Conduction Disturbances After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Long-Term Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve-in-Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND

Data on long-term outcomes after valve-in-valve (ViV) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are scarce. The objective of this study was to determine the long-term clinical outcomes and structural valve degeneration (SVD) over time in patients undergoing ViV-TAVR.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Consecutive patients undergoing ViV-TAVR in 9 centers between 2009 and 2015 were included. Patients were followed yearly, and clinical and echocardiography data were collected prospectively. SVD was defined as subclinical (increase >10 mm Hg in mean transvalvular gradient+decrease >0.3 cm² in valve area or new-onset mild or moderate aortic regurgitation) and clinically relevant (increase >20 mm Hg in mean transvalvular gradient+decrease >0.6 cm² in valve area or new-onset moderate-to-severe aortic regurgitation). A total of 116 patients (mean age, 76±11 years; 64.7% male; mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score, 8.0±5.1%) were included. Balloon- and self-expandable valves were used in 47.9% and 52.1% of patients, respectively, and 30-day mortality was 6.9%. At a median follow-up of 3 years (range, 2-7 years), 30 patients (25.9%) had died, 20 of them (17.2%) from cardiovascular causes. Average mean transvalvular gradients remained stable up to 5-year follow-up ( P=0.92), but clinically relevant SVD occurred in 3/99 patients (3.0%), and 15/99 patients (15.1%) had subclinical SVD. One patient with SVD had redo ViV-TAVR.

CONCLUSIONS

About one-fourth of ViV-TAVR recipients had died after a median follow-up of 3 years. Overall valve hemodynamics remained stable over time and clinically relevant SVD was infrequent, but 1 out of 10 patients exhibited some degree of SVD.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement With the HLT Meridian Valve

Background:

While most self-expanding transcatheter valves are repositionable, only one fully retrievable valve is currently available. The Meridian valve is a new self-expanding valve with full retrievability properties. The objective of our study was to evaluate the early feasibility, preliminary safety, and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve replacement with the HLT Meridian valve (HLT, Inc).

Methods:

This was a multicenter early feasibility study including patients with severe aortic stenosis at high surgical risk undergoing transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement with the 25-mm Meridian valve. All serious adverse events were adjudicated by an independent clinical events committee according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 criteria. Echocardiography data were assessed by an independent echocardiography core laboratory.

Results:

A total of 25 patients (mean age, 85±6 years; 80% of men) were included. The valve was successfully implanted in 22 (88%) patients (annulus too large and extreme horizontal aorta in 2 and 1 unsuccessful cases, respectively). Valve retrieval because of an initial nonadequate positioning was attempted and successfully performed in 10 (40%) patients. Echocardiography post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement showed a low mean residual gradient (10±4 mm Hg) and the absence of moderate-severe aortic regurgitation (none-trace and mild aortic regurgitation in 76% and 24% of patients, respectively). Mortality at 30 days was 8%, with no cases of disabling stroke, valve embolization, or major/life-threatening bleeding complications. At 6-month follow-up, the cumulative mortality rate was 12%, with no changes in echocardiographic parameters and no cases of valve dysfunction. The majority of patients (89%) were in New York Heart Association class I-II at 6 months.

Conclusions:

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement with the Meridian valve was feasible and associated with acceptable early and 6-month clinical results. Valve retrieval after full valve deployment was successfully performed in all attempted cases, and valve performance was excellent, with low residual gradients, no cases of moderate-severe aortic regurgitation, and none-trace residual aortic regurgitation in the majority of patients.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02838680 (RADIANT-Canada); NCT02799823 (RADIANT-US).

New-onset conduction disturbances: the last obstacle in the way of transcatheter aortic valve implantation

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Feasibility of an Entirely Extracardiac, Minimally Invasive,Temporary Pacing System

Background:

A completely extracardiac pacing system provides the potential for clinical advantages over existing device alternatives that require intravascular, endocardial, or epicardial contact. Preliminary studies evaluating the feasibility of cardiac pacing with a lead in the anterior mediastinum, outside the pericardium and circulatory system have been completed. These studies examined (1) the anatomic access route, (2) the usability of a delivery tool to facilitate lead placement, and (3) the pacing performance of the extracardiac lead.

Methods:

Feasibility evaluations included (1) a retrospective computed tomography analysis to characterize anatomic variations related to lead access, (2) accessing the anterior mediastinum in cadavers and human subjects using a custom delivery tool, and (3) acute clinical pacing performance.

Results:

Major findings: (1) A total of 166 (95%) out of 174 patients had a viable lead access path through the fourth, fifth, or sixth intercostal space. (2) Access to the targeted implant location using a delivery tool was successful in all 5 cadavers and 3 humans without use of fluoroscopy and with an average lead delivery time of 121±52 s. No damage to the lung, pericardium, heart, or internal thoracic vessels occurred. (3) Pacing performance was tested in 6 human subjects showing a threshold voltage of 4.7 V (2.7–6.7), threshold pulse width of 1.8 ms (1.0–2.5), and an impedance of 1205 Ω (894–1786). R-wave amplitudes measured 9.6 mV (5.6–12.0).

Conclusions:

Results support the feasibility for this completely extracardiac pacing method in a heterogeneous patient population, using a minimally invasive, parasternal, delivery approach and with adequate sensing and thresholds suited for temporary pacing.

Left bundle branch block-induced cardiomyopathy: a diagnostic proposal for a poorly explored pathological entity

Despite being increasingly recognized as a specific disease, at the present time left bundle branch block (LBBB)-induced cardiomyopathy is neither formally included among unclassified cardiomyopathies nor among the acquired/non-genetic forms of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Currently, a post-hoc diagnosis of LBBB-induced cardiomyopathy is possible when evaluating patients' response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). However, an early detection of a LBBB-induced cardiomyopathy could have significant clinical and therapeutic implications. Patients with the aforementioned form of dyssynchronopathy may benefit from early CRT and overall prognosis might be better as compared to patients with a primary muscle cell disorder (i.e. "true" DCM). The real underlying mechanisms, the possible genetic background as well as the early identification of this specific form of DCM remain largely unknown. In this review the complex relationship between LBBB and left ventricular non-ischaemic dysfunction is described. Furthermore, a multiparametric approach based on clinical, electrocardiographic and imaging red flags, is provided in order to allow an early detection of the LBBB-induced cardiomyopathy.

Outcomes of Acute Conduction Abnormalities Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation With a Balloon Expandable Valve and Predictors of Delayed Conduction System Abnormalities in Follow-up

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an acceptable treatment for severe aortic stenosis in high or intermediate risk patients. Conduction abnormalities are a known complication of TAVI. Most abnormalities occur perioperatively but can develop later. The predictors of delayed conduction abnormalities are unknown. Patients who underwent TAVI at our institution were reviewed. Patients with a pre-existing pacemaker were excluded. Baseline, in-hospital, and 30-day follow-up ECGs were reviewed. Patient and procedural characteristics were analyzed to look for predictors of acute and delayed abnormalities. Ninety-eight patients were included. All valves implanted were balloon expandable, most commonly SAPIEN S3 (78%). Thirty-seven (37.7%) patients developed abnormalities before discharge. Of these patients, 20 (57.1%) had complete resolution at 30-day follow-up. No patients with new conduction abnormalities during hospitalization had additional abnormalities at 30-day follow-up. Five (5.1%) patients developed new conduction abnormalities following discharge. Overall, 22 (22.4%) patients had conduction abnormalities at 30-day follow-up which were not present at baseline. Predilatation (p = 0.003), higher ratios of balloon (p = 0.03) or valve (p = 0.05) size to left ventricular outflow tract, and previous myocardial infarction (p = 0.034) were predictive of acute conduction abnormalities. Baseline right bundle branch block (p = 0.002), longer baseline (p <0.001) and discharge (p = 0.004) QRS duration, moderate, or severe aortic insufficiency (p = 0.002) and atrial fibrillation (p = 0.031) were predictors of new conduction abnormalities after discharge. In conclusion, most new in-hospital conduction abnormalities resolve by 30-day follow-up. In-hospital conduction abnormalities are related to technical aspects of TAVI while delayed conduction abnormalities are related to baseline conduction system disease.

Current results and remaining challenges of trans-catheter aortic valve replacement expansion in intermediate and low risk patients

TAVR has become the standard treatment in patients at increased surgical risk (STS or EuroSCORE II ≥4% or logistic EuroSCORE I ≥ 10% or other risk factors not included in these scores such as frailty, porcelain aorta, sequelae of chest radiation) and it is increasingly being performed in patients at intermediate to low (STS or EuroSCORE II <4% or logistic EuroSCORE I < 10%) surgical risk. Although non-inferiority has been demonstrated in intermediate and low-risk patients, several challenges need to be addressed before expansion to younger patients. Current trends, trials results, and remaining challenges are summarized and discussed in this review.

The Association between Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Approach and New-Onset Bundle Branch Blocks

INTRODUCTION

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become a widely accepted treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) who are considered intermediate- and high-risk surgical candidates. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that trans-apical TAVR would be associated with increased risk of new-onset intraventricular conduction delay (LBBB or RBBB).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational study of consecutive patients undergoing TAVR at a large, single institution. The incidence of new LBBB or RBBB was compared between femoral and apical TAVR patients. Multivariate analysis was performed to account for confounding variables, which included age, gender, CAD, PAD, hypertension, and diabetes.

RESULTS

A total of 467 TAVR patients were included in the study, with 283 (60.6%) femoral approach and 184 (39.4%) apical approach. In univariate analysis, the apical approach (when compared to the femoral approach) was associated with a higher incidence of both new-onset LBBB (12.79 vs. 3.40%, p = 0.0002) and RBBB (5.49 vs. 0.81%, p = 0.0039). After controlling for potential confounding variables, the apical approach continued to be associated with a higher incidence of both new-onset LBBB (p = 0.0010) and RBBB (p = 0.0115). There was also a trend towards an association between diabetes and new-onset LBBB (p = 0.0513) in apical TAVR patients. In subgroup analysis, LBBB/RBBB occurring as a result of transapical TAVR was associated with more frequent hospitalizations > 30 days after TAVR, compared to transfemoral TAVR. Other post-procedural complications noted more frequently among patients undergoing transapical TAVR include arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation, peri-procedural myocardial infarction (within 72 h), mortality from unknown cause, and mortality from non-cardiac cause.

CONCLUSIONS

Relative to transfemoral TAVR, patients undergoing transapical TAVR are at increased risk for new-onset bundle branch block, peri-procedural myocardial infarction, rehospitalization, TAV-in-TAV deployment, and all-cause mortality at 1 year. Interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons alike should take these findings into consideration when choosing which approach is most suitable for patients undergoing TAVR for severe aortic stenosis.

Characteristics and toxicity assessment of electrospun gelatin/PCL nanofibrous scaffold loaded with graphene in vitro and in vivo

Background: Electrospun gelatin/polycaprolactone (Gt/PCL) nanofibrous scaffolds loaded with graphene are novel nanomaterials with the uniquely strong property of electrical conductivity, which have been widely investigated for their potential applications in cardiovascular tissue engineering, including in bypass tracts for atrioventricular block.

Purpose: Electrospun Gt/PCL/graphene nanofibrous mats were successfully produced. Scanning electron micrography showed that the fibers with graphene were smooth and homogeneous. In vitro, to determine the biocompatibility of the scaffolds, hybrid scaffolds with different fractions of graphene were seeded with neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. In vivo, Gt/PCL scaffolds with different concentrations of graphene were implanted into rats for 4, 8 and 12 weeks.

Results: CCK-8 assays and histopathological staining (including DAPI, cTNT, and CX43) indicated that cells grew and survived well on the hybrid scaffolds if the mass fraction of graphene was lower than 0.5%. After implanting into rats for 4, 8 or 12 weeks, there was no gathering of inflammatory cells around the nanomaterials according to the HE staining results.

Conclusion: The results indicate that Gt/PCL nanofibrous scaffolds loaded with graphene have favorable electrical conductivity and biological properties and may be suitable scaffolds for use in the treatment of atrioventricular block. These findings alleviate safety concerns and provide novel insights into the potential applications of Gt/PCL loaded with graphene, offering a solid foundation for comprehensive in vivo studies.

Endovascular Versus Transapical Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: In-hospital Mortality, Hospital Outcomes, and 30-day Readmission. A Propensity Score-matched Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Transapical transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with increased morbidity compared with endovascular TAVR. We sought to compare the differences in clinical outcomes between endovascular and transapical TAVR approaches utilizing a propensity score model.

METHODS

Patients undergoing TAVR (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes 35.05 and 35.06) between January 2011 and November 2014 were identified in the Nationwide Readmissions Database, and a propensity score-matched analysis was performed comparing transapical versus endovascular approach. The primary outcome of interest was in-hospital mortality and 30-day all-cause readmission. We also evaluated trends in use of TAVR over the years.

RESULTS

We identified 28,302 endovascular TAVR and 7967 transapical TAVR performed during the study period. The propensity score-matching algorithm yielded 7879 well-matched patients in each group. The in-hospital mortality rates were significantly lower in endovascular TAVR compared with transapical TAVR (1.7% vs 6.7%; OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.17- 0.35; P < 0.001). The 30-day readmission rate was lower in endovascular TAVR (14.4% vs 16.8%; OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70-0.98; P = 0.036). Use of TAVR increased from 585 (74% endovascular TAVR) in 2011 to 16,801 in 2014 (82.8% endovascular TAVR).

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular TAVR is associated with significantly lower in-patient mortality and lower readmission rate when compared with transapical TAVR. Heart failure remains the most common cause for readmission after TAVR regardless of approach.

Comparison of the Transarterial and Transthoracic Approaches in Nontransfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Transfemoral approach stands as the reference access-route for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Nonetheless, alternatives approaches are still needed in a significant proportion of patients. This study aimed at comparing outcomes between transthoracic-approach (transapical or transaortic) and transarterial-approach (transcarotid or subclavian) TAVI. Data from 191 consecutive patients who underwent surgical-approach TAVI from May 2009 to September 2017 were analyzed. Patients were allocated in 2 groups according to the approach. The primary end point was the 30-day composite of death of any cause, need for open surgery, tamponade, stroke, major or life-threatening bleeding, stage 2 or 3 acute kidney injury, coronary obstruction, or major vascular complications. During the study period, 104 patients underwent transthoracic TAVI (transapical: 60.6%, transaortic: 39.4%) whereas 87 patients underwent transarterial TAVI (subclavian: 83.9%, transcarotid: 16.1%). Logistic EuroSCORE I tended to be higher in transthoracic-TAVI recipients. In-hospital and 30-day composite end point rates were 25.0% and 11.5% (p = 0.025), and 26.0% and 14.9% (p = 0.075) for the transthoracic and transarterial cohorts, respectively. Propensity score-adjusted logistic regression demonstrated no significant detrimental association between the 30-day composite end point and transthoracic access (odds ratio 2.12 95% confidence interval 0.70 to 6.42; p = 0.18). Transarterial TAVI was associated with a shorter length of stay (median: 6 vs 7 days, p <0.001). TAVI approach was not an independent predictor of midterm mortality. In conclusion, nontransfemoral transarterial-approach TAVI is safe, feasible, and associated with comparable rates of major perioperative complications, and midterm mortality compared with transthoracic-approach TAVI.

Successful transcatheter aortic valve implantation for severe aortic stenosis of a bicuspid valve with situs inversus totalis guided by advanced image processing: a case report

Introduction

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) can be challenging in case of complex anatomy such as bicuspid aortic valve stenosis or situs inversus. This report illustrates a successful procedure in a patient with both conditions after careful pre-operative planning and per-operative guidance by means of a novel software.

Case Presentation

We report the case of a 71-year-old man that presented a type 0 bicuspid aortic valve stenosis and situs inversus. We performed transfemoral TAVI using the Edwards Sapien 3 transcatheter heart valve (THV) and a novel software that provides insight for patient anatomy through computed tomography (CT) extracted three-dimensional reconstruction before the procedure aiming at improving THV positioning during the procedure through fusion of a CT-extracted virtual aortic annulus on the fluoroscopy screen and enhancing of calcifications that can be considered as anatomical landmarks. The Edwards Sapien 3 THV was accurately implanted in a supra-annular fashion. Post-operative echocardiography showed an excellent result without any para-prosthetic leak, and the patient reported symptom improvement.

Discussion

During TAVI the angiographic appearance of the cusps of a bicuspid aortic valve is irregular and asymmetric, which can lead to malpositioning, paravalvular regurgitation, and increased rates of pacemaker implantation after TAVI. Furthermore, usual anatomical landmarks can be even more disturbed by the situs inversus totalis. We believe that pre-operative three-dimensional reconstruction and per-operative fluoroscopy image processing, provided by software such as the one presented in this case report, can provide precious guidance for TAVI in patients with complex and unusual anatomy.

New-onset left bundle branch block after transcatheter aortic valve replacement is associated with adverse long-term clinical outcomes in intermediate-risk patients: an analysis from the PARTNER II trial

Aims

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is now an established therapy for intermediate-risk surgical candidates with symptomatic, severe aortic stenosis. The clinical impact of new-onset left bundle branch block (LBBB) after TAVR remains controversial and has not been studied in intermediate-risk patients. We therefore sought to analyse outcomes associated with new LBBB in a large cohort of intermediate-risk patients treated with TAVR.

Methods and results

A total of 2043 patients underwent TAVR in the PARTNER II trial and S3 intermediate-risk registry and survived to hospital discharge. Patients were excluded from the current analysis due to baseline conduction disturbances, pre-existing permanent pacemaker (PPM), and new PPM during the index hospitalization. Clinical outcomes at 2 years were compared between patients with and without persistent, new-onset LBBB at hospital discharge, and multivariable analysis was performed to identify predictors of mortality. Among 1179 intermediate-risk patients, new-onset LBBB at discharge occurred in 179 patients (15.2%). Patients with new LBBB were similar to those without except for more frequent diabetes and more frequent treatment with SAPIEN 3 vs. SAPIEN XT. At 2 years, new LBBB was associated with increased rates of all-cause mortality (19.3% vs. 10.8%, P = 0.002), cardiovascular mortality (16.2% vs. 6.5%, P < 0.001), rehospitalization, and new PPM implantation. By multivariable analysis, new LBBB remained an independent predictor of 2-year all-cause [hazard ratio (HR) 1.98, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.33, 2.96; P < 0.001] and cardiovascular (HR 2.66 95% CI 1.67, 4.24; P < 0.001) mortality. New LBBB was also associated with worse left ventricular systolic function at 1 and 2-year follow-up.

Conclusions

In a large cohort of intermediate-risk patients from the PARTNER II trial and registry, persistent, new-onset LBBB occurred in 15.2% of patients without baseline conduction disturbances or pacemaker. New LBBB was associated with adverse clinical outcomes at 2 years, including all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, rehospitalization, new pacemaker implantation, and worsened left ventricular systolic function.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT01314313 and NCT03222128.

Anatomical predictors of conduction damage after transcatheter implantation of the aortic valve

Objective

Conduction damage following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains common. Anatomical risk factors remain elusive. We assessed the impact of variability in the dimensions of the membranous septum and position of the aortic root on the occurrence of conduction damage following TAVI.

Methods

The dimensions of the membranous septum, the rotational position of the aortic root correlating to variability in the central fibrous body width, and wedging of the aortic root were assessed on pre-TAVI CT datasets. The depth of implantation was measured from the final aortic angiogram. The variables were compared with the occurrence of both permanent pacemaker insertion (PPI) and left bundle branch block (LBBB) following TAVI.

Results

Of 200 patients who met inclusion criteria (mean age = 81 years ± 7.7, 49% men), 20.5 % underwent PPI after TAVI. New LBBB occurred in 23.5%, 21.3 % of whom required PPI. Preprocedural right bundle branch block (OR = 7.00; CI 3.13 to 15.64), valve type (OR=2.35; CI 1.13 to 4.87), depth of implantation (OR=1.62; CI 1.01 to 2.61) and the difference between depth of implantation and the distance from the virtual basal ring to the inferior margin of the membranous septum (OR=0.61; CI 0.38 to 0.99) were all associated with PPI, with similar associations with LBBB. No gross anatomical variable alone was associated with conduction damage.

Conclusions

Gross anatomical variation of the aortic root and its underlying support, including the membranous septum, were not associated with the occurrence of either PPI or new LBBB. Procedural characteristics associated with these adverse outcomes suggest that the depth of implantation and radial force of the bioprosthesis, regardless of gross anatomical variability, increase the risk for conduction damage.

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.

Conduction Abnormalities After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been established as a therapeutic option for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis who are of intermediate or higher surgical risk. Several periprocedural complications are reduced with newer transcatheter heart valve generations; however, conduction abnormalities and the need for permanent pacemaker implantation have remained unchanged and are the most frequent TAVR complications. The close relationship of the atrioventricular node and left bundle branch to the subaortic region explains these potential conduction abnormalities. This article highlights conduction abnormalities after TAVR with a focus on basic conduction system anatomy in relation to the aortic valve, the mechanism, incidence, predisposing factors for occurrence, impact on mortality and finally, proposed treatment algorithms for management.

Clinical utility of intraprocedural three-dimensional integrated image guided transcatheter aortic valve implantation using novel automated computed tomography software: A single-center preliminary experience

OBJECTIVES

Novel automated computed tomography (CT) software (Valve ASSIST 2) has been developed for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), which not only provides three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of multidetector (MD) CT images, but also enables intraprocedural real-time fusion of fluoroscopic and MDCT images. We aimed to clarify the reproducibility and accuracy of this software in the aortic annulus assessment and verify the potential of intraprocedural integrated MDCT imaging for TAVI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We examined 50 patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transfemoral TAVI. Aortic annulus measurements were performed using 3mensio and the novel planning software. For intraprocedural imaging, preoperative CT dataset was overlaid onto fluoroscopy with the fusion software. The two images were aligned using the aortic root anatomy visible on both modalities. Novel planning software provided excellent reproducibility for the measurement of aortic annulus area (intraobserver intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC] 0.959, interobserver ICC 0.941), and perimeter (intraobserver ICC 0.915, interobserver ICC 0.912). Excellent correlation was found between novel planning software and 3mensio (ICC 0.952 for aortic annulus area, and 0.923 for perimeter). Intraprocedural fusion image of CT aortography and fluoroscopic aortic root aortography generated by this novel software identified coronary orifices and the distribution of aortic valve calcification during the device positioning. Fusion image displayed coronary orifices after device implantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Novel planning software showed excellent reproducibility and accuracy in the assessment of aortic root anatomy. Furthermore, the integrated 3D fusion image might have a potential as an intraprocedural imaging modality to contribute to the development of a safer TAVI procedure.

Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Patients With Low Versus Intermediate to High Surgical Risk

Referral of low surgical risk (LSR) patients for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) becomes common in multiple tertiary centers, and clinical trial data for this population are not available to date. We performed a retrospective analysis on an Israeli multicenter registry. LSR and intermediate-high surgical risk (I-HSR) were defined by a Society of Thoracic Surgery score of <4% and ≥4%, respectively. The cohort included 2336 patients (LSR n = 1198, I-HLR n = 1138). As compared with LSR, patients with I-HSR were older and had significantly higher rates of baseline comorbidities. Although devices success rates (94% vs 96%), paravalvular leak (3.5% vs 5.2%), and permanent pacemaker implantation (17.2 vs 18%) were comparable (p >0.05 for all comparisons), the safety outcome at 1 month (12.7% vs 9.8%), procedural mortality (1.9% vs 0.6%), and mortality at 3 years (30.1% vs 16.1%) were higher in patients with I-HSR (p <0.05 for all comparisons). In a subanalysis of patients with very LSR, comparable rates of device success and safety outcomes were observed, whereas mortality at 1 to 3 years was lower. In conclusion, although procedural outcomes were comparable between LSR and I-HSR TAVI patients, the rates of short- and long-term mortality, as well as the safety outcome, were lower in LSR patients.

[Aortic stenosis in the elderly: The TAVI revolution]

TAVI is currently recommended for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis in patients at prohibitive, high or intermediate surgical risk as estimated by surgical risk scores (STS score and EuroSCORE II). Comorbidity, technical feasibility of TAVI and concurrent pathology with need for complementary surgical correction are conditions to be considered to choose between open surgery and TAVI. The decision is often made by the "Heart Team". The transfemoral access must be favored. Conduction disturbance, stroke, bioprosthesis thrombosis and durability are the main setbacks of TAVI. Double antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel during 3 to 6 months is currently recommended after TAVI, followed by long-term aspirin single therapy.

Complications and Outcomes of Temporary Transvenous Pacing: An Analysis of > 360,000 Patients From the National Inpatient Sample

BACKGROUND

The incidence of complications and the outcomes of temporary transvenous pacemaker (TTP) placement in the modern era are not well established.

METHODS

To determine the current incidence of pericardial complications and the outcomes of patients undergoing TTP, we performed an analysis using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS), which is a US national database of hospital admissions. All patients who underwent TTP were identified by using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. A multivariate logistic regression model was constructed for a primary outcome of pericardial tamponade and another for a primary outcome of in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 360,223 patients underwent TTP placement in the United States between 2004 and 2014. In-hospital mortality was 14.1%, and 37.9% later underwent permanent pacemaker implantation. Potential procedural complications included pericardial tamponade in 0.6% of patients, pneumothorax in 0.9% of patients, and non-pericardial bleeding in 2.4% of patients. In adjusted models, female sex (OR, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.09-1.64]; P = .005), in-hospital cardiac arrest (OR, 3.52 [95% CI, 2.76-4.48]; P < .001), teaching hospital status (OR, 1.91 [95% CI, 1.53-2.40]; P < .001), and previous coronary artery bypass grafting (OR, 0.26 [95% CI, 0.14-0.49]; P < .001) were associated with tamponade. Following multivariate adjustment, pericardial tamponade complicating TTP insertion was associated with a fivefold increase in risk for in-hospital death (OR, 5.00 [95% CI, 2.51-9.96]; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

TTP placement is generally safe with low pericardial complication rates. Clinicians should be mindful of infrequent but serious complications of TTP, and strategies to mitigate pericardial tamponade and other complications should be sought and implemented.

Influence of permanent pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation with new-generation devices

Objective

Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is the most common complication after the procedure. PPMI rates remain high with the new-generation TAVI devices despite improved outcomes concerning paravalvular aortic regurgitation and vascular access complications. However, the impact of PPMI on mortality and clinical outcome is still a matter of debate, and data with new-generation devices on this matter are scarce. Therefore, we sought to analyse the influence of PPMI in patients treated with the new-generation devices on one-year outcome.

Methods

We enrolled 612 consecutive patients without prior pacemaker undergoing transfemoral TAVI with the new-generation devices. Patients with or without PPMI were compared with respect to clinical outcome within one year.

Results

PPMI was performed in 168 patients (24.4% of the overall study population). There was no significant difference in one-year outcome concerning all-cause mortality (PPMI vs. no-PPMI: 12.2% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.94), rate of major adverse events including cardiac, cerebral or valve-related events and bleeding complications (22.1% vs. 24.5%, p = 0.55) or need for rehospitalisation due to cardiac symptoms (16.1% vs. 18.1%, p = 0.63). In patients with reduced ejection fraction (<45%) there was also no impact of PPMI on one-year mortality (14.3% vs. 15.7%, p = 0.86). Furthermore, multivariate analysis did not reveal PPMI to be independently associated with one-year mortality (odds ratio 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.50–1.74, p = 0.83).

Conclusions

In this large all-comers TAVI population with new-generation devices the need for postprocedural PPMI did not show a statistical significant impact on survival or combined endpoint of major adverse events within one year.

Pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve: why is this still happening?

During the past years, the industry and most transcatheter aortic valve operators have focused on reduction of paravalvular leaks rather than on the reduction of permanent pacemakers (PPM). However, since indication for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is moving toward a healthier and younger patient population, new PPMs may become more of an issue. Certain factors such as pre-existing conduction disorders or anatomical features cannot be changed. However, the amount of mechanical trauma to the conduction system and periprocedural medical management offers the potential for optimization. By optimizing our procedure, we may finally be able to achieve low, surgical-like, PPM rates.

Characteristics of and current practice patterns of pacing for high-degree atrioventricular block after transcatheter aortic valve implantation in comparison to surgical aortic valve replacement

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the current practice patterns of permanent pacing, especially the timing of implantation, for high-degree AV block (HDAVB) following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

BACKGROUND

Comparative data regarding current practice patterns of permanent pacing for HDAVB between TAVI and SAVR is limited.

METHODS

Using the National Inpatient Sample database, we identified patients who underwent TAVI or SAVR between 2012 and 2014. The incidence of HDAVB, the rate of permanent pacemaker implantation, and the timing of implantations were compared between TAVI and SAVR groups.

RESULTS

We identified 33 690 and 202 110 patients who underwent TAVI and SAVR, respectively. HDAVB occurred in 3480 patients (10.3%) in the TAVI group and 11 405 patients (5.6%) in the SAVR group (P < 0.001). Among the patients who developed HDAVB, patients in the TAVI group were more likely to undergo permanent pacemaker implantation than those in the SAVR group (74.1% vs 64.7%; P < 0.001). The median interval from TAVI to pacemaker implantation was 2 days (interquartile range 1-3 days) vs 5 days (interquartile range 3-7 days) from SAVR to pacemaker implantation (P < 0.001). Among the patients who developed HDAVB, TAVI was associated with higher rates of permanent pacemaker implantation after adjusting for other comorbidities (odds ratio 1.41:95% confidence interval 1.13-1.77; P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

HDAVB occurred more commonly after TAVI compared to SAVR. HDAVB after TAVI compared to SAVR was associated with a higher rate of permanent pacemaker implantation at an earlier timing from the index procedure.