Predictive Factors of Vascular Complications after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Patients Treated with a Default Percutaneous Strategy

Bailout Procedure Utilizing Balloon Dilatation for a Percutaneous Micro-axial Flow Pump Entrapped Within a Significantly Calcified Subclavian Artery

The IMPELLA 5.5 (Abiomed Inc., Danvers, Massachusetts, United States) is a catheter-based, micro-axial blood pump designed to enhance organ perfusion in patients with cardiogenic shock. Despite its superior hemodynamic support, vascular complications are a significant concern, with many patients needing to discontinue IMPELLA therapy due to these issues. Patients may even require surgical intervention to address device-related vascular injuries. The IMPELLA 5.5 implantation in vessels with severe calcification is particularly associated with complications such as vascular calcification, stenosis, vascular tortuosity, and the use of larger sheaths are risk factors following endovascular therapy and IMPELLA implantation. In this report, we present a case of severe calcification in the right subclavian artery, in which the IMPELLA 5.5 was lodged. The calcifications protruded into the vascular lumen, becoming lodged between the IMPELLA motor and the cannula, complicating extraction despite the vessel having sufficient diameter. We successfully removed the device using a balloon dilation technique, ensuring safe extraction. No vascular complications such as pseudoaneurysm or dissection were observed in the right subclavian artery one month after extraction. This case highlights a potential approach for managing similar complications and vascular access for IMPELLA insertion.

Analysis of adverse events related to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation from a nationwide database of patient-safety accidents in Japan

Although adverse events related to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation have been reported, epidemiological data on life-threatening events are insufficient to study the causes of such adverse events. Data from the Japan Council for Quality Health Care database were retrospectively analyzed. The adverse events extracted from this national database included events associated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation reported between January 2010 and December 2021. We identified 178 adverse events related to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. At least 41 (23%) and 47 (26%) accidents resulted in death and residual disability, respectively. The most common adverse events were cannula malposition (28%), decannulation (19%), and bleeding (15%). Among patients with cannula malposition, 38% did not undergo fluoroscopy-guided or ultrasound-guided cannulation, 54% required surgical treatment, and 18% required trans-arterial embolization. In this epidemiological study in Japan, 23% of the adverse events related to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation had fatal outcomes. Our findings suggest that a training system for cannulation techniques may be needed, and hospitals offering extracorporeal membrane oxygenation should perform emergency surgeries.

Management of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation and Complex Aorta Anatomy: The Importance of Pre-Procedural Planning

Aortic stenosis is the most common primary valve lesion requiring surgery or, especially for older patients, transcatheter intervention (TAVI). We showcase a successful transfemoral TAVI procedure in a very high-risk patient and an extremely tortuous S-shaped descending aorta, characterized by heavy calcifications and multiple strong resistance points. We demonstrated that transfemoral TAVI using the “buddy stiff guidewire” technique could be a feasible, simple, quick, and easy procedure able to straighten an extremely abdominal aorta tortuosity. With all techniques available and careful pre-procedural planning, and thanks to the flexibility of new generation TAVI delivery systems, it is possible to safely perform the procedure even in the most challenging patients.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: All Transfemoral? Update on Peripheral Vascular Access and Closure

Transfemoral access remains the most widely used peripheral vascular approach for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Despite technical improvement and reduction in delivery sheath diameters of all TAVI platforms, 10-20% of patients remain not eligible to transfemoral TAVI due to peripheral artery disease. In this review, we aim at presenting an update of recent data concerning transfemoral access and percutaneous closure devices. Moreover, we will review peripheral non-transfemoral alternative as well as caval-aortic accesses and discuss the important features to assess with pre-procedural imaging modalities before TAVI.

The Iliofemoral tortuosity score predicts access and bleeding complications during transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement: DataData from the VIenna Cardio Thoracic aOrtic valve registrY (VICTORY)

BACKGROUND

Arterial tortuosity is linked to a higher risk of adverse clinical events after transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TF-TAVR). Currently, there are no assessment tools that can quantify this variable in three-dimensional space. This study investigated the impact of novel scoring methods of iliofemoral tortuosity on access and bleeding complications after TF-TAVR.

METHODS

The main access vessel was assessed between the aortoiliacal and femoral bifurcation in preoperative multislice computed tomography scans of 240 consecutive patients undergoing TF-TAVR. Tortuosity was assessed by three methods: largest single angle, sum of all angles, and iliofemoral tortuosity (IFT) score [((true vessel length/ideal vessel length)-1)*100]. The primary study endpoint was a composite of access and bleeding complications. The secondary study endpoints were 30-day mortality and long-term survival.

RESULTS

Among 240 patients, only the IFT score demonstrated a good positive correlation with the composite primary endpoint of access and bleeding complications (P = 0.031). A higher incidence of access and bleeding complications was found in patients with a higher IFT score (56 [36.8%] vs 17 [19.3%]; P = 0.003). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, only the IFT score was a significant predictor of the primary endpoint (OR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.09-4.05; P = 0.026).

CONCLUSION

Vascular tortuosity is an underestimated risk factor during TF-TAVR. The IFT score is a valuable tool in risk stratification before TF-TAVR, predicting periprocedural access and bleeding complications.

Left femoral venous access for leadless pacemaker implantation: patient characteristics and outcomes

AIMS

Leadless pacing has become an alternative approach for patients requiring a single-chamber pacemaker. Conventionally, leadless Micra Transcatheter Pacing System (TPS) pacemakers are implanted via a right femoral venous access. However, due to various reasons, a left-sided femoral venous approach may be necessary. We hypothesized that a left-sided femoral venous approach is as safe and effective when compared with a right-sided approach. We assessed indications, procedural characteristics, safety and mid-term outcomes of Micra TPS implantation via a left femoral venous approach when compared with the conventional right-sided approach.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this retrospective single-centre analysis, 143 consecutive patients undergoing Micra TPS implantation were included. 87% (125/143) underwent Micra TPS implantation via a right, and 13% (18/143) via a left femoral venous access. The mean age at implantation was 79.8 ± 7.5 years. Acute procedural success, mean procedure and fluoroscopy times as well as device parameters at implantation and follow-up (mean 15 ± 11.5 months) were similar between the two groups. Five major complications (3.5%) were encountered, all using a right-sided approach. After a transfemoral TAVI procedure, left femoral venous access was used in 42% of cases when compared with 8% in the remaining population (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

A left femoral venous access for Micra TPS implantation is safe and effective with an excellent implantation success rate similar to a conventional right femoral venous access without longer implantation and fluoroscopy times. The most frequent reason for choosing left vs. right femoral venous access was a previous transfemoral TAVI procedure.

Predictors and Biomarkers of Subclinical Leaflet Thrombosis after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a recent revolutionary treatment for high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis who are not suitable for surgery, expanding to intermediate and low-risk patients. Valve leaflet thrombosis (LT) is a potentially fatal complication after TAVI. The incidence of subclinical LT is as high as 25% among patients in the first year after TAVI. Subclinical LT may evolve into symptomatic thrombosis or lead to premature bioprosthesis degeneration, increasing the risk of neurological complications. Because imaging-based methods have limited sensitivity to detect subclinical LT, there is an urgent need for predictors and biomarkers that would make it possible to predict LT after TAVI. Here, we summarize recent data regarding (i) patient-related, (ii) procedure-related, (iii) blood-based and (iv) imaging predictors and biomarkers which might be useful for the early diagnosis of subclinical LT after TAVI. Prevention of LT might offer an opportunity to improve risk stratification and tailor therapy after TAVI.

Trends in vascular complications and associated treatment strategies following transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement

OBJECTIVE

Vascular complications (VC) and bleeding complications impact morbidity and mortality after transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TF-TAVR). Few contemporary studies have detailed these complications, associated treatment strategies, or clinical outcomes. We examined the incidence, predictors, treatment strategies, and outcomes of VCs in a multicenter cohort of patients undergoing TF-TAVR.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective registry and chart review of all nonclinical trial TF-TAVR patients from seven centers within a five-state hospital system from 2012 to 2016. Bleeding and VC were recorded as defined by the Valve Academic Research Consortium recommendations. Procedural and 30-day outcomes and 1-year mortality were compared between patients with no, minor, or major VC. Multivariable logistic and Cox regressions were used to identify predictors of major VC and mortality, respectively.

RESULTS

Over the study period, 1573 patients underwent TF-TAVR, with 96 (6.1%) experiencing a major VC and 77 (4.9%) experiencing a minor VC. The majority of VCs were access site related (74.2%), occurred intraoperatively (52.6%), and required interventional treatment (73.2%). The site, timing, and treatment method of VCs did not significantly change over the study period. Patients with VCs had a greater need for blood transfusion, longer postoperative length of stay, higher rates of cardiac events, increased vascular-related 30-day readmission, and higher 30-day mortality. Female sex (odds ratio [OR], 3.00; 95% CI, 1.91-4.72) and prior percutaneous coronary intervention (OR, 2.14 ; 95% CI, 1.38-3.31) were the strongest predictors of major VC. VCs modestly decreased over the study period: every 90-day increase in surgery date decreased the odds of major VC by 6% (95% CI, 1%-10%). Patients with major VCs had worse 1-year survival (OR, 79%; 95% CI, 69%-86%) compared with patients with minor VCs (OR, 92%; 95% CI, 82%-96%) or no VCs (OR, 88%; 95% CI, 87%-90%; P = .002). However, for patients who survived more than 30 days, the 1-year survival did not differ between groups For patients who survived more than 30 days, male sex (hazard ratio, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.30-2.60) and the logit of STS mortality risk score (hazard ratio, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.48-2.65) were the strongest predictors of mortality. After adjusting for other factors, minor and major VC were not predictors of 1-year mortality for patients who survived more than 30 days.

CONCLUSIONS

In our contemporary cohort, VCs after TF-TAVR have modestly decreased in recent years, but continue to impact perioperative outcomes. Patient selection, consideration of alternative access routes, and prompt recognition and treatment of VCs are critical elements in optimizing early clinical outcomes after TF-TAVR.

Sex and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Impact of Female Sex on Clinical Outcomes

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as an alternative treatment for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis in patients who are not suitable for surgery or are at high surgical risk. Approximately 50% of patients undergoing TAVI are female and this is reflected by a higher inclusion rate of women in TAVI trials. However, women undergoing TAVI have different baseline clinical characteristics in comparison to men, with fewer comorbidities and a more preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. This translates into favourable outcomes after TAVI, despite a higher rate of peri-procedural complications. This article discusses gender differences in terms of presentation, procedural characteristics and post-procedural results in patients with aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI, with particular focus on possible sex-specific factors affecting outcome.

Temporal Trends in Gender-Related Differences and Outcomes in Patients Who Underwent Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (from the Israeli Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Multicenter Registry)

We evaluated temporal trends in gender-related differences in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis from a multicenter TAVI registry during the years 2008 to 2016. Our final cohort included 1,159 males and 1,370 females, with a median follow-up of 2.3 (IQR 1.2, 4.4) years. For temporal trends analysis, the entire population was divided according to period of procedure: 2008 to 2012 and 2013 to 2016. During the 2008 to 2012 period, the rates of in-hospital aortic paravalvular leak, myocardial infarction, pacemaker implantation, and stroke were higher among men than women, but became comparable between the gender during the 2013 to 2016 period. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that female patients who underwent TAVI between the years 2008 and 2012 had a 26% lower risk of death compared with male patients (p = 0.004), but there were no gender-related differences in mortality risk between the years 2013 and 2016 (hazard ratio 1.07, p = 0.6; gender-by-year of procedure, p = 0.027 for interaction). In conclusion, the favorable long-term prognosis described in female patients during the earlier TAVI period seemed to diminish with contemporary TAVI. This might be attributed to current technological advances and improved valve sizing, with a more significant benefit in favor of male patients.

Long-Term Outcomes of Iliofemoral Artery Stents after Transfemoral Aortic Valve Replacement

PURPOSE

To report long-term results of iliofemoral stent placement after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TAVR access-related complications treated with iliofemoral stent placement were recorded in 56 patients (mean age, 81 years; range; 53-93 years; 48% male) of 648 patients who underwent TAVR at a single center. Fifty-six patients treated with stent placement (40 patients with stent grafts and 16 patients with bare metal stents) underwent clinical and ultrasonographic follow-up after a mean of 676 days (range, 60-1840 days).

RESULTS

During follow-up, none of the 56 patients who had stent placement underwent a vascular reintervention of the affected limb, and none suffered from limb claudication. No decrease was observed in ankle-brachial index (ABI) values to an abnormal value, except in 1 patient (mean preprocedural and postprocedural ABI of 1.2 ± 0.14, range, 0.97-1.4 and 1.19 ± 0.24, range, 0.65-1.54, respectively). Arterial duplex assessment showed normal stent flow velocity (mean, 168.7 ± 63.2 cm/sec; range, 80-345 cm/sec) in all but 1 patient.

CONCLUSION

Iliofemoral stent implantation is a safe and efficacious treatment for vascular access site and access-related complications during transfemoral TAVR.

Impact of aortic aneurysms in trans-catheter aortic valve replacement: A single center experience

Background

Patients who undergo trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may have concomitant aortic aneurysms. We sought to clarify the incidence of aortic aneurysms and its impact on clinical outcomes among patients undergoing TAVR.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis who underwent TAVR from January 2012 to June 2016. Multi-detector computer tomography (MDCT) was performed on all patients and images were reviewed to identify thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAA and AAA). The incidence of vascular complications (VARC-2 definition), and in-hospital and 6-month major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, and stroke were recorded.

Results

Among 232 patients included in the analysis, 22 patients (9.5%) had aortic aneurysms (11 had AAA, 8 had TAA, and 3 had both). Patients with aortic aneurysms had a higher, albeit statistically insignificant, rate of smoking history (63.6% vs. 42.9%, p = 0.062). Both groups of patient predominantly underwent TAVR via trans-femoral access (72.7% vs. 71.4%, p = 0.90). The incidence of vascular complications was similar between the two groups (9.1% vs. 10.5%, p = 1.0). Patients with aortic aneurysms had a similar in-hospital MACE (4.5% vs. 6.2%, p = 1.0) and 6-month MACE (9.1% vs. 9.0%, p = 1.0) compared to those without aneurysms.

Conclusions

In our patient cohort, 9.5% of patients who underwent TAVR had concomitant aortic aneurysms. Patients with aortic aneurysms had similar incidence of vascular complications as well as in-hospital and 6-month MACE compared to those without.

Successful Treatment of Iatrogenic External Iliac Artery Perforation With Covered Stent: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Retroperitoneal hemorrhage from iliac artery injury is a potentially serious complication of vascular interventional procedures leading to hemorrhagic shock and death if not diagnosed early and treated promptly. We report a 70-year-old male admitted to our facility with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, whose heart catheterization revealed left anterior descending artery (LAD) with 80% proximal, 95% mid and 100% distal disease. The left circumflex and right coronary arteries were 100% occluded proximally and received collaterals from the LAD. The patient declined coronary artery bypass surgery; therefore, the decision was made to perform high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the LAD with Impella left ventricular assist device support. Left femoral artery angiogram revealed severely tortuous and calcified aorta, left external iliac and left common iliac arteries, and was accessed with 14-inch Impella sheath. He developed groin pain with mild hypotension thought to be due to sedation, which responded to intravenous fluids and dopamine. He underwent successful rotational atherectomy of the proximal and mid LAD with deployment of drug-eluting stents. Following PCI, he suffered acute profound hypotension necessitating intravenous fluids and vasopressor support with epinephrine. Emergency transthoracic echocardiogram did not reveal any pericardial effusion, and showed normal left ventricle and right ventricle systolic function. The Impella device was removed and selective left common iliac angiogram from the right femoral access revealed a vascular injury site with shift of the bladder to the right indicative of retroperitoneal hematoma. A digital subtraction angiogram revealed extravasation of blood at the vascular injury site. An 8.0 × 59 mm iCAST covered stent was deployed to the left external iliac artery with successful sealing of the perforation. The Impella device site was closed with two Perclose devices. The patient required 4 units of packed red blood cell transfusion. His hospital course was complicated by transient acute kidney injury, with return of his renal function to baseline at discharge 10 days later. This case underscores the importance of prompt recognition and treatment of vascular complications associated with interventional procedures, and highlights some of the risk predictors of such complications, which should be anticipated and planned for prior to intervention.

Short and long-term results after endovascular management of vascular complications during transfemoral aortic valve implantation

Background Vascular injury and access site complications in the contemporary setting of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are known to be associated with increased mortality and morbidity. The aim of our study was to analyse the feasibility and safety of percutaneous treatment of such vascular complications using a stent graft. Methods Between January 2010 and April 2013, 36 TAVI patients developed severe access site complications and underwent subsequent interventional treatment with a covered stent. Acute treatment success was confirmed by angiography immediately after the implantation of the stent graft, with clinical long-term patency follow-up being assessed by duplex ultrasound. Results Of the 36 patients evaluated, percutaneous treatment of the acute access site bleeding was successful in 35 patients (97%), with one patient requiring surgical intervention due to insufficient haemostasis after stent graft implantation. A subset of 5 patients underwent successful ipsilateral stent graft implantation, either because crossover sheath placement was not feasible (n = 1), or intentionally with an even sheathless approach in an effort to reduce vessel injury (n = 4). After a mean follow-up of 22 ± 8 months, stent graft patency was confirmed by duplex ultrasound in 13 patients with an additional 5 patients reporting to be free from symptoms and claudication. Thirteen patients died within the first 24 months after the procedure, however, none was due to access vessel complications. Five patients were lost for follow-up. Conclusions Our data confirm that endovascular treatment of access site complications related to TAVI is feasible, safe and efficacious, resulting in long-term vascular patency.

Influence of gender on clinical outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve implantation from the UK transcatheter aortic valve implantation registry and the National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research

Gender differences exist in outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass graft surgery but have yet to be fully explored after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. We aimed to investigate gender differences after transcatheter aortic valve implantation in the UK National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research registry. A retrospective analysis was performed of Medtronic CoreValve and Edwards SAPIEN implantation in 1,627 patients (756 women) from January 2007 to December 2010. Men had more risk factors: poor left ventricular systolic function (11.9% vs 5.5%, p <0.001), 3-vessel disease (19.4% vs 9.2%, p <0.001), previous myocardial infarction (29.5% vs 13.0%, p <0.001), peripheral vascular disease (32.4% vs 23.3%, p <0.001), and higher logistic EuroSCORE (21.8 ± 14.2% vs 21.0 ± 13.4%, p = 0.046). Thirty-day mortality was 6.3% (confidence interval 4.3% to 7.9%) in women and 7.4% (5.6% to 9.2%) in men and at 1 year, 21.9% (18.7% to 25.1%) and 22.4% (19.4% to 25.4%), respectively. There was no mortality difference: p = 0.331 by log-rank test; hazard ratio for women 0.91 (0.75 to 1.10). Procedural success (96.6% in women vs 96.4% in men, p = 0.889) and 30-day cerebrovascular event rates (3.8% vs 3.7%, p = 0.962) did not differ. Women had more major vascular complications (7.5% vs 4.2%, p = 0.004) and less moderate or severe postprocedural aortic regurgitation (7.5% vs 12.5%, p = 0.001). In conclusion, despite a higher risk profile in men, there was no gender-related mortality difference; however, women had more major vascular complications and less postprocedural moderate or severe aortic regurgitation.

Overcoming the Challenges of the Transfemoral Approach in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is performed through a retrograde transfemoral approach in approximately 80-90 % of cases thanks to the improvements in delivery catheter profile, size and steerability compared with the first generation devices. The aim of this review article is to describe the challenges of transfemoral TAVI and the options to overcome them. The difficulties may be related to the access itself or the placement of the valve using the transfemoral route. Comprehensive patient screening using multislice computed tomography and crossover techniques to prevent bleeding should result in low complication rates even for fully percutaneous procedures. Horizontal ascending aorta and severely calcified aortic valves remain a challenge for retrograde valve crossing, device advancement and accurate positioning during deployment. The buddy balloon technique is a simple option in the case of difficult aortic valve crossing with a delivery catheter, whereas an antegrade approach using the transapical route is a reasonable alternative in such anatomy.