Outcomes After Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement According to Regurgitation Etiology

BACKGROUND

Whether transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) devices perform similarly with respect to the underlying mitral regurgitation (MR) etiology remains unknown. The aim of the present analysis was to assess outcomes of TMVR according to the MR underlying etiology among the CHoice of OptImal transCatheter trEatment for Mitral Insufficiency (CHOICE-MI) registry.

METHODS

Of 746 patients, 229 patients (30.7%) underwent TMVR. The study population was subdivided according to primary, secondary, or mixed MR. Patients with mitral annular calcification were excluded. The primary study endpoint was a composite endpoint of all-cause mortality or hospitalization for heart failure at 1 year. Secondary study endpoints were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality at 1 year, New York Heart Association functional class, and residual MR, both at discharge and 1 year.

RESULTS

The predominant MR etiology was secondary MR (58.4%), followed by primary MR (28.7%) and mixed MR (12.9%). Technical success and procedural mortality were similar according to MR etiology. Discharge echocardiography revealed residual MR 2+ in 11.3%, 3.7%, and 5.3% of patients with primary, secondary, and mixed MR, respectively (P = .1). MR elimination was similar in all groups up to the 1-year follow-up. There was no difference in terms of primary combined outcome occurrence according to MR etiology. One-year all-cause mortality was reported in 28.8%, 24.2%, and 32.1% of patients with primary, secondary, and mixed MR, respectively (P = .07).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study we did not find differences in short-term and 1-year outcomes after TMVR according to MR etiology.

Secondary retensioning of a tether-based device for transapical transcatheter mitral valve implantation

OBJECTIVES

Relevant paravalvular leakage (PVL) due to prosthesis dislodgement is a rare but potentially severe complication after transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI). Due to the epicardial anchoring mechanism of the Tendyne® TMVI system, repositioning of the valve stent may be possible by retensioning of the tether. This multicentre study aimed to investigate the procedural and short-term safety as well as efficacy of retensioning manoeuvres.

METHODS

From 2017 to 2021, N = 18 patients who underwent secondary tether retensioning were identified. Baseline, procedural and follow-up data were available from N = 11 patients and analysed according to the Mitral Valve Research Consortium definitions. Continuous variables are shown as median with interquartile range.

RESULTS

All patients [age 75 years (73.5, 85.0), 64% male (N = 7), EuroSCORE II 6.2% (5.8, 11.6)] presented with post-procedural PVL [63.6% (N = 7) with PVL ≥3+]. Of these, 54% (N = 6) showed signs of haemolysis. The majority were severely symptomatic [New York Heart Association ≥III (91%, N = 10)]. Procedural outcomes revealed no acute complications and no mortality. At discharge, PVL was completely eliminated in 91% (N = 10) of patients with 1 case of remaining moderate PVL. At 30 days, Mitral Valve Research Consortium device success was achieved in 82% (N = 9) of patients. Two patients required open surgical mitral valve replacement due to persistent and recurrent PVL. In 89% (N = 8) of patients with successful retensioning procedure, New York Heart Association class was I/II. There was no 30-day mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

This multicentre study demonstrates technical feasibility, procedural safety and acute efficacy of retensioning procedures in the majority of patients. The potential to retension the tether in transapical TMVI may provide additional management advantages in populations at high surgical risk.

Disparity issues in coronary artery surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Coronary artery disease is the third leading cause of mortality worldwide. Coronary artery surgery is an important treatment option. Certain groups such as people of color, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and women tend to have lower rates of receiving the surgery they need ( Fig. 1 ).

RECENT FINDINGS

Still there are disparities in treatment options for coronary artery disease among different groups, due to geographic location, economical situation, institutional tradition and sex.

SUMMARY

Through continued research, awareness and utilization of innovative technologies, we can improve access and equity in healthcare for all patients, including patients in need of coronary surgery.

Clinical outcomes of transcatheter mitral valve replacement: two-year results of the CHOICE-MI Registry

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) using dedicated devices is an alternative therapy for high-risk patients with symptomatic mitral regurgitation (MR).

AIMS

This study aimed to assess the 2-year outcomes and predictors of mortality in patients undergoing TMVR from the multicentre CHOICE-MI Registry.

METHODS

The CHOICE-MI Registry included consecutive patients with symptomatic MR treated with 11 different dedicated TMVR devices at 31 international centres. The investigated endpoints included mortality and heart failure hospitalisation rates, procedural complications, residual MR, and functional status. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was applied to identify independent predictors of 2-year mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 400 patients, median age 76 years (interquartile range [IQR] 71, 81), 59.5% male, EuroSCORE II 6.2% (IQR 3.8, 12.0), underwent TMVR. Technical success was achieved in 95.2% of patients. MR reduction to ≤1+ was observed in 95.2% at discharge with durable results at 1 and 2 years. New York Heart Association Functional Class had improved significantly at 1 and 2 years. All-cause mortality was 9.2% at 30 days, 27.9% at 1 year and 38.1% at 2 years after TMVR. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, reduced glomerular filtration rate, and low serum albumin were independent predictors of 2-year mortality. Among the 30-day complications, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, access site and bleeding complications showed the strongest impact on 2-year mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In this real-world registry of patients with symptomatic MR undergoing TMVR, treatment with TMVR was associated with a durable resolution of MR and significant functional improvement at 2 years. Two-year mortality was 38.1%. Optimised patient selection and improved access site management are mandatory to improve outcomes.

Detection of inflow obstruction in left ventricular assist devices by accelerometer: A porcine model study

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) provide circulatory blood pump support for severe heart failure patients. Pump inflow obstructions may lead to stroke and pump malfunction. We aimed to verify in vivo that gradual inflow obstructions, representing prepump thrombosis, are detectable by a pump-attached accelerometer, where the routine use of pump power (PLVAD) is deficient.

METHOD

In a porcine model (n = 8), balloon-tipped catheters obstructed HVAD inflow conduits by 34% to 94% in 5 levels. Afterload increases and speed alterations were conducted as controls. We computed nonharmonic amplitudes (NHA) of pump vibrations captured by the accelerometer for the analysis. Changes in NHA and PLVAD were tested by a pairwise nonparametric statistical test. Detection sensitivities and specificities were investigated by receiver operating characteristics with areas under the curves (AUC).

RESULTS

NHA remained marginally affected during control interventions, unlike PLVAD. NHA elevated during obstructions within 52-83%, while mass pendulation was most pronounced. Meanwhile, PLVAD changed far less. Increased pump speeds tended to amplify the NHA elevations. The corresponding AUC was 0.85-1.00 for NHA and 0.35-0.73 for PLVAD.

CONCLUSION

Elevated NHA provides a reliable indication of subclinical gradual inflow obstructions. The accelerometer can potentially supplement PLVAD for earlier warnings and localization of pump.

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement versus Medical Therapy for Secondary Mitral Regurgitation: A Propensity Score-Matched Comparison

Background: Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) is an emerging therapeutic alternative for patients with secondary mitral regurgitation (MR). Outcomes of TMVR versus guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) have not been investigated for this population. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes of patients with secondary MR undergoing TMVR versus GDMT alone. Methods: The CHOICE-MI registry included patients with MR undergoing TMVR using dedicated devices. Patients with MR etiologies other than secondary MR were excluded. Patients treated with GDMT alone were derived from the control arm of the COAPT trial. We compared outcomes between the TMVR and GDMT groups, using propensity score (PS)-matching to adjust for baseline differences. Results: After PS-matching, 97 patient pairs undergoing TMVR (72.9±8.7 years, 60.8% male, transapical access 91.8%) versus GDMT (73.1±11.0 years, 59.8% male) were compared. At 1 and 2 years, residual MR was ≤1+ in all patients of the TMVR group compared to 6.9% and 7.7%, respectively, in those receiving GDMT alone (both p<0.001). The 2-year rate of HF hospitalization was significantly lower in the TMVR group (32.8% vs. 54.4%, HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.35-0.99; p=0.04). Among survivors, a higher proportion of patients were in NYHA functional class I or II in the TMVR group at 1 year (78.2% vs. 59.7%, p=0.03) and at 2 years (77.8% vs. 53.2%, p=0.09). Two-year mortality was similar in the two groups (TMVR vs. GDMT, 36.8% vs. 40.8%, HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.62-1.64; p=0.98). Conclusions: In this observational comparison, over 2-year follow-up, TMVR using mostly transapical devices in patients with secondary MR was associated with significant reduction of MR, symptomatic improvement, less frequent hospitalizations for HF and similar mortality compared with GDMT.

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement or repair for secondary mitral regurgitation: a propensity score-matched analysis

AIMS

This study aimed to compare outcomes after transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) and mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) for the treatment of secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The CHOICE-MI registry included 262 patients with SMR treated with TMVR between 2014 and 2022. The EuroSMR registry included 1065 patients with SMR treated with M-TEER between 2014 and 2019. Propensity score (PS) matching was performed for 12 demographic, clinical and echocardiographic parameters. Echocardiographic, functional and clinical outcomes out to 1 year were compared in the matched cohorts. After PS matching, 235 TMVR patients (75.5 years [70.0, 80.0], 60.2% male, EuroSCORE II 6.3% [interquartile range 3.8, 12.4]) were compared to 411 M-TEER patients (76.7 years [70.1, 80.5], 59.0% male, EuroSCORE II 6.7% [3.9, 12.4]). All-cause mortality was 6.8% after TMVR and 3.8% after M-TEER at 30 days (p = 0.11), and 25.8% after TMVR and 18.9% after M-TEER at 1 year (p = 0.056). No differences in mortality after 1 year were found between both groups in a 30-day landmark analysis (TMVR: 20.4%, M-TEER: 15.8%, p = 0.21). Compared to M-TEER, TMVR resulted in more effective mitral regurgitation (MR) reduction (residual MR ≤1+ at discharge for TMVR vs. M-TEER: 95.8% vs. 68.8%, p < 0.001), and superior symptomatic improvement (New York Heart Association class ≤II at 1 year: 77.8% vs. 64.3%, p = 0.015).

CONCLUSION

In this PS-matched comparison between TMVR and M-TEER in patients with severe SMR, TMVR was associated with superior reduction of MR and superior symptomatic improvement. While post-procedural mortality tended to be higher after TMVR, no significant differences in mortality were found beyond 30 days.

Thirty-day and one-year outcomes following transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair versus transapical mitral valve replacement in patients with left ventricular dysfunction

Background

A comparison of 30-day and 1-year clinical outcomes in patients with pre-existing left ventricular (LV) dysfunction undergoing transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair (TEER) or transcatheter transapical mitral valve replacement (TMVR) has not previously been reported.

Aims

We aimed to compare 30-day and 1-year rates of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality as well as rehospitalisation for heart failure (HFH).

Methods

All patients with severe (≥3+) symptomatic mitral regurgitation (MR) and an LV ejection fraction ≤50% who underwent TEER or TMVR over a 5-year period were evaluated.

Results

Ninety-six patients (50 TEER, age 80±9 years, 70% secondary MR and 46 TMVR, age 72±9 years, 91% secondary MR) were studied. Baseline demographic and transthoracic echocardiogram characteristics were well-matched, with the exception of age (TEER 80±9 vs TMVR 72±9; p=0.01). Successful device implantation occurred in 96% of TEER patients and 97.8% of TMVR patients. Ninety-two percent of TEER patients had ≤2+MR predischarge, whilst no TMVR patient had ≥1+MR (p<0.01). No significant difference in the combined endpoint of 30-day all-cause mortality or HFH was observed (p>0.05). At 1 year, freedom from all-cause mortality and HFH was 79.2% across the entire study population but was significantly higher in patients undergoing TEER (TEER: n=45 [90%] hazard ratio 11.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.59-11.93 vs TMVR: n=39 [67.4%] 95% CI: 10.09-11.33; p=0.008).

Conclusions

Despite comparable rates of successful device implantation, MR reduction, and 30-day all-cause mortality/HFH, TEER patients had lower all-cause mortality and HFH rates at 1 year.

Case report: A prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Legionella bozemanae in an immunocompetent patient

Extrapulmonary infections with Legionella species are rare, but important to acknowledge. We report a case of infective endocarditis (IE) with Legionella bozemanae in a 66-year-old immunocompetent man with an aortic homograft. The diagnosis was made by direct 16S rRNA gene amplification from valve material, confirmed by a targeted Legionella-PCR in serum and the detection of L. bozemanae specific antibodies. To our knowledge, this is the first confirmed case of IE with L. bozemanae as causative pathogen. The infected aortic prosthesis was replaced by a homograft, and the patient was successfully treated with levofloxacin and azithromycin for 6 weeks.

Characteristics and outcomes of patients screened for transcatheter mitral valve implantation: 1-year results from the CHOICE-MI registry

AIMS

Transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) represents a novel treatment option for patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) unsuitable for established therapies. The CHOICE-MI registry aimed to investigate outcomes of patients undergoing screening for TMVI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From May 2014 to March 2021, patients with MR considered suboptimal candidates for transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) and at high risk for mitral valve surgery underwent TMVI screening at 26 centres. Characteristics and outcomes were investigated for patients undergoing TMVI and for TMVI-ineligible patients referred to bailout-TEER, high-risk surgery or medical therapy (MT). The primary composite endpoint was all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization after 1 year. Among 746 patients included (78.5 years, interquartile range [IQR] 72.0-83.0, EuroSCORE II 4.7% [IQR 2.7-9.7]), 229 patients (30.7%) underwent TMVI with 10 different dedicated devices. At 1 year, residual MR ≤1+ was present in 95.2% and the primary endpoint occurred in 39.2% of patients treated with TMVI. In TMVI-ineligible patients (n = 517, 69.3%), rates of residual MR ≤1+ were 37.2%, 100.0% and 2.4% after bailout-TEER, high-risk surgery and MT, respectively. The primary endpoint at 1 year occurred in 28.8% of patients referred to bailout-TEER, in 42.9% of patients undergoing high-risk surgery and in 47.9% of patients remaining on MT.

CONCLUSION

This registry included the largest number of patients treated with TMVI to date. TMVI with 10 dedicated devices resulted in predictable MR elimination and sustained functional improvement at 1 year. In TMVI-ineligible patients, bailout-TEER and high-risk surgery represented reasonable alternatives, while MT was associated with poor clinical and functional outcomes.

2-Year Outcomes of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement in Patients With Severe Symptomatic Mitral Regurgitation

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) is feasible for selected patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) who are poor candidates for valve surgery. Intermediate-term to long-term TMVR outcomes have not been reported.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to evaluate the safety and effectiveness through 2-year follow-up of TMVR in high-surgical-risk patients with severe MR.

METHODS

The first 100 patients enrolled in the Expanded Clinical Study of the Tendyne Mitral Valve System, an open-label, nonrandomized, prospective study of transapical TMVR, were followed for 2 years.

RESULTS

The patients (aged 74.7 ± 8.0 years, 69.0% male) had symptomatic (66.0% New York Heart Association [NYHA] functional class III or IV) grade 3+ or 4+ MR that was secondary or mixed in 89 (89.0%). Prostheses were successfully implanted in 97 (97.0%) patients. At 2 years, all-cause mortality was 39.0%; 17 (43.6%) of 39 deaths occurred during the first 90 days. Heart failure hospitalization (HFH) fell from 1.30 events per year preprocedure to 0.51 per year in the 2 years post-TMVR (P < 0.0001). At 2 years, 93.2% of surviving patients had no MR. No patient had >1+ MR. The improvement in symptoms at 1 year (88.5% NYHA functional class I or II) was sustained to 2 years (81.6% NYHA functional class I or II). Among survivors, the left ventricular ejection fraction was 45.6 ± 9.4% at baseline and 39.8 ± 9.5% at 2 years (P = 0.0012). Estimated right ventricular systolic pressure decreased from 47.6 ± 8.6 mm Hg to 32.5 ± 10.4 mm Hg (P < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the impact of TMVR on severity of MR, reduction in HFH rate, and improvement in symptoms was sustained through 2 years. All-cause mortality and the need for HFH was highest in the first 3 months postprocedure. (Expanded Clinical Study of the Tendyne Mitral Valve System; NCT02321514).

Risk scores for prediction of 30-day mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Results from a two-center study in Norway

OBJECTIVES

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)-specific risk scores have been developed based on large registry studies. Our aim was to evaluate how both surgical and novel TAVI risk scores performed in predicting all cause 30-day mortality. In addition, we wanted to explore the validity of our own previously developed model in a separate and more recent cohort.

METHODS

The derivation cohort included patients not eligible for open surgery treated with TAVI at the University Hospital of North Norway (UNN) and Oslo University Hospital (OUS) from February 2010 through June 2013. From this cohort, a logistic prediction model (UNN/OUS) for all cause 30-day mortality was developed. The validation cohort consisted of patients not included in the derivation cohort and treated with TAVI at UNN between June 2010 and April 2017. EuroSCORE, Logistic EuroSCORE, EurosSCORE 2, STS score, German AV score, OBSERVANT score, IRRMA score, and FRANCE-2 score were calculated for both cohorts. The discriminative accuracy of each score, including our model, was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and compared using DeLong test where P< .05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The derivation cohort consisted of 218 and the validation cohort of 241 patients. Our model showed statistically significant better accuracy than all other scores in the derivation cohort. In the validation cohort, the FRANCE-2 had a significantly higher predictive accuracy compared to all scores except the IRRMA and STS score. Our model showed similar results.

CONCLUSION

Existing risk scores have shown limited accuracy in predicting early mortality after TAVI. Our results indicate that TAVI-specific risk scores might be useful when evaluating patients for TAVI.

Computed Tomography-Derived 3D Modeling to Guide Sizing and Planning of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Interventions

A plethora of catheter-based strategies have been developed to treat mitral valve disease. Evolving 3-dimensional (3D) multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) technology can accurately reconstruct the mitral valve by means of 3-dimensional computational modeling (3DCM) to allow virtual implantation of catheter-based devices. 3D printing complements computational modeling and offers implanting physician teams the opportunity to evaluate devices in life-size replicas of patient-specific cardiac anatomy. MDCT-derived 3D computational and 3D-printed modeling provides unprecedented insights to facilitate hands-on procedural planning, device training, and retrospective procedural evaluation. This overview summarizes current concepts and provides insight into the application of MDCT-derived 3DCM and 3D printing for the planning of transcatheter mitral valve replacement and closure of paravalvular leaks. Additionally, future directions in the development of 3DCM will be discussed.

Current Devices in TMVI and Their Limitations: Focus on Tendyne

Mitral valve regurgitation (MR) has a high incidence in the western world, and mortality is high for untreated severe MR. Catheter based repair was introduced with MitraClip in 2003, and some additional devices later came into the market. To expand the transcatheter treatment options for mitral valve disease, the first transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) was performed by Søndergaard et al. 2012, only 10 years after the first transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), however, the development has been much slower for the TMVI than for TAVI. From 2012, studies were started for several devices to prove feasibility and safety. However, there were big challenges in valve design; delivery systems and anchoring in addition to anatomical issues (avoid LVOT obstruction and paravalvular leak, big size of annulus). The main valves in studies were CardiaQ (later bought by Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, United States), Tiara (Neovasc Inc., Richmond, Canada), Twelve (later Intrepid, Medtronic, MN, United States) and Tendyne™ (Abbott, MN, United States). I will focus on the Tendyne™ valve that is the only CE approved transcatheter mitral valve implant. It is available in a large number of sizes and is repositionable and retrievable. The results for the 100 first patients included in the early feasibility study (EFS) at 1 and 2 years are promising. Initially feasible for MR, but further investigations show promising results also for implant in mitral annular calcification.

Improved right ventricular function following transapical transcatheter mitral valve implantation for severe mitral regurgitation

Background

Transapical transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) may be a therapeutic option for patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) excluded from cardiac surgery due to excessive risk. Exclusion criteria frequently include pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. The effect of TMVI on RV function has not previously been well-characterized. The aim of this study was to examine the procedural and 3-month impact of TMVI on RV hemodynamics and function.

Methods

This was a multi-center, retrospective, observational cohort study of patients with >3+MR undergoing TMVI. Pre- and post-TMVI hemodynamics were assessed with right heart catheterization. RV function was assessed at baseline, pre-discharge and at 3-months by echocardiography.

Results

Forty-six patients (age 72±9 years; 34 men) with ≥3+MR underwent TMVI over a 5-year period. Successful device implantation was achieved in all patients with abolition of MR (p < 0.001) and reduction in left-ventricular end-diastolic volume (p = 0.001). RV stroke work index (RVSWI) increased intra-operatively (7 ± 4 g/m/beat/m² vs 11 ± 5 g/m/beat/m²; p < 0.001). At 3-months there were reductions in severity of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) (p < 0.001) and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) (49 ± 16 mmHg vs 36 ± 12 mmHg; p < 0.001), and improvements in RV fractional area change (28 ± 7% vs 34 ± 9%, p<0.001), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (1.0 ± 0.3 vs 1.5 ± 0.5cm, p = 0.03), and RV free wall longitudinal strain (−14.2±5.0 vs −17.6±7.3, p = 0.05).

Conclusions

Transapical TMVI results in significant improvement of RV function that is sustained to 3-months as evidenced by improvements in RVSWI and RV fractional area change, as well as reductions in PASP and TR severity.

Essential Information on Surgical Heart Valve Characteristics for Optimal Valve Prosthesis Selection: Expert Consensus Document From the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS)-The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS)-American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) Valve Labelling Task Force

Comprehensive information on the characteristics of surgical heart valves (SHVs) is essential for optimal valve selection. Such information is also important in assessing SHV function after valve replacement. Despite the existing regulatory framework for SHV sizing and labelling, this information is challenging to obtain in a uniform manner for various SHVs. To ensure that clinicians are adequately informed, the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) set up a Task Force comprised of cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, engineers, regulatory bodies, representatives of the International Organization for Standardization and major valve manufacturers. Previously, the EACTS-STS-AATS Valve Labelling Task Force identified the most important problems around SHV sizing and labelling. This Expert Consensus Document formulates recommendations for providing SHV physical dimensions, intended implant position and hemodynamic performance in a transparent, uniform manner. Furthermore, the Task Force advocates for the introduction and use of a standardized chart to assess the probability of prosthesis-patient mismatch and calls valve manufacturers to provide essential information required for SHV choice on standardized Valve Charts, uniformly for all SHV models.

Essential information on surgical heart valve characteristics for optimal valve prosthesis selection: expert consensus document from the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS)–The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS)–American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) Valve Labelling Task Force

Comprehensive information on the characteristics of surgical heart valves (SHVs) is essential for optimal valve selection. Such information is also important in assessing SHV function after valve replacement. Despite the existing regulatory framework for SHV sizing and labelling, this information is challenging to obtain in a uniform manner for various SHVs. To ensure that clinicians are adequately informed, the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) set up a Task Force comprised of cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, engineers, regulatory bodies, representatives of the International Organization for Standardization and major valve manufacturers. Previously, the EACTS–STS–AATS Valve Labelling Task Force identified the most important problems around SHV sizing and labelling. This Expert Consensus Document formulates recommendations for providing SHV physical dimensions, intended implant position and haemodynamic performance in a transparent, uniform manner. Furthermore, the Task Force advocates for the introduction and use of a standardized chart to assess the probability of prosthesis–patient mismatch and calls valve manufacturers to provide essential information required for SHV choice on standardized Valve Charts, uniformly for all SHV models.

Three-dimensional versus two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography for left ventricular outflow tract measurements in severe aortic stenosis. A cross-sectional study using computer tomography and Haegar sizers as reference

Objectives. In grading of aortic stenosis, two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2D TTE) routinely results in underestimation of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) area, and hence the aortic valve area (AVA). We investigated whether three-dimensional (3D) TTE measurements of the LVOT would be more accurate. We evaluated the feasibility, agreement and inter-observer variability of 3D TTE LVOT measurements with computed tomography (CT) and Haegar sizers as reference. Design. Sixty-one patients with severe aortic stenosis were examined with 2D and 3D TTE. 41 had CT and 13 also had perioperative Haegar sizing. Pearson's correlation and Bland-Altman plots were used to compare methods. Inter-observer variability was tested for 2D and 3D TTE. Trial registration: Current research information system in Norway (CRISTIN). Id: 555249. Results. Feasibility was 67% with 3D TTE and 100% with 2D TTE and CT. Mean LVOT area for 2D, 3D, CT and Haegar sizers were 3.7 ± 0.6 cm2, 4.0 ± 0.9 cm2, 5.2 ± 0.8 cm2 and 4.4 ± 1.0 cm2 respectively. Bias and limits of agreements for 2D TTE was 1.5 ± 1.3 cm2, compared with CT and 0.4 ± 1.5 cm2 with Haegar sizers. Corresponding results for 3D TTE were 1.2 ± 1.6 cm2 and 0.2 ± 1.8 cm2. Intraclass correlation coefficients for LVOT area were 0.62 for 3D and 0.86 for 2D. Conclusions. 2D TTE showed better feasibility and inter-observer variability in measurements of LVOT than 3D TTE. Both echocardiographic methods underestimated LVOT area compared to CT and Haegar sizers. These observations suggest that 2D TTE is still preferable to 3D TTE in the assessment of aortic stenosis.

Predictors of early mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Objectives

To investigate whether preoperative echocardiographic evaluation of ventricular function, especially right ventricular systolic and diastolic parameters including speckle-tracking analysis, could aid in the prediction of 30-day mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with aortic stenosis.

Methods

This is a prospective observational cohort study including 227 patients accepted for TAVI at the University Hospital of North Norway and Oslo University Hospital from February 2010 through June 2013. All patients underwent preoperative transthoracic echocardiography with retrospective speckle-tracking analysis. Primary endpoint was all-cause 30-day mortality.

Results

All-cause 30-day mortality was 8.7 % (n = 19). Independent predictors of 30-day mortality were systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (SPAP) > 60 mm Hg (HR: 7.7, 95% CI: 1.90 to 31.3), heart failure (HR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.1 to 7.78), transapical access (HR: 3.8, 95% CI: 1.3 to 11.2), peripheral artery disease (HR: 6.0, 95% CI: 2.0 to 18.0) and body mass index (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.61 to 0.87). C-statistic for the model generated was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.85 to 0.98). Besides elevated SPAP, no other echocardiographic measurements were found to be an independent predictor of early mortality.

Conclusion

Except for elevated systolic pulmonary artery pressure, our data suggests that clinical rather than echocardiographic parameters are useful predictors of 30-day mortality after TAVI.

EVALUATION OF OCCUPATIONAL RADIATION DOSE IN TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE IMPLANTATION

Occupational doses during fluoroscopy in interventional procedures vary largely (Kim et al. (Occupational radiation doses to operators performing cardiac catheterization procedures. Health Phys. 2008;94:211-227)). In transcatheter aortic valve implantation, the operators' positions and use of radiation shielding are particularly related to the entry choice on the patient's heart. This study evaluates how occupational doses depend on operator positioning during transfemoral and transaortal access. Occupational dosimetric readings were collected with electronic dosemeters on two cardiothoracic surgeons and one cardiologist during 31 procedures. The findings were significantly higher body doses and eye lens doses to the surgeons during transaortal access compared to transfemoral access. The median equivalent eye lens dose per procedure received by the cardiologists was 0.05-0.06 mSv; hence, the cardiologists should wear protective eye wear to prevent reaching the proposed annual dose limit of 20 mSv to the eye lens. Surgeons ought to use protective eye wear as well, and should only perform a restricted number of transcatheter aortic valve implantations with transaortal access annually.

Standardized Definition of Structural Valve Degeneration for Surgical and Transcatheter Bioprosthetic Aortic Valves

Bioprostheses are prone to structural valve degeneration, resulting in limited long-term durability. A significant challenge when comparing the durability of different types of bioprostheses is the lack of a standardized terminology for the definition of a degenerated valve. This issue becomes especially important when we try to compare the degeneration rate of surgically inserted and transcatheter bioprosthetic valves. This document, by the VIVID (Valve-in-Valve International Data), proposes practical and standardized definitions of valve degeneration and provides recommendations for the timing of clinical and imaging follow-up assessments accordingly. Its goal is to improve the quality of research and clinical care for patients with deteriorated bioprostheses by providing objective and strict criteria that can be utilized in future clinical trials. We hope that the adoption of these criteria by both the cardiological and surgical communities will lead to improved comparability and interpretation of durability analyses.

Reduced inflammatory response by transcatheter, as compared to surgical aortic valve replacement

OBJECTIVES

The inflammatory response to on-pump cardiac surgery is well known. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome after transcatheter valve implantation (TAVI) has been reported. The objective of this study was to study the inflammatory response during TAVI, and compare with the response during surgical aortic valve replacement.

METHODS

Eighteen patients undergoing transcatheter implantation, either by a transfemoral (n = 9) or transaortal (n = 9) approach were compared with eighteen patients admitted for surgical replacement. Blood samples per- and postoperatively were analysed for C3bc, terminal complement complex, myeloperoxidase, macrophage inflammatory protein-1β, monocyte chemo-attractant peptide-1, eotaxin, IL-6 and troponin-T. All markers were measured at defined time points and the areas under the curve were compared.

RESULTS

Activation of complement, granulocytes, monocytes and eosinophils were significantly lower in the transcatheter group as compared to the surgical group (<0.01). There was no difference in generation of troponin T and IL-6. A small difference in complement activation was observed between the transfemoral and transaortal placement of TAVI. There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between the TAVI and surgical groups.

DISCUSSION

Activation and release of inflammatory markers was significantly less during with TAVI as compared to SAVR, particularly for markers associated with extracorporeal circulation. TAVI and SAVR generated the same degree of IL-6 and troponin T, indicating that the burden on the myocardial tissue was the same. Clinical Trials: Gov ID: NCT03074838 Unique protocol ID: 2012/7919.

Single centre experience with transapical transcatheter mitral valve implantation

OBJECTIVES

A transcatheter heart valve technique can be used in failed mitral valve repairs with annuloplasty rings, deterioriated bioprostheses and in mitral annular calcification, all serving as 'docking stations' for balloon-expandable valves. Specially designed transcatheter mitral valve platforms are used in ongoing studies for native mitral valve regurgitation. We present our single centre experience with transcatheter mitral valve implantation-transapical approach procedures in eleven patients.

METHODS

Eleven patients were treated between 2011 and 2016. They had severe mitral regurgitation due to either failed repair annuloplasty rings (N = 6), failed bioprostheses (N = 2) or in the native valve (N = 3), all at high risk for open mitral valve surgery. Three different types of transcatheter valves were used: (1) the SAPIEN XT/SAPIEN 3, (2) the Lotus valve and (3) a Tendyne transcatheter mitral valve. Computed tomography reconstruction, echocardiography, 3D printing and bench tests were done in the preoperative evaluation and procedural planning. Transapical approach access was performed via a left minithoracotomy.

RESULTS

Implantation success was 100% with no left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Good haemodynamics and improved New York Heart Association class were demonstrated in all patients. One patient died before 30 days due to sepsis. One patient had a valve thrombosis when switching from Coumadin to new oral anticoagulant and had a second valve implanted into the first one as a 'valve-in-valve' procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The transapical approach is a safe and straight forward procedure for accessing the mitral valve. 'Transcatheter aortic valve implantation' prostheses may be used in redo surgery due to an already sufficient 'docking station'. These specially designed new prostheses may be beneficial for addressing mitral valve regurgitation, but are still under evaluation. Anticoagulation is mandatory.

Long-term outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: the impact of intraoperative tissue Doppler echocardiography

OBJECTIVES

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation improves survival in patients with severe aortic stenosis who are ineligible for surgical valve replacement; however, not all patients benefit from the procedure. We endeavoured to identify these patients using intraoperative echocardiography and hypothesized that intraoperative left ventricular function in response to the acute afterload reduction during the procedure was related to long-term outcomes.

METHODS

We prospectively included 64 patients who were scheduled for transcatheter aortic valve implantation and divided them into responders and non-responders based on their left ventricular intraoperative responses to the acute afterload reduction after valve deployment. Responders were defined by increases of ≥20% in left ventricular longitudinal peak systolic velocities determined by tissue Doppler echocardiography. All patients were assessed for the following outcomes at 12 months: cardiac mortality, adverse cardiac events, quality of life, New York Heart Association class, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and echocardiography.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients (55%) were classified as responders and 29 patients (45%) as non-responders. Compared with responders, non-responders had higher risks of death (28 vs 9%, respectively, P = 0.04) and cardiac events (66 vs 26%, respectively, P < 0.01) during the 12-month follow-up. Significant long-term improvements in quality of life, NT-proBNP and left ventricular function were observed only in the responders. Preoperative risk stratification, intraoperative handling, aortic gradient and valve area were similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative assessment of left ventricular function by tissue Doppler echocardiography predicted long-term outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Our results suggest that a preoperative test of myocardial contractile reserve might improve risk stratification and patient selection prior to the procedure.

Intraoperative improvement in left ventricular peak systolic velocity predicts better short-term outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

OBJECTIVES

Left ventricular function is expected to improve after transcatheter aortic valve implantation due to the acute reduction in afterload, but does not occur in all patients. We hypothesized that the immediate intraoperative response in systolic left ventricular longitudinal motion during the procedure could be a predictor of short-term outcome.

METHODS

Sixty-four patients treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation for severe aortic stenosis were included. Transoesophageal 4- and 2-chamber echocardiograms were obtained immediately prior to and ∼15 min after valve implantation. Patients were defined as responders if their average left ventricular longitudinal peak systolic velocity increased by ≥20% from the preimplantation value and was related to the 3-month outcome.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients were classified as responders, with an increase in the intraoperative longitudinal peak systolic velocity from an average of 2.2 ± 0.8 to 3.1 ± 1.1 cm/s (P < 0.001); the velocity was unchanged in the remaining 29 patients, who averaged 2.4 ± 1.1 cm/s. There were significantly fewer adverse cardiac events in the responder group at the 3-month follow-up (20 vs 45%, P = 0.03) and the New York Heart Association class was significantly better in the responders compared with non-responders. Responders had a significant reduction in N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide levels [243 (113-361) vs 163 (64-273), P = 0.004] at the 3-month follow-up, whereas non-responders did not [469 (130-858) vs 289 (157-921), P = 0.48].

CONCLUSIONS

An immediate improvement in the longitudinal peak systolic velocity during the transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedure predicted a better short-term outcome and may be useful in identifying patients who are at risk of a less favourable outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation and intraoperative left ventricular function: a myocardial tissue Doppler imaging study

OBJECTIVE

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients turned down for surgical aortic valve replacement is a high-risk procedure. Severe aortic stenosis is associated with impaired left ventricular longitudinal motion, and myocardial peak systolic velocity is a measure of left ventricular function in these patients. The present study aimed to quantify the acute changes in left ventricular function during the procedure by using myocardial tissue Doppler imaging and transthoracic cardiac output measurements.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Tertiary care university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

40 patients with severe aortic stenosis scheduled for transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

INTERVENTIONS

Transesophageal 4-chamber and 2-chamber echocardiograms were performed immediately before and ~15 minutes after valve implantation. Longitudinal myocardial peak systolic velocity was obtained by tissue Doppler imaging from 8 basal segments and averaged. Cardiac output was measured by the lithium dilution method, and systemic vascular resistance index and stroke volume were calculated.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Longitudinal myocardial peak systolic velocity improved immediately after valve implantation, from -2.3±0.8 to -3.0±1.1 cm/sec (p<0.001); this represented an average increase of 31%±33%. Cardiac output increased from 3.2±0.8 L/min to 3.6±0.9 L/min (15%±33%; p = 0.04). This was due to increased heart rate (59±9 beats/min to 72±12 beats/min; p<0.001) and not to an improved stroke volume. Systemic vascular resistance index was reduced from 2,937±984 dynes*sec/cm(5)/m(2) to 2,436±730 dynes*sec/cm(5)/m(2) (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative echocardiography tissue Doppler imaging detected immediate improvement in left ventricular long-axis motion after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. The method provided detailed information not obtainable by routine hemodynamic monitoring.

Innovative technology-transcatheter aortic valve implantation: cost and reimbursement issues

OBJECTIVE

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) offers a new treatment option for patients with severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis, classified as "inoperable". The purpose of the study was to reveal the association between ascertained hospital costs with the actual patient Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG).

METHOD

We examined 50 consecutive patients who underwent either transapical TAVI, (TAVI-TA) or transfemoral TAVI (TAVI-TF) with the Edwards SAPIEN valve and CoreValve(®) between September 2009 and August 2011.

RESULTS

Fourty-nine patients had successful valve deployment. Seven patients died within 30 days of the operation. The mean length of hospital stay for TAVI-TA was 199 hours (range 77-362), and the mean costs for TAVI-TA were 55,690 US$. For TAVI-TF the mean length of hospital stay was 170 hours (range 49-276) and the mean costs were 52,087 US$.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference between TAVI-TA and TAVI-TF patient characteristics. There was a significant discrepancy between actual hospital costs and the current Norwegian DRG reimbursement for the TAVI procedure. This discrepancy can be partly explained by excessive costs related to the introduction of a new program with new technology. Costly innovations should be considered in price-setting of reimbursement for novel technology.