Bicuspid Aortic Valve Morphology and Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Unlocking insights in bicuspid aortic valve management in adult patients: the vital role of cardiac imaging

The bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) presents a multifaceted clinical challenge due to its diverse morphologies and associated complications. This review aims to elucidate the critical role of cardiac imaging in guiding optimal management strategies for BAV patients. BAV, with a prevalence of 1-2%, has genetic underpinnings linked to the NOTCH1 gene mutation. Variability in BAV morphology necessitates tailored surgical approaches. The three primary types of BAV morphology - right-left cusp fusion, right-noncoronary cusp fusion, and left-noncoronary cusp fusion - demand nuanced considerations due to their distinct implications. Valvular dysfunction results in aortic stenosis or regurgitation, attributed to altered valve structure and turbulent hemodynamics. Cardiac imaging modalities, including echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computerized tomography, are instrumental in assessing valve function, aortic dimensions, and associated complications. Imaging helps predict potential complications, enabling informed treatment decisions. Regular follow-up is crucial to detecting alterations early and intervening promptly. Surgical management options encompass aortic valve repair or replacement, with patient-specific factors guiding the choice. Post-surgical surveillance plays a vital role in preventing complications and optimizing patient outcomes. The review underscores the significance of advanced cardiac imaging techniques in understanding BAV's complexities, facilitating personalized management strategies, and improving patient care. By harnessing the power of multimodal imaging, clinicians can tailor interventions, monitor disease progression, and ultimately enhance the prognosis and quality of life for individuals with BAV.

Clinical outcomes after aortic valve replacement with severe stenosis of trileaflet aortic valve and low valve calcium score

BACKGROUND

Some patients have severe aortic valve stenosis (AS) despite a lower degree of aortic valve calcification (AVC). This study compared the clinical features and prognosis of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) for severe AS with a low AVC score compared with those with higher AVC scores.

METHODS

This study included 1002 Korean patients with symptomatic severe degenerative AS who underwent AVR. We measured AVC score before AVR and defined low AVC as AVC score of <2000 units for male patients and <1300 units for female patients. Patients with bicuspid or rheumatic aortic valve disease were excluded.

RESULTS

The mean age was 75.6±7.9 years and 487 patients (48.6%) were female. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 59.4%±10.4%, and concomitant coronary revascularisation was performed in 96 patients (9.6%). The median aortic valve calcium score was 3122 units (IQR 2249-4289 units) among male patients and 1756 units (IQR 1192-2572) among female patients. A total of 242 patients (24.2%) had low AVC; they were significantly younger (73.5±8.7 years vs 76.3±7.5 years, p<0.001) and were more likely to be female (59.5% vs 45.1%, p<0.001) and on haemodialysis (5.4% vs 1.8%, p=0.006) than those with high AVC. During a follow-up (median: 3.8 years), the patients with low AVC had significantly higher risk of death from any cause (adjusted HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.52, p=0.04), mostly non-cardiac cause.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with low AVC exhibit distinct clinical characteristics and a higher risk of long-term mortality compared with those with high AVC.

Results of new-generation balloon vs. self-expandable transcatheter heart valves for bicuspid aortic valve stenosis

Background

Data comparing new-generation self-expandable (SEV, Evolut R/PRO) vs. balloon-expandable (BEV, SAPIEN 3/3Ultra) transcatheter heart valve replacement (TAVR) in bicuspid aortic valve stenosis (BAV) is limited. Our aim was to compare 30-day results of SEV and BEV implantations in patients with BAV.

Methods

A total of 2009 patients underwent TAVR between April 2015 and June 2021 at our Centre. From our institutional registry, we identified 106 consecutive patients with BAV who underwent TAVR using SEV and BEV.

Results

A 106 patients (n = 68 BEV; n = 38 SEV) were included. Mean age was 74.6 ± 8.8 years (BEV) vs.75.3 ± 8.7 years (SEV) (p = 0.670) and Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 2.6 ± 1.9 (BEV) vs. 2.6 ± 1.6 (SEV) (p = 0.374), respectively. Device landing zone calcium volume (DLZ-CV) was 1168 ± 811 vs. 945 ± 850 mm3 (p = 0.192). Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-3 device success at 30 days was similar (BEV 80.9% vs. SEV 86.8%; p = 0.433). More post-dilatations were performed in SEVs (23.5% BEV vs. 52.6% SEV; p = 0.002). Overall mean gradient at 30 days follow-up was 11.9 ± 4.6 mmHG (BEV) vs. 9.2 ± 3.0 mmHG (SEV) (p = 0.002). A mild-moderate degree of paravalvular leak (PVL) was detected more often in the SEV group (7.4% vs. 13.2%; p = 0.305). A trend towards higher rate of permanent pacemaker implantation was observed in SEV (11.8% vs. 23.7%; p = 0.109).

Conclusions

Treatment of BAV revealed similar performance using BEV and SEV. In this retrospective cohort study, hemodynamics were more favorable with the SEV, although there was a trend toward more PVL and significantly more post-dilations.

TAVI after More Than 20 Years

It has been more than 20 years since the first in man transcatheter aortic valve intervention (TAVI), and during this period we have witnessed an impressive evolution of this technique, with an extension of its use from non-operable patients to high-, intermediate- and even low-risk patients with aortic stenosis, and with a decrease in the incidence of complications. In this review, we discuss the evaluation of patients before TAVI, the procedure and the changes it has seen over time, and we present the current main complications and challenges of TAVI.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement with the VenusA-Pro and VenusA-Plus systems: preliminary experience in China

Background

The outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) employing the second-generation retrievable VenusA-Pro and VenusA-Plus delivery systems with the self-expanding VenusA-Valve have not been described yet. This study aims to report the outcomes of these two second-generation delivery systems.

Methods

From January 2022 to April 2023, we prospectively enrolled patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR with VenusA-Pro from three centers across China in this first-in-man study and retrospectively identified those undergoing TAVR with VenusA-Plus. All outcomes were reported according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 definition. The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause mortality.

Results

A total of 156 patients were included, of which 46 underwent TAVR with VenusA-Pro and 110 underwent TAVR with VenusA-Plus. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons median score was 2.1%, bicuspid anatomy prevalence rate was 55.1%, and the mean aortic root calcification volume was 693 mm3. The technical success rate was 91.7%, comparable between the VenusA-Pro and VenusA-Plus groups (87.0% vs. 93.6%, P = 0.169). The 30-day all-cause mortality was 2.6%, similar between the VenusA-Pro and VenusA-Plus groups (2.2% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.842). No myocardial infarction occurred. The incidences of stroke (0.6%), major bleeding (3.8%), major vascular complications (5.1%), acute kidney injury (9.0%), permanent pacemaker implantation (5.1%), new-onset atrial fibrillation (5.8%), and moderate-to-severe paravalvular aortic regurgitation (6.0%) were favorable and comparable between the two groups. The clinical outcomes were similar between the patients with bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve, except that the incidence of permanent pacemaker implantation was lower in patients with bicuspid anatomy (1.2% vs. 10.6%, P = 0.010).

Conclusions

The 30-day outcomes of TAVR with VenusA-Pro and VenusA-Plus were favorable and comparable.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the Evolut platform for bicuspid aortic valve stenosis: the international, multicentre, prospective BIVOLUTX registry

BACKGROUND

Prospective data about transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients are limited.

AIMS

We aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of the Evolut PRO and R (34 mm) self-expanding prostheses in BAV patients and explore the impact of different computed tomography (CT) sizing algorithms in a prospective registry.

METHODS

A total of 149 bicuspid patients were treated in 14 countries. The primary endpoint was the intended valve performance at 30 days. Secondary endpoints were 30-day and 1-year mortality, severe patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) and the ellipticity index at 30 days. All study endpoints were adjudicated according to Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 criteria.

RESULTS

The mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 2.6% (1.7-4.2). Type I L-R BAV was observed in 72.5% of the patients. Evolut valve sizes 29 and 34 mm were utilised in 49.0% and 36.9% of the cases, respectively. The 30-day cardiac death rate was 2.6%; the 1-year cardiac death rate was 11.0%. Valve performance at 30 days was observed in 142/149 (95.3%) patients. The mean aortic valve area post-TAVI was 2.1 (1.8-2.6) cm2, and the mean aortic gradient was 7.2 (5.4-9.5) mmHg. No patient had more than moderate aortic regurgitation at 30 days. PPM was observed in 13/143 (9.1%) surviving patients and was severe in 2 patients (1.6%). Valve function was maintained at 1 year. The mean ellipticity index remained 1.3 (interquartile range 1.2-1.4). Overall, 30-day and 1-year clinical and echocardiography outcomes were similar between the two sizing strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

BIVOLUTX demonstrated a favourable bioprosthetic valve performance and good clinical outcomes after TAVI with the Evolut platform in patients with bicuspid aortic stenosis. No impact from the sizing methodology could be identified.

Lower incidence of new-onset severe conduction disturbances after transcatheter aortic valve implantation with bicuspid aortic valve in patients with no baseline conduction abnormality: a cross-sectional investigation in a single center in China

Background

With technological advancements, the incidence of most transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)-related complications, with the exception of conduction disturbances, has decreased. Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is also no longer considered a contraindication to TAVI; however, the effect of BAV on postoperative conduction disturbances after TAVI is unknown.

Methods

We collected information on patients who met the indications for TAVI and successfully underwent TAVI at our center between January 2018 and January 2021. Patients with preoperative pacemaker implantation status or conduction disturbances (atrioventricular block, bundle branch block, and intraventricular block) were excluded. Based on imaging data, the patients were categorized into the BAV group and the tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) group. The incidence of new perioperative conduction disturbances was compared between the two groups.

Results

A total of 187 patients were included in this study, 64 (34.2%) of whom had BAV. The incidence of third-degree block in the BAV group was 1.6%, which was lower than that (13.0%) in the TAV group (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression results showed that the risk of third-degree conduction disturbances was 15-fold smaller in the BAV group than that in the TAV group [relative risk (RR) = 0.067, 95% CI = 0.008-0.596, P < 0.05]. The risk of other blocks in the BAV group was about half of that in the TAV group (RR = 0.498, 95% CI = 0.240-1.032); however, the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The present study found that patients with BAV had a lower rate of third-degree conduction disturbances after TAVI than patients with TAV.

The first clinical data of the SAPIEN 3 aortic valve in the treatment of aortic stenosis in China

Background

Data on outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement with SAPIEN 3 in China is limited as it was approved by the National Medical Products since 2020. The present study was designed to collect clinical data on the SAPIEN 3 aortic valve in Chinese patients with bicuspid aortic valve and tricuspid aortic valve stenosis.

Methods

We analyzed the patient characteristics, procedural features and procedural outcomes of the first 438 patients (223 for bicuspid aortic valve and 215 tricuspid aortic valve) from 21 provinces in 74 sites treated with the SAPIEN 3 valve system for transcatheter aortic valve replacement between September 2020 and May 2022.

Results

Procedural mortality was 0.7%. 5 cases during the operation were converted to surgery. Among 438 cases, permanent pacemaker implantation was performed in a total of 12 cases (2.7%). The patient had severe leaflet calcification of the aortic valve, with moderate and severe calcification reaching 39.7% and 35.2% respectively. The size of the implanted valves was predominantly 26 mm and 23 mm, reaching 42.5% and 39.5% respectively. The incidence of moderate or severe perivalvular leak in the postoperative period was 0.5%, with a predominance of 90/10 and 80/20 valve deployment height. There was a significant difference in the deployment height of the valve between bicuspid aortic valve and tricuspid aortic valve, with the bicuspid aortic valve having a more deployment height of 90/10. Annulus size in bicuspid aortic valve group was significantly larger than tricuspid aortic valve group. Valve sizing for oversized, within size, and undersized were different between bicuspid aortic valve and tricuspid aortic valve.

Conclusions

Procedural success rates were high, with similar and good results for bicuspid aortic valve and tricuspid aortic valve, low perivalvular leak for both valve types, and low permanent pacemaker implantation rates for both valve types. Annulus size, valve sizing and coronary artery height were significantly different in the BAV and TAV group.

Clinical Profile and Outcomes of Patients With Pure Aortic Regurgitation Who Underwent Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement

Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) remains the standard of care for patients with chronic severe aortic regurgitation (AR). The introduction of a dedicated transcatheter heart valve for AR has fueled interest in using transcatheter aortic valve replacement to treat patients with isolated AR. We aimed to characterize the profile and outcomes of patients with symptomatic severe AR who underwent isolated SAVR. We conducted a retrospective, observational study of patients who underwent isolated SAVR for symptomatic severe AR at our institution. The primary outcome was in-hospital all-cause mortality. Patients were followed up with 30-day clinical and echocardiographic assessment. A total of 979 patients who underwent SAVR for severe AR between January 2015 and June 2021 were screened for eligibility, of whom 112 patients (11.4%) underwent isolated SAVR for symptomatic severe AR and were included in this analysis. Approximately 25% of patients were deemed to be at intermediate or high risk (n = 26 of 112). The primary outcome occurred in 2.7% of patients (n = 3 of 112). In-hospital stroke occurred in 2.7% of patients (n = 3 of 112), and new-onset atrial fibrillation occurred in 32.1% (n = 36 of 112). At 30-day follow-up, all-cause mortality occurred in 3.6% of patients (n = 4 of 112), and 0.8% (1 of 112) had >mild AR. In conclusion, in a tertiary referral center, the number of patients who underwent isolated SAVR for pure AR represented a small fraction of the overall SAVR patients. The vast majority were low risk and younger when compared with patients with severe aortic stenosis. SAVR yielded excellent short-term mortality and echocardiographic improvements.

Appropriate Use Criteria for the Management of Aortic Stenosis: Insight From the Japanese Expert Panel

Background

The indication for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for aortic stenosis (AS) significantly varies among physicians and institutions.

Objectives

This study aims to develop a set of appropriate use criteria for AS management to assist physicians in decision-making.

Methods

The RAND-modified Delphi panel method was used. A total of >250 common clinical scenarios were identified in terms of whether to perform the intervention for AS and the mode of intervention (surgical aortic valve replacement vs TAVR). Eleven nationally representative expert panelists independently rated the clinical scenario appropriateness on a scale of 1-9, as "appropriate" (7-9), "may be appropriate" (4-6), or "rarely appropriate" (1-3); the median score of the 11 experts was then assigned to an appropriate-use category.

Results

The panel identified 3 factors that were associated with a rarely appropriate rating in terms of performing the intervention: 1) limited life expectancy; 2) frailty; and 3) pseudo-severe AS on dobutamine stress echocardiography. Clinical scenarios that were deemed rarely appropriate for TAVR were also identified: 1) patients with low surgical risk and high TAVR procedural risk; 2) patients with coexistent severe primary mitral regurgitation or rheumatic mitral stenosis; and 3) bicuspid aortic valve that was not suitable for TAVR. Importantly, any TAVRs for patients who were older than 75 years of age were not rated as rarely appropriate.

Conclusions

These appropriate use criteria provide a practical guide for physicians regarding clinical situations commonly encountered in daily practice and elucidates scenarios deemed rarely appropriate that are clinical challenges for TAVR.

One-Year Outcomes after Myval Implantation in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve Stenosis-A Multicentre Real-World Experience

BACKGROUND

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) affects approximately 1.5% of the general population and is seen in nearly 50% of candidates for aortic valve replacement (AVR). Despite increasingly utilised transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in aortic stenosis (AS) patients, its use among patients with severe bicuspid AS is limited as BAV is a heterogeneous disease associated with multiple and complex anatomical challenges.

AIM

To investigate the one-year outcomes of TAVI using the balloon-expandable Myval transcatheter heart valve (THV) (Meril Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Vapi, India) in patients with severe bicuspid AS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We collected data from consecutive patients with bicuspid AS who underwent TAVI with the Myval THV and had at least one-year follow-up. Baseline characteristics, procedural, and 30-day echocardiographic and clinical outcomes were collected. Sixty-two patients were included in the study. The median age was 72 [66.3, 77.0] years, 45 (72.6%) were males, and the mean STS PROM score was 3.2 ± 2.2%. All TAVI procedures were performed via the transfemoral route. The median follow-up duration was 13.5 [12.2, 18.3] months; all-cause mortality was reported in 7 (11.3%) patients and cardiovascular hospitalisation in 6 (10.6%) patients. All-stroke was reported in 2 (3.2%), permanent pacemaker implantation 5 (8.3%), and myocardial infarction 1 (1.6%) patients. The echocardiographic assessment revealed a mean pressure gradient of 10 [8, 16.5] mmHg, effective orifice area 1.7 [1.4, 1.9] cm2, moderate AR in 1 (2%), mild AR in 14 (27%), and none/trace AR in 37 (71%). In total, 1 patient was diagnosed with valve thrombosis (2.1%), Stage II (moderate) haemodynamic deterioration was seen in 3 (6.4%), and stage III (severe) haemodynamic deterioration in 1 (2.1%) patient.

CONCLUSIONS

TAVI with the Myval THV in selected BAV anatomy is associated with favourable one-year hemodynamic and clinical outcomes.

Comparison of patients with bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve in transcatheter aortic valve implantation

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as a safe and effective alternative to surgery for aortic stenosis (AS). However, there are still differences in the procedural process and outcome of bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) treated with TAVI compared with tricuspid aortic valve.

AREAS COVERED

This review paper aims to summarize the main characteristics and clinical evidence of TAVI in patients with bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valves and compare the outcomes of TAVI procedure.

EXPERT OPINION

The use of TAVI in patients with BAV has shown similar clinical outcomes compared with tricuspid aortic valve. The efficacy of TAVI for challenging BAV anatomies remains a concern due to the lack of randomized trials. Detailed preprocedural planning is of great importance in low-surgical-risk BAV patients. A better understanding of which subtypes of BAV anatomy are at greater risk for adverse outcomes can potentially benefit the selection of TAVI or open-heart surgery in low surgical risk AS patients.

Benign incidental cardiac findings in chest and cardiac CT imaging

With the continuous expansion of the disease scope of chest CT and cardiac CT, the number of these CT examinations has increased rapidly. In addition to their common indications, many incidental cardiac findings can be observed when carefully evaluating the coronary arteries, valves, pericardium, ventricles, and large vessels. These findings may have clinical significance or risk of complications, but they are sometimes overlooked or may not be described in the final reports. Although most of the incidental findings are benign, timely detection and treatment can improve the management of chronic diseases or reduce the possibility of severe complications. In this review, we summarized the imaging findings, incidence rate, and clinical relevance of some benign cardiac findings such as coronary artery calcification, aortic and mitral valve calcification, aortic calcification, cardiac thrombus, myocardial bridge, aortic dilation, cardiac myxoma, pericardial cyst, and coronary artery fistula. Reporting incidental cardiac findings will help reduce the risk of severe complications or disease deterioration and contribute to the recovery of patients.

Ongoing experience with patient-specific computer simulation of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in bicuspid aortic valve

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is increasingly being used to treat younger, lower-risk patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). Patient-specific computer simulation may identify patients at risk for developing paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) and major conduction disturbance. Only limited prospective experience of this technology exist. We wished to describe our ongoing experience with patient-specific computer simulation.

METHODS

Patients who were referred for consideration of TAVR with a self-expanding transcatheter heart valve (THV) and had BAV identified on pre-procedural cardiac computed tomography imaging underwent patient-specific computer simulation. The computer simulations were reviewed by the Heart Team and used to guide surgical or transcatheter treatment approaches and to aid in THV sizing and positioning. Clinical outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

Between May 2019 and May 2021, 16 patients with BAV were referred for consideration of TAVR with a self-expanding THV. Sievers Type 1 morphology was present in 15 patients and Type 0 in the remaining patient. Two patients were predicted to develop moderate-to-severe PVR with a TAVR procedure and these patients underwent successful surgical aortic valve replacement. In the remaining 14 patients, computer simulation was used to optimize THV sizing and positioning to minimise PVR and conduction disturbance. One patient with a low valve implantation depth developed moderate PVR and this complication was correctly predicted by the computer simulations. No patient required insertion of a new permanent pacemaker.

CONCLUSION

Patient-specific computer simulation may be used to guide the most appropriate treatment modality for patients with BAV. The usage of computer simulation to guide THV sizing and positioning was associated with favourable clinical outcomes.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Two Decades of Evolution - TAVI From Current Perspective

Background

In the treatment of valvular heart diseases, transcatheter therapies have changed the rules of the game, especially in the case of aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation. Since the first in man transcatheter aortic valve intervention (TAVI) performed by Dr. Alain Cribier in 2002 in a non-operable aortic stenosis (AS) patient, TAVI has changed the lives of so many patients for whom medical treatment was, up to then, the only option.

Objective

This article outlines patient selection and pre-procedure evaluation, current perspectives, recent advances, current and future devices, current guidelines informing the use of TAVI, expanding indications for TAVI, ongoing challenges and the future of TAVI.

Methods

The use of these percutaneous techniques has also increased significantly in the past few years with its first application in 2002, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has revolutionized the management of aortic stenosis and has become the standard of care for patients with AS at prohibitively high surgical risks, as well as a preferred treatment for elderly patients with intermediate and high-risk AS.

Results

Since the first pioneering procedure was performed 22 years ago, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has evolved into a routine procedure increasingly performed under conscious sedation via transfemoral access. On a global market worth $2 billion per year, over 300 000 patients have received a transcatheter aortic valve, demonstrating its clinical and market impact. TAVI may be used in lower risk, younger, asymptomatic populations with ongoing studies using an expanding portfolio of devices. Also, for patients deemed unsuitable for cardiac surgery, mitral transcatheter therapies represent the treatment of choice. Percutaneous repair techniques have had the most clinical experience to date.

Conclusion

During this 20-year period, the increased knowledge on pre-procedural planning, the important technological improvements in transcatheter valves, the increased experience and the numerous studies that have been carried out have permitted an expansion of the indications for TAVI, from inoperable patients to high- and intermediate-risk patients. This article outlines patient selection and pre-procedure evaluation, current perspectives, recent advances, current and future devices, current guidelines informing the use of TAVI, expanding indications for TAVI, ongoing challenges and the future of TAVI.

Designing a Novel Asymmetric Transcatheter Aortic Valve for Stenotic Bicuspid Aortic Valves Using Patient-Specific Computational Modeling

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), the most common congenital heart malformation, is characterized by the presence of only two valve leaflets with asymmetrical geometry, resulting in elliptical systolic opening. BAV often leads to early onset of calcific aortic stenosis (AS). Following the rapid expansion of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), designed specifically for treating conventional tricuspid AS, BAV patients with AS were initially treated "off-label" with TAVR, which recently gained FDA and CE regulatory approval. Despite its increasing use in BAV, pathological BAV anatomy often leads to complications stemming from mismatched anatomical features. To mitigate these complications, a novel eccentric polymeric TAVR valve incorporating asymmetrical leaflets was designed specifically for BAV anatomies. Computational modeling was used to optimize its asymmetric leaflets for lower functional stresses and improved hemodynamic performance. Deployment and flow were simulated in patient-specific BAV models (n = 6) and compared to a current commercial TAVR valve (Evolut R 29 mm), to assess deployment and flow parameters. The novel eccentric BAV-dedicated valve demonstrated significant improvements in peak systolic orifice area, along with lower jet velocity and wall shear stress (WSS). This feasibility study demonstrates the clinical potential of the first known BAV-dedicated TAVR design, which will foster advancement of patient-dedicated valvular devices.

Technical Success after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for Bicuspid versus Tricuspid Aortic Stenosis

Background: Comparative data of the Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC-3)-defined technical success between bicuspid versus tricuspid aortic stenosis (AS) remain lacking. Aims: We sought to compare the technical success and other clinical outcomes between patients with bicuspid and tricuspid AS receiving transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Methods: A registration-based analysis was performed for 402 patients (211 and 191 cases of bicuspid and tricuspid AS, respectively). The primary outcome was VARC-3-defined technical success. Additional analysis was performed to assess outcomes for up to one year between the two groups. Results: Bicuspid AS patients tended to be younger (74 years vs. 77 years; p < 0.001) with a lower Society of Thoracic Surgeons score (4.4% vs. 5.4%; p = 0.003). Bicuspid AS patients showed a lower prevalence of hypertension and peripheral vascular diseases. Technical failure was encountered in 17.7% of these patients, driven primarily by the high incidence of second valve implantation. The technical success rates were comparable between the bicuspid and tricuspid AS groups (82.5% vs. 82.2%, p = 0.944). Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and larger sinotubular junctional diameter (STJ) were identified as predictors of technical failure, whereas CKD, impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), along with larger STJ, were predictors of cardiac technical failure. Technical failure was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality at 30 days and 1 year, as evidenced by the Cox multivariable analysis. Conclusions: No significant differences were observed in the technical success rates and most clinical outcomes between the bicuspid and tricuspid AS groups. Technical failure conferred an increased risk for both 30-day and 1-year all-cause mortalities.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with bicuspid valve morphology: a roadmap towards standardization

Indications for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have expanded in many countries to include patients with aortic stenosis who are at low surgical risk, and a similar expansion to this cohort is anticipated elsewhere in the world, together with an increase in the proportion of patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) morphology as the age of the patients being treated decreases. To date, patients with BAV have been excluded from major randomized trials of TAVI owing to anatomical considerations. As a consequence, BAV has been a relative contraindication to the use of TAVI in international guidelines. Although clinical experience and observational data are accumulating, BAV presents numerous anatomical challenges for successful TAVI, despite advances in device design. Furthermore, in those with BAV, substantial geographical variation exists in patient characteristics, clinical approach and procedural strategy. Therefore, in this Roadmap article, we summarize the existing evidence and provide consensus recommendations from an international group of experts on the application of TAVI in patients with BAV in advance of the anticipated growth in the use of this procedure in this challenging cohort of patients.

Anatomical morphology of the aortic valve in Chinese aortic stenosis patients and clinical results after downsize strategy of transcatheter aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to describe the aortic valve morphology in Chinese patients underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS), and the impact of sizing strategies and related procedural outcomes.

METHODS

Patients with severe AS who underwent TAVR were consecutively enrolled from 2012 to 2019. The anatomy and morphology of the aortic root were assessed. "Downsize" strategy was preformed when patients had complex morphology. The clinical outcomes of patients who performed downsize strategy were compared with those received annular sizing strategy. The primary outcome was device success rate, and secondary outcomes included Valve Academic Research Consortium-3 clinical outcomes variables based on 1-year follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 293 patients were enrolled. Among them, 95 patients (32.4%) had bicuspid aortic valve. The calcium volume (Hounsfield Unit-850) of aortic root was 449.90 (243.15-782.15) mm 3 . Calcium is distributed mostly on the leaflet level. Downsize strategy was performed in 204 patients (69.6%). Compared with the patients who performed annular sizing strategy, those received downsize strategy achieved a similar device success rate (82.0% [73] vs . 83.3% [170], P  = 0.79). Aortic valve gradients (downsize strategy group vs . annular sizing group, 11.28 mmHg vs. 11.88 mmHg, P  = 0.64) and percentages of patients with moderate or severe paravalvular regurgitation 2.0% (4/204) vs . 4.5% (4/89), P  = 0.21) were similar in the two groups at 30 days after TAVR. These echocardiographic results were sustainable for one year.

CONCLUSIONS

Chinese TAVR patients have more prevalent bicuspid morphology and large calcium volume of aortic root. Calcium is distributed mostly on the leaflet level. Compare with annular sizing strategy, downsize strategy provided a non-inferior device success rate and transcatheter heart valve hemodynamic performance in self-expanding TAVR procedure.

Clinical outcomes of bicuspid versus tricuspid aortic valve stenosis after transcatheter aortic valve replacement with self-expandable valves

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of available data on specific prognostic comparisons between transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using self-expandable valves (SEV) in patients with stenotic Type 0, Type 1 bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and tricuspid aortic valve (TAV).

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association between aortic valve morphology and outcomes following self-expandable TAVR.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with aortic stenosis(AS) undergoing self-expandable TAVR were enrolled and categorized into three groups (Type 0/Type 1 BAV or TAV) according to the Sievers classification. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality and rehospitalization for heart failure (HF) within 2 years. Secondary outcomes included procedural complications and major cardiovascular events observed in clinical follow-ups. Clinical outcomes at 2 years following TAVR were compared among three groups using Kaplan-Meier curve and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 344 AS patients (Type 0: 86; Type 1: 109; TAV: 149) were enrolled. The presence of moderate or severe paravalvular leak (PVL) was significantly higher in patients with Type 0 and Type 1 BAV versus TAV (10.47% vs. 16.51% vs. 6.71%, p = 0.043). All-cause 30-day mortality (2.33% vs. 0.92% vs. 2.68%, p = 0.626) and 2-year mortality (3.49% vs. 5.50% vs. 6.71%, p = 0.657) was comparable among the three groups. However, rehospitalization for HF within 2 years was significantly higher in Type 1 BAV (11.63% vs. 20.18% vs. 8.72%, p = 0.020). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that a higher STS score, Type 1 BAV morphology and excess leaflet calcification (≥ median calcium volume (CV) of the entire population) were independent predictors for HF rehospitalization. Additional intragroup Kaplan‒Meier analysis showed that excess leaflet calcification could predict higher long-term mortality and rehospitalization risk for HF(HR (95% CI): 3.430 (1.166-10.090), log rank p = 0.017) in Type 1 BAV patients.

CONCLUSION

Outcomes of self-expandable TAVR in BAV-AS patients might vary depending on valve subtypes. BAV patients with excess leaflet calcification and a raphe, especially calcified, had an increased risk of moderate PVL and HF readmission in mid-to-long term follow-ups.

Validating In Silico and In Vitro Patient-Specific Structural and Flow Models with Transcatheter Bicuspid Aortic Valve Replacement Procedure

INTRODUCTION

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital cardiac malformation, which had been treated off-label by transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure for several years, until its recent approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Conformité Européenne (CE) to treat BAVs. Post-TAVR complications tend to get exacerbated in BAV patients due to their inherent aortic root pathologies. Globally, due to the paucity of randomized clinical trials, clinicians still favor surgical AVR as the primary treatment option for BAV patients. While this warrants longer term studies of TAVR outcomes in BAV patient cohorts, in vitro experiments and in silico computational modeling can be used to guide the surgical community in assessing the feasibility of TAVR in BAV patients. Our goal is to combine these techniques in order to create a modeling framework for optimizing pre-procedural planning and minimize post-procedural complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patient-specific in silico models and 3D printed replicas of 3 BAV patients with different degrees of post-TAVR paravalvular leakage (PVL) were created. Patient-specific TAVR device deployment was modeled in silico and in vitro-following the clinical procedures performed in these patients. Computational fluid dynamics simulations and in vitro flow studies were performed in order to obtain the degrees of PVL in these models.

RESULTS

PVL degree and locations were consistent with the clinical data. Cross-validation comparing the stent deformation and the flow parameters between the in silico and the in vitro models demonstrated good agreement.

CONCLUSION

The current framework illustrates the potential of using simulations and 3D printed models for pre-TAVR planning and assessing post-TAVR complications in BAV patients.

Fragmentation of Different Calcification Growth Patterns in Bicuspid Valves During Balloon Valvuloplasty Procedure

This study focuses on the calcification development and routes of type-1 bicuspid aortic valves based on CT scans and the effect of the unique geometrical shapes of calcium deposits on their fragmentation under balloon valvuloplasty procedures. Towards this goal, the novel Reverse Calcification Technique (RCT), which can predict the calcification progression leading to the current state based on CT scans, is utilized for n = 26 bicuspid aortic valves patients. Two main calcification patterns of type-1 bicuspid aortic valves were identified; asymmetric and symmetric with either partial or full arcs and circles. Subsequently, a calcification fragmentation biomechanical model was introduced to study the balloon valvuloplasty procedure prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement implantation that allows better device expansion. To achieve this goal, six representative stenotic bicuspid aortic valves of different calcification patterns were investigated. It was found that the distinct geometrical shape of the calcium deposits had a significant effect on the cracks' initiations. Full or partial circle deposits had stronger resistance to fragmentation and mainly remained intact, yet, arc-shaped pattern deposits resulted in multiple cracks in bottleneck regions. The proposed biomechanical computational models could help assess calcification fragmentation patterns toward improving treatment approaches in stenotic bicuspid aortic valve patients, particularly for the off-label use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

A 20-year journey in transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Evolution to current eminence

Since the first groundbreaking procedure in 2002, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has revolutionized the management of aortic stenosis (AS). Through striking developments in pertinent equipment and techniques, TAVI has now become the leading therapeutic strategy for aortic valve replacement in patients with severe symptomatic AS. The procedure streamlining from routine use of conscious sedation to a single arterial access approach, the newly adapted implantation techniques, and the introduction of novel technologies such as intravascular lithotripsy and the refinement of valve-bioprosthesis devices along with the accumulating experience have resulted in a dramatic reduction of complications and have improved associated outcomes that are now considered comparable or even superior to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). These advances have opened the road to the use of TAVI in younger and lower-risk patients and up-to-date data from landmark studies have now established the outstanding efficacy and safety of TAVI in patients with low-surgical risk impelling the most recent ESC guidelines to propose TAVI, as the main therapeutic strategy for patients with AS aged 75 years or older. In this article, we aim to summarize the most recent advances and the current clinical aspects involving the use of TAVI, and we also attempt to highlight impending concerns that need to be further addressed.

Transcatheter Interventions in Patients With Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Patients with congenital heart disease now live well into adulthood because of advances in surgical techniques, improvements in medical management, and the development of novel therapeutic agents. As patients grow older into adults with congenital heart disease, many require catheter-based interventions for the treatment of residual defects, sequelae of their initial repair or palliation, or acquired heart disease. The past 3 decades have witnessed an exponential growth in both the type and number of transcatheter interventions in patients with congenital heart disease. With improvements in medical technology and device design, including the use of devices designed for the treatment of acquired valve stenosis or regurgitation, patients who previously would have required open-heart surgery for various conditions can now undergo percutaneous cardiac catheter-based procedures. Many of these procedures are complex and occur in complex patients who are best served by a multidisciplinary team. This review aims to highlight some of the currently available transcatheter interventional procedures for adults with congenital heart disease, the clinical outcomes of each intervention, and any special considerations so that the reader may better understand both the procedure and patients with adult congenital heart disease.

Imaging, Treatment Options, Patient Selection, and Outcome Considerations for Patients With Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement has emerged as a safe and effective alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis across the spectrum of surgical risks based on a series of foundational randomized clinical trials. Of note, patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease were excluded from all these pivotal randomized trials, leaving a significant knowledge gap because BAVs are commonly encountered in patients referred for aortic valve surgery or intervention. In this comprehensive review, we aim to provide heart teams with a detailed insight into how to approach patients with BAV disease, focusing on imaging and characterization of bicuspid valves, an overview of surgical approaches, and an understanding of the current data behind the role of transcatheter aortic valve replacement for patients with BAV disease.

Lifetime Management of Aortic Stenosis: Transcatheter Versus Surgical Treatment for Young and Low-Risk Patients

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is now indicated across all risk categories of patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis and has been proposed as first line option for the majority of patients >74 years old. However, median age of patients enrolled in the transcatheter aortic valve replacement low-risk trials is 74 years and transcatheter aortic valve replacement has never been systematically investigated in young low risk patients. Although the long-term data in surgical aortic valve replacement in young patients (age <75) are well known, such data remain lacking in transcatheter aortic valve replacement. In the absence of clear guideline recommendations in patients with challenging anatomies (eg, hostile calcium, bicuspid), it is important to know the potential advantages and disadvantages of each treatment and to consider how they might integrate with each other in the lifetime management of such patients. In this review, we discuss current outstanding issues on the management of severe aortic stenosis from a lifetime management perspective, particularly in terms of initial intervention and future reinterventions.

Device Failure in Bicuspid Aortic Stenosis Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Recent studies showed the favorable outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) stenosis. However, data on the relation between BAV morphology and optimal transcatheter heart valve (THV) selection are limited. This study sought to evaluate the determinants of device performance in patients with BAV who underwent TAVI. Consecutive patients with BAV who underwent TAVI with the SAPIEN 3 from multicenters were evaluated. Outcomes were the incidence and predictors of device failure. Device failure was defined as peak aortic velocity >3.0 m/s, mean pressure gradient >20 mm Hg, moderate or severe paravalvular leakage and/or procedure mortality. A total of 187 patients with BAV were identified, aged 77 years, and 38.0% were women. A total of 37 patients (19.8%) were treated with 23-mm valve, 58 (31.0%) with 26-mm valve, and 92 (49.2%) with 29-mm valve. Predischarge echocardiogram demonstrated 37 patients (19.8%) with device failure. BAV with excessive leaflet calcification plus calcified raphe (EC-BAV) (OR 16.7, 95% CI 1.99 to 39.6) and smaller THV (OR 4.41, 95% CI 1.43 to 13.6) were independently associated with increased risk of device failure. In addition, 4.0%, 5.1%, and 11.1% of device failures were observed in patients without EC-BAV who underwent TAVI with 23-, 26- and 29-mm THV (p = 0.47), respectively, and 91.7%, 31.6% and 23.2% in those with EC-BAV, respectively (p <0.001). In conclusion, EC-BAV morphology was the major determinant of a device failure after TAVI. Moreover, TAVI in patients with EC-BAV requiring small SAPIEN 3 could be challenging. Further data on device and treatment selection in patients with BAV are still warranted.

The impact of bicuspid aortic valve morphology on von Willebrand factor function in patients with severe aortic stenosis and its change after TAVI

BACKGROUND

Aortic stenosis (AS) can cause acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) and valve replacement has been shown to lead to von Willebrand factor (vWF) recovery. The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of AVWS in different severe AS phenotypes and its course after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

METHODS

143 patients with severe AS undergoing TAVI were included in the study. vWF function was assessed at baseline, 6 and 24 h after TAVI. AVWS was defined as a reduced vWF:Ac/Ag ratio ≤ 0.7. Phenotypes were classified by tricuspid (TAV) and bicuspid (BAV) valve morphology, mean transvalvular gradient (P_mean), stroke volume index (SVI), ejection fraction (EF) and indexed effective orifice area (iEOA).

RESULTS

AVWS was present in 36 (25.2%) patients before TAVI. vWF:Ac/Ag ratio was significantly lower in high gradient compared to low-gradient severe AS [0.78 (IQR 0.67-0.86) vs. 0.83 (IQR 0.74-0.93), p < 0.05] and in patients with BAV compared to TAV [0.70 (IQR 0.63-0.78) vs. 0.81 (IQR 0.71-0.89), p < 0.05]. Normalization of vWF:Ac/Ag ratio was achieved in 61% patients 24 h after TAVI. As in the overall study cohort, vWF:Ac/Ag ratio increased significantly in all severe AS subgroups 6 h after TAVI (each p < 0.05). Regarding binary logistic regression analysis, BAV was the only significant predictor for AVWS.

CONCLUSIONS

BAV morphology is a strong predictor for AVWS in severe AS. TAVI restores vWF function in most patients with severe AS independently of AS phenotype and valve morphology.

TAVR for All? The Surgical Perspective

In spite of the noninferiority of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in high- and intermediate-risk patients, there are still obstacles that need to be overcome before the procedure is further expanded and clinically integrated. The lack of evidence on the long-term durability of the bioprostheses used for TAVR remains of particular concern. In addition, surgery may be preferred over TAVR in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) or with concomitant pathologies such as other valve diseases (mitral regurgitation/tricuspid regurgitation), aortopathy, and coronary artery disease. In this review, we discuss and summarize relevant data from clinical trials, current trends, and remaining obstacles, and provide our perspective on the indications for the expansion of TAVR.

Predictors of post-TAVI conduction abnormalities in patients with bicuspid aortic valves

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluates predictors of conduction abnormalities (CA) following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with bicuspid aortic valves (BAV).

BACKGROUND

TAVI is associated with CA that commonly necessitate a permanent pacemaker. Predictors of CA are well established among patients with tricuspid aortic valves but not in those with BAV.

METHODS

This is a single-centre, retrospective, observational study of patients with BAV treated with TAVI. Pre-TAVI ECG and CT scans and procedural characteristics were evaluated in 58 patients with BAV. CA were defined as a composite of high-degree atrioventricular block, new left bundle branch block with a QRS >150 ms or PR >240 ms and right bundle branch block with new PR prolongation or change in axis. Predictors of CA were identified using regression analysis and optimum cut-off values determined using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS

CA occurred in 35% of patients. Bioprosthesis implantation depth, the difference between membranous septum (MS) length and implantation depth (δMSID) and device landing zone (DLZ) calcification adjacent to the MS were identified as univariate predictors of CA. The optimum cut-off for δMSID was 1.25 mm. Using this cut-off, low δMSID and DLZ calcification adjacent to MS predicted CA, adjusted OR 8.79, 95% CI 1.88 to 41.00; p=0.01. Eccentricity of the aortic valve annulus, type of BAV and valve calcium quantity and distribution did not predict CA.

CONCLUSIONS

In BAV patients undergoing TAVI, short δMSID and DLZ calcification adjacent to MS are associated with an increased risk of CA.

Bioprosthetic valve dysfunction and failure after TAVI in bicuspid aortic valve stenosis during one-year follow-up according to VARC-3

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) stenosis has become more frequent in the last years. This may pose challenges for long-time valve durability. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of bioprosthetic valve dysfunction (BVD) with the newest-generation devices in BAV stenosis up to one-year follow-up (FU).

METHODS

The primary endpoint was defined as the prevalence of BVD during the first procedural year according to Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-3 criteria. Secondary endpoints were defined as failure in device success and clinical endpoints according to VARC-3.

RESULTS

A total of 107 patients were included. Of these, 34 subjects (31.8%) met the criteria for BVD during a mean FU of 263 ± 180 days, of which 20.2% were already documented after thirty days. Device success after one year was lower in the + BVD cohort (57.6% vs. 98.7%, p < 0.0001*). The rates of structural valve deterioration were 6.5%, non-structural valve deterioration (NSVD) 17.8%, subclinical leaflet thickening 10.3%, and endocarditis 0.9%. NSVD was foremost triggered by patient prosthesis mismatch in balloon-expandable valves. Hemodynamic valve deterioration stage 1 and 2 was confirmed in 16.8% of + BVD patients, while stage 1 and 3 bioprosthetic valve failure occurred in 1.9%. There was no impact of BVD on mortality.

CONCLUSION

There is critical evidence of early BVD after TAVI in BAV during one-year FU in one-third of patients, also lowering device success. The most frequently observed bioprosthetic valve dysfunction was NSVD due to patient prosthesis mismatch following TAVI with a balloon-expandable valve.

Three-year outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation for bicuspid versus tricuspid aortic stenosis

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) might be a feasible treatment option for more patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) stenosis. However, long-term follow-up data in this population are scarce.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate three-year outcomes after TAVI in patients with BAV.

METHODS

A total of 246 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI at a single centre in China between March 2013 and February 2018 were enrolled in this study. Clinical outcomes, health status and echocardiography were followed and recorded for three years.

RESULTS

Among 109 (44.3%) BAV patients, 61.5% were Type 0 and 36.7% were Type 1 BAV patients. BAV patients were younger (75 vs 77 years, p=0.041) and had a lower Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score (5.09 vs 6.00, p=0.026) compared to tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) patients. There were no differences in three-year survival rates between bicuspid and tricuspid patients (87.1% vs 79.5%, log-rank p=0.126). Multivariate Cox regression analysis adjusting for confounding factors revealed a similar risk of all-cause mortality in the BAV population (hazard ratio [HR] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44-1.70, p=0.666). Except for the rate of permanent pacemaker implantation that was lower in BAV patients (11.9% vs 21.9%, p=0.041), the incidence of other clinical adverse events was comparable between the two groups. Both BAV and TAV patients showed an obvious improvement in valve haemodynamics, which was sustained for three years. In addition, similar left ventricular reverse remodelling was found during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

BAV patients showed similar satisfactory three-year clinical outcomes, persistent valve haemodynamics improvement, and obvious cardiac reverse remodelling after TAVI compared to TAV patients.

Long-Term Mortality After TAVI for Bicuspid vs. Tricuspid Aortic Stenosis: A Propensity-Matched Multicentre Cohort Study

Objectives

Patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) stenosis were excluded from the pivotal trials of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We compared the in-hospital and long-term outcomes between patients undergoing TAVI for bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) stenosis.

Methods

We performed a retrospective registry-based analysis on patients who underwent TAVI for BAV and TAV at five different centers between January 2009 and August 2017. The primary outcome was long-term all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, procedural complications, and valve performance.

Results

Of 1,451 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI, two propensity-matched cohorts consisting of 130 patients with BAV and 390 patients with TAV were analyzed. All-cause mortality was comparable in both groups up to 10 years following TAVI (HR 1.09, 95% CI: 0.77–1.51). Device success and in-hospital mortality were comparable between the groups (96 vs. 95%, p = 0.554 and 2.3 vs. 2.1%, p = 0.863, respectively). Incidence of procedural complications was similar in both groups, with a trend toward a higher rate of stroke in patients with BAV (5 vs. 2%, p = 0.078). Incidence of moderate or severe paravalvular leak (PVL) at discharge was comparable in both groups (2 vs. 2%, p = 0.846). Among patients with BAV, all-cause mortality was similar in self-expanding and balloon-expandable prostheses (HR 1.02, 95% CI: 0.52–1.99) and lower in new-generation devices compared to old-generation valves (HR 0.27, 95% CI 0.12–0.62).

Conclusion

Patients who had undergone TAVI for BAV had comparable mortality to patients with TAV up to 10 years after the procedure. The device success, in-hospital mortality, procedural complications, and PVL rate were comparable between the groups. The high rate of neurological complications (5%) in patients with BAV warrants further investigation.

Biomechanics of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Complications and Computational Predictive Modeling

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a rapidly growing field enabling replacement of diseased aortic valves without the need for open heart surgery. However, due to the nature of the procedure and nonremoval of the diseased tissue, there are rates of complications ranging from tissue rupture and coronary obstruction to paravalvular leak, valve thrombosis, and permanent pacemaker implantation. In recent years, computational modeling has shown a great deal of promise in its capabilities to understand the biomechanical implications of TAVR as well as help preoperatively predict risks inherent to device-patient-specific anatomy biomechanical interaction. This includes intricate replication of stent and leaflet designs and tested and validated simulated deployments with structural and fluid mechanical simulations. This review outlines current biomechanical understanding of device-related complications from TAVR and related predictive strategies using computational modeling. An outlook on future modeling strategies highlighting reduced order modeling which could significantly reduce the high time and cost that are required for computational prediction of TAVR outcomes is presented in this review paper. A summary of current commercial/in-development software is presented in the final section.

Catheter-Based Interventions for the Management of Valvular Heart Disease During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is associated with a significant increase in hemodynamic burden. These changes can lead to maternal morbidity and mortality as well as unfavorable fetal outcomes in patients with valvular heart disease and limited cardiac reserve. Mechanical interventions may be needed for the management of severe hemodynamic deterioration not responding to medical therapy. Catheter-based percutaneous interventions can provide an alternative therapy to surgery during pregnancy. The purpose of this article is to review indications, potential advantages, and limitations of catheter-based interventions for the management of women with valvular heart disease in pregnancy.

Evolving Indications of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement—Where Are We Now, and Where Are We Going

Indications for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have steadily increased over the last decade since the first trials including inoperable or very high risk patients. Thus, TAVR is now the most common treatment of aortic valve stenosis in elderly patients (vs. surgical aortic valve replacement -SAVR-). In this review, we summarize the current indications of TAVR and explore future directions in which TAVR indications can expand.

Pooled-Analysis of Association of Sievers Bicuspid Aortic Valve Morphology With New Permanent Pacemaker and Conduction Abnormalities After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Background

Studies on the association of Sievers bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) morphology with conduction disorders after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have not reached consensus.

Methods

We here performed a pooled-analysis to explore whether Sievers type 1 BAV morphology increased the risk of post-TAVR conduction abnormalities and permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) compared to type 0. Systematic literature searches through EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane databases were concluded on 1 December 2021. The primary endpoint was post-TAVR new PPI and pooled as risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Conduction abnormalities as the secondary endpoint were the composites of post-TAVR PPI and/or new-onset high-degree of atrial-ventricle node block and left-bundle branch block. Studies that reported incidence of outcomes of interest in both type 1 and type 0 BAV morphology who underwent TAVR for aortic stenosis were included.

Results

Finally, nine studies were included. Baseline characteristics were generally comparable, but type 1 population was older with a higher surgical risk score compared to type 0 BAV morphology. In the pooled-analysis type 1 BAV had significantly higher risk of post-TAVR new-onset conduction abnormalities (RR = 1.68, 95%CI 1.09–2.60, p = 0.0195) and new PPI (RR = 1.97, 95%CI 1.29–2.99, p = 0.0016) compared to type 0. Random-effects univariate meta-regression indicated that no significant association between baseline characteristics and PPI.

Conclusion

Sievers type 1 BAV morphology was associated with increased risk of post-TAVR PPI and conduction abnormalities compared to type 0. Dedicated cohort is warranted to further validate our hypothesis.

Update on supra-annular sizing of transcatheter aortic valve prostheses in raphe-type bicuspid aortic valve disease according to the LIRA method

Recent evidence has shown that transcatheter heart valve (THV) anchoring in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients occurs at the level of the raphe, known as the LIRA (Level of Implantation at the RAphe) plane. Our previous work in a cohort of 20 patients has shown that the delineation of the perimeter and device sizing at this level is associated with optimal procedural outcome. The goals of this study were to confirm the feasibility of this method, evaluate 30-day outcomes of LIRA sizing in a larger cohort of patients, assess interobserver variation and reproducibility of this sizing methodology, and analyse the interaction of LIRA-sized prostheses with the surrounding anatomy. The LIRA sizing method was applied to consecutive patients presenting to our centre with raphe-type BAV disease between November 2018 and October 2021. Supra-annular self-expanding THVs were sized based on baseline CT scan perimeters at the LIRA plane and the virtual basal ring. In cases where there was discrepancy between the two measurements, the plane with the smallest perimeter was considered the reference for prosthesis sizing. Post-procedural device success, defined according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2) criteria, was evaluated in the overall cohort. A total of 50 patients (mean age 80 ± 6 years, 70% male) with raphe-type BAV disease underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using different THV prostheses. The LIRA plane method appeared to be highly successful (100% VARC-2 device success) with no procedural mortality, no valve migration, no moderate-severe paravalvular leak, and low transprosthetic gradients (residual mean gradient 8.2 ± 3.4 mmHg). There were no strokes, no in-hospital or 30-day mortality, and an incidence of in-hospital pacemaker implantation of 10%. Furthermore, measurement of the LIRA plane perimeter was highly reproducible between observers (r = 0.980; P < 0.001) and predictive of the post-procedural prosthetic valve perimeter on CT scanning (r = 0.981; P < 0.001). We confirm the feasibility of supra-annular sizing using the LIRA method in a large cohort of patients with high procedural success and good clinical outcomes at 30 days. Application of the LIRA method optimizes THV prosthesis sizing in patients with raphe-type BAV disease.