Transapical concomitant transseptal transcatheter closure of a giant mitral paravalvular leak under three-dimensional printing guidance.

A mitral paravalvular leak (PVL) is a significant complication of surgical valve replacement that has a profound impact on the health and survival of patients. Transcatheter closure of PVL has emerged as a promising treatment option. We present the case of a 65-year-old patient who experienced exertional dyspnea, chest tightness, and peripheral edema (New York Heart Association functional class Ⅵ) following surgical aortic and mitral valve replacement. Echocardiography and computed tomography performed on admission revealed a giant mitral PVL (1 bundle, volume 25.0 mL, area 13.0 cm²). Due to the patient's high surgical risk and complex anatomical characteristics, a patient-specific three-dimensional printed model was utilized to visualize anatomical structures and simulate the main procedures. After careful consideration, the surgical team opted to perform transcatheter closure of the giant mitral PVL via a transapical concomitant transseptal approach using two carefully selected devices of different sizes (14-mm and 16-mm Amplatzer Vascular Plug II). The procedure was carried out successfully. During the 1-month follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic (New York Heart Association functional class Ⅰ). Transcatheter closure of a giant and complex mitral PVL utilizing three-dimensional printing guidance has proven to be a feasible approach.

Mitral bioprosthesis early dysfunction treated with transapical valvuloplasty during V-A ECMO.

We report the case of a 61-year-old male who had complications with a mitral valve (MV) bioprosthesis replacement by post-cardiotomy shock leading to VA ECMO implantation. The patient suffered early bioprosthetic valve failure owing to early thrombosis. The complication was successfully treated with a MV bioprosthesis transapical balloon valvuloplasty that restored normal leaflet mobility.

Anatomic suitability for transapical transcatheter mitral valve implantation using a tether-based device.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) is a novel therapeutic option for treating symptomatic mitral valve disease. Evaluating patient anatomical suitability is a critical step in the TMVI screening process, but currently requires specialized software and computerized device models. AIMS: This analysis sought to assess the effectiveness of simple and standardized multislice computed tomography (MSCT) anatomic measurements for their ability to discriminate between patients who passed anatomical screening for Tendyne™ TMVI. METHODS: Subjects screened for the Tendyne Expanded Clinical Study from January 2016 through September 2019 were included. Core laboratory screening measurements included mitral annular (MA) dimensions at end-systole and end-diastole, simulated device implantation, and neo-left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) area. Additionally, nine standard measurements of patient anatomy were assessed for their predictive value of patients passing the anatomic screening process. RESULTS: Out of 496 subjects screened for eligibility, 257 subjects met clinical eligibility criteria with MA dimensions within the manufacturer's suggested range: 153 (59.5%) underwent TMVI while 104 (40.5%) were excluded from the study for other anatomic reasons (76% due to risk of LVOT obstruction). CT-derived left ventricular end-systole diameter (LVESD) had the highest discriminatory power for predicting TMVI anatomical suitability (area under the curve of 0.908, p < 0.0001). The mitral inter-commissural (IC) dimension was best predictive of annular dimensions being within range, with dimensions <30 or >50 mm resulting in a negative predictive value of 94.4%. CONCLUSIONS: MSCT-derived mitral IC dimension and LVESD easily performed measures that are effective predictors of anatomical suitability or screen failure for this tether-based TMVI device.

Early reverse remodeling of left heart morphology and function evaluated by cardiac magnetic resonance in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy after transapical beating-heart septal myectomy.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the early morphology and function of the left heart in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) after transapical beating-heart septal myectomy (TA-BSM) using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 2022 and January 2023, HOCM patients who underwent CMR before and 3 months after TA-BSM were prospectively and consecutively enrolled in the study. Preoperative and postoperative cardiac morphological and functional parameters, including those for the left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV), were compared. The left ventricular remodeling index (LVRI) was defined as the ratio between left ventricular mass (LVM) and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV). Healthy participants with a similar age and sex distribution were enrolled for comparison. Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the relationships between the parameters and LVRI. Last, univariate and multivariate linear regression identified variables associated with the LVM index (LVMI) and LVRI. RESULTS: Forty-one patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 46 ± 2 years; 27 males) and 41 healthy control participants were evaluated. Eighteen (44%) HOCM patients were classified as having a sigmoid septum, and 23 patients had a reverse septal curvature. LA volume, diameter and function were significantly improved postoperatively, but still worse than healthy controls (all p < 0.001). Compared to before the operation, left ventricular wall thickness, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), LVMI, and LVRI decreased after TA-BSM (all p < 0.001). The left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) decreased in patients with a sigmoid septum. However, LVEDVI and LVEDD increased in those with a reverse septal curvature (both p < 0.001). In addition, both preoperative and postoperative LVRI was positively correlated with LVMI (r = 0.734 and 0.853, both p < 0.001) and maximum wall thickness (r = 0.679 and 0.676, both p < 0.001), respectively. In the multivariable analysis, the weight of the resected myocardium (adjusted ß = 0.476, p = 0.005) and △mitral regurgitation degree (adjusted ß = - 0.245, p = 0.040) were associated with △LVRI. Last, the △LVOTG (adjusted ß = 0.436, p = 0.018) and baseline LVMI (adjusted ß = 0.323, p = 0.040) were independently associated with greater left ventricular mass regression after TA-BSM. CONCLUSION: CMR confirmed early reverse remodeling of left heart morphology and function in HOCM patients following TA-BSM.

Transapical transcatheter mitral valve implantation with J-valve in patients with degenerated mitral bioprostheses.

BACKGROUND: Due to the widespread application of bioprosthetic valve in the treatment of mitral valve disease in recent years, the incidence of valve failure has increased significantly, which is facing the need of reoperation. For high-risk patients, transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve placement is increasingly being used as an alternative to surgical reoperation. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we report the successful transapical transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve implantations of J-Valves in 3 patients with high risk of mitral bioprostheses failure. All patients were discharged successfully, and the follow-up results were good 30 days after operation without major complication. CONCLUSIONS: For high-risk patients, transcatheter implantation of the J-valve is a feasible solution for the treatment of degenerated mitral bioprostheses.

Surgical transcatheter valve implantation: The more pathways, the better.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is rapidly spreading across the world with the endorsement of the cardiological community and the supporting results of randomized controlled trials. However, TAVI-related complications like aortic dissection, aortic valvular rupture, or left ventricle perforation are still potentially catastrophic.

Initial experiences of transapical beating-heart mitral valve repair with a novel artificial chordal implantation device.

BACKGROUND: Severe mitral regurgitation (MR) is associated with progressive heart failure and impairment of survival. Degenerative MR accounts for most MV repair surgeries. Conventional mitral valve repair surgery requires cardiopulmonary bypass and is associated with significant morbidity and risks. Transapical beating-heart mitral valve repair by artificial chordae implantation with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance has the potential to significantly reduce surgical morbidity. We report the first-in-human experience of degenerative MR repair using a novel artificial chordae implantation device (MitralstitchTM system). METHODS: Ten patients with severe MR underwent transapical artificial chordae implantation using MitralstitchTM system. The procedure was performed through a small left thoracotomy under general anesthesia and TEE guidance. Patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography and other assessments during the follow-up. RESULTS: All 10 patients with an average age of 63.7 ± 9.6 years successfully received transapical artificial chordae implantation. Their MR reduced from severe to none or trace in five patients, mild in five patients before discharge. Five patients received one artificial chordal implantation, four patients received two, and one patient received three and edge-to-edge repair by locking two of them. The safety and efficacy endpoint were achieved in all patients at 1-month follow-up. At 1-year follow-up, six patients had mild MR, three patients had moderate MR, one patient had recurrence of severe MR and underwent surgical repair. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this first-in-human study show safety and feasibility of transapical mitral valve repair using MitralStitch system. Patient selection and technical refinement are crucial to improve the outcomes.

Safe closure of percutaneous ventricular access site for interventions in structural heart disease.

Percutaneous transapical ventricular access for transcatheter procedures in structural heart disease is associated with an increased risk of bleeding from the access site. There are currently numerous suture and sutureless closure devices that are being investigated to close the transapical access site safely and effectively. Meticulous preprocedural planning with advanced imaging techniques is recommended to lay out the access path and closure of the transapical access site.

Transapical aortic valve replacement for quadricuspid aortic valve with severe aortic regurgitation which caused multiorgan failure.

BACKGROUND: We present the case of a patient who underwent successful transapical aortic valve implantation in a severe quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) with severe regurgitation and multiorgan failure. CASE SUMMARY: A 57-year-old man experienced intermittent palpitation and shortness of breath for 6 months. The condition deteriorated in the past month and caused multiorgan failure. The echocardiography and computed tomography angiography revealed severe aortic regurgitation due to congenital QAV. The aortic valve replacement was successfully performed in this high-risk patient using a J-Valve system. Postoperation and follow-up were uneventful. CONCLUSION: The J-Valve system effectively treated QAV regurgitation with good clinical outcomes in this case.

Apical closure device for full-percutaneous transapical structural and valve procedures with large-sized introducer sheaths: The final preclinical study.

BACKGROUND: Closed-chest transapical valve implantations (aortic, mitral, and tricuspid) and cardiac structural procedures requiring large-sized introducer sheaths cannot be safely performed with the available technology. We tested a self-expanding apical closure device in a closed-chest animal model, using large-sized introducer sheaths and human-sized animals to establish the technique for future tests in humans. METHODS: Six human-sized pigs (mean weight: 89.7 ± 3.7 kg) received general anesthesia, intubation, and full heparinization (15,000 IU/animal; expected activated clotting time >200 s). Under fluoroscopy and multimodality imaging guidance with next-generation fusion imaging prototypes, a 15-cm long needle and a standard guidewire were percutaneously inserted under the xiphoidal aponeurosis and into the ventricular apex. After the exchange with a stiff guidewire, a 21-Fr introducer sheath for transapical procedures (outer diameter: 25-Fr) was placed in the left ventricle through the apex. The self-expanding closure device was inserted and deployed under fluoroscopic guidance while the 21-Fr sheath was gently removed. Hemodynamic conditions were monitored for 30 min and then the chest was opened to inspect the closure device and quantify the blood loss in the pericardium. Animals were killed and the hearts were removed and inspected. RESULTS: All six apical closure devices were successfully deployed without adverse events. No death, hemodynamic collapse, or cardiac tamponade occurred during the 30-min observational period (mean systolic and diastolic pressures: 88 ± 11 and 58 ± 13 mmHg, respectively; mean heart rate: 60 ± 11 beats per minutes). Pre- and postdeployment (after protamine administration) mean activated clotting time was 541 ± 263 and 217 ± 62 s, respectively. The plugs provided good sealing with a mean of 27.2 ± 13.86 ml of blood lost in the pericardium. Postmortem inspection showed good plug fixation without myocardial damage. CONCLUSION: This self-expanding apical closure device successfully sealed the percutaneous access sites made with large-sized introducer sheaths in human-sized animals. This preclinical study suggests that transapical valve and structural procedures requiring large-sized introducer sheaths can be performed percutaneously.

Multicenter experience with valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement compared with primary, native valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Valve-in-valve (ViV) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) offers an alternative to reoperative surgical aortic valve replacement. The short- and intermediate-term outcomes after ViV TAVR in the real world are not entirely clear. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of 121 ViV TAVR patients and 2200 patients undergoing primary native valve TAVR from 2012 to 2017 at six medical centers. The main outcome measures were in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, acute kidney injury, and pacemaker implantation. RESULTS: ViV patients were more likely male, younger, prior coronary artery bypass graft, "hostile chest," and urgent. 30% of the patients had Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk score <4%, 36.3% were 4%-8% and 33.8% were >8%. In both groups many patients had concomitant coronary artery disease. Median time to prosthetic failure was 9.6 years (interquartile range: 5.5-13.5 years). 82% of failed surgical valves were size 21, 23, or 25 mm. Access was 91% femoral. After ViV, 87% had none or trivial aortic regurgitation. Mean gradients were <20 mmHg in 54.6%, 20-29 mmHg in 30.6%, 30-39 mmHg in 8.3% and ≥40 mmHg in 5.87%. Median length of stay was 4 days. In-hospital mortality was 0%. 30-day mortality was 0% in ViV and 3.7% in native TAVR. There was no difference in in-hospital mortality, postprocedure myocardial infarction, stroke, or acute kidney injury. CONCLUSION: Compared to native TAVR, ViV TAVR has similar peri-procedural morbidity with relatively high postprocedure mean gradients. A multidisciplinary approach will help ensure patients receive the ideal therapy in the setting of structural bioprosthetic valve degeneration.

Transcatheter occlusion of a left ventricular outflow tract pseudoaneurysm using a "plug and coil" strategy.

Left ventricular outflow tract pseudoaneurysm is a rare and potentially fatal complication of aortic valve replacement. Surgical repair is the most common treatment and is particularly suitable for large pseudoaneurysms. Recently, there has been significant breakthroughs in the management of postoperative pseudoaneurysms via endovascular techniques. We report a case of a large postoperative pseudoaneurysm of the left ventricular outflow tract that occurred 1 year following a redo mechanical aortic valve replacement in a patient with previous valve sparing procedure performed 5 years earlier. The pseudoaneurysm was anatomically located antero-laterally between the right atrium and the ascending aorta. Successful occlusion was achieved with an Amplatzer Vascular Plug 2 (Abbott) and several coils (Terumo) via a transapical approach.

Apical versus subclavian transcatheter aortic valve implantation: An 8-year United Kingdom analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Subclavian (SC) and transapical (TA) approaches are the main alternatives to the default femoral delivery for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The aim of this study was to compare complications and morbidity/mortality associated with SC and TA in a long-term time frame. METHODS: From January 2007 to July 2015, 1506 patients underwent TAVI surgery in 36 United Kingdom TAVI centers. Primary outcomes were complications according to VARC-2 criteria. The secondary outcome was long-term survival. RESULTS: The enrolled patients were distributed as follows: 1216 in the TA group and 290 in the SC group. There were no differences in the rates of acute myocardial infarction, emergency valve-in-valve, paravalvular leak, balloon post dilatation, cardiac tamponade, stroke, renal replacement therapy, vascular injuries, and 30-day mortality among the groups. Conversely, the rate of permanent pacemaker implantation (p = .02), the procedural time duration (p = .04), and the 12-month mortality (p = .03) was higher in SC than in TA, while in-hospital length of stay was reduced in SC than in TA (p = .01). Up to 8 years, the long-term mortality was not different among groups (p = .77), and no difference in long-term survival between self- versus balloon-expandable devices was found (p = .26). CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, TA provided the best 12-month survival compared to SC, while the long-term survival up to 2900 days is not significantly different between groups, so SC and TA may both represent a safe non-femoral access if femoral is precluded.

The otologic approach in the management of posterior petrous surface meningiomas.

PURPOSE: Report our experience in the management of posterior petrous surface meningiomas (PPSMs), and identify features that affect hearing, facial nerve (FN) function, and control of the disease. METHODS: Retrospective case series of 131 patients surgically managed for PPSMs. FN status, hearing and tumour radicality were assessed and compared between patients with tumours of different locations (Desgeorges classification) and internal auditory canal involvement (IAC). RESULTS: At the time of surgery 74.8% of patients had a hearing loss. Hearing was mostly unserviceable in tumors attached to the meatus. Pure tone audiometry did not correlate to IAC extension, while speech discrimination scores were statistically worse when the tumor occupied the IAC (unpaired t test, p = 0.0152). Similarly, extrameatal tumors undergoing removal by otic preserving techniques maintained postoperative hearing, whereas hearing worsened significantly in tumors involving the IAC (paired t test, p = 0.048). The FN was affected preoperatively in 11.4% of cases. Postoperative FN palsy was significantly correlated to the IAC involvement (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.0013), while it was not correlated to tumor size. According to the Desgeorges classification, a postoperative FN palsy complicated the majority of anteriorly extending tumors and, two-fifths of meatus centred tumors. 75% of posterior located tumors had a postoperative FN grade I HB. CONCLUSIONS: Since the involvement of the IAC by the tumor affects both hearing and FN function, the IAC is of primary importance in PPSMs and should be studied and addressed as much as the tumor location in the CPA.

Dose approach matter? A meta-analysis of outcomes following transfemoral versus transapical transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has gained increasing acceptance for patients with aortic disease. Both transfemoral (TF-TAVR) and transapical (TA-TAVR) approach were widely adopted while their performances are limited to a few studies with controversial results. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the mortality and morbidity of complications between TF- versus TA-TAVR based on the latest data. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched until April 2021. RCTs and observational studies comparing the outcomes between TF-TAVR versus TA-TAVR patients were included. Heterogeneity assumption was assessed by an I2 test. The pooled odds ratios(OR) or mean differences with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to evaluate the difference for each end point using a fixed-effect model or random-effect model based on I2 test. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 1 RCT and 20 observational studies, enrolling 19,520 patients (TF-TAVR, n = 11,986 and TA-TAVR, n = 7,534). Compared with TA-TAVR, TF-TAVR patients showed significantly lower rate of postoperative in-hospital death (OR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.59-0.77, P < 0.001) and 1-year death (OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.41-0.69, P < 0.001). Incidence of major bleeding and acute kidney injury were lower and length of hospital stay was shorter, whereas those of permanent pacemaker and major vascular complication were higher in TF-TAVR patients. There were no significant differences between TF-TAVR versus TA-TAVR for stroke and mid-term mortality. CONCLUSIONS: There were fewer early deaths in patients with transfemoral approach, whereas the number of mid-term deaths and stroke was not significantly different between two approaches. TF-TAVR was associated with lower risk of bleeding, acute kidney injury as well as shorter in-hospital stay, but higher incidence of vascular complication and permanent pacemaker implantation.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement using the SAPIEN 3 valve versus surgical aortic valve replacement using the rapid deployment INTUITY valve: Midterm outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Little data have been published on the midterm effect of transapical/transfemoral-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TA-/TF-TAVR) using the Edwards SAPIEN 3 valve (S3). We aimed to compare the outcomes after TA-/TF-TAVR utilizing the S3 (TA-/TF-S3) valve with those after surgical aortic valve replacement utilizing the rapid deployment Edwards INTUITY valve (RD-SAVR). METHODS: Between March 2012 and April 2018, 122 patients with aortic stenosis underwent TA-S3, 77 patients underwent TF-S3 and 182 patients underwent RD-SAVR through partial sternotomy at our institution. We conducted clinical and echocardiographic midterm follow-ups. The primary outcomes of the study were the incidence of new pacemakers permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI), the occurrence of paravalvular leakage (PVL) and the hemodynamic performance of the valves. RESULTS: All study groups were at intermediate surgical risk. The 30-day all-cause mortality and stroke rates in the TA-S3, TF-S3, and RD-SAVR groups were 4.1% and 1.6%, 3.9% and 2.6%, and 3.8% and 2.2%, respectively. The RD-SAVR group had significantly smaller PVL and PPI rates than did the TA-/TF-S3 group (p < .0001). At the discharge, the one-year postprocedure mean gradients were 9 ± 5.1/10 ± 4.5 mmHg, 11 ± 4.1/12 ± 3.8 mmHg, and 10.1 ± 4.3/10.4 ± 2.6 mmHg in the TA-S3, TF-S3, and RD-SAVR groups, respectively. Midterm valve thrombosis, Re-TAVR/SVAR were low and similar among the study groups, whereas endocarditis was higher in the TAVR group. CONCLUSION: RD-SAVR was superior to TA-/TF-S3 in the PVL and PPI rates. We observed similar early outcomes and valve hemodynamics. The endocarditis was higher in the TAVR group.

Midterm outcomes of transaortic and transapical TAVI in patients with unsuitable vascular anatomy for femoral access: A propensity score inverse probability weight study.

AIMS: Transaortic (TAo) and transapical (TA) implantation can be used in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) when the transfemoral (TF) approach is precluded. We compare the safety and efficacy of these alternative techniques. METHODS: From October 2007 to February 2016, TAo and TA patients' data were collected. Propensity score inverse probability of treatment weight (IPTW) method was employed to minimize the impact of no-randomization bias. RESULTS: From our single-center non-TF-TAVI registry, 282 patients were included: 235 (83.3%) underwent TAo and 47 (16.7%) TA. Differences in baseline characteristics were statistically significant in age, sex, risk profile according to logistic-EuroSCORE, and previous cardiac surgery. No difference in hospital morbidity and mortality, but lower stroke-rate in TAo (1.27% vs. 8.5% p < .01) was observed. This was confirmed at logistic regression after IPTW adjustment (odds ratio [OR]: 0.16, 95% CI 0.03-0.71, p = .01), together with reduced risk of the paravalvular leak (PVL) (OR: 0.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02-0.81, p = .02). Kaplan-Meier estimates did not demonstrate differences in long-term mortality among access routes (logrank test p = .13). At the IPTW-Cox regression model, long-term mortality was related to New York Heart Association III-IV (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.15-7.40, p = .026), chronic renal failure (HR: 3.25; 95% CI: 1.02-10.32 p = .046), previous transient ischemic attack/stroke (HR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.25-4.20 p = .007). Sapien-3 device resulted to be a protective factor, reducing long-term mortality (HR: 0.18, 95% CI 0.04- 0.90 p = .03). CONCLUSIONS: TAo is safe and feasible in case of contraindication to femoral approach demonstrating comparable midterm outcomes to TA, thus representing a central access alternative, to increase the overall safety of high-risk TAVI procedures.

[Transcatheter aortic valve replacement after Ozaki procedure]. / Transkateternoe protezirovanie aortal'nogo klapana posle protsedury Ozaki.

The Ozaki operation is currently considered to be a sufficiently known surgical procedure performed in aortic valve defects. Despite satisfactory results in the mid-term period after neocuspidalization, there have been reported cases of pronounced aortic insufficiency due to rupture of neocusps or their endocarditis. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a rapidly developing trend at the junction of modern cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology, expansively covering groups of patients at high, moderate and recently also low surgical risk. Repeat open cardiosurgical interventions remain a zone of especially increased risk of complications. This clinical case report describes technical aspects and immediate outcomes of successful transcatheter implantation of aortic valve prosthesis in a patient with aortic insufficiency revealed 2 years after the Ozaki procedure.

Balloon assisted translocation of the mitral anterior leaflet to prevent left ventricular outflow obstruction (BATMAN): A novel technique for patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve replacement.

INTRODUCTION: Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) is an option for patients at high risk for mitral valve replacement or repair via sternotomy or left thoracotomy approach. TMVR carries up to 22% risk of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. Severe LVOT obstruction can have devastating hemodynamic and clinical consequences. HYPOTHESIS: We previously presented a novel technique to prevent LVOT obstruction during transapical retrograde mitral valve replacement, by penetrating and ballooning the anterior mitral leaflet (AML), resulting in creation of a "hole" and posterior translocation of AML, then deploying the valve. METHODS: Three patients underwent TMVR at Saint Louis University for severe mitral regurgitation after being deemed too high risk for surgery, and not candidates for a Mitra-clip procedure. These patients were deemed to be at risk for LVOT obstruction based on the preprocedural evaluation. Via transapical approach, a needle was advanced "through," perforating the AML and wire was placed in the left atrium. Over the wire, an 20-mm valvuloplasty balloon was positioned "within" the anterior leaflet and inflated leading to translocation of the AMVL. Then the valve was deployed. RESULTS: This novel technique has been performed on three patients at our institution. Sapien S3 transcatheter valves were used in all three patients, with 100% procedural success rate. Intraoperative TEE demonstrated no significant LVOT obstruction, cardiopulmonary bypass time was 42-44 min. CONCLUSION: The balloon assisted translocation of the mitral anterior leaflet to prevent left ventricular outflow obstruction technique described here may offer the option of transcatheter mitral valve implantation in patients at high risk of LVOT obstruction. A variation of this technique to allow application in cases with transseptal approach is under investigation.

Percutaneous Intramyocardial Septal Radiofrequency Ablation for Interventricular Septal Reduction: An Ovine Model with 1-Year Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous intramyocardial (PIM) septal radiofrequency ablation (SRA) is a novel treatment approach for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy patients, but there has been lack of a large animal model to study PIM-SRA. We aimed to validate the long-term safety and efficacy of PIM-SRA and to observe pathological changes of the ablated interventricular septum (IVS) in a healthy sheep model. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twelve sheep were randomized to the PIM-SRA group (n = 6) and the sham group (n = 6). In the PIM-SRA group, a radiofrequency (RF) electrode was inserted into the IVS with a maximum power of 80 W for 5 min. In the sham group, the RF electrode tip was positioned in the IVS segment but without RF power delivery. Septal hypokinesis was seen in all PIM-SRA group animals immediately after the procedure; the systolic wall thickening rate and motion amplitude of the ablated region decreased (p < 0.01), and the diastolic IVS thickness also decreased significantly over time (p < 0.01). ECG showed that all the sheep had normal sinus rhythm during the follow-up. Pathological examinations revealed scar tissue in the ablated region as expected. CONCLUSIONS: PIM-SRA produced precisely ablated myocardial tissue, reduced the IVS thickness significantly, preserved the global LV function, and avoided the incidence of conduction system damage in the long term. PIM-SRA was found to be a safe and effective minimally invasive septal reduction therapy.