Echocardiographic Outcomes After Transcatheter Leaflet Approximation in Patients With Secondary Mitral Regurgitation

Design and Rationale of the V-Wave Shunt MitraClip Study

Heart failure (HF) and moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation (MR) with residual elevations in left atrial pressure (LAP) after MitraClip may remain symptomatic and experience subsequent HF readmissions. The V-Wave interatrial shunt system is a permanent interatrial septal implant that shunts blood from the left-to-right atrium and serves to continuously unload the left atrium. Although the V-Wave shunt has previously been studied in patients with HF, the safety and feasibility of its deployment at the time of the MitraClip procedure is unknown. The V-Wave Shunt MitraClip Study (NCT04729933) is an early feasibility study that aims to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of implantation of the V-Wave shunt device at the time of MitraClip procedure. Patients with moderate-to-severe secondary MR with left ventricular ejection fraction 20% to 50% and New York Heart Association functional class III/IV symptoms despite optimal medical therapy, residual mean LAP ≥20 mm Hg after MitraClip, and mean LAP-right atrial pressure difference ≥5 mm Hg are included. The primary safety end point is a composite outcome of all-cause death, stroke, myocardial infarction device embolization, cardiac tamponade, or device-related re-intervention or surgery at 30 days. Patients will be followed up to 5 years. Enrollment is ongoing, with 30-day results expected by the end of 2024. The V-Wave Shunt Mitraclip Study aims to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the implantation of the V-Wave interatrial shunt device at the time of index MitraClip placement which may serve as an adjunctive method by which continuous left atrial unloading may be achieved.

Left Atrial Improvement in Patients With Secondary Mitral Regurgitation and Heart Failure: The COAPT Trial

BACKGROUND

Functional mitral regurgitation induces adverse effects on the left ventricle and the left atrium. Left atrial (LA) dilatation and reduced LA strain are associated with poor outcomes in heart failure (HF). Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) of the mitral valve reduces heart failure hospitalization (HFH) and all-cause death in selected HF patients.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of LA strain improvement 6 months after TEER on the outcomes of patients enrolled in the COAPT (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation) trial.

METHODS

The difference in LA strain between baseline and the 6-month follow-up was calculated. Patients with at least a 15% improvement in LA strain were labeled as "LA strain improvers." All-cause death and HFH were assessed between the 6- and 24-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Among 347 patients (mean age 71 ± 12 years, 63% male), 106 (30.5%) showed improvement of LA strain at the 6-month follow-up (64 [60.4%] from the TEER + guideline-directed medical therapy [GDMT] group and 42 [39.6%] from the GDMT alone group). An improvement in LA strain was significantly associated with a reduction in the composite of death or HFH between the 6-month and 24-month follow-up, with a similar risk reduction in both treatment arms (Pinteraction = 0.27). In multivariable analyses, LA strain improvement remained independently associated with a lower risk of the primary composite endpoint both as a continuous variable (adjusted HR: 0.94 [95% CI: 0.89-1.00]; P = 0.03) and as a dichotomous variable (adjusted HR: 0.49 [95% CI: 0.27-0.89]; P = 0.02). The best outcomes were observed in patients treated with TEER in whom LA strain improved.

CONCLUSIONS

In symptomatic HF patients with severe mitral regurgitation, improved LA strain at the 6-month follow-up is associated with subsequently lower rates of the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality or HFH, both after TEER and GDMT alone. (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation [COAPT]; NCT01626079).

Structural Cardiac Interventions in Patients With Heart Failure: JACC Scientific Statement

Pathologic left ventricular remodeling and valvular heart disease may contribute to the clinical presentation and outcomes of patients presenting with heart failure, and limit the effectiveness of guideline-directed medical therapy. Although surgical interventions including surgical ventricular restoration techniques and valve repair or replacement are effective therapies, there is growing evidence that transcatheter interventions may be options for patients with persistent symptoms of heart failure despite optimal medical therapy, where surgical options may be limited. This scientific statement will review the current available and investigational percutaneous strategies for the management of structural contributors to heart failure: dilated left ventricular cardiomyopathies and valvular heart disease.

Left and Right Ventricular Hemodynamic Response After Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement

Background

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) represents a novel treatment option for patients with mitral regurgitation (MR), but little is known about the hemodynamic impact of MR elimination following TMVR. We sought to investigate the hemodynamic impact of TMVR on left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) function using noninvasive pressure-volume loops.

Methods

All consecutive patients undergoing TMVR with dedicated devices between May 2016 and August 2022 were enrolled. The end-diastolic and end-systolic pressure-volume relationships were estimated from 26 patients using single-beat echocardiographic measurements at baseline and after TMVR at discharge. RV function was assessed by RV-pulmonary artery (PA) coupling and RV fractional area change. One-year follow-up was available for 19 patients. The prognostic impact of calculated end-diastolic volume at an end-diastolic pressure of 20 mmHg (VPed20) reduction was assessed by Cox regression.

Results

A total of 26 patients (77.0 years [interquartile range 73.9-80.1], N = 17 [65.4%] male) with successful TMVR were included (secondary MR [N = 21, 80.8%]; median LV ejection fraction was 37.0% [interquartile range 30.7-50.7]). At discharge, a decrease in VPed20 (p < 0.001) indicating leftward shift of end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship, and an increase of the end-systolic elastance slope (p = 0.007) were observed after TMVR. No changes were observed for RV-PA coupling (p = 0.19) and RV fractional area change (p = 0.22). At 1-year follow-up, LV contractility (end-systolic elastance) and RV-PA coupling remained stable. Vped20 reduction at discharge was significantly associated with 1-year all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization (hazard ratio 0.16, 95% CI 0.04-0.71, p = 0.016).

Conclusions

Noninvasive assessment of pressure-volume loops demonstrated early LV reverse remodeling and improved LV contractility, while RV performance was preserved. These results indicate the potential prognostic impact of complete MR elimination after TMVR.

Association between echocardiographic velocity time integral ratio of mitral valve and left ventricular outflow tract and clinical outcomes post transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair

Background

Residual mitral regurgitation (MR) is frequent after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER). There is controversy regarding the clinical impact of residual MR and its quantitative assessment by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), which is often challenging with multiple eccentric jets and artifact from the clip. The utility of the velocity time integral (VTI) ratio between the mitral valve (MV) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), (VTIMV/LVOT), a simple Doppler measurement that increases with MR, has not been assessed post TEER.

Methods

Baseline characteristics, clinical outcomes, and TTE data from patients who underwent TEER between 2014 and 2021 across three academic centers were retrospectively analyzed. Post-procedure TTEs were evaluated for VTIMV/LVOT in the first three months after TEER. One-year outcomes including all-cause and cardiac mortality, major adverse cardiac events, and MV reintervention were compared between patients with high VTIMV/LVOT (≥2.5) and low (<2.5).

Results

In total, 372 patients were included (mean age 78.7 ± 8.8 years, 68 % male, mean pre-TEER ejection fraction of 50.5 ± 14.7 %). Follow up TTEs were performed at a median of 37.5 (IQR 30-48) days post-procedure. Patients with high VTIMV/LVOT had significantly higher all-cause mortality (HR 2.10, p = 0.003), cardiac mortality (HR 3.03, p = 0.004) and heart failure admissions (HR 2.28, p < 0.001) at one-year post-procedure. There was no association between raised VTIMV/LVOT and subsequent MV reintervention.

Conclusion

High VTIMV/LVOT has clinically significant prognostic value at one year post TEER. This tool could be used to select patients for consideration of repeat intervention.

In-hospital complications after MitraClip in patients with heart failure and preserved versus reduced ejection fraction in the United States

BACKGROUND

The clinical benefits of transcatheter edge to edge mitral valve repair have been well established in patients with heart failure and severe mitral regurgitation (MR) who have prohibitive surgical risk. In March of 2019, the FDA approved the MitraClip for treatment of selected patients with HF and severe secondary MR. However, the relative outcomes of patients with HFrEF and HFpEF treated with MitraClip are largely unknown. We therefore sought to investigate the incidence and characteristics of in-hospital mortality in patients with HFpEF and HFrEF following MitraClip.

METHODS

The study sample analyzed was originated from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) registry which includes data from hospitalized patients in the United States (US) between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2020. Data were extracted from the entire NIS registry using ICD-9 codes. Patients with the primary or secondary diagnosis of MitraClip were identified. Hospitalizations for HFpEF and HFrEF were identified based on ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes. Demographics, conventional risk factors, and in-hospital outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

23,260 hospitalizations for MitraClip implantation between 2016 and 2020 were analyzed. The HFrEF group had higher absolute rates of complications as well as a higher observed in-hospital mortality (2.4 % vs 1.7 %; OR 0.75 95 % CI 0.44-1.26; p 0.28) which did not meet statistical significance. Absolute rates of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), acute kidney injury (AKI) and respiratory failure necessitating invasive mechanical ventilation were observed to be higher among HFrEF patients. Post-procedural shock was significantly more common in patients with HFrEF (9.0 % vs 2.8 %: OR 0.34 95 % CI 0.25-0.48 p < 0.001). Significantly longer hospitalizations were observed in the HFrEF cohort (5.3 ± 11.2 days vs 4.2 ± 7.3 days; p < 0.001) as well as a higher total hospitalization cost (61,723 ± 56,728 USD vs 57,278 ± 46,143).

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study of US patients, those with HFrEF were observed to have statistically higher risk of in-hospital post-procedural shock and longer hospitalization length of stay when compared with patients with HFpEF who underwent MitraClip implantation. Additionally, patients with HFrEF undergoing MitraClip procedure were observed to have higher absolute rates of certain post-procedural complications, however these observations did not reach statistical significance. Understanding of the aforementioned differences after MitraClip implantation may be useful in-patient selection, prognostic guidance, and hypothesis generation to propel future large clinical studies.

Changes in Left Ventricular Function and Outcomes After Trancatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair for Secondary Mitral Regurgitation

Background

Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) improved outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) and severe secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) compared with guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) alone regardless of the severity of baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The study aimed to evaluate the effect of early changes in LVEF after TEER and GDMT alone in patients with HF and severe SMR.

Methods

Within the COAPT trial, we evaluated outcomes according to changes in LVEF from baseline to 30 days. The primary outcome was all-cause death or HF hospitalization (HFH) between 30 days and 2 years.

Results

Among 432 patients with paired echocardiographic data, 182 (42.1%) had increased LVEF (LVEF change 6.0% ± 4.9%) and 250 (57.9%) had a decrease or no change in LVEF (LVEF change -6.6% ± 5.6%) from baseline to 30 days. LVEF at 30 days increased more frequently with GDMT alone compared with TEER plus GDMT (51.4% vs 33.0%; P = .0001). Between 30 days and 2 years, there were no significant differences in death or HFH in the increase LVEF and the decrease LVEF groups (58.8% vs 51.4%; multivariable-adjusted HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.87-1.08; P = .59). TEER plus GDMT reduced the 30-day to 2-year rate of death or HFH compared with GDMT alone consistently in patients with increase LVEF and decrease LVEF (Pint = 0.75).

Conclusions

Among patients with HF and severe SMR, early improvements in LVEF were more frequent with GDMT alone compared with TEER plus GDMT but were not associated with subsequent outcomes at 2 years. TEER reduced death or HFH during 2-year follow-up irrespective of early LVEF changes.

Echocardiographic Outcomes With Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair for Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation in Prohibitive Surgical Risk Patients

BACKGROUND

The CLASP IID randomized trial (Edwards PASCAL TrAnScatheter Valve RePair System Pivotal Clinical Trial) demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of the PASCAL system for mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) in patients at prohibitive surgical risk with significant symptomatic degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR).

OBJECTIVES

This study describes the echocardiographic methods and outcomes from the CLASP IID trial and analyzes baseline variables associated with residual mitral regurgitation (MR) ≤1+.

METHODS

An independent echocardiographic core laboratory assessed echocardiographic parameters based on American Society of Echocardiography guidelines focusing on MR mechanism, severity, and feasibility of M-TEER. Factors associated with residual MR ≤1+ were identified using logistic regression.

RESULTS

In 180 randomized patients, baseline echocardiographic parameters were well matched between the PASCAL (n = 117) and MitraClip (n = 63) groups, with flail leaflets present in 79.2% of patients. Baseline MR was 4+ in 76.4% and 3+ in 23.6% of patients. All patients achieved MR ≤2+ at discharge. The proportion of patients with MR ≤1+ was similar in both groups at discharge but diverged at 6 months, favoring PASCAL (83.7% vs 71.2%). Overall, patients with a smaller flail gap were significantly more likely to achieve MR ≤1+ at discharge (adjusted OR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.50-0.99). Patients treated with PASCAL and those with a smaller flail gap were significantly more likely to sustain MR ≤1+ to 6 months (adjusted OR: 2.72 and 0.76; 95% CI: 1.08-6.89 and 0.60-0.98, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The study used DMR-specific echocardiographic methodology for M-TEER reflecting current guidelines and advances in 3-dimensional echocardiography. Treatment with PASCAL and a smaller flail gap were significant factors in sustaining MR ≤1+ to 6 months. Results demonstrate that MR ≤1+ is an achievable benchmark for successful M-TEER. (Edwards PASCAL TrAnScatheter Valve RePair System Pivotal Clinical Trial [CLASP IID]; NCT03706833).

Regurgitant volume to LA volume ratio in patients with secondary MR: the COAPT trial

AIMS

The conceptual framework of proportionate vs. disproportionate mitral regurgitation (MR) translates poorly to individual patients with heart failure (HF) and secondary MR. A novel index, the ratio of MR severity to left atrial volume (LAV), may identify patients with 'disproportionate' MR and a higher risk of events. The objectives, therefore, were to investigate the prognostic impact of MR severity to LAV ratio on outcomes among HF patients with severe secondary MR randomized to transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) with the MitraClip™ device plus guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) vs. GDMT alone in the COAPT trial.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The ratio of pre-procedural regurgitant volume (RVol) to LAV was calculated from baseline transthoracic echocardiograms. The primary endpoint was 2-year covariate-adjusted rate of HF hospitalization (HFH). Among 567 patients, the median RVol/LAV was 0.67 (interquartile range 0.48-0.91). In patients randomized to GDMT alone, lower RVol/LAV was independently associated with an increased 2-year risk of HFH (adjHR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.20-2.63). RVol/LAV was a stronger predictor of adverse outcomes than RVol or LAV alone. Treatment with TEER plus GDMT compared with GDMT alone was associated with lower 2-year rates of HFH both in patients with low and high RVol/LAV (Pinteraction = 0.28). Baseline RVol/LAV ratio was unrelated to 2-year mortality, health status, or functional capacity in either treatment group.

CONCLUSION

Low RVol/LAV ratio was an independent predictor of 2-year HFH in HF patients with severe MR treated with GDMT alone in the COAPT trial. TEER improved outcomes regardless of baseline RVol/LAV ratio.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial Name: Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation (The COAPT Trial) (COAPT) ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier NCT01626079URL https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01626079.

Clinical and Echocardiographic Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair for Functional vs Degenerative Mitral Valve Regurgitation

To analyze clinical and echocardiographic outcomes after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) with mitral valve clip device (MitraClip-TM) for functional vs degenerative mitral valve regurgitation (MR). All consecutive 185 patients undergoing TEER between January 2019 and March 2023 were included in the study. A propensity-adjusted analysis investigated differences among functional vs degenerative MR mechanism groups. Preoperatively, functional vs degenerative MR included 43 vs 142 patients, respectively. Mean ejection fraction (EF) values were 37% vs 57.8%, mean STS-PROM risk score was 7% vs 4% while patients with severe MR included 29 (67.4%) vs 129 (90.9%) patients, respectively. Postoperatively, functional MR patients experienced a higher incidence of prolonged postoperative length of stay (LOS), reduced creatinine clearance, and EF<50% compared to the degenerative MR group. Mean EF was 35.9% vs 56.2% (P < 0.0001) and 1 (2.3%) vs 16 (11.3%) patients had residual severe MR (P = 0.01) in functional vs degenerative MR groups, respectively. At 30-days follow-up, all-cause death incidence was 1 (2.3%) vs 3 (2.1%) patients in functional vs degenerative MR, respectively (P = 0.9). At a mean of 1.6-years follow-up, all-cause death (P = 0.01), major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (P = 0.02), cardiac death (P = 0.01) and hazard ratio for all-cause death higher in functional vs degenerative MR group. Mean EF was 39.7% vs 56% (P < 0.001) while residual severe MR was 4 (9.3%) vs 34 (24.5%) (P = 0.1) in functional vs degenerative MR groups, respectively. TEER with MitraClip device showed a higher incidence of all-cause death, cardiac death, and MACCE at follow-up for functional compared to degenerative MR after TEER.

Challenges and pitfalls in classification of disproportionate mitral regurgitation

The concept of disproportionate mitral regurgitation (dispropMR) has been introduced to identify patients with functional mitral regurgitation (MR) who benefit from percutaneous treatment. We aimed to examine echocardiographic characteristics behind this entity. We retrospectively included 172 consecutive patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and more than mild MR referred to clinically indicated echocardiography. According to the proportionality ratio (effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA)/left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV)) patients were divided into dispropMR and proportionate MR (propMR) group. Potential factors which might affect proportionality definition were analyzed. 55 patients (32%) had dispropMR. Discrepant grading of MR severity was observed when using regurgitant volume (RegVol) by proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) method or volumetric method, with significant discordance only in dispropMR (p < 0.001). Patients with dispropMR had more frequently left ventricular foreshortened images for LVEDV calculation than patients with propMR (p = 0.003), resulting in smaller LVEDV in dispropMR group. DispropMR group had more substantial dynamic variation of regurgitant flow compared to propMR. Accordingly, EROA was consistently overestimated by standard single-point PISA method compared to serial PISA method. This was more pronounced in dispropMR (bias:10.5 ± 28.3 mm2) compared to propMR group (bias:6.4 ± 12.8 mm2). DispropMR may be found in roughly one third of clinically indicated echocardiographic studies in patients with reduced LVEF and more than mild MR. EROA overestimation due to dynamic variation of regurgitant flow and LVEDV underestimation due to LV foreshortening were more frequently found in dispropMR. Our results indicate that methodological limitations of echocardiographic MR grading could not be neglected in classifying the proportionality of MR.

Percutaneous mitral annuloplasty with the Carillon device: Outcomes in proportionate and disproportionate functional mitral regurgitation

BACKGROUND

It has been suggested that the disparity of outcomes between the studies of transcutaneous edge-to-edge repair (TEER) for functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) could be due to systematic differences in the populations studied. One proposal is that there are 2 broad groups: those with proportional FMR who respond less favorably, and those in whom the FMR is greater than expected (disproportionate) FMR where edge-to-edge TEER seems to be more effective. Whether this grouping is relevant for other percutaneous interventions for FMR is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to compare clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of patients with HFrEF and proportionate and disproportionate FMR treated with indirect annuloplasty using the Carillon device.

METHODS

This is a pooled analysis from 3 trials of patients with FMR. Key patient eligibility in these trials specified persistent grade 2+ to 4+ FMR with >5.5 cm left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and reduced ejection fraction. Patients with an effective regurgitant orifice area/LV end-diastolic volume (EROA/LVEDV) ratio under 0.15 were assigned to the proportionate FMR group (n = 74;65%) and those with a ratio above 0.15 were classed as having disproportionate FMR (n = 39;35%).

RESULTS

At 12 months following treatment, both groups showed improvements in all MR variables including regurgitation volume, EROA and vena contracta. Moreover, in patients with proportionate MR there were clinically relevant and statistically significant improvements in LV volumes and diameters. There was no independent relationship between the degree of proportionality as a continuous variable and the remodeling response to Carillon therapy (change in LVEDV r = 0.17; change in LVESV r = 0.14).

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous mitral annuloplasty with the Carillon device reduces MR in patients with both proportionate and disproportionate FMR, and also results in LV reverse remodeling in those with proportionate FMR. The effect on remodeling remains to be verified in a large-scale trial.

Prognostic value of right ventricular longitudinal strain in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair

AIMS

To evaluate the prognostic impact of pre-procedural right ventricular longitudinal strain (RVLS) in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) in comparison with conventional echocardiographic parameters of RV function.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This is a retrospective study including 142 patients with SMR undergoing TEER at two Italian centres. At 1-year follow-up 45 patients reached the composite endpoint of all-cause death or heart failure hospitalization. The best cut-off value of RV free-wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) to predict outcome was -18% [sensitivity 72%, specificity of 71%, area under curve (AUC) 0.78, P < 0.001], whereas the best cut-off value of RV global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) was -15% (sensitivity 56%, specificity 76%, AUC 0.69, P < 0.001). Prognostic performance was suboptimal for tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, Doppler tissue imaging-derived tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity and fractional area change (FAC). Cumulative survival free from events was lower in patients with RVFWLS ≥ -18% vs. RVFWLS < -18% (44.0% vs. 85.4%; < 0.001) as well as in patients with RVGLS ≥ -15% vs. RVGLS < -15% (54.9% vs. 81.7%; P < 0.001). At multivariable analysis FAC, RVGLS and RVFWLS were independent predictors of events. The identified cut-off of RVFWLS and RVGLS both resulted independently associated with outcomes.

CONCLUSION

RVLS is a useful and reliable tool to identify patients with SMR undergoing TEER at high risk of mortality and HF hospitalization, on top of other clinical and echocardiographic parameters, with RVFWLS offering the best prognostic performance.

Cardiac Post-Chest Radiotherapy Complications in a 50-Year-Old Patient with Hodgkin Lymphoma

Lymphomas are a group of malignant tumors that originate in the lymphatic system. It is the most common type of blood cancer. It affects the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, blood, and other organs. They can be aggressive or chronic. Hodgkin lymphoma survival rate is 2 in 100,000 people. Young adults aged 20-30 and people over 50 are most often affected. The prognosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma is good, with a survival rate of up to 80 percent. Nevertheless, in 20-30 percent of patients who initially respond to treatment, the disease has a tendency to progress. The positive effect of radiotherapy (RT) on patients' survival rates has been proven in many randomized clinical trials. Although the dose of chest RT has significantly reduced over the years, we still struggle with the long-term complications of post-RT repercussions, mainly because there is no established safe dose of RT affecting the heart. Other complications include earlier onset of coronary artery disease, early and late onset of pericarditis, valve degeneration (predominantly of the left heart), calcification of the aorta and its branches, heart failure, and arrhythmias. One patient can manifest each of the abovementioned complications, as in the present case. That is why choosing the right treatment strategy is crucial.

Changes in Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain in Patients With Heart Failure and Secondary Mitral Regurgitation: The COAPT Trial

Background Left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) provides incremental prognostic information over LV ejection fraction in patients with heart failure (HF) and secondary mitral regurgitation. We examined the prognostic impact of LV GLS improvement in this population. Methods and Results The COAPT (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation) trial randomized symptomatic patients with HF with severe (3+/4+) mitral regurgitation to transcatheter edge-to-edge repair with the MitraClip device plus maximally tolerated guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) versus GDMT alone. LV GLS was measured at baseline and 6-month follow-up. The relationship between the improvement in LV GLS from baseline to 6 months and the composite of all-cause death or HF hospitalization between 6- and 24-month follow-up were assessed. Among 383 patients, 174 (45.4%) had improved LV GLS at 6-month follow-up (83/195 [42.6%] with transcatheter edge-to-edge repair+GDMT and 91/188 [48.4%] with GDMT alone; P=0.25). Improvement in LV GLS was strongly associated with reduced death or HF hospitalization between 6 and 24 months (P<0.009), with similar risk reduction in both treatment arms (Pinteraction=0.40). By multivariable analysis, LV GLS improvement at 6 months was independently associated with a lower risk of death or HF hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR], 0.55 [95% CI, 0.36-0.83]; P=0.009), death (HR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.29-0.81]; P=0.006), and HF hospitalization (HR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.31-0.81]; P=0.005) between 6 and 24 months. Conclusions Among patients with HF and severe mitral regurgitation in the COAPT trial, improvement in LV GLS at 6-month follow-up was associated with improved outcomes after both transcatheter edge-to-edge repair and GDMT alone between 6 and 24 months. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01626079.

Multimodality imaging for patient selection, procedural guidance, and follow-up of transcatheter interventions for structural heart disease: a consensus document of the EACVI Task Force on Interventional Cardiovascular Imaging: part 1: access routes, transcatheter aortic valve implantation, and transcatheter mitral valve interventions

Transcatheter therapies for the treatment of structural heart diseases (SHD) have expanded dramatically over the last years, thanks to the developments and improvements of devices and imaging techniques, along with the increasing expertise of operators. Imaging, in particular echocardiography, is pivotal during patient selection, procedural monitoring, and follow-up. The imaging assessment of patients undergoing transcatheter interventions places demands on imagers that differ from those of the routine evaluation of patients with SHD, and there is a need for specific expertise for those working in the cath lab. In the context of the current rapid developments and growing use of SHD therapies, this document intends to update the previous consensus document and address new advancements in interventional imaging for access routes and treatment of patients with aortic stenosis and regurgitation, and mitral stenosis and regurgitation.

Clinical outcomes of transcatheter mitral valve replacement: two-year results of the CHOICE-MI Registry

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) using dedicated devices is an alternative therapy for high-risk patients with symptomatic mitral regurgitation (MR).

AIMS

This study aimed to assess the 2-year outcomes and predictors of mortality in patients undergoing TMVR from the multicentre CHOICE-MI Registry.

METHODS

The CHOICE-MI Registry included consecutive patients with symptomatic MR treated with 11 different dedicated TMVR devices at 31 international centres. The investigated endpoints included mortality and heart failure hospitalisation rates, procedural complications, residual MR, and functional status. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was applied to identify independent predictors of 2-year mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 400 patients, median age 76 years (interquartile range [IQR] 71, 81), 59.5% male, EuroSCORE II 6.2% (IQR 3.8, 12.0), underwent TMVR. Technical success was achieved in 95.2% of patients. MR reduction to ≤1+ was observed in 95.2% at discharge with durable results at 1 and 2 years. New York Heart Association Functional Class had improved significantly at 1 and 2 years. All-cause mortality was 9.2% at 30 days, 27.9% at 1 year and 38.1% at 2 years after TMVR. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, reduced glomerular filtration rate, and low serum albumin were independent predictors of 2-year mortality. Among the 30-day complications, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, access site and bleeding complications showed the strongest impact on 2-year mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In this real-world registry of patients with symptomatic MR undergoing TMVR, treatment with TMVR was associated with a durable resolution of MR and significant functional improvement at 2 years. Two-year mortality was 38.1%. Optimised patient selection and improved access site management are mandatory to improve outcomes.

Mitral Interventions in Heart Failure

Patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction who have secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) have poorer outcomes and quality of life than those without SMR. Guideline-directed medical therapy is the cornerstone of SMR treatment. Careful evaluation of landmark trials using mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair in SMR has led to an improved understanding of who will benefit from percutaneous interventions with emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach. The success with mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair in SMR has also spurred the evaluation of its role in populations that were not initially studied, such as end-stage heart failure and cardiogenic shock. A spectrum of transcatheter devices in development and clinical trials promise to further provide a growing array of management options for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients with symptomatic SMR.

Minimum Core Data Elements for Transcatheter Mitral Therapies: Scientific Statement by PASSION CV, HVC, and TVTR

Mitral regurgitation is the most common valvular disease and is estimated to affect over 5 million Americans. Real-world data collection contributes to safety and effectiveness evidence for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, quality evaluation for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and hospitals, and clinical best practice research. We aimed to establish a minimum core data set in mitral interventions to promote efficient, reusable real-world data collection for all of these purposes. Two expert task forces separately evaluated and reconciled a list of candidate elements derived from: 1) 2 ongoing transcatheter mitral trials; and 2) a systemic literature review of high-impact mitral trials and U.S multicenter, multidevice registries. From 703 unique data elements considered, unanimous consensus agreement was achieved on 127 "core" data elements, with the most common reasons for exclusion from the minimum core data set being burden or difficulty in accurate assessment (41.2%), duplicative information (25.0%), and low likelihood of affecting outcomes (19.6%). After a systematic review and extensive discussions, a multilateral group of academicians, industry representatives, and regulators established and implemented into the national Society of Thoracic Surgery/American College of Cardiology Transcatheter Valve Therapies Registry 127 interoperable, reusable core data elements to support more efficient, consistent, and informative transcatheter mitral device evidence for regulatory submissions, safety surveillance, best practice development, and hospital quality assessments.

Five-Year Follow-up after Transcatheter Repair of Secondary Mitral Regurgitation

BACKGROUND

Data from a 5-year follow-up of outcomes after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair of severe mitral regurgitation, as compared with outcomes after maximal doses of guideline-directed medical therapy alone, in patients with heart failure are now available.

METHODS

We randomly assigned patients with heart failure and moderate-to-severe or severe secondary mitral regurgitation who remained symptomatic despite the use of maximal doses of guideline-directed medical therapy to undergo transcatheter edge-to-edge repair plus receive medical therapy (device group) or to receive medical therapy alone (control group) at 78 sites in the United States and Canada. The primary effectiveness end point was all hospitalizations for heart failure through 2 years of follow-up. The annualized rate of all hospitalizations for heart failure, all-cause mortality, the risk of death or hospitalization for heart failure, and safety, among other outcomes, were assessed through 5 years.

RESULTS

Of the 614 patients enrolled in the trial, 302 were assigned to the device group and 312 to the control group. The annualized rate of hospitalization for heart failure through 5 years was 33.1% per year in the device group and 57.2% per year in the control group (hazard ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41 to 0.68). All-cause mortality through 5 years was 57.3% in the device group and 67.2% in the control group (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.89). Death or hospitalization for heart failure within 5 years occurred in 73.6% of the patients in the device group and in 91.5% of those in the control group (hazard ratio, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.64). Device-specific safety events within 5 years occurred in 4 of 293 treated patients (1.4%), with all the events occurring within 30 days after the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with heart failure and moderate-to-severe or severe secondary mitral regurgitation who remained symptomatic despite guideline-directed medical therapy, transcatheter edge-to-edge repair of the mitral valve was safe and led to a lower rate of hospitalization for heart failure and lower all-cause mortality through 5 years of follow-up than medical therapy alone. (Funded by Abbott; COAPT ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01626079.).

Impact of Malnutrition in Patients With Heart Failure and Secondary Mitral Regurgitation: The COAPT Trial

BACKGROUND

Although malnutrition is associated with poor prognosis in several diseases, its prognostic impact in patients with heart failure (HF) and secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) is not understood.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and impact of malnutrition in HF patients with severe SMR randomized to transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) with the MitraClip plus guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) vs GDMT alone in the COAPT trial.

METHODS

Baseline malnutrition risk was calculated using the validated geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) score. Patients were categorized as having "malnutrition" (GNRI ≤98) vs "no malnutrition" (GNRI >98). Outcomes were assessed through 4 years. The primary endpoint of interest was all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Among 552 patients, median baseline GNRI was 109 (IQR: 101-116); 94 (17.0%) had malnutrition. All-cause mortality at 4 years was greater in patients with vs those without malnutrition (68.3% vs 52.8%; P = 0.001). Using multivariable analysis, both baseline malnutrition (adjusted-HR [adj-HR]: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.03-1.82; P = 0.03) and randomization to TEER plus GDMT compared with GDMT alone (adj-HR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.51-0.82; P = 0.0003) were independent predictors of 4-year mortality. In contrast, GNRI was unrelated to the 4-year rate of heart failure hospitalization (HFH), although TEER treatment reduced HFH (adj-HR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.36-0.56). The reductions in death (adj-P_interaction = 0.46) and HFH (adj-P_interaction = 0.67) with TEER were consistent in patients with and without malnutrition.

CONCLUSIONS

Malnutrition was present in 1 of 6 patients with HF and severe SMR enrolled in COAPT and was independently associated with increased 4-year mortality (but not HFH). TEER reduced mortality and HFH in patients with and without malnutrition. (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation [The COAPT Trial] and COAPT CAS [COAPT]; NCT01626079).

Ventricular Remodeling and Outcomes After Mitral Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair in Heart Failure: The COAPT Trial

BACKGROUND

The relationship between left ventricular (LV) remodeling and clinical outcomes after treatment of severe mitral regurgitation (MR) in heart failure (HF) has not been examined.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between LV reverse remodeling and subsequent outcomes and assess whether transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) and residual MR are associated with LV remodeling in the COAPT (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation) trial.

METHODS

Patients with HF and severe MR who remained symptomatic on guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) were randomized to TEER plus GDMT or GDMT alone. Baseline and 6-month core laboratory measurements of LV end-diastolic volume index and LV end-systolic volume index were examined. Change in LV volumes from baseline to 6 months and clinical outcomes from 6 months to 2 years were evaluated using multivariable regression.

RESULTS

The analytical cohort comprised 348 patients (190 treated with TEER, 158 treated with GDMT alone). A decrease in LV end-diastolic volume index at 6 months was associated with reduced cardiovascular death between 6 months and 2 years (adjusted HR: 0.90 per 10 mL/m² decrease; 95% CI: 0.81-1.00; P = 0.04), with consistent results in both treatment groups (P_interaction = 0.26). Directionally similar but nonsignificant relationships were present for all-cause death and HF hospitalization and between reduced LV end-systolic volume index and all outcomes. Neither treatment group nor MR severity at 30 days was associated with LV remodeling at 6 or 12 months. The treatment benefits of TEER were not significant regardless of the degree of LV remodeling at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with HF and severe MR, LV reverse remodeling at 6 months was associated with subsequently improved 2-year outcomes but was not affected by TEER or the extent of residual MR. (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation [The COAPT Trial] and COAPT CAS [COAPT]; NCT01626079).

Echocardiography vs. CMR in the Quantification of Chronic Mitral Regurgitation: A Happy Marriage or Stormy Divorce?

Quantification of chronic mitral regurgitation (MR) is essential to guide patients’ clinical management and define the need and appropriate timing for mitral valve surgery. Echocardiography represents the first-line imaging modality to assess MR and requires an integrative approach based on qualitative, semiquantitative, and quantitative parameters. Of note, quantitative parameters, such as the echocardiographic effective regurgitant orifice area, regurgitant volume (RegV), and regurgitant fraction (RegF), are considered the most reliable indicators of MR severity. In contrast, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has demonstrated high accuracy and good reproducibility in quantifying MR, especially in cases with secondary MR; nonholosystolic, eccentric, and multiple jets; or noncircular regurgitant orifices, where quantification with echocardiography is an issue. No gold standard for MR quantification by noninvasive cardiac imaging has been defined so far. Only a moderate agreement has been shown between echocardiography, either with transthoracic or transesophageal approaches, and CMR in MR quantification, as supported by numerous comparative studies. A higher agreement is evidenced when echocardiographic 3D techniques are used. CMR is superior to echocardiography in the calculation of the RegV, RegF, and ventricular volumes and can provide myocardial tissue characterization. However, echocardiography remains fundamental in the pre-operative anatomical evaluation of the mitral valve and of the subvalvular apparatus. The aim of this review is to explore the accuracy of MR quantification provided by echocardiography and CMR in a head-to-head comparison between the two techniques, with insight into the technical aspects of each imaging modality.

Anesthesia-Induced Intraprocedural Downgrading of Mitral Regurgitation During Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair

During transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER), the reduction of functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) severity, compared with baseline evaluation, is not uncommon. Because the procedural strategies are mainly guided by the location and severity of the regurgitant jets, intraprocedural downgrading (ID) of regurgitation severity could affect the procedural strategy and the results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of ID during TEER and to compare early and midterm outcomes in patients with and without ID. All patients with moderate-to-severe or severe FMR who underwent TEER in San Raffaele Hospital between 2018 and 2020 were evaluated in this single-center, retrospective study. ID was defined as mild (1+) or moderate (2+) regurgitation degree during intraprocedural evaluation. The outcomes, assessed at discharge and at 2 years of follow-up, were all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization, and recurrence of mitral regurgitation >2+. The final study cohort included 55 patients: 42% presented with ID. At discharge, 85.5% of patients achieved regurgitation reduction to 2+ or less: 100% in patients with ID versus 75% in patients without ID, p <0.009. At 2 years, no significant difference in the incidence of all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization, and the recurrence of mitral regurgitation >2+ between patients with ID or without ID was found. In conclusion, ID is frequent during TEER in FMR. No baseline characteristics were found to identify this group of patients. In patients with ID, the combination of live intraprocedural imaging and baseline ambulatory assessment of regurgitant jets seems effective in the procedural guiding to achieve a successful and durable mitral repair.

Impact of Peripheral Artery Disease in Patients With Heart Failure Undergoing Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair: The COAPT Trial

Background Peripheral artery disease (PAD) and heart failure (HF) often coexist. Whether PAD influences outcomes of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) in patients with HF and severe secondary mitral regurgitation is unknown. The objectives are to assess the impact of PAD on outcomes of TMVr plus guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) versus GDMT alone in patients with HF and secondary mitral regurgitation. Methods and Results The COAPT trial (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients with Functional Mitral Regurgitation) randomized patients with HF with ≥moderate-to-severe secondary mitral regurgitation to TMVr with MitraClip implant plus GDMT versus GDMT alone. We evaluated the relationship between PAD and 2-year outcomes in the COAPT trial and examined whether PAD modified the benefits of TMVr. Among 614 patients enrolled, 109 (17.8%) had PAD. By multivariable analysis, PAD was independently associated with 2-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [adjHR], 1.51 [95% CI, 1.07-2.15]) but not HF hospitalizations. Compared with GDMT alone, TMVr reduced the 2-year risk of death in patients without PAD (adjHR, 0.42 [95% CI, 0.30-0.60]) but not those with PAD (adjHR, 1.27 [95% CI, 0.72-2.27]; P_interaction=0.001). In contrast, TMVr reduced HF hospitalizations consistently in patients with (adjHR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.35-1.23]) and without (adjHR, 0.42 [95% CI, 0.31-0.57]) PAD (P_interaction=0.22). Improvements in health status and exercise capacity at 2 years with TMVr compared with GDMT alone were similar in degree, irrespective of PAD status (P_interaction=0.76 and 0.64, respectively). Conclusions In patients with HF and severe secondary mitral regurgitation, the reduced mortality with TMVr in the overall COAPT study population was not observed in the subgroup of patients with PAD. However, TMVr reduced HF hospitalizations and improved health status and exercise capacity consistently in patients with and without PAD. Registration Clinical Trial Name: Cardiovascular Outocmes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients with Functional Mitral Regurgitation (The COAPT Trial); URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/; Unique identifier: NCT01626079. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01626079.

Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair in mitral regurgitation: current status and future prospects

INTRODUCTION

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Within the past 15 years, mitral valve edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) has developed from an experimental approach to a guideline-recommended, safe, and effective treatment option for patients with severe primary or secondary mitral regurgitation.

AREAS COVERED

This review covered relevant publications of M-TEER and summarizes the development of M-TEER devices within the last 15 years. It outlines anatomical challenges which drove the evolution of M-TEER devices, provides an overview about the current state of clinical application and research, and offers an outlook into the future of transcatheter mitral valve treatment.

EXPERT OPINION

The development and refinement of new M-TEER device generations offer the possibility to treat a wide range of mitral valve anatomies. Choosing the best device for the individual anatomic properties of the patients and considering comorbidities is the key to maximized MR reduction, minimalized complication rates, and thus optimized postinterventional prognosis. Independent from prognostic implications, quality of life has become an important patient-centered outcome that can be improved by M-TEER in virtually all patients treated.

[Clinical and echocardiographic parameters associated with the alteration of global longitudinal strain in secondary mitral regurgitation]

INTRODUCTION

Left ventricular systolic function may be overestimated in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation when using left ventricle ejection fraction. The Global longitudinal strain is a measure less dependent on left ventricle load. However, the clinical and echocardiographic parameters associated with the alteration of Global longitudinal strain in secondary mitral regurgitation have not been evaluated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 96 patients (mean age 62.3 ± 12.1 years, 59.3% male) with secondary mitral regurgitation and low left ventricle ejection fraction < 50% were included. The study population was subdivided according to the Global longitudinal strain value with which an increased risk of all-cause mortality was associated (Global longitudinal strain < 7.0%, left ventricle systolic function impaired compared to Global longitudinal strain ≥ 7.0%, in absolute value). The clinical and echocardiographic endpoints are analysed in both groups of patients.

RESULTS

The strong and clear correlation between Global longitudinal strain (mean ± standard deviation: 7,2 ± 2,7) and parameters of systolic function (left ventricle ejection fraction mean ± standard deviation: 32,4 ± 8,0%) and contractility (dp/dt mean ± standard deviation: 682,5 ± 204,7 mmHg/s). the mean of left ventricle ejection fraction = 26.4 ± 5.3% in the Global longitudinal strain < 7 group, and the bivariate study using the 30% threshold shows that the Global longitudinal strain < 7 group presents a more altered left ventricle ejection fraction with odds ratio = 12, 5 (CI: 4.7-33.0) p < 0.001. In multivariate analysis of ultrasound parameters and linear regression shows a significant correlation between Global longitudinal strain and left ventricle ejection fraction (p < 0.001). The dp/dt analysis found a mean of 509.3 ± 99.1 mmHg/s in the Global longitudinal strain < 7 group and of 822.9 ± 154.1 in the Global longitudinal strain ≥ 7 group with significant difference (p < 0.001). In bivariate and multivariate analysis, the alteration of Global longitudinal strain is associated with a significantly lower dp / dt p < 0.001.

CONCLUSION

A Global longitudinal strain < 7 (in absolute value) reflects a severe impairment of left ventricle function. In addition, several parameters were associated with this severe alteration of the Global longitudinal strain, namely a lower left ventricle ejection fraction, a lower dp/dt and more severe symptoms permitting to characterized this group of patients in addition to an integration in a multiparametric evaluation of the secondary mitral regurgitation.

Mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the most prevalent valvular heart disease and, when left untreated, results in reduced quality of life, heart failure, and increased mortality. Mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) has matured considerably as a non-surgical treatment option since its commercial introduction in Europe in 2008. As a result of major device and interventional improvements, as well as the accumulation of experience by the interventional cardiologists, M-TEER has emerged as an important therapeutic strategy for patients with severe and symptomatic MR in the current European and American guidelines. Herein, we provide a comprehensive up-do-date overview of M-TEER. We define preprocedural patient evaluation and highlight key aspects for decision-making. We describe the currently available M-TEER systems and summarise the evidence for M-TEER in both primary mitral regurgitation (PMR) and secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR). In addition, we provide recommendations for device selection, intraprocedural imaging and guiding, M-TEER optimisation and management of recurrent MR. Finally, we provide information on major unsolved questions and "grey areas" in M-TEER.

Transcatheter edge to edge repair using the ease-of-use valve clamp system for functional mitral regurgitation: a primary report

PURPOSE

The ValveClamp system is a novel edge-to-edge mitral valve repair system designed for the ease of operation. We report the outcomes of our initial experience of treating functional mitral regurgitation (MR) with the ValveClamp system.

METHODS

The subjects of this study were patients with symptomatic functional MR despite standard medical therapy, who were treated with transapical ValveClamp implantation. The patients were divided into an atrial functional mitral regurgitation (AFMR) group and a ventricular functional mitral regurgitation (VFMR) group. Clinical and echocardiographic outcomes were evaluated at baseline and then at the 3-month follow up.

RESULTS

Twelve patients, with a median age of 71 years (range 65-78 years), were assigned to the AFMR group (n = 5) or the VFMR group (n = 7). The device implantation rate was 100%, and 10 (83.3%) patients required implantation of only one clamp. The catheter time was less than 10 min in half of the patients, the fastest time being 5 min. There were no procedure-related complications. At the 3-month follow up, all patients were free from all-cause mortality, surgery, and rehospitalization. MR improved to ≤ 2 + in all 12 patients with MR grade 3 + or 4 + at baseline, (100%) and to ≤ 1 + in 9 of these patients (75%), with a low-pressure gradient. The left atrial diameter and the left ventricular end diastolic diameter decreased significantly in both the AFMR and VFMR groups. The left ventricular eject fraction at the 3-month follow up showed a rising trend in both the AFMR and VFMR groups, whereas PASP decreased remarkably. All 12 patients with baseline NYHA functional class III/IV (100%) showed improvement of at least 1 class, and 2 of these patients (16.7%) showed improvement of at least 2 classes.

CONCLUSIONS

The ValveClamp system is simple and effective for transapical transcatheter edge to edge repair in patients with functional MR.

Right atrial structural remodeling predict worse outcomes in transcatheter mitral valve repair

BACKGROUND

In the current study, we assess the predictive role of right and left atrial volume indices (RAVI and LAVI) as well as the ratio of RAVI/LAVI (RLR) on mortality following transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr).

METHODS

Transthoracic echocardiograms of 158 patients who underwent TMVr at a single academic medical center from 2011 to 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. RAVI and LAVI were calculated using Simpson's method. Patients were stratified based on etiology of mitral regurgitation (MR). Cox proportional-hazard regression was created utilizing MR type, STS-score, and RLR to assess the independent association of RLR with survival. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to analyze the association between RAVI and LAVI with all-cause mortality. Hemodynamic values from preprocedural right heart catheterization were also compared between RLR groups.

RESULTS

Among 123 patients included (median age 81.3 years; 52.5% female) there were 50 deaths during median follow-up of 3.0 years. Patients with a high RAVI and low LAVI had significantly higher all-cause mortality while patients with high LAVI and low RAVI had significantly improved all-cause mortality compared to other groups (p = 0.0032). RLR was significantly associated with mortality in patients with both functional and degenerative MR (p = 0.0038). Finally, Cox proportion-hazard modeling demonstrated that an elevated RLR above the median value was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality [HR = 2.304; 95% CI = 1.26-4.21, p = 0.006] when MR type and STS score were accounted for.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a high RAVI and low LAVI had significantly increased mortality than other groups following TMVr suggesting RA remodeling may predict worse outcomes following the procedure. Concordantly, RLR was predictive of mortality independent of MR type and preprocedural STS-score. These indices may provide additional risk stratification in patients undergoing evaluation for TMVr.

Quality of Life, Procedural Success, and Clinical Outcomes following Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair

BACKGROUND

Limited data exist regarding the association between the quality of life (QoL) and clinical outcomes following transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr). We aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of QoL assessment following TMVr and to characterize those who had procedural success, yet reported a low Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ-12) score.

METHODS

We reported the experience of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center patients between 2013 and 2020. Patients were allocated into four groups according to the 30-day KCCQ: <25, 25-49, 50-74, and ≥75. Primary outcome included 1-year all-cause death or heart failure (HF) hospitalizations. We also examined the association between QoL and the primary outcome in those with procedural success.

RESULTS

A total of 555 patients were included in our analysis, median follow-up of 650 days (IQR 243-1113). The lower KCCQ groups had a higher prevalence of functional mitral regurgitation (65%, 60%, 56%, and 43%, p = 0.001), as well as a higher Society of Thoracic Surgeon (STS) score. These groups had a significantly higher occurrence of 1-year all-cause death or HF hospitalizations in a stepwise fashion (40%, 22%, 16%, and 10%, p < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed 30-day KCCQ as the strongest predictor of the 1-year primary outcome (HR 0.98, 95%CI (0.97-0.99), p = 0.006). Approximately a quarter of patients with procedural success had a low KCCQ score. These patients had a higher rate of the combined 1-year outcome regardless of procedural success or failure.

CONCLUSION

QoL following TMVr is a powerful prognostic factor. KCCQ assessment is an important indicator for identifying patients prone to adverse outcomes even after procedural success.

Reverse cardiac remodeling in patients undergoing combination therapy of transcatheter mitral valve repair

Aims

For patients with severe mitral valve regurgitation (MR), different kinds of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) exist, targeting the leaflets, annulus, and chordae. The concomitant combination (COMBO) therapy of TMVrs is rarely used as treatment, and there are very few publications about this therapeutic strategy. We evaluated the effect of COMBO-TMVr on the cardiac left chambers and clinical data, including survival.

Methods

We included 35 patients at high risk who underwent concomitant sequential transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) and another TMVr for severe MR in our hospital between March 2015 and April 2018. Of these, 13 had adequate follow-up transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) up to around 1 year after the procedure.

Results

Survival for all patients was 83% at 1 year, 71% at 2 years, and 63% at 3 years, respectively. In the 13 patients with adequate TTE follow-up, M-TEER plus either Cardioband (n = 4), Carillon Mitral Contour System (n = 7), or Neochord (n = 2) were used, respectively. Ten patients had secondary, and three patients primary MR. After 1 year, changes [median (Q1, Q3)] of left ventricular (LV) end-systolic diameter of -9.9 cm (-11.1, 0.4), LV end-diastolic diameter of -3.3 cm (-8.5, 0.0), LV end-systolic volume (LVESV) of -17.4 mL (-32.6, -0.4), LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) of -13.5 mL (-15.9, -3.2), LV mass of -19.5 g (-24.2, -7.6), and left atrial volume (LAV) index (LAVi) of -16.4 mL (-23.3, -11.3) were observed. A significant reduction was also seen in the change ratios of LVESV, LVEDV, LV mass, and LAVi, respectively.

Conclusion

We found that COMBO therapy of TMVr seems feasible and may support reverse remodeling of left cardiac chambers during 1 year after the procedure in a cohort of patients at high risk.

Mitral Valve Surgery for Persistent or Recurrent Mitral Regurgitation After Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair Is Associated With Improved Survival

Background

The management of severe mitral regurgitation (MR) after transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair (TEER) remains a clinical conundrum. Considering the growing volume of TEER, more outcomes data for mitral surgery in this cohort are needed.

Methods and Results

Symptomatic patients with persistent or recurrent severe MR after TEER evaluated between May 2014 and June 2021 were included. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality in patients who were treated with surgery versus medical therapy. The Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression methods were used to report risk‐adjusted survival analyses. Among the 142 included patients, 44 (31.0%) underwent mitral surgery. Patients who underwent surgery were younger than those treated medically (74.1±8.9 versus 78.6±10.5 years, P=0.01). Major comorbidities were similar except obesity, sleep apnea, left ventricular dimensions, and ejection fraction. Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Operative Mortality was 9.0±4.7 versus 7.9±4.9 in the surgical versus medical therapy groups, respectively, P=0.22. Time from TEER to detection of severe MR was similar in both groups (median [interquartile range] 97.5 [39.5–384] versus 93.5 [40–389] days in the surgical versus medical groups, respectively [P>0.05]). In the surgical group, valve replacement was performed in all patients. Operative mortality was 4.5% (observed/expected ratio 0.55), and major complications were uncommon. After risk‐adjustment, surgery was associated with significantly lower all‐cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.12–0.92], P=0.001) compared with medial therapy.

Conclusions

Compared with medical therapy, mitral surgery in patients with severe persistent or recurrent MR after TEER is associated with lower mortality despite the high‐risk profile of these patients. Patients with severe MR after TEER should be considered for surgery at a referral mitral surgical center.

Outcomes After Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair According to Mitral Regurgitation Etiology and Cardiac Remodeling

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) has been increasingly used for selected patients with mitral regurgitation (MR), but limited data are available regarding clinical outcomes in patients with varied etiology and mechanism of MR.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of TEER according to etiology and left ventricular (LV) and left atrial remodeling.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent TEER between 2007 and 2020 were included in the analysis. Among patients with functional MR (FMR), those with predominant LV remodeling were classified as having ventricular FMR (v-FMR), whereas those without LV remodeling but predominant left atrial remodeling were classified as having atrial FMR (a-FMR). The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization at 2 years and was compared among patients with degenerative MR (DMR), a-FMR, and v-FMR.

RESULTS

A total of 1,044 patients (11% with a-FMR, 48% with v-FMR, and 41% with DMR) with a mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score of 8.6 ± 7.8 underwent TEER. Patients with a-FMR had higher rates of atrial fibrillation and severe tricuspid regurgitation with larger left and right atria, whereas patients with v-FMR had lower LV ejection fractions with larger LV dimensions. Residual MR more than moderate at discharge was not significantly different among the 3 groups (5.2% vs 3.2% vs 2.6%; P = 0.37). Compared with patients with DMR, 2-year event rates of the primary outcome were significantly higher in patients with a-FMR and v-FMR (21.6% vs 31.5% vs 42.3%; log-rank P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite excellent procedural outcomes, patients with a-FMR and v-FMR had worse clinical outcomes compared with those with DMR.

Medical Therapy for Functional Mitral Regurgitation

Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) can be broadly categorized into 2 main groups: ventricular and atrial, which often coexist. The former is secondary to left ventricular remodeling usually in the setting of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction or less frequently due to ischemic papillary muscle remodeling. Atrial FMR develops due to atrial and annular dilatation related to atrial fibrillation/flutter or from increased atrial pressures in the setting of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Guideline-directed medical therapy is the first step and prevails as the mainstay in the treatment of FMR. In this review, we address the medical therapeutic options for FMR management and highlight a targeted approach for each FMR category. We further address important clinical and echocardiographic characteristics to aid in determining when medical therapy is expected to have a low yield and an appropriate window for effective interventional approaches exists.

Acute effect of edge-to-edge repair of mitral regurgitation on left heart mechanics and health status

AIMS

Examine the impact of acute changes in left heart strain and volumes with percutaneous edge-to-edge MitraClip repair on improvement in health status assessed using Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12 (KCCQ-12) score.

METHODS

Changes in left atrial strain, left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), LV end-systolic volume (LVESV), and end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) were evaluated in 50 patients undergoing MitraClip repair for symptomatic primary mitral regurgitation (PMR) and secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) on transthoracic echocardiography before and 1 month after MitraClip. Multivariable regression was used to evaluate changes in left heart strain and volumes as predictors of change in KCCQ-12 scores, adjusting for baseline clinical and echocardiographic characteristics.

RESULTS

Both PMR and SMR patients had significant increase in LVGLS and reduction in LVEDV and LVESV (P < 0.05) after MitraClip, reduction trend in left atrial conduit strain (PMR P = 0.053; SMR P = 0.12) but no significant change in LV ejection fraction. KCCQ-12 score improved significantly in both PMR (P < 0.001) and SMR cohorts (P < 0.001). Higher delta KCCQ-12 tertiles were associated with greater reduction in LVEDV (P = 0.022) after MitraClip. On multiple regression analysis, lower preprocedural Society of Thoracic Surgeons for Mitral Valve Replacement and KCCQ-12 score, and greater reduction in LVESV and left atrial strain conduit phase were associated with KCCQ-12 score improvement (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

There is a significant increase in LVGLS and reduction in LVEDV, LVESV and left atrial strain conduit after edge-to-edge MitraClip repair in both PMR and SMR. Lower preprocedural Society of Thoracic Surgeons for Mitral Valve Replacement and KCCQ-12 score, and greater reduction in LVESV and left atrial conduit strain were associated with KCCQ-12 score improvement after MitraClip. Further studies are warranted to understand the mechanism and significance of our findings.

The Prognostic Role of Mitral Valve Regurgitation Severity and Left Ventricle Function in Acute Heart Failure

Aims: Data about the prognostic interplay between mitral regurgitation MR and left ventricular (LV) function in the outcome of patients admitted with acute heart failure (AHF) are scarce. We evaluated the prognostic impact of MR severity and LV function on mortality and on recurrent heart failure hospitalization (re-HFH) in patients admitted with AHF. Methods and Results: In total, 6843 patients admitted with AHF were evaluated: 2521 patients with LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 40% (reduced LVEF), 1238 of them (51%) having ≥moderate MR; and 4322 with LVEF > 40% (preserved LVEF), 1175 of them (27%) having ≥moderate MR. One-year mortality and re-HFH rates were higher in patients with ≥moderate MR unrelated to the baseline LV function (p = 0.028 and p < 0.001, respectively). After multivariable analysis, only reduced LVEF, and not the severity of MR, predicted mortality risk (HR: 1.31 [95% CI: 1.12−1.53] for patients with reduced LV function and ≤mild MR; HR: 1.44 [95% CI: 1.25−1.67] for patients with reduced LV function and ≥moderate MR); p < 0.001 for both. There was an increased risk for re-HFH in each group (HR: 1.35 [95% CI: 1.17−1.52] for patients with preserved LV function and ≥moderate MR; HR: 1.31 [95% CI: 1.15−1.51] for patients with reduced LV function and mild MR; and HR: 1.65 [95% CI: 1.45−1.88] for patients with reduced LV function and ≥moderate MR); p < 0.001 for all. Conclusions: In patients admitted with AHF, the LV function is the main prognostic determinant for mortality after 1 year. Significant (≥moderate) MR is associated with an increased risk of recurrent hospitalization.

Practical Echocardiographic Approach of the Regurgitant Mitral Valve Assessment

Mitral regurgitation is the second-most frequent valvular heart disease in Europe after degenerative aortic stenosis. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and its prevalence is expected to increase with population aging. Echocardiography is the first diagnostic approach to assess its severity, constituting a challenging process in which a multimodality evaluation, integrating quantitative, semiquantitative and qualitative methods, as well as a detailed evaluation of the morphology and function of both left ventricle and atria is the key. In this review, we would like to provide a practical diagnosis approach on the mitral valve regurgitation mechanism, severity quantification, and planning of future therapeutic options.

Quantification of mitral regurgitation after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair: Comparison of echocardiography and patient-specific in silico models

BACKGROUND

Doppler echocardiographic (echo) assessment of residual mitral regurgitation (MR) after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) is challenging and often subjective. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of standardized quantitative echo methods for assessment of MR severity after MitraClip repair by comparing measurements against a reference MR severity obtained from patient-specific in silico models.

METHODS

Post-procedure hemodynamics were simulated under five different MitraClip configurations in previously validated patient-specific in silico models for the treatment of functional MR. The residual regurgitant volume was calculated as in clinical practice using four quantitative virtual echo methods: pulsed Doppler, volumetric, proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) and vena contracta area (VCA). Multiple permutations were performed for each method. Virtual echo MR results were evaluated against reference MR values directly extracted from the 5 patient-specific in silico models.

RESULTS

The echo methods with the greatest accuracy were the three-dimensional (3D) volumetric method (r = 0.957, bias -0.8 ± 1.2 ml, p = 0.01), the 3D VCA method wherein velocity time integrals were evaluated for each jet assessed (r = 0.919, bias -1.5 ± 1.7 ml, p = 0.03), and the 3D PISA method integrating surface areas throughout systole (r = 0.98, bias -2.0 ± 0.9 ml, p = 0.003). The pulsed Doppler and 2D volumetric methods had technical limitations that may result in a high underestimation or overestimation of the MR severity after TEER. In the case of multiple regurgitant jets, a more accurate MR assessment was obtained when all significant jets were evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinically, the 3D volumetric, 3D VCA and 3D PISA methods gave the most accurate MR quantification after TEER. Three-dimensional echo technologies harbor the potential of becoming the non-invasive imaging tool of choice for MR quantification after complex transcatheter mitral interventions.

Relation of Myocardial Work Indexes and Forward Flow Reserve in Patients With Significant Secondary Mitral Regurgitation Undergoing Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair

Left ventricular (LV) myocardial work (LVMW) indexes have shown incremental value over LV ejection fraction and were found to have prognostic significance in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation. We therefore aimed to investigate the association between LVMW indexes and forward flow reserve in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation, treated with transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER). LVMW indexes were evaluated at baseline and forward stroke volume index (FSVI) was evaluated at baseline and 6-month follow-up after TEER. Patients were divided in 2 groups: improvers (improvement in FSVI ≥20%) and nonimprovers (improvement in FSVI <20%). A total of 70 patients (median age 76 years, 59% men) were included. FSVI was the only echocardiographic parameter that improved after TEER. There was a significant decrease in LV global longitudinal strain in the nonimprovers (p = 0.002) but not in the improvers (p = 0.177). Global work index and global constructive work worsened in nonimprovers (p = 0.005 and p = 0.004, respectively), whereas no difference was seen in these indexes in improvers (p = 0.093 and p = 0.112, respectively). Global work efficiency remained independently associated with forward flow reserve after adjusting for a variety of potential confounders. In conclusion, FSVI nonimprovers demonstrated worsening of LV systolic function after TEER compared with improvers, in whom LV systolic function remained stable. Global work efficiency was associated with FSVI improvement after TEER, independent of LV systolic function.

Mortality and Clinical Predictors After Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair for Secondary Mitral Regurgitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis

Background

Percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) provides an available choice for patients suffering from secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR), especially those whose symptoms persist after optimal, conventional, heart-failure therapy. However, conflicting results from clinical trials have created a problem in identifying patients who will benefit the most from PMVR.

Objective

To pool mortality data and assess clinical predictors after PMVR among patients with SMR. To this end, subgroup and meta-regression analyses were additionally performed.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases, and 13 studies were finally included for meta-analysis. Estimated mortality and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained using a random-effects proportional meta-analysis. We also carried out a meta-regression analysis to clarify the potential influence of important covariates on mortality.

Results

A total of 1,259 patients with SMR who had undergone PMVR were enrolled in our meta-analysis. The long-term estimated pooled mortality of PMVR was 19.3% (95% CI: 13.6–25.1). Meta-regression analysis showed that mortality was directly proportional to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) (β = 0.009; 95% CI: 0.002–0.016; p = 0.009), an effective regurgitant orifice (ERO) (β = 0.009; 95% CI: 0.000–0.018; p = 0.047), and a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) use (β = −0.015; 95% CI: −0.023–−0.006; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated that patients with preexisting AF (β = −0.002; 95% CI: −0.005– −0.000; p = 0.018) were associated with decreased mortality if they received a mitral annuloplasty device. Among the edge-to-edge repair device group, a higher left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, or lower LV end-systolic diameter, LV end-systolic volume, and LV end-diastolic volume were proportional to lower mortality.

Conclusion and Relevance

The pooled mortality of PMVR was 19.3% (95% CI: 13.6–25.1). Further meta-regression indicated that AF was associated with a better outcome in conjunction with the use of a mitral annuloplasty device, while better LV functioning predicted a better outcome after the implantation of an edge-to-edge repair device.

Transcatheter Mitral Cerclage Ventriculoplasty: From Bench to Bedside

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter mitral valve repair is beneficial in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR), left ventricular dysfunction, and persistent symptoms despite maximally tolerated medical therapy.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of transcatheter mitral cerclage ventriculoplasty in patients with MR and either heart failure with reduced ejection fraction or preserved ejection fraction and in subjects with prior edge-to-edge repair but persistent or recurrent symptomatic MR.

METHODS

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Division of Intramural Research Transcatheter Mitral Cerclage Ventriculoplasty Early Feasibility Study (NCT03929913) was an investigator-initiated prospective multicenter study. The primary endpoint was technical success measured at exit from the catheterization laboratory. Follow-up included heart failure quality-of-life assessments and serial imaging with echocardiography and cardiac computed tomography.

RESULTS

Nineteen subjects consented and underwent cerclage, 63% with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and 37% with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, with ischemic cardiomyopathy in 26% and nonischemic cardiomyopathy in 74%. There were no procedural deaths, strokes, or transient ischemic attacks or other major cardiovascular adverse events. The primary endpoint was met in 17 subjects. Cerclage induced sustained reductions in mitral regurgitant volume (-41%) and effective orifice area (-33%) after a median of 337 days. Cerclage resulted in improvements in 6-minute walking distance (+78 m) and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Overall Summary Score (+22 points) at 30 days that were maintained after a median of 265 days. New complete heart block developed in 6 of 17 subjects. Three deaths occurred on postprocedural days 79, 159, and 756, unrelated to cerclage.

CONCLUSIONS

Transcatheter mitral cerclage ventriculoplasty resulted in significant and sustained improvements in mitral regurgitation and in heart failure quality-of-life assessments.

Treatment of secondary mitral regurgitation by transcatheter edge-to-edge repair using MitraClip

Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) is becoming the standard invasive treatment for ventricular functional mitral regurgitation (MR). It is necessary to determine the severity of MR before treatment with MitraClip; however, the severity of secondary MR is usually underestimated compared with that of primary MR and varies temporally. Therefore, to accurately determine the severity of MR, it is important to correctly use the algorithm of the guidelines for valvular heart disease and aggressively perform stress echocardiography. Before performing TEER, the difficulty of the procedure should be evaluated. First, morphological features that make TEER unsuitable, such as cleft of the mitral leaflet, mitral stenosis (MS), or perforation of the mitral leaflet, should be checked. The mitral valve orifice area, transmitral valve pressure gradient, coaptation depth, coaptation length, and posterior leaflet length should be measured to determine the difficulty of the procedure based on the inclusion criteria of Endovascular Valve Edge-to-Edge Repair Study II and the German consensus. After MitraClip implantation, in addition to assessing the severity of MS and residual MR, the pulmonary venous flow pattern and stroke volume should be evaluated to comprehensively assess whether TEER improves the hemodynamics. MitraClip has also been used to treat atrial functional MR, another type of secondary MR. Several reports suggest that MitraClip is effective for atrial functional MR; however, evidence is still being accumulated.