Incidence and Outcomes of Infective Endocarditis After Transcatheter or Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement

Background

Data comparing the frequency and outcomes of infective endocarditis (IE) after transcatheter (TAVR) to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) are scarce. The objective of this study is to compare the incidence and outcomes of IE after TAVR using a supra‐annular, self‐expanding platform (CoreValve and Evolut) to SAVR.

Methods and Results

Data of 3 randomized clinical trials comparing TAVR to SAVR and a prospective continued TAVR access study were pooled. IE was defined on the basis of the modified Duke criteria. The cumulative incidence of IE was determined by modeling the cause‐specific hazard. Estimates of all‐cause mortality were calculated by means of the Kaplan–Meier method. Outcomes are reported for the valve‐implant cohort. During a mean follow‐up time of 2.17±1.51 years, 12 (0.5%) of 2249 patients undergoing TAVR and 21 (1.1%) of 1828 patients undergoing SAVR developed IE. Patients with IE more frequently had diabetes mellitus than those without (57.6% versus 34.2%; P=0.005). The cumulative incidence of IE was 1.01% (95% CI, 0.47%–1.96%) after TAVR and 1.58% (95% CI, 0.97%–2.46%) after SAVR (P=0.047) at 5 years. Among patients with IE, the rate of all‐cause mortality was 27.3% (95% CI, 1.0%–53.6%) in the TAVR and 51.8% (95% CI, 28.2%–75.3%) in the SAVR group at 1 year (log‐rank P=0.15).

Conclusions

Pooled prospectively collected data comparing TAVR with a supra‐annular, self‐expanding device to SAVR showed a low cumulative risk of IE irrespective of treatment modality, although the risk was lower in the TAVR implant group. Once IE occurred, mortality was high.

Registration

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifiers: NCT01240902, NCT01586910, NCT02701283.

Long term mortality and readmissions after transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Background

Readmissions following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are common but detailed analysis of cardiac and non-cardiac inpatient readmissions beyond thirty days to different levels of care are limited.

Methods

Our study population was 1,037 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR between 2011-2017 within a multi-hospital quaternary health system. A retrospective chart review was performed and readmissions were adjudicated and classified based on primary readmission diagnosis (cardiac versus noncardiac) and level of care [intensive care unit (ICU) admission vs. non-ICU admission]. Incidence, causes, and outcomes of readmissions to up to three years post procedure were evaluated.

Results

Of the 1,017 patients who survived their index hospitalization, there were readmissions due to noncardiac causes in 350 (34.4%) and cardiac causes in 208 (20.5%) during a mean 1.96 years of follow-up. The most common non-cardiac causes of readmission were sepsis/infection (14.3%), gastrointestinal (8.3%), and respiratory (4.8%), whereas heart failure (14.0%) and arrhythmias (4.6%) were the most common cardiac causes of readmission. A total of 191 (18.8%) patients were readmitted to the ICU and 372 patients (36.6%) were non-ICU readmissions. The risk of a noncardiac readmission was highest in the period immediately following TAVR (~4.5% per month) with an early high hazard phase that gradually declined over months. However, the risk of cardiac readmission remained stable at ~1% per month throughout. TAVR patients that were readmitted for any cause had markedly increased mortality; this was especially true for patients readmitted to an ICU.

Conclusions

In TAVR patients who survived their index hospitalization, non-cardiac readmissions were more prevalent than cardiac. The risk of readmission and subsequent mortality was highest immediately post-procedure and declined thereafter. Readmission to ICU portends the highest risk of subsequent death in this cohort. Patient baseline co-morbidities are an important consideration for TAVR patients and play a significant role in readmissions and outcomes.

Abstract MP08: Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Mediates Osteogenesis In Calcific Aortic Valve Disease

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the leading heart valve disorder in the US. It is characterized by an active accumulation of calcium nodules on the aortic valve leaflets which lead to stiffening and remodeling of the valve leaflets causing valve dysfunction, cardiac failure and increased stroke risk. Inflammation and mechanical stresses contribute to CAVD pathogenesis. However, the mechanisms driving the fibrocalcific remodeling of the aortic valve are currently ill-defined. Multiple studies have revealed that the catalytic subunit of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) can induce gene transcription and its overexpression primes mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into osteoblasts, suggesting that TERT has a role in the activation of osteogenic transcriptional programs. We hypothesized that TERT contributes to early events leading to calcification of the valve leaflet. In human calcified valve tissue, we found that TERT protein is highly expressed in areas of calcification compared to control valve tissue, with no effect on telomere length. Alpha-SMA, a VIC activation marker, and RUNX2, a key transcription factor involved in the osteogenic differentiation of osteoblast, were also elevated in CAVD tissue. Under osteogenic differentiation conditions, human valve interstitial cells (VICs) upregulated TERT, RUNX2, and alpha-SMA protein levels and calcified, while CAVD VICs calcified de novo. Inflammatory stimuli intensified in vitro calcification, and induced TERT, RUNX2, and alpha-SMA protein expression. PLA and ChIP analysis showed that TERT interacts with interacted with Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5A/B (STAT5) and together bind to RUNX2 promoter, respectively. shRNA-mediated TERT downregulation reduced expression of RUNX2 and alpha-SMA and genetic deletion of Tert in murine mesenchymal stem cells and vascular smooth muscle cells prevented calcification. These data provide evidence that TERT is required for calcification, regulates the transition of quiescent VICs into calcifying VICs, and that STAT5 functions as a TERT-interacting partner for DNA binding.

Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring during aortic arch surgery

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the ability of intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM) during aortic arch reconstruction with hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) to predict early (<48 hours) adverse neurologic events (ANE; stroke or transient ischemic attack) and operative mortality.

METHODS

This was an observational study of aortic arch surgeries requiring HCA from 2010 to 2018. Patients were monitored with electroencephalogram (EEG) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP). Baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes were compared according to presence or absence of IONM changes, which were defined as any acute variation in SSEP or EEG, compared with baseline. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association of IONM changes with operative mortality and early ANE.

RESULTS

A total of 563 patients underwent aortic arch reconstruction with HCA and IONM. Of these, 119 (21.1%) patients had an IONM change, whereas 444 (78.9%) did not. Patients with IONM changes had increased operative mortality (22.7% vs 4.3%) and increased early ANE (10.9% vs 2.9%). In multivariable analysis, SSEP changes were correlated with early ANE (odds ratio [OR], 4.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.51-14.56; P = .008), whereas EEG changes were not (P = .532). Permanent SSEP changes were correlated with early ANE (OR, 4.56; 95% CI, 1.51-13.77; P = .007), whereas temperature-related SSEP changes were not (P = .997). Finally, any IONM change (either SSEP or EEG) was correlated with operative mortality (OR, 5.82; 95% CI, 2.72-12.49; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal IONM events during aortic arch reconstruction with HCA portend worse neurologic outcomes and operative mortality and have a negative predictive value of 97.1%. SSEP might be more sensitive than EEG for predicting early ANE, especially when SSEP changes are permanent.

Common deletion variants causing protocadherin-α deficiency contribute to the complex genetics of BAV and left-sided congenital heart disease

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) with ~1%-2% prevalence is the most common congenital heart defect (CHD). It frequently results in valve disease and aorta dilation and is a major cause of adult cardiac surgery. BAV is genetically linked to rare left-heart obstructions (left ventricular outflow tract obstructions [LVOTOs]), including hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and coarctation of the aorta (CoA). Mouse and human studies indicate LVOTO is genetically heterogeneous with a complex genetic etiology. Homozygous mutation in the Pcdha protocadherin gene cluster in mice can cause BAV, and also HLHS and other LVOTO phenotypes when accompanied by a second mutation. Here we show two common deletion copy number variants (delCNVs) within the PCDHA gene cluster are associated with LVOTO. Analysis of 1,218 white individuals with LVOTO versus 463 disease-free local control individuals yielded odds ratios (ORs) at 1.47 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.92; p = 4.2 × 10-3) for LVOTO, 1.47 (95% CI, 1.10-1.97; p = 0.01) for BAV, 6.13 (95% CI, 2.75-13.7; p = 9.7 × 10-6) for CoA, and 1.49 (95% CI, 1.07-2.08; p = 0.019) for HLHS. Increased OR was observed for all LVOTO phenotypes in homozygous or compound heterozygous PCDHA delCNV genotype comparison versus wild type. Analysis of an independent white cohort (381 affected individuals, 1,352 control individuals) replicated the PCDHA delCNV association with LVOTO. Generalizability of these findings is suggested by similar observations in Black and Chinese individuals with LVOTO. Analysis of Pcdha mutant mice showed reduced PCDHA expression at regions of cell-cell contact in aortic smooth muscle and cushion mesenchyme, suggesting potential mechanisms for BAV pathogenesis and aortopathy. Together, these findings indicate common variants causing PCDHA deficiency play a significant role in the genetic etiology of common and rare LVOTO-CHD.

Type A Acute Aortic Dissection Presenting With Cerebrovascular Accident at Advanced Age

Our aim was to analyze outcomes of patients aged 70 years or above presenting with type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD) and cerebrovascular accident (CVA). A retrospective analysis of the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) was conducted. Patients aged 70 years or above (n = 1449) were stratified according to presence or absence of CVA before surgery (CVA: n = 110, 7.6%). In-hospital outcomes and mortality up to 5 years were analyzed. Additionally, in-hospital outcomes of patients who received medical management were described. No patient presenting with CVA over the age of 87 years underwent surgery. The rates of in-hospital mortality and post-operative CVA were significantly higher in patients presenting with CVA (in-hospital mortality: 32.7% vs 21.7%, P = 0.008; post-operative CVA: 23.4% vs 8.3%, P < 0.001). Presence of CVA was independently associated with significantly increased in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 2.99, 95% confidence interval 1.35 - 6.60, P = 0.007). In survivors of the hospital stay, presenting CVA had no independent influence on mortality up to 5 years (hazard ratio 1.52, 95% confidence interval 0.99 - 2.31, P = 0.54). In medically managed patients, exceedingly high rates of in-hospital mortality (71.4%) and CVA (90.9%) were noted. Patients presenting with TAAAD and CVA at ≥ 70 years of age are at significantly increased risk of in-hospital mortality, although long-term mortality is not affected in hospital survivors. Medical management is associated with poor outcomes. We believe that surgical management should be offered after critical assessment of comorbidities.

Sex-Based Aortic Dissection Outcomes From the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection

BACKGROUND

Worse outcomes have been reported for women with type A acute aortic dissection (TAAD). We sought to determine sex-specific operative approaches and outcomes for TAAD in the current era.

METHODS

The Interventional Cohort (IVC) of the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) database was queried to explore sex differences in presentation, operative approach, and outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify adjusted outcomes in relation to sex.

RESULTS

Women constituted approximately one-third (34.3%) of the 2823 patients and were significantly older than men (65.4 vs 58.6 years, P < .001). Women were more likely to present with intramural hematoma, periaortic hematoma, or complete or partial false lumen thrombosis (all P < .05) and more commonly had hypotension or coma (P = .001). Men underwent a greater proportion of Bentall, complete arch, and elephant trunk procedures (all P < .01). In-hospital mortality during the study period was higher in women (16.7% vs 13.8%, P = .039). After adjustment, female sex trended towards higher in-hospital mortality overall (odds ratio, 1.40; P = .053) but not in the last decade of enrollment (odds ratio, 0.93; P = .807). Five-year mortality and reintervention rates were not significantly different between the sexes.

CONCLUSIONS

In-hospital mortality remains higher among women with TAAD but demonstrates improvement in the last decade. Significant differences in presentation were noted in women, including older age, distinct imaging findings, and greater evidence of malperfusion. Although no distinctions in 5-year mortality or reintervention were observed, a tailored surgical approach should be considered to reduce sex disparities in early mortality rates for TAAD.

Effect of Aortic Valve Type on Patients Who Undergo Type A Aortic Dissection Repair

Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is common in the setting of type A aortic dissection (TAAD) repair. Here, we evaluated the association between prosthesis choice and patient outcomes in an international patient cohort. We reviewed data from the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) interventional cohort to examine the relationship between valve choice and short- and mid-term patient outcomes. Between January 1996 and March 2016, 1290 surgically treated patients with TAAD were entered into the IRAD interventional cohort. Of those, 364 patients undergoing TAAD repair underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR; mean age, 57 years). The mechanical valve cohort consisted of 189 patients, of which 151 (79.9%) had a root replacement. The nonmechanical valve cohort consisted of 5 patients who received homografts and 160 patients who received a biologic AVR, with a total of 118 (71.5%) patients who underwent root replacements. The mean follow-up time was 2.92 ± 1.75 years overall (2.46 ± 1.69 years for the mechanical valve cohort and 3.48 ± 1.8 years for the nonmechanical valve cohort). After propensity matching, Kaplan-Meier estimates of 4-year survival rates after surgery were 64.8% in the mechanical valve group compared with 74.7% in the nonmechanical valve group (p = 0.921). A stratified Cox model for 4-year mortality showed no difference in hazard between valve types after adjusting for the propensity score (p = 0.854). A biologic valve is a reasonable option in patients with TAAD who require AVR. Although this option avoids the potential risks of anticoagulation, long-term follow up is necessary to assess the effect of reoperations or transcatheter interventions for structural valve degeneration.

Outcomes related to anticoagulation management for mechanical valve replacements

Background

This study evaluates anticoagulation management and its impact on longitudinal clinical outcomes in patients undergoing mechanical valve replacement.

Methods

Patients undergoing mechanical mitral valve replacement (MVR) or aortic valve replacement (AVR) from 2010–2018 at a single center were included. Patients were stratified into therapeutic and non-therapeutic anticoagulation groups based on the median percentage of international normalized ratio (INR) values within the reference range (2.0–3.0 for AVR, 2.5–3.5 for MVR) during the first post-operative year. Using Cox regression analysis, comorbidity-adjusted survival and freedom from adverse events were compared.

Results

Six hundred and fifty-one patients underwent mechanical valve replacement (166 MVR, 485 AVR). Comorbidity-adjusted survival was similar in the MVR and AVR cohorts (P=0.23). There was a median of 27 [interquartile range (IQR): 14–42] INRs drawn per patient in the first post-operative year. The median percentage of INRs within the reference values during the first post-operative year was 42.85% (IQR: 30.77–53.95%), with the majority of non-therapeutic INRs being subtherapeutic (34.51%; n=6,864). There were no significant differences in adjusted survival between the therapeutic and non-therapeutic groups [hazard ratio (HR): 1.12, P=0.73]. Within the first post-operative year, there were no significant differences in stroke, major bleeding, peripheral non-stroke arterial thromboembolism, and readmission for intravenous heparin in the therapeutic and non-therapeutic groups.

Conclusions

Taking into account relevant comorbidities and valve type, patients with a larger proportion of non-therapeutic INRs during the first post-operative year demonstrated no difference in longitudinal clinical outcomes. Further research into more standardized INR monitoring and potentially expanded INR target ranges for patients undergoing mechanical valve replacement is warranted.

Current Therapeutic Options in Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis is the most common valvular disease requiring valve replacement. Valve replacement therapies have undergone progressive evolution since the 1960s. Over the last 20 years, transcatheter aortic valve replacement has radically transformed the care of aortic stenosis, such that it is now the treatment of choice for many, particularly elderly, patients. This review provides an overview of the pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis, indications for intervention, and current therapeutic options for aortic stenosis.

Surgical sutureless and sutured aortic valve replacement in low-risk patients

BACKGROUND

Randomized clinical trials have shown that transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is noninferior to surgery in low surgical risk patients. We compared outcomes in patients treated with a sutured (stented or stentless) or sutureless surgical valve from the Evolut Low Risk Trial.

METHODS

The Evolut Low Risk Trial enrolled patients with severe aortic stenosis and low surgical risk. Patients were randomized to self-expanding TAVR or surgery. Use of sutureless or sutured valves was at the surgeons' discretion.

RESULTS

There were 680 patients who underwent surgical aortic valve implantation (205 sutureless, 475 sutured). The VARC-2 30-day safety composite endpoint was similar in the sutureless and sutured group (10.8% vs 11.0%, P=.93). All-cause mortality between groups was similar between groups at 30 days (0.5% vs 1.5%, P=.28) and 1 year (3.3% vs 2.6%, P=.74). Disabling stroke was also similar at 30 days (2.0% vs 1.5%, P=.65) and 1 year (2.6% vs 2.2%, P=.76). Permanent pacemaker implantation at 30 days was significantly higher in the sutureless compared with the sutured group (14.4% vs 2.9%, P<.001). AV-related hospitalizations occurred more often at 1 year with sutureless valves (9.1% vs 5.1%, P=.04). Mean gradients 1 year after sutureless and sutured AVR were 9.9±4.2 vs 11.7±4.7mm Hg (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Among low-risk patients, sutureless versus sutured valve use did not demonstrate a benefit in terms of 30-day complications and produced marginally better hemodynamics, but with an increased rate of pacemaker implantation and valve-related hospitalizations.

Thirty-day Hospital Readmissions Following Cardiac Surgery are Associated With Mortality and Subsequent Readmission

The aim of the current study was to assess the impact of hospital readmissions within 30-days of discharge, on long-term postoperative outcomes. All patients who underwent cardiac surgery from 2011 - 2018 were included. Patients who had transcatheter procedures, VAD, and transplant were excluded. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) propensity scoring was used for population risk adjustment. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify association with long-term mortality and readmission. The total risk adjusted (propensity scoring with IPTW) patient population consisted of 14,538 patients divided into those who were not readmitted in 30-days (nonreadmitted) (n = 12,627) and patients who were readmitted within 30-days (30-day readmitted) (n = 1911). Following IPTW, all baseline characteristics and postoperative complications were equivalent between cohorts (SMD <0.10). Patients who required intraoperative [OR 1.178 (1.05, 1.32); P = 0.006] and postoperative [1.32 (1.18, 1.48); P < 0.001] blood transfusions were at greater risk for 30-day readmission. Median follow-up period was 4.19 years (2.45 - 6.10). The 30-day readmission cohort had a significantly higher mortality risk during early (6 months) follow-up [HR 2.49 (2.01-3.10); P < 0.001] and late (60 months) follow-up [HR 1.30 (1.16-1.47); P < 0.001]. After risk adjustment, the 30-day readmission cohort was significantly associated with increased mortality over the study follow-up period [HR 1.62 (1.48, 1.78); P < 0.001]. 30-day readmissions were an independent predictor of subsequent long-term hospital readmission [HR 1.61 (1.50, 1.73); P < 0.001]. Patients who require 30-day readmissions following cardiac surgery are at increased risk of long-term mortality and repeat readmissions. Early postoperative hospital readmission may be a marker for worse long-term outcomes in cardiac surgery.

Geographic Access to Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Centers in the United States: Insights From the Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American College of Cardiology Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry

Importance

Geographic access to transcatheter aortic replacement (TAVR) centers varies in the United States as a result of controlled expansion through minimum volume requirements.

Objective

To describe the current geographic access to TAVR centers in the United States.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Observational study from June 1, 2015, to June 30, 2017. United States census data were used to describe access to TAVR center. Google Maps and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons American College of Cardiology Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry were used to describe characteristics of patients undergoing successful TAVR according to proximity to implanting center. The study analyzed 47 527 537 individuals 65 years and older in the United States and 31 098 patients who underwent successful transfemoral TAVR, were linked to fee-for-service Medicare, and had a measurable driving time.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Median driving distance to a TAVR center.

Results

Among 40 537 zip codes in the United States, 490 (1.2%) contained a TAVR center, and among 305 hospital referral regions (HRR), 234 (76.7%) contained a TAVR center. Of the 31 749 patients who underwent successful transfemoral TAVR and were linked to fee-for-service Medicare, 31 098 had a measurable driving time. Mean (SD) age was 82.4 (6.9) years, 14 697 patients (47.3%) were women, and 7422 (23.87%) lived in a rural area. This translated to 1 232 568 of 47 527 537 individuals (2.6%) 65 years and older living in a zip code with a TAVR center and 43 789 169 (92.1%) living in an HRR with a TAVR center. Among 31 749 patients who underwent successful transfemoral TAVR and were linked to fee-for-service Medicare, 31 098 had a measurable driving time. All of these patients (100.0%) underwent their procedure in a TAVR center within their HRR, with 1350 (4.3%) undergoing TAVR in a center within their home zip code. Median driving time to implanting TAVR center was 35.0 minutes (IQR, 20.0-70.0 minutes), ranging from 2.0 minutes to 18 hours and 48 minutes.

Conclusions and Relevance

Most US individuals 65 years and older live in an HRR with a TAVR center. Among patients undergoing successful transfemoral TAVR, median driving time to implanting center was 35.0 minutes. Within the context of the US health care system, where certain advanced procedures and specialized care are centralized, TAVR services have significant penetration. More studies are required to evaluate the effect of geographic location of TAVR sites on access to TAVR procedures among individuals with an indication for a TAVR within the US population.

Outcomes of Carotid Artery Replacement With Total Arch Reconstruction for Type A Aortic Dissection

BACKGROUND

Cerebral malperfusion and carotid artery dissection in patients with acute type A aortic dissections (TAAD) carry high morbidity and mortality. There are limited data on outcomes of concomitant carotid artery replacement with total arch replacement in the setting of TAAD.

METHODS

All patients with acute TAAD who underwent a total arch replacement between 2007 and 2018 were included. Data were retrospectively collected from a prospectively maintained database. Baselines variables were compared, and Kaplan-Meier estimates were used for long-term survival. Cox multivariable regression analysis was used to identify predictors of mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 161 patients underwent total arch replacement for acute TAAD. Of these, 111 underwent conventional total arch reconstruction, and 50 had a concomitant carotid artery replacement. Baseline characteristics were similar between both cohorts apart from the carotid replacement cohort having a higher rate of preoperative cerebral malperfusion (48% vs 10.81%, P < .01) and preoperative stroke (28% vs 11.71%, P = .02). There was no difference in (operative) 30-day mortality between the carotid replacement and conventional total arch replacement groups (22% vs 18.9%, P = .81), 1-year mortality (28% vs 27.9%, P = .99), or 5-year mortality (32% vs 29.7%, P = .917). Postoperative stroke was 0% vs 4.5% (P = .301) for the carotid vs conventional total arch replacement cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant carotid artery replacement is a feasible and safe technique to address perioperative cerebral malperfusion, carotid dissection, and neurologic dysfunction associated with carotid artery dissection, with no difference in long-term survival or postoperative stroke when compared with conventional total arch replacement.

STS-ACC TVT Registry of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

The STS-ACC TVT Registry (Society of Thoracic Surgeons-American College of Cardiology Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry) from 2011 to 2019 has collected data on 276,316 patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) at sites in all U.S. states. Volumes have increased every year, exceeding surgical aortic valve replacement in 2019 (72,991 vs. 57,626), and it is now performed in all U.S. states. TAVR now extends from extreme- to low-risk patients. This is the first presentation on 8,395 low-risk patients treated in 2019. In 2019, for the entire cohort, femoral access increased to 95.3%, hospital stay was 2 days, and 90.3% were discharged home. Since 2011, the 30-day mortality rate has decreased (7.2% to 2.5%), stroke has started to decrease (2.75% to 2.3%), but pacemaker need is unchanged (10.9% to 10.8%). Alive with acceptable patient-reported outcomes is achieved in 8 of 10 patients at 1 year. The Registry is a national resource to improve care and analyze TAVR's evolution. Real-world outcomes, site performance, and the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 will be subsequently studied. (STS/ACC Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry [TVT Registry]; NCT01737528).

The Impact of Transfusions on Mortality After Transcatheter or Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND

An increasing body of evidence suggests that packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion may be associated with increased morbidity and mortality after transcatheter and surgical aortic valve replacement. It remains unclear whether PRBC transfusion is a surrogate marker or truly an independent risk factor for mortality after aortic valve replacement in different populations.

METHODS

The Surgical Replacement and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (SURTAVI) trial randomized 1660 patients with symptomatic, severe aortic stenosis at intermediate risk for operative death to transcatheter aortic valve replacement or surgical aortic valve replacement. Baseline characteristics and outcomes including all-cause and cardiovascular mortality at 30 days and thereafter were compared between participants with and participants without PRBC transfusion. Cox proportional hazards models with time-varying covariates were fitted to estimate the effect of PRBC transfusion on mortality after adjustment for comorbidities and procedural complications.

RESULTS

Patients receiving PRBC were older, more commonly female and frail, with more comorbidities. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality baseline score was higher in the transfused group. After adjustment for these differences, PRBC transfusion was associated with mortality at 30 days, but not thereafter. The effect of PRBC on mortality (hazard ratio 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.96 to 1.11; P = .304) at 30 days was not independent of procedural complications (hazard ratio 21.04; 95% CI, 7.26 to 60.95; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Poor health status, procedural complications, PRBC transfusion, and mortality are correlated with each other. Transfusion of PRBC did not independently increase risk for mortality. In this intermediate-risk population, transfusion appears to be a risk marker of chronic conditions and periprocedural complications as opposed to a risk factor for postprocedural mortality. (Clinical trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT01586910.).

STS-ACC TVT Registry of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

The STS-ACC TVT Registry (Society of Thoracic Surgeons-American College of Cardiology Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry) from 2011 to 2019 has collected data on 276,316 patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) at sites in all U.S. states. Volumes have increased every year, exceeding surgical aortic valve replacement in 2019 (72,991 vs. 57,626), and it is now performed in all U.S. states. TAVR now extends from extreme- to low-risk patients. This is the first presentation on 8,395 low-risk patients treated in 2019. In 2019, for the entire cohort, femoral access increased to 95.3%, hospital stay was 2 days, and 90.3% were discharged home. Since 2011, the 30-day mortality rate has decreased (7.2% to 2.5%), stroke has started to decrease (2.75% to 2.3%), but pacemaker need is unchanged (10.9% to 10.8%). Alive with acceptable patient-reported outcomes is achieved in 8 of 10 patients at 1 year. The Registry is a national resource to improve care and analyze TAVR's evolution. Real-world outcomes, site performance, and the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 will be subsequently studied. (STS/ACC Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry [TVT Registry]; NCT01737528).