How to Avoid Coronary Occlusion During TAVR Valve-in-Valve Procedures

Endovascular Technique for Ascending Aorta Repair Based on TEVAR and TAVI Procedures

PURPOSE

Ascending aorta (AAo) acute pathology still has an open-surgery indication with a high mortality rate associated to cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory arrest. In these cases, the endovascular aortic approach could be an excellent option. The aim of the present study is to detail an optimized technique for the endovascular treatment of AAo diseases, based on thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures.

TECHNIQUE

The procedure implies the usual preparation for TEVAR and TAVI implants. A transient pacemaker lead is necessary to deliver the prosthesis under "rapid pacing." As in the TAVI technique, a final high-support guidewire is placed at the left ventricle. The proximal landing zone is the sinotubular junction (zone 0B). Transesophageal echocardiography is essential to ensure aortic valve function and patency in coronary arteries during the delivery. To assess a potential occlusion of the brachiocephalic artery, a guidewire is positioned in the descending aorta from the axillary artery. Finally, a noncovered stent is implanted to stabilize the AAo prosthesis.

CONCLUSION

The technique presented here can standardize a safe and reproducible procedure to endovascular repair of AAo diseases. However, new devices specifically designed for the AAo could facilitate the transcatheter approach.

CLINICAL IMPACT

Ascending aorta acute pathology still has an open-surgery indication with high mortality rate associated to cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory arrest. Moreover, near 30% of patients are not considered suitable for surgery because of age, critical situation or the presence of severe comorbidities. The present study provides a detailed and optimized technique for the endovascular treatment of ascending aorta disease, based on TEVAR and TAVI procedures.

Coronary Artery Obstruction After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Past, Present, and Future

Coronary obstruction (CO) is a rare but critical complication of transcatheter aortic valve implantation. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This comprehensive review elucidates the evolving landscape of CO risk assessment and management strategies in the contemporary era of transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Drawing upon recent advances in computed tomography angiography, we delve into the nuanced evaluation of anatomic parameters crucial for predicting CO risk. Furthermore, this review explores the utility of interventional and surgical techniques, including chimney stenting and leaflet modification systems, in mitigating CO complications. In summary, this review serves as a practical guide for clinicians navigating the complexities of CO prevention and management in the evolving landscape of transcatheter aortic valve implantation, with the goal of optimizing patient outcomes and ensuring procedural success.

Using Ping-pong technique along with rapid inflate-deflate ballooning to solve total left main occlusion during transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure

Coronary obstruction during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) poses a significant threat, prompting a closer examination of prevention and bailout strategies. Following TAVR deployment with a coronary artery obstruction complication and recognizing the complexities involved in engaging the left main coronary artery through TAVR cells. This case introduces the "Ping-pong" technique using a second guide catheter. When faced with difficulty in engaging the catheter through TAVR cells, an innovative solution is proposed. Inserting a wire into the valsalva and utilizing a rapid inflate-deflate balloon maneuver successfully facilitates catheter access into the left main, offering a promising intervention for challenging scenarios. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the severe implications of coronary obstruction during TAVR. The innovative "Ping-pong" technique and rapid inflate-deflate balloons emerge as valuable interventions, showcasing their potential in challenging catheter engagement scenarios. These insights offer a promising avenue for enhancing patient outcomes in TAVR procedures.

Novel approach to stenting the left anterior descending coronary artery through a retrograde approach via the left internal mammary artery graft in a patient with occlusion of the coronary ostium from a prior aortic valve replacement

Total occlusion of both coronary ostia is a rare and potentially life-threatening complication following surgical aortic valve replacement. This report presents a case of a patient with known total occlusion of both coronary artery ostia following combined coronary artery bypass graft surgery and aortic valve replacement who underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention through a retrograde approach.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair of an anastomosis pseudoaneurysm after the Bentall procedure assisted by rapid ventricular pacing: A case report

Background

Although commonly used for the treatment of descending aortic dissection, endovascular repair is challenging for ascending aortic pseudoaneurysms. Rapid ventricular pacing (RVP), a method that temporarily impedes cardiac output by stopping ventricular activity, heralds potential benefits for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) during precision landing. Recently, we successfully treated an anastomosis pseudoaneurysm after the Bentall procedure using TEVAR assisted by RVP.

Case report

A 69-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with a ascending aortic anastomosis pseudoaneurysm. He had undergone a Bentall procedure and a coronary artery bypass grafting nine years prior. After extensive consultation, the decision was made to perform TEVAR with the assistance of RVP. After a covered stent graft was delivered to the precise location of the ascending aorta, RVP was performed at a frequency of 180 beats/min with a pacemaker. When a flattened arterial blood wave of <50 mmHg was observed, the stent graft was released precisely between the opening of the coronary graft and innominate artery. Angiography revealed the presence of an endoleak; therefore, a set of interlock coils were packed into the aneurysm. Subsequent angiography showed intact blood flow in the aorta, superior arch branches, and coronary graft vessels. The patient recovered uneventfully after the procedure. He was discharged six days later and was doing well at the eight-month follow-up.

Conclusion

The case indicates that TEVAR assisted by RVP is a promising combination for ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm in selected patients.

Aortic valve leaflet disruption techniques in transcatheter aortic valve replacement

With continued technological advancement and technical improvement of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), it has become a desirable treatment option for aortic valve stenosis. Its minimally invasive approach compared to surgical aortic valve replacement offers the treatment to a broader patient population, mainly non-surgical candidates. A feared complication of TAVR is the occlusion of coronary artery ostium by the native aortic valve leaflet due to its displacement by the expanded transcatheter valve. Bioprosthetic or native aortic scallop intentional laceration to prevent iatrogenic coronary artery obstruction (BASILICA) is a technique developed to mitigate this risk by creating a lengthwise laceration of the left and/or right aortic valve leaflets prior to TAVR. Patient outcomes following TAVR with BASILICA have been promising. Meticulous preoperative examination, patient selection, and hemodynamic management are imperative. With continued refinement, BASILICA may further expand the application of TAVR to patients at high risk for coronary occlusion associated with the procedure.

Long-term prognostic impact of paravalvular leakage on coronary artery disease requires patient-specific quantification of hemodynamics

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a frequently used minimally invasive intervention for patient with aortic stenosis across a broad risk spectrum. While coronary artery disease (CAD) is present in approximately half of TAVR candidates, correlation of post-TAVR complications such as paravalvular leakage (PVL) or misalignment with CAD are not fully understood. For this purpose, we developed a multiscale computational framework based on a patient-specific lumped-parameter algorithm and a 3-D strongly-coupled fluid-structure interaction model to quantify metrics of global circulatory function, metrics of global cardiac function and local cardiac fluid dynamics in 6 patients. Based on our findings, PVL limits the benefits of TAVR and restricts coronary perfusion due to the lack of sufficient coronary blood flow during diastole phase (e.g., maximum coronary flow rate reduced by 21.73%, 21.43% and 21.43% in the left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex (LCX) and right coronary artery (RCA) respectively (N = 6)). Moreover, PVL may increase the LV load (e.g., LV load increased by 17.57% (N = 6)) and decrease the coronary wall shear stress (e.g., maximum wall shear stress reduced by 20.62%, 21.92%, 22.28% and 25.66% in the left main coronary artery (LMCA), left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex (LCX) and right coronary artery (RCA) respectively (N = 6)), which could promote atherosclerosis development through loss of the physiological flow-oriented alignment of endothelial cells. This study demonstrated that a rigorously developed personalized image-based computational framework can provide vital insights into underlying mechanics of TAVR and CAD interactions and assist in treatment planning and patient risk stratification in patients.

Managing complications after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

INTRODUCTION

Although transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become a streamlined and standardized procedure, different complications still remain and need the operators to be properly trained about their management.

AREAS COVERED

This review article aims at offering a practical overview of the most impactful TAVI complications, analyzing, and discussing the potential risk factors, and focusing on the available strategies for their management.

EXPERT OPINION

Complications following TAVI have been decreasing thanks to technical advancements and operators experience. The thorough knowledge of potential complications and their prevention played a key role in the decreasing of complications rates. Pre-procedural, computed tomography angiography assessment of patient's anatomical characteristics, allows to properly choose and tailor the best strategy for managing complications in most of cases. Nevertheless, further research is required to shed lights about the optimal strategies to adopt for managing TAVI complications.

Coronary artery cannulation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has revolutionised the treatment of severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis and it is now a proven and effective alternative to surgery for patients regardless of preoperative risk stratification. Nevertheless, the consequent expansion towards younger patients with longer life expectancy focuses attention on long-term considerations. In particular, although the prevalence of coronary artery disease has been shown to decrease with the lowering of estimated risk stratification, the chance of requirement of future coronary interventions after TAVI increases dramatically as a function of patients' life expectancy. To date, however, only a few studies have investigated the feasibility and reproducibility of coronary artery cannulation after TAVI. Different conditions related mainly to aortic root anatomy and specific transcatheter aortic valve (TAV) designs and deployment have been associated with impaired coronary access after TAVI. In the present review, we will examine the conditions that may make coronary access after TAVI more challenging or even impossible.

Diagnostic Work-Up of the Aortic Patient: An Integrated Approach toward the Best Therapeutic Option

Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common valvular heart disease. In the last decade, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become the standard of care for symptomatic patients at high surgical risk. Recently, indications to TAVI have also been extended to the low surgical risk and intermediate surgical risk populations. Consequently, in this setting, some aspects acquire greater relevance: surgical risk evaluation, clinical assessment, multimodality imaging of the valve, and management of coronary artery disease. Moreover, future issues such as coronary artery re-access and valve-in-valve interventions should be considered in the valve selection process. This review aims to summarize the principal aspects of a multidimensional (multidisciplinary) and comprehensive preprocedural work-up. The Heart Team is at the center of the decision-making process of the management of aortic valve disease and bears responsibility for offering each patient a tailored approach based on an individual evaluation of technical aspects together with the risks and benefits of each modality. Considering the progressive expansion in TAVI indication and technological progress, the role of a work-up and multidisciplinary Heart Team will be even more relevant.

Mid-term clinical and health-related quality of life outcomes for the Trifecta bioprosthesis

Background

The Trifecta valve has been reported to have excellent hemodynamics. Controversy exists on occurrence of patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) and data on mid-term outcome is sparse. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessment for the Trifecta valve has not been reported before. The aim of this study was to report the mid-term clinical and HRQoL outcomes in patients undergoing Trifecta valve implantation at our institution.

Methods

In this prospective, observational study, patients undergoing an aortic valve replacement (AVR) using the Trifecta valve were included. Data collection was retrospective from prospectively collected institutional database. Clinical and echocardiographic data were collected prospectively during follow-up. Quality of life was assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire.

Results

Forty-seven patients were included in the study of which 9 (19%) were women. Isolated AVR was carried out in 33 (70%) patients. In-hospital mortality and 30-day mortality were 1 (2.1%) and 2 (4.2%), respectively. With a mean indexed effective orifice area (iEOA) 0.96 ± 0.1, none of the patients had severe PPM. Moderate PPM was seen in 19%. The mean follow-up was 3 ± 1.7 years. The 5-year survival estimate was 83.2% in the overall cohort, 81.4% in the isolated and 87.5% in the concomitant procedure group. Freedom from re-operation and structural valve degeneration at 5 years was 95.7% and 97.8%. The mean physical health composite was 69.24 ± 2 and the mean mental health composite was 69.7 ± 25, indicating excellent mental and physical well-being among patients.

Conclusion

The Trifecta valve provides satisfactory hemodynamics, survival and freedom from re-operation and excellent HRQoL at mid-term follow-up.

Bioprosthetic or native aortic scallop intentional laceration to prevent iatrogenic coronary artery obstruction technique in transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve procedures: a single-center initial experience

AIM

To describe six cases using the bioprosthetic or native aortic scallop intentional laceration to prevent iatrogenic coronary artery obstruction technique to prevent coronary artery obstruction during transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve procedures.

METHODS

All patients presented degeneration of a bovine pericardium bioprosthesis [four Trifecta (19, 21, 23, and 25 mm); two Mitroflow (25 and 27 mm)] resulting in severe aortic stenosis (n = 5) or severe aortic regurgitation (n = 1). Procedures were performed under fluoroscopic and echocardiography guidance, and the transfemoral access was used to deliver a self-expanding valve. Data are expressed as frequency or median (Q1-Q3).

RESULTS

Age, EuroScore II, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons score were 81 years (75-83.2), 2.9% (2.6-10.7), and 2.7% (2.3-3.2), respectively. Median left and right coronary heights were 9.1 mm (6.2-10.3) and 12.4 mm (10-13.5), respectively, with a median virtual transcatheter heart valve-to-coronary distance of 2.9 mm on the left and 4.6 mm on the right side. Isolated left leaflet laceration was planned in four patients, and bileaflet in two. One unsuccessful right leaflet laceration was reported, corresponding to the first patient (success rate 87.5%). All other seven leaflets lacerations were successfully performed, with no intraprocedure complications. No coronary obstruction, in-hospital death, valve complication, cardiovascular event, or pacemaker implantation were reported. All patients are being followed in routine outpatient visits, and no adverse events were registered.

CONCLUSION

The high procedural success and low complication rate reported in this initial experience, demonstrates that the bioprosthetic or native aortic scallop intentional laceration to prevent iatrogenic coronary artery obstruction technique can be a viable solution to prevent coronary obstruction in selected patients undergoing valve-in-valve procedures. Operator experience, periprocedural imaging and teamwork are essential to enable an accurate and successful procedure.

Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Coronary Obstruction Following Valve-in-Valve Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

There is scant information about the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of coronary obstruction (CO) following valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (VIV-TAVR). A meta-analysis of the published studies from January 2000 to April 2020 was conducted, and the endpoint was CO. A total of 2858 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean age was 77.7 ± 9.8, and 39.9% of them were female. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score, European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE), and Logistic EuroSCORE were 8.9 ± 7.8, 16.0 ± 10.9, and 26.3 ± 16.3, respectively. The overall incidence of CO was 2.58%. CO incidence between patients with prior stented and stentless valves were significantly different (1.67% versus 7.17%), with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.25 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.14-0.44 (P < 0.00001). The first-generation valves were significantly associated with higher CO incidence compared with the second-generation valves (7.09% versus 2.03%; OR, 2.44; 95%CI, 1.06-5.62; P = 0.04), while no statistical difference was found between self-expandable valves and balloon-expandable valves (2.45% versus 2.60%; OR, 0.99; 95%CI, 0.55-1.79; P = 0.98). Virtual transcatheter to coronary ostia (VTC) distance (3.3 ± 2.1 mm, n = 29 versus 5.8 ± 2.4 mm, n = 169; mean difference, -2.70; 95%CI, -3.46 to -1.95; P < 0.00001) and the sinus of Valsalva (SOV) diameter (27.5 ± 3.8 mm, n = 23 versus 32.3 ± 4.0 mm, n = 101; mean difference, -3.80; 95%CI, -6.55 to -1.05; P = 0.007) were enormously shorter in patients with CO. The 24-hour, in-hospital, and 30-day mortality of patients with CO were 10.5%, 30.8%, and 37.1%, respectively. In conclusion, device selections, VTC distances, and SOV diameters may be important factors in assessing the CO risk in VIV-TAVR.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement: potential use in lower-risk aortic stenosis

INTRODUCTION

The widespread use of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is expanding to low-risk patients. Nevertheless, a low clinical risk does not always correspond to a low procedural risk for the percutaneous approach.

AREAS COVERED

The initial trials on TAVI in low-risk populations had encouraging results, showing non-inferiority in comparison to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). However, the low-risk definition is based on risk score calculators developed for the surgical setting and not including other specific features that are more relevant to TAVI and can affect procedural outcomes. For example, the presence of bicuspid aortic valves, high calcific burden, low coronary height or conduction disturbances is all potentially associated with suboptimal results or even procedural complications. In addition, the lack of longer follow-up prevents us to draw conclusions about long-term outcomes, including data about valve durability and coronary re-access.

EXPERT OPINION

Although current evidence suggest similar results for TAVI and SAVR in low-risk populations, there are some technical and procedural limitations that still need to be addressed in order to close the gap between TAVI and surgery. Optimal, lasting results with a low rate of procedural complications are highly expected in low-risk, otherwise healthy subjects, with potential for longevity.

National Trends of Outcomes in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Through Transapical Versus Endovascular Approach: From the National Inpatient Sample (NIS)

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the trends in complication rates following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures according to the type of vascular approach (endovascular vs. transapical) in a large US population sample.

METHODS

The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried for all patients diagnosed with aortic stenosis who underwent a TAVR procedure in the United States during the years 2012-2016. Outcomes assessed were peri-procedural mortality, cardiac, and non-cardiac complications. Hospitalization outcomes were modeled using logistic regression for binary outcomes and generalized linear models for continuous outcomes.

RESULTS

There were 97,320 endovascular-TAVR patients and 11,140 transapical-TAVR patients. The mean age was 80.8 years (standard error of the mean: ± 0.1). Most patients were males (53.7%) and Caucasian (87.1%). On multivariate analysis, after adjusting for age, gender, comorbidities, as well as hospital factors, patients with the transapical approach had a higher risk for mortality and adverse outcomes. Among the endovascular-TAVR group, national trends showed a diminishing incidence of procedural mortality (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.77; 95% CI: 0.72-0.84, p < 0.001), stroke (IRR 0.80; 95% CI: 0.73-0.87, p < 0.001), and all secondary outcomes, but no significant change in myocardial infarction. In contrast, most transapical-TAVR related procedural complications remained unchanged over time, except for a significant decrease in stroke, acute respiratory failure and need for pacemaker insertion.

CONCLUSION

National trends show a steady increase in the number of endovascular-TAVR procedures with a concurrent decrease in procedural complications.