See It Best: A Propensity-Matched Analysis of Ultrasound-Guided versus Blind Femoral Artery Puncture in Balloon-Expandable TAVI

Background: Currently, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is the standard procedure recommended for patients over 75 years of age with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis. Percutaneous transfemoral (TF) access is the main route used to perform the procedure. Among periprocedural complications, access-related ones are the most frequent, potentially leading to prolonged in-hospital stays and transfusions. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on consecutive patients undergoing TF-TAVI with the latest generation balloon-expandable transcatheter valve between 2013 and 2022. Results: A total of 600 patients were analyzed, differentiating the population between ultrasound-guided and blind common femoral artery puncture. Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 (VARC-3)criteria were used to report at 30 days and follow-up. In our propensity-matched comparison of the two groups, we found a strong reduction in access-related complications in the echo-guided group, particularly in terms of reduction of major and minor bleedings. We also found a significant trend in reduction of local complications, such as pseudoaneurysms, hematomas, arterio-venous fistulas, dissection of the femoral or iliac arteries, and stenosis. Conclusions: Although there is a lack of consensus on the role of ultrasound-guided puncture, we found better outcomes for patients having an echo-guided puncture of the main access, particularly with regard to access-related complications, early mobilization, and early discharge home.

Ultrasound-Guided Femoral Vascular Access for Percutaneous Coronary and Structural Interventions

Radial access has largely substituted femoral access for coronary interventions. Nevertheless, the femoral artery remains indispensable for gaining access to structural and complex percutaneous coronary interventions such as transcatheter aortic valve implantation and chronic total occlusion interventions, respectively. Ultrasound-guided femoral puncture is a broadly available, inexpensive, and relatively easy-to-learn technique. According to the existing evidence, ultrasound guidance for gaining femoral access has improved the effectiveness and safety of the technique. In the present paper, we sought to review the current literature in order to provide the reader with up-to-date data regarding the benefits of ultrasound-guided femoral access compared with the conventional technique as well as describing the state-of-the-art technique for gaining femoral access under ultrasound guidance.

Reducing cardiac tamponade caused by temporary pacemaker perforation in transcatheter aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND

Cardiac tamponade caused by temporary right ventricular (RV) pacemaker perforation is a rare but serious complication in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

AIMS

To study the incidence of temporary pacemaker related cardiac tamponade in TAVR, and the relation to the type of pacemaker lead used in periprocedural temporary transvenous pacing.

METHODS

A single center registry of transfemoral TAVRs in 2014-2020. Main inclusion criterion was peri-operative use of a temporary RV pacing lead. Main exclusion criteria were a preoperatively implanted permanent pacemaker or the exclusive use of left ventricular guidewire pacing. Incident cardiac tamponade was classified as pacemaker lead related, or other. Patients were grouped according to type of temporary RV pacing wire.

RESULTS

810 patients were included (age 80.5 ± 7.3 [mean ± standard deviation], female 319, 39.4%). Of these, 566 (69.9%) received a standard RV temporary pacing wire (RV-TPW), and 244 (30.1%) received temporary RV pacing through a permanent, passive pacemaker lead (RV-TPPL). In total, 18 (2.2%) events of cardiac tamponade occurred, 12 (67%) were pacemaker lead related. All pacemaker lead-related cardiac tamponades occurred in the group who received a standard RV-TPW and none in the group who received RV-TPPL (n = 12 [2.1%] vs. n = 0 [0%], p = 0.022). No difference in cardiac tamponade due to other causes was seen between the groups (p = 0.82).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of soft-tip RV-TPPL was associated with a lower risk of pacemaker related cardiac tamponade in TAVR. When perioperative pacing is indicated, temporary RV-TPPL may contribute to a significant reduction of cardiac tamponade in TAVR.

Bleeding Events After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has gained over time a major reduction in procedural complications. Despite this, clinically relevant bleeding still occurs in a non-negligible proportion of patients and adversely affects prognosis. Patients with severe aortic stenosis are at heightened risk for spontaneous bleeding due to advanced age and a high comorbidity burden. Also, procedural factors and antithrombotic management contribute to define individual bleeding susceptibility. Bleeding prevention represents an emerging area for improving patient care. Because of the tight hemorrhagic/ischemic balance, a tailored approach based on individual bleeding-risk profile, such as a less invasive antithrombotic regimen or appropriate diagnostic preprocedural evaluation, should be pursued to avoid bleeding events. This review aims to provide an in-depth overview of bleeding events in the TAVR field, including definitions, timing and the extent of risk, and clinical impact, as well as updates on antithrombotic management and its potential influence on bleeding complications.

A direct wire pacing device for transcatheter heart valve and coronary interventions: a first-in-human, multicentre study of the Electroducer Sleeve

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and complex percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) may require cardiac pacing during device delivery, generally requiring the insertion of a temporary pacing lead via an additional venous access site. The purpose-built Electroducer Sleeve device provides direct wire pacing without the need for a temporary venous pacemaker.

AIMS

This study assessed the safety of temporary cardiac pacing using the novel sleeve device during PCI.

METHODS

This was a multicentre, non-randomised, prospective, first-in-human, single-arm, pilot study. The primary endpoint was analysis of a safety outcome, defined as the occurrence of haematomas or bleeding complications at the device vascular access site. Secondary endpoints included analyses of effectiveness and qualitative outcomes.

RESULTS

Sixty patients (mean age: 77.9±9.6 years) from 4 centres in France were included: 39 (65%) underwent TAVI, and 21 (35%) underwent PCI. Procedures were performed using the sleeve with access through the radial (32 patients; 53.3%) or femoral arteries (26; 43.3%), or the femoral vein (2; 3.3%). Primary endpoint analysis revealed that 2 patients (3.3%) developed EArly Discharge After Transradial Stenting of CoronarY Arteries Study (EASY) grade I/Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type I haematomas at the device access site. As a measure of effectiveness, a haemodynamic effect was observed after each spike delivery in 54 patients (90%). Analyses of other secondary endpoints showed that 2 patients (6.3%) presented asymptomatic radial artery occlusion. No allergies were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

This first-in-human trial using the Electroducer Sleeve indicated that this novel, purpose-built, temporary pacing device was safe and effective. Larger prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.

New Practices in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: How I Do It in 2023

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) went through a huge evolution in the last decades. Previously performed under general anesthesia, with transoperative transesophageal echocardiography guidance and using cutdown femoral artery access, the procedure has now evolved into a minimalist approach, with local anesthesia, conscious sedation, and the avoidance of invasive lines becoming the new standards. Here, we discuss the minimalist TAVI approach and how we incorporate it into our current clinical practice.

Strategies for Reducing Vascular and Bleeding Risk for Percutaneous Left Ventricular Assist Device-supported High-risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

In patients at high risk for haemodynamic instability during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), practitioners are increasingly opting for prophylactic mechanical circulatory support, such as the Impella® heart pump (Abiomed, Danvers, MA, USA). Though Impella-supported high-risk PCI (HRPCI) ensures haemodynamic stability during the PCI procedure, access-related complication rates have varied significantly in published studies. Reported variability in complication rates relates to many factors, including anticoagulation practices, access and closure strategy, post-procedure care and variations in event definitions. This article aims to outline optimal strategies to minimize vascular and bleeding complications during Impella-supported HRPCI based on previously identified clinical, procedural and postprocedural risk factors. Practices to reduce complications include femoral skills training, standardized protocols to optimize access, closure, anticoagulation management and post-procedural care, as well as the application of techniques and technological advances. Protocols integrating these strategies to mitigate access-related bleeding and vascular complications for Impella-supported procedures can markedly limit vascular access risk as a barrier to appropriate large-bore mechanical circulatory support use in HRPCI.

The efficiency of the preoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the setting of postinfarction ventricular septal defect and how to optimize outcomes: A single center case series

The mortality rate after the development of postinfarction ventricular septal defect remains high despite progress in pharmacologic therapy, invasive cardiology, and surgical techniques. We present a case series of six patients with preoperative venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to reparative surgical repair. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation allows to hemodynamically stabilize the patient, and safely delay the surgery. Delayed surgery might facilitate successful repair by allowing friable tissue to organize, strengthen, and become well-differentiated from surrounding healthy tissue; thus, definite repair can be performed safely. All patients were in cardiogenic shock and would otherwise require emergent cardiac surgery with associated risk. Three patients were discharged, with one hospital mortality of a patient who had a successful bridge to corrective surgery and died due to pulmonary artery rupture after a right ventricular assist device implantation. Two patients died before surgery while they were supported by venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation due to vascular complications. We discuss strategies how to optimize the management and function of the venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to decrease the rate of adverse effects and optimize the outcomes of these patients.

Vascular Complications Among Patients Undergoing Trans-femoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Prostar vs ProGlide Parallel Technique

Reliable femoral artery closure devices are essential for the success of trans-femoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedures. Accordingly, device choice might affect vascular complications and bleeding rates. This was a retrospective analysis, comparing vascular complication rates among patients who underwent trans-femoral TAVI with vascular access closure using either the ProGlide parallel suture or Prostar closure devices. We included 191 patients: 106 were treated with Prostar and 85 with ProGlide. The ProGlide group had higher rate of diabetes, chronic kidney disease, peripheral arterial disease, and significantly smaller femoral arteries that were treated via larger sheaths. Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-2 major complications were similar between the groups. (4.7% for ProGlide vs 3.8% for Prostar, P=1), with similar incidence of closure device failure (2 vs 3, P=1). No differences were found after univariant analysis and propensity-score matching in the incidence of major and minor bleeding nor in the rate of in-hospital mortality between ProGlide and Prostar (4.7 vs 2.8%, P=.7, 1.2 vs 2.8%, P=.63, and 1.2 vs .0%, P=.45, respectively). Parallel suture technique using two ProGlide sutures showed comparable rates of vascular complications to the Prostar closure device in higher risk population of TAVI patients.

Ultrasound- Versus Fluoroscopy-Guided Strategy for Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Access: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

Access site vascular and bleeding complications remain problematic for patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Ultrasound-guided transfemoral access approach has been suggested as a technique to reduce access site complications, but there is wide variation in adoption in TAVR. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare access site vascular and bleeding complications according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 classification following the use of either ultrasound- or conventional fluoroscopy-guided transfemoral TAVR access.

Methods:

Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library were searched to November 2020 for studies comparing ultrasound- and fluoroscopy-guided access for transfemoral TAVR. A priori defined primary outcomes were extracted: (1) major, (2) minor, and (3) major and minor (total) access site vascular complications and (4) life-threatening/major, (5) minor, and (6) life-threatening, major, and minor (total) access site bleeding complications.

Results:

Eight observational studies (n=3875) were included, with a mean participant age of 82.8 years, STS score 5.81, and peripheral vascular disease in 23.5%. An ultrasound-guided approach was significantly associated with a reduced risk of total (Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio [MH-OR], 0.50 [95% CI, 0.35–0.73]), major (MH-OR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.35–0.74]), and minor (MH-OR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.38–0.91]) access site vascular complications. Ultrasound guidance was also significantly associated with total access site bleeding complications (MH-OR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.39–0.90]). The association remained significant in sensitivity analyses of maximally adjusted minor and total vascular access site complications (MH-OR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.29–0.90]; MH-OR, 0.44 [95% CI, 0.20–0.99], respectively).

Conclusions:

In the absence of randomized studies, our data suggests a potential benefit for ultrasound guidance to obtain percutaneous femoral access in TAVR.

Registration:

URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/; Unique identifier: CRD42020218259.

Impact of Morbid Obesity and Obesity Phenotype on Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Background There is a paucity of outcome data on patients who are morbidly obese (MO) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement. We aimed to determine their periprocedural and midterm outcomes and investigate the impact of obesity phenotype. Methods and Results Consecutive patients who are MO (body mass index, ≥40 kg/m², or ≥35 kg/m² with obesity-related comorbidities; n=910) with severe aortic stenosis who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement in 18 tertiary hospitals were compared with a nonobese cohort (body mass index, 18.5-29.9 kg/m², n=2264). Propensity-score matching resulted in 770 pairs. Pre-transcatheter aortic valve replacement computed tomography scans were centrally analyzed to assess adipose tissue distribution; epicardial, abdominal visceral and subcutaneous fat. Major vascular complications were more common (6.6% versus 4.3%; P=0.043) and device success was less frequent (84.4% versus 88.1%; P=0.038) in the MO group. Freedom from all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were similar at 2 years (79.4 versus 80.6%, P=0.731; and 88.7 versus 87.4%, P=0.699; MO and nonobese, respectively). Multivariable analysis identified baseline glomerular filtration rate and nontransfemoral access as independent predictors of 2-year mortality in the MO group. An adverse MO phenotype with an abdominal visceral adipose tissue:subcutaneous adipose tissue ratio ≥1 (VAT:SAT) was associated with increased 2-year all-cause (hazard ratio [HR], 3.06; 95% CI, 1.20-7.77; P=0.019) and cardiovascular (hazard ratio, 4.11; 95% CI, 1.06-15.90; P=0.041) mortality, and readmissions (HR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.07-3.07; P=0.027). After multivariable analysis, a (VAT:SAT) ratio ≥1 remained a strong predictor of 2-year mortality (hazard ratio, 2.78; P=0.035). Conclusions Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients who are MO has similar short- and midterm outcomes to nonobese patients, despite higher major vascular complications and lower device success. An abdominal VAT:SAT ratio ≥1 identifies an obesity phenotype at higher risk of adverse clinical outcomes.

Transcarotid Versus Transaxillary/Subclavian Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): Analysis of Outcomes

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has revolutionized the percutaneous management of valvular heart disease and has evolved to progressively minimalist techniques over the past decade. This review discusses the impact of minimalist TAVR, explores the alternative approaches when transfemoral (TF) TAVR is not possible, and analyzes the current outcomes of transcarotid (TC) versus transaxillary/subclavian (TAx) TAVR, which are the two leading nonfemoral (NF) approaches emerging as the preferred alternatives to TF TAVR.

Vascular Access Complications and Clinical Outcomes of Vascular Surgical Repairs Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures have revolutionized the treatment of aortic stenosis. However, due to large sheaths, improperly deployed closure devices, and the comorbidities and challenges innate to this population, vascular access complications can be devastating. The objective of this study is to evaluate vascular access complications in one of the largest TAVI sites in North America.

METHODS

This was a retrospective single center review between January 2014 and December 2018 of vascular access complications necessitating operative intervention by vascular surgery. Patient demographics and preoperative comorbidities were collected. Type of vascular access complication, types of repair, closure device used, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 37 cases out of a total of 985 TAVI procedures were identified. TAVI was carried out in the operating suite (70%) or the catheterization lab (30%). Consults to vascular surgery were requested intraoperatively (60%), immediately postoperative (14%), later in the day of the TAVI (20%), and on postoperative day 1 (6%). The location of injury included common femoral artery (49%), superficial femoral artery (11%) and external iliac artery (41%), with some cases injuring multiple vessels. Closure devices were found in the subcutaneous tissue (26%), anterior wall (37%), posterior wall (11%), intra-arterial (11%), closing the anterior to the posterior wall (16%), and in the inguinal ligament (5%). Injuries included tears (11%), dissections (38%), and vessel rupture (19%). The majority of repairs were done primarily (64%), with patch (28%) and bypass (8%) less frequently. Four patients died perioperatively (11%), 2 from hemorrhage, 1 from cardiac arrest, and 1 from progressive respiratory disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Access complications during TAVI procedures predispose complex patients to increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Careful patient selection, proper access techniques, and performing high risk patients in the operating suite with vascular surgery are fundamental in minimizing complications.

TAVR: A Review of Current Practices and Considerations in Low-Risk Patients

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an established treatment for severe, symptomatic, aortic stenosis (AS) in patients of all risk categories and now comprises 12.5% of all aortic valve replacements. TAVR is a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), with equivalent or superior outcomes. The use of TAVR has increased rapidly. The success and increase in use of TAVR are a result of advances in technology, greater operator experience, and improved outcomes. Indications have recently expanded to include patients considered to be at low risk for SAVR. While TAVR outcomes have improved, remaining challenges include the management of coexistent coronary artery disease, prevention of periprocedural stroke, and issue of durability. These issues are even more relevant for low-risk, younger patients.

Safety and operational efficiency of restructuring and redeploying a transcatheter aortic valve replacement service during the COVID-19 pandemic: The Oxford experience

BACKGROUND

The risk of nosocomial COVID-19 infection for vulnerable aortic stenosis patients and intensive care resource utilization has led to cardiac surgery deferral. Untreated severe symptomatic aortic stenosis has a dismal prognosis. TAVR offers an attractive alternative to surgery as it is not reliant on intensive care resources. We set out to explore the safety and operational efficiency of restructuring a TAVR service and redeploying it to a new non-surgical site during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

The institutional prospective service database was retrospectively interrogated for the first 50 consecutive elective TAVR cases prior to and after our institution's operational adaptations for the COVID-19 pandemic. Our endpoints were VARC-2 defined procedural complications, 30-day mortality or re-admission and service efficiency metrics.

RESULTS

The profile of patients undergoing TAVR during the pandemic was similar to patients undergoing TAVR prior to the pandemic with the exception of a lower mean age (79 vs 82 years, p < 0.01) and median EuroScore II (3.1% vs 4.6%, p = 0.01). The service restructuring and redeployment contributed to the pandemic-mandated operational efficiency with a reduction in the distribution of pre-admission hospital visits (3 vs 3 visits, p < 0.001) and the time taken from TAVR clinic to procedure (26 vs 77 days, p < 0.0001) when compared to the pre-COVID-19 service. No statistically significant difference was noted in peri-procedural complications and 30-day outcomes, while post-operative length of stay was significantly reduced (2 vs 3 days, p < 0.0001) when compared to pre-COVID-19 practice.

CONCLUSIONS

TAVR service restructuring and redeployment to align with pandemic-mandated healthcare resource rationalization is safe and feasible.

US-guided vascular access and left ventricular rapid pacing in TAVR: Two simple points that may improve patients' outcomes

The use of US-guided vascular access and left ventricular rapid pacing could significantly reduce TAVR-related complications. This study suggests simple tricks to keep the procedure safer. Further multicenter studies are needed to confirm the present data.

Facilitating transcatheter aortic valve implantation in the era of COVID-19: Recommendations for programmes

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to significantly impact the treatment of people living with aortic stenosis, and access to transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) programmes require unique coordinated processes that are currently experiencing multiple disruptions and are guided by rapidly evolving protocols. We present a series of recommendations for TAVI programmes to adapt to the new demands, based on recent evidence and the international expertise of nurse leaders and collaborators in this field. Although recommended in most guidelines, the uptake of the role of the TAVI programme nurse is uneven across international regions. COVID-19 is further highlighting why a nurse-led central point of coordination and communication is a vital asset for patients and programmes. We propose an alternative streamlined evaluation pathway to minimize patients' pre-procedure exposure to the hospital environment while ensuring appropriate treatment decision and shared decision-making. The competing demands created by COVID-19 require vigilant wait list management, with risk stratification, telephone surveillance and optimized triage and prioritization. A minimalist approach with close scrutiny of all parts of the procedure has become an imperative to avoid any complications and ensure patients' accelerated recovery. Lastly, we outline a nurse-led protocol of rapid mobilization and reconditioning as an effective strategy to facilitate safe next-day discharge home. As the pandemic abates, TAVI programmes must facilitate access to care without compromising patient safety, enable hospitals to manage the competing demands created by COVID-19 and establish new processes to support patients living with valvular heart disease.