The trans-subclavian retrograde approach for transcatheter aortic valve replacement: single-center experience

OBJECTIVE

Aortic valve disease is the most common acquired valvular heart disease in adults. With the increasing elderly population, the proportion of patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis who are unsuitable for conventional surgery is increasing. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation has rapidly gained credibility as a valuable alternative to surgery to treat these patients; however, they often have severe iliac-femoral arteriopathy, which renders the transfemoral approach unusable. We report our experience with the trans-subclavian approach for transcatheter aortic valve implantation using the CoreValve (Medtronic CV Luxembourg S.a.r.l.) in 6 patients.

METHODS

In May 2008 to September 2009, 6 patients (mean age of 82 ± 5 years), with symptomatic aortic stenosis and no reasonable surgical option because of excessive risk, were excluded from percutaneous femoral CoreValve implantation because of iliac-femoral arteriopathy. These patients underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation via the axillary artery. Procedures were performed by a combined team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and anesthetists in the catheterization laboratory. The CoreValve 18F delivery system was introduced via the left subclavian artery in 6 patients, 1 with a patent left internal thoracic to left anterior descending artery graft.

RESULTS

Procedural success was obtained in all patients, and the mean aortic gradient decreased 5 mm Hg or less immediately after valve deployment. One patient required implantation of a permanent pacemaker. One patient required a subclavian covered stent implantation to treat a postimplant artery dissection associated with difficult surgical hemostasis. One patient was discharged in good condition but died of pneumonia 40 days after the procedure. All patients were asymptomatic on discharge, with good mid-term prosthesis performance.

CONCLUSIONS

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation via a surgical subclavian approach seems safe and feasible, offering a new option to treat select, inoperable, and high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis and peripheral vasculopathy.

Left ventricular support by axial flow pump: the echocardiographic approach to device malfunction

Axial flow pumps have gained increased acceptance in recent years as a bridge to heart transplantation and, more recently, as destination therapy. As left ventricular (LV) assist device dysfunction will be increasingly prevalent, the aim of our work was to introduce an echocardiographic management protocol as a guide to recognize the causes of pump failure. In this article we describe the echocardiographic approach to 5 episodes of malfunction of an axial flow pump (DeBakey, MicroMed Technology Inc, Houston, Tex) in 4 patients: 4 episodes caused by thrombosis of LV assist device and one caused by abnormal increase of systemic vascular resistance. In our experience, echocardiography played a pivotal role in clinical management of LV assist device failure. It allowed us to: assess patency and position of inflow and outflow cannulae; research the source of thromboembolic material; assess adequate LV filling and unloading; and optimize right ventricular function, volume replacement therapy, and pharmacologic support.

Relationship between pre-implant interleukin-6 levels, inflammatory response, and early outcome in patients supported by left ventricular assist device: a prospective study

Purpose

The immune response is crucial in the development of multi-organ failure (MOF) and complications in end-stage heart failure patients supported by left ventricular assist device (LVAD). However, at pre-implant, the association between inflammatory state and post-LVAD outcome is not yet clarified. Aim of the study was to assess the relationship among pre-implant levels of immune-related cytokines, postoperative inflammatory response and 3-month outcome in LVAD-patients.

Methods

In 41 patients undergoing LVAD implantation, plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, crucial for monocyte modulation, and urine neopterin/creatinine ratio (Neo/Cr), marker of monocyte activation, were assessed preoperatively, at 3 days, 1 and 4 weeks post-LVAD. MOF was evaluated by total sequential organ failure assessment (tSOFA) score. Intensive care unit (ICU)-death and/or post-LVAD tSOFA ≥11 was considered as main adverse outcome. Length of ICU-stay, 1 week-tSOFA score, hospitalisation and 3-month survival were considered additional end-points.

Results

During ICU-stay, 8 patients died of MOF, while 8 of the survivors experienced severe MOF with postoperative tSOFA score ≥11. Pre-implant level of IL-6 ≥ 8.3 pg/mL was identified as significant marker of discrimination between patients with or without adverse outcome (OR 6.642, 95% CI 1.201-36.509, p = 0.030). Patients were divided according to pre-implant IL-6 cutoff of 8.3 pg/ml in A [3.5 (1.2–6.1) pg/mL] and B [24.6 (16.4–38.0) pg/mL] groups. Among pre-implant variables, only white blood cells count was independently associated with pre-implant IL-6 levels higher than 8.3 pg/ml (OR 1.491, 95% CI 1.004–2.217, p = 0.048). The ICU-stay and hospitalisation resulted longer in B-group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.030, respectively). Postoperatively, 1 week-tSOFA score, IL-8 and Neo/Cr levels were higher in B-group.

Conclusions

LVAD-candidates with elevated pre-implant levels of IL-6 are associated, after intervention, to higher release of monocyte activation related-markers, a clue for the development of MOF, longer clinical course and poor outcome.

Severity of oxidative stress and inflammatory activation in end-stage heart failure patients are unaltered after 1 month of left ventricular mechanical assistance

This study investigates the impact of early left ventricular (LV)-mechanical unloading on systemic oxidative stress and inflammation in terminal heart failure patients and their impact both on multi organ failure and on intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Circulating levels of urinary 15-isoprostane-F(2t) (8-epi-PGF2(α)) and pro-inflammatory markers [plasma interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and urinary neopterin, a monocyte activation index] were analyzed in 20 healthy subjects, 22 stable end-stage heart failure (ESHF) patients and in 23 LV assist device (LVAD) recipients at pre-implant and during first post-LVAD (PL) month. Multi-organ function was evaluated by total Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (tSOFA) score. In LVAD recipients the levels of oxidative-inflammatory markers and tSOFA score were higher compared to other groups. After device implantation 8-epi-PGF2(α) levels were unchanged, while IL-6, and IL-8 levels increased during first week, and at 1month returned to pre-implant values, while neopterin levels increased progressively during LVAD support. The tSOFA score worsened at 1 PL-week with respect to pre-implant value, but improved at 1 PL-month. The tSOFA score related with IL-6 and IL-8 levels, while length of ICU stay related with pre-implant IL-6 levels. These data suggest that hemodynamic instability in terminal HF is associated to worsening of systemic inflammatory and oxidative milieu that do not improve in the early phase of hemodynamic recovery and LV-unloading by LVAD, affecting multi-organ function and length of ICU stay. This data stimulate to evaluate the impact of inflammatory signals on long-term outcome of mechanical circulatory support.

Echocardiographic evaluation of patients receiving a new left ventricular assist device: the Impella recover 100

The aim of this study was to suggest a protocol for serial echocardiographic evaluations in patients undergoing circulatory support by a new miniaturized electric axial pump, the Impella recover 100 (IR 100). IR 100 is implanted through the ascending aorta into the left ventricle drawing blood from the left ventricle to the aorta.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This protocol has been applied in eight patients receiving twelve IR 100 implants. Before implantation echocardiography was useful to rule out anatomic contraindications. During and after implantation echocardiography provided informations for correct positioning and evaluation of left ventricular filling necessary to optimize pump performance. During assistance it gave important informations to assess left and right ventricular function.

CONCLUSION

Echocardiography has pivotal role in IR 100 management before, during and after implantation.

Association of pre-operative interleukin-6 levels with Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support profiles and intensive care unit stay in left ventricular assist device patients

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory mechanisms are associated with worse prognosis in end-stage heart failure (ESHF) patients who require left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) profiles describe patient condition at pre-implant and outcome. This study assessed the relationship among inflammation patterns and INTERMACS profiles in LVAD recipients.

METHOD

Thirty ESHF patients undergoing LVAD implantation as bridge to transplant were enrolled. Blood and urine samples were collected pre-operatively and serially up to 2 weeks post-operatively for assessment of inflammatory markers (plasma levels of interleukin [IL]-6, IL-8, IL-10, and osteopontin, a cardiac inflammatory-remodeling marker; and the urine neopterin/creatinine ratio, a monocyte activation marker). Multiorgan function was evaluated by the total sequential organ failure assessment (tSOFA) score. Outcomes of interest were early survival, post-LVAD tSOFA score, and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients had INTERMACS profiles 1 or 2 (Group A), and 15 had profiles 3 or 4 (Group B). At pre-implant, only IL-6 levels and the IL-6/IL-10 ratio were higher in Group A vs B. After LVAD implantation, neopterin/creatinine ratio and IL-8 levels increased more in Group A vs B. Osteopontin levels increased significantly only in Group B. The tSOFA score at 2 weeks post-LVAD and ICU duration were related with pre-implant IL-6 levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The INTERMACS profiles reflect the severity of the pre-operative inflammatory activation and the post-implant inflammatory response, affecting post-operative tSOFA score and ICU stay. Therefore, inflammation may contribute to poor outcome in patients with severe INTERMACS profile.

Direct transatrial transcatheter SAPIEN valve implantation through right minithoracotomy in a degenerated mitral bioprosthetic valve

Transcatheter valve implantation into failing surgical mitral bioprosthetic valves have been reported. This strategy avoids performing high-risk repeat cardiac surgery in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities. All these patients have been treated by a transapical approach. We report a case of failing bioprosthetic mitral valve in an 82-year-old woman successfully treated with a 29-mm Edwards SAPIEN balloon expandable bioprosthesis (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA) with direct left atrial approach through a right anterior thoracotomy. Our experience demonstrates the technical feasibility and safety of this approach. Therefore, mitral valve-in-surgical valve implantation may be a viable treatment alternative in carefully selected patients.

Giant cell myocarditis successfully treated with antithymocyte globuline and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for 21 days

: A 31-year-old man presenting with cardiogenic shock and left ventricular ejection fraction of 10% received the diagnosis of giant cell myocarditis by endomyocardial biopsy. The patient was successfully treated with high-dose inotropes, intra-aortic balloon pump and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for 21 days associated with combined immunosuppression (thymoglobulin, steroids, cyclosporine). Immunosuppression including thymoglobulin is the regimen associated with the highest probability of recovery in case of giant cell myocarditis. Immunosuppression needs time to be effective; thus, hemodynamic support must be guaranteed. In the present case, we observed that full recovery can be obtained up to 21 days of support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and adequate immunosuppression.

Giant Intracranial Aneurysms Treated With Deep Hypothermia and Circulatory Arrest

The use of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA), using groin cannulation with the chest closed (CCDHCA), has improved the surgical treatment of large and giant cerebral aneurysms. Twelve consecutive ASA I-II patients (10 women and 2 men), with a mean age of 35 years (range 14 to 55 y) underwent DHCA for clipping or trapping of their aneurysm (giant, n=10; large, n=2; 42% posterior circulation), under balanced general anesthesia. Intraoperative standard monitors were completed with jugular oxygen saturation, pulmonary artery, pulmonary artery occlusion, central venous pressures, electroencephalography, evoked potentials, and cerebral (subdural), and core temperature. At the start of circulatory arrest, brain temperature was 15.1+/-1.1 degrees C (range 13.5 to 17.5), and core temperature 14.1+/-1.1 degrees C (range 12.7 to 17.0). Mean circulatory arrest time was 26.5+/-13.9 minutes (range 9 to 54) and anesthesia lasted 14+/-1 hours. Only one patient underwent DHCA with standard sternotomy, because of aortic insufficiency. Follow-up (up to 70 mo) revealed no deaths and Glasgow Outcome Scale at 6 months revealed good recovery in 9, moderate disability in 1, and severe disability in 2 patients. Selected patients with large/giant intracranial aneurysms, deemed unapproachable by conventional surgical techniques, were successfully treated using CCDHCA. Mortality rate was 0% and neurologic complications occurred in 25% of the patients.

Echocardiographic approach in a new left ventricular assist device: impella recover 100

Echocardiographic evaluation represents a basic tool for the treatment of patients undergoing ventricular assist device implant. Impella Recover 100 is a new left intraventricular assist device proposed for short-term mechanical circulatory support to be implanted without cardiopulmonary bypass. We report our experience with echocardiographic monitoring on a patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy who underwent Impella Recover 100 implant as a bridge to heart transplant. During the surgical procedure echocardiography had an essential role for anatomic evaluation of the heart and correct intraventricular positioning of the device. Moreover, during the whole period of assistance, echocardiography contributed to assessment of patient-device interaction and to check the device when malfunction was suggested.

Combined heart and kidney transplantation: long-term analysis of renal function and major adverse events at 20 years

BACKGROUND

Combined heart-kidney transplantation (HKTx) is an accepted therapeutic option for patients with end-stage heart disease associated with severely impaired renal function. We report our long-term follow-up with this combined procedure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between April 1989 to November 2009, nine patients underwent combined simultaneous (HKTx) at our center. Seven patients were males (mean age 45.2 +/- 10.12 years); seven patients were on dialysis at the time of transplantation.

RESULTS

Surgical procedures were uneventful in all patients. One patient died in the intensive care unit 41 days after transplantation. During long-term follow-up, three patients died: one due to infection and multiorgan failure 148 months after HKTx, one due to a lung neoplasm after 6 years, and one, a cerebral stroke at 34 months after transplantation. Only one patient experience renal allograft failure secondary to hypertension and cyclosporine nephrotoxicity at 10 years after HKTx with the need for renal replacement therapy. Last estimated glomerular filtration rates of all other patients was 61.3 +/- 17.4 mL/min.

CONCLUSIONS

In selected patients, with coexisting end-stage cardiac and renal failure, combined HKTx with an allograft from the same donor proved to give satisfactory short- and long-term results, with a low incidence of both cardiac and renal allograft complications.

Three-Dimensional Echocardiographic Assessment of a Patient Supported by Intravascular Blood Pump Impella Recover 100

Impella Recover 100 is an intravascular microaxial blood pump designed for short-term circulatory support in conditions of reduced left ventricular function. Two-dimensional echocardiography is a consolidated tool to study and monitor patients undergoing circulatory support. Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography is emerging as a source of more accurate analysis in heart morphology and function. We described the use of 3D echocardiography in a patient who underwent Impella recover 100 support for postcardiotomy shock. 3D echocardiography allowed complete visualization of the pump and provided excellent intraoperative assessment of the complex spatial location into the left ventricle.

[Proposal for updated listing criteria for heart transplantation and indications to implant of left ventricular assist devices]

Heart transplantation (HTx) is considered to be the gold standard treatment for advanced heart failure (HF) but it is available only for a minority of patients, due to paucity of donor hearts (278 HTx were performed in 2011 in Italy). Patients listed for HTx have a prolonged waiting time (that is about 2.3 years in the 2006-2010 time period in Italy) that is superior compared with patients who receive HTx (median time around 6 months), to underline the presence of an allocation system that prioritizes candidates in critical conditions. Patients listed for HTx have a poor quality of life and their annual mortality is around 8-10%. Another 10-15% of HTx candidates are removed from the waiting list each year because they are no longer suitable for transplantation. On the other hand, continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have been demonstrated to improve survival and quality of life of patients with advanced/refractory HF. LVAD therapy can represent a valid alternative to HTx, and it is recommended for patients with advanced HF in the recent edition of the European Society of Cardiology guidelines on HF management. In the United States, a larger number of centers compared with European ones started to apply a strategy of LVAD implant for many patients who meet clinical criteria for listing for HTx. Data from our center concerning the last 6 years of LVAD implant (51 implants since 2006) reported a 75.5% survival rate at 1 year. In Italian series, as in our center, current HTx survival is only slightly superior (83% survival rate at 1 year), based on data from the Italian National Transplant Center. We report a proposal for updated listing criteria for HTx and indications for LVAD implant in patients with advanced acute and chronic HF. Criteria for identifying suitable patients for HTx and/or LVAD considering the shortage of donors are discussed.