Comparison of Outcomes and Complications of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Women Versus Men (from the National Inpatient Sample)

2024 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association (AHA), in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and obesity) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose control, and metabolic syndrome) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The AHA Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, brain health, complications of pregnancy, kidney disease, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, sudden cardiac arrest, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, valvular disease, venous thromboembolism, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The AHA, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States and globally to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2024 AHA Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2023 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and AHA staff members. The AHA strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional global data, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Sex Differences in Clinical Outcomes after Aortic Valve Intervention for Isolated Severe Aortic Stenosis

There are known pathophysiologic and clinical differences according to sex in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). To evaluate if these differences persist after valve replacement, we conducted an observational study including 451 patients with symptomatic AS who survived aortic valve intervention (AVI) in two centers. Clinical data and mortality were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 5 years. 56% of patients were women. At baseline, women were older (80.6 vs. 78 years, p = 0.013), presented higher mean gradient (48 vs. 45 mmHg, p = 0.023), lower aortic valve area (0.70 vs. 0.74 cm2, p = 0.002) and higher systolic pulmonary artery pressure (36 vs. 33 mmHg, p = 0.016). They underwent percutaneous aortic valve replacement more frequently than men (47 vs. 35.9%, p = 0.017). At 5 years follow-up, women required more admissions due to heart failure (23 vs. 9%, p = 0.046) but they did not present higher cardiovascular nor overall mortality (27.7% vs. 29.8%, p = 0.741; 11.1 vs. 10.1%, p = 0.619, respectively). Female sex was an independent predictor of heart failure hospitalization at follow-up (HR 95% 1.16-4.22, p = 0.016). Women undergo AVI at a more advanced stage than men, resulting in a higher frequency of readmissions due to heart failure during the follow-up period, but not in higher mortality.

Correlation between measured and predicted mismatch with valve hemodynamics in transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A sex-based analysis

BACKGROUND

Data regarding the reliability of predicted effective orifice area indexed (pEOAi) is scarce in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

AIMS

To assess the validity of the pEOAi in TAVR by correlating its value with echocardiography-derived hemodynamic data.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective cohort study of TAVR patients from 2012 to 2021 with available echocardiograms was conducted. Patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) was defined based on the Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 criteria. The main endpoints were the congruence of measured effective orifice area indexed (EOAi) and pEOAi with the hemodynamic data obtained by echocardiography. The secondary endpoint included a correlation of predicted PPM (pPPM) and measured PPM (mPPM) with postoperative New York Heart Association (NYHA) status.

RESULTS

A total of 318 patients were included. pPPM was more frequent than mPPM (54 [17%]; all moderate PPM vs. 39 [12.3%]: 32 moderate and 7 severe PPM). Predicted and measured EOAi were statistically correlated with postprocedural transvalvular mean gradient and Doppler velocity index (all p < 0.001), including in both sex-based subgroups. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value (NPV) of pPPM for postprocedural transvalvular mean gradient ≥ 20 mmHg were 16% and 97%, respectively. Only pPPM was significantly more prevalent in the group in which NYHA failed to improve than in those with symptom improvement (30.1% vs. 16%, p = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

Predicted PPM has an excellent NPV for postprocedural transvalvular mean gradient ≥ 20 mmHg and seems to be a good predictor of NYHA status evolution as opposed to measured PPM. Predicted EOAi can be used in procedural planning to reduce the risk of PPM in both TAVR male and female patients.

Sex differences in permanent pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is limited evidence on the effect of sex on permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The primary objective of this meta-analysis was to determine the role of sex among patients requiring PPMI post-TAVR.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using the SCOPUS, MEDLINE, and CINAHL databases for studies published until October 2022. Eligible studies included published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and Observational Cohort Studies (OCS) articles that reported PPMI as an outcome of pacemaker status following TAVR. This study was performed per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines. Publication bias was estimated using a Funnel plot and Egger's test. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. The primary endpoint was the sex difference in PPMI after TAVR, with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) extracted.

RESULTS

Data was obtained from 63 studies, and a total of 79,655 patients were included. The cumulative PPMI rate was 15.5% (95% CI, 13.6%-17.7%). The pooled analysis revealed that while there were more females than males undergoing TAVR (51.6%, 95% CI 50.4%-52.8%), males have a 14.5% higher risk for post-TAVR PPMI than females (OR 1.145, 95% CI 1.047-1.253, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Males are more likely to experience PPMI after TAVR than females. Further research needs to be done to better explain these observed differences in outcomes.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2023 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2022 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. The American Heart Association strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) publications, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Gender Differences in Age-Stratified Early Outcomes in Patients With Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Few researchers have discussed the differences in gender between the age groups of patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We searched the National Readmissions Database from 2012 to 2019 to identify adults who underwent TAVI. We studied hospital outcomes and short- to medium-term outcomes by age stratification (18 to 59, 60 to 69, 70 to 79, and 80 to 90 years) after TAVI and categorized by gender. We included 147,481 patients who underwent TAVI, and 54,802 pairs were matched using propensity score matching separately for each age group. Compared with men, women in all age groups had a similar rate of hospital death. Except the 18- to 59-year-old groups, female patients were less likely to undergo permanent pacemaker implantation and transfusion. Records of readmission at 30 days and 6 months were used as the follow-up outcome according to the presence or absence of readmission. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were a composite of cardiovascular readmission, all-cause mortality during readmission, and stroke readmission. At the 30-day follow-up visit, there was no difference in the all-cause readmission and MACE between women and men in any group. At the 6-month follow-up visit, women in the 70- to 79-year-old and 80- to 90-year-old groups had a high risk of all-cause readmission. In conclusion, we reported that female patients have similar in-hospital death rates to male patients who underwent TAVI. During the 30-day follow-up visit, the all-cause readmission and MACE were not different in all age groups between men and women. At 6 months, women in the 70- to 79-year-old and 80- to 90-year-old groups had a higher risk of all-cause readmission.

Incidence, Current Guidelines and Management of Gastrointestinal Bleeding after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

There is a significant increase in morbidity and mortality in patients complicated by major bleeding following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). It has become more challenging to manage such complications when the patient needs to be on anticoagulation or antiplatelet agent post-procedure to prevent thrombotic/embolic complications.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed all available randomized controlled trials and observational studies to identify incidence rates of gastrointestinal bleeding post-procedure. After performing a systematic search, a total of 8731 patients from 15 studies (5 RCTs and 10 non-RCTs) were included in this review.

RESULTS

The average rate of gastrointestinal bleeding during follow-up was 3.0% in randomized controlled trials and 1.9% among observational studies.

CONCLUSION

Gastrointestinal bleeding has been noted to be higher in the RCTs as compared to observational studies. This review expands knowledge of current guidelines and possible management of patients undergoing TAVR.

Sex-Specific Considerations in Degenerative Aortic Stenosis for Female-Tailored Transfemoral Aortic Valve Implantation Management

The impact of sex on pathophysiological processes, clinical presentation, treatment options, as well as outcomes of degenerative aortic stenosis remain poorly understood. Female patients are well represented in transfemoral aortic valve implantation (TAVI) trials and appear to derive favorable outcomes with TAVI. However, higher incidences of major bleeding, vascular complications, and stroke have been reported in women following TAVI. The anatomical characteristics and pathophysiological features of aortic stenosis in women might guide a tailored planning of the percutaneous approach. We highlight whether a sex-based TAVI management strategy might impact on clinical outcomes. This review aimed to evaluate the impact of sex from diagnosis to treatment of degenerative aortic stenosis, discussing the latest evidence on epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, therapeutic options, and outcomes. Furthermore, we focused on technical sex-oriented considerations in TAVI including the preprocedural screening, device selection, implantation strategy, and postprocedural management.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the cerebrovascular event incidence after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

OBJECTIVE

Periinterventional stroke is one of the most feared potential complication, among patients treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The purpose of this review was to investigate the incidence of cerebrovascular events and the influence of postinterventional neurologic check-up in patients undergoing TAVI.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the PRISMA guideline. Three separate electronic searches of the public domains Medline and Clinicaltrials.gov were performed to identify the 30-day incidence of stroke within randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and registries for patients undergoing a TAVI procedure. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the 30-day incidence of stroke within RCTs. Furthermore, we pooled the RCTs in which a scheduled neurological check-up was conducted or not to investigate the effect of this intervention.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies including 399,532,491 TAVI patients were included, 6370 from RCTs, 857,833 from cerebral-embolic protection device RCTs and 392,288 were adopted from registries. The mean 30-day incidence of stroke among all reviewed studies was 2.33%. In RCTs evaluating TAVI the pooled stroke incidence was 3.86%, among RCTs focused CEP the incidence was 6.4436% and in registries the incidence was 2.29%. Ten RCTs conducted scheduled neurological check-ups, the incidence in these was 4.03% and among the remaining RCTs it was 2.47%. In the meta-analysis, the pooled 30-day stroke incidence was 3.61% (95% CI 2.57-4.79%).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review demonstrates that the stroke incidences following TAVI differ strongly according to the study design and neurological follow-up. Intense neurological testing increases the incidence of a stroke after TAVI.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2022 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update. The 2022 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. This year's edition includes data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population and an enhanced focus on social determinants of health, adverse pregnancy outcomes, vascular contributions to brain health, and the global burden of cardiovascular disease and healthy life expectancy.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation versus repeat surgical aortic valve replacement in patients with a failed aortic bioprosthesis

BACKGROUND

Limited data are available regarding clinical outcomes of valve-in-valve (ViV) transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) following the United States Food and Drug Administration approval of ViV TAVI in 2015.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate in-hospital, 30-day, and 6-month outcomes of ViV TAVI versus repeat surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with a failed aortic bioprosthetic valve.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study identified patients who underwent ViV TAVI or repeat SAVR utilising the Nationwide Readmission Database from 2016 to 2018. Primary outcomes were all-cause readmission (at 30 days and 6 months) and in-hospital death. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital stroke, pacemaker implantation, 30-day/6-month major adverse cardiac events (MACE), and mortality during readmission. Propensity score-matching (inverse probability of treatment weighting) analyses were implemented.

RESULTS

Out of 6,769 procedures performed, 3,724 (55%) patients underwent ViV TAVI, and 3,045 (45%) underwent repeat SAVR. ViV TAVI was associated with lower in-hospital all-cause mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20-0.90, p=0.026) and a higher rate of 30-day (hazard ratio [HR] 1.46, 95% CI: 1.13-1.90, p=0.004) and 6-month all-cause readmission (HR 1.54, 95% CI: 1.14-2.10, p=0.006) compared with repeat SAVR. All secondary outcomes were comparable between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

ViV TAVI was associated with lower in-hospital mortality but higher 30-day and 6-month all-cause readmission. However, there was no difference in risk of in-hospital stroke, post-procedure pacemaker implantation, MACE, and mortality during 30-day and 6-month readmission compared with repeat SAVR, suggesting that ViV TAVI can be performed safely in carefully selected patients.

Cardiac Surgery in Women in the Current Era: What Are the Gaps in Care?

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for women in United States and worldwide. One in 3 women dies from cardiovascular disease, and 45% of women >20 years old have some form of CVD. Historically, women have had higher morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. Sex influences pathogenesis, pathophysiology, presentation, postoperative complications, surgical outcomes, and survival. This review summarizes current cardiovascular surgery outcomes as they pertain to women. Specifically, this article seeks to address whether sex disparities in research, surgical referral, and outcomes still exist and to provide strategies to close these gaps. In addition, with the growing population of women of reproductive age with cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular risk factors, indications for cardiac surgery arise in pregnant women. The current review will also address the unique issues associated with this special population.

Clinical outcomes following transapical TAVR with ACURATE neo in the CHANGE neo TA study

Background

A transapical (TA) approach to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may be used when a transfemoral (TF) approach is not feasible. The CHANGE neo TA study evaluated patients treated in routine clinical practice via TA-TAVR with the ACURATE neo bioprosthetic aortic valve.

Methods and results

This single-arm post-market study had a planned enrolment of 200 subjects; enrolment was terminated early due to declining TA-TAVR procedures at participating centers. Final enrolment was 107 patients (mean age: 79.3 years; 54.2% female; mean STS score at baseline: 6.2%). The mortality rate in the intent-to-treat population was 11.2% at 30 days (primary endpoint) and 25.6% at 12 months. The VARC-2 composite endpoint for 30-day safety occurred in 24.3% of patients. Six patients (5.6%) received a permanent pacemaker within 30 days. Site-reported echocardiographic data showed early improvements in mean aortic valve gradient (baseline: 38.8 [SD 13.1] mmHg, discharge: 6.7 [SD 3.7] mmHg) and effective orifice area (baseline: 0.7 [SD 0.2] cm², discharge: 1.9 [SD 0.6] cm²), and the discharge rate of paravalvular regurgitation was low (74.7% none/trace, 24.2% mild, 1.1% severe).

Conclusions

TA-TAVR with the ACURATE neo valve system yields acceptable clinical outcomes, providing an alternative for patients with aortic stenosis who are not candidates for TF-TAVR.

Do Women Require Less Permanent Pacemaker After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation? A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression

Background

Limited clinical evidence and literature are available about the potential impact of sex on permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The aim of this work was to evaluate the relationship between sexes and atrioventricular conduction disturbances requiring PPI after TAVI.

Methods and Results

Data were obtained from 46 studies from PubMed reporting information about the impact of patient sex on PPI after TAVI. Total proportions with 95% Cls were reported. Funnel plot and Egger test were used for estimation of publication bias. The primary end point was 30‐day or in‐hospital PPI after TAVI, with odds ratios and 95% CIs extracted. A total of 70 313 patients were included, with a cumulative proportion of 51.5% of women (35 691 patients; 95% CI, 50.2–52.7). The proportion of women undergoing TAVI dropped significantly over time (P<0.0001). The cumulative PPI rate was 15.6% (95% CI, 13.3–18.3). The cumulative rate of PPI in women was 14.9% (95% CI, 12.6–17.6), lower than in men (16.6%; 95% CI, 14.2–19.4). The risk for post‐TAVI PPI was lower in women (odds ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84–0.96 [P=0.0022]). By meta‐regression analysis, age (P=0.874) and ventricular function (P=0.302) were not significantly associated with PPI among the sexes. Balloon‐expandable TAVI significantly decrease the advantage of women for PPI, approaching the same rate as in men (P=0.0061).

Conclusions

Female sex is associated with a reduced rate of PPI after TAVI, without influence of age or ventricular function. Balloon‐expandable devices attenuate this advantage in favor of women. Additional investigations are warranted to elucidate sex‐based differences in developing conduction disturbances after TAVI.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2021 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update. The 2021 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. This year's edition includes data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, an enhanced focus on social determinants of health, adverse pregnancy outcomes, vascular contributions to brain health, the global burden of cardiovascular disease, and further evidence-based approaches to changing behaviors related to cardiovascular disease.

RESULTS

Each of the 27 chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policy makers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Sex Differences in Mortality and 90-day Readmission Rates after Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR): A Nationwide Analysis from the United States

AIM

To assess gender differences in in-hospital mortality and 90-day readmission rates among patients undergoing Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in the United States.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Hospitalizations for TAVR were retrospectively identified in the National readmissions database (NRD) from 2012-2017. Gender based differences in in-hospital mortality and 90-day readmissions were explored using multivariable logistic regression models. During the study period, an estimated 171,361 hospitalizations for TAVR were identified, including 79,722 (46.5%) procedures in women and 91,639 (53.5%) in men. Unadjusted in-hospital mortality and 90-day all-cause readmissions were significantly higher for women compared to men (2.7% vs. 2.3%, p = .002; 25.1% vs. 24.1%; p = .012 respectively). After adjusting for baseline characteristics, women had 13% greater adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality (aOR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.02-1.26, p = .017), and 9% greater adjusted odds of 90-day readmission compared to men (aOR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.05-1.14, p < .001). During the study period, there was a steady decrease in hospital mortality (5.3% in 2012 to 1.6% in 2017; ptrend < .001) and 90-day (29.9% in 2012 to 21.7% in 2017; ptrend < .001) readmission rate in both genders.

CONCLUSION

In-hospital mortality and readmission rates for TAVR hospitalizations have decreased over time across both genders. Despite these improvements, women undergoing TAVR continue to have a modestly higher in-hospital mortality, and 90-day readmission rates compared to men. Given the expanding indications and use of TAVR, further research is necessary to identify the reasons for this persistent gap and design appropriate interventions.

Female gender and the clinical and periprocedural profile and clinical outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation: experiences of a tertiary Polish centre

Introduction

Despite the establishment of multiple factors influencing short- and mid-term outcomes in patients treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), the real-world data on the association between gender and outcomes after TAVI remain conflicting.

Aim

To evaluate the association of female gender with the clinical and periprocedural characteristics along with in-hospital, short- and medium-term outcomes of patients treated with TAVI in comparison with male patients.

Material and methods

Data from the prospective, single-centre registry of consecutive patients with severe AS referred for TAVI from 26 November 2008 to 31 December 2018 were analysed retrospectively. The study population comprised 275 patients who were divided by gender. The primary endpoint of the study was all-cause mortality at 1 year.

Results

Women constituted 132 (48.0%) of the overall population. Women were significantly older, but had a significantly higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and had less frequently undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) before TAVI. The implantation success rate was comparable between genders, but women less frequently required implantation of a pacemaker after TAVI, although they more frequently required blood transfusion due to severe bleeding. The primary endpoint occurred in 13.6% of women and 7.7% of men (p = 0.12).

Conclusions

Despite advanced age and prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, the overall short- and medium-term mortality in patients treated with TAVI in our analysis of the real-world population remains relatively low. Although women seemed to have a slightly better clinical baseline profile, their in-hospital, 30-day, 6-month and 12-month outcomes did not differ significantly from the male patients.

Expansion of TAVR into Low-Risk Patients and Who to Consider for SAVR

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has revolutionized the treatment of severe aortic stenosis (AS) over the last decade. The results of the Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves (PARTNER) 3 and Evolut Low Risk trials demonstrated the safety and efficacy of TAVR in low-surgical-risk patients and led to the approval of TAVR for use across the risk spectrum. Heart teams around the world will now be faced with evaluating a deluge of younger, healthier patients with severe AS. Prior to the PARTNER 3 and Evolut Low Risk studies, this heterogenous patient population would have undergone surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). It is unlikely that TAVR will completely supplant SAVR for the treatment of severe AS in patients with a low surgical risk, as SAVR has excellent short- and long-term outcomes and years of durability data. In this review, we outline the critical role that SAVR will continue to play in the treatment of severe AS in the post-PARTNER 3/Evolut Low Risk era.

Aortic stenosis in women

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a common valve disorder in an ageing population in western countries, and women, with longer life expectancy, comprise a substantial percentage of elderly patients with AS. Compared with men, women exhibit distinctive characteristics at the level of stenotic valve leaflets and subsequent compensatory responses of the left ventricle to chronic pressure overload, and in clinical presentation, consequences and response to intervention. Randomised controlled trials of transcatheter aortic valve implantation have yielded new evidence of sex differences in both short-term and long-term outcomes after intervention. A comprehensive knowledge of the existing evidence may inform our understanding of gender differences during assessment and treatment of patients with AS. In this paper, we review the available evidence regarding sex differences in AS in terms of symptoms, clinical presentation, anatomical differences and pathophysiological progression, management and outcomes after aortic valve replacement. Implications for further research are suggested.

TAVI in Patients with Mitral Annular Calcification and/or Mitral Stenosis

BACKGROUND

 We herein aimed for analysis of influence of mitral annular calcification (MAC) and mitral stenosis (MS) on outcomes in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

METHODS

 Between 11/2009 and 06/2017, 1,058 patients underwent TAVI in the presence of concomitant MAC or MS at our center. Subgroups were built and multivariate logistic regression, COX regression, Kaplan-Meier survival analyses, and receiver operating characteristics method were performed.

RESULTS

 Thirty-day mortality was 7.5% (79/1,058) with highest mortality in patients severe MS (MAC: 3.4% vs. mild MS: 5.9% vs. moderate MS: 15.0% vs. severe MS: 72.7%; p < 0.001). Moderate-to-severe MS (odds ratio [OR]: 7.75, confidence interval [CI]: 3.94-16.26, p < 0.001), impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (OR: 1.38, CI: 1.10-1.72, p < 0.01), and coronary artery disease (OR: 1.36, CI: 1.11-1.67, p < 0.01) were predictive of 30-day survival. Left ventricular systolic/end-diastolic pressure drop of <59.5 mm Hg / <19.5 mm Hg was associated with increased mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

 TAVI in the presence of MAC and mild MS is associated with acceptable acute outcomes but should be considered high-risk procedures in patients with moderate and especially those with severe MS. Our results suggest adverse hemodynamics after TAVI with concomitant MS, which may be caused by underfilling of the left ventricle leading to low-cardiac output.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2020 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports on the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update. The 2020 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. This year's edition includes data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, metrics to assess and monitor healthy diets, an enhanced focus on social determinants of health, a focus on the global burden of cardiovascular disease, and further evidence-based approaches to changing behaviors, implementation strategies, and implications of the American Heart Association's 2020 Impact Goals.

RESULTS

Each of the 26 chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policy makers, media professionals, clinicians, healthcare administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Risk Factors for Mortality and Morbidity of Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement for Aortic Stenosis - Risk Model From a Japan Cardiovascular Surgery Database

Background: The aim of this study was to determine adequate indication for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We analyzed risk factors of surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) not only for mortality, but also for morbidity, including long hospital stay (≥90 days) and patient activity at discharge, in patients who underwent SAVR for aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods and Results: Using the Japan Adult Cardiovascular Surgery Database (JCVSD), 13,961 patients with or without coronary artery bypass grafting who underwent elective SAVR for AS were identified from January 2008 to December 2012. The hospital mortality rate was 3.1%. The percentage of patients who had long hospital stay (≥90 days) and who had moderately or severely decompressed activity at discharge (modified Rankin scale ≥4) was 2.9% and 6.5%, respectively. Eleven and 20 preoperative predictors of hospital mortality and morbidity, respectively, including long hospital stay and compromised status at discharge, were identified. Based on these risk factors, the risk model predicted hospital mortality (area under the curve [AUC], 0.732) and morbidity (AUC, 0.694).

Conclusions: Using JCVSD, a risk model of SAVR was developed for AS. This model can identify patients at high risk not only for mortality, but also for mortality and morbidity, including long hospital stay and status at discharge.

Sex-specific differences in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Results from the European CTEPH registry

BACKGROUND

Women are more susceptible than men to several forms of pulmonary hypertension, but have better survival. Sparse data are available on chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).

METHODS

We investigated sex-specific differences in the clinical presentation of CTEPH, performance of pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA), and survival.

RESULTS

Women constituted one-half of the study population of the European CTEPH registry (N = 679) and were characterized by a lower prevalence of some cardiovascular risk factors, including prior acute coronary syndrome, smoking habit, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but more prevalent obesity, cancer, and thyroid diseases. The median age was 62 (interquartile ratio, 50-73) years in women and 63 (interquartile ratio, 53-70) in men. Women underwent PEA less often than men (54% vs 65%), especially at low-volume centers (48% vs 61%), and were exposed to fewer additional cardiac procedures, notably coronary artery bypass graft surgery (0.5% vs 9.5%). The prevalence of specific reasons for not being operated, including patient's refusal and the proportion of proximal vs distal lesions, did not differ between sexes. A total of 57 (17.0%) deaths in women and 70 (20.7%) in men were recorded over long-term follow-up. Female sex was positively associated with long-term survival (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.46-0.94). Short-term mortality was identical in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with CTEPH underwent PEA less frequently than men, especially at low-volume centers. Furthermore, they had a lower prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and were less often exposed to additional cardiac surgery procedures. Women had better long-term survival.

Time course of the survival advantage of transcatheter over surgical aortic valve replacement: Interplay between sex and patient risk profile

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to explore the time course of survival advantage of TAVR over SAVR as function of the patients' risk and sex.

BACKGROUND

Women have been reported to have better survival than men undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, scant data on the sex-based survival benefit of TAVR over surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) are available.

METHODS

A systematic review of studies reporting clinical outcomes of men and women undergoing TAVR or SAVR was performed. Studies were divided into two groups according to average patient's risk score and the interplay of surgical risk and sex on outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Eight studies involving 6,596 women and 7,204 men patients were extracted. Unlike mens, women patients had survival advantage from TAVR over SAVR that became substantial at 1 year from index procedure and persisted at 2-year of follow-up. Moreover, this sex-based TAVR survival advantage was mainly observed in higher surgical risk patients. Men showed a significantly lower rate of residual paravalvular leak after SAVR.

CONCLUSIONS

Women patients had a selective mortality benefit from TAVR compared to SAVR. This sex-based TAVR benefit was mainly observed in high surgical risk patients beyond 1 year from procedure.

Incidence, features, in-hospital outcomes and predictors of in-hospital mortality associated with toxic megacolon hospitalizations in the United States

Toxic megacolon (TM) is a potentially fatal condition characterized by non-obstructive colonic dilatation and systemic toxicity. It is most commonly caused by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Limited data for TM are available demonstrating incidence, in-hospital outcomes and predictors of mortality. We sought to investigate incidence, characteristics, mortality and predictors of mortality associated with it. Data were obtained from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP)'s Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from January 2010 through December 2014. An analysis was performed on SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Patients below 18 years were excluded. A mixed-effects logistic regression model was developed to analyze predictors of mortality. Thus, 8139 (weighted) cases of TM were diagnosed between 2010 and 2014. TM is more prevalent in women (56.4%) than in men (43.6%), with a mean age of onset at 62.4 years, affecting whites (79.7%) more than non-whites. The most common reason for hospital admission included IBD (51.6%) followed by septicemia (10.2%) and intestinal infections (4.1%). Mean length of stay was 9.5 days and overall in-hospital mortality was 7.9%. Other complications included surgical resection of the large intestine (11.5%) and bowel obstruction (10.9%). Higher age, neurological disorder, coagulopathy, chronic pulmonary disease, heart failure, and renal failure were associated with greater risk of in-hospital mortality. TM is a serious condition with high in-hospital mortality. Management of TM requires an inter-disciplinary team approach with close monitoring. Patients with positive predictors in our study require special attention to prevent excessive in-hospital mortality.

Incidence of arrhythmias and impact of permanent pacemaker implantation in hospitalizations with transcatheter aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND

This study sought to analyze in-hospital outcomes associated with preexisting and newly implanted permanent pacemaker (PPM) in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). PPM implantation following the development of conduction abnormalities is a common adverse event following TAVR. Furthermore, PPM implantation rates are higher in TAVR hospitalizations compared with the surgical alternative, thus we have analyzed the predictors of pacing post-TAVR.

HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesize that incidence of arrhythmias are high post-TAVR and have worse adverse outcomes after receiving PPM.

METHODS

The study population was identified from the National Inpatient Sample database between 2012 and 2014. TAVR population was identified using ICD-9-CM procedure codes 35.05 and 35.06. Hospitalizations were divided into 3 group: (1) with preexisting PPM, (2) with newly implanted PPM, and (3) without any PPM.

RESULTS

Overall, 0.8% of hospitalizations presented with preexisting PPM and 23.7% of hospitalizations received new PPM. The overall incidence of atrial fibrillation was 44.5%, left bundle branch block 8.9%, complete atrioventricular block 9.5%, and right bundle branch block 2.7%. In-hospital mortality was higher in hospitalizations receiving PPM compared with those without (4.9% vs 4.0%; P = 0.05). Length of stay and cost were higher in the group receiving new PPM. Female sex, atrial fibrillation, left bundle branch block, and second-degree and complete atrioventricular block were significant predictors for receiving PPM after TAVR.

CONCLUSIONS

A risk stratification for hospitalizations with conduction disorders is necessary to avoid longer hospital stays, added costs, and mortality. Further research is warranted to investigate additional predictors for PPM after TAVR.

In-hospital outcomes comparison of transfemoral vs transapical transcatheter aortic valve replacement in propensity-matched cohorts with severe aortic stenosis

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is the preferred option for high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. The preferred access for TAVR is transfemoral (TF). Alternatives include the transapical (TA), trans-subclavian (TS), and direct aortic (TAo) approaches.

HYPOTHESIS

The TF approach is associated with lower in-hospital outcomes as well as shorter length of stay and lower cost of hospitalization.

METHODS

The National Inpatient Sample database from 2012 through 2014 was used to obtain the TAVR study population. International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification procedure codes were utilized to identify the 2 groups. In-hospital outcomes were compared in propensity-score-matched (1:3) cohorts, in which we took TA-TAVR as a control.

RESULTS

A total of 8210 (weighted N = 41 050) patients were identified. Of these, 1622 (weighted N = 8110) patients underwent TA-TAVR and 6588 (weighted N = 32 940) patients underwent TF-TAVR. In-hospital mortality was lower with TF-TAVR (4% vs 5.4%; P = 0.0355), along with a shorter length of stay (7.7 vs 9.7 days; P < 0.0001) and lower median hospitalization cost ($64 216 vs $74 735; P < 0.0001). Secondary outcomes of acute renal failure, transfusion, cardiogenic shock, and composite of all complications were lower with TF-TAVR.

CONCLUSIONS

TF-TAVR is safer and associated with lower in-hospital outcomes compared with TA-TAVR and should be the preferred approach. As TAVR is gaining popularity in intermediate- and low-risk patients, we must not lose sight of the serious mortality and secondary outcomes associated with TA-TAVR access.

Comparison of drug eluting stents (DESs) and bare metal stents (BMSs) with STEMI: who received BMS in the era of 2nd generation DES?

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to analyze the indications for using bare metal stents (BMSs) in hospitalizations with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

The study cohorts were identified from the National Inpatient Sample database from 2010-2014 using appropriate, International Classification of Diseases, 9^th Revision, Clinical Modification, diagnostic and procedural codes.

RESULTS

A total of 123,487 hospitalizations were identified for this study. Drug eluting stent (DES) use demonstrated lower in-hospital mortality (5.8% vs. 3.3%, P = < 0.01) and other in-hospital outcomes, thus resulting in lower hospitalization stay. Higher age, black race, greater comorbidity burden, inferior wall myocardial infarction, and the use of mechanical circulatory devices were all associated with BMS use.

CONCLUSION

DES was the preferred standard of care in the era of 2nd generation DES; however, BMSs were used in hospitalizations with high-risk procedures and multiple risk factors.