Coronary artery disease severity and aortic stenosis: clinical outcomes according to SYNTAX score in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Angiographic Functional Scoring of Coronary Artery Disease Predicts Mortality in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis Undergoing TAVR

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is common in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), although its prognostic significance is questionable. Significant CAD stratified using SYNTAX score (SS) has been associated with greater mortality, yet it is unknown whether the functional impact of CAD also impacts outcomes in this cohort. DILEMMA score (DS) is a validated angiographic functional scoring tool that correlates with fractional flow reserve and instantaneous wave-free ratio. This study sought to assess the functional impact of CAD on outcomes in patients undergoing TAVR for severe aortic stenosis (AS).

METHODS/MATERIALS

229 patients were included in this analysis. Patients underwent angiographic DS and SS and were classified using predefined values. The primary endpoint was one-year all-cause mortality, with secondary endpoints of 30-day major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).

RESULTS

The mean age was 83.9 ± 0.5 years (55.0% female), with 11.8% all-cause mortality. CAD defined by ≥30% stenosis in any vessel was not associated with adverse outcomes (HR = 1.08, p = 0.84). However, the risk of one-year mortality was greater in patients with either SS > 9 (20.8% vs. 9.4%, HR 2.34, p = 0.03) or DS > 2 (18.4% vs. 8.5%, HR = 2.28, p = 0.03). Both scoring systems were also associated with 30-day MACCE (both p < 0.05). After multivariate adjustment, independent predictors of one-year mortality were DS > 2 (HR = 2.29, p = 0.04), left ventricular ejection fraction <50% (HR 2.66, p = 0.04) and COPD (HR 2.43, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that angiographic functional scoring is independently predictive of both 12-month mortality and 30-day MACCE following TAVR.

Management of Coronary Artery Disease in the Setting of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease (CAD) frequently co-exist, as they share a common pathophysiology and risk factors. Due to lack of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and exclusion of significant CAD in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) trials, the optimal method of revascularisation of CAD in patients undergoing TAVR remains unknown. Observational studies and meta-analyses have shown varied results in outcomes for patients with CAD undergoing TAVR, and no significant difference in post-TAVR outcomes in patients who underwent revascularisation either prior to or during TAVR versus those who did not. However, some observational studies have shown that patients with lower residual SYNTAX score (rSS) post-revascularisation have better outcomes post-TAVR compared to those with higher rSS. RCTs are needed to clearly understand whether revascularisation is beneficial in these patients. Until then, management of CAD in patients undergoing TAVR must be individualised based on discussion with the heart team.

Impact of Coronary Artery Severity and Revascularization Prior to Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

The prevalence of coexisting coronary artery disease (CAD) is high in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Our objective was to first determine if the severity of CAD before TAVI had an important impact on post-TAVI outcomes and second, if revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) before TAVI modified this relation. In this retrospective population-based study in Ontario, Canada, we identified all patients with obstructive CAD who underwent TAVI from April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2017. Our primary outcomes of interest were all-cause mortality within 30-day and 1-year post-TAVI procedure. Secondary outcomes included 30-day and 1-year all-cause readmissions. We developed multivariable Cox proportional hazard models, with a robust sandwich-type variance estimator to account for clustering within TAVI centers. These models included an interaction term between severity of CAD and PCI before TAVI. The study cohort included 888 of whom 444 (50%) patients underwent PCI before TAVI procedure. In the Cox models, we found that severity of CAD before TAVI was not significantly associated with post-TAVI outcomes. The only exception was 1 to 2 vessel/s disease which was a significant predictor of 1-year readmission. Pre-TAVI PCI was not significantly associated with outcomes, nor did it modify the relation between severity of CAD pre-TAVI and outcomes. In conclusion, we did not find a consistent relation between severity of CAD and revascularization with post-TAVI outcomes.

Antithrombotic Therapy After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

The development of transcatheter aortic valve implantation has represented one of the greatest advances in the cardiology field in recent years and has changed clinical practice for patients with aortic stenosis. Despite the continuous improvement in operators’ experience and techniques, and the development of new generation devices, thromboembolic and bleeding complications after transcatheter aortic valve implantation remain frequent, and are a major concern due to their negative impact on prognosis in this vulnerable population. In addition, the optimal antithrombotic regimen in this scenario is not known, and current recommendations are mostly empirical and not evidence based. The present review aims to provide an overview of the current status of knowledge, including relevant on-going randomised trials, on antithrombotic treatment strategies after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Comparison of Survival of Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement for Aortic Stenosis in Low-Risk Patients Without Coronary Artery Disease

Increasing data support transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) as a valid option over surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in the treatment for severe aortic stenosis (AS) also in patients with low operative risk. However, limited data exist on the outcome of TAVI and SAVR in low-risk patients without coronary artery disease (CAD). The FinnValve registry included data on 6463 patients who underwent TAVI or SAVR with bioprosthesis between 2008 and 2017. Herein, we evaluated the outcome of low operative risk as defined by STS-PROM score <3% and absence of CAD, previous stroke and other relevant co-morbidities. Only patients who underwent TAVI with third-generation prostheses and SAVR with Perimount Magna Ease or Trifecta prostheses were included in this analysis. The primary endpoints were 30-day and 3-year all-cause mortality. Overall, 1,006 patients (175 TAVI patients and 831 SAVR patients) met the inclusion criteria of this analysis. Propensity score matching resulted in 140 pairs with similar baseline characteristics. Among these matched pairs, 30-day mortality was 2.1% in both TAVI and SAVR cohorts (p = 1.00) and 3-year mortality was 17.0% after TAVI and 14.6% after SAVR (p = 0.805). Lower rates of bleeding and atrial fibrillation, and shorter hospital stay were observed after TAVI. The need of new permanent pacemaker implantation and the incidence of early stroke did not differ between groups. In conclusion, TAVI using third-generation prostheses achieved similar early and mid-term survival compared with SAVR in low-risk patients without CAD.

Diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography angiography for the exclusion of coronary artery disease in candidates for transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Coronary CT angiography (CTA) is currently considered a reliable method to exclude obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) before valvular heart surgery in patients with low pretest probability. However, its role in excluding obstructive CAD before transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is less well established. Single-center retrospective study where patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis underwent both CTA and invasive coronary angiography (ICA) as part of TAVI planning. CTA exams were conducted on a 64-slice dual source scanner, with a median interval of 45 days to ICA (IQR 25–75 [13–82]). In both tests, obstructive CAD was defined as a ≥50% stenosis in an epicardial vessel ≥2 mm diameter. Per-patient, per-vessel and per-proximal segment analyses were conducted, excluding and including non-evaluable segments. The study included 200 patients (120 women, mean age 83 ± 6 years). The prevalence of obstructive CAD on ICA was 35.5% (n = 71). On a per-patient analysis (assuming non-evaluable segments as stenotic), CTA showed sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 95–100%), specificity of 42% (95% CI, 33–51%), and positive and negative predictive values of 48% (95% CI, 44–51%) and 100% (95% CI, 92–100%), respectively. CTA was able to exclude obstructive CAD in 54 patients (27%), in whom ICA could have been safely withheld. Despite the high rate of inconclusive tests, pre-procedural CTA is able to safely exclude obstructive CAD in a significant proportion of patients undergoing TAVI, possibly avoiding the need for ICA in roughly one quarter of the cases.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Current Indications and Future Directions

Degenerative heart valve disease is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and healthcare expenditures. Transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement has introduced a fundamental change in the therapeutic management and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has gained substantial popularity. Favorable results from randomized trials and large real world registries lead to TAVR being considered a standard procedure with high rates of procedural success and low rates of peri-procedural complications. This article aims to review the past evolution, summarize the available evidence, discuss current indications and limitations and venture a glimpse into the future of percutaneous interventions for aortic valve disease.

Prevalence and Clinical Impact of Iron Deficiency in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis Referred for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Patients referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are typically elderly with several co-morbidities, which might limit prognosis despite successful procedural outcome. To date, the prevalence and clinical impact of iron deficiency (ID) in patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent TAVI remains poorly defined. This study included 495 patients who underwent transfemoral TAVI for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. ID was defined as ferritin <100 ng/ml or ferritin 100 to 300 ng/ml, when transferrin saturation was <20%. The primary end point of the study was a composite of all-cause mortality, unplanned readmission for worsening heart failure or red blood cell transfusions during the first year after TAVI, which occurred in 22% (109 of 495) of the population. ID was present in 54% (268 of 495) of the entire cohort and was associated with a higher rate of the primary end point (27.6% [74 of 268] vs 15.4% [35 of 227]; p = 0.001). After multivariable adjustment, the association of ID with the primary end point remained significant (hazard ratio 1.64, 95% confidence interval [1.08 to 2.48]; p = 0.019). In a subgroup of ferropenic patients (n = 56), treatment with intravenous iron before TAVI was feasible, resulting in a considerable improvement of ferritin, transferrin saturation and symptoms at 30-day follow-up. In conclusion, ID is common in TAVI patients and is associated with adverse clinical outcome after TAVI. Correction of ID with intravenous iron seems feasible in contemporary TAVI patients. Whether this reduces transfusion rates and impacts clinical outcome after TAVI remains to be investigated in future prospective trials.

Coronary Angiography and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has revolutionized the management of patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis, and indications are expanding towards treating younger patients with lower-risk profiles. Given the progressive nature of coronary artery disease and its high prevalence in those with severe aortic stenosis, coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention will become increasingly necessary in patients after TAVR. There are some data suggesting that there are technical difficulties with coronary re-engagement, particularly in patients with self-expanding valves that, by design, extend above the coronary ostia. The authors review the challenges of coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention post-TAVR and examine the geometric interactions between currently approved transcatheter aortic valves and coronary ostia, while providing a practical guide on how to manage these potentially complex situations.

Future Directions. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation for Low-risk Patients: Inevitable Evolution or a Step Too Far?

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement has become the treatment of choice for inoperable and high-risk patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis, and is becoming more and more common as the first choice for intermediate-risk patients as well. The next step in this evolution would be the expansion of treatment indications to low-risk patients. Successful treatment of this patient population will require setting new standards in terms of clinical outcomes and cost effectiveness. In this review, we present the main challenges that need to be addressed before transcatheter aortic valve replacement can be applied as a standard treatment for low-risk patients.

Impact of Coronary Revascularization in Patients Who Underwent Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common co-morbidity in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) patients, but the prognostic value of coronary revascularization before TAVI is currently unknown. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of coronary revascularization in patients who underwent TAVI. Patients underwent TAVI from 2008 to 2016 were included in the study. Baseline SYNTAX score and residual SYNTAX score (rSS) after percutaneous coronary intervention were calculated. Based on rSS, patients were classified as complete revascularization (rSS = 0), reasonably incomplete revascularization (rSS >0 and <8), and incomplete revascularization (rSS ≥8). The primary objective was to evaluate the impact of CAD and rSS on major cardiovascular adverse events (MACEs). The secondary objective was to assess the impact of rSS on hospitalization for heart failure. A total of 349 patients (mean age 82.4 ± 5.7 years, 53% women) were included in the study. A total of 187 patients (53.6%) had CAD (mean baseline SYNTAX score 9.2 ± 8.1). Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in 29.9% of patients, achieving reasonably incomplete revascularization in 45.4%, and incomplete revascularization in 24.5%. The mean follow-up was 35.2 ± 25.3 months. No differences were observed in MACE rate between the CAD and non-CAD groups, or between the different degrees of revascularization. Differences were also not seen in the different levels of revascularization and hospitalization due to heart failure. In patients who underwent TAVI in this study, no association was found between the presence of CAD or the degree of revascularization in a long-term follow-up.

Impact of residual coronary atherosclerosis on transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement

OBJECTIVES

This study reports on the clinical effects of complete vs incompletely revascularized coronary artery disease on transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

BACKGROUND

There is a high prevalence of active coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients undergoing TAVR but preemptive revascularization remains controversial.

METHODS

Patients were categorized into three cohorts: complete revascularization (CR), incomplete revascularization of a major epicardial artery (IR Major), and incomplete revascularization of a minor epicardial artery only (IR Minor). When feasible, SYNTAX scoring was performed for exploratory analysis. Analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

A total of 323 patients with active CAD were included. Adjusted outcomes showed that patients with IR Major had increased incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or revascularization compared with those in the CR cohort (HR 3.72, P = 0.048). No difference was noted in all-cause mortality or all-cause readmission rates. Exploratory secondary analysis with residual SYNTAX scores showed a significant interaction between disease burden and AMI/revascularization, as well as all-cause readmission. All-cause mortality remained unaffected based on residual SYNTAX scores.

CONCLUSIONS

This is a retrospective single-center study reporting on pre-TAVR revascularization outcomes in patients with active CAD. In this analysis, we found that patients undergoing TAVR benefited from achieving complete revascularization to abate future incidence of AMI/revascularization. Despite this finding, all-cause mortality remained unaffected. Future efforts should focus on the role of functional assessment of the coronaries, as well as the long-term effects of complete revascularization in a larger patient cohort.

Impact of coronary artery disease and percutaneous coronary intervention in women undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement: From the WIN-TAVI registry

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of coronary artery disease (CAD) with or without recent (≤ 30 days) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in women undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

BACKGROUND

Although women display a specific risk-profile for both PCI and TAVR, the impact of CAD and PCI in the setting of TAVR in women is unclear.

METHODS

The multinational Women's International Transcatheter Aortic Valve implantation registry enrolled consecutive female patients undergoing contemporary TAVR in 19 centers between 2013 and 2015. Patients with available coronary angiography or CT scan in the pre-operative assessment of TAVR were categorized as without CAD, with CAD but no recent PCI and CAD and recent PCI (≤30 days). All events were adjudicated according to the VARC-2 criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 787 patients were included in this analysis, among whom 459 (58.3%) had no CAD, 247 (31.4%) had CAD without recent PCI and 81 (10.3%) underwent recent PCI (≤ 30 days before TAVR). After multivariable adjustment, both groups of CAD patients, without and with recent PCI, presented with higher risk of death, myocardial infarction or stroke, compared with patients without CAD (_adj HR 1.56, 95%CI 1.03-2.39, P = 0.038 and _adj HR 1.96, 95% CI 1.1-3.5, P = .021, respectively). Patients with recent PCI had increased risk of all-cause death (_adj HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.0-3.5, P = 0.04) and stroke (_adj HR 3.7, 95% CI 1.0-13.5, P = 0.046) compared with patients without CAD.

CONCLUSION

The presence of CAD in women undergoing TAVR, with or without recent PCI, was associated with long-term poorer outcomes.

Coronary Artery Disease and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: When to Intervene

"In patients with coronary artery disease undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), the decision of whether to revascularize, which lesions to revascularize, and the optimal timing of revascularization remains controversial. The sequence of revascularization should be made on a case-by-case basis. Pre-TAVR revascularization (staged or simultaneous with TAVR) is preferred due to unobstructed access to coronary ostia and is important to consider especially in cases in which long self-expanding valves are used. In patients who are hemodynamically compromised, the valve should be addressed first, as the most important cause of mortality is heart/multiorgan failure."

Thrombo-embolic prevention after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as a valuable treatment alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement among patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis at increased surgical risk. The rapid technological evolution from early to current-generation TAVI systems with low-profile delivery catheters, bioprosthetic valves with proven midterm durability, and improved positioning and retrieval features have made important contributions to the widespread clinical use of this minimal invasive therapy. Although peri-procedural and long-term thrombotic and bleeding events after TAVI remain a relevant concern, the optimal antithrombotic strategy and duration to mitigate these risks remain unclear. This review provides an overview of recent insights in this field, and highlights current and future antithrombotic trials focusing on optimizing outcomes in patients undergoing TAVI.

Fractional flow reserve to guide and to assess coronary artery bypass grafting

The aim of this review is to highlight the role of invasive functional evaluation in patients in whom coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is indicated, and to examine the clinical evidence available in favour of fractional flow reserve (FFR) adoption in these patients, outline appropriate use, as well as point out potential pitfalls. FFR after CABG will also be reviewed, highlighting its correct interpretation and adoption when applied to both native coronary arteries and bypass grafts. Practice European guidelines support the use of FFR to complement coronary angiography with the highest degree of recommendation (Class IA) for the assessment of coronary stenosis before undertaking myocardial revascularization when previous non-invasive functional evaluation is unavailable or not conclusive. As a result, FFR has been adopted in routine clinical practice to guide clinicians decision as to whether or not perform a revascularization. Of note, due to the increasing confidence of the interventional cardiologists, FFR guidance is also being implemented to indicate or guide CABG. This is in anticipation of supportive clear-cut evidence, since recommendations for FFR adoption were based on randomized clinical trials investigating percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) strategies in which patients with typical indications for CABG were excluded (e.g. left main disease, valvular disease, and coronary anatomy unsuitable for PCI). Based on the critical appraisal of the literature, FFR can play an important role in risk stratification and determining management strategy of patients either before or after CABG.

Impact of Coronary Artery Revascularization Completeness on Outcomes of Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Background—

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is highly prevalent in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement. In the overall CAD population, complete revascularization or reasonable incomplete revascularization (ICR) is associated with improved outcomes; whether the same applies for the transcatheter aortic valve replacement population is still a matter of debate.

Methods and Results—

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that examined the prognostic effect of revascularization completeness in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement using the residual SYNTAX score (Synergy Between PCI With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery) to separate between reasonable ICR and ICR (using the individual threshold used by each study). Six studies with a total of 3107 patients were included. The duration of follow-up ranged from 0.7 to 3 years. Overall, ICR was associated with an increased risk for mortality. This was true when comparing ICR patients to those with no CAD (odds ratio, 1.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.42–2.40; P <0.01), to those with reasonable ICR (odds ratio, 1.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.26–2.28; P <0.001), or to both groups combined (odds ratio, 1.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.36–2.16; P <0.001). On the contrary, patients in the reasonable ICR category did not show an increased risk for mortality when compared with those with no CAD (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 0.89–1.39; P =0.33).

Conclusions—

Our results suggest that for patients with CAD undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement, a residual SYNTAX score–guided revascularization strategy may carry significant benefits in terms of mortality. Adequate revascularization may offer a unique and valuable opportunity to improve the prognosis of these patients.

Coronary Revascularisation in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Candidates: Why, Who, When?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and aortic stenosis (AS) frequently coexist. The presence of CAD has been consistently associated with an impaired prognosis in patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement during short- and long-term follow-up. Accordingly, current guidelines recommend coronary revascularisation of all significant stenoses in patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement. Conversely, the management of concomitant CAD in patients with severe AS undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is still a matter of debate. The aim of this review article is to provide an overview on the role of coronary revascularisation in TAVI patients.

Impact of coronary artery disease in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Insights from the FRANCE-2 registry

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is common in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, the impact of CAD distribution before TAVR on short- and long-term prognosis remains unclear.

HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesized that the long-term clinical impact differs according to CAD distribution in patients undergoing TAVR using the FRench Aortic National CoreValve and Edwards (FRANCE-2) registry.

METHODS

FRANCE-2 is a national French registry including all consecutive TAVR performed between 2010 and 2012 in 34 centers. Three-year mortality was assessed in relation to CAD status. CAD was defined as at least 1 coronary stenosis >50%.

RESULTS

A total of 4201 patients were enrolled in the registry. For the present analysis, we excluded patients with a history of coronary artery bypass. CAD was reported in 1252 patients (30%). Half of the patients presented with coronary multivessel disease. CAD extent was associated with an increase in cardiovascular risk profile and in logistic EuroSCORE (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) (from 19.3% ± 12.8% to 21.9% ± 13.5%, P < 0.001). Mortality at 30 days and 3 years was 9% and 44%, respectively, in the overall population. In multivariate analyses, neither the presence nor the extent of CAD was associated with mortality at 3 years (presence of CAD, hazard ratio [HR]: 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78-1.07). A significant lesion of the left anterior descending (LAD) was associated with higher 3-year mortality (HR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.10-1.87).

CONCLUSIONS

CAD is not associated with decreased short- and long-term survival in patients undergoing TAVR. The potential deleterious effect of LAD disease on long-term survival and the need for revascularization before or at the time of TAVR should be validated in a randomized control trial.

The Value of the SYNTAX Score II in Predicting Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The predictive value of the SYNTAX score (SS) for clinical outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is very limited and could potentially be improved by the combination of anatomic and clinical variables, the SS-II. We aimed to evaluate the value of the SS-II in predicting outcomes in patients undergoing TAVI.

METHODS

A total of 402 patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis undergoing transfemoral TAVI were included. Preprocedural TAVI angiograms were reviewed and the SS-I and SS-II were calculated using the SS algorithms. Patients were stratified in 3 groups according to SS-II tertiles. The coprimary endpoints were all-cause death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), a composite of all-cause death, cerebrovascular event, or myocardial infarction at 1 year.

RESULTS

Increased SS-II was associated with higher 30-day mortality (P=.036) and major bleeding (P=.015). The 1-year risk of death and MACE was higher among patients in the 3rd SS-II tertile (HR, 2.60; P=.002 and HR, 2.66; P<.001) and was similar among patients in the 2nd tertile (HR, 1.27; P=.507 and HR, 1.05; P=.895) compared with patients in the 1st tertile. The highest SS-II tertile was an independent predictor of long-term mortality (P=.046) and MACE (P=.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The SS-II seems more suited to predict clinical outcomes in patients undergoing TAVI than the SS-I. Increased SS-II was associated with poorer clinical outcomes at 1 and 4 years post-TAVI, independently of the presence of coronary artery disease.

Impact of Coronary Artery Disease on 30-Day and 1-Year Mortality in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The impact of coronary artery disease (CAD) on outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is understudied. Literature on the prognostic role of CAD in the survival of patients undergoing TAVR shows conflicting results. This meta-analysis aims to investigate how CAD impacts patient survival following TAVR.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We completed a comprehensive literature search of Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library, and included studies reporting outcome of TAVR based on CAD status of patients for the analysis. From the initial 1631 citations, 15 studies reporting on 8013 patients were analyzed using a random-effects model. Of the 8013 patients undergoing TAVR, with a median age of 81.3 years (79-85.1 years), 46.6% (40-55.7) were men and 3899 (48.7%) had CAD (ranging from 30.8% to 78.2% in various studies). Overall, 3121 SAPIEN/SAPIEN XT/SAPIEN 3 (39.6%) and 4763 CoreValve (60.4%) prostheses were implanted, with transfemoral access being the most frequently used approach for the implantation (76.1%). Our analysis showed no significant difference between patients with and without CAD for all-cause mortality at 30 days post TAVR, with a cumulative odds ratio of 1.07 (95% confidence interval, 0.82-1.40; P=0.62). However, there was a significant increase in all-cause mortality at 1 year in the CAD group compared with patients without CAD, with a cumulative odds ratio of 1.21 (95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.36; P=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Even though coexisting CAD does not impact 30-day mortality, it does have an impact on 1-year mortality in patients undergoing TAVR. Our results highlight a need to revisit the revascularization strategies for concomitant CAD in patients with TAVR.

Concomitant coronary artery disease and its management in patients referred to transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Insights from the POL-TAVI Registry

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and degenerative aortic stenosis often coexist. However, the impact of CAD and its management on the prognosis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains uncertain. We sought to evaluate the impact of obstructive CAD, SYNTAX score (Ss), and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) prior to TAVI on short-term outcome.

METHODS

Overall, 896 patients who underwent TAVI after heart team decision was included. Pre-procedural angiograms were analysed to calculate baseline Ss (bSs) and residual Ss (rSs). Baseline, procedural and follow-up data up to 30 days was acquired from the national POL-TAVI registry.

RESULTS

Patients with obstructive CAD at baseline (n = 462, 52%) had higher mortality as compared with the remaining (8.7 vs. 5.1%, log-rank P = 0.039). Also, after correction for confounding factors obstructive CAD was identified as independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.74, 95% confidence intervals [CIs] 1.03-2.94, P = 0.037). In obstructive CAD, neither bSs (AUC 0.47, CI 0.38-0.56, P = 0.47) nor rSs (AUC 0.47, CI 0.30-0.64, P = 0.72 for those undergoing PCI and AUC 0.48, CI 0.37-0.59, P = 0.75 for the remaining) was predictive of mortality. When revascularization status was considered, patients with PCI prior to TAVI had similar outcome as those without obstructive CAD at baseline (7.7 vs. 5.1%, log-rank P = 0.23) with no negative impact on mortality (HR 1.13, CI 0.62-2.09, P = 0.69).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, obstructive CAD at baseline evaluation for TAVI has independent negative impact on short-term prognosis. However, neither baseline nor residual Ss values have prognostic ability in patients undergoing TAVI. Revascularization prior to TAVI seems to improve survival to levels comparable with patients without obstructive CAD at baseline.

Optimized Screening of Coronary Artery Disease With Invasive Coronary Angiography and Ad Hoc Percutaneous Coronary Intervention During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Background—

We sought to describe an optimized approach to coronary artery disease (CAD) screening and management in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods and Results—

When invasive coronary angiography showed CAD, the treatment strategy and completeness of revascularization was determined based on coronary anatomy. TAVR was performed in the same setting if percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was uncomplicated; otherwise TAVR was postponed. A total of 604 patients undergoing CAD screening at the time of TAVR procedure were prospectively included in this study. Severe CAD was found in 136 patients (22.5%). Among patients with severe CAD, 53 patients (8.8%) underwent uncomplicated PCI. After PCI, TAVR was postponed in 2 patients (0.3%). In 83 patients (13.8%), coronary angiography showed severe CAD that was left untreated. After TAVR, all-cause and cardiovascular 30-day mortality rates were 2.4% and 1.4%, respectively. Disabling stroke, myocardial infarction, and life-threatening bleeding occurred in 0.5%, 0.8%, and 4.0% of patients, respectively. Acute kidney injury II or III rate was 3.3%. At 2 years, all-cause mortality rate was 14.1%. Disabling stroke and myocardial infarction occurred in 2.5% and 1.8% of patients, respectively. Patients undergoing TAVR and PCI in the same session had similar rate of the composite of death, disabling stroke, and myocardial infarction when compared with patients without CAD, and patients with severe CAD left untreated (TAVR+PCI: 10.4%; severe CAD left untreated: 15.4%; no-CAD: 14.8%; P =0.765).

Conclusions—

In patients undergoing TAVR, screening of CAD with invasive coronary angiography and ad hoc PCI during TAVR is feasible and was not associated with increased periprocedural risks. PCI followed by TAVR in the same session had similar outcomes than TAVR in which PCI was not performed.

Impact of coronary artery disease in patients undergoing transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation

BACKGROUND

The impact of coronary artery disease (CAD) and revascularization on outcome in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has not been fully elucidated so far.

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether the degree of CAD influences the prognosis of patients undergoing TAVI.

METHODS

Before TAVI, all patients underwent revascularization of the proximal vessels or the left main stem if indicated (stenosis ≥70% or 50%, respectively). In 666 patients, we calculated the baseline (bSS) and residual SYNTAX Score (rSS) prior to TAVI. In patients with revascularization, we determined the SYNTAX Revascularization Index (SRI=(1-(rSS/bSS))∗100). We also assessed the SYNTAX Score II (SS-II), combining anatomical and clinical variables. The primary endpoint was 3-year all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Higher baseline and residual SYNTAX Score were associated with increased 3-year mortality (no CAD 26.2%, low bSS 34.8%, high bSS 46.8%; p=0.001, respectively, no CAD 25.9%, low rSS 31.4%, high rSS 41.5%; p=0.01). The extent of revascularization represented by the SRI was not associated with outcome. The SYNTAX Score II was also associated with increased 3-year mortality. However, baseline and residual SYNTAX Score as well as SYNTAX Score II did not independently predict mortality.

CONCLUSION

The anatomic severity of CAD as assessed by the baseline and residual SYNTAX Score is associated with survival after TAVI. Coronary artery disease seems to reflect general comorbidity burden and is associated with a higher risk profile of the patient.

Coronary Revascularization in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD) is highly prevalent among patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Historically, surgical aortic valve replacement with coronary artery bypass grafting was the only treatment option for patients with severe AS and significant CAD. The rapid expansion of transcatheter aortic valve replacement has led to significant paradigm shifts in the treatment of severe AS and has raised new questions regarding the optimal management of CAD in these patients. We review the evidence regarding management of concomitant CAD in severe AS patients, specifically focusing on issues surrounding transcatheter aortic valve replacement. In the absence of robust evidence supporting specific treatment strategies, decisions regarding coronary revascularization in severe AS should be individualized and made within the context of a multidisciplinary heart team.

Predictors of Early Cerebrovascular Events in Patients With Aortic Stenosis Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND

Identifying transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients at high risk for cerebrovascular events (CVE) is of major clinical relevance. However, predictors have varied across studies.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to analyze the predictors of 30-day CVE post-TAVR.

METHODS

A systematic review of studies that reported the incidence of CVE post-TAVR while providing raw data for predictors of interest was performed. Data on study, patient, and procedural characteristics were extracted. Crude risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals for each predictor were calculated.

RESULTS

Sixty-four studies involving 72,318 patients (2,385 patients with a CVE within 30 days post-TAVR) were analyzed. Incidence of CVE ranged from 1% to 11% (median 4%) without significant differences between single and multicenter studies, or according to CVE adjudication availability. The summary RRs indicated lower risk for men (RR: 0.82; p = 0.02) and higher risk for patients with chronic kidney disease (RR: 1.29; p = 0.03) and with new-onset atrial fibrillation post-TAVR (RR: 1.85; p = 0.005), and for procedures performed within the first half of center experience (RR: 1.55; p = 0.003). The use of balloon post-dilation tended to be associated with a higher risk of CVE (RR: 1.43; p = 0.07). Valve type (balloon-expandable vs. self-expandable, p = 0.26) and approach (transfemoral vs. nontransfemoral, p = 0.81) did not predict CVE.

CONCLUSIONS

Female sex, chronic kidney disease, enrollment date, and new-onset atrial fibrillation were predictors of CVE post-TAVR. This study provides effect estimates to identify high-risk TAVR patients for early CVE, providing possible guidance for tailored preventive strategies.

CT angiography to evaluate coronary artery disease and revascularization requirement before trans-catheter aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and aortic stenosis share pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors. We evaluated the clinical utility of coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) to identify CAD and revascularization requirement in patients with severe aortic stenosis considered for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

METHODS

Consecutive patients without known CAD underwent calcium scoring, CTA and invasive coronary angiography (ICA). A second-generation dual-source CT scanner was used. ICA-quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) served as reference standard. CAD was reported using a lenient threshold of ≥50% and a stricter threshold of ≥70% diameter reduction. Findings of ≥70% diameter reduction and of high-risk CAD were used to predict revascularization.

RESULTS

The study included 140 patients [68 males; 82.3 (7.7) years]. CAD defined by the 50% threshold on ICA was found in 58/140 (41%) patients. CAD by the 70% threshold was found in 23/140 (16%) patients. High-risk CAD was found in 16/140 (11%) patients. CTA and ICA had similar odd-ratios of 3.22 (1.26-8.23) and 4.62 (1.64-13.05), respectively, in predicting revascularization. Forty-two/140 (30%) patients had <400 Agatston calcium score, 98/140 (70%) patients had ≥400 calcium score. The diagnostic performance of CTA in the low calcium score group was better than the high calcium score group (AUC 0.81 vs. 0.63).

CONCLUSION

CTA remained questionable to rule-out CAD as gatekeeper to ICA in TAVR candidates who had severe coronary calcifications. In patients with less severe coronary calcifications, accounting for 30% of participants in this study, CTA may play a clinical role.

Impact of Coronary Artery Disease Severity Assessed With the SYNTAX Score on Outcomes Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Background

The influence of coronary artery disease (CAD) on clinical and echocardiographic outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is still controversial. We sought to evaluate the impact of CAD severity as measured by the SYNTAX score (SS) on patients undergoing TAVR.

Methods and Results

A total of 377 patients who underwent TAVR in 2 high‐volume centers in North America were included in our retrospective analysis. A blinded angiographic core laboratory calculated the SS on all available coronary angiograms with the use of quantitative coronary analysis. Patients were stratified into 4 groups: (1) no CAD (SS=0); (2) low SS (SS between 1 and 22); (3) intermediate SS (SS between 23 and 32); and (4) high SS (SS ≥33). Patients who had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention within 6 months prior to TAVR were separated into 2 categories based on their residual SS (<8 and ≥8). Patients with previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were divided into 2 groups: (1) low CABG SS and (2) high CABG SS. The primary end point was a composite of all‐cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke. At 30 days and 1 year, both the presence and the severity of CAD had no impact on the rate of the combined primary end point and on all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and myocardial infarction. Patients with less complete revascularization (residual SS ≥8 versus residual SS <8 and low CABG SS versus high CABG SS, had similar rates of the combined primary end point, all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, MI, and stroke, at both 30 days and 1 year.

Conclusions

In our core laboratory–validated study, neither the severity of CAD nor completeness of revascularization after percutaneous coronary intervention or CABG were associated with clinical outcomes after TAVR, at both 30 days and 1 year.