Hemodynamic outcomes of geometric ring annuloplasty for aortic valve repair: A 4-center pilot trial

Aortic Valve Repair Using HAART 300 Geometric Annuloplasty Ring: A Review and Echocardiographic Case Series

Aortic valve repair (AVr) aims to preserve the native aortic leaflets and restore normal valve function. In doing so, AVr is a more technically challenging approach than traditional aortic valve replacement. Some of the complexity of repair techniques can be attributed to the unique structure of the functional aortic annulus (FAA), which, unlike the well-defined mitral annulus, is comprised of virtual and functional components. Though stabilizing the ventriculo-aortic junction (VAJ), a component of the FAA, is considered beneficial for patients with chronic aortic insufficiency (AI), the ideal AVr technique remains a subject of much debate. The existing AVr techniques do not completely stabilize the VAJ which may increase susceptibility to recurrent AI due to VAJ dilation. An emerging new technique showing promise for the treatment of both isolated and complex AI is AVr using HAART 300^TM geometric annuloplasty ring (GAR). The GAR is implanted below the valve leaflets in the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), providing stability and creating a neo-annulus. As with other AVr subtypes, this procedure has a learning curve. There are unique surgical and echocardiographic aspects of AVr with GAR, including the appearance of the LVOT, the aortic valve leaflets, and their motion which cardiac anesthesiologists and echocardiographers must be familiar with. In this work, using an eight-patient echocardiographic case series, we provide an overview of this novel AVr technique, including some unique aspects of device sizing, patient selection, expected post-repair echocardiographic features, and a review of outcomes data.

Bicuspid aortic valve repair with external or subcommissural annuloplasty-echocardiographic prospective trial

BACKGROUND

The incompetent bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) can be repaired using various techniques. This study presents a prospective comparison of external and subcommissural aortic annuloplasty.

METHODS

Fifty consecutive patients (38 males, age: 43.9 ± 15.8 years) with BAV insufficiency with or without aortic dilatation underwent valve repair in a single institution. They were prospectively allocated to one of two groups based on the aortic annulus stabilization technique: 25 patients were operated on using the subcommissural annuloplasty (SCA) and 25 using the external complete annuloplasty (EA). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in all patients before the operation and 1 and 3 years after the operation. Moreover, mortality and morbidity at 7 years were evaluated.

RESULTS

In prospective echocardiographic comparison, EA was associated with smaller diameter of the aortic annulus (24.1 ± 2.6 mm vs. 25.8±2.1 mm, p < .05) and lower mean and peak transvalvular gradients (7 ± 4 mmHg vs. 13 ± 4 mmHg, p = .02 and 15.3 ± 9.7 mmHg vs. 20.7 ± 5.6 mmHg, p = .03, respectively). No patients died or required reoperation due to recurrent insufficiency at 6,81 (interquartile range-0,17) years after the operation. The Kaplan-Meier actuarial freedom from aortic regurgitation (AR) grade ≥2 or gradient > 20 mmHg at 35.1 ± 3.6 months years was 96% (24 out of 25) for patients who had external annuloplasty and amounted to 76% (19 out of 25) for those who had SCA, p = .05).

CONCLUSIONS

External annuloplasty performed during repair of the BAV is associated with better hemodynamics at medium-term follow-up compared to SCA.

A modern approach to aortic valve insufficiency: Aortic root restoration via HAART 300 internal annuloplasty ring

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY

HAART 300 is an internal geometric annuloplasty ring. The safety and efficacy of this novel device in aortic valve (AV) repair in a single referral center are reported.

METHODS

Twenty patients with trileaflet AV insufficiency with ascending aorta and/or aortic root enlargement were included. Subannular implantation was performed to correct annular dilatation, whereas concomitant leaflet repair was performed whenever required. All but two patients also received ascending aorta replacement, whereas selective sinus replacement was performed in all but five patients.

RESULTS

Follow-up was for a maximum of 3.8 years and a mean of 2.2 years. Mean age was 54.2 years old. Moderate to severe preoperative AV insufficiency was noted in 75% of patients, whereas 70% of them had an ascending aorta over 45 mm. One patient was lost from follow-up. Overall mortality as well as major complication rates were zero. Early postoperatively, no more than mild AV regurgitation was detected, whereas only one patient appeared with moderate AV regurgitation during our 2.2-year follow-up. New York Heart Association class was also significantly lower compared to preoperative values and valve gradients remained low at last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Geometric ring annuloplasty is a safe and effective valve sparing approach to deal with AV insufficiency contributing to overall root reconstruction. Short-term results are excellent rendering this easily reproducible and versatile method very attractive.

Aortic valve repair with a newly approved geometric annuloplasty ring in patients undergoing proximal aortic repair: early results from a single-centre experience

OBJECTIVES

Aortic insufficiency (AI) is common in patients with proximal aortic disease, but limited options exist to facilitate aortic valve repair (AVr) in this population. This study reports 'real-world' early results of AVr using newly FDA-approved trileaflet and bicuspid geometric annuloplasty rings for patients with AI undergoing proximal aortic repair (PAR) in a single referral centre.

METHODS

All patients undergoing AVr with a rigid internal geometric annuloplasty ring (n = 47) in conjunction with PAR (ascending +/- root +/- arch) were included. Thirty-six patients underwent AVr with a trileaflet ring, and 11 patients underwent AVr with a bicuspid ring. The rings were implanted in the subannular position, and concomitant leaflet repair was performed if required for cusp prolapse identified after ring placement.

RESULTS

The median age was 58 years [interquartile range (IQR) 46-70]. PAR included supracoronary ascending replacement in 26 (55%) patients and remodelling valve-sparing root replacement with selective sinus replacement in 20 (42%) patients. Arch replacement was performed in 38 (81%) patients, including hemi-arch in 34 patients and total arch in 4 patients. There was no 30-day/in-hospital mortality. Preoperative AI was 3-4+ in 37 (79%) patients. Forty-one (87%) patients had zero-trace AI on post-repair transoesophageal echocardiography, and 6 patients had 1+ AI. The median early post-repair mean gradient was 13 mmHg (IQR 5-20). Follow-up imaging was available in 32 (68%) patients at a median of 11 months (IQR 10-13) postsurgery. AI was ≤1+ in 97% of patients with 2+ AI in 1 patient. All patients were alive and free from aortic valve reintervention at last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Early results with geometric rigid internal ring annuloplasty for AVr in patients undergoing PAR appear promising and allow a standardized approach to repair with annular diameter reduction and cusp plication when needed. Longer-term follow-up will be required to ensure the durability of the procedure.

The evaluation of annuloplasty in bicuspid aortic valve repair using cardiac magnetic resonance

Background

The incompetent bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) can be replaced or repaired using various surgical techniques. This study sought to assess the efficacy of external annuloplasty and postoperative reverse remodelling using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and compare the results of external and subcommissural annuloplasty.

Methods

Out of a total of 200 BAV repair performed between 2004 and 2018, 21 consecutive patients (median age 54 years) with regurgitation requiring valve repair with annuloplasty without concomitant aortic root surgery were prospectively referred for CMR and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) one year after the operation. Two aortic annulus stabilization techniques were used: external, circumferential annuloplasty (EA), and subcommissural annuloplasty (SCA).

Results

11 patients received EA and 10 patients were treated using SCA. There was no in-hospital mortality and all patients survived the follow-up period (median: 12.6 months (first quartile: 6.6; third quartile: 14.1). CMR showed strong correlation between postoperative aortic recurrent regurgitant fraction and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (r = 0.62; p = 0.003) as well as left ventricular ejection fraction (r = -0.53; p = 0.01). Patients treated with EA as compared with SCA had larger anatomic aortic valve area measured by CMR (3.5 (2.5; 4.0) vs. 2.5 cm² (2.0; 3.4); p = 0.04). In both EA and SCA group, aortic valve area below 3.5 cm² correlated with no regurgitation recurrency. EA (vs. SCA) was associated with lower peak transvalvular aortic gradients (10 (6; 17) vs. 21 mmHg (15; 27); p = 0.04).

Conclusions

The repair of the bicuspid aortic valve provides significant postoperative reverse remodelling, provided no recurrent regurgitation and durable reduction annuloplasty can be achieved. EA is associated with lower transvalvular gradients and higher aortic valve area assessed by CMR, compared to SCA.

Bicuspid aortic valve repair using geometric ring annuloplasty: A first-in-humans pilot trial

Objective

As bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) repair evolves, more effective annular reduction and stabilization could be advantageous. A geometric annuloplasty ring has been developed, and 2-year regulatory outcomes of a first-in-humans pilot trial are reported.

Methods

A prospective first-in-humans trial of BAV ring annuloplasty was completed in 16 patients. Patient age was 44.4 ± 11.3 (mean ± standard deviation) years, preoperative aortic insufficiency grade was 2.5 ± 1.0, New York Heart Association class 1.8 ± 0.4, and mean systolic gradient 13.4 ± 12.9 mm Hg. Three patients had Sievers type 0 BAV, 11 had type 1, and 2 were type 2. The Dacron-covered titanium rings had circular base geometry with 180° subcommissural posts and were implanted subannularly. Leaflets were reconstructed using plication/cleft closure, creating an effective height of ≥8 mm, even if modest gradients were induced.

Results

Mean pre-repair annular diameter was 28.6 ± 3.3 mm, and the average ring diameter was 22.3 ± 1.6 mm. All valves required leaflet plication/reconstruction; pericardium was avoided; and 7 patients had aortic replacement for aneurysms. No early mortalities or major complications occurred. Two patients required early prosthetic valve replacement for technical errors, and all were between 24-38 months’ postoperative at follow-up. No late mortalities or valve-related complications occurred, and all patients reverted to New York Heart Association class I. Aortic insufficiency reduction was significant to grade 0.9 ± 0.5 at 2-years (P < .0001). Mean valve gradients were acceptable (13.3 ± 5.0 mm Hg at 2 years; overall P = .11) and tended to fall over time (P < .0001).

Conclusions

Geometric ring annuloplasty was safe and effective for BAV repair. AI reduction was significant, valve gradients were satisfactory, and clinical outcomes were excellent. Geometric ring annuloplasty could simplify and standardize BAV repair.

Initial Application of a Bicuspid Aortic Annuloplasty Ring in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

Aortic stenosis and aortic insufficiency (AI) are common valvular conditions that may necessitate repair or replacement of the aortic valve. Aortic valve replacement is associated with higher long-term complications and thus, a consistent, reliable method of repair is needed. This is especially true in the pediatric population where lifelong anticoagulation and development of recurrent aortic stenosisor aortic insufficiency are especially problematic. The Hemispherical Aortic Annuloplasty Reconstruction Technology ring has been developed and used for annular stabilization in adults with success, though its efficacy in the pediatric population has yet to be demonstrated. Herein, we discuss the use of a geometric ring in aortic valve repair for the pediatric patient.

Transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation after aortic valve repair with HAART 300 device

We report the first successful case, to our knowledge, of CoreValve Evolut R (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) implantation into a failed HAART 300 aortic annuloplasty device (BioStable Science & Engineering, TX). An 81-year-old man presented with severe symptomatic aortic regurgitation secondary to failure of the 21 mm HAART 300 device, which had been implanted 45 days previously. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed grade 3 aortic regurgitation with central jet, without aortic valve stenosis. Because of the high risk for redo surgery, the heart team proceeded with femoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation. The 26 mm CoreValve Evolut R was deployed into the 21 mm HAART 300 device without difficulty or complications. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The patient was discharged after 5 days. TTE showed a mean aortic valve gradient of 18 mmHg, with minimal paravalvular leak. Our experience suggests that CoreValve Evolut R implantation may be an attractive option in patients with failed HAART 300 aortic annuloplasty.

Geometric Ring Annuloplasty for Aortic Valve Repair During Aortic Aneurysm Surgery: Two-Year Clinical Trial Results

OBJECTIVE

An aortic annuloplasty ring could be useful for aortic valve repair. This trial evaluated intermediate-term outcomes of internal geometric ring annuloplasty for repair of trileaflet and bicuspid aortic insufficiency associated with ascending aortic and/or aortic root aneurysms.

METHODS

Under regulatory supervision, 47 patients with aortic insufficiency and ascending aortic (n = 22) and/or aortic root (n = 25) aneurysms were managed with aortic valve repair and aneurysm resection. Valve repair was performed using trileaflet (n = 40) or bicuspid (n = 7) internal geometric rings, together with leaflet reconstruction. Ascending aortic and/or remodeling root replacements were accomplished with Dacron grafts 5 to 7 mm larger than the rings. An Echo Core Lab provided independent echocardiographic assessments, and changes over time were evaluated by Friedman tests.

RESULTS

Mean ± SD age was 60 ± 14 years, 57% (27/47) were male, 15% (7/47) had bicuspid valves, 87% (41/47) had moderate-to-severe aortic insufficiency, and 13% (6/47) had mild aortic insufficiency. All patients had annular dilatation, with a mean ± SD of 26.5 ± 2.6 mm before repair, and mean ± SD ring sizes were 21.7 ± 1.7 mm. Follow-up was 42 months (mean = 27 months). No operative mortality or valve-related complications occurred. Two patients died beyond 1 year from nonvalve-related causes. One patient required valve replacement for repair failure. Survival free of complications or valve replacement was 94% at 2 years. Significant reduction in aortic insufficiency and New York Heart Association class were observed (P < 0.0001), and valve gradients remained low. No heart block or direct ring complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

In preliminary regulatory studies, aortic ring annuloplasty seemed safe and effective during aortic aneurysm surgery. This approach could help standardize aortic valve repair.

Aortic valve repair

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Recently, there has been a renewed interest with regard to surgical strategies for aortic valve preservation in the presence of isolated valve disease or concomitant aortic root disease, despite concerns having been raised about the mid/long-term durability of such repair techniques for the aortic valve. The aim of the present review is to analyze the currently available evidence about aortic valve repair strategies, for either bicuspid or tricuspid valves.

RECENT FINDINGS

An improved understanding of the surgical anatomy and functional analysis of the aortic valve and root has allowed a systematic classification for the mechanisms of aortic valve insufficiency. Similarly, the use of dedicated instruments and devices has led to improved outcomes in terms of not only long-term survival but also freedom from reoperation.

SUMMARY

Aortic valve repair, either as a stand-alone procedure or especially in combination with surgery of the root, is a well-tolerated and effective procedure with excellent outcomes at mid/long term. Recent efforts allowed the refinement of surgical techniques to develop a systematic approach to aortic valve repair, which implies a thorough understanding of the surgical anatomy, the functional causes of disease, and the available repair techniques along with their potential limitations. A specialized team including dedicated surgeons and cardiologists appears to be crucial to achieve durable and satisfactory outcomes following aortic valve repair.

First uses of HAART 300 rings for aortic valve repair in Poland - 4 case studies

Introduction

Aortic valve reconstructions using geometric annuloplasty rings HAART 300/200 open new era in aortic valve surgery. The HAART technology resizes, reshapes, stabilizes and simplifies aortic valve repair. The HAART aortic repair rings are designed to be implanted directly into aortic annulus (under aortic valve leaflets).

Aim

We present first in Poland 4 cases of aortic valve reconstructions using geometric annuloplasty rings HAART 300.

Material and methods

Two patients had type IA aortic insufficiency (due to El-Khoury classification) – they were treated by HAART 300 ring insertion and ascending aorta prosthesis implantation. Third patient, Marfan with type IB aortic insufficiency was repaired by HAART 300 ring implantation followed by remodeling (Yacoub) procedure. Fourth patient with type II aortic insufficiency (due to RCC prolapse) was repaired by HAART 300 implantation and cusp plication.

Results

All patients shows good results on 6 months postoperative 3D TTE examinations.

Conclusions

Presented technique is reproducible and simplify aortic valve reconstructions.

An Expansible Aortic Ring in Aortic Root Remodeling: Exact Position, Pulsatility, Effectiveness, and Stability in Three-Dimensional CT Study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess effectiveness, stability, position, and expansibility of an expansible aortic annuloplasty ring with computed tomography (CT).

METHODS

Ten men (median age 51 years) scheduled for aortic root remodeling with implantation of external annuloplasty ring underwent contrast-enhanced CT of the aortic root preoperatively, postoperatively, and at a median of 21 months after operation. A reconstructed transverse double oblique view of the aortic base (AB) and of the new defined annuloplasty ring base (ARB; plane of the lower edge of the ring) in systole and diastole were obtained. The diameters, perimeter, and area were measured. In addition, the distances between AB and ARB in the nadir of each sinus were measured.

RESULTS

We found 12% reduction of the postoperative AB and 19% of ARB perimeter in both systole (p = 0.004, p < 0.001, respectively) and diastole (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) compared with preoperative. There was 22% reduction of the postoperative AB area in systole and 24% in diastole (p = 0.002, p = 0.001, respectively) and 33% reduction of the ARB area in systole and 32% in diastole (p < 0.001 for both) compared with the preoperative period. Nearly all measured variables in the follow-up period showed a slight increase compared with the postoperative period; however, they did not reach statistical significance. The postoperative systolic-diastolic differences in the three measured variables at the level of AB and ARB were statistically significant and were maintained throughout the follow-up period. The base of the ring was implanted 2 ± 2 mm at the right, 0 ± 1 mm at the left above the AB, and 2 (-3 to 2) mm at the noncoronary nadir below the AB.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates imaging evidence of the effectiveness, stability, and pulsatility of the annuloplasty ring in aortic root remodeling in follow-up and describes the exact position of the ring at the base of the aortic root.

Year in review: complex valve reconstruction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In recent years, great emphasis has been placed on reconstructive techniques for the surgical management of heart valve disease. In this review, we discuss recent data and current practice as it pertains to the subject of reconstructive valve surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

New techniques and an improved understanding of the mechanisms of aortic insufficiency have led to marked improvement in the early and late outcomes of aortic valve repair. While mitral valve repair is the established approach for the management of degenerative mitral valve disease, surgical technique continues to be refined, with valve reconstruction principles applied to increasingly challenging anatomy. Moreover, the introduction of novel biomaterials has allowed extension of the indication for valve reconstruction to circumstances of extensive tissue defect, including infective endocarditis.

SUMMARY

Valve reconstruction is increasingly being recognized as an alternative to valve replacement. It alleviates the risks of prosthesis-related complications and is especially appealing in young and middle-aged adults. While early and midterm outcomes appear promising, further studies are warranted to assess the clinical benefit and long-term durability of complex valve reconstruction procedures.

A Geometric Model of the Normal Human Aortic Root and Design of a Fully Anatomic Aortic Root Graft

Objective

Available aortic root grafts generally flare outward in the sinus region, and this feature improves procedural ease. However, no current device is based on normal aortic root geometry, and a fully anatomic aortic root graft could further facilitate valve-sparing root operations.

Methods

To develop a model of the normal human aortic root, high-resolution computed tomographic angiogram images from 11 normal human aortas generated high-density x, y, z coordinates of valve and root structures in Mathematica. Three-dimensional least-squares regression analyses assessed geometry of the aortic valve and root. Shapes and dimensions were quantified, and minor variations in geometry were simplified during graft design.

Results

Normal aortic valve and root geometry was represented as three leaflet-sinus general ellipsoids nested within a cylindrical aorta. Sinotubular junction diameter was 5 mm larger than the valve base—with a slight funnel-shaped outward commissural flare but cylindrical geometry above the midvalve. The valve base was elliptical, but the midvalve and the sinotubular junction were circular above the midvalve level. Commissural locations on the base circumference were equidistant. On the basis of average three-dimensional geometry, a root graft was designed for root remodeling procedures—to be used with an internal geometric annuloplasty ring of the same design.

Conclusions

An aortic root graft was designed on the basis of mathematical analyses of computed tomographic angiogram images. The design incorporated three anatomic sinuses, commissural symmetry, and compatibility with geometric ring annuloplasty. The anatomic graft may prove useful for restoring aortic root geometry toward normal during aortic valve and root surgery.

Leaflet reconstructive techniques for aortic valve repair

BACKGROUND

Refining leaflet reconstruction has become a primary issue in aortic valve repair. This descriptive analysis reviews leaflet pathology, repair techniques, and early results in a prospective regulatory trial of aortic valve repair.

METHODS

Sixty-five patients underwent valve repair for predominant moderate to severe aortic insufficiency (AI). The mean age was 63 ± 13 years, and 69% of the patients were male. Ascending aortic/root replacement was required in 62%. As a first step, ring annuloplasty was performed, and then leaflet repair included leaflet plication for prolapse, nodular unfolding, double pericardial patching of commissural defects or holes, complete pericardial leaflet replacement, leaflet extension, and Gore-Tex reinforcement. Leaflet techniques and causes of adverse outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

The follow-up time was 2-years maximal and 0.9 years mean, with a survival of 97%. Eighty percent of patients required repair of leaflet defects: leaflet prolapse (52/65-80%), ruptured commissures (6/65-9%), leaflet holes (4/65-6%), and nodular retraction (6/65-9%). The average preoperative AI grade of 2.9 ± 0.8 fell to 0.7 ± 0.7 (p < 0.0001). Three patients (4.6%) required interval valve replacement because of (1) suture untying, (2) iatrogenic leaflet tear, or (3) diphtheroid endocarditis. Five other patients experienced grade 2 or grade 3 AI: probable suture untying in 1 patient, ineffective leaflet extensions in 2 patients, and unsuccessful Gore-Tex reinforcements in 2 patients. Two patients with single pericardial leaflet replacements and all those with double pericardial reconstructions did well.

CONCLUSIONS

Leaflet defects are common in patients with moderate to severe AI. Leaflet plication, nodular unfolding, and double pericardial patching performed well. Gore-Tex and leaflet extension seemed less satisfactory. Standardization and experience with leaflet reconstruction will be important for optimizing the outcomes of aortic valve repair.