2024 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association (AHA), in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and obesity) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose control, and metabolic syndrome) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The AHA Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, brain health, complications of pregnancy, kidney disease, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, sudden cardiac arrest, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, valvular disease, venous thromboembolism, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The AHA, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States and globally to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2024 AHA Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2023 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and AHA staff members. The AHA strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional global data, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Outcomes of transcatheter pulmonary SAPIEN 3 valve implantation: an international registry

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) is indicated to treat right-ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction related to congenital heart disease (CHD). Outcomes of TPVI with the SAPIEN 3 valve that are insufficiently documented were investigated in the EUROPULMS3 registry of SAPIEN 3-TPVI.

METHODS

Patient-related, procedural, and follow-up outcome data were retrospectively assessed in this observational cohort from 35 centres in 15 countries.

RESULTS

Data for 840 consecutive patients treated in 2014-2021 at a median age of 29.2 (19.0-41.6) years were obtained. The most common diagnosis was conotruncal defect (70.5%), with a native or patched RVOT in 50.7% of all patients. Valve sizes were 20, 23, 26, and 29 mm in 0.4%, 25.5%, 32.1%, and 42.0% of patients, respectively. Valve implantation was successful in 98.5% [95% confidence interval (CI), 97.4%-99.2%] of patients. Median follow-up was 20.3 (7.1-38.4) months. Eight patients experienced infective endocarditis; 11 required pulmonary valve replacement, with a lower incidence for larger valves (P = .009), and four experienced pulmonary valve thrombosis, including one who died and three who recovered with anticoagulation. Cumulative incidences (95%CI) 1, 3, and 6 years after TPVI were as follows: infective endocarditis, 0.5% (0.0%-1.0%), 0.9% (0.2%-1.6%), and 3.8% (0.0%-8.4%); pulmonary valve replacement, 0.4% (0.0%-0.8%), 1.3% (0.2%-2.4%), and 8.0% (1.2%-14.8%); and pulmonary valve thrombosis, 0.4% (0.0%-0.9%), 0.7% (0.0%-1.3%), and 0.7% (0.0%-1.3%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes of SAPIEN 3 TPVI were favourable in patients with CHD, half of whom had native or patched RVOTs.

Unmet Clinical Needs for Transcatheter Pulmonary Valves

A common feature of congenital heart disease is the presence of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction that can range from mild to severe and can lead to atresia of the pulmonary valve, in extreme conditions. RVOT abnormalities can frequently be corrected surgically or via interventional means. However, most of these patients will ultimately develop pulmonary valve insufficiency and eventual right ventricular dilation, which will require a pulmonary valve replacement at some point in their life to mitigate the detrimental effects of pulmonary valve regurgitation (PVR) on the right ventricle (RV). The evolution from the studies done by Philip Bonhoeffer to implant a pulmonary valve via transcatheter means, have provided a bedrock for transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR). Yet, several areas of unmet need for a demographic of patients still exist. Here, we discuss the clinical unmet needs in children under 20 Kg and expand the use of hybrid and other TPVR approaches along with the current indications and contraindications for pulmonary valve replacement. The constraints and limitations from commercially available pulmonary valves will be discussed from a clinical standpoint. Finally, we explore the use of hybrid and periventricular delivery of transcatheter pulmonary valves in younger patients.

Infective Endocarditis Risk with Melody versus Sapien Valves Following Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Implantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) is an effective non-surgical treatment method for patients with right ventricle outflow tract dysfunction. The Medtronic Melody and the Edwards Sapien are the two valves approved for use in TPVI. Since TPVI patients are typically younger, even a modest annual incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) is significant. Several previous studies have shown a growing risk of IE after TPVI. There is uncertainty regarding the overall incidence of IE and differences in the risk of IE between the valves.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane databases from inception to 1 January 2023 using the search terms 'pulmonary valve implantation', 'TPVI', or 'PPVI'. The primary outcome was the pooled incidence of IE following TPVI in Melody and Sapien valves and the difference in incidence between Sapien and Melody valves. Fixed effect and random effect models were used depending on the valve. Meta-regression with random effects was conducted to test the difference in the incidence of IE between the two valves.

RESULTS

A total of 22 studies (including 10 Melody valve studies, 8 Sapien valve studies, and 4 studies that included both valves (572 patients that used the Sapien valve and 1395 patients that used the Melody valve)) were used for the final analysis. Zero IE incidence following TPVI was reported by eight studies (66.7%) that utilized Sapien valves compared to two studies (14.3%) that utilized Melody valves. The pooled incidence of IE following TPVI with Sapien valves was 2.1% (95% CI: 0.9% to 5.13%) compared to 8.5% (95% CI: 4.8% to 15.2%) following TPVI with Melody valves. Results of meta-regression indicated that the Sapien valve had a 79.6% (95% CI: 24.2% to 94.4%, p = 0.019; R2 = 34.4) lower risk of IE incidence compared to the Melody valve.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of IE following TPVI differs significantly. A prudent valve choice in favor of Sapien valves to lower the risk of post-TPVI endocarditis may be beneficial.

Infective endocarditis after transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation in patients with congenital heart disease: Distinctive features

The introduction of transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) has greatly benefited the management of right ventricular outflow tract dysfunction. Infective endocarditis (IE) is a feared complication of TPVI that affects valve durability and patient outcomes. Current recommendations provide only limited guidance on the management of IE after TPVI (TPVI-IE). This article, by a group of experts in congenital heart disease in children and adults, interventional cardiology, infectious diseases including IE, and microbiology, provides a comprehensive review of the current evidence on TPVI-IE, including its incidence, risk factors, causative organisms, diagnosis, and treatment. The incidence of TPVI-IE varies from 13-91/1000 person-years for Melody valves to 8-17/1000 person-years for SAPIEN valves. Risk factors include history of IE, DiGeorge syndrome, immunosuppression, male sex, high residual transpulmonary gradient and portal of bacteria entry. Staphylococci and streptococci are the most common culprits, whereas Staphylococcus aureus is associated with the most severe disease. In addition to the modified Duke criteria, a high residual gradient warrants a strong suspicion. Imaging studies are helpful for the diagnosis. Intravenous antibiotics guided by blood culture results are the mainstay of treatment. Invasive re-intervention may be required. TPVI-IE in patients with congenital heart disease exhibits several distinctive features. Whether specific valve types are associated with a higher risk of TPVI-IE requires further investigation. Patient and parent education regarding IE prevention may have a role to play and should be offered to all patients.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2023 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2022 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. The American Heart Association strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) publications, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Staged Percutaneous Management of Pulmonary Atresia and Intact Interventricular Septum: Stretching the Limits

Aims

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS) can be treated by catheter-based interventions and complemented by various surgical procedures. We aim to determine a long-term treatment strategy to enable patients to be surgery free, depending solely on percutaneous interventions.

Methods and Results

We selected five patients from among a cohort of patients with PA/IVS treated at birth with radiofrequency perforation and dilatation of the pulmonary valve. Patients had reached a pulmonary valve annulus of 20 mm or larger on their biannual echocardiographic follow-up, with right ventricular dilatation. The findings, together with the right ventricular outflow tract and pulmonary arterial tree, were confirmed by multislice computerised tomography. Based on the angiographic size of the pulmonary valve annulus, all patients were successfully implanted with either Melody® or Edwards® pulmonary valves percutaneously, regardless of their small weights and ages. No complications were encountered.

Conclusion

We managed to stretch the age and weight limitations for performing percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI): interventions were attempted whenever a pulmonary annulus size of >20 mm was reached, which was rationalised by the prevention of progressive right ventricular outflow tract dilatation and accommodating valves between 24 and 26 mm, which is enough to sustain a normal pulmonary flow in adulthood.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2022 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update. The 2022 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. This year's edition includes data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population and an enhanced focus on social determinants of health, adverse pregnancy outcomes, vascular contributions to brain health, and the global burden of cardiovascular disease and healthy life expectancy.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Nationwide Registry-Based Analysis of Infective Endocarditis Risk After Pulmonary Valve Replacement

Background Infective endocarditis (IE) after pulmonary valve replacements in congenital heart disease is a significant concern. This study aimed to identify specific long-term risk factors for IE after percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation or surgical pulmonary valve replacement. Methods and Results All patients with congenital heart disease from the National Register for Congenital Heart Defects with at least 1 pulmonary valve replacement before January 2018 were included. A total of 1170 patients (56.3% men, median age at study inclusion 12 [interquartile range {Q1-Q3} 5-20 years]) received 1598 pulmonary valve replacements. IE occurred in 4.8% of patients during a follow-up of total 9397 patient-years (median 10 [Q1-Q3, 6-10] years per patient). After homograft implantation 7 of 558 (1.3%) patients developed IE, after heterograft implantation 31 of 723 (4.3%) patients, and after Melody valve implantation 18 of 241 (7.5%) patients. Edwards Sapien and mechanical valves were used less frequently and remained without IE. The incidence of IE in heterografts excluding Contegra valves was 7 of 278 (2.5%), whereas the incidence of IE in Contegra valves was 24 of 445 (5.4%). The risk of IE was not increased compared with homografts if Contegra valves were excluded from the heterografts (hazard ratio [HR], 2.60; P=0.075). The risk of IE was increased for bovine jugular vein valves, Contegra valves (HR, 6.72; P<0.001), and Melody valves (HR, 5.49; P<0.001), but did not differ between Melody valves and Contegra valves (HR, 1.01; P=0.978). Conclusions Bovine jugular vein valves have the highest risk of IE, irrespective of the mode of deployment, either surgical or percutaneous.

Edwards SAPIEN XT transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation: 5-year follow-up in a French Registry

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to investigate patient intermediate-term outcomes after transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) with Edwards SAPIEN valve.

BACKGROUND

The Edwards SAPIEN valve, initially designed for percutaneous aortic valve replacement, has been approved for TPVR in patients with dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tracts (RVOT), but only short-term follow-up has been reported.

METHODS

From 2011 to 2016, 62 patients undergoing successful TPVR using the SAPIEN XT valve were consecutively included into the study. Primary efficacy and safety endpoints were defined as freedom from valve-reintervention and freedom from infective endocarditis at last follow-up, respectively.

RESULTS

The primary efficacy outcome was met for 87.1% patients after a mean follow-up of 4.6 ± 1.8 years, corresponding to a freedom of reintervention at 5 years of 89% (95% CI 74.8-95.6%). Reinterventions were exclusively due to recurrent obstruction, no significant valvular regurgitation was observed. One case of infective endocarditis was reported, corresponding to a rate of 0.35% per patient-year (95% CI 0.01-2.00%). At 5 years, freedom from infective endocarditis was 98.4% (95% CI 89.1-99.8%). Six patients died or were transplanted due to advanced cardiac failure, without relationship with TPVR. In univariate analysis, reintervention was associated with young age, a smaller tube-graft, a higher pulmonary valve gradient after the procedure and a ratio of largest implanted stent diameter to invasive balloon conduit diameter over 1.35.

CONCLUSIONS

This study documents the mid-term safety and efficacy of the Edwards SAPIEN XT valve in patients with dysfunctional RVOT, and identifies a patient profile associated with an uncertain benefit-risk balance.

Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement With the Sapien Prosthesis

BACKGROUND

There are limited published data focused on outcomes of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) with either a Sapien XT or Sapien 3 (S3) valve.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to report short-term outcomes in a large cohort of patients who underwent TPVR with either a Sapien XT or S3 valve.

METHODS

Data were entered retrospectively into a multicenter registry for patients who underwent attempted TPVR with a Sapien XT or S3 valve. Patient-related, procedural, and short-term outcomes data were characterized overall and according to type of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) anatomy.

RESULTS

Twenty-three centers enrolled a total of 774 patients: 397 (51%) with a native/patched RVOT; 183 (24%) with a conduit; and 194 (25%) with a bioprosthetic valve. The S3 was used in 78% of patients, and the XT was used in 22%, with most patients receiving a 29-mm (39%) or 26-mm (34%) valve. The implant was technically successful in 754 (97.4%) patients. Serious adverse events were reported in 67 patients (10%), with no difference between RVOT anatomy groups. Fourteen patients underwent urgent surgery. Nine patients had a second valve implanted. Among patients with available data, tricuspid valve injury was documented in 11 (1.7%), and 9 others (1.3%) had new moderate or severe regurgitation 2 grades higher than pre-implantation, for 20 (3.0%) total patients with tricuspid valve complications. Valve function at discharge was excellent in most patients, but 58 (8.5%) had moderate or greater pulmonary regurgitation or maximum Doppler gradients >40 mm Hg. During limited follow-up (n = 349; median: 12 months), 9 patients were diagnosed with endocarditis, and 17 additional patients underwent surgical valve replacement or valve-in-valve TPVR.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute outcomes after TPVR with balloon-expandable valves were generally excellent in all types of RVOT. Additional data and longer follow-up will be necessary to gain insight into these issues.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2021 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update. The 2021 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. This year's edition includes data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, an enhanced focus on social determinants of health, adverse pregnancy outcomes, vascular contributions to brain health, the global burden of cardiovascular disease, and further evidence-based approaches to changing behaviors related to cardiovascular disease.

RESULTS

Each of the 27 chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policy makers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation in 100 patients: a 10-year single-center experience

Introduction

Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) is a non-surgical method of treatment for patients with right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction after surgical repair of congenital heart defects (CHD).

Aim

To evaluate the long-term results of TPVI performed in a single center.

Material and methods: Over 10 years, TPVI was performed in 100 patients (mean age: 26.4 ±8.1 years), using Melody Medtronic or Sapien Edwards valves.

Results

The initial success rate of TPVI was 93%. In 7 cases (5 urgent), a switch to surgical intervention was necessary due to periprocedural complications (all patients survived). Following TPVI, none of the 93 patients had severe pulmonary regurgitation. The pulmonary gradient decreased from 49.0 ±37.8 before to 27.6 ±14.9 mm Hg directly after TPVI (p < 0.0001). Right ventricular end-diastolic volume decreased, while NYHA class and pVO₂ uptake significantly improved in 1 year after TPVI. Freedom from reintervention was 100% in 1 year. Freedom from serious adverse events was 86% in mean 5.5 years of observation. The main reason for reintervention was infective endocarditis (IE) (1.6% patients/year). Increased risk of IE was associated with severe PS before valve implantation and the suboptimal result of TPVI. The incidence of IE seems to be lower in patients treated permanently with antiplatelet therapy (1.8% vs. 0.9% patients/year, NS).

Conclusions

TPVI is a safe and effective method of treatment in patients with RVOT dysfunction after surgical correction of CHD. To achieve a good outcome, precise patient selection and rigorous IE prevention are necessary.

The snared wire technique for Sapien valve implantation in the pulmonary position

OBJECTIVES

Description of the snared wire technique (SWT) to facilitate the delivery of the Sapien valve in pulmonary position, and comparison with standard delivery technique.

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) with the Sapien delivery system has proven to be challenging. Therefore, alternative strategies for facilitating its delivery in this position are needed.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent TPVR with or without the new SWT. The SWT was chosen as an elective strategy when the anatomy was judged to be challenging for TPVR (planned SWT) or as a rescue strategy when a standard delivery failed (rescue SWT).

RESULTS

From February 2018 to January 2020, 84 patients underwent TPVR with a Sapien S3 valve using either a standard delivery (n = 63, 75%) or a SWT (n = 21, 25%). Fifteen patients underwent a planned SWT, six patients underwent a rescue SWT after failure of a standard delivery. All planned SWT cases were successful and, compared to the standard delivery group, no significant differences were found in terms of time to valve-deployment, fluoroscopy time, procedure time, or frequency of complications. Rescue SWT cases had longer fluoroscopy time (p = .05), longer time to valve-deployment (p = .0001), and higher frequency of complications (p = .002) including tricuspid valve injury (p = .0004), but allowed the operator to successfully implant the valve into the desired location.

CONCLUSIONS

Even in the most challenging anatomies, the SWT represents a feasible and effective alternative strategy for TPVR with the Sapien valve that should be considered when other techniques have failed.

Implantation of the Edwards SAPIEN XT and SAPIEN 3 valves for pulmonary position in enlarged native right ventricular outflow tract

OBJECTIVE

Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) into right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduits is increasingly being performed, but a few options are available for patients with a dilated native right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), among which is the off-label use of Ed-wards SAPIEN® valves. This study reviews the results of the SAPIEN XT and SAPIEN 3 (S3) valve implantations in the pulmonary position in patients with a dilated native RVOT.

METHODS

Between January 2015 and March 2020, PPVI procedures were performed on 129 patients. Among them, 103 (80%) had dilated native RVOT, 86 of whom were eligible for PPVI prestenting and valve implantation. Retrospective analysis was performed on 84 patients who have undergone successful PPVI implantation using the SAPIEN XT or S3 valves with dilated native RVOT.

RESULTS

The procedural success rate was 84/86 (98%). The median age was 18.7 years (8-46 years), and the median weight was 57 kg (22-102 kg). The primary underlying diagnosis was tetralogy of Fallot (n=77/84). Stenting was performed simultaneously with valve implantation in 50/84 (60%) cases-six of which were hybrid procedures-whereas prestenting was performed 3 to 14 weeks earlier in 34/84 cases. Before valve im-plantation, the median right anterior oblique and lateral diameters of the stents were 26 mm (20-32 mm) and 28 mm (21-32 mm). Valve sizes were 26 mm (n=13) and 29 mm (n=64) for XT and 29 mm (n=7) for S3. In 59 patients, an additional 1-5 ml (median 2 ml) volume was added to the valves' balloons for stabilization. In all hybrid procedures, the stent and valve were implanted in the same session. During follow-ups of 1 to 59 months (median 14 months), no deaths were reported, 3 patients developed tricuspid regurgitation secondary to the procedure, and valves continued to function in all patients.

CONCLUSION

The Edwards SAPIEN XT and S3 valves may be an alternative to PPVI in patients with dilated native RVOT.

Intermediate outcomes of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement with the Edwards Sapien 3 valve - German experience

Background: After encouraging results with the Edwards Sapien and XT valves, this study aimed to review procedural data and early outcomes for the Sapien 3 valves for transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR). Methods: We performed a multicenter, retrospective analysis of cases who underwent a Sapien 3 TPVR between 2015 and 2017 in 7 centers in Germany with a follow-up of up to 2 years. Results: 56 patients could be enrolled (weight 58,5 ± 25,0 kg; 53% Tetralogy of Fallot, 45% native RVOT). Most procedures were two-stage procedures (82,1%) with 100% prestenting. Valve sizes were 20 mm (n = 1), 23 mm (n = 15), 26 mm (n = 27), 29 mm (n = 13). Procedural success rate was 96.4%. Two patients underwent surgical valve implantation after balloon rupture during TPVR. Follow-up data were available up to 24-month post TPVR. The rate of patients with ? moderate and severe pulmonary regurgitation decreased to 0% after TPVR, peak systolic gradient decreased from 24,2 (SD±20,9) mmHg to 7,1 mmHg (SD±5,0). There were no endocarditis, severe tricuspid valve impairment or stent fractures. Conclusions: With the Edwards Sapien 3 valve, the patient pool for TPVR can be substantially extended. Continued data collection is necessary to verify long-term results.