Heart-team hybrid approach to persistent atrial fibrillation with dilated atria: the added value of continuous rhythm monitoring

OBJECTIVES

To assess by a continuous implantable rhythm monitoring (ILR) the mid-term outcomes of a staged-hybrid approach for patients with persistent/long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) and dilated atria.

METHODS

Fifty patients [age 57 (standard deviation, SD: 8.3), previous catheter ablation 66%, AF history 6.5 (2-12) years, left ventricular ejection fraction 56 (SD: 7.9)%, left atrial volume index 44 (38-56) ml/m2] with persistent (44%) or long-standing persistent (56%) AF, underwent a 2-staged hybrid ablation (thoracoscopic epicardial procedure with Cobra-Fusion system and transcatheter Rhythmia mapping with endocardial touch-up of gaps). All patients received an ILR.

RESULTS

No hospital deaths and no stroke occurred. Follow-up was 98% complete [median 22 (11-34) months]. The 2-year arrhythmia-free survival off class I-III antiarrhythmic drugs/electrical cardioversion/redo catheter ablation and the arrhythmia control (maintenance of sinus rhythm with or without antiarrhythmic drugs/electrical cardioversion) were 65 (SD: 7.1)% and 82 (SD: 5.8)%, respectively. The occurrence of AF in the blanking period was identified as an independent predictor of AF recurrence (odds ratio 26.6, 95% confidence interval 5.3, 132.3; P < 0.001). At longitudinal analysis, the predicted prevalence of sinus rhythm and sinus rhythm off class I-III antiarrhythmic drugs/electrical cardioversion/redo catheter ablation was 82% and 69% at 2 years, respectively. Among patients with recurrence, 50% had short-lasting asymptomatic episodes, identified only by ILR monitoring. The proportion of patients with AF burden ≤1% was 82% and 91% at 1 and 2 years, respectively, and in these cases, left atrial volume index decreased from 46 (SD: 12) ml/m2 to 41 (SD: 11) ml/m2 (P = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

A staged hybrid approach yields promising results in selected patients with persistent/long-standing persistent AF and dilated left atrium who are at very high risk of AF recurrence. The use of ILR in this setting should become a standard to optimize patient management.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with moderate septal thickness and mitral regurgitation: long-term surgical results

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcomes of different surgical strategies in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) with septal thickness ≤18 mm and systolic anterior motion (SAM)-related moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation (MR).

METHODS

Seventy-six HOCM patients with septal thickness 17 [16; 18] mm, resting left ventricle outflow tract gradient 60 [41; 85] mmHg and SAM-related MR ≥2+/4+, underwent septal myectomy alone (54%) or mitral valve (MV) surgery ± myectomy (46%).

RESULTS

No hospital death and no ventricular septal defect occurred. Patients undergoing MV surgery ± myectomy had longer cardiopulmonary bypass and X-clamp times (77 [60-106] vs 51 [44-62] min, P < 0.001 and 56 [45-77] vs 32 [28-41] min, P < 0.001) and higher incidence of low output syndrome (11% vs 0%, P = 0.04). Follow-up was 98.6% complete, median 8 years [3-11]. There were no statistically significant differences in overall survival (P = 0.069) with survival rates at 9 years of 96 ± 4% in the myectomy alone group and 81 ± 8% in the MV surgery ± myectomy one. At 9 years, cumulative incidence function of cardiac death was 12 ± 6% in the MV surgery ± myectomy group vs 0% in the myectomy one, P = 0.06. Multivariable analysis identified age and previous septal alcoholization as predictors of cardiac death (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-1.1, P = 0.004 and HR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.0-8.3, P = 0.042). The 9-year cumulative incidence function of recurrence of MR ≥2+, with death as competing risk, was 3 ± 2.8% in the MV surgery ± myectomy group vs 25 ± 6.9% in the myectomy one, P = 0.005.

CONCLUSIONS

In HOCM patients with moderate septal thickness and SAM-related MR, as the degree of septal hypertrophy decreases, addressing the abnormalities of the MV apparatus may become necessary to provide a durable resolution of left ventricle outflow tract obstruction and SAM-related MR. However, performing myectomy alone, whenever possible, seems to be associated to a better postoperative course and a trend towards lower cardiac mortality at follow-up, despite a higher rate of residual moderate MR.

Right ventricular systolic function in severe tricuspid regurgitation: prognostic relevance of longitudinal strain

AIMS

The aim of this study is to analyse the prognostic implications of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction as detected by strain analysis in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR). The evaluation of RV systolic function in presence of severe TR is of paramount importance for operative risk stratification; however, it remains challenging, as conventional echocardiographic indexes usually lead to overestimation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We enrolled 250 consecutive patients with severe TR referred to our centre. Baseline clinical and echocardiographic data and follow-up outcomes were collected. Patients were predominantly female, with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities, history of heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Most of them had presented with clinical signs of RV heart failure (RVHF) and advanced New York Heart Association class. The RV strain analysis [both RV free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) and RV global longitudinal strain (RVGLS)] reclassified ∼42-56% of patients with normal RV systolic function according to conventional parameters in patients with impaired RV systolic function. RVFWLS ≤17% (absolute values, AUC: 0.66, P = 0.002) predicted the presence of RVHF [odds ratio (OR) 0.93, P = 0.01]. At follow-up, patients with RVFWLS >14% (absolute values, AUC: 0.70, P = 0.001, sensitivity 72%, specificity 54%) showed a better survival (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Different ranges of RVFWLS have different implications in patients with severe TR, allowing to identify a preclinical and a clinical window, with correlations to RVHF and survival.

Long-term results of tricuspid annuloplasty with 3-dimensional-shaped rings: effective and durable!

OBJECTIVES

3-Dimensional (3D)-shaped rings are largely adopted for tricuspid annuloplasty, but evidence about their long-term results is scanty. The goal of this study was to analyse the long-term results of tricuspid annuloplasty with 3D-shaped rings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database was carried out to identify all patients who underwent tricuspid valve repair with 3D-shaped rings between January 2011 and December 2014. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to analyse long-term survival. Cumulative incidence function using death as the competitive outcome was used to estimate cardiac death.

RESULTS

A total of 168 patients were identified. The median age was 66 years. Eighty-two patients (49%) were in advanced New York Heart Association functional class III-IV. Atrial fibrillation (AF) was present in 101 (60%); the median ejection fraction was 60%. In 82 (49%) patients, a Medtronic 3D Contour annuloplasty ring was employed; in the remaining 86 (51%) patients, an Edwards MC3 ring was used. Cumulative incidence function of cardiac death, with non-cardiac death as a competing risk, was 1.9 ± 1.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.51-4.95) at 7 years. The cumulative incidence function of recurrence of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) ≥2+ at 7 years was 14 ± 3.17%, 95% CI (8.49-20.82). Recurrence of TR ≥2+ at 7 years was not significantly different between the Medtronic 3D Contour and the Edwards MC3 rings (P = 0.3). AF was identified as the only independent predictor of recurrence of TR ≥2+.

CONCLUSIONS

3D-shaped rings are effective and durable. TR recurrence was relatively low at 7 years and usually moderate (2+/4+) without a significant difference between the 2 types of rings. The role of AF as a predictor of TR recurrence was confirmed.

Is the EuroSCORE II reliable in surgical mitral valve repair? A single-centre validation study

OBJECTIVES

The EuroSCORE II is widely used to predict 30-day mortality in patients undergoing open and transcatheter cardiac surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the discriminatory ability of the EuroSCORE II in predicting 30-day mortality in a large cohort of patients undergoing surgical mitral valve repair in a high-volume centre.

METHODS

A retrospective review of our institutional database was carried on to find all patients who underwent mitral valve repair in our department from January 2012 to December 2019. Discrimination of the EuroSCORE II was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves. The maximum Youden's Index was employed to define the optimal cut-point. Calibration was assessed by generating calibration plot that visually compares the predicted mortality with the observed mortality. Calibration was also tested with the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. Finally, the accuracy of the models was tested calculating the Brier score.

RESULTS

A total of 2645 patients were identified, and the median EuroSCORE II was 1.3% (0.6-2.0%). In patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR), the EuroSCORE II showed low discrimination (area under the curve 0.68), low accuracy (Brier score 0.27) and low calibration with overestimation of the 30-day mortality. In patients with secondary MR, the EuroSCORE II showed a good overall performance estimating the 30-day mortality with good discrimination (area under the curve 0.88), good accuracy (Brier score 0.003) and good calibration.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with degenerative MR operated on in a high-volume centre with a high level of expertise in mitral valve repair, the EuroSCORE II significantly overestimates the 30-day mortality.

Safety and efficacy of Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) in very elderly patients (≥ 85 years old) with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The Experience of an Italian tertiary care center

BACKGROUND

Limited real-world data are available regarding the comparison about safety and efficacy of DOACs prescription in very elderly patients (≥85 years) with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Concern about the risk of bleeding with anticoagulation in very older patients still represents an important challenge for clinicians.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the different prevalence of major bleeding and thromboembolic events between very elderly NVAF patients (≥85 years) compared to those non very elderly (<85 years).

METHODS

Single center multidisciplinary registry including NVAF patients treated with DOACs. Primary safety endpoint was 2-year rate of major bleeding. Primary efficacy endpoint was 2-year rate of thromboembolic events. Event-free survival curves among groups were compared using Cox-Mantel test.

RESULTS

908 NVAF consecutive patients were included, of these, 805 patients were <85 years (89%) and 103 patients were very elderly patients with ≥85 years (11%). Compared to patients <85 years, those very elderly have higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (p=0.001), higher rate of hypertension (p=0.001), diabetes mellitus (p=0.030), previous bleeding events (p<0.001), previous stroke/TIA/SE (p=<0.001), heart failure (p=<0.001), and lower creatinine clearance (p<0.001). In terms of safety endpoints (overall ISTH-major bleeding) no significative difference between two groups (p=0.952) were observed up to 2-year follow-up. Systemic thromboembolic event (primary efficacy endpoint) was significantly higher in patients with ≥85 years (p=0.027). The incidence of all-cause death was significantly higher in very elderly patients (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This single center registry, showed that the use of DOACs in very elderly NVAF was safe and is a therapeutic option to be pursued for stroke prevention especially for those who are at high risk of ischemic events.

Complicated postoperative course in isolated tricuspid valve surgery: Looking for predictors

BACKGROUND

This study aims at better defining the profile of patients with a complicated versus noncomplicated postoperative course following isolated tricuspid valve (TV) surgery to identify predictors of a favorable/unfavorable hospital outcome.

METHODS

All patients treated with isolated tricuspid surgery from March 1997 to January 2020 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Considering the complexity of most of these patients, a regular postoperative course was arbitrarily defined as a length-of-stay in intensive care unit less than 4 days and/or postoperative length-of-stay less than 10days. Patients were therefore divided accordingly in two groups.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy-two patients were considered, among whom 97 (56.3%) had a regular (REG) and 75 (43.6%) a non-regular (NEG) postoperative course. The latter had worse baseline clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, with higher rate of renal insufficiency, previous heart failure hospitalizations, cardiac operations, and right ventricular dysfunction. NEG patients more frequently needed tricuspid replacement and experienced a greater number of complications (p < .001) and higher in-hospital mortality (13% vs. 0%, p < .001). The majority of these complications were related to more advanced stage of the tricuspid disease. Among most important predictors of a negative outcome univariate analysis identified chronic kidney disease, ascites, previous right heart failure hospitalizations, right ventricular dysfunction, previous cardiac surgeries, TV replacement and higher MELD scores. At multivariate analysis, liver enzymes and diuretics' dose were predictors of complicated postoperative course.

CONCLUSION

In isolated TV surgery a complicated postoperative course is observed in patients with more advanced right heart failure and organ damage. Earlier surgical referral is associated to excellent outcomes and should be recommended.

Inappropriate dose of nonvitamin-K antagonist oral anticoagulants: prevalence and impact on clinical outcome in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Limited real-world data are available regarding the outcome of patients treated with inappropriate dose of nonvitamin-K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs).

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence and factors associated with inappropriate dose prescription of NOACs and to evaluate adverse events that come from this inappropriate prescription.

METHODS

Single-center multidisciplinary registry including nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients treated with NOACs. Based on guidelines criteria for dose reduction, two subcohorts were defined as treated with appropriate or inappropriate NOACs dose. Primary efficacy endpoint was 2-year rate of thromboembolic events. Primary safety endpoint was 2-year rate of major bleeding. Event-free survival curves among groups were compared using Cox-Mantel test.

RESULTS

A total of 760 nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients were included; 32% patients were treated with dabigatran, 34% with apixaban, 24% with rivaroxaban and 10% with edoxaban. An inappropriate dose was prescribed in 96 patients (12.6%), and in most cases (68%) it was too low. Rivaroxaban (15%) and apixaban (18.5%) were the most frequently prescribed with an inappropriate dose. Patients treated with an inappropriate dose were elderly people, with low-creatinine clearance value, who had experienced previous bleeding and with a high CHADS2 VASc score. In 2 years, a trend for higher numbers of thromboembolic events (5.2 vs. 3.3%, P = 0.348) and less major bleeding (2.1 vs. 4.2%, P = 0.316) has been observed in patients with inappropriate NOACs prescriptions.

CONCLUSION

Nearly 13% of patients were treated with an inappropriate dose of NOACs, in this single-center study. A trend for higher numbers of thromboembolic events was observed in these patients. The results should be considered as hypothesis generating.

Long-term fate of moderate aortic regurgitation left untreated at the time of mitral valve surgery

OBJECTIVES

The appropriateness of moderate aortic regurgitation treatment during mitral valve (MV) surgery remains unclear. The goal of this study was to evaluate the immediate and long-term outcomes of patients with moderate aortic regurgitation at the time of MV surgery.

METHODS

We included 183 patients admitted to our institution for elective treatment of MV disease between 2004 and 2018, in whom moderate aortic regurgitation was diagnosed during preoperative evaluation. One hundred and twenty-two patients underwent isolated MV surgery (study group) whereas 61 patients underwent concomitant MV surgery and aortic valve replacement (control group).

RESULTS

One death (0.8%) occurred in the study group, and 3 deaths (4.8%) occurred in the control group (P = 0.52). The rate of the most common postoperative complication was similar between the 2 groups. At 12 years, the cumulative incidence function of cardiac death, with non-cardiac death as a competing risk, was 4.7 ± 2.8% in the study group; no cardiac deaths were observed in the control group (P = 0.078). At 6 and 12 years, in the study group, the cumulative incidence function of aortic valve reintervention, with death as a competing risk, was 2.5 ± 1.85% and 19 ± 7.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The appropriate management of moderate aortic regurgitation at the time of MV surgery deserves a careful evaluation by balancing the reintervention rate with the age, the operative risk and the life expectancy of the patient. Our findings suggest that a patient-tailored approach is the key to achieving the best clinical outcome for each individual patient.

Durability of suture versus ring tricuspid annuloplasty: Looking at very long term (18 years)

BACKGROUND

Several papers already reported better outcomes of tricuspid valve repair with ring annuloplasty compared to suture techniques. However, the follow-up is usually limited to 10 years. With this study, we aim to analyze the results of tricuspid valve repair according to the technique employed when the follow-up is extended to more than 15 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of our institutional database was carried on to find all patients who underwent tricuspid valve repair between January 1998 and December 2004. Kaplan-Meier method was employed to estimate survival and log-rank test was used to make intergroup comparison. Cox regression was employed to identify risk factor for mortality. Cumulative incidence function using death as competitive outcome was used to estimate cardiac death. To describe the time course of tricuspid regurgitation, a longitudinal analysis using generalized estimating equations with random intercept for correlated data was performed.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-six patients were identified: 89 in the suture group and 57 in the ring group. No difference in term of long-term survival and cardiac death was evident between the two groups. A significant higher rate of tricuspid regurgitation ≥2+ and ≥3+ recurrence was evident in the suture group during the whole follow-up (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our results corroborate the better results of tricuspid valve repair by means of ring implantation compared to suture techniques also when the follow-up is extended up to 18 years. Ring annuloplasty should be considered the first option for tricuspid valve repair due to a better durability.

Subacute postoperative atrial fibrillation after heart surgery: incidence and predictive factors in cardiac rehabilitation

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background. Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common arrhythmic complication following cardiac surgery. It may occur between the second and fourth postoperative days as acute POAF, or within 30 days as subacute POAF (sPOAF). The incidence varies from 15% to 60%, with the highest rates observed in patients undergoing valvular surgery. POAF is associated with longer hospital stay and higher thromboembolic risk, which consistently increase patients’ morbidity and mortality. Identification of high-risk categories may allow optimization of in-hospital prevention and treatment, possibly improving clinical outcomes.

Aim of the study. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of sPOAF and to identify possible predictors in patients performing Cardiovascular Rehabilitation (CR) after Cardiac Surgery (CS).

Methods. A single-centre retrospective study was performed on 383 post-cardiac surgery patients hospitalised in our CR Unit for inpatient rehabilitation. The entire population was on sinus rhythm at the admission in CR and continuous monitoring with 12-lead ECG telemetry was performed during the hospital stay. We calculated the incidence of sPOAF and then evaluated the predictive value of the following variables: anamnestic data, type of cardiac intervention, clinical course in both CS and CR Unit, laboratory parameters including baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR).

Results. Median age was 65 years (63% male). sPOAF was documented in 122 cases (31.9%). Patients developing sPOAF were older [median age 69 (63-76) vs. 61 (51-70); p &lt; 0.001)], more frequently underwent complex surgical procedures (50% vs. 36%; p = 0.009) and were known for previous episodes of atrial fibrillation (27.9% vs. 11.2%; p &lt; 0.001). On the first day after surgery (T1), sPOAF group showed higher values of glycemia [median 155 (126.5–186.8) vs. 129 (106.5–164); p &lt; 0.001] and troponin T [median 721.5 (470.1–1084.3) vs. 488 (301.6-776.2); p &lt; 0.001]. The multivariate analysis identified advanced age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.08; p = 0.023), acute POAF in the Cardiac Surgery Unit (OR 3.51, 95% CI 1.62-7.59; p = 0.001), baseline NLR (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.10-1.93; p = 0.008) and T1-troponin &gt; 552 ng/L (OR 4.16 95% CI 1.50-11.53; p = 0.006) as independent risk predictors of sPOAF during the CR period.

Conclusions. sPOAF is common after cardiac surgery occurring in 31.9% of patients during CR. Age, acute POAF, baseline NLR and elevated troponin T on the first postoperative day were shown predictors of increased sPOAF risk. Recognition of new predictors of POAF could be helpful to better stratify patients, improving management strategies and outcomes.

Isolated tricuspid valve surgery: first outcomes report according to a novel clinical and functional staging of tricuspid regurgitation

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to assess the applicability of a novel classification of patients with tricuspid regurgitation based on 5 stages and to evaluate outcomes following isolated surgical treatment.

METHODS

All patients treated with isolated tricuspid valve repair or tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) from March 1997 to January 2020 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided according to a novel clinical-functional classification, based on the degree of regurgitation together with symptoms, right ventricular size and function and medical therapy. A total of 195 patients were treated; however, 23/195 were excluded due to lack of sufficient preoperative data.

RESULTS

A total of 172 patients were considered; of these, 129 (75%) underwent TVR and 43 (25%) had tricuspid valve repair. The distribution of patients showed that 46.5% of patients who underwent tricuspid valve repair were in stage 2, whereas 51.9% who underwent TVR were in stage 3. TVR patients were in more advanced stages of the disease, with dilated right ventricles, more pronounced symptoms and development of organ damage. Hospital mortality was 5.8%, in particular 0% in stages 2 and 3 and 15.3% in stages 4 and 5 (P < 0.001). Both intensive care unit and hospital stays were significantly longer in more advanced stages (P < 0.001). Patients in stages 4 and 5 developed more postoperative complications, such as acute kidney injury (3.7-10% in stages 2 and 3 vs 44-100% in stages 4 and 5; P < 0.001) and low cardiac output syndrome (15-50% in stages 2 and 3 vs 71-100% in stages 4 and 5; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients in more advanced stages had higher hospital mortality and longer hospitalizations. Timely referral is associated with lower mortality, short postoperative course and mostly valve repair.

Rheumatic mitral regurgitation: is repair justified by the long-term results?

OBJECTIVES

The best treatment for rheumatic mitral regurgitation is still under debate. Our goal was to assess the long-term results of mitral repair for rheumatic mitral regurgitation performed in 2 referral centres for mitral repair.

METHODS

Patients who underwent mitral valve repair between 1999 and 2009 were selected. Preoperative and postoperative data were prospectively entered into a dedicated database and retrospectively reviewed. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to analyse long-term survival. Competing risk analysis was performed by calculating the cumulative incidence function for time to recurrence of mitral regurgitation ≥3+, mitral regurgitation ≥2+, mitral reoperation and the combined end point of repair failure (mitral regurgitation ≥ 3+ and/or mean gradient ≥ 10 mmHg and/or mitral valve REDO) with death as a competing risk.

RESULTS

A total of 72 patients were included. Mitral calcifications were present in 25 patients (34.7%). Most of the patients (65/72, 90.3%) underwent annuloplasty, and mixes of reparative techniques were used in 21 patients (29.2%). In-hospital mortality was 2.8%. Mean follow-up was 11.6 ± 5.16 (max 19.1 years), 98.6% completed. Survival at 14 years was 70 ± 6.27%. At 14 years, the cumulative incidence function of repair failure was 36.7 ± 6.52%. The presence of severe mitral annulus calcification was an independent predictor of repair failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Mitral repair for rheumatic mitral regurgitation is characterized by a high rate of failure in the long term (14 years), particularly in patients with severe annular calcifications. These results call for a very selective approach when considering a repair strategy in this setting, especially in case of unfavourable anatomical conditions.

Surgical feasibility of ascending aorta manipulation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a computed tomography theoretical analysis

AIMS

The expansion of TAVI will involve an increase in the frequency of emergent or late cardiac surgery after THV implantation. This study was designed to investigate the anatomical feasibility of surgical cross-clamp and aortotomy after TAVI through a post-TAVI CT-scan assessment.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We retrospectively analysed 117 CTs acquired after TAVI procedures with high stent prostheses in three high-volume centres between October 2008 and May 2017. The mean distance observed between the innominate artery and the top of the transcatheter heart valve was 45±11 mm, being <30 mm in 8/117 (6.8%) patients and <20 mm in none. The mean distance between the sinotubular junction and the first free site for aortotomy was 22±7 mm (>20 mm in 78/117 [66.7%] cases). A total of 56/117 (47.9%) patients showed a complete continuous contact between the anterior aortic wall and the anterior part of the valve stent.

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic cross-clamp appears not to be an issue when cardiac surgery is needed after TAVI; however, a careful and possibly higher aortotomy may be required. CT should be performed prior to planned cardiac surgery after TAVI to determine a safe positioning for aortic cross-clamp and aortotomy.

Use of edge-to-edge percutaneous mitral valve repair for severe mitral regurgitation in cardiogenic shock: A multicenter observational experience (MITRA-SHOCK study)

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of edge-to-edge PMVR on short and mid-term clinical outcomes in patients with CS and severe MR.

BACKGROUND

Severe mitral regurgitation (MR) in the setting of cardiogenic shock (CS) is associated with three times higher risk of 1-year mortality. In refractory CS, edge-to-edge percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) can be a potential therapeutic option.

METHODS

We retrospectively included consecutive patients with refractory CS and concomitant severe MR treated with MitraClip® system. CS was defined according to the criteria used in the SHOCK trial and procedural success according to Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium (MVARC) criteria. The 30-day and 6-month mortality were the primary and secondary endpoints respectively.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients (median age 73 years [interquartile range, IQR 66-78], 25.8% female), STS mortality score 37.9 [IQR 30.4-42.4]), with CS and concomitant severe MR treated with edge-to-edge PMVR were retrospectively enrolled. Procedural success was 87.1%. Thirty-day and 6-month survival rates were 78.4 and 45.2% respectively. Univariate Cox Regression Model analysis showed that procedural success was a predictor of both 30-day (HR = 0.12, 95% CI 0.03-0.55, p < .01) and 6-month survival (HR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.06-0.84, p = .027).

CONCLUSIONS

Edge-to-edge PMVR in patients with CS and concomitant severe MR was associated with good procedural safety and success with acceptable short and mid-term survival rates. It could be considered a bailout option in this setting of patients.

First-in-man Valve-in-Valve with the new balloon-expandable Myval transcatheter heart valve in a failed sutureless Perceval bioprosthesis

Sutureless aortic bioprostheses were introduced more than ten years ago, with the aim of decreasing cross-clamp time and thus becoming the first choice in older patients for many surgeons. However, published data are limited to a 5-year follow-up, and some cases of deterioration have already been described. High-risk patients who once have benefitted from a fast sutureless aortic replacement and now are experiencing a prosthesis dysfunction, could take advantage of a percutaneous Valve-in-Sutureless technique. Furthermore, thanks to technological improvement, new transcatheter prostheses have been designed, allowing a more precise positioning. In this report, we described the first Myval-in-Perceval case, which resulted in a safe and effective procedure.

Prognostic Value of Pre-operative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Secondary Mitral Regurgitation Undergoing MitraClip Implantation

Limited data are available regarding the independent prognostic role of preoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) after transcatheter mitral valve repair with MitraClip. We sought to evaluate the impact of preoperative AF in patients with heart failure (HF) and concomitant secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) after MitraClip treatment. The study included 605 patients with significant secondary MR from a multicenter international registry. Patients were stratified into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of preoperative AF. Primary end point was 5-year overall death, secondary end points were 5-year cardiac death and first re-hospitalization for HF. To account for baseline differences, patients were propensity score matched 1:1. The overall prevalence of preoperative AF was 44%. At 5-year Kaplan-Meier analysis, compared with patients without AF, those with AF had significantly more adverse events in term of overall death (67% vs 43%; HR 1.84, log-rank p <0.001) and cardiac death (56% vs 29%; HR 2.11, log-rank p <0.001) and re-hospitalization for HF (63% vs 52%; HR 1.33, log-rank p = 0.048). Multivariate analysis identified AF as independent predictor of worse outcome in term of primary end point (HR 1.729, 95% C.I. 1.060 to 2.821; p = 0.028). After propensity score matching, patients with AF had higher rates of death and cardiac mortality but similar rates of re-hospitalization for HF. In conclusion, in patients with HF undergoing MitraClip treatment for secondary MR, preoperative AF is common and an unfavourable predictor of 5-year death and cardiac death. However, AF did not affect the frequency of re-hospitalization for HF.

Fate of mild-to-moderate bicuspid aortic valve disease untreated during ascending aorta replacement

BACKGROUND

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart defect and it is responsible for an increased risk of developing aortic valve and ascending aorta complications. In case of mild to moderate BAV disease in patients undergoing supracoronary ascending aorta replacement, it is unclear whether a concomitant aortic valve replacement should be performed.

METHODS

From June 2002 to January 2020, 75 patients with mild-to-moderate BAV regurgitation (±mild-to-moderate stenosis) who underwent isolated supracoronary ascending aorta replacement were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up was 100% complete (mean: 7.4 ± 3.9 years, max: 16.4). Kaplan-Meier estimates were employed to analyze long-term survival. Cumulative incidence function (CIF) for time to reoperation, recurrence of aortic regurgitation (AR) ≥3+ and aortic stenosis (AS) greater than moderate, with death as competing risk, were computed.

RESULTS

There was no hospital mortality and no cardiac death occurred. Overall survival at 12 years was 97.4 ± 2.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI: 83.16-99.63). At follow-up there were no cases of aortic root surgery whereas three patients underwent AV replacement. At 12 years the CIF of reoperation was 2.6 ± 2.5%, 95% CI [0.20-11.53]. At follow-up, AR 3+/4+ was present in 1 pt and AS greater than moderate in 3. At 12 years the CIF of AR more than 2+/4+ was 5.1 ± 4.98% and of AS more than moderate 6.9 ± 3.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study mild to moderate regurgitation of a BAV did not do significantly worse at least up to 10 years after isolated supracoronary ascending aorta replacement.

Excellent long-term results with minimally invasive edge-to-edge repair in myxomatous degenerative mitral valve regurgitation

OBJECTIVES

Previous series of minimally invasive mitral valve repairs showed excellent results at up to 10 years of follow-up. The goal of this study was to assess the long-term durability beyond 10 years of the edge-to-edge repair for myxomatous degeneration performed through a minimally invasive approach.

METHODS

Ninety-seven consecutive patients (mean age 35 ± 9 years; left ventricular ejection fraction 63 ± 6%) with severe myxomatous mitral regurgitation (MR) underwent mitral valve repair through a right minithoracotomy between 1999 and 2006. MR was due to lesions involving the posterior leaflet (7.2% of patients), anterior leaflet (12.4%) and both leaflets (80.4%).

RESULTS

No hospital deaths occurred. At hospital discharge all patients had no or trivial MR. Follow-up was 100% complete (median 15.5 years; interquartile range 13.6-17.0, max 19.3 years). The 16-year overall survival rate was 95.9 ± 2.02% [95% confidence interval (CI) 89.39-98.43]. At 16 years, the cumulative incidence function of cardiac death, with non-cardiac death as a competing risk, was 3.1 ± 1.75 (95% CI 0.83-8.02). Only 3 patients (4.1%) had redo operations for recurrent severe MR. At 16 years, the cumulative incidence functions of reoperation for and recurrence of MR ≥3+, with death as a competing risk, were 3.1 ± 1.76% (95% CI 0.83-8.02) and 5.6 ± 2.47% (95% CI 2.06-11.83), respectively. No predictors of recurrence of MR ≥3+ were identified. At the last follow-up, moderate MR (2+/4+) was detected in 17 patients (17.5%); most of the patients were in New York Heart Association functional class I-II (97%) and in sinus rhythm (90%).

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive mitral valve edge-to-edge repair through a right minithoracotomy for myxomatous degeneration appears to be an effective and durable approach even in the long-term follow-up (up to 19 years).

Impact of surgical timing on survival in patients with infective endocarditis: a time-dependent analysis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of surgical timing on survival in patients with left-sided infective endocarditis (IE). This was a retrospective study including 313 patients with left-sided IE between 2009 and 2017. Surgery was defined as urgent (US) or early (ES) if performed within 7 or 28 days, respectively. A multivariable Cox regression analysis including US and ES as time-dependent variables was performed to assess the impact on 1-year mortality. ES was associated with a better survival (aHR 0.349, 95% CI 0.135-0.902), as US (aHR 0.262, 95% CI 0.075-0.915). ES and US were associated with a better prognosis in patients with left-sided IE.

Is mitral annuloplasty an effective treatment for severe atrial functional mitral regurgitation?

INTRODUCTION

Unlike secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) in the setting of left ventricular disease, results of surgical treatment of severe atrial functional MR has remained largely unspoken. The aim of this study is to analyze short to midterm results of isolated ring annuloplasty in patients with severe atrial functional MR, in comparison with a matched cohort of patients with secondary MR.

METHODS

A retrospective review of our Institutional database was carried out to find all patients fulfilling strict echocardiographic criteria to define atrial functional MR. A control group of patients with MR secondary to ventricular disease was selected. All patients underwent mitral repair by means of isolated ring annuloplasty. Mortality, reoperation for severe MR, and recurrence of MR were assessed by clinical and echocardiographic follow-up. Cumulative incidence function (CIF) of recurrence of MR using death and reoperation as the competitive risk was used.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were selected for the study group and 25 for the control group. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of mortality and reoperation rate. At 2 years, the CIF of recurrence of MR ≥ 3+ and ≥ 2+ was significantly higher in patients with secondary MR compared to patients with atrial functional MR (20.8 ± 8.29% vs 5.9 ± 5.71% and 45.8 ± 10.17% vs 5.9 ± 5.71%) CONCLUSION: In patients with severe atrial functional MR, mitral valve repair by means of isolated ring annuloplasty seems a more effective and durable treatment as compared to patients with MR secondary to ventricular disease. Larger cohorts with longer follow up are needed to confirm these results.