Differential response to preoperative exercise training in patients candidates to cardiac valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: There is lack of evidence regarding safety, effectiveness and applicability of prehabilitation on cardiac surgery population, particularly in patients candidates to cardiac valve replacement. The aim of the study is to assess and compare the effect of a multimodal prehabilitation program on functional capacity in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AoS) and severe mitral regurgitation (MR) proposed for valve replacement surgery. METHODS: Secondary analysis from a randomised controlled trial whose main objective was to analyze the efficacy of a 4-6 weeks multimodal prehabilitation program in cardiac surgery on reducing postoperative complications. For this secondary analysis, only candidates for valve replacement surgery were selected. The primary outcome was the change in endurance time (ET) from baseline to preoperative assessment measured by a cycling constant work-rate cardiopulmonary exercise test. RESULTS: 68 patients were included in this secondary analysis, 34 (20 AoS and 14 MR) were allocated to the prehabilitation group and 34 (20 AoS and 14 MR) to control group. At baseline, patients with AoS had better left systolic ventricular function and lower prevalence of atrial fibrillation compared to MR (p = 0.022 and p = 0.035 respectively). After prehabilitation program, patients with MR showed greater improvement in ET than AoS patients (101% vs. 66% increase from baseline). No adverse events related to the prehabilitation program were observed. CONCLUSIONS: A 4-6 week exercise training program is safe and overall improves functional capacity in patients with severe AoS and MR. However, exercise response is different according to the cardiac valve type disfunction, and further studies are needed to know the factors that predispose some patients to have better training response. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study has been registered on the Registry of National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03466606) (05/03/2018).

The Commando procedure for mechanical double valve prosthesis endocarditis with destruction of the aortomitral continuity.

Infective endocarditis, particularly after implanting valve prostheses, poses significant surgical challenges, often requiring complex interventions. We describe a case of a 37-year-old male with Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis, unsuccessfully treated with mechanical valve prostheses. Continued infection led to the destruction of the intervalvular fibrous body, necessitating a Commando procedure involving radical debridement and replacement of both aortic and mitral valves with complex patch reconstruction. Prosthesis selection remains contentious, considering recurrence risk and long-term prognosis. Our case underscores timely intervention and meticulous technique in managing such complex situations. It highlights successful strategies for treating infective endocarditis with destruction of aortomitral continuity, emphasizing the pivotal role of the Commando procedure.

Storage, preservation, and rehabilitation of living heart valves to treat congenital heart disease.

Heart valve disease patients undergo multiple surgeries to replace structurally degraded valve prostheses, highlighting the need for valve replacements with growth and self-repair capacity. Given allogeneic valve transplantation's promise in meeting these goals by delivering a living valve replacement, we propose a framework for preserving and rehabilitating living valves ex vivo.

Left ventricular stent-graft implantation for severe left ventricular outflow tract obstruction after transcatheter mitral valve implantation.

Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction is a rare complication following transcatheter mitral valve implantation. Diagnosing the underlying cause is mandatory to select from different treatment options. We report a case of stent-graft implantation into the left ventricular outflow tract for dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction caused by systolic anterior motion of the anterior mitral valve leaflet (SAM).

Outcomes following heart valve surgery in patients with infective endocarditis and preoperative septic cerebral embolism: insights from the CAMPAIGN study group.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyse the impact of preoperative septic cerebral embolism on early and late postoperative outcomes in patients with infective endocarditis undergoing valve surgery. METHODS: Retrospective multicentric study based on the Clinical Multicentric Project for Analysis of Infective Endocarditis in Germany (CAMPAIGN) registry comprising patients with infective endocarditis who underwent valve surgery between 1994 and 2018 at 6 German centres. Patients were divided into 2 groups for statistical comparison according to the presence or absence of preoperative septic cerebral embolism. Propensity score matching was performed for adjusted comparisons of postoperative outcomes. Primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and estimated 5-year survival. RESULTS: A total of 4917 patients were included in the analysis, 3909 (79.5%) patients without and 1008 (20.5%) patients with preoperative septic cerebral embolism. Patients with preoperative septic cerebral embolism had more baseline comorbidities. Mitral valve endocarditis (44.1% vs 33.0% P < 0.001), large vegetations >10 mm (43.1% vs 30.0%, P < 0.001), and Staphylococcus species infection (42.3% vs 21.3%, P < 0.001) were more frequent in the cerebral embolism group. Among patients with preoperative cerebral embolism, 286 (28.4%) patients had no stroke signs (silent stroke). After matching (1008 matched pairs), there was no statistically significant difference in 30-day mortality (20.1% vs 22.8%; P = 0.14) and 5-year survival (47.8% vs 49.1%; stratified log-rank P = 0.77) in patients with and without preoperative cerebral embolism, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative septic cerebral embolism in patients with infective endocarditis requiring valve surgery does not negatively affect early or late mortality; therefore, it should not play a major role in deciding if surgery is to be performed.

Aortic root enlargement versus stentless valve implantation for avoidance of patient-prosthesis mismatch in patients with small aortic root: protocol for a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Avoiding patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) in patients with small aortic annulus (SAA) during aortic valve replacement (AVR) is still a challenging surgical problem. Among surgical options available, aortic root enlargement (ARE) and stentless valve implantation (SVI) are the two most commonly used strategies. This systematic review will be conducted searching for superiority evidence based on comparative studies between these two options. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This systematic review will include all relevant articles published from 1 January 1946 to 31 March 2024, with available full texts from Medline (Ovid), Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases, without any language restriction. Observational studies and randomised controlled trials comparing surgical results of ARE versus SVI for AVR in patients with small aortic root will be screened. Studies will be classified into three groups: group 1 for studies that reported SVI or other tissue valve outcomes without comparing them with ARE outcomes; group 2 for studies that reported ARE outcomes without comparing them with SVI outcomes; and group 3 for studies that compared ARE outcomes with SVI outcomes. The quality of the evidence of each study will be evaluated according to Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine criteria. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required because no primary data are collected. The findings will be presented at scientific conferences and/or reported in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO, CRD42023383793.

Valvular Endocarditis and Biventricular Heart Failure in the Setting of Tropheryma whipplei Disease.

Whipple disease is a rare systemic illness associated with weight loss, diarrhea, and arthralgia. Asymptomatic carriage is common, but the disease can be complicated by cardiac involvement and may result in culture-negative endocarditis. Cardiac manifestations of the disease can lead to death. This report presents the case of a 66-year-old man with Whipple disease and biventricular heart failure with cardiogenic shock. Medical therapy followed by successful replacement of the aortic and mitral valves resulted in substantial improvement.

Comparing outcomes of transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement and medical therapy for symptomatic severe tricuspid regurgitation: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Impaired hospitalizations for heart failure (HHF) and mortality are associated with tricuspid regurgitation (TR). OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the benefit of transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) over guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in patients with symptomatic severe TR. METHODS: Between May 2020 and April 2023, 88 patients with symptomatic severe TR were treated in our center. Of these, 57 patients received GDMT alone, and 31 patients underwent combined TTVR and GDMT. We collected and analyzed baseline data, and follow-up information for both groups. The primary endpoints were all-cause mortality and the combined endpoint (including all-cause mortality and HHF). RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 20 (IQR 10-29) months, significant improvements were shown in TR severity, right ventricular function, and dimensions in TTVR group (all P < 0.001). It also resulted in superior survival rates (75.8% vs. 48.4%, P = 0.019), improved freedom from combined endpoint (61.5% vs. 45.9%, P = 0.007) and fewer major adverse events. After stratification by TRI-SCORE, the subgroup with < 6 points in the TTVR group exhibited a significant difference in the combined endpoint compared to the other subgroups (all P < 0.05), while no significant differences were observed in the GDMT subgroups (P = 0.680). CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of LuX-Valve in TTVR effectively improves TR and is associated with lower rates of major adverse events, HHF and all-cause mortality. The TRI-SCORE may help identify higher-benefit patients with TR from TTVR. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration System (NCT02917980).

Aortic valve performance after remodelling versus reimplantation in a propensity-matched comparison.

OBJECTIVES: Both aortic root remodelling and aortic valve (AV) reimplantation have been used for valve-sparing root replacement in patients with aortic root aneurysm with or without aortic regurgitation. There is no clear evidence to support one technique over the another. This study aimed to compare remodelling with basal ring annuloplasty versus reimplantation on a multicentre level with the use of propensity-score matching. METHODS: This was a retrospective international multicentre study of patients undergoing remodelling or reimplantation between 2010 and 2021. Twenty-three preoperative covariates (including root dimensions and valve characteristics) were used for propensity-score matching. Perioperative outcomes were analysed along with longer-term freedom from AV reoperation/reintervention and other major valve-related events. RESULTS: Throughout the study period, 297 patients underwent remodelling and 281 had reimplantation. Using propensity-score matching, 112 pairs were selected and further compared. We did not find a statistically significant difference in perioperative outcomes between the matched groups. Patients after remodelling had significantly higher reintervention risk than after reimplantation over the median follow-up of 6 years (P = 0.016). The remodelling technique (P = 0.02), need for decalcification (P = 0.03) and degree of immediate postoperative AV regurgitation (P < 0.001) were defined as independent risk factors for later AV reintervention. After exclusion of patients with worse than mild AV regurgitation immediately after repair, both techniques functioned comparably (P = 0.089). CONCLUSIONS: AV reimplantation was associated with better valve function in longer-term postoperatively than remodelling. If optimal immediate repair outcome was achieved, both techniques provided comparable AV function.

Novel interventions on the tricuspid valve: how to consider the pulmonary circulation?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review addresses treatment options for moderate to severe tricuspid valve regurgitation and the importance of right ventricular function and the pulmonary circulation. RECENT FINDINGS: Several interventional treatment options for severe tricuspid regurgitation have been developed including transcatheter edge-to-edge repair, annuloplasty and valve replacement. So far, transcatheter edge-to-edge repair is most frequently used with procedural success rates of more than 95% and improvements in functional and quality of life parameters for up to 2 years. Right ventricular function as well as pulmonary artery pressure and resistance levels are important outcome predictors. Mean pulmonary artery pressure more than 30 mmHg, transpulmonary gradient more than 17 mmHg and right ventricular to pulmonary artery coupling ratio less than 0.406 indicate poor outcome. SUMMARY: Despite the remarkable safety of interventional treatment of severe tricuspid regurgitation right ventricular dysfunction and abnormal pulmonary hemodynamics are important determinants of procedural success and clinical outcome.Complete hemodynamic work-up should be an integral part of prerepair assessment although validated data predicting outcome are limited.

Sutureless Aortic Valve Replacement vs. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Patients with Small Aortic Annulus: Clinical and Hemodynamic Outcomes from a Multi-Institutional Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare hemodynamic performances and clinical outcomes of patients with small aortic annulus (SAA) who underwent aortic valve replacement by means of sutureless aortic valve replacement (SUAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). METHODS: From 2015 to 2020, 622 consecutive patients with SAA underwent either SUAVR or TAVI. Through a 1:1 propensity score matching analysis, two homogeneous groups of 146 patients were formed. Primary endpoint: all cause-death at 36 months. Secondary endpoints: incidence of moderate to severe patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) and incidence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs). RESULTS: All-cause death at three years was higher in the TAVI group (SUAVR 12.2% vs. TAVI 21.0%, P=0.058). Perioperatively, comparable hemodynamic performances were recorded in terms of indexed effective orifice area (SUAVR 1.12 ± 0.23 cm2/m2 vs. TAVI 1.17 ± 0.28 cm2/m2, P=0.265), mean transvalvular gradients (SUAVR 12.9 ± 5.3 mmHg vs. TAVI 12.2 ± 6.2 mmHg, P=0.332), and moderate-to-severe PPM (SUAVR 4.1% vs. TAVI 8.9%, P=0.096). TAVI group showed a higher cumulative incidence of MACCEs at 36 months (SUAVR 18.1% vs. TAVI 32.6%, P<0.001). Pacemaker implantation (PMI) and perivalvular leak ≥ 2 were significantly higher in TAVI group and identified as independent predictors of mortality (PMI: hazard ratio [HR] 3.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34-6.94, P=0.008; PPM: HR 2.72, 95% CI 1.25-5.94, P=0.012). CONCLUSION: In patients with SAA, SUAVR and TAVI showed comparable hemodynamic performances. Moreover, all-cause death and incidence of MACCEs at follow-up were significantly higher in TAVI group.

Ascending Aortic Progression After Isolated Aortic Valve Replacement Among Patients with Bicuspid and Tricuspid Aortic Valves.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the present study were to compare the long-term outcomes for ascending aortic dilatation and adverse aortic events after isolated aortic valve replacement between patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and tricuspid aortic valve ( TAV). METHODS: This retrospective study included 310 patients who had undergone isolated aortic valve replacement with an ascending aorta diameter ≤ 45 mm between January 2010 and September 2021. The patients were divided into BAV group (n=90) and TAV group (n=220). The differences in the dilation rate of the ascending aorta and long-term outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall survival was 89 ± 4% in the BAV group vs. 75 ± 6% in the TAV group at 10 years postoperatively (P=0.007), yet this difference disappeared after adjusting exclusively for age (P=0.343). The mean annual growth rate of the ascending aorta was similar between the two groups during follow-up (0.5 ± 0.6 mm/year vs. 0.4 ± 0.5 mm/year; P=0.498). Ten-year freedom from adverse aortic events was 98.1% in the BAV group vs. 95.0% in the TAV group (P=0.636). Multivariable analysis revealed preoperative ascending aorta diameter to be a significant predictor of adverse aortic events (hazard ratio: 1.76; 95% confidence interval: 1.33 to 2.38; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that the long-term survival and the risks of adverse aortic events between BAV and TAV patients were similar after isolated aortic valve replacement. BAV was not a risk factor of adverse aortic events.

Sex-specific aspects on prognosis after aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis: a SWEDEHEART registry study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare long-term cardiovascular (CV) outcomes between men and women with aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) by the type of valve implant. METHODS: The study population consisted of 14 123 non-selected patients with AS undergoing first-time AVR and included in the Swedish Web system for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-based care in Heart disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies (SWEDEHEART) registry during 2008-2016. Comparisons were made between men and women and type of valve implant (ie, surgical implantation with a mechanical (mSAVR) (n=1 966) or biological valve (bioSAVR) (n=9 801)) or by a transcatheter approach (TAVR) (n=2 356). Outcomes included all-cause mortality, ischaemic stroke, major bleeding, thromboembolic events, heart failure and myocardial infarction, continuously adjusted for significant comorbidities and medical treatment. RESULTS: In the mSAVR cohort, there were no significant sex differences in any CV events. In the bioSAVR cohort, a higher risk of death (HR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.26, p=0.007) and major bleeding (HR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.18 to 1.69, p<0.001) was observed in men. In the TAVR cohort, men suffered a higher risk of death (HR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.45, p=0.005), major bleeding (HR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.82, p=0.022) and thromboembolism (HR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.82, p=0.047). CONCLUSION: No significant long-term difference in CV events was noted between men and women undergoing AVR with a mechanical aortic valve. In both the bioSAVR and TAVR cohort, mortality was higher in men who also had an increased incidence of several other CV events.

Five-year outcomes of mitral valve repair for leaflet prolapse at a medium-sized Norwegian university hospital.

Objective. To evaluate patient characteristics and 5-year outcomes after surgical mitral valve (MV) repair for leaflet prolapse at a medium-sized cardiothoracic center. Background. Contemporary reports on the outcome of MV repair at medium-sized cardiothoracic centers are sparse. Methods. Patients receiving open-heart surgery with MV repair due to primary mitral regurgitation caused by leaflet prolapse between 2015 and 2021, without active endocarditis, were included. Clinical data, complications, re-interventions, mortality, and echocardiographic data were retrospectively registered from electronical patient charts, both pre-operatively and from post-operative follow-ups. Results. One hundred and three patients were included, 83% male, with a mean age of 62 years. All-cause mortality was 9% during a median follow-up time of 4.9 years. Re-intervention rate on the MV was 4%. Post-operative complications before last available follow-up visit at median 3.0 years were infrequent, with new-onset atrial fibrillation/flutter in 16%, post-operative MV regurgitation grade II or above in 17% and post-operative tricuspid regurgitation grade II or above in 14%. Conclusions. These data demonstrate that surgical MV repair for leaflet prolapse at a medium-sized cardiothoracic center was associated with low re-intervention rate and few severe complications. The presented results are comparable to data from surgical high-volume centers, indicating that surgical MV repair can be safely performed at selected medium-sized cardiothoracic centers.