Impact of Direct Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Without Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty on Procedural and Clinical Outcomes

Balloon predilation or direct valve implantation in TAVI for women: Insights from the DIRECTAVI study

BACKGROUND

The randomized DIRECTAVI trial demonstrated safety and feasibility of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) without balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) using SAPIEN 3 balloon-expandable devices. However, the female population with smaller anatomy may have potential higher risk of residual gradient and/or mismatch.

PURPOSE

We assessed the impact of BAV on the procedural success rate and clinical outcomes in the female population of the DIRECTAVI trial.

METHODS

Between May 2016 and May 2018, 91 of the 250 patients included in the DIRECTAVI trial were women (38.6%), 45 of them (49.5%) were enrolled in the BAV group and 46 of them (50.5%) in the direct TAVI group. The primary endpoint was procedural success rate in women (Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 criteria). The secondary endpoint included evaluation of PPM and 1-month major adverse events according to the implantation stategy in women and comparison between men and women regarding major endpoints.

RESULTS

The primary endpoint occurred in 29 women (64.4%) in the BAV group and in 34 women (73.9%) in the direct TAVI group (mean difference 9.47%; 95% confidence interval: 6.5%-25.4%; p = 0.045 for non-inferiority of the direct strategy). One-month major adverse events were similar between the 2 women groups. Procedural success was lower in women vs men (p = 0.01) due to higher incidence of moderate mismatches in women (p = 0.001) but with no significant difference regarding the implantation strategy (p = 0.4).

CONCLUSION

Direct implantation of the balloon-expandable SAPIEN 3 valve was non-inferior to predilatation on procedural success in women. Incidence of moderate mismatch was higher in women but was not related to the implantation strategy.

Factors Influencing Implantation Depth During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Optimised implantation depth (OID) is crucial to obtain the best haemodynamic and clinical outcome during transcatheter heart valve (THV) deployment. OID ensures a better haemodynamic profile and is associated with a potential reduction in permanent pacemaker implantations, both of which are important during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Apart from patient-related anatomic conditions, many factors, such as THV and wire selection, as well as implantation strategies, can be controlled by the operator and facilitate the implantation process. However, there are only limited data dealing with predictors for OID. Therefore, the aim of this review was to outline factors and tools that might influence the final implantation depth during TAVR procedures, potentially influencing the outcome.

Safety and performance of the Vienna self-expandable transcatheter aortic valve system: 6-month results of the VIVA first-in-human feasibility study

Background

The novel Vienna TAVI system is repositionable and retrievable, already pre-mounted on the delivery system, eliminating the need for assembly and crimping of the device prior to valve implantation.

Aims

The purpose of this first-in-human feasibility study was to determine the safety, feasibility, clinical and hemodynamic performance of the Vienna TAVI system at 6-month follow-up. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04861805).

Methods

This is a prospective, non-randomized, single-arm, single-center, first-stage FIH feasibility study, which is followed by a second-stage pivotal, multicenter, multinational study in symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis (SAS). The first-stage FIH study evaluated the safety and feasibility, clinical and hemodynamic performance of the device in 10 patients with SAS based on recommendations by the VARC-2.

Results

All patients were alive at 3-month follow-up. 1 non-cardiovascular mortality was reported 5 months after implantation. There were no new cerebrovascular events, life-threatening bleeding or conduction disturbances observed at 6-month follow-up. The mean AV gradient significantly decreased from 48.7 ± 10.8 to 7.32 ± 2.0 mmHg and mean AVA increased from 0.75 ± 0.18 to 2.16 ± 0.42 cm² (p < 0.00001). There was no incidence of moderate or severe total AR observed. In the QoL questionnaires, the patients reported a significant improvement from the baseline 12-KCCQ mean score 58 ± 15 to 76 ± 20. NYHA functional class improved in two patients, remained unchanged in one patient. There was an increase in mean 6-min-walk distance from baseline 285 ± 97 to 347 ± 57 m.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that using Vienna TAVI system has favourable and sustained 6-month safety and performance outcomes in patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis.

Predictors of bioprosthetic valve dysfunction after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Background

Recently, the Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-3 criteria redefined bioprosthetic valve dysfunction (BVD) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, the rate of BVD is scarcely reported in current practice.

Aims

We aimed to evaluate the rate and predictors of BVD after TAVI based on the VARC-3 criteria.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed patients who had undergone TAVI using single-centre data. BVD was reported as exposure-adjusted event rates with a patient-year unit (per 100 patient-years). Predictors of BVD after TAVI were analysed using Fine-Gray competing risk regression to account for the competing risk of death.

Results

Among 514 patients, the rate of BVD was 7.5 events per 100 patient-years (n=74) at a median follow-up of 1.9 years. The main cause of BVD was moderate or severe prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM; n=59). The Fine-Gray model demonstrated that predilatation was associated with a lower rate of BVD, mainly moderate or severe PPM (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [sub-HR] 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21-0.88). In a subgroup analysis, the patients with a small aortic annulus (area <400 mm² or perimeter <72 mm) tended to benefit from predilatation (p for interaction=0.03). The same regression model also demonstrated that a small balloon-expandable valve (BEV; ≤23 mm) was associated with a higher rate of BVD (adjusted sub-HR 2.46, 95% CI: 1.38-4.38).

Conclusions

Our study suggested that the rate of BVD in patients undergoing TAVI is relatively low at midterm follow-up. Predilatation, particularly in small annuli and small BEV might have an impact on BVD, mainly caused by moderate or severe PPM, after TAVI.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the developing world: Lessons learnt and its implications for practice

Backrground

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become an accepted modality of treatment in intermediate and high surgical risk patients of symptomatic severe calcific aortic stenosis (AS). We herein report Indian data of 84 intermediate and high-risk patients who underwent TAVR at two Armed Forces cardiac centres.

Methods

Most of the patients underwent TAVR in cardiac catheterization lab by percutaneous transfemoral approach, under conscious sedation. Patients were followed up and echocardiographic parameters were assessed after six months of procedure.

Results

Total of 84 intermediate and high-risk patients underwent TAVR between Jan 2017 and June 2021. Mean age of population was 71.5 ± 8.4 years; 28.5% of patients had bicuspid aortic valve and Mean STS score was 6.34 ± 2.08. Majority (92.8%) patients underwent the procedure under conscious sedation. Self-expanding valves were used in 72.6% and balloon expandable in 27.4% of patients. Predilatation was done in 64% patients while 13% cases underwent post dilatation. Procedural mortality was 2.3%. Rate of permanent pacemaker implantation was 4.9%. Ischemic stroke occurred in 1.1% of patents. There was no case of severe paravalvular leak. Emergency surgical aortic valve replacement was done in 2.4% patients. Procedural success in this study was 97.6%. All-cause mortality was 9.5% at 6 months.

Conclusions

TAVR is an effective treatment modality in intermediate and high-risk Indian patients with severe aortic stenosis. Patients with bicuspid or previous bio prosthetic aortic valves also have a good outcome post TAVR.

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty: current status and future prospects

INTRODUCTION

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) improves hemodynamic and clinical status of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) for a limited period of 6-12 months. However, there is a high number of procedures performed worldwide and an upward trend over the last decades.

AREAS COVERED

Epidemiology of AS and the advent of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) contribute to the extensive referral of patients. The expansion of recommendations for TAVI has occasionally led to financial reimbursement-related problems that do not exist for BAV. BAV is indicated as a bridge to valve replacement, to decision in complex cases, and to extracardiac surgery. BAV may play a role in preparing for TAVI and optimizing procedural results. The minimalist approach and reduced complication rate make it applicable in fragile patients.

EXPERT OPINION

In the near future, BAV will continue to be a useful asset in managing patients with AS given the multiple indications, broad applicability, safety profile, low cost, and repeatability. Specific studies are necessary to explore technical solutions, stronger indications, the finest technique, and to standardize the procedural result. Pending the development of potential competitive devices, the role that BAV plays will remain closely intertwined with the one played by TAVI.

Pre-dilation and Post-dilation in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Indications, Benefits and Risks

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an established treatment for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. In recent years, an emphasis has been placed on simplification of the procedure. Balloon predilation was initially considered a mandatory step to cross and prepare the stenotic aortic valve, but several studies demonstrated the feasibility of performing TAVR without balloon valvuloplasty. Balloon postdilation of the implanted valve is sometimes required to optimise results, although many patients do not require this step. Contemporary consensus advocates an individualised approach to TAVR procedures and so balloon pre- and post-dilation are performed selectively. This review aims to outline the advantages and disadvantages of balloon pre- and post-dilation and to identify the scenarios in which they are required during TAVR procedures.

Impact of Predilation During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Insights From the PARTNER 3 Trial

[Figure: see text].

Incidence and Impact of Routine Inflammatory Parameters on Outcome after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Background

Previous research reported adverse clinical outcomes in association with systemic inflammation (SI) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, data characterizing the impact of SI, as reflected by postprocedural routine inflammatory parameters (pRIP), on clinical outcome of patients undergoing TAVR are sparse.

Objectives

In light of this, the present work aimed to analyze incidence and clinical significance of pRIP after transapical (TA) and transfemoral (TF)-TAVR.

Methods and Results

Data of 81 high-risk consecutive patients undergoing TAVR in our center from 2017 to 2018 were analyzed in a retrospective manner. 40 out of 81 patients (49, 4%) were treated via TF access (group A) and 41 patients via TA access (group B). Incidence, cause, and amplitude of pRIP were analyzed in relation to pre- and peri-interventional data. Assessment of outcomes was conducted according to the valve academic research consortium (VARC-2). Postprocedural C-reactive protein (pCRP) and leucocytes (pL) were significantly increased in patients undergoing TA-TAVR (group B) vs. TF-TAVR (group A; 12.1 ± 9.7 vs. 22.1 ± 7.9 mg/dl, p < 0.001 and 12.8 ± 4.0 vs. 14.2 ± 3.8/nl, p = 0.002); however, there was no significant difference regarding incidence of postprocedural fever (pF) ≥38.0°C (12.5% vs. 22%, p = 0.37). Furthermore, we observed a vast (though insignificant) trend towards a longer fever duration in group B vs. group A (9.9 ± 14.9 vs. 3.2 ± 5.9 hours, p = 0.06). Further analysis identified pCRP >30 mg/dl (hazard ratio (HR) 3.15, confidence interval (CI) 1.22–8.14, p = 0.018) and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (logistic EuroSCORE I (ES)) >20% (HR 2.95, CI 1.17–7.47, p = 0.02) as predictors of mortality; in this context, we also discovered a marginally significant trend for pL > 14/nl (HR 2.44, CI 0.97–6.14, p = 0.05). Multivariate analysis by use of the fisher`s exact test revealed a significant association between pCRP >30 mg/dl and ES >20% (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

pRIP are significantly increased in patients undergoing TA-TAVR. pCRP >30 mg/dl, ES>20%, and pL > 14/nl are hallmark of adverse prognosis and require further investigation.

2020 update of the Austrian Society of Cardiology (ÖKG) and the Austrian Society of Cardiac Surgery (ÖGHTG) on the position statement of the ÖKG and ÖGHTG for transcatheter aortic valve implantation 2011

This position statement is an update to the 2011 consensus statement of the Austrian Society of Cardiology (ÖKG) and the Austrian Society of Cardiac Surgery (ÖGTHG) for transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation.Due to a number of recently published studies, broadening of indications and recommendations of medical societies and our own national developments, the ÖKG and the ÖGHTG wish to combine the 2017 ESC/EACTS guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease with a national position paper and to focus on certain details for the application in Austria. Thus, this position statement serves as a supplement and further interpretation of the international guidelines.

Evaluation of a Low-Dose Radiation Protocol During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a low-dose imaging protocol to reduce intraprocedural radiation during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Observational analysis: 802 transfemoral TAVI patients receiving balloon-expandable devices ≥23 mm at a high-volume centre. After propensity score matching, a standard-dose group (SD, n = 333) treated between January 2014 and February 2016 was compared with a low-dose group (LD, n = 333) treated between August 2017 and March 2019 after departmental uptake of a low-dose imaging protocol (reduced field size, high table height, use of "fluoro save," 3.75 frames/second acquisition, increased filtering). Primary end point was dose-area product (DAP). Secondary safety end points were VARC-2 device success and a composite of in-hospital complications. The LD protocol was associated with lower DAP (4.64 [2.93, 8.42] vs 22.73 [12.31, 34.58] Gy⋅cm², p <0.001) and fluoroscopy time (10.4 [8.1, 13.9] vs 11.5 [9.1, 15.3] minutes, p = 0.001). Contrast use was higher in the LD group (LD 110 [94, 130] vs SD 100 [80, 135] milliliters, p = 0.042). Device success (LD 88.3% vs SD 91.3%, p = 0.25), and the composite end point (LD 8.1% vs SD 11.4%, p = 0.19) were similar. In multivariate analysis, the low-dose protocol was associated with a 19.8 Gy⋅cm² reduction in procedural DAP (p <0.001). In conclusion, compared with standard imaging, a low-dose protocol for TAVI significantly reduced radiation dose without compromising outcomes.

Myocardial Injury After Balloon Predilatation Versus Direct Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Insights From the DIRECTAVI Trial

Background Myocardial injury is associated with higher mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and might be increased by prior balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV). We aimed to evaluate the impact of prior BAV versus direct prosthesis implantation on myocardial injury occurring after (TAVR) with balloon-expandable prostheses. Methods and Results The DIRECTAVI (Direct Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) trial, an open-label randomized study, demonstrated noninferiority of TAVR without BAV (direct TAVR group) compared with systematic BAV (BAV group) with the Edwards SAPIEN 3 valve. High-sensitivity troponin was assessed before and the day after the procedure. Incidence of myocardial injury after the procedure (high-sensitivity troponin elevation >15× the upper reference limit [14 ng/L]) was the main end point. Impact of myocardial injury on 1-month adverse events (all-cause mortality, stroke, major bleeding, major vascular complications, transfusion, acute kidney injury, heart failure, pacemaker implantation, and aortic regurgitation) was evaluated. Preprocedure and postprocedure high-sensitivity troponin levels were available in 211 patients. The mean age of patients was 83 years (78-87 years), with 129 men (61.1%). Mean postprocedure high-sensitivity troponin was 124.9±81.4 ng/L in the direct TAVR group versus 170.4±127.7 ng/L in the BAV group (P=0.007). Myocardial injury occurred in 42 patients (19.9%), including 13 patients (12.2%) in the direct TAVR group and 29 (27.9%) in the BAV group (P=0.004). BAV increased by 2.8-fold (95% CI, 1.4-5.8) myocardial injury probability. Myocardial injury was associated with 1-month adverse events (P=0.03). Conclusions BAV increased the incidence and magnitude of myocardial injury after TAVR with new-generation balloon-expandable valves. Myocardial injury was associated with 1-month adverse events. These results argue in favor of direct SAPIEN 3 valve implantation. Registration URL: https://www.Clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02729519.

Outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in older patients

Background

The prevalence of aortic valve stenosis is increasing due to the continuously growing geriatric population. Data on procedural success and mortality of very old patients are sparse, raising the question of when this population may be deemed as “too old even for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).” We, therefore, sought to evaluate the influence of age on outcome after TAVR and the impact of direct implantation.

Methods

The data of 394 consecutive patients undergoing TF-TAVR were analyzed. Patients were divided into four age groups: ≤75 (group 1, n = 28), 76–80 (group 2, n = 107), 81–85 (group 3, n = 148), and >85 (group 4, n = 111) years. Direct implantation was performed when possible according to current recommendations. Survival was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

Mortality at 30 days and 1 year was not significantly different between the four age groups (3.6 vs. 6.7 vs. 5.4 vs. 2.7% and 7.6 vs. 17 vs. 14.5 vs. 13%m respectively, log-rank p = 0.59). Direct implantation without balloon aortic valvuloplasty was more frequently performed on patients aged >85 vs. ≤85 years (33.3 vs. 14.1%, p < 0.001). the incidence of procedural complications frequently associated with advanced age (stroke, vascular complications) was not significantly increased in group 4.

Conclusion

Outcome after TF-TAVR is comparable among different age cohorts, even in very old patients. Direct implantation simplifies the procedure and could therefore play a role in reducing the incidence of peri-interventional complications in patients of advanced age.

Undersizing but overfilling eliminates the gray zones of sizing for transcatheter aortic valve replacement with the balloon-expandable bioprosthesis

•

Transcatheter heart valve size selection is still challenging.

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The overlap between two different prosthesis sizes for borderline annuli remains.

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Undersizing but overfilling improves sizing in borderline annulus cases.

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Undersizing but overfilling decreases the postprocedural THV-pressure gradient.

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Prospective studies are needed considering the TAVR expansion to younger patients.

Background

Current recommendations for valve size selection are based on multidimensional annular measurements, yet the overlap between two different transcatheter heart valve (THV) sizes remains. We sought to evaluate whether undersizing but overfilling eliminates the gray zones of valve sizing.

Methods

Data of 246 consecutive patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with the balloon-expandable bioprosthesis with either conventional sizing and nominal filling (group 1 (NF-TAVR), n = 154) or undersizing but overfilling under a Less Is More (LIM)-Principle (group 2 (LIM-TAVR), n = 92) were compared. Paravalvular leakage (PVL) was graded angiographically and quantitatively using invasive hemodynamics.

Results

Annulus rupture (AR) occurred only in group 1 (n = 3). Due to AR adequate evaluation of PVL was possible in 152 patients of group 1. More than mild PVL was found in 13 (8.6%) patients of group 1 and 1 (1.1%) patient of group 2 (p = 0.019). Postdilatation was performed in 31 (20.1%) patients of group 1 and 6 patients (6.5%) of group 2 (p = 0.003). For patients with borderline annulus size in group 1 (n = 35, 22.7%) valve size selection was left to the physiciańs choice resulting in selection of the larger prosthesis in 10 (28.6%). In group 2 all patients with borderline annulus (n = 36, 39.1%) received the smaller prosthesis (LIM-TAVR). The postprocedural mean transvalvular pressure gradient was significantly higher in the NF-TAVR-group (11.7 ± 4 vs. 10.1 ± 3.6 mmHg, p = 0.005).

Conclusion

LIM-TAVR eliminates the gray zones of sizing and associated PVL, can improve THV-performance, reduce incidence of annular rupture and simplify the procedure especially in borderline cases.

Performance of the CoreValve Evolut R and PRO in Severely Calcified Anatomy: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis

BACKGROUND

The CoreValve Evolut R and PRO (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) are among the newest-generation of self-expandable transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) devices and show excellent results. Treating patients with severely calcified (SC) native aortic valve anatomy may be challenging because of the increased risk of periprocedural complications. This study investigated the performance of Evolut R and PRO in this special patient subset.

METHODS

Patients who underwent TAVR with the CoreValve Evolut R or PRO (n=381) from September 2015 to March 2018 were divided by aortic valve calcification extent. Patients with SC aortic valve anatomy (n=98; men, >2,062 and women, >1,377 Agatston units) were compared with those with non-severely calcified (NCS) aortic valve anatomy after 1:2 propensity score matching. Outcomes were evaluated according to the updated valve academic research consortium criteria.

RESULTS

Patients with SC anatomy were older (83 years vs 80 years, p<0.001) and had a smaller aortic valve area (0.63 cm² vs 0.70 cm², p=0.028). Pre-dilatation was more often performed (30.6% vs 15.8%, p=0.003) and a permanent pacemaker implantation was more often necessary (32.9% vs 8.8%, p<0.001) in the SC group. None/mild aortic regurgitation (AR) was evenly distributed (SC, 96.9% vs NCS, 99.5%, p=0.109); moderate AR was present in 3.1% of SC patients and in 0.5% of NSC patients. Severe AR was not observed.

CONCLUSION

The CoreValve Evolut R and PRO showed good clinical safety profiles and excellent haemodynamic results in patients with SC anatomy and who more often required permanent pacemaker implantation.

1-Year Outcomes of the CENTERA-EU Trial Assessing a Novel Self-Expanding Transcatheter Heart Valve

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to report the 1-year results of the CENTERA-EU trial.

BACKGROUND

The CENTERA transcatheter heart valve (THV) (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, California) is a low-profile (14-F eSheath compatible), self-expanding nitinol valve, with a motorized delivery system allowing for repositionability. The 30-day results of the CENTERA-EU trial demonstrated the short-term safety and effectiveness of the valve.

METHODS

Implantations were completed in 23 centers in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Transfemoral access was used in all patients. Echocardiographic outcomes were adjudicated by a core laboratory at baseline, discharge, 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year. Major adverse clinical events were adjudicated by an independent clinical events committee.

RESULTS

Between March 2015 and July 2016, 203 high-risk patients (age 82.7 ± 5.5 years, 67.5% women, 68.0% New York Heart Association functional class III or IV, Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 6.1 ± 4.2%) with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement with the CENTERA THV. The primary endpoint of the study was 30-day mortality (1.0%). At 1 year, overall mortality was 9.1%, cardiovascular mortality was 4.6%, disabling stroke was 4.1%, new permanent pacemakers were implanted in 6.5% of patients at risk, and cardiac-related rehospitalization was 6.8%. Hemodynamic parameters were stable at 1 year, with a mean aortic valve gradient of 8.1 ± 4.7 mm Hg, a mean effective orifice area of 1.7 ± 0.42 cm², and no incidences of severe or moderate aortic regurgitation.

CONCLUSIONS

The CENTERA-EU trial demonstrated mid-term safety and effectiveness of the CENTERA THV, with low mortality, sustained improvements in hemodynamic performances, and low incidence of permanent pacemaker implantations in high-risk patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis. (Safety and Performance of the Edwards CENTERA-EU Self-Expanding Transcatheter Heart Valve [CENTERA-2]; NCT02458560).

Impact of Predilatation Prior to Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation With the Self-Expanding Acurate neo Device (from the Multicenter NEOPRO Registry)

Safety and feasibility of transfemoral Acurate neo implantation without systematic predilatation are not fully investigated. Our aim was to evaluate the use and impact of pre-implantation balloon aortic valvuloplasty (pre-BAV) before transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with Acurate neo. The NEOPRO Registry retrospectively included 1,263 patients who underwent transfemoral TAVI with Acurate neo at 18 centers between January 2012 and March 2018. Information on pre-BAV was available for 1,262 patients (99.9%). Primary end points were pre-discharge moderate-to-severe paravalvular aortic regurgitation (PAR II+), 30-day new permanent pacemaker implantation, and 30-day all-cause mortality or stroke. A total of 1,262 patients who underwent TAVI with (n = 1,051) or without predilatation (n = 211) were included. A reduction in the pre-BAV rate was observed during the study period (from 95.7% in the first date quintile to 78.4% in the last date quintile). Patients who underwent pre-BAV had higher degrees of aortic valve (AV) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) calcification. Primary endpoints were similar between pre-BAV and no pre-BAV groups (PAR II+ 5.5% vs 3.4%, p = 0.214; 30-day permanent pacemaker implantation 9.0% vs 8.0%, p = 0.660; 30-day death or stroke 4.9% vs 4.4%, p = 0.743). The need for postdilatation and other procedural outcomes were comparable between groups. Predilatation did not have a significant impact on primary endpoints across AV and LVOT calcification subgroups (subgroup analyses) and was not independently associated with primary endpoints (multivariate analyses). In conclusion, transfemoral Acurate neo implantation without predilatation appears to be feasible and safe, especially in patients with milder degrees of AV and LVOT calcification.

Massive TAVR: Complex Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in the Setting of an Enormous Adnexal Mass

A 65-year-old woman with a large adnexal mass was found to have severe bicuspid aortic valve stenosis. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement was chosen rather than surgical aortic valve replacement because of concerns over risks. We demonstrate the value of pre-operative transcatheter aortic valve replacement before prompt noncardiac surgery. Furthermore, it illustrates some useful bailout techniques in this challenging scenario. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Contemporary balloon aortic valvuloplasty: Changing indications and refined technique

Even if un to improve long-term prognosis, balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) may be useful in selected patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis either as a bridge to surgical or transcatheter valve replacement (aortic valve replacement [AVR] or transcatheter aortic valve implantation [TAVI]) or as a triage strategy for patients with uncertain indications. International guidelines recommend BAV as: a "bridge" to AVR/TAVI, a "trial" in patients with undetermined symptoms, or a "bridge-to-decision" in case of comorbidities. However, in clinical practice, BAV is also used as a palliative measure to improve hemodynamics and quality of life in many patients who are excluded from AVR/TAVI. Finally, BAV is often performed during TAVI to facilitate prosthesis delivery, optimize frame expansion, or for bioprosthetic valve fracture in selected valve-in-valve procedures. Technical innovations, which allow for a mini-invasive approach via transradial access and pacing delivered through the wire, have led to a decrease in complications over time. This review focuses on contemporary BAV with a specific emphasis on new indications, innovative techniques, and specific complex patient subgroups.

Micro-dislodgement during transcatheter aortic valve implantation with a contemporary self-expandable prosthesis

Objectives

To evaluate the incidence, risk factors and the clinical outcome of micro-dislodgement (MD) with a contemporary self-expandable prosthesis during transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Methods

MD was defined as movement of the prosthesis of at least 1.5 mm upwards or downwards from its position directly before release compared to its final position. Patients were grouped according to the occurrence (+MD) or absence (-MD) of MD. Baseline characteristics, imaging data and outcome parameters were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

We identified 258 eligible patients. MD occurred in 31.8% (n = 82) of cases with a mean magnitude of 2.8 mm ± 2.2 in relation to the left coronary cusp and 3.0 mm ± 2.1 to the non-coronary cusp. Clinical and hemodynamic outcomes were similar in both groups with consistency over a follow-up period of three months. A larger aortic valve area (AVA) (-MD vs. +MD: 0.6 cm² ± 0.3 vs. 0.7cm² ± 0.2; p = 0.014), was the only independent risk factor for the occurrence of MD in a multivariate regression analysis (OR 5.3; 95% CI: 1.1–24.9; p = 0.036).

Conclusions

MD occurred in nearly one third of patients and did not affect clinical and hemodynamic outcome. A larger AVA seems to be a potential risk factor for MD.

[TAVI simplification: A focus]

After a first procedure carried out in 2002 by Pr Cribier's, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement or TAVR revolutionized the management of aortic stenosis with a constant increase in the number of procedures performed worldwide. Experience of operators and teams and evolution of the technique has been accompanied by a drastic reduction in complications in patients at lower surgical risk. In parallel, the procedure was considerably simplified, carried out more and more under local anesthesia, with percutaneous femoral approach, secondary radial approach, prosthesis implantation without predilatation, rapid pacing on left ventricle wire and early discharge. Thus, the "simplified" TAVR adopted in most centers nowadays is a real revolution of the technique. However, simplified TAVR must be accompanied upstream by a rigorous selection of patients who can benefit from a minimalist procedure in order to guarantee its safety.

Balloon-expandable transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation with or without predilation: findings from the prospective EASE-IT TF multicentre registry

Background

Predilation of the native valve has long been deemed necessary in transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TF-TAVI), despite little trial evidence to support its clinical use. As most evidence is derived from retrospective analyses of observational studies, we conducted a two-armed, prospective multicentre registry.

Methods

Patients undergoing TF-TAVI with the Edwards SAPIEN 3 valve, with or without balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV), were included and their procedural characteristics, short-term safety and short-term efficacy outcomes compared. We hypothesised that BAV may be safely omitted in many patients and omission could be associated with procedural benefits.

Results

Overall, 196 consecutive patients underwent TF-TAVI, 56 with BAV and 140 without. The mean age was 81.2±6.2 years, and the mean logistic EuroSCORE I was 17.1±13.6. Device success according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2) was achieved in 96.4%. The median procedural duration was shorter without BAV (56 min vs 90 min; p=0.001), as was fluoroscopy time (10 min vs 13 min; p=0.001). The need for balloon postdilation was less frequent in patients without BAV (15.7% vs 30.4%, p=0.029). There was no difference in the proportion of patients meeting the VARC-2 defined composite safety endpoint at 30 days (9.3% without vs 8.9% with BAV; adjusted OR (adjOR) 2.55; 95% CI 0.56 to 18.84) and at 6 months (15.2% without vs 16.4% with BAV; adjOR 1.66; 95% CI 0.49 to 6.55).

Conclusions

In the majority of patients, BAV can be safely omitted from the TAVI procedure without adverse effects. The omission of BAV is associated with shorter procedural duration and could be advantageous for the majority of patients.

Trial registration number

NCT02760771.

Performing optimal transcatheter aortic valve implantation: The need for tailored use of transcatheter valves

BACKGROUND

Despite the worldwide development of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) over the last decade, strategies that take patient characteristics into account to guide the choice of transcatheter heart valve have not been evaluated.

AIM

To evaluate the immediate results of TAVI using a tailored choice of balloon-expandable or self-expanding transcatheter heart valve, according to each patient's clinical and anatomical characteristics.

METHODS

This single-centre observational study included all patients treated with TAVI from 2012 to 2017. The 30-day results were reported according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 criteria. A total of 502 patients were included (mean age, 81±9 years; 52% men; mean EuroSCORE II, 7.0±6.5%). Three main variables guided the choice of transcatheter heart valve: the anatomy of the iliofemoral arteries and of the aortic root, and the general condition of the patient.

RESULTS

A SAPIEN™ balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valve was used in 275 patients (55%) and a CoreValve™ self-expanding transcatheter heart valve in 227 patients (45%). The approach was transfemoral in 427 patients (85%), and only 29 patients (6%) required transthoracic access. At 30-day follow-up, the rates of adverse events were as follows: mortality, 3.2%; stroke, 3.0%; major bleeding, 5.9%; and major vascular complications, 6.0%. Rates of complications at 30 days were similar in the SAPIEN™ and CoreValve™ groups, except for a higher rate of pacemaker implantation in the latter group (29.5% vs. 14.5%; P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The choice of balloon-expandable or self-expanding transcatheter heart valve tailored to the patient's clinical and anatomical characteristics allows for maximal use of the transfemoral approach, and is associated with low 30-day rates of major complications and mortality.

Balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve implantation with or without pre-dilation - results of a meta-analysis of 3 multicenter registries

Background

To evaluate the outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) without balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) in a real-world setting through a patient-level meta-analysis.

Methods

The meta-analysis included patients of three European multicenter, prospective, observational registry studies that compared outcomes after Edwards SAPIEN 3 or XT TAVI with (n = 339) or without (n = 355) BAV. Unadjusted and adjusted pooled odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) were calculated for procedural and 30-day outcomes.

Results

Median procedural time was shorter in the non-BAV group than in the BAV group (73 versus 93 min, p = 0.001), as was median fluoroscopy time (7 versus 11 min, p = 0.001). Post-delivery balloon dilation (15.5% versus 22.4%, p = 0.02) and catecholamine use (9.0% vs. 17.9%; p = 0.016) was required less often in the non-BAV group than in the BAV group with the difference becoming insignificant after multiple adjustment. There was a reduced risk for periprocedural atrioventricular block during the intervention (1.4% versus 4.1%, p = 0.035) which was non-significant after adjustment. The rate of moderate/severe paravalvular regurgitation post-TAVI was 0.6% in the no-BAV group versus 2.7% in the BAV group. There were no between-group differences in the risk of death, stroke or other adverse clinical outcomes at day 30.

Conclusions

This patient-level meta-analysis of real-world data indicates that TAVI performed without BAV is advantageous as it has an adequate device success rate, reduced procedure time and no adverse effects on short-term clinical outcomes.

Outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement without predilation of the aortic valve: Insights from 1544 patients included in the SOURCE 3 registry

AIMS

To investigate the impact of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) without preliminary balloon aortic valvuloplasty (pre-BAV) on periprocedural outcomes in a large, real-world registry.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The SOURCE 3 registry was an observational, multi-center, single-arm study of patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis at high surgical risk treated with the SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve (THV). Procedural and 30-day outcomes were compared between two groups of 772 patients each (retrospectively matched) with or without pre-BAV. All baseline clinical, echocardiographic, and anatomical valve characteristics were comparable between groups except for Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score, which was lower in the direct TAVR group (6.0 ± 5.9 vs 7.8 ± 8.3; p = 0.003). In the direct TAVR group, there were less post-dilatations (8.1% vs. 13.1%, p = 0.002), shorter procedural time (70.9 ± 39.8 min vs 73.0 ± 32.2 min, p = 0.033) and fluoroscopy time (13.4 ± 7.0 min vs 14.9 ± 7.4 min, p < 0.001). Other procedural outcomes and echocardiographic variables at 30 days did not differ significantly between the two groups: safety endpoint (10.4% with pre-BAV vs 13.5% with direct TAVR, p = 0.059), mortality (2.1% vs 2.3%, p = 0.730), disabling strokes (0.4% vs 0.5%, p = 0.704), and moderate to severe paravalvular leak (PVL) (3.2% vs 2.2%, p = 0.40). Unexpectedly, new permanent pacemaker implantation and life-threatening bleeds were less frequently observed with pre-BAV group than with direct TAVR (10.4% vs 13.9%, p = 0.032 and 3.5% vs 6.5%, p = 0.007, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In this large TAVR dataset, direct implantation of the SAPIEN 3 THV without pre-BAV was feasible and safe and resulted in shorter procedures, without impact on 30-day prosthesis function and PVL.

Outcomes of Direct Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Without Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty Using a New Generation Valve

PURPOSE

We investigated the outcomes of patients who underwent Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) with and without Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty (BAV) using the SAPIEN 3 (S3) valve.

METHODS

All patients who underwent TAVR using S3 valve were included. The primary outcomes were the incidence of stroke and significant paravalvular leak (PVL). Secondary outcomes were the incidence of mortality, balloon post dilation, and need for permanent pacemaker.

RESULTS

From July-2014 to April-2018, 34 (9%) patients underwent BAV prior to TAVR and 344 (91%) patients underwent direct TAVR without BAV using the S3 valve. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk score was similar between two groups; 5.8 ± 3.5 in no BAV group and 5.4 ± 3.3 in BAV group, p = 0.53. After TAVR, 6 (1.7%) patients in no BAV group but no patient in BAV group developed stroke (p = 1.0). No patient had severe PVL and only 5 patients (1.3%) had moderate PVL at 30-day; 4 (1.2%) in no BAV group and 1 (2.9%) in BAV group (p = 0.38). Forty-six patients (13.4%) in the no BAV group and 4 (11.8%) patients in the BAV group needed balloon post dilation (p = 1.0). Six (1.6%) patients died during hospitalization, all in the no BAV group (p = 1.0). Forty-five (11.9%) patients needed new pacemaker implantation; 44 (12.8%) patients in no BAV group and 1 (2.9%) patient in BAV group (p = 0.1). Two-year survival rate was 85% in no BAV group and 84% in BAV group (p = 0.46).

CONCLUSIONS

TAVR using S3 valves is associated with very low rates of post-TAVR stroke and significant PVL. Outcomes of direct TAVR are similar to the outcomes of TAVR with BAV, without an increased rate of stroke, significant PVL, or balloon post dilation.