Assessment of Coronary Artery Obstruction Risk During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Utilising 3D-Printing.

BACKGROUND: Current imaging techniques may inadequately rule out coronary artery obstruction (CAO), a potentially fatal complication during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Advancements in three-dimensional (3D)-printing allow the development of models capable of replicating cardiac anatomy and predicting CAO. We sought to simulate TAVR utilising 3D-printed cardiac models to improve CAO risk assessment and procedural safety. METHODS: Thirteen (13) patients with aortic stenosis at high-risk of CAO during TAVR were selected for 3D-printed modelling. The relevant anatomy for TAVR was precisely reconstructed with Materialise Heart Print-Flex (Materialse, Leuven, Belgium) technology. An appropriately sized valve prosthesis was deployed in each 3D-model and coronary ostia assessed for obstruction. RESULTS: Model-derived results were compared to clinical outcomes in 13 cases. One high-risk case underwent TAVR resulting in left main obstruction and subsequent stenting. This outcome was accurately predicted by the 3D-model simulation. Two (2) high-risk TAVR cases were abandoned following transient CAO during balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV). The 3D-model simulations correlated with these findings, demonstrating CAO either by a calcium nodule or the native valve leaflet. In another two cases, BAV was uncertain, however the 3D-simulation demonstrated patency and successful TAVR was undertaken. In remaining cases, no obstruction was demonstrated in-vitro, and all underwent uncomplicated TAVR. CONCLUSIONS: In this proof-of-concept study, 3D-model TAVR simulation correlates well to clinical outcomes. 3D-models of patients at high-risk of CAO may be utilised in pre-procedural planning to accurately predict this complication. As lower-risk surgical cohorts are considered for TAVR, 3D-models may minimise complications leading to safer patient outcomes.

Performance and Safety of Transfemoral TAVI With SAPIEN XT in Australian Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis at Intermediate Surgical Risk: SOLACE-AU Trial.

BACKGROUND: To determine the safety and performance of the SAPIEN XT transcatheter heart valve (THV) in Australian patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and intermediate surgical risk. METHODS: Eligible patients in this multi-centre, prospective, consecutively enrolled, non-randomised, clinical trial, received transcatheter aortic valve replacement via femoral artery access. Follow-up visits were at discharge, 30 days, and 6, 12, and 24 months. The primary endpoint was Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 composite safety at 30 days: all-cause mortality, all stroke, life-threatening bleeding, acute kidney injury-Stage 3, coronary artery obstruction requiring intervention, major vascular complication, and valve-related dysfunction requiring repeat procedure. Other endpoints were device success (successful vascular access, delivery, and deployment; correct position; intended performance mean aortic valve gradient <20 mmHg, mild or less paravalvular aortic regurgitation [PAR]; and only one valve implanted) and New York Heart Association functional class (NYHA). Kaplan-Meier (KM) estimates were calculated for the primary endpoint. RESULTS: At baseline, mean patient (N=199) age was 85.5 years, mean Society of Thoracic Surgeon score was 5.9, and 78.4% were in NYHA class III/IV. The primary composite endpoint KM estimate was 12.1%. Device success was 88.8%. SAPIEN XT was implanted in the proper location in 98.5% (n=2: valve-in-valve procedures, n=1: no implant due to left main coronary artery occlusion). No device malfunctions were reported. The post procedure PAR was mild or less in 93.8% of patients. Mean aortic gradient decreased from baseline (50.0 mmHg) to 2 years (10.3 mmHg). Most patients (90.9%) were in NYHA class I/II at 30 days. New permanent pacemaker rate was 8.1%. Stroke at 30 days was 3.5% (1.5% disabling). CONCLUSION: SAPIEN XT was safe and improved heart failure symptoms and valve haemodynamics in this cohort of Australian patients.

Use of Transcatheter Valves for Open Surgical Mitral Valve Replacement. Australian Experience.

BACKGROUND: Mitral valve procedures remain a surgical challenge in the presence of extensive annular calcification, which presents a formidable technical challenge. Aggressive debridement is limited by risk of serious complications and the technical complexity of pericardial patch reconstruction of the debrided area. METHODS: An open surgical approach with a transcatheter valve allows the valve to be placed under direct visualisation to facilitate positioning and to evaluate the likelihood of both perivalvular leakage and atrioventricular disruption. The open approach has the additional advantage of performing concomitant surgeries like other valve procedures, arrhythmias surgeries and coronary bypass. RESULTS: We present our experience with open surgical mitral valve replacement (MVR) using transcatheter valve in different patients requiring varied procedures. These patients were not suitable for MVR using standard prosthetic valve and techniques. They were also not suitable for percutaneous MVR because of heavily calcified anterior mitral leaflet and the other concomitant procedures required. CONCLUSIONS: Open MVR with a transcatheter balloon-expandable valve can avoid the need for technically challenging and high-risk decalcification of mitral annulus. These novel techniques using transcatheter valves can be successful in complex cases where standard prosthetic valves are impossible to implant in a heavily calcified mitral annulus.

Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement Following Early Sapien-XT Valve Failure: A First.

BACKGROUND: Early degeneration of prosthetic aortic valve in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a rare complication. METHOD: We report the case of a 75-year-old woman who presented with severe calcific stenosis of Edwards SAPIEN-XT valve implanted only 4 years previously. She is a Jehovah's Witness and has background of Sjogren's syndrome with secondary cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis. She was not a suitable candidate for valve-in-valve TAVR in view of early prosthetic valve failure by calcification. RESULT: She underwent surgical explantation of the Sapiens XT valve and mechanical aortic valve replacement. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first time that early TAVR valve degeneration and failure of an Edwards SAPIEN-XT valve was reported which required surgical replacement with a mechanical valve.

Transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation for failed bioprosthetic heart valves.

BACKGROUND: The majority of prosthetic heart valves currently implanted are tissue valves that can be expected to degenerate with time and eventually fail. Repeat cardiac surgery to replace these valves is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Transcatheter heart valve implantation within a failed bioprosthesis, a "valve-in-valve" procedure, may offer a less invasive alternative. METHODS AND RESULTS: Valve-in-valve implantations were performed in 24 high-risk patients. Failed valves were aortic (n=10), mitral (n=7), pulmonary (n=6), or tricuspid (n=1) bioprostheses. Implantation was successful with immediate restoration of satisfactory valve function in all but 1 patient. No patient had more than mild regurgitation after implantation. No patients died during the procedure. Thirty-day mortality was 4.2%. Mortality was related primarily to learning-curve issues early in this high-risk experience. At baseline, 88% of patients were in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV; at the last follow-up, 88% of patients were in class I or II. At a median follow-up of 135 days (interquartile range, 46 to 254 days) and a maximum follow-up of 1045 days, 91.7% of patients remained alive with satisfactory valve function. CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation is a reproducible option for the management of bioprosthetic valve failure. Aortic, pulmonary, mitral, and tricuspid tissue valves were amenable to this approach. This finding may have important implications with regard to valve replacement in high-risk patients.

Coronary obstruction following transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve implantation for failed surgical bioprostheses.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for failed surgical bioprostheses, or "valve-in-valve" implantation, is a therapeutic option for high-risk patients. While coronary occlusion during TAVI for native aortic stenosis has been described, in the setting of valve-in-valve implantation the bioprosthetic posts may be protective against this complication. We describe the first two cases of coronary occlusion following valve-in-valve therapy, both occurring during treatment of degenerated Mitroflow bioprostheses. Aortic root anatomy, coronary ostial position, and the specifics of the bioprosthetic valve type need to be considered in assessing and preventing this rare complication.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation: lessons from the learning curve of the first 270 high-risk patients.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a rapidly evolving strategy for therapy of aortic stenosis. We describe the effect of the learning curve from the first 270 high-risk patients in Vancouver, Canada. METHODS: Patients underwent TAVI by transfemoral (63%) or transapical (37%) routes using balloon expandable valves. The experience was divided into the first half (FH, patients 1-135) and second half (SH, patients 136-270). RESULTS: The mean age was 83.2 ± 8 years (FH 83 ± 12 vs. SH 81 ± 7 years, P = 0.12). The mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons Score (STS) was 9.5% ± 5.2%- FH 10.5 vs. SH 8.5% (P = 0.01). The overall procedural success rate in the FH was 92.6%, improving to 97.8% in the SH (P = 0.05). The transfemoral procedural success improved-FH 89.3% to SH 98.8% (P = 0.01). The transapical procedural success remained high-FH 98.0% to SH 96.1% (P = 0.53). The overall 30-day mortality was 9.6%, improving from FH 13.3% to SH 5.9% (P = 0.04). In the transfemoral cases, 30-day mortality decreased by 56% [10.7-4.7%, P = 0.14], and similarly in transapical cases [17.6-7.8%, P = 0.14]. In-hospital stroke occurred in 3.3% (FH 3.7% vs. SH 2.9%, P = 0.74). The overall need for a new permanent pacemaker was 5.9% (FH 5.9% vs. SH 5.9%, P = 1). The overall major vascular injury rate was 6.7% (FH 8.1% vs. SH 5.2%, P = 0.33). The overall incidence of coronary vessel occlusion was 1.1% (FH 1.5 % vs. SH 0.7%, P = 0.56). Device embolization or failure to cross the valve was rare and largely seen in the FH only. Procedural experience (>135 procedures) was an independent predictor of 30-day survival (HR: 6.7, 95% CI: 1.2-18.1, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: TAVI outcomes improve with experience and device development. While overall complication rates are low, scope remains to further reduce procedural adverse events.

Pacing from the right ventricular septum: is there a danger to the coronary arteries?

BACKGROUND: Pacing from right ventricular (RV) septal sites has been suggested as an alternative to RV apical pacing in an attempt to avoid long-term adverse consequences on left ventricular function. Concern has been raised as to the relationship of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) to pacing leads in these positions. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively analyzed three cases in which patients with RV active-fixation leads in situ also had coronary angiography. Multiple fluoroscopic views were used to determine the relationship of the lead tip at various pacing sites to the coronary arteries. A lead placed on the anterior wall was in close proximity to the LAD, whereas septal and free wall positioning was not. CONCLUSION: Placement of RV active-fixation leads on the septum avoids potential coronary artery compromise.

Rates of stent thrombosis in bare-metal versus drug-eluting stents (from a large Australian multicenter registry).

Recent reports suggest that drug-eluting stents (DESs) may increase the risk of stent thrombosis (ST) relative to bare-metal stents (BMSs). Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare DES and BMS outcomes with a specific focus on ST. We analyzed 30-day and 1-year outcomes of 2,919 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation from the Melbourne Interventional Group registry. Academic Research Consortium definitions of ST were used: (1) definite ST (confirmed using angiography in patients with an acute coronary syndrome), (2) probable ST (unexplained death <30 days or target-vessel myocardial infarction without angiographic confirmation), and (3) possible ST (unexplained death >30 days). Multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of ST. The incidence of ST (early or late) was similar between BMSs and DESs (1.6% vs 1.4%; p=0.66), and DES use was not predictive of ST. Independent predictors of ST included the absence of clopidogrel therapy at 30 days (odds ratio [OR] 2.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29 to 5.29, p<0.01), renal failure (OR 3.30, 95% CI 1.43 to 7.59, p<0.01), index procedure presentation with an acute coronary syndrome (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.14 to 5.87, p=0.02), diabetes mellitus (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.19 to 4.23, p=0.01), and total stent length >or=20 mm (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.00 to 3.42, p=0.04). In conclusion, DESs were not associated with increased risk of ST compared with BMSs at 12 months in this large Australian registry that selectively used DESs for patients at high risk of restenosis.

Double jeopardy: balance between bleeding and stent thrombosis with prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy after drug-eluting stent implantation.

Prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel is mandatory after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation because of potential increase risk of stent thrombosis compared to bare-metal stents. As more DES are being implanted, many of these patients will undergo non-cardiac surgery whilst on antiplatelet therapy. The optimal management of perioperative antiplatelet therapy is not well established. The risk of excessive bleeding associated with antiplatelet therapy needs to be balanced against the risk of stent thrombosis with interruption of antiplatelet therapy on a case-to-case basis.

Early versus delayed percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes.

BACKGROUND: The optimal timing of angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTEACS) remains uncertain. We sought to assess clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients in real-world contemporary practice who have early versus delayed PCI for NSTEACS. METHODS: We analyzed baseline clinical and procedural characteristics of 4307 patients with NSTEACS who underwent PCI from the Melbourne Interventional Group registry. Patients were assigned to the early PCI group if intervention was performed within a calendar day of presentation. The delayed PCI group received an intervention after one calendar day, but within the index admission. We assessed 30 days and 12-month mortality, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, and major adverse cardiovascular events. The safety endpoint was in-hospital bleeding. RESULTS: Of the 4307 patients, 2210 (51%) received early PCI. The delayed PCI group were older (67±12 vs. 64±12, P<0.01), more likely to have biomarker elevation (70 vs. 66%, P<0.01), and had more comorbidities. There was no difference in efficacy at 30 days between the groups. At 12 months, delayed PCI was associated with higher mortality (4.6 vs. 3.3%, P=0.02), myocardial infarction (7.9 vs. 5.2%, P<0.01), and MACE (15.5 vs. 12.4%, P<0.01). On multivariate analysis, delayed PCI was not associated with increased mortality at 12 months (odds ratio 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.7-1.3). CONCLUSION: In patients with stable NSTEACS treated with PCI, delayed intervention was performed in those who were older and had higher risk features. However, there appears to be no mortality hazard for these high-risk patients where PCI is delayed beyond the first 24 h after presentation and performed within the index admission.

The impact of calcium volume and distribution in aortic root injury related to balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: A detailed assessment of calcium within the aortic root may provide important additional information regarding the risk of aortic root injury during transcatheter heart valve replacement (TAVR). OBJECTIVE: We sought to delineate the effect of calcium volume and distribution on aortic root injury during TAVR. METHODS: Thirty-three patients experiencing aortic root injury during TAVR with a balloon-expandable valve were compared with a control group of 153 consecutive TAVR patients without aortic root injury (as assessed by post-TAVR multidetector CT). Using commercial software to analyze contrast-enhanced pre-TAVR CT scans, calcium volume was determined in 3 regions: (1) the overall left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), extending 10 mm down from the aortic annulus plane; (2) the upper LVOT, extending 2 mm down from the annulus plane; and (3) the aortic valve region. RESULTS: Calcium volumes in the upper LVOT (median, 29 vs 0 mm(3); P < .0001) and overall LVOT (median, 74 vs 3 mm(3); P = .0001) were higher in patients who experienced aortic root injury compared with the control group. Calcium in the aortic valve region did not differ between groups. Upper LVOT calcium volume was more predictive of aortic root injury than overall LVOT calcium volume (area under receiver operating curve [AUC], 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.69-0.86 vs AUC, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.62-0.82; P = .010). Upper LVOT calcium below the noncoronary cusp was significantly more predictive of aortic root injury compared to calcium underneath the right coronary cusp or the left coronary cusp (AUC, 0.81 vs 0.68 vs 0.64). Prosthesis oversizing >20% (likelihood ratio test, P = .028) and redilatation (likelihood ratio test, P = .015) improved prediction of aortic root injury by upper LVOT calcium volume. CONCLUSION: Calcification of the LVOT, especially in the upper LVOT, located below the noncoronary cusp and extending from the annular region, is predictive of aortic root injury during TAVR with a balloon-expandable valve.

Amiodarone-induced destructive thyroiditis associated with coronary artery vasospasm and recurrent ventricular fibrillation.

A 55-year-old male on long-term amiodarone therapy presented with ischaemic chest pain and recurrent unwitnessed syncope. Interrogation of his internal cardiac defibrillator, which had been inserted 4 years earlier, revealed two episodes of ventricular fibrillation, the timing of which corresponded to his syncopal events. Severe spontaneous coronary artery vasospasm was observed on coronary angiogram. Thyroid function testing revealed severe hyperthyroidism with a diagnosis of type 2 amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) subsequently made. Treatment with prednisolone therapy was commenced and thyroid function rapidly normalized. Prednisolone was weaned without recurrence of hyperthyroidism and on last review, 6 months after initial presentation, he remains free from further chest pain and arrhythmias. Our patient's presentation is a very rare case of AIT-associated coronary artery spasm and documented ischaemic ventricular fibrillation with fortunate survival.

Prediction of optimal deployment projection for transcatheter aortic valve replacement: angiographic 3-dimensional reconstruction of the aortic root versus multidetector computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Identifying the optimal fluoroscopic projection of the aortic valve is important for successful transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Various imaging modalities, including multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), have been proposed for prediction of the optimal deployment projection. We evaluated a method that provides 3-dimensional angiographic reconstructions (3DA) of the aortic root for prediction of the optimal deployment angle and compared it with MDCT. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty patients undergoing transfemoral TAVR at St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada, were evaluated. All underwent preimplant 3DA and 68% underwent preimplant MDCT. Three-dimensional angiographic reconstructions were generated from images of a C-arm rotational aortic root angiogram during breath-hold, rapid ventricular pacing, and injection of 32 mL contrast medium at 8 mL/s. Two independent operators prospectively predicted perpendicular valve projections. The implant angle was chosen at the discretion of the physician performing TAVR. The angles from 3DA, from MDCT, the implant angle, and the postdeployment perpendicular prosthesis view were compared. The shortest distance from the postdeployment perpendicular prosthesis projection to the regression line of predicted perpendicular projections was calculated. All but 1 patient had adequate image quality for reproducible angle predictions. There was a significant correlation between 3DA and MDCT for prediction of perpendicular valve projections (r=0.682, P<0.001). Deviation from the regression line of predicted angles to the postdeployment prosthesis view was 5.1±4.6° for 3DA and 7.9±4.9° for MDCT (P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional angiographic reconstructions and MDCT are safe, practical, and accurate imaging modalities for identifying the optimal perpendicular valve deployment projection during TAVR.

MDCT to guide transcatheter aortic valve replacement and mitral valve repair.

Percutaneous management of valvular heart disease is becoming a reality, with multicenter trials supporting minimally invasive procedures for both aortic and mitral valve disease. Historically, the treatment of choice has been aortic valve replacement with conventional surgery for patients with severe aortic stenosis, as the prognosis of untreated patients is poor, particularly if the patient is symptomatic. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is now available as a minimally invasive option to treat select high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. At present more than 30,000 procedures have been performed worldwide, mostly confined to patients at high surgical risk. The short- and medium-term outcomes have been promising.

Percutaneous aortic valve replacement: vascular outcomes with a fully percutaneous procedure.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate vascular complications in a consecutive patient population undergoing transfemoral percutaneous aortic valve replacement (PAVR) applying current Valve Academic Research Consortium definitions. BACKGROUND: Vascular complications have been the major cause of mortality and morbidity associated with PAVR. Both open surgical and fully percutaneous access site strategies have been advocated. METHODS: All patients undergoing transfemoral PAVR during fiscal years 2009 and 2010 were prospectively evaluated at baseline, after the procedure, and at 30 days. RESULTS: PAVR was performed in 137 consecutive patients. All but 1 patient underwent planned arteriotomy closure using a percutaneous pre-closure technique. Smaller sheaths, rigorous angiographic and computed tomographic screening and patient selection, and percutaneous vascular repair techniques were increasingly used over this period. From 2009 to 2010, major vascular complications decreased from 8% to 1% (p = 0.06), minor vascular complications decreased from 24% to 8% (p < 0.01), major bleeds fell from 14% to 1% (p < 0.01), and unplanned surgery decreased from 28% to 2% (p < 0.01). A minimal artery diameter smaller than the external sheath diameter, moderate or severe calcification, and peripheral vascular disease were associated with higher vascular complication rates. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular complications occur more often if the minimal artery diameter is smaller than the external sheath diameter, in the presence of moderate or severe calcification, and in patients with peripheral vascular disease. With careful patient selection, advanced interventional techniques, and a fully percutaneous procedure, marked reductions in vascular and bleeding complications can be achieved.

Structural integrity of balloon-expandable stents after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: assessment by multidetector computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the structural integrity of balloon-expandable stents used in transcatheter aortic valve replacement. BACKGROUND: Underexpansion, deformation, or fracture of stent frames may affect transcatheter heart valve (THV) function and durability. METHODS: Patients >1 year after transcatheter aortic valve replacement underwent multidetector computed tomography. Geometry of the stent frame was assessed for circularity; eccentricity; minimum and maximum external diameter; and expansion at the inflow, mid-stent, and outflow levels, as well as for stent fracture. THV noncircularity was defined as stent eccentricity >10% (1 - minimum diameter/maximum diameter) and THV underexpansion when expansion <90% (multidetector computed tomography derived external valve area/nominal external valve area). Echocardiography was performed after implantation and annually. RESULTS: Fifty patients underwent multidetector computed tomography at an average of 2.5 ± 0.9 years after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (35 Sapien, 8 Sapien XT, and 7 Cribier-Edwards valves [all Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, California). The mean external diameter for the 23- and 26-mm valves was 23.3 ± 0.9 mm and 25.9 ± 0.9 mm, respectively. Circularity was present in 96% (48 of 50) and median eccentricity was 2.0% (interquartile range: 1.2% to 3.0%). Mean THV expansion was 104.1 ± 7.4%, which increased from stent inflow to outflow (100.8 ± 7.6% vs. 108.1 ± 6.9%, p < 0.001). Stent fracture was not observed. Underexpanded valves (8% [4 of 50]) and noncircular valves (4% [2 of 50]) demonstrated stable hemodynamic function on annual echocardiography. CONCLUSIONS: Balloon-expandable aortic valves have excellent rates of circularity with low eccentricity and maintain full expansion without stent fracture at an average 2.5 years after implantation.

Pathology of transcatheter valve therapy.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to report on the pathology of transcatheter aortic valves explanted at early and late time points after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. BACKGROUND: Information on pathological findings following transcatheter aortic valve implantation is scarce, particularly late after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. METHODS: This study included 20 patients (13 men, median age 80 years [interquartile range: 72 to 84] years) with previous transcatheter aortic valve implantation with a valve explanted at autopsy (n = 17) or surgery (n = 3) up to 30 months after implantation (10 transapical and 10 transfemoral procedures). RESULTS: Structural valve degeneration was not seen, although fibrous tissue ingrowth was observed at later time points with minimal effects on cusp mobility in 1 case. Minor alterations in valve configuration or placement were observed in up to 50% of cases, but they were not accompanied by substantial changes in valve function or reliably associated with chest compressions. Vascular or myocardial injury was common, especially within 30 days of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (about 69%), with the latter associated with left coronary ostial occlusion by calcified native aortic valve tissue in 2 cases. Mild to severe myocardial amyloidosis was present in nearly 33% of cases and likely played a role in the poor outcome of 3 patients. Endocarditis, migration of the valve, and embolization during the procedure led to surgical valve removal. CONCLUSIONS: Structural degeneration was not seen and minor alterations of valve configuration or placement did not affect valve function and were not reliably caused by chest compressions. Vascular or myocardial injury is very common early after transcatheter aortic valve implantation and myocardial amyloidosis represents a relatively frequent potentially significant comorbid condition.