Aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis in France – influence of centers' volumes on TAVR adoption rate and outcomes

Aims

Over the last decade, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) became extensively used, now being the recommended as first line procedure for aortic valve replacement (AVR) in selected patients' populations. It is unknown whether TAVR adoption rate and variability in outcomes is influenced by centers' volume.

Methods

From a French administrative hospital-discharge database, we collected all AVR performed in France between 2007 and 2019. Centers were stratified to terciles based on their annual SAVR per year per center during 2007–2009 (“pre TAVR era”).

Results

There was 218,489 AVRs (153,747 SAVR and 74,732 TAVR) performed in 46 centers between 2007–2019. Number of total AVR and even more so number of number of TAVR significantly and linearly increased from 2007 to 2019 in all terciles but faster in the high volume tercile (+17, +17 and +31 AVR/center/year in the low, middle and high terciles respectively, P [ANCOVA]<0.001; +11, + 19 and +33 TAVR/center/year in the low, medium and high tercile respectively, P [ANCOVA] <0.00, Figure 1). The age of patients underwent TAVR remained grossly unchanged in all three terciles, however, the Charlson index declined from 2010 to 2019 (from 1.35±1.42 to 0.65±1.04, from 1.21±1.40 to 0.65±1.05 and from 1.53±1.58 to 0.81±1.21, in the low, middle and high terciles, P for trend <0.001, 0.021, and <0.001, respectively). Charlson score in the years 2017–2019, was higher in the high than middle and low terciles (0.87±1.22, 0.76±1.11 and 0.65±1.04, respectively, P<0.0001). The in-hospital mortality rate for TAVR significantly declined from 2010 to 2019 for TAVR in all terciles (from 8.3% to 2.1%, from 7.5% to 2.5% and from 8.2% to 2.1% for low, middle and high TAVR terciles, respectively; p for trend = 0.002, 0.001 and <0.001, respectively, Figure 2). Average mortality in 2017–2019 was similar in all terciles (2.3%, 2.5% and 2.2% for low, middle and high terciles, respectively, P=0.47). After adjusting for age, sex and Charlson score, mortality was higher in the low tercile compared with middle and high terciles (OR 1.15, P<0.001, confidence interval [CI] 1.0–1.2, and OR 1.18, P<0.001, CI 1.1–1.2, respectively).

Conclusions

From 2007 to 2019 total AVR linearly increased, mostly due to increase in TAVR, irrespective of centers' volume, but increase rate was higher in high volume centers. A constant decline in patients risk profile, with a striking decrease in mortality rate, was observed in all volume terciles. High-volume centers patients' have higher risk profile, with adjusted mortality slightly lower than medium and low volume centers.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Very long-term outcomes after acute myocardial infarction in young men and women

Aims

There is a paucity of data on very long-term outcomes in young women and men experiencing acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods and results

The FAST-MI program consists of three nationwide French surveys carried out 5 years apart from 2005 to 2015, including consecutive AMI patients over a 1-month period with up to 10-year follow-up. The present analysis focused on adults ≤50 yo according to their gender. Women accounted for 17.5% (N=335) of the 1912 patients under 50 yo and were as old as men (43.9±5.5 vs. 43.9±5.1yo, p=0.92). Non-significant coronary artery disease was more frequent in women (12.8% vs. 5.8%, P<0.001). Women with significant coronary artery disease underwent less percutaneous coronary internvention (PCI) than men (85.9% vs. 91.3%, p=0.005), though primary PCI in ST-elevated myocardial infarction was as frequent in women (67.3% vs. 66.8%). Recommended secondary prevention medications were less prescribed at discharge in women (40.6% vs. 52.8%, p<0.001), a trend that persisted in 2015 (59.1% vs. 72.8% in 2015, p<0.001). Still, ten-year survival was similar in men (90.5%) and women (92.6%) (crude HR 0.87 [95% CI 0.55–1.57], adjusted HR 0.77 [95% CI 0.48–1.23], p=0.27) even among hospital survivors (adjusted HR 0.64 [95% CI 0.32–1.30], p=0.22). Ten-year survival was similar in patients with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries compared with those with significant coronary artery disease (91.8% vs. 91.0%, P=0.46)), both among men (91.6% vs. 90.7%) and women (92.9% vs. 93.0%). However, when taking into account early revascularization and discharge medications, in patients with significant coronary artery disease, adjusted 10-year mortality was significantly lower in women (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.29–0.96, P=0.04).

Conclusions

Ten-year survival in young women with AMI is similar to that of men. However, in those with significant coronary artery disease, improving secondary prevention in women should result in better long-term outcome.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): French Society of Cardiology

Characteristics of young women presenting with acute myocardial infarction: the prospective, multicentre, observational WAMIF study

Background

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in women, killing sevenfold more women than breast cancer. Rates of hospital death for myocardial infarction in women, although decreasing, remains significantly higher than in men (more than double), especially among women under the age of 50. The occurrence of myocardial infarction in non-menopausal women is not unusual, and the incidence continues to rise. While women under the age of 60 accounted for less than 12% of patients with myocardial infarction admitted in 1995, they accounted for more than 25% in 2015. In addition to the traditional cardiovascular risk factors, women present specific ones linked to hormonal modifications, inflammatory high-risk profiles, and thrombophilia.

Purpose

We comprehensively and systematically collected all clinical and biological data and the results of morphological explorations in all women admitted for myocardial infarction under the age of 50 in high-volume French centres. To date, no systematic descriptive analysis has been carried out incorporating not only clinical, morphological, and extraordinary characteristics, but biological characteristics, in particular hormonal and immunological parameters.

Methods

This prospective, observational study included all women admitted for myocardial infarction under the age of 50 years at 30 centres in France from May 2017 to June 2019.

Results

The population comprised 314 women (mean age 44.9 years): 192 presented with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and 122 with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, 75% were current smokers, 35 had a family history of cardiovascular disease, 33% had a complication of pregnancy, and 55% reported recent emotional stress. Ten had a normal coronary angiogram. Independent predictors of premature MI, <35 yo, were cannabis use and oral contraceptive therapy. No deaths, but 3 strokes, 3 recurrent myocardial infarctions, and 1 serious bleed occurred during hospitalization. At 12 months, 2 deaths occurred but linked to progressive cancer, 25 patients had recurrent PCI, 4 symptoms driven. Otherwise, 90.4% were event free and 72% completely symptoms free.

Conclusion

The WAMIF study showed that most young women with acute myocardial infarction reported typical symptoms of chest pain, and modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, most commonly tobacco use. Gynaecological status, history of pregnancy complications, and non-compliance with non-indication of combined contraception were overrepresented, emphasizing the urge for a better cardiological and gynaecological network. The overall prognosis for these women was better than previously reported despite the high rate of emergency consultations in the year following the index myocardial infarction, highlighting the need for more comprehensive follow-up following the myocardial infarction.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): French Society of CardiologyGrants from Indusctries Biosensors Europe SA, AstraZeneca, Boston Scientific Corporation, Abbott Medical Devices, Terumo Corporation, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., Hexacath, France, Biotronik SE & Co. KG.

Right ventricular dysfunction before transcatheter aortic valve implantation: incidence, predictive factors and prognostic impact

Background

Right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) is considered to be a late marker of advanced aortic stenosis (AS) and is associated with poor prognosis. Currently. there are conflicting data on the impact of RVD on clinical outcomes in patients with severe AS treated with TAVI. Moreover, few studies have studied the evolution (recovery or persistence) of RVD and its prognostic impact.

Objectives

To assess the incidence and predictive factors of RVD before TAVI, its prognostic impact and its evolution after TAVI.

Methods

All patients treated with TAVI for severe AS were included in a prospective single center database. Only patients who had a quantitative assessment of RV including Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE) and/or doppler tissue imaging-derived tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity (S') measurements, were eligible to this study. RVD was defined by a TAPSE <17 mm or S' <9.5 cm/s if TAPSE was not available.

Results

Between May 2014 and April 2019, 503 patients with RV function evaluation were included. Incidence of RVD before TAVI was 18.7%. Predictors of RVD were diabetes (P=0.03), atrial fibrillation (P=0.001), altered left ventricular ejection fraction (P<0.0001), left ventricular dilatation (P=0.007), and previous cardiac surgery (P=0.002). Long-term survival was altered in patients with RVD before TAVI as compared to those without RVD (HR 1.97, 95% CI: 1.1–3.4, P=0.01). One year after TAVI, 58.7% of patients with baseline RVD had a normal RV function and had similar outcome as compared to those without RVD at baseline. In contrast, patients with persistent RVD had the worst prognosis.

Conclusions

RVD is not rare and has a deleterious prognostic impact in patients treated by TAVI. Recovery of normal RV function is frequent after TAVI whereas persistence of RVD is associated with poor outcomes.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Assessment of long-term structural deterioration of transcatheter aortic bioprosthetic valves

Background

The durability of transcatheter aortic bioprosthetic valves is a crucial issue in the context of extension of indications in younger and lower-risk patients, but data are scarce, especially beyond 5 years of follow-up. This study sought to evaluate the incidence of structural valve degeneration (SVD) 5 to 10 years post-procedure.

Methods

Demographic, procedural, and in-hospital outcome data on patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) from 2002 to 2014 were obtained from our prospective institutional database. Patients in whom echocardiographic data were available both at baseline and 5 years post-TAVI were included. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up were performed on site annually. Hemodynamic SVD was determined according to European task force committee guidelines.

Results

A total of 208 patients (82.5±7.6 years of age; 53% female) with paired post-procedure and late echocardiographic follow-up (median 5.3 years, range 5 to 11.4 years) were included. Eleven (5.3%) patients were treated with a self-expandable valve and 197 (94.7%) patients with a balloon-expandable valve. Mean aortic valve gradient and effective aortic valve area remained unchanged during follow-up. There were 2 cases (1.0%) of severe SVD 6 and 7 years after implantation requiring redo-TAVI. There were 4 cases (1.9%) of moderate SVD (mean 6.0 years post-implantation; range 5 to 7 years).

Conclusions

Our data do not demonstrate any alarm on transcatheter aortic valve durability. Careful prospective assessment in younger and lower risk patients and comparison with surgical bioprosthetic valves are required to further assess long-term durability of transcatheter valves.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

High post-procedural transvalvular gradient or delayed gradient increase after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: the FRANCE-2 registry

Background

Mean gradient (MG) elevation can be detected immediately post-procedure or secondarily during follow-up. Comparison between these two parameters and impact on outcomes has not previously been investigated.

Objectives

The study aimed to identify incidence, influence on prognosis and parameters associated with immediate high post-procedural mean transvalvular gradient (PPMG) and delayed mean gradient increase (DMGI), in the FRANCE 2 (French Aortic National CoreValve and Edwards 2) registry.

Methods

The registry includes all consecutive symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis. Three groups were analyzed: 1) PPMG <20mmHg without DMGI >10 mmHg (control); 2) PPMG <20mmHg with DMGI >10 mmHg (group 1); 3) PPMG ≥20 mmHg (group 2).

Results

From January 2010 to January 2012, 4201 consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled in the registry. The control group comprised 2078 patients; the group 1, 131 patients; and the group 2, 144 patients. DMGI exceeded 10 mmHg in 5.6%, and was not associated with greater 4-year mortality than in control group (32.6% vs. 40.1%, p=0.27, respectively). PPMG was at least 20 mmHg in 6.1%, and was associated with higher 4-year mortality than in control group (48.7% versus 40.1%, p=0.005, respectively) (Figure 1). Two-thirds of patients with initial PPMG ≥20 mmHg had finally a MG <20 mmHg at 1 year, with mortality similar to controls (39.2% vs. 40.1%, p=0.73).

Conclusions

Patients with PPMG >20 mmHg 1 year post-TAVI had higher 4-year mortality than the general population of the registry, unlike patients with MG normalization at 1 year.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): French National Society of Cardiology

Can atrioventricular node ablation be safely performed in patients with permanent His bundle pacing? Data from a multicentric registry

Introduction

Ventricular rate control is essential in the management of atrial fibrillation. Atrioventricular node ablation (AVNA) and ventricular pacing can be an effective option when pharmacological rate control is insufficient. However, right ventricular pacing (RVP) induces ventricular desynchronization in patients with normal QRS and increases the risk of heart failure on long term. His bundle pacing (HBP) is a physiological alternative to RVP. Observational studies have demonstrated the feasibility of HBP but there is still very limited data about the feasibility of AVNA after HBP.

Purpose

To evaluate feasibility and safety of HBP followed by AVNA in patients with non-controlled atrial arrhythmia.

Methods

We included in three hospitals between september 2017 and december 2019 all patients who underwent AVNA for non-controlled atrial arrhythmia after permanent His bundle pacing. No back-up right ventricular lead was implanted. AVNA procedures were performed with 8 mm-tip ablation catheter. Acute HBP threshold increase during AVNA was defined as a threshold elevation >1V. His bundle capture (HBC) thresholds were recorded at 3 months follow-up.

Results

AVNA after HBP lead implantation was performed in 45 patients. HBP and AVNA were performed simultaneously during the same procedure in 10. AVNA was successful in 32 of 45 patients (71%). Modulation of the AV node conduction was obtained in 7 patients (16%). The mean procedure duration was 42±24min, and mean fluoroscopy duration was 6.4±8min. A mean number of 7.7±9.9 RF applications (347±483 sec) were delivered to obtain complete / incomplete AV block. Acute HBC threshold increase occurred in 8 patients (18%) with return to baseline value at day 1 in 5 patients. There was no lead dislodgment during the AVNA procedures. Mean HBC threshold at implant was 1.26±0.69V@0.5ms and slightly increased at 3 months follow-up (1.34±0.86V@0.5ms). AV node re-conduction was observed in 5 patients (16% of the successful procedures) with a second successful ablation procedure in 4 patients. No ventricular lead revision was required during the follow-up period. The baseline native QRS duration was 102±21 ms and the paced QRS duration was 107±18 ms.

Conclusion

AVNA combined with HBP for non-controlled atrial arrhythmia is feasible and does not compromise HBC but seems technically difficult with significant AV nodal re-conduction rate. The presence of a back-up right ventricular lead could have changed our results and therefore would require further evaluation.

Unipolar HBP after AV node ablation

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Compared presentation, management and long-term outcomes after acute myocardial infraction in men and women <50 years of age. The FAST-MI programme

 

The number of young women suffering acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is increasing. There are conflicting results on the prognostic impact of gender in young patients with AMI. The aim of the present study was to assess in-hospital and 5-year outcomes in men and women ≤50 years old admitted for AMI and participating in the FAST-MI programme.

Methods

FAST-MI consists in one-month nationwide French surveys of patients admitted for a recent AMI, repeated every 5 years since 2005. We used the 2005, 2010 and 2015 data with up to 5-year follow-up, to describe baseline characteristics and outcomes according to gender in young patients. Of 13,130 patients included, 1,912 were ≤50 years old (335 women, 17.5%).

Results

Men and women had a similar age (44±5 years), BMI, current smoking (72% vs 75%), diabetes, family history, prior history of CVD, GRACE score (104±22 vs 106±23), and LVEF (54±10%). LDL at admission was lower in women (127±46 vs 138±46 mg/dl). Women had a higher admission heart rate (81±19 vs 78±17 BPM) and lower systolic blood pressure (133±26 vs 136±25 mm Hg). Presenting AMI was STEMI in 63% in women vs 68% in men (P=0.08).

All in-hospital complications except reinfarction (1.8 vs 0.6%, p<0.03) were similar in women and men; in-hospital death was 1.5% vs 0.8%, P=0.20. Coronary angiography was performed slightly less often (97.6% vs 99.0%, P=0.047) and more women had non-significant coronary artery disease (CAD) (13% vs 6%, P<0.001); PCI was less often used (74% vs 85.5%, P<0.001). At discharge, ESC guidelines-recommended medical treatment was less often prescribed in women (41% vs 53%, P<0.001), even in patients with significant CAD (46% vs 55%, P=0.004).

Kaplan-Meier 5-year survival did not differ in women (94.7%) and men (95.2%), P=0.56 (Figure). The respective figures for hospital survivors were 96.1% and 96.0% (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.52–1.91; HR adjusted on age, type of MI, previous history of CAD, presence of significant CAD, LVEF, Killip class and appropriate medications at discharge: 0.99, 95% CI 0.51–0.92). Similar results were found for the combined end-point of death, AMI or stroke.

Conclusion

There were more similarities than differences between women and men who sustained an AMI at age ≤50 years. Women had lower LDL-c, lower haemoglobin, higher heart rate and lower blood pressure on admission. Non-significant CAD was more frequently found in women, who were less often treated with PCI and recommended medications at discharge. Five-year outcomes, however, did not differ according to gender.

Five-year mortality

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Pfizer, MSD, AstraZeneca

Predictive Value for Outcome and Evolution of Geriatric Parameters after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

OBJECTIVES

To identify parameters of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) CGA including ABCDEF score, a multidomain frailty assessment, associated with poor outcome after TAVI and to assess the evolution of CGA parameters at 6-months follow-up.

DESIGN

one-year monocentric prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Departments of geriatric medicine and cardiology in Rouen University Hospital, Normandy, France.

PARTICIPANTS

all patients over 70, selected for TAVI by a multidisciplinary "heart team".

MEASUREMENTS

8-areas CGA was performed before TAVI and at 6-months follow-up. Poor outcome was defined as decrease in 1 BADL or unplanned readmission at 6 months or death within the first year after TAVI. Geriatric characteristics associated with poor outcome were assessed by logistic regression with surgical scores as bivariable. Geriatric characteristics were compared between baseline and 6-months follow-up.

RESULTS

114 patients (mean age 85.8±5.3 years) were included. Mean EuroSCORE was 19.1±10.6%. Poor outcome occurred in 57(50.0%) patients. Loss of one BADL (OR:1.66, 95CI[1.11-2.48]), decrease in IADL (OR:1.41, 95CI[1.14-1.74]), in plasmatic albumin (OR:1.10, 95CI[1.01-1.20]), in MMSe (OR:1.13, 95CI[1.02-1.26]), low walking speed (OR:1.53, 95CI[1.01-2.33]) and ABCDEF score ≥2 (OR:1.63, 95CI[1.09-2.42]) were independently associated with poor outcome. In survivors with complete follow-up (n=80), most geriatric parameters were maintained 6 months after TAVI, but IADL decreased (5.6±1.9 to 4.9±2.2, p<0.001). MMSe increased in patients with previous cognitive impairments whereas it decreased in those without (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

CGA parameters are independently associated with poor outcome after TAVI. These parameters, but IADL, are maintained at 6 months and course of the MMSe depends on previous cognitive status.

P1240Is resynchronization therapy really efficient in laminopathy?

Introduction

Laminopathy (LMNA) is a group of rare disease caused by a mutation of lamin A/C genes. Heart transplantation (HT) is often required. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) may be an option to postpone HT.

Purpose

To describe characteristics and outcome of LMNA patients receiving CRT.

Methods

All consecutive LMNA patients implanted with a CRT device for conventional indications were included in the study. Clinical and echocardiographic (TTE) data were collected during the follow-up period.

Results

From 2002 to 2017, 68 LMNA patients had CRT implantation. Despite CRT, 30/68 patients (44%) had HT. Population divided into two groups according to response to CRT. Patients were considered without benefit (WHOB-CRT group) if they experienced severe events (inscription on heart transplantation list or death) within two years after CRT implantation. Other patients were in the WB-CRT group. TTE and clinical parameters are described in Table 1.

Table 1 Parameters WB-CRT (n=33) WHOB-CRT (n=35) P-value At implantation   Age (years) 52.3±9.7 50.6±9.5 0.27   Women 9 (27%) 13 (37%) 0.45   NYHA class 2.7±0.6 2.8±0.7 0.45   LVEF (%) 33.2±8.8 31.3±7 0.64   LVEDD (mm) 60±6.9 60±6.9 0.96   TAPSE (mm) 23±3.7 14±4.8 0.002 At last follow up   NYHA class 2.2±0.6 2.9±0.7 <0.001   LVEF (%) 36.4±11 27±9 <0.001   LVEDD (mm) 59±5.5 59±7.7 0.98   TAPSE (mm) 19.9±5.5 12.3±3.3 0.003 Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF); Left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD); Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE).

Conclusion

Cardiac resynchronization therapy is less efficient in LMNA patients. An impaired right ventricular stroke function seems to be the only predictive factor leading to poor response to CRT.

1409Use of phenomapping to determine response of treatment by sacubitril/valsartan in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

Background

Treatment by sacubitril/valsartan decreases mortality, improves KCCQ score and ejection fraction in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HF REF), but there is currently no data to predict response to treatment.

Purpose

The purpose of our work was to assess whether unbiased clustering analysis, using dense phenotypic data, could identify phenotypically distinct HF-REF subtypes with good or no response after 6 months of sacubitril/valsartan administration.

Methods

A total of 78 patients in NYHA functional class 2–3 and treated by ACE inhibitor or AAR2, were prospectively assigned to equimolar sacubitril/valsartan replacement. We collected demographic, clinical, biological and imaging continuous variables. Phenotypic domains were imputed with 5 eigenvectors for missing value, then filtered if the Pearson correlation coefficient was >0.6 and standardized to mean±SD of 0±1. Thereafter, we used agglomerative hierarchical clustering for grouping phenotypic variables and patients, then generate a heat map (figure 1). Subsequently, participants were categorized using Penalized Model-Based Clustering. P<0,05 was considered significant.

Results

Mean age was 60.4±13.4 yo and 79.0% patients were males. Mean ejection fraction was 29.3±7.0%. Overall, 16 phenotypic domains were isolated (figure 1) and 3 phenogroups were identified (Table 1). Phenogroup 1 was remarkable by isolated left ventricular involvement (LVTDD 64.3±5.9mm vs 73.9±8.7 in group 2 and 63.8±5.7 in group3, p<0.001) with moderate diastolic dysfunction (DD), no mitral regurgitation (MR) and no pulmonary hypertension (PH). Phenogroups 2 and 3 corresponded to patients with severe PH (TRMV: 2.93±0.47m/s in group 2 and 3.15±0.61m/s in groupe 3 vs 2.16±0.32m/s in group 1), related to severe DD (phenogroup 2) or MR (phenogroup 3). In both phenogroups, the left atrium was significantly enlarged and the right ventricle was remodeled, compared with phenogroup 1. Despite more severe remodeling and more compromised hemodynamic in phenogroups 2 and 3, the echocardiographic response to sacubitril/valsartan was comparable in all groups with similar improvement of EF and reduction of cardiac chambers dimensions (response of treatment, defined by improvement of FE +15% and/or decreased of indexed left ventricule diastolic volume −15% = group 2: 22 (76%); group 3: 18 (60%); group 1: 9 (50%); p=0.17; OR group 2 vs 1: OR=3.14; IC95% [0.9–11.03]; p=0.074; OR group 3 vs 1: OR=1.5; IC95% [0.46–4.87]; p=0.5)). The clinical response was even better in phenogroups 2 and 3 (Group 2: 19 (66%); group 3: 21 (78%) vs group 1: 9 (50%); p=0.05).

Heat map

Conclusion

HF-REF patients with severe diastolic dysfunction, significant mitral regurgitation and elevated pulmonary hypertension by echocardiographic had similar reverse remodeling but better clinical improvement than patients with isolated left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

P6018Can chronic his bundle pacing be safely started in centers with lack of experience of this technique? Data from a multicentric registry

Introduction

Right ventricular pacing (RVP) induces ventricular asynchrony in patients with normal QRS and increases the risk of heart failure and atrial fibrillation on long term. His bundle pacing (HBP) is a physiological alternative to RVP. Interest in HBP has been hampered in part by technical challenges and limited implantation tool set. Recent studies assessed feasibility and safety in expert centers with a vast experience of HBP. These results may not apply to less experienced centers.

Purpose

To evaluate feasibility and safety of permanent his bundle pacing in hospitals with limited technical training to this technique and to evaluate stability of his bundle capture thresholds at 3 months follow up.

Methods

We included all patients who underwent pacemaker implantation with attempt of HBP in three hospitals between September 2017 and December 2018. All the 5 operators were novice for HBP at the beginning of the study. Selective his bundle capture (HBC) was defined as concordance of QRS and T waves complexes with the native ECG (patients with underlying bundle branch block may normalize), presence of a delay between spike and QRS complex, absence of widening of the QRS at a low pacing output, and recordable his bundle electrogram. At 3 months follow-up, his bundle capture thresholds, R-wave amplitudes and pacing impedances were recorded.

Results

HPB was successful in 51 of 58 patients (87.9%); selective HBC was obtained in 40 patients while nonselective HBC occurred in 11 patients. Indication for pacemaker implantation was atrioventricular conduction disease in 31 patients (53%), sinus node dysfunction in 5 patients (9%) and AV nodal ablation for non-controlled atrial arrhythmias in 22 patients (38%). AV nodal ablation was performed during the same procedure in 14 patients. The mean procedure duration was 75±8 min, and mean fluoroscopy duration was 10±2 min. The mean HBP threshold was 1.47±0.27 V and did not increase after a 3 months follow-up (1.12±0.18 V). Only 7 patients (14%) had HBP threshold >2V/0.5ms. The mean impedance was 477±37 Ω and slightly decreased at 3 months (364±24Ω). The mean R-wave amplitude was 4.1±1 mV at implantation and 3.2±0.6 mV at 3 months. Bundle branch block correction was achieved in 5 of 7 patients with underlying left bundle branch block. There was no pericardial effusion, no pneumothorax and no device infection. Ventricular lead revision was required at 3 months in one patient for sudden threshold increase, without obvious dislodgement.

LBBB correction after HBP

Conclusion

His bundle pacing performed by novice operators to this technique appeared feasible and safe. The mean HBP threshold did not increase at 3 months follow-up.

P3664Infective endocarditis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation, a comparison with endocarditis occurring in surgical aortic prosthesis and native aortic valve patients

Background

Infective endocarditis is rare but serious. Epidemiology is well known in standard population and surgical valve patients (Pts). The recent development of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) raises new questions about endocarditis in this population.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess outcomes of endocarditis in TAVI Pts and to compare the results to surgical aortic valve (SV) owners and native aortic valve (NV) patients.

Methods

We included all patients hospitalized in our institution and presenting with endocarditis after TAVI between 2012 and 2018. We compared these patients to those discussed within the “endocarditis team” and presenting with endocarditis located on SV or on NV.

Results

A total of 34 TAVI Pts were included and compared to a population of 45 SV and 68 NV Pts. TAVI Pts were older (83.1±1.1 yrs, vs 73.3±1.7 and 66.0±1.7, respectively; p<0.001) and had a higher Charlson score (6.2±0.4, vs 5.6±0.4 and 4.1±0.3; p<0.001). TAVI Pts underwent more frequently invasive procedures during the 6 months prior to the diagnosis of endocarditis (38.2%, vs 11.4 and 8.8%; p<0.001). They had less incidence of a new valvular murmur (0%, vs 28.9 and 33.8%; p=0.001) and less heart failure symptoms (26.5%, vs 28.9 and 33.8%; p=0.007). Clinical complications were similar between the 3 groups and mortality was high and comparable at 1 year (29.2%, vs 36.4 and 29.7% p=0.730). However, TAVI Pts were more frequently re-hospitalized (41.2% vs 26.7% and 16.2%, p=0.02) and were treated less invasively (surgery or pacemaker extraction in 14.7% vs 35.6% and 42.6%, p=0.019). Only one TAVI Pt needed surgical aortic valve replacement.

Conclusion

Despite more frequent comorbidities, TAVI patients affected by infective endocarditis have the same mortality during the first year after diagnosis compared to SV and NV patients but are more often rehospitalized.

P907Respective pronostic value of the valvular aortic calcifications and the thoracic aorta calcifications in patients with and without low gradient aortic stenosis after TAVI

Background

Both the valvular aortic calcifications (VAC) and the thoracic aorta calcifications (TAC) have a prognostic impact in patients with aortic stenosis. Their respective prognostic values in patients with and without low gradient aortic stenosis (LGAS) remain unknown after TAVI.

Objectives

To assess the prognostic significance of VAC and TAC in patients with and without LGAS regarding cardiovascular mortality after 3 years follow-up.

Methods

The CAPRI-LGAS is an ancillary study of the C4CAPRI trial (NCT02935491) including 1282 consecutive TAVI patients. Calcifications were measured on pre-TAVI CT. The primary outcome was defined as cardiovascular mortality 3 years after TAVI.

Results

Among the 1282 patients, 397 (31%) had a LGAS. Compared to the other patients, LGAS patients were more prone to be men, younger, with atrial fibrillation, and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), p<0.05 for all. No statistically significant difference was noticed for pulmonary systolic pressures, history of diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, renal insufficiency or peripheral vascular disease. VAC was lower in LGAS compared to non-LGAS patients (1.05 cm3±0.7 vs 0.75 cm3±0.5), p<0.001, the contrary was noticed for TAC, (3.1 cm3±3 vs 3.7 cm3±3.7), p=0.011. After 3 years follow-up, 227 (17.7%) patients died from cardiovascular causes; respectively 85 (21.4%) and 142 (16.1%) patients with and without LGAS, p=0.02. In univariate analysis, in LGAS patients each increase of 1cm3 TAC was associated with cardiovascular mortality while VAC was not, respectively Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.07 and confidence interval (CI) (1.023–1.119) p=0.003, and HR 0.822 CI (0.523–1.292), p=0.39. In patients without LGAS both TAC and VAC were associated with mortality, respectively HR 1.054 CI (1.006–1.104), p=0.028 and HR 1.363 CI (1.092–1.701), p=0.006. Multivariate analysis was adjusted for TAC, VAC, age, gender, atrial fibrillation, and LVEF. In LGAS patients TAC but not VAC was still a predictor of cardiovascular mortality, respectively HR 1.092 CI (1.031–1.158), p=0.003, and HR 0.743 CI (0.464–1.191), p=0.21. In patients without LGAS TAC was no more associated with cardiovascular mortality while VAC was, respectively HR 1.306 CI (1.024–1.666), p=0.031, and HR 1.038 CI (0.985–1.094), p=0.161. When further adjusting on pulmonary systolic pressures, history of diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, renal insufficiency and peripheral vascular disease, the results remained similar ie in LGAS patients, TAC HR 1.090 CI (1.022–1.162), p=0.009 while in patients without LGAS VAC HR 1.377 CI (1.049–1.809), p=0.021.

Conclusions

The present study shows that VAC and TAC involve different prognostic information in patients with and without LGAS after TAVI. While VAC may be a marker of early and periprocedural mortality and aortic regurgitation in non-LGAS patients, TAC may continue to be harmful and increase afterload in patients with LGAS whom LVEF is often impaired.

4069From first in man transcatheter aortic valve implantation, a 15-year experience

Background

Since the first-in-man transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) performed in 2002, the number of procedures has dramatically increased. However, long-term data regarding outcome and valve durability remain poor.

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate the evolution of 30-day outcomes over years and long-term mortality and valve durability after TAVI.

Methods

All consecutive patients presenting with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis treated by TAVI in our center were included prospectively. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up was performed at 30 days and annually thereafter. Survival curves were constructed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. We also evaluated valve durability according to the European standardized definition of structural valve deterioration.

Results

Between 2002 and 2018, 1530 consecutive patients underwent TAVI including 1285 (84.0%) patients via a femoral approach. A balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valve was predominantly used (1421 patients; 92.9%). The annual transfemoral approach rate increased progressively to reach 93.3%. Age of patients remained stable over time with a global mean age of 83.7±6.5 years old. Logistic EuroSCORE decreased from 49.2±8.2% to 14.3±8.6% (p<0.0001). Thirty-day mortality dramatically decreased below 3% since 2015 and was 0% in 2018. Similarly, major vascular complications decreased from 50.0% in the first year to less than 1% since 2017 (p=0.001). The length of hospital-stay progressively shortened up to a median of 2 days in 2018. The Kaplan-Meier survival estimation was 82.3%, 60.3%, 33.0%; 11.7% and 8.9% respectively at 1, 3, 5, 8 and 10 years. On long-term follow-up the mean aortic gradient remained unchanged (Figure), and only five patients presented a severe prosthetic valve deterioration. Among them, four patients successfully benefited from a valve in valve TAVI procedure. The competing risk analysis at 10 years estimates risk for severe and moderate-or-severe valve deterioration of 1.9±0.9% and 4.3±1.3% respectively.

TEE mean transaortic gradient

Conclusions

Long-term (up to 10 years) follow-up of our large pioneer series of patients treated by TAVI shows a dramatic improvement of outcomes and no warning signs of valve deterioration suggesting very encouraging valve durability, using predominantly, a balloon expandable prosthesis. Further studies are warranted to study valve durability after TAVI before extension to lower risk patients.