Safety and Efficacy of Protected Cardiac Intervention: Clinical Evidence for Sentinel Cerebral Embolic Protection

Cerebral Embolic Protection Devices: Are There Any Indications in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement?

Stroke following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a significant and life-threatening adverse event. The vast majority of these incidents occur during the TAVR procedure or within the first 24 h following TAVR, with a notable prevalence of cerebral embolic events. In response to this concern, cerebral embolic protection devices (CEPDs) have been designed to mitigate the risk of peri-procedural ischemic stroke during TAVR. The primary objective of CEPDs is to diminish the intraprocedural burden associated with new silent ischemic brain injuries. Despite the development of several CEPDs, their clinical efficacy remains uncertain. In this review, we delve into a comprehensive analysis of the utilization of CEPDs in patients undergoing TAVR, exploring insights from the existing literature. Additionally, we aim to present future perspectives and discuss the clinical implications associated with the incorporation of CEPDs in TAVR procedures.

Cerebral embolic protection for stroke prevention during transcatheter aortic valve replacement

INTRODUCTION

Cerebral Embolic Protection Device (CEPD) captures emboli during Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). With recently published pivotal trials and multiple cohort studies reporting new data, there is a need to re-calibrate available statistical evidence.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted across databases from inception till February 2023. Dichotomous outcomes were pooled using Odds Ratio (OR), while continuous outcomes were pooled using Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) along with 95% corresponding intervals (95% CIs).

RESULTS

Data was included from 17 studies (7 RCTs, 10 cohorts, n = 155,829). Use of CEPD was associated with significantly reduced odds of stroke (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.43-0.85, p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in disabling stroke (p = 0.25), non-disabling stroke (p = 0.72), and 30-day mortality (p = 0.10) between the two groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups for Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DW-MRI) findings, acute kidney injury, risk of pacemaker implantation life-threatening bleed, major bleed, minor bleed, worsening National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and vascular complications (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of CEPD during TAVR reduced the incidence of all-stroke (p = 0.003); however, there were no significant differences in any of the other pooled outcomes (p > 0.05).

REGISTRATION

The protocol of this meta-analysis was registered with the Open Science framework [https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/7W564] before data acquisition was started.

Patient Characteristics and Outcomes Associated with Sentinel Protection Device Use in Patients with Aortic Valve Disease Undergoing TAVR in a "Real-World" Setting

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become the dominant treatment for aortic valve disease. While TAVR safety has improved over time, concern remains over the occurrence of cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) secondary to device placement, which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The Sentinel Cerebral Protection System (CPS) was developed to reduce the risk of embolic strokes associated with debris produced during TAVR. Studies evaluating Sentinel CPS efficacy have produced conflicting results, and there is little understanding of which patients are selected for device placement in "real-world" settings. With no existing guidelines on device use, the purpose of this study was to describe and compare the characteristics of patients who receive CPS with those who do not in a "real-world" setting of consecutive TAVR patients and evaluate its impact on postoperative complications, namely stroke.

Methods

This was a single-center, retrospective study of all patients undergoing TAVR between July 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020. Patient demographics, baseline, and perioperative characteristics were collected prospectively using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS)/American College of Cardiology (ACC) Transcatheter Valve Therapy (TVT) Registry and our institution's TAVR database for analysis. Postoperative outcomes were assessed using primary endpoints of in-hospital/30-day stroke and the composite of death, stroke, and bleeding/vascular events at one-year. To adjust for baseline differences, a propensity score was developed including all factors that were different between groups, and Multivariate Cox Regression analysis was used to control for these differences. Patient follow-up was 97% complete at 12 months with 100% echocardiographic follow-up.

Results

A total of 242 consecutive patients (57.9% male) were analyzed, with a mean age of 79.9 ± 9 years. Of these patients, 134 (55.4%) received the Sentinel CPS and 108 (44.6%) did not. Sentinel CPS patients were more likely to be male, not on dialysis, without prior CVA or pacemaker, had less severe chronic lung disease, and were lower operative risk compared to concurrent non-CPS patients. CPS patients were also found to have higher hemoglobin and albumin levels, lower creatinine, and were less likely to be on immunosuppressant therapy. The incidence of in-hospital/30-day stroke after TAVR did not differ between CPS and non-CPS patients (0.0% vs. 1.9%; p = 0.198). Unadjusted analyses at one-year showed a lower occurrence of the composite endpoint in CPS patients compared non-CPS patients (8.3% vs. 17.0%; p = 0.034). After adjustment, the hazard ratio (Adj HR) for the CPS group was no longer significantly associated with a lower composite endpoint (Adj HR = 0.609, 95% CI 0.244-1.523; p = 0.289). Both unadjusted (p = 0.233) and adjusted (p = 0.132) analyses showed no difference in the incidence of stroke at one-year.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that in a "real-world" setting, the Sentinel CPS device is more likely to be used in healthier and less complex patients. In analyses adjusted for illness severity and patient complexity, CPS use did not have a significant effect on the incidence of in-hospital/30-day stroke or the composite endpoint of death, stroke, and bleeding/vascular events at one-year.

A 20-year journey in transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Evolution to current eminence

Since the first groundbreaking procedure in 2002, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has revolutionized the management of aortic stenosis (AS). Through striking developments in pertinent equipment and techniques, TAVI has now become the leading therapeutic strategy for aortic valve replacement in patients with severe symptomatic AS. The procedure streamlining from routine use of conscious sedation to a single arterial access approach, the newly adapted implantation techniques, and the introduction of novel technologies such as intravascular lithotripsy and the refinement of valve-bioprosthesis devices along with the accumulating experience have resulted in a dramatic reduction of complications and have improved associated outcomes that are now considered comparable or even superior to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). These advances have opened the road to the use of TAVI in younger and lower-risk patients and up-to-date data from landmark studies have now established the outstanding efficacy and safety of TAVI in patients with low-surgical risk impelling the most recent ESC guidelines to propose TAVI, as the main therapeutic strategy for patients with AS aged 75 years or older. In this article, we aim to summarize the most recent advances and the current clinical aspects involving the use of TAVI, and we also attempt to highlight impending concerns that need to be further addressed.

Calcium Load in the Aortic Valve, Aortic Root, and Left Ventricular Outflow Tract and the Risk for a Periprocedural Stroke

Background

Periprocedural stroke during transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a rare but devastating complication. The calcified aortic valve is the most likely source of the emboli in a periprocedural stroke. The total load and distribution of calcium in the leaflets, aortic root, and left ventricular outflow tract varies from patient to patient. Consequently, there could be patterns of calcification that are associated with a higher risk of stroke. This study aimed to explore whether the pattern of calcification in the left ventricular outflow tract, annulus, aortic valve, and ascending aorta can be used to predict a periprocedural stroke.

Methods

Among the 3282 consecutive patients who received a transcatheter aortic valve implantation in the native valve in Sweden from 2014 to 2018, we identified 52 who had a periprocedural stroke. From the same cohort, a control group of 52 patients was constructed by propensity score matching. Both groups had one missing cardiac computed tomography, and 51 stroke and 51 control patients were blindly reviewed by an experienced radiologist.

Results

The groups were well balanced in terms of demographics and procedural data. Of the 39 metrics created to describe calcium pattern, only one differed between the groups. The length of calcium protruding above the annulus was 10.6 mm (interquartile range 7-13.6) for patients without stroke and 8 mm (interquartile range 3-10) for stroke patients.

Conclusions

This study could not find any pattern of calcification that predisposes for a periprocedural stroke.

Anatomical reasons for failure of dual-filter cerebral embolic protection application in TAVR: A CT-based analysis

BACKGROUND

The dual-filter Sentinel™ Cerebral Protection System (Sentinel-CPS) is increasingly used during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, complex vascular anatomy may challenge Sentinel-CPS deployment.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We sought to investigate the impact of anatomic features of the aortic arch and the supra-aortic arteries on technical device failure of Sentinel-CPS application.

METHODS

Analysis of the multislice computed tomography pre-TAVR aortograms of all patients undergoing TAVR with Sentinel-CPS between 2016 and 2020 (n = 92) was performed. We investigated the impact of aortic arch anatomy, configuration, and the angles of the supra-aortic arteries, including the determination of vascular tortuosity index on device failure of Sentinel-CPS application.

RESULTS

The Sentinel-CPS was applied successfully in 83 patients (90.2%). Device failure in nine patients (9.8%) was due to the infeasibility to perform correct deployment of both filters (n = 7) and to obtain peripheral radial access (n = 2). Patients with a failure of Sentinel-CPS application had a higher right subclavian tortuosity index (217 [92-324] vs. 150 [42-252], p = .046), a higher brachiocephalic tortuosity index (27 [5-51] vs. 10 [0-102], p = 0.033) and a larger angulation of the brachiocephalic artery (59° [22-80] vs. 39° [7-104], p = .014) compared with patients with successful application. A brachiocephalic angle more than 59° was predictive for device failure. No differences in aortic arch anatomy or common carotid artery tortuosity were detected between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Brachiocephalic tortuosity was found to be associated with failure of Sentinel-CPS application. Filter-based usage should be avoided in TAVR patients with a brachiocephalic angle more than 59°.

Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Young, Low-Risk Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is approved for all patient risk profiles and is an option for all patients irrespective of age. However, patients enrolled in the low- and intermediate-risk trials were in their 70s, and those in the high-risk trials were in their 80s. TAVR has never been systematically tested in young (<65 years), low-risk patients. Unanswered questions remain, including the safety and effectiveness of TAVR in patients with bicuspid aortic valves; future coronary access; durability of transcatheter heart valves; technical considerations for surgical transcatheter heart valve explantation; management of concomitant conditions such as aortopathy, mitral valve disease, and coronary artery disease; and the safety and feasibility of future TAVR-in-TAVR. The authors predict that balancing these questions with patients' clear preference for less invasive treatment will become common. In this paper, the authors consider each of these questions and discuss risks and benefits of theoretical treatment strategies in the lifetime management of young patients with severe aortic stenosis.

Patient eligibility for application of a two-filter cerebral embolic protection device during transcatheter aortic valve implantation: does one size fit all?

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to determine the percentage of patients potentially eligible for implantation of the Sentinel™ Cerebral Protection System (Sentinel-CPS) during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and to identify the reasons for treatment exclusion.

METHODS

We retrospectively performed an analysis of pre-TAVI multislice computed tomography (MSCT) aortograms and data review of all patients undergoing a TAVI procedure in 2017 (n = 317). MSCT evaluation included the assessment of aortic arch anatomy and the vascular dimensions of the brachiocephalic and left common carotid artery. Data analysis focused on comorbid conditions, precluding 6-Fr sheath radial access and filter deployment due to history of previous artery interventions.

RESULTS

MSCT and data analysis showed Sentinel-CPS compatibility in 61.5% of patients (n = 195). Sentinel-CPS would have been contraindicated in 38.5% (n = 122) due to one or more of the following: (i) measured diameters of the filter-landing zones <9 or >15 mm in the brachiocephalic artery and <6.5 or >10 mm in the left common carotid artery (n = 116; 88 with carotid dimensions too small); (ii) significant subclavian artery stenosis (n = 4) or an aberrant subclavian artery (n = 3) precluding Sentinel-CPS implantation and (iii) clinical characteristics including hypersensitivity to nickel-titanium (n = 1), radial artery occlusion (n = 1) or previous left common carotid artery interventions (n = 5).

CONCLUSIONS

MSCT and clinical data supported Sentinel-CPS compatibility in 61.5% of patients. The most common reason for treatment exclusion was inappropriate diameter within the target landing zone of the left carotid artery. Future device development should address this limitation.

A Review of the Partner Trials

Aortic stenosis (AS) of moderate or greater severity has an estimated prevalence of 5% in people older than 65 years. Survival is poor after onset of symptoms, and surgical aortic valve replacement was the gold-standard treatment for decades. However, more than one-third of patients with symptomatic AS were untreated due to high surgical risk, exposing a clinical need for a less invasive therapy for aortic valve stenosis. The PARTNER trials were pivotal in presenting robust evidence for the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the management of AS and paved the way for clinical use worldwide.

Advances in Clinical Cardiology 2018: A Summary of Key Clinical Trials

INTRODUCTION

Many important clinical trials in cardiology were published or presented at major international meetings throughout 2018. This paper aims to offer a concise overview of these significant advances and to put them into clinical context.

METHODS

Trials presented at the major international cardiology meetings during 2018 were reviewed including The American College of Cardiology, EuroPCR, The European Society of Cardiology, PCR London Valves, Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics, and the American Heart Association. In addition to this a literature search identified several other publications eligible for inclusion based on their relevance to clinical cardiology, their potential impact on clinical practice and on future guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 78 trials met the inclusion criteria. New interventional and structural data include trials examining novel stent designs (Biofreedom™, COMBO), use of drug-coated balloons in patients with high bleeding risk, intervention in stable coronary artery disease, revascularisation strategy in ST elevation myocardial infarction, transcatheter aortic valve replacement in low-risk patients, and percutaneous mitral or tricuspid valve interventions. Preventative cardiology data included the use of sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, canagliflozin), proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors (alirocumab) and approaches of hypertension management. Antiplatelet data included trials evaluating both the optimal length of course and combination of antiplatelet agents. Heart failure data included trials of sacubitril-valsartan during acute hospital admission and the management of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. Electrophysiology data included trials examining atrial fibrillation ablation, wearable cardiac defibrillators (LifeVest) and His-bundle pacing.

CONCLUSION

This article presents key clinical trials completed during 2018 and should be valuable to both cardiology clinicians and researchers.

Impact of a Two-Filter Cerebral Embolic Protection Device on the Complexity and Risk of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND

There is a growing use of cerebral protection devices in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We aimed to analyze if the use of these devices itself has an impact on the complexity and the risk of TAVR.

METHODS

Between February 2016 and July 2017, 391 patients underwent transfemoral TAVR with Medtronic CoreValve Evolut R (n = 196) or Edwards Sapien 3 (n = 195). In 39 patients, the Claret Sentinel™ embolic protection device (CS-EPD) was used. Prospectively collected data were retrospectively analyzed, comparing fluoroscopy/operation time, amount of contrast used, vascular events, and postprocedural renal function in TAVR patients with (n = 39) and without (n = 352) CS-EPD.

RESULTS

The CS-EPD was placed through the right radial (n = 35) or brachial (n = 4) artery. Procedural success rate defined as correct deployment and retraction of both filters was 94.9%. No device-related vascular complications occurred. TAVR patients with CS-EPD showed a significantly higher total operation time, total fluoroscopy time, and amount of used contrast (85.4 ± 39.3 vs. 64 ± 29.8 minutes, p = 0.002; 20.7 ± 9.3 vs. 13.7 ± 7 minutes, p ≤ 0.001; 133.7 ± 42.6 vs. 109.7 ± 44.5 mL, p = 0.001). Comparing the initial third of patients receiving a CS-EPD with the last third of CS-EPD cases, procedural time had decreased significantly (102.5 ± 34.9 vs. 67 ± 11.9; p = 0.002). There were no differences in postprocedural renal failure (p = 0.80).

CONCLUSION

Our data add evidence that the application of the CS-EPD is not associated with an additional risk for the patient. Although procedural time and amount of contrast are still higher when using the CS-EPD, there were no device-related complications or increased incidence of renal failure.