Hemolysis After Transcatheter Mitral Valve Implantation Resolved by Valve Retensioning

Secondary retensioning of a tether-based device for transapical transcatheter mitral valve implantation

OBJECTIVES

Relevant paravalvular leakage (PVL) due to prosthesis dislodgement is a rare but potentially severe complication after transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI). Due to the epicardial anchoring mechanism of the Tendyne® TMVI system, repositioning of the valve stent may be possible by retensioning of the tether. This multicentre study aimed to investigate the procedural and short-term safety as well as efficacy of retensioning manoeuvres.

METHODS

From 2017 to 2021, N = 18 patients who underwent secondary tether retensioning were identified. Baseline, procedural and follow-up data were available from N = 11 patients and analysed according to the Mitral Valve Research Consortium definitions. Continuous variables are shown as median with interquartile range.

RESULTS

All patients [age 75 years (73.5, 85.0), 64% male (N = 7), EuroSCORE II 6.2% (5.8, 11.6)] presented with post-procedural PVL [63.6% (N = 7) with PVL ≥3+]. Of these, 54% (N = 6) showed signs of haemolysis. The majority were severely symptomatic [New York Heart Association ≥III (91%, N = 10)]. Procedural outcomes revealed no acute complications and no mortality. At discharge, PVL was completely eliminated in 91% (N = 10) of patients with 1 case of remaining moderate PVL. At 30 days, Mitral Valve Research Consortium device success was achieved in 82% (N = 9) of patients. Two patients required open surgical mitral valve replacement due to persistent and recurrent PVL. In 89% (N = 8) of patients with successful retensioning procedure, New York Heart Association class was I/II. There was no 30-day mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

This multicentre study demonstrates technical feasibility, procedural safety and acute efficacy of retensioning procedures in the majority of patients. The potential to retension the tether in transapical TMVI may provide additional management advantages in populations at high surgical risk.

Transapical Transcatheter Mitral Valve Implantation with the Tendyne Valve: The Swiss Experience

BACKGROUND

 The aim of this study was to report outcomes of all patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve implantation with the Tendyne Mitral Valve System (Tendyne) in Switzerland.

METHODS

 We retrospectively analyzed preoperative echocardiographic and computed tomography (CT) data, procedural findings, and 30-day and 1-year follow-up echocardiographic and clinical data of patients who underwent transcatheter mitral valve implantation with Tendyne in Switzerland.

RESULTS

 A total of 24 patients (age, 74.8 ± 7.8 years; 67% male) underwent transapical transcatheter mitral valve implantation with Tendyne between June 2020 and October 2022. Technical success rate was 96%. In five patients, concomitant interventions in the form of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (one patient), minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (one patient), and transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (three patients) were performed prior to or after the index procedure. There was one device embolization, and two patients required valve retrieval. In-hospital outcomes included one stroke and three major bleeding events. None of the patients died within 30 days. Two patients were rehospitalized for decompensated heart failure. At 1-year follow-up, there were three noncardiovascular-related deaths.

CONCLUSION

 Transcatheter mitral valve implantation with Tendyne is feasible to treat polymorbid patients suffering from complex mitral valve disease as well as patients with previous mitral interventions. Perioperative risk was acceptable and procedural success high.