve replacement with the Edwards Intuity bioprosthesis for this indication were evaluated. METHODS: Elective patients with severe aortic stenosis who required an Edwards Intuity bioprosthesis, size 19 mm and 21 mm, were prospectively included between July 2012 and July 2014. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed preoperatively and at 1-month follow-up. RESULTS: Sixty-six consecutive patients (mean age, 78 ± 6.4 years; 54.5% women) were included. The Intuity 19 mm was inserted in 29 patients, and the Intuity 21 mm was inserted in 37 patients. No deaths or aortic annulus ruptures occurred. Mean aortic cross-clamp time was 42.7 ± 18.2 minutes. At the 1-month follow-up, mean New York Heart Association classification was 1.6 ± 0.5 versus 2.2 ± 0.8 (p < 0.001). The mean gradient decreased from 59 ± 17.6 mm Hg to 13.7 ± 4.4 mm Hg (p < 0.001). Mean indexed effective orifice area was 0.77 ± 0.17 cm(2)/m(2) for the Intuity 19 mm and 1.01 ± 0.32 cm(2)/m(2) for the Intuity 21 mm. Twenty-one patients (32%) had a moderate PPM (indexed effective orifice area < 0.85 cm(2)/m(2)), and 10 patients (15%) had a severe PPM (indexed effective orifice area < 0.65 cm(2)/m(2)). The mean gradient was 15.1 ± 3.5 mm Hg and 16.9 ± 4.9 mm Hg in the moderate PPM group and severe PPM group, respectively (p = 0.3). The left ventricular mass index dramatically decreased from 153.2 ± 32.7 g/m(2) to 118.4 ± 20.2 g/m(2) (p < 0.001), and only 1 patient (1.5%) had a periprosthetic regurgitation greater than 1. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding the low rate of severe PPM and the early regression of left ventricular mass, these preliminary studies indicate the potential benefit of the Intuity bioprosthesis in patients with a small aortic annulus. Midterm results should be evaluated.

Outcome of acute respiratory distress syndrome patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and brought to a referral center.

PURPOSE: Patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are candidates for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy. The evaluation of organ severity is difficult in patients considered for cannulation in a distant hospital. This study was designed to identify early factors associated with hospital mortality in ARDS patients treated with ECMO and retrieved from referring hospitals. METHODS: Data from 85 consecutive ARDS patients equipped with ECMO by our mobile team and consequently admitted to our ICU were prospectively collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The main ARDS etiologies were community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (35%), influenza pneumonia (23%) (with 12 patients having been treated during the first half of the study period), and nosocomial pneumonia (14%). The median (interquartile range) time between contact from the referring hospital and patient cannulation was 3 (1-4) h. ECMO was venovenous in 77 (91%) patients. No complications occurred during transport by our mobile unit. Forty-eight patients died at the hospital (56%). Based on a multivariate logistic regression, a score including age, SOFA score, and a diagnosis of influenza pneumonia was constructed. The probability of hospital mortality following ECMO initiation was 40% in the 0-2 score class (n = 58) and 93% in the 3-4 score class (n = 27). Patients with an influenza pneumonia diagnosis and a SOFA score before ECMO of less than 12 had a mortality rate of 22%. CONCLUSIONS: Age, SOFA score, and a diagnosis of influenza may be used to accurately evaluate the risk of death in ARDS patients considered for retrieval under ECMO from distant hospitals.

Reoperation for failure of freestyle bioprosthesis using an Edwards intuity valve.

We report the first case of a successful implantation of the new Edwards Intuity rapid-deployment bioprosthesis in a 50-year-old man with acute failure of a Freestyle Medtronic root with severe aortic regurgitation and massive calcification of the root and both coronary buttons.

Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography assessment of a successful transcatheter mitral valve in valve implantation for degenerated bioprosthesis.

Reoperation for degenerated mitral bioprosthesis is considered a high risk procedure. Transcatheter mitral valve in valve implantation has emerged as an off-label alternative for patients contra-indicated to surgery. We report a 46-year-old man, with a 29 mm mitral bioprosthesis since 2002, who was admitted for acute heart failure because of a severe intra-prosthetic regurgitation. His recent medical history revealed a fast growing cavum carcinoma. In view of generally poor prognosis, the heart team decided to perform a transcatheter mitral valve in valve implantation by transapical approach. Live three-dimensional TEE was used during the implantation for sizing, device positioning, and hemodynamic assessment.

Localized cardiac tamponade after open-heart surgery.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical presentation and echocardiographic findings associated with localized tamponade after open-heart surgery. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a case series with a surgically proven diagnosis. RESULTS: Among 23 patients with surgically proven localized cardiac tamponade after elective open-heart surgery, 5 patients (22%) died in the ICU from multiorgan failure. At the time of diagnosis (median delay: 2 days; range: 0-8 days), shock was present in 19 patients, 8 of them being hypotensive. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) depicted the localized cardiac tamponade in 3 of 4 examined patients, whereas transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was always conclusive. The right atrium was primarily involved, solely (n = 11) or with the right ventricle (n = 5), whereas the left cardiac cavities were less frequently compressed (left atrium: n = 6, left ventricle: n = 1). The free wall curvature of the involved cardiac chamber was consistently inverted, and blood flow turbulences were depicted in 12 patients. Surgical removal of the compressive hematoma improved the clinical status of 18 patients (78%) who were discharged from the hospital. CONCLUSION: Since localized tamponade complicating open-heart surgery has various, non-specific clinical presentations and TTE is not diagnostic, indications of TEE must be liberal in this setting to prompt diagnosis and surgical reoperation.