Predictors of Clinical Success After Transcatheter Paravalvular Leak Closure: An International Prospective Multicenter Registry

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter closure of a symptomatic prosthetic paravalvular leak (PVL) is feasible, but there is presently no conclusive evidence to show consistent efficacy. We aimed to identify predictors of clinical success after transcatheter PVL closure.

METHODS

Consecutive patients referred to 24 European centers for transcatheter PVL closure in 2017 to 2019 were included in a prospective registry (Fermeture de Fuite ParaProthétique, FFPP). Clinical success was absence of any of the following within 1 month: re-admission for heart failure, blood transfusion, open-heart valvular surgery, and death.

RESULTS

We included 216 symptomatic patients, who underwent 238 percutaneous PVL closure procedures on the mitral (64.3%), aortic (34.0%), or tricuspid (1.7%) valve. Symptoms were heart failure, hemolytic anemia, or both in 48.9%, 7.8%, and 43.3% of patients, respectively. One, 2, and 3 leaks were treated during the same procedure in 69.6%, 26.6%, and 3.8% of patients, respectively. The PVL was pinpoint or involved 1/8 or 1/4 of the valve circumference in 18.6%, 52.4%, and 28.1% of cases, respectively. The most frequently used devices were the Vascular Plug 3, Ventricular Septal Defect Occluder, Vascular Plug 2, and Paravalvular Leak Device (45.0%, 16.6%, 14.2%, and 13.6% of cases, respectively). Successful device(s) implantation with leak reduction to ≤grade 2 was obtained in 85.0% of mitral and 91.4% of aortic procedures, respectively (P=0.164); with major periprocedural adverse event rates of 3.3% and 1.2%, respectively (P=0.371); and clinical success rates of 70.3% and 88.0%, respectively (P=0.004). By multivariate analysis, technical failure, mechanical valve, and hemolytic anemia were independently associated with absence of clinical success (odds ratios [95% CIs], 7.7 [2.0-25.0]; P=0.002; 3.6 [1.1-11.1]; P=0.036; and 3.7 [1.2-11.9]; P=0.025; respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Transcatheter PVL closure is efficient and safe in symptomatic patients but is associated with a lower clinical success rate in patients with hemolysis and/or a mechanical valve.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifiers: NCT05089136.

Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)-Guided Paravalvular Leak (PVL) Closure: Expanding Horizons Beyond Operating Room

Paravalvular leak (PVL) is a common, yet challenging entity occurring due to dehiscence of the annular tissue around the prosthetic valve, resulting in regurgitation of blood retrogradely. Although any prosthetic valve can be subjected to the risk of developing PVL, it is most commonly reported with the mitral valve followed by the aortic valve. The incidence of mitral PVL is around 7 to 17%, whereas with the aortic valve it is 5 to 10%. Symptomology can vary from asymptomatic patients with mild PVL to disabling symptoms pertaining to heart failure and hemolysis. TEE plays a pivotal role in the overall assessment along with procedural guidance for their closure. Multiple two-dimensional (2D) imaging views are required to scan the entire sewing ring diameter of a prosthetic valve. Three-dimensional (3D) TEE can give crucial information such as the number, size, shape, and circumference of the defects. 3D mitral en face view can give anatomical localization of the defect. During the procedure, TEE can assist in the confirmation of the position of the guidewire through the defect and not through the prosthetic valve. It also helps to conform to the adequate positioning of the vascular plug device and unrestrictive movement of the native prosthetic heart valve. TEE when combined with fluoroscopy can help in real-time guidance of passage of the guidewire and transcatheter device in relation to the prosthetic valve. Recently, Ahmed et al have named this technology as “Fusion Technique,” where they have combined real-time 2D and 3D TEE with fluoroscopy to facilitate the closure of PVL. Now that the time of minimally invasive surgery has taken over conventional surgery and fast tracking and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is the need of the moment, percutaneous PVL closure is preferred over surgical PVL closure. A study done by Gakrinho et al showed that percutaneous PVL closure has a reasonable success rate along with a low complication rate and the results are comparable to surgical treatment in high-risk patients. We hereby share our experience of the successful closure of PVL via the transcatheter technique using various 2D and 3D techniques.

Percutaneous management of paravalvular leaks

Paravalvular leak (PVL) is a challenging complication of valve replacement surgery that can cause heart failure and haemolysis. Surgical repair is the traditional treatment for severe, symptomatic PVL, but many patients with PVL fall into high-risk categories for redo surgery. Percutaneous techniques for closure of PVL have been increasingly refined over the last decade with availability of approved purpose-specific devices for closure. Percutaneous closure requires a heart team approach, with attention paid to appropriate preprocedural and periprocedural imaging to ensure a successful closure with minimal residual leak or complication. There are limited studies addressing the selection of a percutaneous approach to PVL. No randomised trials comparing surgical and percutaneous repair have been conducted. Large national registries from the UK and Ireland and from Spain have demonstrated that high rates of technical success can be achieved, with mortality comparable with surgical repair. Six retrospective studies comparing surgical and percutaneous approaches have been published. These broadly show comparable technical success between the interventions, with reduced short-term mortality among patients treated percutaneously. Long-term outcomes were similar between both treatment options. Percutaneous repair is an attractive treatment option in many patients due to its reduced invasiveness and quicker recovery period. However, more prospective studies are needed to validate its place in the armamentarium of the heart team.

Editorial comment: "Plug-In Hybrid"-Are we ready for this in heart valve surgery?

If we think about plug-in hybrids, the treatment of paravalvular leaks in cardiac surgery may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, there appears to be an attractive analogy between the plug in hybrid car and an interventional device that may be "plugged in" intra-operatively to treat a paravalvular leak. Both technologies provide additional degrees of freedom to the fields, combine different technologies but may also be criticized for their increase in cost, introduction of new problems and their questionable practical need. We address this analogy based on a case series presented in this issue of the Journal of Cardiac Surgery.

Paravalvular leak closure: Still a challenge with unpredictable results

INTRODUCTION

Paravalvular leak (PVL) is a common serious complication associated with prosthetic valve implantation.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to report our single-center experience in a retrospective review and to analyze possible predictors of success.

METHODS

We performed 33 percutaneous PVL closures in 26 patients (54% female, mean age 65±13 years). All mitral prostheses were studied previously with 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and aortic prostheses with 2D/3D TEE. 3D TEE and fluoroscopy were used for the assessment, planning, and guidance of the interventions. Twelve patients also underwent computed tomography angiography for better characterization of anatomic details.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients (69.2%) were admitted due to heart failure (New York Heart Association [NYHA] III or IV, seven (26.9%) because of heart failure and hemolysis, and one (3.8%) due to hemolysis only. Regarding the leaks, 46.2% were in aortic and 53.8% in mitral prostheses, 88.5% in mechanical and 7.7% in biological prostheses, and 3.8% in transcatheter aortic valve implants. All the aortic patients had severe aortic regurgitation. Furthermore, all mitral patients but one had moderate to severe or severe mitral regurgitation. Closure was successful in 17 patients (65.4%), partially successful in four (15.4%) and unsuccessful in five (19.2%). After the procedure, 69% were in NYHA I-II. Hemolysis worsened in three patients despite successful closure; all required further valvular surgery and two died. Regarding angiographic and echocardiographic procedural success, we analyzed age, gender, type of prosthesis (mechanical or biological), location (aortic or mitral), clinical data, maximum leak diameter, anatomic regurgitant orifice, leak location (anterior, posterior, inferior and lateral for mitral leaks and left, right and non-coronary sinus for aortic leaks), and number of devices (plugs) used for closure. No parameters presented a significant relationship with success excepting previous hemolysis. There was a relationship between clinical improvement and reduction of PVL (p=0.0001). In follow-up, cardiac-related events (new hospital admissions, cardiac valvular surgery, need for transfusion) were more frequent in patients with partially successful or unsuccessful closure (p=0.012). There was a relationship between cardiac-related events and death (p=0.029).

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous PVL closure has emerged as an alternative treatment for PVL. Predictors of procedural success are difficult to establish. Survival is related to reduction of regurgitation and improvement in NYHA functional class.

Transbrachial Access for Transcatheter Closure of Paravalvular Leak Following Prosthetic Valve Replacement

Background: Transcatheter closure of paravalvular leak (PVL) has evolved into an alternative to surgery in high-risk patients. In this study, we introduce a new access for transcatheter closure of PVL and seek to evaluate the feasibility and safety of this access.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing transbrachial access for transcatheter mitral or aortic PVL closure (August 2017–November 2019) at our hospital. All patients underwent puncture of the brachial artery under local anesthesia.

Results: The study population included 11 patients, with an average age of 55.91 ± 14.82 years. Ten out of 11 patients were successfully implanted with devices via the brachial artery approach, and one patient was converted to the transseptal approach. The technical success rate of transbrachial access was 90.9%. Mean NYHA functional class improved from 3.1 ± 0.5 before the procedure to 1.9 ± 0.5 after PVL closure. Severe paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) in five patients and moderate PVR in six patients prior to the procedure were significantly reduced to mild in four patients and none in seven patients after the procedure. Complications included one case of pseudoaneurysm and one case of moderate hemolysis aggravation after closure. One patient had an unknown cause of sudden death within 24 h after the procedure. The half-year mortality rate during follow-up was 9.1% (1/11).

Conclusions: Transbrachial access for transcatheter closure of PVL may be a feasible and safe treatment and should include well-selected patients. It has several potential advantages of simplifying the procedure process and reducing postprocedural bed rest time.

Percutaneous management of paravalvular leaks

Paravalvular leak (PVL) is a complication that occurs in 5-17% of patients after surgical prosthetic valve implantation. Whereas PVLs can be benign, some PVLs are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Percutaneous closure using occluders specifically designed to improve closure and reduce procedural complications has now become the first-line treatment for PVL. In this Review, we first detail the frequency and clinical consequences of PVL closure. The role of cardiac imaging in the assessment and management of PVL, including echocardiographic imaging and adjunctive techniques such as CT, is then discussed, together with important considerations for the percutaneous closure of PVL, such as access site and device selection. Finally, we summarize the clinical evidence for percutaneous closure of PVL, including large national registries from Ireland, Spain and the UK, as well as head-to-head data comparing this procedure with surgical closure.

Case report of simultaneous transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve implantation and percutaneous closure of two paravalvular leaks

Background

Concomitant structural degeneration of surgical mitral bioprostheses and paravalvular leak (PVL) is rare but potentially fatal. Data pertaining to simultaneous transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) and percutaneous PVL closure are limited, and the optimal treatment strategy remains undetermined. We report a case of simultaneous TMVI and double percutaneous PVL closure in a patient with a degenerated bioprosthetic mitral valve and associated medial and lateral PVLs.

Case summary

A 75-year-old woman who underwent combined aortic (Edwards Perimount Magna 19 mm) and mitral (Edwards Perimount Magna 25 mm) surgical valve replacement 6 years ago was referred for treatment of new-onset orthopnoea and severely reduced exercise capacity. Transoesophageal echocardiography revealed severe mitral stenosis and concomitant moderate to severe mitral regurgitation, originating from two PVLs located medial and lateral from the surgical bioprosthesis. Due to high surgical risk, we performed successful transseptal mitral valve-in-valve (ViV) implantation combined with the closure of two PVLs during the same procedure.

Discussion

Although surgery should be considered as a first-line treatment in this setting, most patients have extremely high or prohibitive surgical risk inherent to repeat open heart surgery. Mitral ViV implantation appears a reasonable treatment option for patients with failed mitral bioprostheses. Furthermore, a recent study of percutaneous PVL closure showed no significant difference in long-term all-cause mortality compared with redo open-heart surgery. Simultaneous TMVI and percutaneous PVL closure appears feasible in selected high-risk patients.

Percutaneous closure of a combined ventricular septal defect and paravalvular regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: case report

Introduction

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a well-accepted alternative treatment for intermediate or high-risk patients with symptomatic severe native aortic valve stenosis. As the use of TAVI increases, there is a continuous growing insight into in the technical possibilities of the procedure and a parallel decrease in complications. A serious but rare complication of TAVI is a ventricular septal defect (VSD).

Case presentation

We report a case of a 90-year-old woman who underwent an uncomplicated TAVI procedure. She was readmitted within 2 weeks because of dyspnoea and oedema in the legs caused by acute left- and right-sided heart failure. Echocardiography showed a VSD of 1 cm, and mild to moderate paravalvular aortic regurgitation (PAR).

Discussion

This is the first report in which post-TAVI both a VSD and PAR are successfully repaired via a single percutaneous procedure.

Closure of mitral paravalvular defects without performing an arteriovenous loop: a case series of fourteen patients

Introduction

The arteriovenous (AV) loop is recommended when further support is needed during paravalvular leak (PVL) closure.

Aim

We report the feasibility and safety of mitral PVL closure without constructing an AV loop, based on a single-centre experience.

Material and methods

Fourteen patients with mitral valve replacement (MVR) who had New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III-IV dyspnoea or NYHA class II symptoms with significant haemolytic anaemia caused by severe or moderate-to-severe paravalvular regurgitation and who underwent transcatheter PVL closure (TPVLC) between May 2014 and February 2017 were enrolled.

Results

In total, 15 PVL procedures and 19 device deployments were performed. The patients had one (n = 10), three (n = 1) or four (n = 1) devices for closure at the time of the procedure; one patient had two devices from two procedures at different times with different access ways. Nineteen devices (10 (66.6%) via transseptal access; 4 (26.6%), transapical access; and 1 (6.6%), retrograde access) were deployed successfully without making an AV loop.

Conclusions

The TPVLC is a less invasive and effective alternative to surgery in symptomatic patients with significant PVLs and high operational risks. The success rates are satisfactory, with improving techniques and devices. Procedural success without using an AV loop can be achieved with reduced costs, fluoroscopic times and complications.

Computed tomography optimised fluoroscopy guidance for transcatheter mitral therapies

AIMS

Our aim was to illustrate the pragmatic use of pre-procedural multislice computed tomography (MSCT) to facilitate fluoroscopy guidance of transcatheter mitral valve interventions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A dedicated software package (3mensio Structural Heart) is used to analyse MSCT studies and localise anatomical entities by fluoroscopy which would otherwise be invisible (e.g., interatrial septum, paravalvular leaks, mitral leaflets), and to provide optimal C-arm gantry angles to facilitate crucial steps of catheter-based mitral interventions. For any given anatomical structure that has been identified by MSCT scan, a line of perpendicularity can be drawn representing an infinite combination of RAO-LAO with cranial-caudal angles. Safety and ergonomic considerations drive the selected angulation to be used in the cathlab. The location of the fossa ovalis can be projected onto the fluoroscopy screen to help direct the needle for transseptal puncture. For MitraClip implantations a C-arm gantry projection that is either coaxial or perpendicular to the mitral coaptation plane helps to orientate the clip before entering the left ventricle to grasp the mitral leaflets. A periprosthetic mitral leak can be localised relative to the prosthesis in the proposed C-arm angle. Pre-procedural MSCT is thus complementary to transoesophageal echocardiography for transcatheter mitral interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Determination of optimal C-arm angulations helps localise anatomical entities by fluoro-scopy and may expedite complex mitral interventions.

Percutaneous Device Closure of Paravalvular Leak: Combined Experience From the United Kingdom and Ireland

BACKGROUND

Paravalvular leak (PVL) occurs in 5% to 17% of patients following surgical valve replacement. Percutaneous device closure represents an alternative to repeat surgery.

METHODS

All UK and Ireland centers undertaking percutaneous PVL closure submitted data to the UK PVL Registry. Data were analyzed for association with death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at follow-up.

RESULTS

Three hundred eight PVL closure procedures were attempted in 259 patients in 20 centers (2004-2015). Patient age was 67±13 years; 28% were female. The main indications for closure were heart failure (80%) and hemolysis (16%). Devices were successfully implanted in 91% of patients, via radial (7%), femoral arterial (52%), femoral venous (33%), and apical (7%) approaches. Nineteen percent of patients required repeat procedures. The target valve was mitral (44%), aortic (48%), both (2%), pulmonic (0.4%), or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (5%). Preprocedural leak was severe (61%), moderate (34%), or mild (5.7%) and was multiple in 37%. PVL improved postprocedure (P<0.001) and was none (33.3%), mild (41.4%), moderate (18.6%), or severe (6.7%) at last follow-up. Mean New York Heart Association class improved from 2.7±0.8 preprocedure to 1.6±0.8 (P<0.001) after a median follow-up of 110 (7-452) days. Hospital mortality was 2.9% (elective), 6.8% (in-hospital urgent), and 50% (emergency) (P<0.001). MACE during follow-up included death (16%), valve surgery (6%), late device embolization (0.4%), and new hemolysis requiring transfusion (1.6%). Mitral PVL was associated with higher MACE (hazard ratio [HR], 1.83; P=0.011). Factors independently associated with death were the degree of persisting leak (HR, 2.87; P=0.037), New York Heart Association class (HR, 2.00; P=0.015) at follow-up and baseline creatinine (HR, 8.19; P=0.001). The only factor independently associated with MACE was the degree of persisting leak at follow-up (HR, 3.01; P=0.002).

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous closure of PVL is an effective procedure that improves PVL severity and symptoms. Severity of persisting leak at follow-up is independently associated with both MACE and death. Percutaneous closure should be considered as an alternative to repeat surgery.

A Quick Guide to Paravalvular Leak Closure

Paravalvular leak (PVL) is a seldomly covered aspect of structural heart disease. However, this is a condition that frequently presents after valvular replacement. This article will cover the diagnosising and treating PVL (i.e. imaging, access, and device selection). In addition, specific aspects of aortic and mitral PVL closure will be covered in this review.