Comparative Quantitative Aortographic Assessment of Regurgitation in Patients Treated With VitaFlow Transcatheter Heart Valve vs. Other Self-Expanding Systems

Predictors for new-onset conduction block in patients with pure native aortic regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement with a new-generation self-expanding valve (VitaFlow Liberty™): a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

New-generation self-expanding valves can improve the success rate of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for severe pure native aortic regurgitation (PNAR). However, predictors of new-onset conduction block post-TAVR using new-generation self-expanding valves in patients with PNAR remain to be established. Therefore, this study aimed to identify predictors of new-onset conduction block post-TAVR using new-generation self-expanding valves (VitaFlow Liberty™) in patients with PNAR.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, patients were categorized into pacemaker and non-pacemaker groups based on their need for new postoperative permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI). Based on the postoperative presence of either new-onset complete left bundle branch block (cLBBB) or high-grade atrioventricular block (AVB), patients were further classified into conduction disorder and non-conduction disorder groups. Laboratory, echocardiographic, computed tomography, preoperative and postoperative electrocardiography, and procedural and clinical data were collected immediately after TAVR and during hospitalization and compared between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed incorporating the significant variables from the univariate analyses.

RESULTS

This study examined 68 consecutive patients with severe PNAR who underwent TAVR. In 20 patients, a permanent pacemaker was fitted postoperatively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed an association between the need for postoperative PPI and preoperative complete right bundle branch block (cRBBB) or first-degree AVB, as well as a non-tubular left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). In addition, valve implantation depth and angle of aortic root were independent predictors of new-onset cLBBB or high-grade AVB developing post-TAVR. The predictive value of valve implantation depth and angle of aortic root was further supported by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis results.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with PNAR undergoing TAVR using self-expanding valves, preoperative cRBBB or first-degree AVB and a non-tubular LVOT were indicators of a higher likelihood of PPI requirement. Moreover, deeper valve implantation depth and greater angle of aortic root may be independent risk factors for new-onset cLBBB or high-grade AVB post-TAVR. Valve implantation depth and angle of aortic root values may be used to predict the possibility of new cLBBB or high-grade AVB post-TAVR.

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide is associated with clinical outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND

Limited data on the prognostic value of periprocedural changes of plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

METHODS

Data of plasma NT-proBNP were retrospectively collected in 357 patients before TAVR procedure and at discharge from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2021 in our single center. Patients were grouped as responders and non-responders according to the NT-proBNP ratio (postprocedural NT-proBNP at discharge/ preprocedural NT-proBNP). Responders were defined as NT-proBNP ratio < 1 and non-responders were defined as NT-proBNP ratio ≥ 1. Outcomes were defined according to the Valve Academy Research Consortium (VARC)-3 criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 234 patients (65.5%) and 123 patients (34.5%) were grouped as the responders and the non-responders, respectively. Responders and non-responders were significantly different in both median preprocedural (2103.5 vs. 421.0 pg/ml, p < 0.001) and postprocedural (707.6 vs. 1009.0, p < 0.001) NT-proBNP levels. Patients in the non-responder group were more inclined to have comorbidities of hypertension (73.2% vs. 51.7%, p < 0.001), hyperlipidaemia (46.3% vs. 34.6%, p = 0.031), peripheral vascular disease (20.3% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.001) and pure aortic insufficiency (15.4% vs. 4.3%, p < 0.001). In the contrast, patients in the responder group had higher prevalence of maximum transvalvular velocity (4.6 vs. 4.2 m/s, p < 0.001), reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (58.0% vs. 63.0%, p < 0.001), heart failure (9.4% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.014), mitral regurgitation ≥ moderate (13.7% vs. 4.9%, p = 0.010), tricuspid regurgitation ≥ moderate (12.0% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.002), and pulmonary hypertension (32.9% vs. 13.0%, p < 0.001). Patients in the non-responder group were moderately longer than the responder group in total hospitalization length (14 vs. 12 days, p < 0.001). The non-responder group were significantly associated with cumulative all-cause mortality (p = 0.009) and cardiac mortality (p < 0.001) during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Periprocedural changes of NT-proBNP is clinically useful for the risk stratification of survival in patients after TAVR.

Short- to mid-term outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with ascending aorta dilation: a single-centre retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVES

Ascending aorta dilation (AAD) is frequently associated with aortic stenosis (AS). This study investigated the procedural and clinical outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with AAD for tricuspid AS.

METHODS

This is a single-centre retrospective study that included patients with tricuspid AS and who underwent TAVR between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2021. A total of 239 patients met the inclusion criteria. The ascending aortic diameter was measured on computed tomography (CT) scans before TAVR, and AAD was identified as a maximal ascending aortic diameter of ≥ 40 mm. The outcomes were in line with the Valve Academy Research Consortium (VARC)-3 criteria.

RESULTS

Self-expandable (SE) valves were used in 88.7% of the total cohort (89.0% in the AAD group and 88.6% in the non-AAD group). Seventy-three patients (30.5%) were diagnosed with concomitant AAD (mean age 73.7 ± 7.3 years, 57.5% male). The median ascending aortic diameter was 36.0 mm (interquartile range [IQR]: 34.0-37.0 mm) in the non-AAD group and 44.0 mm (IQR: 42.0-46.0 mm) in the AAD group (p < 0.001). The baseline characteristics were comparable across the groups. No significant difference was observed in cumulative all-cause mortality at 30 days (2.4% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.609), 1 year (9.2% vs. 5.0%, p = 0.191), or 3 years (13.1% vs. 9.5%, p = 0.201) between the non-AAD and AAD groups. The device success rate was not different between the non-AAD and AAD groups (74.7% vs. 82.2%, p = 0.205). The multivariable analysis identified prior percutaneous coronary intervention, prior stroke, and length of intensive care unit as independent predictors of 3-year all-cause mortality among the total cohort.

CONCLUSION

AAD does not appear to be associated with the procedural and mid-term clinical outcomes in patients undergoing TAVR.