Staging Heart Failure Patients With Secondary Mitral Regurgitation Undergoing Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair

Impact of Updated Invasive Right Ventricular and Pulmonary Hemodynamics on Long-Term Outcomes in Patients With Mitral Valve Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair

Right-sided cardiac catheterization (RHC) is selectively recommended in mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge (M-TEER) workup because right ventricle (RV) hemodynamic parameters predict adverse outcomes. This study examines the impact of RV hemodynamics and the prognostic value of the 2022 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) pulmonary hypertension definitions on outcomes after M-TEER. Of 152 patients treated with M-TEER for symptomatic severe mitral regurgitation (MR) between December 2014 and February 2024 at our tertiary center, 71 underwent elective RHC before the procedure. The primary outcomes assessed were all-cause mortality and a composite of heart failure hospitalization and death at the longest available follow-up. In a cohort of 152 mostly male patients (64%) with a median age of 79 years who were treated for symptomatic severe MR, 71 underwent elective RHC. The causes were categorized as degenerative (47%), functional ventricular (41%), and atrial (12%). Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was common, with 74% showing mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) >20 mm Hg and 39% with pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) >2 Wood Units. Success rates were high, with technical, device, and procedural success at 97%, 88%, and 84%, respectively. At a median follow-up of 681 days, all-cause mortality was 50%, and the composite outcome (death or heart failure hospitalizations) occurred in 61%. Key hemodynamic parameters, including mPAP, PVR, and the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/systolic pulmonary artery pressure ratio, were independently linked to mortality risk. Kaplan-Meier analysis found significant associations with mPAP >20 mm Hg and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure >15 mm Hg for long-term mortality, whereas the 2022 ESC PH thresholds showed greater sensitivity, correlating with increased mortality risk. In patients with severe MR who undergo M-TEER, most RV invasive hemodynamic parameters are linked to adverse long-term outcomes, with mPAP, PVR, and the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/systolic pulmonary artery pressure ratio identified as independent predictors of mortality. Despite the study's limited sample size, the updated ESC PH definitions enhance prognostic assessment.

Deep Learning-Enabled Assessment of Right Ventricular Function Improves Prognostication After Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair for Mitral Regurgitation

BACKGROUND

Right ventricular (RV) function has a well-established prognostic role in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) and is typically assessed using echocardiography-measured tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion. Recently, a deep learning model has been proposed that accurately predicts RV ejection fraction (RVEF) from 2-dimensional echocardiographic videos, with similar diagnostic accuracy as 3-dimensional imaging. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the deep learning-predicted RVEF values in patients with severe MR undergoing TEER.

METHODS

This multicenter registry study analyzed the associations between the predicted RVEF values and 1-year mortality in patients with severe MR undergoing TEER. To predict RVEF, 2-dimensional apical 4-chamber view videos from preprocedural transthoracic echocardiographic studies were exported and processed by a rigorously validated deep learning model.

RESULTS

Good-quality 2-dimensional apical 4-chamber view videos could be retrieved for 1154 patients undergoing TEER between 2017 and 2023. Survival at 1 year after TEER was 84.7%. The predicted RVEF values ranged from 26.6% to 64.0% and correlated only modestly with tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (Pearson R=0.33; P<0.001). Importantly, predicted RVEF was superior to tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion levels in predicting 1-year mortality after TEER (area under the curve, 0.687 versus 0.625; P=0.029). Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that patients with reduced RV function (n=723; defined as a predicted RVEF of <45%) had significantly worse 1-year survival rates than patients with preserved RV function (n=431; defined as a predicted RVEF of ≥45%; 80.3% [95% CI, 77.4%-83.3%] versus 92.1% [95% CI, 89.5%-94.7%]; hazard ratio for 1-year mortality, 2.67 [95% CI, 1.82-3.90]; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Deep learning-enabled assessment of RV function using standard 2-dimensional echocardiographic videos can refine the prognostication of patients with severe MR undergoing TEER. Thus, it can be used to screen for patients with RV dysfunction who might benefit from intensified follow-up care.

Classification of primary mitral regurgitation using extramitral cardiac involvement in patients undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair

BACKGROUND

An enhanced classification of primary mitral regurgitation (PMR) based on extramitral cardiac involvement may refine patient selection and optimize the timing of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER).

AIMS

This study aimed to assess the prognostic significance of a recently established classification system that characterizes the extent of extramitral cardiac damage in patients undergoing TEER for PMR.

METHODS

Consecutive PMR patients who received MitraClip implantation were categorized according to the presence of extramitral cardiac damage, determined through preprocedural echocardiography. The classifications included no damage or only left ventricular dilatation (group 0), left atrial involvement (group 1), right ventricular volume/pressure overload (group 2), right ventricular failure (group 3), or left ventricular failure (group 4). Cox-proportional hazard models were used to ascertain the impact of PMR groups on the primary composite outcome of all-cause mortality or rehospitalization for heart failure (HHF) over 2 years.

RESULTS

In a cohort of 322 eligible PMR patients undergoing TEER (median age: 83 years; 41% female) between 2013 and 2020, the following distribution emerged: group 0 (10 patients, 3%), group 1 (96 patients, 30%), group 2 (117 patients, 36%), group 3 (56 patients, 18%), and group 4 (43 patients, 13%). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a significant decline in freedom from the primary outcome as group severity increased (log-rank p = 0.030). On multivariate analysis, the degree of extramitral cardiac involvement was significantly associated with the primary outcome (HR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.02-1.67; p = 0.043), primarily driven by HHF.

CONCLUSIONS

This innovative classification system for PMR, based on extramitral cardiac involvement, carries significant prognostic implications for clinical outcomes following TEER. Integrating this classification system into clinical decision-making could enhance risk stratification and optimize the timing of TEER in these patients.

Transcatheter Valve Repair in Heart Failure with Moderate to Severe Mitral Regurgitation

BACKGROUND

Whether transcatheter mitral-valve repair improves outcomes in patients with heart failure and functional mitral regurgitation is uncertain.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, controlled trial involving patients with heart failure and moderate to severe functional mitral regurgitation from 30 sites in nine countries. The patients were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either transcatheter mitral-valve repair and guideline-recommended medical therapy (device group) or medical therapy alone (control group). The three primary end points were the rate of the composite of first or recurrent hospitalization for heart failure or cardiovascular death during 24 months; the rate of first or recurrent hospitalization for heart failure during 24 months; and the change from baseline to 12 months in the score on the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-Overall Summary (KCCQ-OS; scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better health status).

RESULTS

A total of 505 patients underwent randomization: 250 were assigned to the device group and 255 to the control group. At 24 months, the rate of first or recurrent hospitalization for heart failure or cardiovascular death was 37.0 events per 100 patient-years in the device group and 58.9 events per 100 patient-years in the control group (rate ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48 to 0.85; P = 0.002). The rate of first or recurrent hospitalization for heart failure was 26.9 events per 100 patient-years in the device group and 46.6 events per 100 patient-years in the control group (rate ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.42 to 0.82; P = 0.002). The KCCQ-OS score increased by a mean (±SD) of 21.6±26.9 points in the device group and 8.0±24.5 points in the control group (mean difference, 10.9 points; 95% CI, 6.8 to 15.0; P<0.001). Device-specific safety events occurred in 4 patients (1.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with heart failure with moderate to severe functional mitral regurgitation who received medical therapy, the addition of transcatheter mitral-valve repair led to a lower rate of first or recurrent hospitalization for heart failure or cardiovascular death and a lower rate of first or recurrent hospitalization for heart failure at 24 months and better health status at 12 months than medical therapy alone. (Funded by Abbott Laboratories; RESHAPE-HF2 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02444338.).

Long-Term Outcomes After Edge-to-Edge Repair of Secondary Mitral Regurgitation: 5-Year Results From the EuroSMR Registry

BACKGROUND

Mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) reduces secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) in heart failure and impacts survival in selected patients as demonstrated in the COAPT (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients with Functional Mitral Regurgitation) trial. However, long-term outcome data after M-TEER under real-world conditions are lacking.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to assess long-term efficacy and survival after M-TEER in a large real-world registry.

METHODS

We analyzed patients with significant secondary MR undergoing M-TEER from the EuroSMR (European Registry of Transcatheter Repair for Secondary Mitral Regurgitation) registry. Long-term MR reduction, functional outcomes, survival rate, and predictors for all-cause mortality were assessed.

RESULTS

In this study, 1,628 patients undergoing M-TEER (mean age 73.8 years, mean EuroSCORE II [European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II] 6.9%, 86.6% NYHA functional class ≥III) with available long-term data were included. Five-year survival was 35.0%. Long-term MR reduction (MR grade ≤2+: baseline 4.1%, discharge 92.2%, 5-year follow-up 85.5%; P < 0.001) and functional improvement (NYHA ≤II: baseline 13.4%, 5-year follow-up 60.1%; P < 0.001) was observed. The degree of residual MR was associated with 5-year survival (residual MR grade ≤1+: 38.6%; 2+: 30.5%; ≥3+: 22.6%; P < 0.001). Independent predictors for 5-year all-cause mortality post-M-TEER included age, renal function, residual MR, NYHA functional class, left ventricular ejection-fraction, and COAPT trial eligibility (P < 0.01 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

This extensive multicenter registry underscores the long-term efficacy of M-TEER in real-world clinical practice and identifies predictors for long-term survival. These findings contribute valuable insights for optimizing patient selection in routine clinical interventions.

Staging Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction by Assessing Cardiac Chamber Involvement

The management of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains largely unresolved due to our limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the pathology and the challenges in accurately phenotyping this heterogeneous syndrome. A paradigm shift is required to personalise care and unify our approaches to HFpEF patients for future clinical trials. Accordingly, we propose a staging classification for HFpEF based on the identification of the involved cardiac chambers by echocardiography.

Impact of Left Atrial Pressure on Outcomes After Mitral Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair

BACKGROUND

Increased left atrial pressure (LAP) has been associated with adverse outcomes after mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER). We sought to evaluate outcomes based on differences in postprocedural LAP measured after the final clip deployment.

METHODS

We included consecutive patients who underwent M-TEER at our institution between 2014 and 2022 with LAP monitoring. Patients were stratified into 3 groups according to tertiles of post-TEER mean LAP. Outcomes were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

We included 273 patients (mean age, 76.8±10.8 years; 42.5% women; 78.4% White). The mean post-TEER LAP was 8.7±1.7 mm Hg in tertile 1 (n=85), 14.4±1.6 mm Hg in tertile 2 (n=95), and 21.9±3.8 mm Hg in tertile 3 (n=93). In comparison with tertile 1, both tertiles 2 and 3 were associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization at 2 years (adjusted hazard ratio [adjHR], 2.27 [95% CI, 1.25-4.12] and adjHR, 3.00 [95% CI, 1.59-5.64], respectively). Among patients with primary mitral regurgitation, higher LAP was associated with increased risk of 2-year all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization (tertile 2 versus 1: adjHR, 3.00 [95% CI, 1.37-6.56]; tertile 3 versus 1: adjHR, 5.52 [95% CI, 2.04-14.95]). However, in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation, neither being in tertile 2 (adjHR, 1.53 [95% CI, 0.55-4.24]) nor tertile 3 (adjHR, 2.18 [95% CI, 0.82-5.77]) were associated with the composite outcome compared with tertile 1. Any degree of LAP reduction following M-TEER was associated with lower mortality or heart failure hospitalization compared with no LAP reduction (adjHR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.39-0.88]).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated LAP after M-TEER was associated with increased 2-year risk of mortality or heart failure hospitalization. Exploration of reasons for elevated LAP after M-TEER and ways to lower it warrant further investigation.

Management of secondary mitral regurgitation: from drugs to devices

Severe secondary mitral regurgitation carries a poor prognosis with one in five patients dying within 12 months of diagnosis. Fortunately, there are now a number of safe and effective therapies available to improve outcomes. Here, we summarise the most up-to-date treatments. Optimal guideline-directed medical therapy is the mainstay therapy and has been shown to reduce the severity of mitral regurgitation in 40-45% of patients. Rapid medication titration protocols reduce heart failure hospitalisation and facilitate earlier referral for device therapy. The pursuit of sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation has been shown to significantly reduce mitral regurgitation severity, as has the use of cardiac resynchronisation devices in patients who meet guideline-directed criteria. Finally, we highlight the key role of mitral valve intervention, particularly transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) for management of moderate-severe mitral regurgitation in carefully selected patients with poor left ventricular systolic function, with a number needed to treat of 3.1 to reduce heart failure hospitalisation and 5.9 to reduce all-cause death. To slow the rapid accumulation of morbidity and mortality, we advocate a proactive approach with accelerated medical optimisation, followed by management of atrial fibrillation and cardiac resynchronisation therapy if indicated, then, rapid referral to the Heart Team for consideration of mitral valve intervention in patients with ongoing symptoms and at least moderate-severe mitral regurgitation. Mitral TEER has been shown to be 'reasonably cost-effective' (but not cost-saving) in the UK in selected patients, although TEER remains underused with only 6.5 procedures per million population (pmp) compared with Germany (77 pmp), Switzerland (44 pmp) and the USA (32 pmp).

The Evolving Concept of Secondary Mitral Regurgitation Phenotypes: Lessons From the M-TEER Trials

Conflicting results from 2 randomized clinical trials of transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair in secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) have led to the recognition that SMR is a heterogeneous disease entity presenting with different functional and morphological phenotypes. This review summarizes the current knowledge on SMR caused primarily by atrial secondary mitral regurgitation (aSMR) and ventricular SMR pathology. Although aSMR is generally characterized by severe left atrial enlargement in the setting of preserved left ventricular anatomy and function, different patterns of mitral annular distortion cause different phenotypes of aSMR. In ventricular SMR, the relation of SMR severity to left ventricular dilation as well as the degree of pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular dysfunction are important phenotypic characteristics, which are key for a better understanding of prognosis and treatment response.

Valvular heart disease: from mechanisms to management

Valvular heart disease is common and its prevalence is rapidly increasing worldwide. Effective medical therapies are insufficient and treatment was historically limited to the surgical techniques of valve repair or replacement, resulting in systematic underprovision of care to older patients and those with substantial comorbidities, frailty, or left ventricular dysfunction. Advances in imaging and surgical techniques over the past 20 years have transformed the management of valvular heart disease. Better understanding of the mechanisms and causes of disease and an increasingly extensive and robust evidence base provide a platform for the delivery of individualised treatment by multidisciplinary heart teams working within networks of diagnostic facilities and specialist heart valve centres. In this Series paper, we aim to provide an overview of the current and future management of valvular heart disease and propose treatment approaches based on an understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and the application of multidisciplinary treatment strategies to individual patients.

Functional Mitral Regurgitation: Transcatheter Therapy

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is one of the most prevalent types of valvular heart disease and is expected to increase in the next decade. Transcatheter therapies for MR are constantly being developed and studied for use in this population. In this review, the author describes the phenotypes of functional or secondary mitral regurgitation, discusses the potential therapeutic targets for transcatheter intervention, and reviews the results of such technology in the literature.

Impact of extra-mitral valve cardiac involvement in patients with primary mitral regurgitation undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair

BACKGROUND

In the context of primary mitral regurgitation (PMR), the selection of patients for transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) does not include a systematic assessment of PMR-associated cardiac remodelling.

AIMS

We aimed to investigate the epidemiology and prognostic significance of different phenotypes of extra-mitral valve (MV) cardiac involvement in a large series of patients with PMR referred for TEER.

METHODS

The study included 654 patients from the multicentre Italian GIOTTO registry, stratified into groups according to extra-mitral valve (MV) cardiac involvement. The primary endpoint was all-cause death at 2-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Patients with no cardiac involvement (NI; n=58), left heart involvement (LHI; n=343) and right heart involvement (RHI; n=253) were analysed. Acute technical success was achieved in 98% of patients. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed significantly worse survival in patients with LHI and RHI (p=0.041). On multivariate Cox regression analysis, extra-MV cardiac involvement, haemoglobin level and technical success were independent predictors of the primary endpoint occurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Grading cardiac involvement may help refine risk stratification, since at least 1 group of extra-MV cardiac involvement represents in itself a negative predictor of midterm outcome.

Heart Failure and Secondary Mitral Regurgitation: A Contemporary Review

Secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) in patients with heart failure (HF) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In recent decades, SMR has received increasing scientific attention. Advances in echocardiography, computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging have refined our ability to diagnose, quantify and characterize SMR. Concurrently, the treatment options for this high-risk patient population have continued to evolve. Guideline-directed medical therapies including beta-blockers, angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors target the underlying cardiomyopathy, and along with diuretics to treat pulmonary congestion, remain the cornerstone of therapy. Cardiac resynchronization therapy also reduces MR, alleviates symptoms and prolongs life in selected HF patients with SMR. While data supporting surgical mitral valve repair or replacement for SMR are limited, transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) has been demonstrated to improve survival, reduce the rate of hospitalization for heart failure, and improve functional capacity and quality-of-life in select patients with SMR who remain symptomatic despite medical therapy. Emerging transcatheter mitral valve repair and replacement technologies are undergoing investigation in TEER-eligible and TEER-ineligible patients. The optimal management of HF patients with SMR requires a multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, imaging experts, and other organ specialists to select the best treatment approaches to improve the prognosis of these high-risk patients.

Prognostic Implications of the Extent of Cardiac Damage in Patients With Fabry Disease

BACKGROUND

There is limited evidence on the risk stratification of cardiovascular outcomes in patients with Fabry disease (FD).

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to classify FD patients into disease stages, based on the extent of the cardiac damage evaluated by echocardiography, and to assess their prognostic impact in a multicenter cohort.

METHODS

Patients with FD from 5 Italian referral centers were categorized into 4 stages: stage 0, no cardiac involvement; stage 1, left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LV maximal wall thickness >12 mm); stage 2, left atrium (LA) enlargement (LA volume index >34 mL/m2); stage 3, ventricular impairment (LV ejection fraction <50% or E/e' ≥15 or TAPSE <17 mm). The study endpoint was the composite of all-cause death, hospitalization for heart failure, new-onset atrial fibrillation, major bradyarrhythmias or tachyarrhythmias, and ischemic stroke.

RESULTS

A total of 314 patients were included. Among them, 174 (56%) were classified as stage 0, 41 (13%) as stage 1, 57 (18%) as stage 2 and 42 (13%) as stage 3. A progressive increase in the composite event rate at 8 years was observed with worsening stages of cardiac damage (log-rank P < 0.001). On multivariable Cox regression analysis, the staging was independently associated with the risk of cardiovascular events (HR: 2.086 per 1-stage increase; 95% CI: 1.487-2.927; P < 0.001). Notably, cardiac staging demonstrated a stronger and additive prognostic value, as compared with the degree of LV hypertrophy.

CONCLUSIONS

In FD patients, a novel staging classification of cardiac damage, evaluated by echocardiography, is strongly associated with cardiovascular outcomes and may be helpful to refine risk stratification.

Assessment of cardio-renal-hepatic function in patients with valvular heart disease: a multi-biomarker approach-the cardio-renal-hepatic score

BACKGROUND

Valvular heart disease (VHD) can cause damage to extra-cardiac organs, and lead to multi-organ dysfunction. However, little is known about the cardio-renal-hepatic co-dysfunction, as well as its prognostic implications in patients with VHD. The study sought to develop a multi-biomarker index to assess heart, kidney, and liver function in an integrative fashion, and investigate the prognostic role of cardio-renal-hepatic function in VHD.

METHODS

Using a large, contemporary, prospective cohort of 6004 patients with VHD, the study developed a multi-biomarker score for predicting all-cause mortality based on biomarkers reflecting heart, kidney, and liver function (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP], creatinine, and albumin). The score was externally validated in another contemporary, prospective cohort of 3156 patients with VHD.

RESULTS

During a median follow up of 731 (704-748) days, 594 (9.9%) deaths occurred. Increasing levels of NT-proBNP, creatinine, and albumin were independently and monotonically associated with mortality, and a weighted multi-biomarker index, named the cardio-renal-hepatic (CRH) score, was developed based on Cox regression coefficients of these biomarkers. The CRH score was a strong and independent predictor of mortality, with 1-point increase carrying over two times of mortality risk (overall adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 2.095 [1.891-2.320], P < 0.001). The score provided complementary prognostic information beyond conventional risk factors (C index: 0.78 vs 0.81; overall net reclassification improvement index [95% confidence interval]: 0.255 [0.204-0.299]; likelihood ratio test P < 0.001), and was identified as the most important predictor of mortality by the proportion of explainable log-likelihood ratio χ² statistics, the best subset analysis, as well as the random survival forest analysis in most types of VHD. The predictive performance of the score was also demonstrated in patients under conservative treatment, with normal left ventricular systolic function, or with primary VHD. It achieved satisfactory discrimination (C index: 0.78 and 0.72) and calibration in both derivation and validation cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

A multi-biomarker index was developed to assess cardio-renal-hepatic function in patients with VHD. The cardio-renal-hepatic co-dysfunction is a powerful predictor of mortality and should be considered in clinical management decisions.

Secondary Mitral Regurgitation and Heart Failure: Current Advances in Diagnosis and Management

The causes of mitral regurgitation (MR) can be broadly divided into primary and secondary causes. Although primary MR is caused by degenerative alterations of the mitral valve and the mitral valve apparatus, secondary (functional) MR is multifactorial and related to dilation of the left ventricle and/or mitral annulus commonly resulting in concomitant restriction of the leaflets. Therefore, the treatment of secondary MR (SMR) is complex and includes guideline directed heart failure therapy along with surgical and transcatheter approaches that have shown effectiveness in certain subgroups. This review aims to provide insight into current advances in diagnosis and management of SMR.