Effect of diabetes mellitus on clinical outcomes and quality of life after transcatheter aortic valve implantation for severe aortic valve stenosis

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered a marker of poor prognosis after cardiac surgery. We sought to investigate the effect of DM on clinical outcomes and quality of life (QoL) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

METHODS

A total of 148 consecutive patients with symptomatic, severe aortic stenosis who underwent TAVI were included. Baseline characteristics, procedural and long-term clinical outcomes, and the results of frailty and QoL assessment with EQ-5D-3L questionnaire were compared between patients with and without DM.

RESULTS

DM was present in 48 of 148 (32.4%) patients. No differences in periprocedural risk (Logistic Euroscore and Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) scale) between groups were observed. There were no differences in 30-day and 12-month all-cause mortality between groups [DM(-) vs. DM(+): 7 (7.0%) vs. 5 (10.4%), p = 0.53 and 12 (12.0%) vs. 10 (20.8%), p = 0.16, respectively]. No influence of DM presence on the risk of death was confirmed after adjustment for age and gender (for 30-day mortality, age/gender-adjusted OR 1.55, 95%CI 0.47-5.17; for 12-month mortality, age/gender-adjusted OR 2.05, 95%CI 0.79-5.32). Similarly, at the longest available follow-up, mortality did not differ between groups [14 (29.2%) vs. 19 (19.0%), p = 0.16; age/gender-adjusted OR 1.81, 95%CI 0.80-4.08]. Similar rates of other complications after TAVI were noted. Frailty measured with the 5-meter walking test was more frequently reported in patients with DM [11 (22.9%) vs. 10 (10.0%), p = 0.035]. No differences in QoL parameters at baseline and 12 months were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with DM undergoing TAVI demonstrated similar mortality, complication rates, and QoL outcomes compared to patients without DM.

Coronary Perforation of Distal Diagonal Branch Followed by Prolonged Recurrent Cardiac Tamponade Finally Resolved with Pericardiotomy - the Potential Risk of Hydrophilic Guide-Wires

Purpose:

Coronary artery perforation (CAP) is a complication of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). Hydrophilic guide-wires have been shown to increase the probability of CAP. Depending on the size of perforations we adopt different treatments.

Case:

We present the case of a 73-year old male with coronary artery disease and severe aortic valve stenosis. The patient was in the process of qualifying for a transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Unfortunately, CAP of the first diagonal branch of the LAD occurred during PCI. Initially, abrupt bleeding to the pericardial sac was primarily restrained. However, in the following days, pericardial bleeding became silent, prolonged and finally resulted in surgical pericardiotomy and surgical aortic valve replacement.

Conclusion:

This case depicts that in some cases, more aggressive endovascular treatment of CAP during the acute phase could decrease the probability of future radical surgical treatment. Although, in other cases, avoiding radical endovascular treatment of CAP and secondary necrosis along the distribution of the artery culminates in a higher risk for conversion to a surgical cardiac procedure. Accurate primary assessment of CAP seriousness and careful observation after PCI could improve results and lead to avoiding severe complications.

Acute and long-term outcomes of percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the indications, short- and long-term outcomes of balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS).

METHODS

A cohort of 112 patients with AS underwent 114 BAV procedures between October 2012 and July 2015 in two Polish interventional cardiology centers. Clinical and echocardiographic data were prospectively collected within 1, 6, and 12 months follow-up.

RESULTS

BAV was performed as a bridge to TAVI (51.8%), surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR, 5.4%), before urgent noncardiac surgery (8.0%), for symptom relief (33.0%) and cardiogenic shock (1.8%). Periprocedural, in-hospital, 1-, 6-, 12-month mortality were 2.7%; 8.9%; 8.9%; 16.9%; 22.3%, respectively. Serious periprocedural adverse events occurred in 18.8% of patients. After the procedure, mean aortic valve area (AVA) increased from 0.59 ± 0.18 to 0.82 ± 0.24 cm² , mean peak aortic valve gradient (pAVG) decreased from 94.0 ± 27.6 to 65.4 ± 20.0 mm Hg, mean aortic gradient decreased from 58.0 ± 17.8 to 40.5 ± 14.6 mm Hg, P < 0.05 for all. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased from median (interquartile range) of 53.5 (30 - 64) to 60 (45 - 65)% after 1 month (P < 0.05). In patients with impaired left ventricle function (LVEF <40%), LVEF significantly improved (median increase of 16%) after 1 and 6 months (P < 0.05). At 12 months patients had higher AVA, pAVG, and LVEF as compared to baseline (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

BAV is a useful procedure in high-risk AS patients, where achieved effects can be sufficient in bridging patients for TAVI/AVR. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Prognostic value of tricuspid regurgitation velocity and probability of pulmonary hypertension in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with adverse clinical outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We sought to investigate the effects of tricuspid regurgitant velocity (TRV) and echocardiographic probability of PH on clinical outcomes of patients undergoing TAVI. A total of 148 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI were included and stratified as having "low" (TRV ≤2.8 m/s), "intermediate" (TRV 2.9-3.4 m/s), and "high" (TRV >3.4 m/s) probability of PH. Only the patients from the "high" probability group were considered as patients with PH. All-cause mortality, complications rate and quality of life (QoL) were assessed according to VARC-2 recommendations. Of 148 patients, 65 (43.9%) were considered as patients with PH. These presented with higher NYHA class at baseline (p = 0.027) and had more frequently a history of previous stroke/transient ischemic attack (p = 0.019). A difference in all-cause mortality was noted at 12 months [PH (-) vs. PH (+): 9.6 vs. 21.5%; p = 0.043]; however, it was no longer significant after adjustment for age and gender (OR 2.39, 95% CI 0.91-6.24; p = 0.08). Unadjusted and adjusted rates of all-cause death at maximal follow-up of 13.3 (6.0-31.1) months were higher in patients with PH. However, the presence of PH was not identified as an independent predictor of all-cause mortality at follow-up. No difference in other complications rates and QoL were noted. The presence of TRV >3.4 m/s indicating "high" probability of PH may predict impaired clinical outcomes after TAVI. No impact of PH on QoL outcomes was confirmed.

Blood pressure reduction in patients with accessory renal arteries and bilateral single renal arteries after catheter-based renal denervation: a prospective study with 3-year follow-up

INTRODUCTION

Catheter‑based renal denervation (RD) is an effective treatment leading to a significant reduction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) in patients with resistant hypertension.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this prospective study was to assess the BP-lowering and pulse pressure (PP)- lowering effects in patients with accessory and bilateral single renal arteries after catheter‑based RD during a 3‑year follow‑up.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 31 patients with diagnosed resistant hypertension. Patients were classified into 2 groups: group 1 included patients with accessory renal arteries, and group 2, with bilateral single renal arteries. The BP and PP reduction levels were measured before the procedure and at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after the procedure.

RESULTS

All procedures were successful. In group 1, mean systolic BP, diastolic BP, and PP at baseline were 172.7 mm Hg, 98.9 mm Hg, and 74.4 mm Hg, respectively. Systolic BP, diastolic BP, and PP reduction levels were, respectively, -26.9, 19.2, and 7.5 at 6 months; -33.3, 16.1, and 16.4 at 12 months; -29.2, 14, and 18.2 at 24 months; and -28.6, 13.6, and 13.7 at 36 months. In group 2, mean systolic BP, diastolic BP, and PP at baseline were 175.6 mm Hg, 100.1 mm Hg, and 75.5 mm Hg, respectively. Systolic BP, diastolic BP, and PP reduction levels were, respectively, -26, 10.5, and 15.5 at 6 months; -22, 8.9, and 13 at 12 months; -28, 12.4, and 15.6 at 24 months; and -24.6, 14.97, and 9.2 at 36 months. Significant reductions were observed for systolic BP in group 1 and for PP and systolic and diastolic BP in group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

RD successfully reduced systolic BP in patients with resistant hypertension and accessory renal arteries. PP reduction after RD in patients with accessory renal arteries was less pronounced than in patients with bilateral single renal arteries.

Long-term effects of rotational atherectomy in patients with heavy calcified coronary artery lesions: a single-centre experience

BACKGROUND

Rotational atherectomy (RA) plays a significant role in contemporary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), especially in the era of population aging and expansion of PCI indications.

AIM

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the rate of periprocedural complications, the long-term effectiveness of RA, and potential factors influencing the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and major cardiac as well as cerebrovascular events (MACCE) after RA.

METHODS

The study included 60 consecutive patients who underwent effective RA between January 2002 and May 2016. Patients were followed-up for 2,616 days for MACE and MACCE.

RESULTS

The mean age of the enrolled patients was 72.1 years, and 78.3% were males. The mean follow-up period lasted 835.3 ± 611.8 days. Periprocedural complications occurred in 12 (20.0%) patients. In the follow-up of up to 2,616 days, 64% of patients were free of MACCE and 68% were free of MACE. Univariate Cox analysis revealed that MACCE occurred more often in patients from the high-risk group based on the EuroSCORE II and those with longer lengths of the implanted stent(s) after the RA procedure. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, both high-risk category and mean stent(s) length were identified as independent predictors of MACCE. EuroSCORE II was confirmed to be the only independent predictor of MACE after RA.

CONCLUSIONS

Rotational atherectomy is a safe and sufficient technique for the endovascular treatment of heavily calcified coronary artery lesions. Individuals at a higher risk as assessed by the EuroSCORE II before RA and those with longer stent(s) implanted after RA are predisposed to MACCE in the follow-up.

Sex-Related Differences in Outcomes After Percutaneous Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate sex-related differences in short-term and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) for severe aortic stenosis (AS).

METHODS

A total of 112 patients with severe AS underwent 114 BAV procedures as palliative procedure, bridge to definitive treatment, or before urgent non-cardiac surgery. Patients were followed for 24 months.

RESULTS

Of the 112 patients, 70 (62.5%) were women. Women were older, and had a higher STS score and higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease and arterial hypertension. Indications for BAV did not differ by gender. Women had a higher risk of vascular complications than men (15.7% vs 0.0%; P=.01), but with a similar rate of major periprocedural complications (17.1% vs 9.5%; P=.40). Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) was performed in 22.8% of women and 26.2% of men (P=.61) and surgical aortic valve replacement in 10% of women and 11.9% of men (P=.70). Women and men treated finally with TAVI/aortic valve replacement had lower mortality as compared with conservative treatment (P<.01). No difference in in-hospital and 24-month mortality between women and men was observed (11.4% vs 4.9% [P=.26]; 63.3% vs 39.0% [P=.22], respectively). In a multivariable Cox model, STS score above 9.8% (hazard ratio, 2.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-4.83; P=.03) was an independent predictor of all-cause death only in women.

CONCLUSION

Despite the presence of sex-related differences in baseline and procedural characteristics as well as in the risk of vascular complications, no difference in major procedural complications and long-term mortality was confirmed for patients with severe AS undergoing BAV.

Renal artery sympathetic nerve radiofrequency denervation

BACKGROUND

Arterial hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases in the western world, affecting more than 25% of the adult population.

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess changes in arterial blood pressure (BP) levels in hypertensive patients, after ablation of nerve terminals in renal arteries, using radiofrequency energy during 24 months of follow-up.

METHODS

Thirty-two patients with diagnosed resistant hypertension (20 men and 12 women) underwent percutaneous catheter-based renal denervation of nerve terminals in renal artery walls. Mean BP value before ablation was [mm Hg]: systolic 174.92, diastolic 99.73 and pulse pressure 75.19. After procedure reduction value of BP was reported [mm Hg]: systolic 146.78; diastolic 87.14, pulse pressure 59.64 at 24-month follow-up (p < 0.05 for all).

RESULTS

30% of patients had systolic BP ≤ 140 mm Hg, 67% had diastolic BP ≤ 90 mm Hg, and optimum BP values ≤ 140/90 mm Hg were observed in 30% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In our cohort of patients, percutaneous renal artery ablation procedure effectively reduces systolic, diastolic BP and pulse pressure. No adverse events during 24 months of follow-up were noted. These results were comparable with available data from SIMPLICITY I and II trials.

High sensitive TROponin levels In Patients with Chest pain and kidney disease: A multicenter registry - The TROPIC study

BACKGROUND

Accuracy of high sensitive troponin (hs-cTn) to detect coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with renal insufficiency is not established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic role of hs-cTn T and I in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

All consecutive patients with chest pain, renal insufficiency (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and high sensitive troponin level were included. The predictive value of baseline and interval troponin (hs-cTnT and hs-cTnI) for the presence of CAD was assessed.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirteen patients with troponin I and 534 with troponin T were included, with 95 (84%) and 463 (87%) diagnosis of CAD respectively. There were no differences in clinical, procedural and outcomes between the two assays. For both, baseline hs-cTn values did not differ be-tween patients with/without CAD showing low area under the curve (AUC). For interval levels, hs-cTnI was significantly higher for patients with CAD (0.2 ± 0.8 vs. 8.9 ± 4.6 ng/mL; p = 0.04) and AUC was more accurate for troponin I than hs-cTnT (AUC 0.85 vs. 0.69). Peak level was greater for hs-cTnI in patients with CAD or thrombus (0.4 ± 0.6 vs. 15 ± 20 ng/mL; p = 0.02; AUC 0.87: 0.79-0.93); no differences were found for troponin T assays (0.8 ± 1.5 vs. 2.2 ± 3.6 ng/mL; p = 1.7), with lower AUC (0.73: 0.69-0.77). Peak troponin levels (both T and I) independently predicted all cause death at 30 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CKD presenting with altered troponin are at high risk of coronary disease. Peak level of both troponin assays predicts events at 30 days, with troponin I being more accurate than troponin T. (Cardiol J 2017; 24, 2: 139-150).

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation improves carotid and vertebral arterial blood flow in patients with severe aortic stenosis: practical role of orthostatic stress test

BACKGROUND

There are no data on the impact of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) on carotid and vertebral arterial blood flow. Our aim was to assess the effects of the orthostatic stress test on carotid and vertebral artery blood flow in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing TAVI.

HYPOTHESIS

TAVI may have beneficial effect on carotid and vertebral artery flow in patients with severe aortic stenosis.

METHODS

Thirty carefully selected patients with severe AS undergoing TAVI were enrolled. Peak systolic blood-flow velocity and end-diastolic velocity in the common carotid artery, internal carotid artery, and vertebral artery, as well as spectral analysis of flow pattern with time-averaged maximum velocity (centimeters per second), time-averaged mean velocity (centimeters per second), and flow volume (milliliters per minute) on both sides were measured by duplex ultrasound. Measurements were performed in the supine position and at 1 to 2 minutes after the assumption of the standing position at baseline and 3 months after TAVI.

RESULTS

All duplex ultrasound parameters assessed in the supine position have significantly improved in patients after TAVI as compared to baseline (P < 0.001 for all). The orthostatic stress test induced decrease of carotid and vertebral arterial flow velocities in AS patients before and after TAVI. However, the drop in velocities and flow volume was numerically lower after TAVI.

CONCLUSIONS

TAVI may have some beneficial effect on extracranial artery blood flow by minimalization of its decrease as a response to orthostatic stress.

Impact of frailty on mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

BACKGROUND

We sought to investigate the relation between frailty indices and 12-month mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

METHODS

We included 101 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis who have undergone TAVI. Frailty indices according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 recommendations (5-m walk test [5MWT] and hand grip strength) as well as other available scales of frailty (Katz index, Elderly Mobility Scale [EMS], Canadian Study of Health and Aging [CSHA] scale, Identification of Seniors at Risk [ISAR] scale) were assessed at baseline. The primary endpoint was 12-month all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Twelve-month all-cause mortality was 17.8%. According to 5MWT, 17.8% were frail; hand grip test: 6.9%; Katz index: 17.8%; EMS: 7.9%; CSHA scale: 16.9%; and ISAR scale: 52.5%. Associations between frailty indices and 12-month all-cause mortality after TAVI were significant in Cox regression analysis (frail vs not frail, presented as hazard ratio[95%CI] adjusted for logistic EuroSCORE): for 5MWT, 72.38 (15.95-328.44); for EMS, 23.39 (6.89-79.34); for CSHA scale, 53.97 (14.67-198.53); for Katz index, 21.69 (6.89-68.25); for hand grip strength, 51.54 (12.98-204.74); and for ISAR scale, 15.94 (2.10-120.74). Similarly, such relationship was confirmed when 5MWT, EMS, and CSHA were used as continuous variables (hazard ratio [95%CI] adjusted for logistic EuroSCORE: for 5MWT per 1-second increase, 2.55 [1.94-3.37]; for EMS per 1-point decrease, 2.90 (1.99-4.21); and for CSHA per 1-point increase, 3.13 [2.17-4.53]).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirmed a strong predictive ability of most of the proposed frailty indices for 12-month mortality after TAVI. For patients scheduled for TAVI, the use of frailty indices, which are easy and quick to assess on clinical basis but with strong performance, for example, 5MWT, EMS, or hand grip test, may be advocated.

Pentraxin 3 as a new indicator of cardiovascular‑related death in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease

INTRODUCTION    Pentraxin3 (PTX3) play an important role in the inflammatory response, taking part in recognizing pathogens and damaged tissues. OBJECTIVES    The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between PTX3 levels and all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients during five-year observation period.  PATIENTS AND METHODS    The study comprised 78 patients (51 hemodialyzed, 27 predialysis). The examined parameters included PTX3, calcium, phosphate, iPTH, interleukin-6 (IL-6), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), osteopontin (OPN), osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteocalcin (OC), osteopontin (OPN), osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteocalcin, tumor necrosis factor receptor II (TNF-R II), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), stromal cell-derived factor α (SDF1α), and thrombomodulin (TM). In a subgroup of 45 patients, fragments of radial artery obtained during creation of hemodialysis access were stained for calcifications. In 51 patients, ultrasonography was performed to assess intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT).  RESULTS    Median serum concentration of PTX3 was 1.43 (0.74-2.50) ng/ml. Higher concentrations of fibrinogen, CRP, IL-6, TNF-R II, TGFβ1, HGF, OPN, OPG, FGF-23, TM, SDF1α, lower albumin and uric acid levels were observed in patients with PTX3 above the median. During follow-up, 27 patients (35%) died, including 25 due to CV causes. In contrast to CRP, baseline PTX3 predicted CV mortality independently of classical CV risk factors. Also, PTX3 concentrations significantly predicted mortality after adjustment for age, baseline dialysis status, serum OPG and CRP, radial artery calcifications, and CCA-IMT. CONCLUSIONS    We postulate that PTX3 might be an early marker of CV mortality in patients with advanced CKD yet before the increase of specific marker for systemic inflammation like hsCRP.

Long-Term Mortality and Quality of Life After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Insertion in Very Elderly Patients

BACKGROUND

We sought to compare long-term mortality and quality of life (QoL) in very elderly (≥80 years) patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in comparison with younger patients (<80 years).

METHODS

A total of 101 patients treated with TAVI were divided into two groups according to age: <80 years (n = 42; 41.6%) and ≥80 years (n = 59; 58.4%). The baseline characteristics, including procedural outcomes as well as frailty and QoL assessment were compared between age groups.

RESULTS

Very elderly patients (≥80 years) were more frequently female, with a higher estimated risk of death based on STS score. Other baseline characteristics, including frailty indices, were comparable between groups. No difference in complication rate between age groups was observed. At 12 months, mortality rates were comparable for patients <80 years vs ≥80 years (16.7% vs 18.6%, respectively; P=.99). An improvement in QoL after 12 months as assessed by EQ-5D-3L was confirmed for both age groups, but with more pronounced beneficial effect of TAVI in younger patients.

CONCLUSION

The results of our single-center study showed that older age does not seem to be associated with impaired clinical outcomes after TAVI. However, benefit of TAVI in terms of long-term QoL improvement may be less apparent in very elderly patients.

Long-term mortality and follow-up after carotid artery stenting

BACKGROUND

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is an alternative to carotid endarterectomy for the prevention of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). The high long-term mortality among patients who underwent CAS seems to be related to the high comorbidity burden, including coronary and peripheral artery disease. However, limited data on very long-term mortality (over four years) and predictors of death are available.

AIM

We sought to investigate the very long-term survival after CAS and the impact of comorbidities on mortality at follow-up.

METHODS

Data of 194 symptomatic and asymptomatic patients who underwent CAS with cerebral protection systems from December 2002 to March 2014 were analyzed. All cause mortality during long-term follow-up was assessed. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to find independent predictors of death.

RESULTS

The median age of patients was 66 [interquartile range (IQR): 60-73] years and 78.9 % of patients were male. The median follow-up was 7.6 (IQR: 4.4-10.2) years. The all-cause mortality rate after 30 days, one year, four years, and at maximum follow-up was 0 %, 5.1 %, 17.5 % and 31.4 %, respectively. Out of 61 deaths, 37 (60 %) were cardio-cerebral vascular related deaths, 15 (25 %) non-cardiovascular deaths, and 9 (15 %) due to unknown reasons. Among cardio-cerebral vascular deaths, there were 12 fatal strokes, 18 fatal myocardial infarctions and seven other cardiac related deaths. Non-cardiac deaths were due mainly to cancer (9/15). Age and diabetes mellitus were independent predictors of all-cause death during long-term follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The mortality rate during short and long-term follow-up after CAS was lower than reported in the literature. Age and diabetes mellitus were independent predictors of all-cause death. Further research is needed to confirm the potential association between those risk factors and decreased survival. Hippokratia 2016, 20(3): 204-208.

Impact of Coronary Artery Disease Burden on 12-Month Mortality of Patients After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to compare 12-month mortality rate of patients with and without complete coronary revascularization before transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

BACKGROUND

There are limited data on the impact of coronary artery disease burden in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI.

METHODS

One hundred and one consecutive patients undergoing TAVI were enrolled. Of them 16 (15.8%) had an incomplete coronary revascularization. The primary endpoint was 12-month all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Twelve-month all-cause mortality was higher in patients with incomplete coronary revascularization than in patients with complete coronary revascularization or without significant lesions (75.0% vs 7.1%; P < 0.001). Importantly, incomplete coronary revascularization was an independent predictor of higher mortality rate after 12 months (hazard ratio (HR) for incomplete coronary revascularization 10.86, 95% CI 3.72-31.73; P < 0.001; HR for a history of stroke/TIA 3.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39-11.07; P < 0.001; HR for blood transfusion 2.84 95% CI (1.06-7.63); P = 0.039). In 9 of 16 (56.3%) patients, incomplete revascularization was related to the presence of chronic total occlusions (CTO). Patients with CTO had an increased mortality rate after 12 months (55.6% vs 14.1%; P = 0.008) as compared to patients without the CTO.

CONCLUSIONS

Incomplete coronary revascularization and a history of stroke or TIA may be independent predictors of all-cause mortality in patients undergoing TAVI. However, further studies are recommended to confirm the results, especially in terms of the impact of CTO presence on long-term mortality after TAVI.