Thirty-day incidence of stroke after transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation: meta-analysis and mixt-treatment comparison of self-expandable versus balloon-expandable valve prostheses

Cerebrovascular events after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Periprocedural stroke after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains a significant issue, which is associated with high morbidity, and is increasingly important as intervention shifts to younger and lower-risk populations. Over the last decade of clinical experience with TAVI, the incidence of periprocedural stroke has stayed largely unchanged, although it is prone to underreporting due to variation in ascertainment methods. The aetiology of stroke in TAVI patients is multifactorial, and changing risk profiles, differing study populations, and frequent device iterations have made it difficult to discern consistent risk factors. The objective of this review is to analyse and clarify the contemporary published literature on the epidemiology and mechanisms of neurological events in TAVI patients and evaluate potential preventive measures. This summary aims to improve patient risk assessment and refine case selection for cerebral embolic protection devices, while also providing a foundation for designing future trials focused on stroke prevention.

Comparison of outcomes of self-expanding versus balloon-expandable valves for transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a meta-analysis of randomized and propensity-matched studies

BACKGROUND

The postoperative outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with the new generation of self-expanding valves (SEV) and balloon-expandable valves (BEV) remain uncertain.

METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and propensity score-matched (PSM) studies to evaluate the performance of the new generation TAVR devices, with a focus on Edwards SAPIEN 3/Ultra BEV, Medtronic Evolut R/PRO SEV, and Boston ACURATE neo SEV. Our primary endpoints were mortality and complications at both 30 days and one year post-operation.

RESULTS

A total of 4 RCTs and 14 PSM studies were included. Our findings showed no significant difference between SEV and BEV regarding 30-day and 1-year mortality rates. ACURATE SEV required less permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) at 30-day as compared to SAPIEN BEV, while Evolut SEV required a higher rate of PPI than SAPIEN BEV. The incidence of stroke, major or life-threatening bleeding (MLTB), major vascular complications (MVC), coronary artery obstruction (CAO) and acute kidney injury (AKI) did not differ significantly between the two groups. SEV had a larger effective orifice area (EOA) and lower mean transvalvular gradients (MPG) compared to BEV. However, there was an increased risk of paravalvular leakage (PVL) associated with SEV.

CONCLUSIONS

In terms of 30-day mortality, stroke, bleeding, MVC, AKI, CAO, and one-year mortality, there was comparability between the two valve types following TAVR. SEV was associated with better hemodynamic outcomes, except for a higher incidence of PVL. Compared to SAPIEN BEV, ACURATE SEV had a lower risk of PPI at 30 days, while Evolut SEV was associated with a higher risk of PPI. These findings underscore the importance of personalized valve selection.

Baseline PA/BSA ratio in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement - A novel CT-based marker for the prediction of pulmonary hypertension and outcome

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension (pH) has a prognostic impact on patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Pulmonary artery (PA) dilatation assessed by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) has the potential to predict PH. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical parameters associated with PA dilatation and to investigate its prognostic relevance in patients undergoing TAVR.

METHODS

In 770 patients undergoing TAVR between February 2016 and July 2019, PA diameter was measured by MDCT before TAVR. Additionally, PA diameter divided by ascending aorta diameter or body surface area (BSA) was calculated.

RESULTS

Of all the CT-derived parameters compared with a receiver operating characteristic curve, the value for PA/BSA with a median of 1.68 (IQR 1.47, 1.91) cm/m2 showed the greatest area-under-the-curve (0.75) for predicting PH at baseline. Based on this median, patients were assigned to a small PA/BSA (n = 386) or a large PA/BSA (n = 384) group. Hereby, a large PA/BSA was independently associated with PH at baseline (OR:8.39 [5.36-13.14], p < 0.001) and after TAVR (OR:1.73 [1.18-2.53], p = 0.005). A large PA/BSA was associated with a significantly higher cumulative two-year all-cause mortality compared to small PA/BSA (30.0% vs. 13.7%, p < 0.001), which was supported in the multivariable model (HR:1.87; 95%CI, 1.12-3.04; p = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

Patients with a large PA/BSA on MDCT are more likely to have PH at baseline and after TAVR. Large PA/BSA is associated with an increased risk of mortality and could provide additional information for risk stratification in patients undergoing TAVR.