Cusp overlap technique decreases paravalvular leakage in self-expandable transcatheter aortic valve replacement

The cusp overlap technique allows greater visual separation between the basal annular plane and the conduction system and decreases the permanent pacemaker implantation rate. We assessed the impact of the cusp overlap technique on conduction disturbance and paravalvular leakage after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. A total of 97 patients underwent transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement with self-expandable valves at our institution from November 2018 to January 2023. The mean age of the patients was 85 years, and 23% were male. The patients were divided into two groups: the cusp overlap technique group and the non-cusp overlap technique group. We compared the clinical results between the two groups. The 30-day permanent pacemaker implantation rate was similar between the two groups (cusp overlap technique: 6.3% vs. non-cusp overlap technique: 10.2%, p = 0.48). The rate of new-onset conduction disturbance was slightly lower in the cusp overlap than non-cusp overlap technique group (18.8% vs. 34.7%, respectively; p = 0.08). The implanted valve function was similar between the two groups, but the rate of trivial or less paravalvular leakage (PVL) was significantly higher in the cusp overlap technique group on echocardiography (69% vs. 45%, p = 0.02). On multidetector computed tomography, the implantation depth at the membranous septum was significantly shorter in the cusp overlap technique group (2.0 ± 2.3 vs. 2.9 ± 1.5 mm, p = 0.02). The degree of canting was slightly smaller in the cusp overlap technique group (1.0 ± 2.2 vs. 1.7 ± 1.9 mm, p = 0.07). The relative risk of PVL equal to or greater than mild was 1.76 times higher for valve implantation without the cusp overlap technique (adjusted odds ratio, 3.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.45-9.69; p < 0.01). Transcatheter aortic valve replacement using the cusp overlap technique is associated with an optimized implantation depth, leading to fewer conduction disturbances. Optimal deployment may also maximize the radial force of self-expanding valves to reduce paravalvular leakage.

Reduction of permanent pacemaker implantation by using the cusp overlap technique in transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The need for permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation is a common complication after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Deep implantation position is a risk factor for PPM implantation. Thus, in the field of self-expandable (SE) transcatheter heart valves (THV) cusp overlap projection (COP) technique was implemented to reduce parallax, allowing a more precise guidance of implantation depth.

AIMS

This meta-analysis aims to report the outcome of patients undergoing TAVR with SE THV using COP versus conventional implantation technique (CIT).

METHODS

Systematical search in MEDLINE and EMBASE yielded five observational controlled studies comparing both implantation techniques for the SE Evolut prosthesis (Medtronic Intern. Ltd., CA, USA) and fulfilling the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Totally, 1227 patients were included, comprising 641 who underwent COP and 586 CIT TAVR. Incidence of post-procedural need for PPM implantation was significantly lower in COP group (9.8% vs 20.6%; OR = 0.43; p < 0.00001). This was accompanied by significantly higher implantation position in COP group (mean difference distance from distal end of the intraventricular portion of the THV to the non-coronary cusp (NCC): - 1.03 mm; p = 0.00001). Incidence of new-onset left bundle branch block did not differ. Regarding procedural and 30-day mortality, technical success, post-procedural aortic regurgitation, and rates of multiple device implantation, no difference between COP and CIT was found.

CONCLUSION

COP is an effective and safe implantation technique to reduce the need for a permanent pacemaker implantation during TAVR with SE Evolut prosthesis.

Temporary worsening of mitral regurgitation due to conduction disturbance after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Background

Mitral regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) can be caused by various etiologies.

Case presentation

An 81-year-old woman with mild mitral regurgitation and complete right bundle branch block was scheduled to undergo TAVI under general anesthesia. After the deployment of the prosthetic valve, electrocardiography depicted a wide QRS wave and bradycardia, suggestive of complete atrioventricular block. Although there was no lesion indicative of tissue injury to the valve itself, worsening of mitral regurgitation was identified on transesophageal echocardiography. The hemodynamic condition was stable, and no additional procedure was performed. Electrocardiography depicted a return to a narrow QRS wave 3 days after surgery, and the mitral regurgitation appeared comparable to the preoperative grade. We assumed that the worsening of mitral regurgitation was caused by dyssynchrony in the left ventricle due to the conduction disorder.

Conclusions

Mitral regurgitation after TAVI needs observation, including the determination of the etiology and treatment principle.

Impact of sigmoid septum on periprocedural outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve implantation using current-generation valves

The role of sigmoid septum (SS) observed using preprocedural transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains unknown. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes of TAVI using the current-generation transcatheter heart valves in patients with and without SS. We divided 140 consecutive patients, excluding four patients who underwent pacemaker implantation before TAVI, into two groups (those with and without SS) and compared the periprocedural outcomes, including new pacemaker implantation, within 30 days post-TAVI. Thirty-five patients (25%; 32 female patients) had SS before TAVI. The body surface area and aortic annulus area measured using computed tomography were significantly smaller in patients with SS than in those without SS (1.40 m² vs. 1.48 m², P = 0.03; and 372 mm² vs. 409 mm², P < 0.01; respectively). Device success was achieved in all patients with SS. Postprocedural TTE on 30 days post-TAVI showed no significant differences in the valvular hemodynamics between patients with and without SS. No severe prosthesis-patient mismatch was noted on TTE, although the transcatheter heart valve size tended to be smaller in patients with SS. Within 30 days of the TAVI, three (8.6%) and eight (7.6%) patients with and without SS, respectively, had new pacemaker implantation (P = 0.86). The presence of SS was not associated with periprocedural outcomes following TAVI in patients without pre-existing pacemakers. No specific assessment or treatment strategy is required for the TAVI in patients with SS using the current-generation devices.

Narrower QRS may be enough to respond to cardiac resynchronization therapy in lightweight patients

A prolonged QRS duration (QRSd) is promising for a response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The variation in human body sizes may affect the QRSd. We hypothesized that conduction disturbances may exist in Japanese even with a narrow (< 130 ms)-QRS complex; such patients could be CRT candidates. We investigated the relationships between QRSd and sex and body size in Japanese. We retrospectively analyzed the values of 338 patients without heart failure (HF) (controls) and 199 CRT patients: 12-lead electrocardiographically determined QRSd, left ventricular diastolic and systolic diameters (LVDd and LVDs), body surface area (BSA), body mass index (BMI), and LVEF. We investigated the relationships between the QRSd and BSA, BMI, and LVD. The men's and women's BSA values were 1.74 m² and 1.48 m² in the controls (p < 0.0001), and 1.70 m² and 1.41 m² in the CRT patients (p < 0.0001). The men's and women's QRSd values were 96.1 ms and 87.4 ms in the controls (p < 0.0001), and 147.8 ms and 143.9 ms in the CRT group (p = 0.4633). In the controls, all body size and LVD variables were positively associated with QRSd. The CRT response rate did not differ significantly among narrow-, mid-, and wide-QRS groups (83.6%, 91.3%, 92.4%). An analysis of the ROC curve provided a QRS cutoff value of 114 ms for CRT responder. The QRSd appears to depend somewhat on body size in patients without HF. The CRT response rate was better than reported values even in patients with a narrow QRSd (< 130 ms). When patients are considered for CRT, a QRSd > 130 ms may not be necessary, and the current JCS guidelines appear to be appropriate.

Acute torrential mitral regurgitation during transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a case report

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive approach to aortic valve replacement. However, critical cardiovascular collapse can occur during the procedure for various reasons.

Case presentation

A 90-year-old man with severe aortic stenosis and left circumflex artery stenosis developed acute torrential mitral regurgitation (MR) during TAVR. The valve deployment process induced left ventricular dyssynchrony due to left bundle-branch block and myocardial ischemia in the left circumflex artery region with torrential MR. Transesophageal echocardiography clearly demonstrated the mechanisms of MR, which was successfully bailed out by left ventricular pacing and intra-aortic balloon pumping.

Conclusions

MR can be seriously exaggerated by various and complicated mechanisms during TAVR and should be rapidly assessed and appropriately managed depending on its mechanisms.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s40792-018-0446-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Clinical characteristics of conduction disturbance in patients with Behcet's disease

To summarized clinical features of Behcet's patients with conduction disturbances and explore the underlying risk factors. A retrospective case-control study was conducted in Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University. Demographic data, clinical features, laboratory results, treatments, and fatality rate during hospital stay were analyzed. We found 23.1% of Behcet's disease had conduction disturbances and 84.0% had aortic valvular insufficiency. The male percentage of the Behcet's disease patients with conduction disturbances was significantly higher than controls (88.9 vs. 61.7%, P = 0.03). The echocardiography showed left ventricular end-diastolic diameter [64.00 (18) vs. 48.00 (15) mm, P = 0.000]; left ventricular end-contraction diameter [47.50 (11) vs. 30 (13) mm, P = 0.000]; left atrial diameter [47 (17) vs. 34 (14) mm, P = 0.001]; and left ventricular ejection fraction [60 (10) vs. 63 (13) mm, P = 0.023] were significantly different between two groups. Aortic valvular insufficiency was an independent risk factor for Behcet's disease with conduction disturbances (OR = 17.830; 95% CI 2.106, 150.981; P = 0.008). Conduction disturbance in Behcet's disease deserved attention. The diagnosis of BD and evaluation of conduction disturbance should be kept in mind when accepting patients with valvular regurgitation.

Evaluation of R-wave offset in the left chest leads for estimating the left ventricular activation delay: An evaluation based on coronary sinus electrograms and the 12-lead electrocardiogram

BACKGROUND

The QRS duration does not always reflect the left ventricular (LV) activation delay in patients with ventricular conduction disturbances. The R-wave offset in left chest leads may more closely reflect the LV activation delay than the QRS offset.

METHODS

We evaluated 138 cases with left bundle branch block (LBBB, n=11), right BBB (RBBB, n=38), non-specific intraventricular conduction disturbance (n=11), narrow QRS (<120ms, n=56) and right ventricular pacing (n=22). Cases with right axis deviation (120 to 270 degrees) were excluded. The intervals from the QRS onset to the V-waves in coronary sinus bipolar electrograms (QCS) were measured, and the longest interval was defined as the QCSmax. In the 12-lead electrocardiogram, the interval from the QRS onset to the R-wave offset (QR) was measured and then averaged in leads I-aVL, II-III-aVF, V1-V2, V3-V4 and V5-V6.

RESULTS

Significant correlations (p<0.05) were found between QCSmax and QR in I-aVL (r=0.83), II-III-aVF (r=0.51) and V5-V6 (r=0.86) in cases with a normal axis (0 to 90 degrees, n=64); and I-aVL (r=0.90), II-III-aVF (r=0.31) and V5-V6 (r=0.69) in cases with left axis deviation (-45 to -89 degrees, n=52). Overall, the QRS duration was also correlated with QCSmax (r=0.72, p<0.001); however, this correlation was weaker than the correlation between QCSmax and QR in I-aVL (r=0.89, p<0.001) due to disparities in RBBB (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The interval from the QRS onset to R-wave offset in the left chest leads reflects the degree of LV activation delay regardless of differences in QRS duration and morphology.

Computational model of visual hallucination in dementia with Lewy bodies

Patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) frequently experience visual hallucination (VH), which has been aptly described as people seeing things that are not there. The distinctive character of VH in DLB necessitates a new theory of visual cognition. We have conducted a series of studies with the aim to understand the mechanism of this dysfunction of the cognitive system. We have proposed that if we view the disease from the internal mechanism of neurocognitive processes, and if also take into consideration recent experimental data on conduction abnormality, at least some of the symptoms can be understood within the framework of network (or disconnection) syndromes. This paper describes the problem from a computational aspect and tries to determine whether conduction disturbances in a computational model can in fact produce a "computational" hallucination under appropriate assumptions.

Characteristics and clinical relevance of late gadolinium enhancement in cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with systemic sclerosis

Cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is considerably frequent in autopsy, but the early identification is clinically difficult. Recent advantages in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) enabled to detect myocardial fibrotic scar as late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). We aimed to examine the prevalence and distribution of LGE in patients with SSc, and associate them with clinical features, electrocardiographic abnormalities and cardiac function. Forty patients with SSc (58 ± 14 years-old, 35 females, limited/diffuse 25/15, disease duration 106 ± 113 months) underwent serological tests, 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and CMR. Seven patients (17.5 %) showed LGE in 26 segments of left ventricle (LV). LGE distributed mainly in the basal to mid inter-ventricular septum and the right ventricular (RV) insertion points, but involved all the myocardial regions. More patients with LGE showed NYHA functional class II and more (71 vs. 21 %, p < 0.05), bundle branch blocks (57 vs. 6 %, p < 0.05), LV ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50 % (72 vs. 6 %, p < 0.01), LV asynergy (43 vs. 0 %, p < 0.01) and RVEF < 40 % (100 vs. 39 %, p < 0.01). There was no difference in disease duration, disease types, or prevalence of positive autoimmune antibodies or high serum NT-proBNP level (>125 pg/ml). When cardiac involvement of SSc was defined as low LVEF, ECG abnormalities or high NT-proBNP, the sensitivity, specificity positive and negative predictive values of LGE were 36, 92, 71 and 72 %, respectively. We could clarify the prevalence and distribution of LGE in Japanese patients with SSc. The presence of LGE was associated with cardiac symptom, conduction disturbance and impaired LV/RV contraction.