Valve Hemodynamics by Valve Size and 1-Year Survival Following Implantation of the Portico Valve in the Multicenter CONFIDENCE Registry

Background

The CONtrolled delivery For ImproveD outcomEs with cliNiCal Evidence registry was initiated to characterize the clinical safety and device performance from experienced transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) centers in Europe and Australia that use the Portico valve to treat patients with severe aortic stenosis. We herein report for the first time the valve performance at 30-day across all implanted valve sizes and the 1-year survival from this registry.

Methods

This was a prospective, multicenter, single-arm observational clinical investigation of patients clinically indicated for implantation of a Portico valve in experienced TAVI centers. Patients were treated with a commercially available valve (size 23, 25, 27, or 29 mm) using either the first-generation delivery system (DS) (n = 501) or the second-generation (FlexNav) DS (n = 500). Adverse events were adjudicated by an independent clinical events committee according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 criteria. Echocardiographic outcomes were assessed at 30 days by an independent core laboratory, and a survival check was performed at 1 year.

Results

We enrolled 1001 patients (82.0 years, 62.5% female, 63.7% New York Heart Association functional class III/IV at baseline) from 27 clinical sites in 8 countries across Europe and one site in Australia. Implantation of a single valve was successful in 97.5% of subjects. Valve hemodynamics at 30 days were substantially improved relative to baseline, with large aortic valve areas and low mean gradients across all implanted valve sizes (aortic valve areas were 1.7 ± 0.4, 1.7 ± 0.5, 1.8 ± 0.5, and 2.0 ± 0.5 cm2, and mean gradients were 7.0 ± 2.7, 7.5 ± 4.7, 7.3 ± 3.3, and 6.4 ± 3.3 mmHg for 23, 25, 27, and 29 mm valve sizes, respectively). Across all implanted valve sizes, most patients (77.1%) had no patient-prosthesis mismatch. Death from any cause within 1 year occurred in 13.7% of the patients in the first-generation DS group as compared with 11.0% in the second-generation DS group (p = 0.2).

Conclusions

The Portico valve demonstrated excellent hemodynamic performance across all valve sizes in a large cohort of subjects implanted in experienced TAVI centers. One-year survival rates were favorable when using both the first-generation and second-generation (FlexNav) DSs in this high-risk cohort.

ClinicalTrialsgov Identifier

NCT03752866.

Redo aortic valve replacement versus valve-in-valve trans-catheter aortic valve implantation: a UK propensity-matched analysis

This study sought to compare the morbidity and mortality of redo aortic valve replacement (redo-AVR) versus valve-in-valve trans-catheter aortic valve implantation (valve-in-valve TAVI) for patients with a failing bioprosthetic valve. A multicenter UK retrospective study of redo-AVR or valve-in-valve TAVI for patients referred for redo aortic valve intervention due to a degenerated aortic bioprosthesis. Propensity score matching was performed for confounding factors. From July 2005 to April 2021, 911 patients underwent redo-AVR and 411 patients underwent valve-in-valve TAVI. There were 125 pairs for analysis after propensity score matching. The mean age was 75.2±8.5 years. In-hospital mortality was 7.2% (n=9) for redo-AVR versus 0 for valve-in-valve TAVI, p=0.002. Surgical patients suffered more post-operative complications, including intra-aortic balloon pump support (p=0.02), early re-operation (p<0.001), arrhythmias (p<0.001), respiratory and neurological complications (p=0.02 and p=0.03) and multi-organ failure (p=0.01). The valve-in-valve TAVI group had a shorter intensive care unit and hospital stay (p<0.001 for both). However, moderate aortic regurgitation at discharge and higher post-procedural gradients were more common after valve-in-valve TAVI (p<0.001 for both). Survival probabilities in patients who were successfully discharged from the hospital were similar after valve-in-valve TAVI and redo-AVR over the 6-year follow-up (log-rank p=0.26). In elderly patients with a degenerated aortic bioprosthesis, valve-in-valve TAVI provides better early outcomes as opposed to redo-AVR, although there was no difference in mid-term survival in patients successfully discharged from the hospital.

Thirty-day and one-year outcomes of the Navitor transcatheter heart valve in patients with aortic stenosis: the prospective, multicentre, global PORTICO NG Study

BACKGROUND

The Navitor transcatheter heart valve (THV) is a self-expanding valve, with an intra-annular leaflet position and an outer cuff intended to reduce paravalvular leak (PVL).

AIMS

The aim of the PORTICO NG Study is to assess the safety and performance of the Navitor THV in patients with symptomatic, severe aortic stenosis who are at high or extreme surgical risk.

METHODS

PORTICO NG is a prospective, multicentre, global, single-arm, investigational study with follow-up at 30 days, 1 year, and annually up to 5 years. The primary endpoints are all-cause mortality and moderate or greater PVL at 30 days. Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 events and valve performance are assessed by an independent clinical events committee and echocardiographic core laboratory.

RESULTS

A total of 120 high- or extreme-risk subjects (age 83.5±5.4 years; 58.3% female; Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 4.0±2.0%) were enrolled in the European conformity (CE) mark cohort. Procedural success was high at 97.5%. At 30 days, the rate of all-cause mortality was 0%, and no subjects had moderate or greater PVL. The rate of disabling stroke was 0.8%, life-threatening bleeding was 2.5%, stage 3 acute kidney injury 0%, major vascular complications 0.8%, and new pacemaker implantation 15.0%. At 1 year, the rates of all-cause mortality and disabling stroke were 4.2% and 0.8%, respectively. The rate of moderate PVL was 1.0% at 1 year. Haemodynamic performance with a mean gradient of 7.5±3.2 mmHg and effective orifice area of 1.9±0.4 cm² was sustained up to 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

The PORTICO NG Study demonstrates low rates of adverse events and PVL up to 1 year in patients at high or extreme surgical risk, confirming the safety and efficacy of the Navitor THV system.

First-in-Human Dedicated Leaflet Splitting Device for Prevention of Coronary Obstruction in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery obstruction is a life-threatening complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures. Current preventive strategies are suboptimal.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to describe bench testing and clinical experience with a novel device that splits valve leaflets that are at risk for causing coronary obstruction after TAVR, allowing normal coronary flow.

METHODS

The ShortCut device was initially tested in vitro and preclinically in a porcine model for functionality and safety. The device was subsequently offered to patients at elevated risk for coronary obstruction. Risk for coronary obstruction was based on computed tomography-based anatomical characteristics. Procedure success was determined as patient survival at 30 days with a functioning new valve, without stroke or coronary obstruction.

RESULTS

Following a successful completion of bench testing and preclinical trial, the device was used in 8 patients with failed bioprosthetic valves (median age 81 years; IQR: 72-85 years; 37.5% man) at 2 medical centers. A total of 11 leaflets were split: 5 patients (63.5%) were considered at risk for left main obstruction alone, and 3 patients (37.5%) were at risk for double coronary obstruction. All patients underwent successful TAVR without evidence of coronary obstruction. All patients were discharged from the hospital in good clinical condition, and no adverse neurologic events were noted. Procedure success was 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

Evaluation of the first dedicated transcatheter leaflet-splitting device shows that the device can successfully split degenerated bioprosthetic valve leaflets. The procedure was safe and successfully prevented coronary obstruction in patients at risk for this complication following TAVR.

Procedural Safety and Device Performance of the Portico™ Valve from Experienced TAVI Centers: 30-Day Outcomes in the Multicenter CONFIDENCE Registry

A total of 1001 subjects (82.0 years, 62.5% female, 63.7% NYHA III/IV at baseline) with severe aortic stenosis at high surgical risk were enrolled in the prospective CONFIDENCE registry and treated with a Portico™ transcatheter heart valve (THV) using either a first-generation delivery system (DS) or the FlexNav™ DS. The objective of this registry is to characterize the procedural safety and device performance of the Portico™ THV at 30 days. The study collected ‘standard-of-care’ clinical and device performance data, with adverse events adjudicated by an independent clinical event committee according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 criteria. The implantation of a single Portico™ THV was successful in 97.5% of subjects. The 30-day all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and disabling stroke rates were 2.6%, 2.1%, and 1.8%, respectively. A new pacemaker was implanted in 19.0% of subjects at 30 days. At 30 days, the effective orifice area and mean gradient values were 1.82 cm2 and 7.1 mmHg, respectively. The 30-day rate of moderate paravalvular leak (PVL) was 2.1%, with no occurrence of severe PVL. The Portico™ THV demonstrated improved hemodynamic performance and low rates of safety events at 30 days in a large cohort of subjects implanted with the Portico™ THV with either the first-generation DS or FlexNav™ DS.

An enhanced Hidden Semi-Markov model for outlier detection in multivariate datasets

Outlier detection in multivariate data is one of the critical challenges in preprocessing phase. Many outlier detection methods have been emerged for the past few years to perform outlier detection efficiently in multivariate datasets. The prediction accuracy cannot be improved without proper outlier analysis and the prediction model might not confirm the expected behavior. The generation of huge data in real time applications makes the outlier detection process more crucial and challenging. Most of the currently available detection methods are based on mean and covariance that are not suitable for handling large volume of datasets, they are suitable for handlind static data and simple data to detect outliers. They cannot cope up with large scale data. So, there is a need for an efficient outlier detection model to detect the outliers in multivariate datasets. The primary objective of this research work is to develop a robust model for outlier detection in multivariate data. To achieve this, the work proposed an enhanced Hidden Semi-Markov Model (HSMM) which allows arbitrary time distribution in its states to detect outliers. The proposed work utilized six benchmark datasets and the performance is compared with several outlier detection algorithms such as HMM, iForest, FastABOD, and Expose. The work achieves 98.2 % of accuracy which is significantly better for detecting outliers in multivariate dataset. The proposed work improvised the percentage of acheivements between 2% to 25% than the currently available models.. The experimental analysis shows that the proposed model performs well than the currently available models in terms of accuracy, and receiver operation curve (ROC).

Reframing Optimal Implantation of the Sapien 3 Transcatheter Heart Valve

OBJECTIVES

To define the optimal implantation of the Sapien 3 (Edwards Lifesciences) transcatheter heart valve (THV), this study systematically analyzed the predeployment fluoroscopic THV position and correlated this to clinical outcomes.

METHODS

This was an observational study of 279 patients treated with the Sapien 3 THV. Fluoroscopic imaging was used to categorize patients into low (n = 147), intermediate (n = 86), and high (n = 46) implantation zones. These zones were based on the relationship of the balloon marker and radiolucent line of the valve frame (line of lucency) to the annular plane at deployment. The primary outcome was the rate of permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) at 30 days. The secondary outcomes were the rates of new left bundle-branch block (LBBB) in-hospital and all-cause mortality at 1 year.

RESULTS

In the high, intermediate, and low groups, 30-day PPI rates were 4.3%, 8.1%, and 8.8% (P=.62); in-hospital LBBB rates were 10.9%, 26.7%, and 32.0% (P=.02); and all-cause mortality rates at 1 year were 3.1%, 7.3%, and 12.5% (P=.14), respectively. No differences were observed with respect to procedural success/complications or THV performance between the groups.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates fewer conduction abnormalities for Sapien 3 valves positioned within a higher zone defined fluoroscopically by the line of lucency and balloon marker.

Open transcatheter valve implantation for mitral annular calcification: One-year outcomes

Background

Transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) for native mitral valve pathology with severe mitral annular calcification has emerged as an alternative treatment option to conventional mitral valve surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate patients who were referred for TMVI with severe mitral annular calcification and their procedural outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients from 2017 to 2020 referred for TMVI was carried out. Demographic characteristic details; surgical strategy; perioperative complications; and hospital stay, including 30-day and 1-year mortality, were analyzed.

Results

Eleven patients were referred for consideration of TMVI. The 8 patients who underwent TMVI had a median age of 74 years (range, 57-80 years), the median Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 4.6 (range, 2.4-10.9), and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II score was 5.2% (2%-10.1%). The median cardiopulmonary bypass time and crossclamp times were 170 minutes (range, 150-248 minutes) and 152 minutes (range, 118-214 minutes), respectively. The median hospital stay was 29 days (range, 2-40 days). Thirty-day in hospital mortality was 12%, whereas 1-year mortality was 25%. There was symptomatic improvement with downgrade of New York Heart Association functional class from III or IV to I or II. The 3 patients who were turned down had a median age of 73 years, median Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 13.4, and median European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II score was 5.72%. They were alive at 12 months follow-up from the date of surgical assessment; however, all with New York Heart Association functional class III or IV symptoms.

Conclusions

We describe a series demonstrating the technical consideration and capability of transatrial TMVI to treat mitral annular calcification and native mitral valve disease. Our results are favorable when compared with TMVI global registry data for transseptal or transapical approach.

208 First and Second Metacarpal Arthrodesis - Salvage Procedure for Failed Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Arthritis Surgery

Aim

There are various surgical options for the management of thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) arthritis. These include first metacarpal osteotomy, trapeziectomy with or without ligament reconstruction, CMCJ arthrodesis and arthroplasty. However, if these operations fail, the options for salvage are limited. The authors aim to offer ‘first and second metacarpal arthrodesis (FSMA)’ as a salvage procedure for failed first CMC joint surgeries. The authors also reviewed the literature on FSMA.

Method

Literature search

Operative Technique

Results

Literature search

Conclusions

FSMA is a good salvage option for failed surgical treatment of thumb CMCJ arthritis. FSMA can also be utilised as a primary procedure for various indications.

824 UK CoPACK Study: Health Care Workers Knowledge and Confidence in Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) And Related Anxiety Levels During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Aim

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant pressures on the NHS. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of infection. Personal protective equipment (PPE) lowers the risk of infection transmission. However, during the early phases of the pandemic, the information available regarding COVD-19 and the use of PPE has been unclear, with constantly changing guidelines. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and confidence about PPE usage among HCWs, in addition to measuring their anxiety levels during the COVID pandemic.

Method

A validated questionnaire was distributed among HCWs in as many UK hospitals as possible, during April 2020. The questionnaire consisted of 13 questions regarding demographics, knowledge on PPE guidance, HCW training and confidence levels in PPE usage and finally anxiety levels measured using the GAD-7 psychometric tool.

Results

1055 responses were received. Nurses (49%), Healthcare Assistants (HCA - 20%), Doctors (17%), Physios (8%) and other (6%). 99% of respondents indicated they were familiar with PPE guidance, but only 1.6% answered all 3 questions on PPE guidance accurately. 86.4% of respondents received mask-fitting checks. 79.7% received donning-doffing training. Despite this, only 46.8% were confident on their familiarity with PPE. 32.5% felt that their hospital communication regarding PPE policy during COVID-19 pandemic was poor or very poor. 30% HCWs experienced severe anxiety.

Conclusions

National guidance and local training on PPE usage during the COVID-19 pandemic has been unsatisfactory, leading to higher anxiety among HCWs. Improved information delivery and training are essential in preparation for the second wave and future pandemics.

239 An Audit on The Consenting Process For Orthopaedic Surgery During The COVID Pandemic

Aim

The Royal College of Surgeons have published guidelines on consenting for treatment of patients when COVID-19 is present in society. Patients should be made aware that attending hospital for elective surgical procedures exposes them to the risk of contracting COVID-19, despite the stringent health and hygiene measures employed by hospitals and their staff. Our aim is to investigate whether orthopaedic patients are being appropriately consented for surgery during the COVID pandemic.

Method

A prospective audit of 100 consent forms was performed. The forms were examined to identify whether COVID-19 risk was documented as a potential risk of surgery. Data was also collected on consented grade, patient length of stay and any complications post-operatively.

Results

56% of consent forms reviewed did not contain the risk of COVID documented in them. 34% of forms that did not state COVID risk were completed by consultants, 18% by fellows and 48% were by registrars. 24% of these patients had an in-patient length of stay of 3 or more days. 6% patients were suspected of COVID post-operatively and tested. 0% patients contracted COVID in this cohort.

Conclusions

The Royal College of Surgeons COVID-19 Toolkit states that the risk of contracting COVID while in hospital is 0.45%. All patients should be made aware of this risk prior to proceeding with surgery. Only 44% of patients in our hospital have had this risk discussed and documented. This compliance level has to be significantly improved.

Final 3-year clinical outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve implantation with a supra-annular self-expanding repositionable valve in a real-world setting: Results from the multicenter FORWARD study

Objectives

The Evolut R FORWARD study confirmed safety and effectivenesss of the Evolut R THV in routine clinical practice out to 1 year. Herein, we report the final 3‐year clinical follow up of the FORWARD study.

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a proven alternative to surgery in elderly patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. Long‐term clinical outcome data with the Evolut R platform are scarce.

Methods

FORWARD is a prospective multicenter observational study that evaluated the Evolut R system in routine clinical practice at 53 centres. Eligible patients had symptomatic native aortic valve stenosis or failed surgical aortic bioprosthesis and elevated operative risk per Heart‐Team assessment. TAVR was attempted in 1039 patients.

Results

Mean age was 81.8 ± 6.2 years, 64.9% were women, STS score was 5.5 ± 4.5% and 34.2% were frail. Rates of all‐cause mortality and disabling stroke were 24.8% and 4.8% at 3 years. Early need for a new pacemaker implantation after TAVR (all‐cause mortality: with new PPI; 21.0% vs. without; 22.8%, p = 0.55) and the presence of > trace paravalvular regurgitation (all‐cause mortality: no or trace; 22.0% vs. ≥ mild; 25.5%, p = 0.29) did not affect survival. Between 1 and 3 years incidence rates of valve related intervention, endocarditis and clinically relevant valve thrombosis were low.

Conclusions

The Evolut R valve maintained a favorable safety profile through 3 years in routine clinical practice. Rates of transcatheter heart valve‐related adverse events were low.

Survival relative to pacemaker status after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether a permanent pacemaker (PPM) in situ can enhance survival after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), in a predominantly inoperable or high risk cohort.

BACKGROUND

New conduction disturbances are the most frequent complication of TAVI, often necessitating PPM implantation before hospital discharge.

METHODS

We performed an observational cohort analysis of the UK TAVI registry (2007-2015). Primary and secondary endpoints were 30-day post-discharge all-cause mortality and long-term survival, respectively.

RESULTS

Of 8,651 procedures, 6,815 complete datasets were analyzed. A PPM at hospital discharge, irrespective of when implantation occurred (PPM 1.68% [22/1309] vs. no PPM 1.47% [81/5506], odds ratio [OR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71-1.84; p = .58), or a PPM implanted peri- or post-TAVI only (PPM 1.44% [11/763] vs. no PPM 1.47% [81/5506], OR 0.98 [0.51-1.85]; p = .95) did not significantly reduce the primary endpoint. Patients with a PPM at discharge were older, male, had right bundle branch block at baseline, were more likely to have received a first-generation self-expandable prosthesis and had experienced more peri- and post-procedural complications including bailout valve-in-valve rescue, bleeding and acute kidney injury. A Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated significantly reduced long-term survival in all those with a PPM, irrespective of implantation timing (hazard ratio [HR] 1.14 [1.02-1.26]; p = .019) and those receiving a PPM only at the time of TAVI (HR 1.15 [1.02-1.31]; p = .032). The reasons underlying this observation warrant further investigation.

CONCLUSIONS

A PPM did not confer a survival advantage in the first 30 days after hospital discharge following TAVI.

Thirty-day clinical outcomes of the Evolut PRO self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve: the international FORWARD PRO study

AIMS

The Evolut PRO is a new transcatheter heart valve with an outer pericardial wrap intended to reduce paravalvular leak and facilitate tissue ingrowth. We aimed to evaluate the clinical performance and safety of the Evolut PRO valve in standard practice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

FORWARD PRO is a prospective, multinational, multicentre observational study. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the Evolut PRO valve (23, 26, or 29 mm) was attempted in 629 non-consecutive patients from 39 centres from February 2018 to January 2019. The primary endpoint was the rate of all-cause mortality at 30 days compared to a pre-specified performance goal. An independent clinical events committee adjudicated safety endpoints based on VARC-2 definitions. All echocardiograms were centrally assessed by an independent core laboratory (Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA). Baseline characteristics included mean age 81.7±6.1 years, 61.8% female, STS score 4.7±3.3%, and 33.6% were frail. All-cause mortality at 30 days was 3.2%, which was lower than the pre-specified performance goal of 5.5% (p=0.004). Greater than mild AR was present in 1.8% of patients at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

The FORWARD PRO study confirmed the safety and efficacy of the Evolut PRO transcatheter aortic valve system with an external pericardial wrap. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03417011

Safety Profile of an Intra-Annular Self-Expanding Transcatheter Aortic Valve and Next-Generation Low-Profile Delivery System

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to characterize the safety profile of an intra-annular self-expanding valve with a next-generation low-profile delivery system (DS).

BACKGROUND

Key design modifications to the FlexNav DS include the addition of a hydrophilic-coated, integrated sheath and stability layer to facilitate gradual, controlled deployment in vessels with diameter ≥5 mm.

METHODS

Patients were pooled from 2 concurrent prospective, multicenter, single-arm studies (FlexNav DS arm of PORTICO IDE [Portico Re-Sheathable Transcatheter Aortic Valve System U.S. IDE Trial] [n = 134] and the FlexNav EU CE Mark Study [n = 46]) for the analysis. The primary endpoint was Valve Academic Research Consortium-2-defined major vascular complications at 30 days. Clinical outcomes and valve performance were assessed through 30 days by an independent clinical events committee and an echocardiography core laboratory, respectively.

RESULTS

One hundred forty high-risk and 40 extreme-risk subjects enrolled between October 15, 2018, and December 10, 2019, from 28 sites in the United States, Australia, and Europe who underwent attempted transfemoral Portico valve implantation were included. The mean age was 85.1 ± 5.6 years, 60% were women, the mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 5.3%, and 96.1% presented with ≥1 frailty factor. Technical device success was 96.7%. At 30 days, the rate of major vascular complications was 5.0%, with 4.4% of complications adjudicated as access site-related (3.3% transcatheter aortic valve replacement DS access site-related). Death (0.6%) and disabling stroke (1.1%) were rare. The rate of new permanent pacemaker implantation was 15.4%. Echocardiography revealed a mean gradient of 7.1 ± 3.2 mm Hg, mean valve area of 1.77 ± 0.41 cm², and a 4.1% rate of moderate paravalvular leak at 30 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Portico valve implantation with the FlexNav DS was associated with an excellent safety profile at 30 days.

Initial experience of a self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve with an outer pericardial wrap: The United Kingdom and Ireland Implanters' registry

OBJECTIVES

The United Kingdom and Ireland Implanters' registry is a multicenter registry which reports on real-world experience with new transcatheter heart valves.

BACKGROUND

The Evolut PRO (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) transcatheter aortic valve is a self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve with an outer pericardial wrap, designed to minimize paravalvular regurgitation.

METHODS

Between July 2017 and December 2018, clinical, procedural, and 30-day outcome data were prospectively collected from all patients receiving the Evolut PRO valve across nine participating centers in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The primary efficacy outcome was the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2)-defined endpoint of device success. The primary safety outcome was the VARC-2-defined composite endpoint of early safety at 30 days.

RESULTS

A total of 317 patients underwent implantation. Mean age was 81.8 ± 6.4 years and Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality Score 5.5 ± 1.8%. Iliofemoral access was used in 99.1% of patients. Device success was 91.2%. Mean gradient was 7.6 ± 4.7 mmHg and effective orifice area 1.9 ± 0.7 cm² . The incidence of moderate paravalvular regurgitation was 1.7% and there was no severe paravalvular regurgitation. A new permanent pacemaker was implanted in 17.8% of patients without a pacemaker at baseline. Early safety was demonstrated in 92.7%. At 30 days, all-cause mortality was 0.6%, stroke 3.8%, and major vascular complication 2.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

Real-world experience of the Evolut PRO transcatheter aortic valve demonstrated favorable procedural success, safety, valve function, and incidence of new permanent pacemaker implantation.

Correction to: Uncemented Thompson's hemiarthroplasty: safe, palliative and cost-effective surgery in the infirm patient-a consecutive series of 1445 cases

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. David Morley was not listed among the authors.

P184511 years of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in a single centre and outcomes for all 1004 patient cases completed

Background

Long-term outcome data after TAVI is of key importance as indications have extended from high risk patients to intermediate risk alongside contemporary study of low risk patients.

Purpose

We report our complete 11 y experience of TAVI.

Methods

All patients (n=1004) treated with TAVI in our institution between Feb 2008 & Nov 2018 were included. Data was collected prospectively and all death certificates were reviewed. Independent predictors of mortality were determined by multivariable cox proportional hazard modelling. Annular sizing was performed via echocardiography +/or angiography until Aug 2012 after which time cardiac CT was used.

Results

Patients were 53% female & had mean age 81.9±6.6 y, logistic EuroScore 18.5%. 89% were NYHA >2, and 26.7% had a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of <50%. TAVI was performed for severe degenerative aortic valve disease (93.5%), while valve-in-valve (2.4%) bicuspid (2.1%) & rheumatic (2%) made up the remainder. Self-expanding valves were implanted in 73% cases. 98% cases were performed under local anaesthesia. A percutaneous transfemoral approach was used in 92% cases. For the first 6 y 19% procedures were performed for urgent inpatients, rising to 42% over the last 5 y. The mean time to discharge was 5.5 d, overall, & 60% cases were discharged within 72 h in the last 5 y. Mortality, for those at risk, was 3.2%, 12.8%, 53% & 88% at 30 d, 1 y, 5 y & 10 y. The median time to death was 2.6 y. Non-cardiac death accounted for 62% deaths, with sepsis being the main cause (55%). The main cause of cardiac death was heart failure (HF (53%)). Independent clinical predictors of death were increased age, atrial fibrillation, pulmonary disease & LVEF <50%. Use of a 2nd generation valve was associated with better survival at 5 y (p<0.001).

30 d new permanent pacemaker and stroke incidence were 13.7% and 2% respectively. 30 d readmission occurred in 13% patients. Independent clinical predictors of 1 y HF (7%) readmission were NYHA Class >2 and LVEF <50%. Endocarditis was seen in 1.6% during a mean follow-up 2,593 patient y. Mean aortic gradients at 1 y, 5 y & 10 y were 9.7mmHg, 8.4mmHg & 10.53mmHg. One patient had severe trans-aortic regurgitation during the follow-up. A 2nd TAVI procedure was performed in 5 patients with clinically significant paravalvular regurgitation, all within 30 d.

Figure 1. A. Survival. B. Predictors death

Conclusion

This comprehensive evaluation of all patients treated with this innovative technology provides reassurance regarding the long-term clinical efficacy of TAVI & gives insight into the evolution of our programme with time.

Competence in using the arthroscopy stack system: a national survey of orthopaedic trainees in the UK

INTRODUCTION

Surgeons are required to have a sound knowledge regarding all operating theatre equipment they wish to use. This is important to ensure patient safety and theatre efficiency. Arthroscopy forms a significant part of all orthopaedic subspecialty practice. Proficiency in performing arthroscopic procedures is assessed during registrar training. The aim of this survey was to determine the competence of orthopaedic trainee registrars in setting up the arthroscopy stack system and managing intraoperative problems.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic survey forms were sent to all orthopaedic training programme directors in the UK to be forwarded to trainees in their deanery. The electronic survey contained 13 questions aimed at determining trainee experience and competence level with working with the arthroscopy stack system.

RESULTS

A total of 138 responses were received from 14 deaneries in the UK. Almost all registrars had experienced intraoperative delays because of equipment malfunction that required addressing by more competent staff. However, 82% of respondents had not received any formal training for operating the arthroscopy stack system. Some 82% of registrars of ST7 grade or above, who had performed over 50 arthroscopic procedures and achieved a level 4 PBA competence, were unable to set up the stack system and successfully address these delays.

CONCLUSIONS

Inadequate training is delivered to orthopaedic registrars from both the training programme and arthroscopy-themed courses with regards to set-up and operation of the arthroscopy tower system. This training should be part of the curriculum to ensure patient safety and efficient theatre practice.

Flow, Reflected by Stroke Volume Index, Is a Risk Marker in High-Gradient Aortic Stenosis Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND

Tools are needed to identify patients at increased risk after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Indexed stroke volume (SVi) is an echocardiographic measurement that is used for low-gradient aortic stenosis. We studied whether low SVi is a high-risk marker in patients with high-gradient aortic stenosis (HG-AS) and assessed the relationship between SVi and left ventricle (LV) systolic function in contributing to this risk.

METHODS

A total of 816 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR were screened, and only patients with HG-AS were included. Low flow (LF) was defined as SVi ≤ 35 mL/m². The primary endpoint was defined as a combination of all-cause mortality and readmission with heart failure at 1 year.

RESULTS

Of the 476 patients with HG-AS, 215 (45%) had LF. They had higher N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) (2565 [1037-5492] vs 1730 [818-3575], P = 0.006) and smaller indexed valve area (0.30 ± 0.10 vs 0.37 ± 0.10 cm²/m², P < 0.001) when compared with normal flow patients. The primary endpoint was higher in LF patients (hazard ratio, 1.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-2.21; P = 0.045). There were no statistical differences in the individual components of death (13.0% vs 8.9%, P = 0.16) or heart failure (14.9% vs 10.1%, P = 0.12). When stratified according to LV function, low SVi was associated with future adverse events in patients with reduced function (hazard ratio, 3.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-8.98; P = 0.015) with comparable clinical outcomes in those with preserved function. LF was an independent predictor of adverse events in the reduced LV function subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

SVi can further characterize patients with HG-AS and may help to identify those who are at increased risk after TAVR.

Treatment of Aortic Stenosis With a Self-Expanding, Resheathable Transcatheter Valve: One-Year Results of the International Multicenter Portico Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation System Study

BACKGROUND

The aim of the Portico TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation) system study was to evaluate outcomes ≤1 year after implantation of a novel resheathable, self-expanding TAVI system in a multicenter patient population with severe aortic stenosis (AS).

METHODS AND RESULTS

High-risk patients (n=222) with symptomatic severe AS (mean age, 83.0±4.6 years; 74.3% women) were enrolled across 12 centers in Europe and Australia. The study's primary end point was all-cause mortality at 30 days. A total of 209 patients who received the Portico TAVI system were available for follow-up after the 30-day visit. Data collection included hemodynamic assessment by echocardiography with core laboratory evaluation and assessment of functional status. Valve Academic Research Consortium-defined adverse events were adjudicated by an independent Clinical Events Committee. TAVI using the Portico valve led to a significant and persistent improvement in aortic valve function at 1 year. More than mild paravalvular leak was present in 5.7% and 7.5% of patients at 30 days and 1 year, respectively. Kaplan-Meier estimates at 30 days and 1 year were 3.6% and 13.8% for all-cause mortality, 3.6% and 9.6% for cardiovascular mortality, and 3.2% and 5.8% for major (disabling) stroke. After 30 days and ≤1 year of follow-up, adverse events included stage 3 acute kidney injury (n=3), major vascular complications (n=5), and life-threatening/disabling bleeding (n=3). Overall permanent pacemaker rate was 14.7%. At 1 year, 74.8% improved ≥1 New York Heart Association class compared with baseline (P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The Portico TAVI system is safe and effective at 1 year, yielding low mortality and stroke rates in high-risk patients with severe AS.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01493284.

Initial experience of a large, self-expanding, and fully recapturable transcatheter aortic valve: The UK & Ireland Implanters' registry

OBJECTIVES

The UK & Ireland Implanters' registry is a multicenter registry which reports on real-world experience with novel transcatheter heart valves.

BACKGROUND

The 34 mm Evolut R transcatheter aortic valve is a self-expanding and fully recapturable transcatheter aortic valve, designed to treat patients with a large aortic annulus.

METHODS

Between January 2017 and April 2018, clinical, procedural and 30-day outcome data were prospectively collected from all patients receiving the 34 mm Evolut R valve across 17 participating centers in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The primary efficacy outcome was the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2(VARC-2)-defined endpoint of device success. The primary safety outcome was the VARC-2-defined composite endpoint of early safety at 30 days.

RESULTS

A total of 217 patients underwent attempted implant. Mean age was 79.5 ± 8.8 years and Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality Score 5.2% ± 3.4%. Iliofemoral access was used in 91.2% of patients. Device success was 79.7%. Mean gradient was 7.0 ± 4.6 mmHg and effective orifice area 2.0 ± 0.6 cm² . Paravalvular regurgitation was more than mild in 7.2%. A new permanent pacemaker was implanted in 15.7%. Early safety was demonstrated in 91.2%. At 30 days, all-cause mortality was 3.2%, stroke 3.7%, and major vascular complication 2.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Real-world experience of the 34 mm Evolut R transcatheter aortic valve demonstrated acceptable procedural success, safety, valve function, and incidence of new permanent pacemaker implantation.

Repositionable percutaneous aortic valve implantation with the LOTUS valve: 30-day and 1-year outcomes in 250 high-risk surgical patients

AIMS

The REPRISE IIE trial aimed to evaluate outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve implantation of the fully repositionable and retrievable LOTUS valve with a unique seal designed to minimise paravalvular leak (PVL).

METHODS AND RESULTS

This prospective, multicentre study enrolled 250 patients with severe aortic stenosis considered high-risk for surgery by a multidisciplinary Heart Team. An independent clinical events committee adjudicated events per Valve Academic Research Consortium criteria. Mean age was 84 years; 77% were in NYHA Class III/IV. LOTUS valve implantation produced significant haemodynamic improvements at one year without valve embolisation, ectopic valve deployment, or additional valve implantation. Primary endpoints were met as the 30-day mortality rate in the extended cohort (4.4%, N=250), and mean valve gradient in the main cohort (11.5±5.2 mmHg, N=120) were below (p<0.001) their predefined performance objectives. At 30 days, disabling stroke was 2.8% and new pacemaker implantation was 28.9% in all patients and 32.0% in pacemaker-naïve patients. By one year, all-cause mortality was 11.6%, disabling stroke was 3.6%, 95% of patients alive were in NYHA Class I/II, and there was no core laboratory-adjudicated moderate/severe PVL.

CONCLUSIONS

LOTUS valve implantation produced good valve haemodynamics, minimal PVL, sustained significant improvement in functional status, and good clinical outcomes one year post implant.

Implantation and 30-Day Follow-Up on All 4 Valve Sizes Within the Portico Transcatheter Aortic Bioprosthetic Family

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term safety and performance of the full range of valve sizes offered within the Portico transcatheter aortic valve replacement system.

BACKGROUND

The Portico transcatheter aortic heart valve is a fully resheathable, repositionable, and self-expanding bioprosthesis designed to achieve optimal valve position and hemodynamic performance and limit conduction disturbances.

METHODS

Patients (n = 222) with symptomatic (New York Heart Association functional class ≥II) severe aortic stenosis considered by a multidisciplinary heart team to be at high surgical risk were recruited between December 2011 and September 2015 in this prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter study. Patients were implanted with the full range of Portico heart valves (23, 25, 27, and 29 mm) using the transfemoral approach. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 30 days. Secondary endpoints included valve performance, improvement in functional class, and procedural outcomes as defined by Valve Academic Research Consortium criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 220 patients (mean age 83.0 ± 4.6 years, 74.3% women, mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 5.8%) had valves implanted. All resheathing and repositioning attempts (n = 72) were successful. At 30 days, all-cause mortality was 3.6%. Procedural outcomes included disabling (major) stroke (3.2%), major vascular complications (7.2%), and permanent pacemaker implantation (13.5%). Compared with baseline, 75.8% of patients improved by ≥1 New York Heart Association functional class at 30 days. The rate of moderate paravalvular leak was 5.7%, with no severe paravalvular leak reported. No differences in paravalvular leak incidence and severity were observed among valve sizes (p = 0.24).

CONCLUSIONS

Across all valve sizes, use of the repositionable Portico transcatheter aortic valve replacement system resulted in safe and effective treatment of aortic stenosis in high-risk patients.

Uncemented Thompson's hemiarthroplasty: safe, palliative and cost-effective surgery in the infirm patient-a consecutive series of 1445 cases

BACKGROUND

Guidelines on the management of displaced intracapsular fractures recommend using an Orthopaedic Data Evaluation Panel-rated cemented implant. Prior to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines, uncemented implants were commonly used in the UK.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined the outcomes of patients with uncemented Thompson's hemiarthroplasties at our unit, between April 2005 and December 2010. Patients who underwent revision surgery before December 2011 were identified. Implant survival calculation utilised the primary outcome of revision to total hip arthroplasty, revision hemiarthroplasty or excision arthroplasty. Patients who died post-operatively were identified and censored.

RESULTS

A total of 1445 patients received uncemented Thompson's implant. Patient mean age was 82 years with 76% female. Forty-six (3.2%) patients required revision with 15% performed within 30 days of surgery and 62% within 1 year. Reasons for revision were infection (0.83%), acetabular erosion (0.83%) and loosening (0.62%). Twenty-seven patients (59% of total revisions) underwent revision to THA, 14 (30%) to excision arthroplasty and 5 (11%) to revision hemiarthroplasty. Cumulative survival rate was 98% at 1 year and 95% at 5 years. Thirty-day mortality was 7.1%. One-year mortality was 28.1%.

CONCLUSION

Current guidelines strongly favour cemented hemiarthroplasty. Recognition that fractured hip patients are a non-homogeneous group is important. In patients with limited life expectancy, an uncemented Thompson is a quick, simple, palliative solution to early mobilisation. Correct surgical technique avoids using cement in this cohort, which is most vulnerable to bone cement implantation syndrome. Cost-effective resource utilisation with an increasingly elderly population remains a surgical responsibility.

TAVI with current CE-marked devices: strategies for optimal sizing and valve delivery

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has evolved from an exclusive, highly complex and hazardous procedure into a mature, safe and streamlined therapy for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Various successive device iterations and product refinements have created a dynamic and competitive field with a spectrum of different CE-marked transcatheter heart valve (THV) designs. This review provides a practical overview of current CE-marked THVs with a focus on respective sizing algorithms and delivery strategies.

Matched Comparison of Self-Expanding Transcatheter Heart Valves for the Treatment of Failed Aortic Surgical Bioprosthesis

Background—

Transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation is an established therapy for high-risk patients with failed surgical aortic bioprosthesis. There are limited data comparing outcomes of valve-in-valve implantation using different transcatheter heart valves (THV).

Methods and Results—

Patients included in the Valve-in-Valve International Data registry (VIVID) and treated with self-expanding THV devices were analyzed using centralized core laboratory blinded to clinical events. St. Jude Medical Portico versus Medtronic CoreValve were compared in a 1:2 fashion after propensity score matching. A total of 162 patients, Portico- (n=54) and CoreValve- (n=108) based valve-in-valve procedures comprised the study population with no significant difference in baseline characteristics (age, 79±8.2 years; 60% women; mean STS [Society of Thoracic Surgery] score 8.1±5.5%). Postimplantation, CoreValve was associated with a larger effective orifice area (1.67 versus 1.31 cm 2 ; P =0.001), lower mean gradient (14±7.5 versus 17±7.5 mm Hg; P =0.02), and lower core laboratory–adjudicated moderate-to-severe aortic insufficiency (4.2% versus 13.7%; P =0.04), compared with Portico. Procedural complications including THV malpositioning, second THV requirement, or coronary obstruction were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Survival and stroke rates at 30 days were similar, but overall mortality at 1 year was higher among patients treated with Portico compared with CoreValve (22.6% versus 9.1%; P =0.03).

Conclusions—

In this first matched comparison of THVs for valve-in-valve implantations, Portico and CoreValve demonstrated differences in postprocedural hemodynamics and long-term clinical outcomes. Although this could be related to THV design characteristics, the impact of other procedural factors cannot be excluded and require further evaluation.

Comparison of clinical outcomes after multivessel versus single-vessel stenting with the zotarolimus-eluting stent in the RESOLUTE Global Clinical Trial Program

AIMS

Our aim was to investigate whether long-term (three-year) clinical outcomes after multivessel treatment with the Resolute zotarolimus-eluting stent (R-ZES) were similar to single-vessel treatment.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The RESOLUTE Global Clinical Trial Program enrolled 7,618 patients, of whom 1,562 underwent multivessel and 6,053 single-vessel treatment with the R-ZES. Patients in the multivessel group were more likely to have complex lesions (58% vs. 44%, p<0.001). Clinical outcomes were compared using a Cox regression model adjusted by propensity score to account for differences in baseline characteristics. Compared with single-vessel treatment, multivessel treatment was associated with more complex anatomy and longer mean total stent length (57.8±28.6 vs. 26.7±15.2 mm, p<0.001). At three years, the cumulative incidence of target lesion failure was similar in patients with multivessel and single-vessel treatment (11.0% vs. 9.1%, adjusted p=0.986), as was the incidence of cardiac death or target vessel myocardial infarction (6.7% vs. 5.7%, adjusted p=0.793), the incidence of clinically driven target lesion revascularisation (5.1% vs. 4.4%, adjusted p=0.904), and the incidence of Academic Research Consortium definite or probable stent thrombosis (1.2% vs. 0.9%, adjusted p=0.544).

CONCLUSIONS

Multivessel treatment with R-ZES provided good long-term clinical outcomes that were comparable to those achieved with single-vessel stenting, supporting the efficacy and safety of R-ZES in patients in this setting.

1-Year Outcomes With the Fully Repositionable and Retrievable Lotus Transcatheter Aortic Replacement Valve in 120 High-Risk Surgical Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis: Results of the REPRISE II Study

OBJECTIVES

This analysis presents the first report of 1-year outcomes of the 120 patients enrolled in the REPRISE II (Repositionable Percutaneous Placement of Stenotic Aortic Valve Through Implantation of Lotus Valve System-Evaluation of Safety and Performance) study.

BACKGROUND

The fully repositionable and retrievable Lotus Valve (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts) was designed to facilitate accurate positioning, early valve function, and hemodynamic stability during deployment and to minimize paravalvular regurgitation in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

METHODS

The study enrolled 120 symptomatic patients 70 years of age or older at 14 centers in Australia and Europe. Patients had severe calcific aortic stenosis and were deemed to be at high or extreme risk of surgery based on assessment by the heart team.

RESULTS

The mean age was 84.4 ± 5.3 years, 57% (68 of 120) of patients were women, and the mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 7.1 ± 4.6. The mean baseline aortic valve area was 0.7 ± 0.2 cm(2), and the mean transvalvular pressure gradient was 46.4 ± 15.0 mm Hg. All patients were successfully implanted with a Lotus Valve, and 1-year clinical follow-up was available for 99.2% (119 of 120 of patients). The mean 1-year transvalvular aortic pressure gradient was 12.6 ± 5.7 mm Hg, and the mean valve area was 1.7 ± 0.5 cm(2). A total of 88.6% patients had no or trivial paravalvular aortic regurgitation at 1 year by independent core lab adjudication, and 97.1% of patients were New York Heart Association functional class I or II. At 1 year, the all-cause mortality rate was 10.9% (13 of 119 patients), disabling stroke rate was 3.4% (4 of 119 patients), disabling bleeding rate was 5.9% (7 of 119 patients), with no repeat procedures for valve-related dysfunction. A total of 31.9% (38 of 119 patients) underwent new permanent pacemaker implantation at 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

At 1 year of follow-up, the Lotus Valve demonstrated excellent valve hemodynamics, no moderate or severe paravalvular regurgitation, and significant and sustained improvement in New York Heart Association functional class status, with good clinical outcomes. (Repositionable Percutaneous Placement of Stenotic Aortic Valve Through Implantation of Lotus Valve System-Evaluation of Safety and Performance [REPRISE II]; NCT01627691).

Intracardiac impedance response during acute AF internal cardioversion using novel rectilinear and capacitor-discharge waveforms

Intracardiac impedance (ICI) is a major determinant of success during internal cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there have been few studies that have examined the dynamic behaviour of atrial impedance during internal cardioversion in relation to clinical outcome. In this study, voltage and current waveforms captured during internal cardioversion of acute AF in ovine models using novel radiofrequency (RF) generated low-tilt rectilinear and conventional capacitor-discharge based shock waveforms were retrospectively analysed using a digital signal processing algorithm to investigate the dynamic behaviour of atrial impedance during cardioversion. The algorithm was specifically designed to facilitate the simultaneous analysis of multiple impedance parameters, including: mean intracardiac impedance (Z M), intracardiac impedance variance (ICIV) and impedance amplitude spectrum area (IAMSA) for each cardioversion event. A significant reduction in ICI was observed when comparing two successive shocks of increasing energy where cardioversion outcome was successful. In addition, ICIV and IAMSA variables were found to inversely correlate to the magnitude of energy delivered; with a stronger correlation found to the former parameter. In conclusion, ICIV and IAMSA have been evidenced as two key dynamic intracardiac impedance variables that may prove useful in better understanding of the cardioversion process and that could potentially act as prognostic markers with respect to clinical outcome.