Transcatheter aortic paravalvular leak closure using 3 Amplatzer Vascular Plug III devices in a child

Prospective registry validating the reproducibility of mitral paravalvular leak measurements in a standardized real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography algorithm for optimal choice of the closure device

Introduction

Transcatheter paravalvular leak closure (TPVLC) has become a well-established method of treatment for patients with paravalvular leak (PVL) causing heart failure or significant hemolysis. Nonetheless, the method of optimal PVL sizing and subsequent device choice requires standardization. For this purpose a real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT-3D TEE) algorithm was developed in our institution. It has proven clinically useful with results successfully translated into type, size, and number of occluding devices. Still, the reproducibility of measurements has not been previously verified.

Aim

To investigate the intra- and inter-observer variability of measurements in a RT-3D TEE algorithm developed for optimal choice of occluding devices during TPVLC.

Material and methods

Three echocardiographers, with RT-3D TEE clinical experience ranging from 1 to 8 years, analyzed recordings of 20 mitral PVLs according to our standardized protocol. PVL channel cross-sectional area (CSA), width (W) and length (L) were measured at the level of the vena contracta. Each echocardiographer performed the measurements twice on different days, individually and blinded to other participants’ results.

Results

Measurements of PVL CSA, W and L showed intra- and interobserver agreement of 0.98, 0.93, 0.92 and 0.95, 0.88, 0.87, respectively.

Conclusions

The presented algorithm enables standardized utilization of RT-3D TEE for appropriate TPVLC device choice with low intra- and inter-observer variability.

Transcatheter paravalvular leak closure and hemolysis - a prospective registry

INTRODUCTION

Paravalvular leak (PVL) related to a surgical prosthetic valve may be associated with clinically significant hemolysis. The influence of transcatheter PVL closure (TPVLC) on hemolysis remains uncertain.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The prospective registry included patients undergoing TPVLC due to PVL-related heart failure and/or hemolysis. Procedural data, laboratory markers of hemolysis and heart failure status were recorded at baseline, discharge and at 1- and 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Of 116 patients from all those qualified for TPVLC, 79 fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Hemolysis was significantly more frequent in patients with mitral location of PVL and with calcifications in its channel. After TPVLC prompt reduction of lactate dehydrogenase activity (617.0 (342.0-899.0) vs. 397 (310.0-480.5) IU/l, p < 0.05) and gradual resolution of anemia (hemoglobin (HGB) 11.7 (10.4-13.8) vs. 13.4 (12.9-13.8) g%, p < 0.05) over 6 months were noted. Effective closure of PVL (> 90% reduction of PVL cross-sectional area) resulted in a more prominent increase of red blood cell count and HGB than in patients with residual regurgitation. The TPVLC-related exacerbation of hemolysis was recorded in 14 patients. Its risk was aggravated by presence of significant hemolysis at baseline or residual flow either by a partially uncovered channel or across the occluder. Reduction of hemolysis after successful TPVLC was sustained in 6-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk factors for PVL-related hemolysis were the presence of calcifications in the defect and mitral location of PVL. The TPVLC effectively reduced hemolysis if at least 90% reduction of PVL cross sectional area was achieved. The effect was sustained in 6-month follow-up. Incomplete closure of PVL may increase the magnitude of hemolysis after TPVLC, but it occurred rarely.

Transcatheter closure of paravalvular leaks using a paravalvular leak device - a prospective Polish registry

Introduction

Transcatheter paravalvular leak closure (TPVLC) has become an established treatment option but is mostly performed with off-label use of different non-dedicated occluders. The first one specifically designed for TPVLC is the paravalvular leak device (PLD – Occlutech).

Aim

We present initial short-term results of a prospective registry intended to assess the safety and efficacy of TPVLC with PLD.

Material and methods

We screened patients with paravalvular leak (PVL) after surgical valve replacement (SVR). Heart failure symptoms and/or hemolytic anemia were indications for TPVLC. Patients were selected according to PVL anatomy by RT 3D TEE. Only those considered appropriate for closure with a single PLD were enrolled. The procedures were performed via transvascular or transapical access using type W (waist) PLDs only.

Results

Thirty patients with 34 PVLs (18 aortic, 16 mitral) were included. We implanted 35 PLDs with a total device success rate of 94.3% (100% for aortic, 88.2% for mitral). The procedural success rate, encompassing device success without in-hospital complications, was 94.1% (100% for aortic, 93.8% for mitral). During the follow-up period we recorded an increase of hemoglobin concentration (3.9 to 4.1 g/dl), red blood count (11.6 to 12.2 M/mm³) and functional improvement by NYHA class.

Conclusions

Paravalvular leak device type W is a promising TPVLC device, but meticulous preselection of patients based on imaging of PVL anatomy is a prerequisite. A PLD should only be chosen for channels shorter than 5 mm. Size of the device should match the PVL cross-sectional area without any oversizing. Such an approach facilitates high device and procedural success rates.