Melody valve implant within failed bioprosthetic valves in the pulmonary position: a multicenter experience

Mid-term outcomes of mechanical pulmonary valve replacement: a single-institutional experience of 396 patients

OBJECTIVES

Previous small-sized studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of mechanical pulmonary valve replacement (mPVR) in patients with congenital heart disease; however, the predictors of major complications and reoperation remained unclear.

METHODS

In a retrospective study, we reported the mid-term outcomes of a large-scaled series of patients, 396 patients, with congenital heart diseases who underwent mPVR in a single institution.

RESULTS

The patients' mean age at mPVR was 24.3 ± 9 years (4-58 years). Most patients (84.3%) underwent tetralogy of Fallot total correction. The median of follow-up was 36 months (24-49 months). Prosthetic valve malfunction caused by thrombosis or pannus formation developed in 12.1% of patients during follow-up period. Reoperation was performed in 7 cases with pannus formation and 6 cases with mechanical valve thrombosis. Freedom from reoperation at 1, 5, and 10 years was 99%, 97%, and 96%, respectively. Neither early nor mid-term mortalities were detected. Cox regression models showed that male gender and smaller valve size increased the risk of prosthetic valve failure. The age at mPVR, interval between congenital heart defect repair and mPVR, and concomitant procedures predicted reoperation. In multivariate analysis, younger age and the interval between first operation and mPVR predicted reoperation either.

CONCLUSIONS

The success rate of mPVR is excellent in mid-term follow-up. Younger age, longer interval between the repair of congenital defect and mPVR, and cooperation increased reoperation risk. However, strict adherence to life-long anticoagulation regimen and patient selection are of great importance for the implementation of mPVR.

Percutaneous Versus Surgical Pulmonic Valve Implantation for Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Dysfunction

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Percutaneous pulmonic valve implantation (PPVI) is an alternative treatment strategy to surgical pulmonic valve implantation (SPVI) for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction. This study sought to compare outcomes of both treatment strategies.

METHODS

The study population was extracted from the 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes for PPVI and SPVI. Study outcomes included all-cause in-hospital mortality, length of index hospital stay (LOS), post-procedural bleeding, mechanical complications of heart valve prosthesis, vascular complications (VC), infective endocarditis (IE), total hospitalization charges, and 30-day readmission rates.

RESULTS

A total of 975 patient discharges (176 in PPVI and 799 in SPVI group) were identified (average age 25.7 years; 57.5% male). PPVI was associated with significantly shorter median LOS (1 versus 5 days, p < 0.01), lower risk of bleeding (4.6% versus 26.4%, p < 0.01), and lower total hospitalization charges ($169,551.7 versus $210,681.8, p = 0.02). There was no significant difference between both groups in terms of all-cause in-hospital mortality (0% versus 1.4%, p = 0.12), mechanical complications of heart valve prosthesis (1.7% versus 2.0%, p = 0.78), VC (2.3% versus 2.0%, p = 0.82), IE (1.7% versus 3.1%, p = 0.31), or 30-day readmission rates (4.4% versus 7.6%, p = 0.16).

CONCLUSION

Compared with SPVI, PPVI was associated with shorter LOS, lower bleeding, and lower total charges. There was no significant difference between the two strategies in terms of all-cause in-hospital mortality, mechanical complications of heart valve prosthesis, VC, IE, or 30-day readmission rates.

Pulmonary Valve Regurgitation: Neither Interventional Nor Surgery Fits All

Introduction: PV implantation is indicated for severe PV regurgitation after surgery for congenital heart defects, but debates accompany the following issues: timing of PV implantation; choice of the approach, percutaneous interventional vs. surgical PV implantation, and choice of the most suitable valve. Timing of pulmonary valve implantation: The presence of symptoms is class I evidence indication for PV implantation. In asymptomatic patients indication is agreed for any of the following criteria: PV regurgitation > 20%, indexed end-diastolic right ventricular volume > 120-150 ml/m2 BSA, and indexed end-systolic right ventricular volume > 80-90 ml/m2 BSA. Choice of the approach: percutaneous interventional vs. surgical: The choice of the approach depends upon the morphology and the size of the right ventricular outflow tract, the morphology and the size of the pulmonary arteries, the presence of residual intra-cardiac defects and the presence of extremely dilated right ventricle. Choice of the most suitable valve for surgical implantation: Biological valves are first choice in most of the reported studies. A relatively large size of the biological prosthesis presents the advantage of avoiding a right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and also of allowing for future percutaneous valve-in-valve implantation. Alternatively, biological valved conduits can be implanted between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery, particularly when a reconstruction of the main pulmonary artery and/or its branches is required. Hybrid options: combination of interventional and surgical: Many progresses extended the implantation of a PV with combined hybrid interventional and surgical approaches. Major efforts have been made to overcome the current limits of percutaneous PV implantation, namely the excessive size of a dilated right ventricular outflow tract and the absence of a cylindrical geometry of the right ventricular outflow tract as a suitable landing for a percutaneous PV implantation. Conclusion: Despite tremendous progress obtained with modern technologies, and the endless fantasy of researchers trying to explore new forms of treatment, it is too early to say that either the interventional or the surgical approach to implant a PV can fit all patients with good long-term results.

Impact of Percutaneous Pulmonary Valve Implantation on the Timing of Reintervention for Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Dysfunction

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common cyanotic congenital heart defect. Early surgical repair has dramatically improved the outcome of this condition. However, despite the success of contemporary approaches with early complete repair, these are far from being curative and late complications are frequent. The most common complication is right ventricle outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction, affecting most patients in the form of pulmonary regurgitation, pulmonary stenosis, or both, and can lead to development of symptoms of exercise intolerance, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Optimal timing of restoration of RVOT functionality in asymptomatic patients with RVOT dysfunction after TOF repair is still a matter of debate. Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation, introduced almost 2 decades ago, has become a major game-changer in the treatment of RVOT dysfunction. In this article we review the pathophysiology, the current indications, and treatment options for RVOT dysfunction in patients after TOF repair with a focus on the role of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation in the therapeutic approach to these patients.

Innovative interventional catheterization techniques for congenital heart disease

Since 1929, when the first cardiac catheterization was safely performed in a human by Dr. Werner Forssmann (on himself), there has been a rapid progression of cardiac catheterization techniques and technologies. Today, these advances allow us to treat a wide variety of patients with congenital heart disease using minimally invasive techniques; from fetus to infants to adults, and from simple to complex congenital cardiac lesions. In this article, we will explore some of the exciting advances in cardiac catheterization for the treatment of congenital heart disease, including transcatheter valve implantation, hybrid procedures, biodegradable technologies, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided catheterization. Additionally, we will discuss innovations in imaging in the catheterization laboratory, including 3D rotational angiography (3DRA), fusion imaging, and 3D printing, which help to make innovative interventional approaches possible.

Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement: Current State of Art

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The past couple of decades have brought tremendous advances to the field of pediatric and adult congenital heart disease (CHD). Percutaneous valve interventions are now a cornerstone of not just the congenital cardiologist treating patients with congenital heart disease, but also-and numerically more importantly-for adult interventional cardiologists treating patients with acquired heart valve disease. Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (tPVR) is one of the most exciting recent developments in the treatment of CHD and has evolved to become an attractive alternative to surgery in patients with right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction. This review aims to summarize (1) the current state of the art for tPVR, (2) the expanding indications, and (3) the technological obstacles to optimizing tPVR.

RECENT FINDINGS

Since its introduction in 2000, more than ten thousands tPVR procedures have been performed worldwide. Although the indications for tPVR have been adapted earlier from those accepted for surgical intervention, they remain incompletely defined. The new imaging modalities give better assessment of cardiac anatomy and function and determine candidacy for the procedure. The procedure has been shown to be feasible and safe when performed in patients who received pulmonary conduit and or bioprosthetic valves between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. Fewer selected patients post trans-annular patch repair for tetralogy of Fallot may also be candidates for this technology. Size restrictions of the currently available valves limit deployment in the majority of patients post trans-annular patch repair. Newer valves and techniques are being developed that may help such patients. Refinements and further developments of this procedure hold promise for the extension of this technology to other patient populations.

Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation: will it replace surgical pulmonary valve replacement?

INTRODUCTION

Right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction is a common hemodynamic challenge for adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD), including patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), truncus arteriosus (TA), and those who have undergone the Ross procedure for congenital aortic stenosis and the Rastelli repair for transposition of great vessels. Pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) has become one of the most common procedures performed for ACHD patients. Areas covered: Given the advances in transcatheter technology, we conducted a detailed review of the available studies addressing the indications for PVR, historical background, evolving technology, procedural aspects, and the future direction, with an emphasis on ACHD patients. Expert commentary: Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) is widely accepted as an alternative to surgery to address RVOT dysfunction. However, current technology may not be able to adequately address a subset of patients with complex RVOT morphology. As the technology continues to evolve, new percutaneous valves will allow practitioners to apply the transcatheter approach in such patients. We expect that with the advancement in transcatheter technology, novel devices will be added to the TPVI armamentarium, making the transcatheter approach a feasible alternative for the majority of patients with RVOT dysfunction in the near future.

Incidence and outcome of infective endocarditis following percutaneous versus surgical pulmonary valve replacement

OBJECTIVES

To provide a comparison of the outcome of infective endocarditis (IE) in patients undergoing transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) versus surgical pulmonary valve replacement (SPVR).

BACKGROUND

Although TPVR is thought to be associated with a higher risk of IE than SPVR, there is paucity of data to support this.

METHODS

Patients who underwent TPVR or SPVR at UCLA between October 2010 and September 2016 were included and retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Three hundred forty-two patients underwent PVR at UCLA including 134 SPVR and 208 TPVR. Patients undergoing TPVR were more likely to have had a history of endocarditis than those undergoing SPVR (5.3% vs. 0.7%, P = 0.03) and a right ventricle to pulmonary artery (RV to PA) conduit (37% vs. 17%, P = 0.0001). Two SPVR and seven TPVR patients developed IE with a 4-year freedom from endocarditis of 94.0% in the SPVR versus 84% in the TPVR group (P = 0.13). In patients who underwent TPVR and developed endocarditis, the mean gradient across the RVOT prior to intervention was higher (28.1 ± 4.5 vs. 17.4 ± 0.6 mmHg, P = 0.02) and were more likely to have a conduit (71% vs. 36%, P = 0.049).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, patients undergoing TPVR were not at a higher risk of IE than patients undergoing SPVR. TPVR patients were more likely to have had a prior history of IE and RV-PA conduit. The patients at highest risk were those with stenotic RV to PA conduits who were treated with TPVR.

Pediatrics Spanish Registry of Percutaneous Melody Pulmonary Valve Implantation in Patients Younger Than 18 Years

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

A decade has passed since the first Spanish percutaneous pulmonary Melody valve implant (PPVI) in March 2007. Our objective was to analyze its results in terms of valvular function and possible mid-term follow-up complications.

METHODS

Spanish retrospective descriptive multicenter analysis of Melody PPVI in patients < 18 years from the first implant in March 2007 until January 1, 2016.

RESULTS

Nine centers were recruited with a total of 81 PPVI in 77 pediatric patients, whose median age and weight were 13.3 years (interquartile range [IQR], 9.9-15.4) and 46kg (IQR, 27-63). The predominant cardiac malformation was tetralogy of Fallot (n = 27). Most of the valves were implanted on conduits, especially bovine xenografts (n = 31). The incidence of intraprocedure and acute complications was 6% and 8%, respectively (there were no periprocedural deaths). The median follow-up time was 2.4 years (IQR, 1.1-4.9). Infective endocarditis (IE) was diagnosed in 4 patients (5.6%), of which 3 required surgical valve explant. During follow-up, the EI-related mortality rate was 1.3%. At 5 years of follow-up, 80% ± 6.9% and 83% ± 6.1% of the patients were free from reintervention and pulmonary valve replacement.

CONCLUSIONS

Melody PPVI was safe and effective in pediatric patients with good short- and mid-term follow-up hemodynamic results. The incidence of IE during follow-up was relatively low but was still the main complication.

Pulmonic Valve Disease: Review of Pathology and Current Treatment Options

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Our review is intended to provide readers with an overview of disease processes involving the pulmonic valve, highlighting recent outcome studies and guideline-based recommendations; with focus on the two most common interventions for treating pulmonic valve disease, balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty and pulmonic valve replacement.

RECENT FINDINGS

The main long-term sequelae of balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty, the gold standard treatment for pulmonic stenosis, remain pulmonic regurgitation and valvular restenosis. The balloon:annulus ratio is a major contributor to both, with high ratios resulting in greater degrees of regurgitation, and small ratios increasing risk for restenosis. Recent studies suggest that a ratio of approximately 1.2 may provide the most optimal results. Pulmonic valve replacement is currently the procedure of choice for patients with severe pulmonic regurgitation and hemodynamic sequelae or symptoms, yet it remains uncertain how it impacts long-term survival. Transcatheter pulmonic valve replacement is a rapidly evolving field and recent outcome studies suggest short and mid-term results at least equivalent to surgery. The Melody valve® was FDA approved for failing pulmonary surgical conduits in 2010 and for failing bioprosthetic surgical pulmonic valves in 2017 and has been extensively studied, whereas the Sapien XT valve®, offering larger diameters, was approved for failing pulmonary conduits in 2016 and has been less extensively studied. Patients with pulmonic valve disease deserve lifelong surveillance for complications. Transcatheter pulmonic valve replacement is a novel and attractive therapeutic option, but is currently only FDA approved for patients with failing pulmonary conduits or dysfunctional surgical bioprosthetic valves. New advances will undoubtedly increase the utilization of this rapidly expanding technology.

The effect of balloon valvuloplasty for bioprosthetic valve stenosis at pulmonary positions

BACKGROUND

Balloon dilatation of a bioprosthetic valve in the pulmonary position could be performed to delay valve replacement. We proposed to identify the long-term effectiveness of such a procedure.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 49 patients who underwent balloon valvuloplasty between January 2000 and December 2015. The primary goal was to determine the time interval until the following surgical or catheter intervention.

RESULTS

The mean age at bioprosthetic valve insertion was 5.7 years old, and the mean age for ballooning was 11.7 years. The mean interval after pulmonary valve replacement was 71.6 months. The mean ratio of balloon size to valve size was 0.94. The pressure gradient through the pulmonary valve after balloon valvuloplasty was significantly improved (55.3 ± 18.5 mm Hg vs 33.8 ± 21.5 mm Hg, P < .001). There were no significant changes in pulmonary regurgitation and no serious adverse events. Patients had a mean freedom from re-intervention of 30.6 months after balloon valvuloplasty. The interval of freedom from re-intervention was affected only by the pressure gradient before balloon valvuloplasty and the patient age at insertion. The mean interval to re-intervention in patients with pressure gradients less than 48.5 mm Hg before ballooning was 46.0 months, which was significantly longer than for those with a higher gradient (18.7 months).

CONCLUSION

The effectiveness of this process may depend on the pressure gradient before ballooning and the patient age at valve insertion. It is possible that earlier valvuloplasty at pressure gradient not over 48.5mm Hg may have a benefit to delaying re-operation.

Trifecta St. Jude medical® aortic valve in pulmonary position

Introduction: To evaluate an aortic pericardial valve for pulmonary valve (PV) regurgitation after repair of congenital heart defects.

Methods: From July 2012 to June 2016 71 patients, mean age 24 ± 13 years (four to years) underwent PV implantation of aortic pericardial valve, mean interval after previous repair = 21 ± 10 years (two to 47 years). Previous surgery at mean age 3.2 ± 7.2 years (one day to 49 years): tetralogy of Fallot repair in 83% (59/71), pulmonary valvotomy in 11% (8/71), relief of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction in 6% (4/71). Pre-operative echocardiography and MRI showed severe PV regurgitation in 97% (69/71), moderate in 3% (2/71) with associated RVOT obstruction. MRI and knowledge-based reconstruction 3D volumetry (KBR-3D-volumetry) showed mean PV regurgitation = 42 ± 9% (20–58%), mean indexed RV end-diastolic volume = 169 ± 33 (130–265) ml m^–2 BSA and mean ejection fraction (EF) = 46 ± 8% (33–61%). Cardio-pulmonary exercise showed mean peak O₂/uptake = 24 ± 8 ml kg^–1 min^–1 (14–45 ml kg^–1 min^–1), predicted max O₂/uptake 66 ± 17% (26–97%). Pre-operative NYHA class was I in 17% (12/71) patients, II in 70% (50/71) and III in 13% (9/71).

Results: Mean cardio-pulmonary bypass duration was 95 ± 30ʹ (38–190ʹ), mean aortic cross-clamp in 23% (16/71) 46 ± 31ʹ (8–95ʹ), with 77% (55/71) implantations without aortic cross-clamp. Size of implanted PV: 21 mm in seven patients, 23 mm in 33, 25 mm in 23, and 27 mm in eight. The z-score of the implanted PV was −0.16 ± 0.80 (−1.6 to 2.5), effective orifice area indexed (for BSA) of native PV was 1.5 ± 0.2 (1.2 to –2.1) vs. implanted PV 1.2 ± 0.3 (0.76 to –2.5) (p = ns). In 76% (54/71) patients surgical RV modelling was associated. Mean duration of mechanical ventilation was 6 ± 5 h (0–26 h), mean ICU stay 21 ± 11 h (12–64 h), mean hospital stay 6 ± 3 days (three to 19 days). In mean follow-up = 25 ± 14 months (six to 53 months) there were no early/late deaths, no need for cardiac intervention/re-operation, no valve-related complications, thrombosis or endocarditis. Last echocardiography showed absent PV regurgitation in 87.3% (62/71) patients, trivial/mild degree in 11.3% (8/71), moderate degree in 1.45% (1/71), mean max peak velocity through RVOT 1.6 ± 0.4 (1.0–2.4) m s^–1. Mean indexed RV end-diastolic volume at MRI/KBR-3D-volumetry was 96 ± 20 (63–151) ml m^–2 BSA, lower than pre-operatively (p < 0.001), and mean EF = 55 ± 4% (49–61%), higher than pre-operatively (p < 0.05). Almost all patients (99% = 70/71) remain in NYHA class I, 1.45% = 1/71 in class II.

Conclusion: (a) Aortic pericardial valve is implantable in PV position with an easy and reproducible surgical technique; (b) valve size adequate for patient BSA can be implanted with simultaneous RV remodelling; (c) medium-term outcomes are good with maintained PV function, RV dimensions significantly reduced and EF significantly improved; (d) adequate valve size will allow later percutaneous valve-in-valve implantation.

Patient outcomes after transcatheter and surgical pulmonary valve replacement for pulmonary regurgitation in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot: A quasi-meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Individuals with repaired tetralogy of Fallot develop pulmonary regurgitation that may cause symptoms (dyspnea, chest pain, palpitations, fatigue, presyncope, and syncope), impair functional capacity, and may affect health-related quality of life. Surgical pulmonary valve replacement is the gold standard of treatment although transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement is becoming more common. Patients want to know whether less invasive options are as good.

AIMS

This analysis aimed to examine the differences in surgical versus transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement effects in terms of physiological/biological variables, symptoms, functional status and health-related quality of life.

METHODS

This quasi-meta-analysis included 85 surgical and 47 transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement studies published between 1995-2016.

RESULTS

In terms of physiological/biological variables, both surgical and transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement improved pulmonary regurgitation and systolic and diastolic right ventricular volume indices but not heart function. In the left heart, only surgical pulmonary valve replacement improved heart function. Only transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement improved left ventricular end-diastolic indices and neither improved endsystolic indices. Only surgery has been demonstrated to decrease QRS duration but there is little evidence of arrhythmia reduction. Symptom change is poorly documented. Functional class improves but exercise capacity generally does not. Some aspects of health-related quality of life improve with surgery and in one small transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement study.

CONCLUSION

Transcatheter and surgical pulmonary valve replacement compare favorably for heart remodeling. Exercise capacity does not change with either technique. Health-related quality of life improves after surgical pulmonary valve replacement. There are numerous gaps in documentation of changes in arrhythmias and symptoms.

Mechanism of valve failure and efficacy of reintervention through catheterization in patients with bioprosthetic valves in the pulmonary position

BACKGROUND

Surgical and transcatheter bioprosthetic valves (BPVs) in the pulmonary position in patients with congenital heart disease may ultimately fail and undergo transcatheter reintervention. Angiographic assessment of the mechanism of BPV failure has not been previously described.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to determine the mode of BPV failure (stenosis/regurgitation) requiring transcatheter reintervention and to describe the angiographic characteristics of the failed BPVs and report the types and efficacy of reinterventions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective single-center review of consecutive patients who previously underwent pulmonary BPV placement (surgical or transcatheter) and subsequently underwent percutaneous reintervention from 2005 to 2014.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients with surgical (41) and transcutaneous pulmonary valve (TPV) (14) implantation of BPVs underwent 66 catheter reinterventions. The surgically implanted valves underwent fifty reinterventions for indications including 16 for stenosis, seven for regurgitation, and 27 for both, predominantly associated with leaflet immobility, calcification, and thickening. Among TPVs, pulmonary stenosis (PS) was the exclusive failure mode, mainly due to loss of stent integrity (10) and endocarditis (4). Following reintervention, there was a reduction of right ventricular outflow tract gradient from 43 ± 16 mmHg to 16 ± 10 mmHg (P < 0.001) and RVp/AO ratio from 0.8 ± 0.2 to 0.5 ± 0.2 (P < 0.001). Reintervention with TPV placement was performed in 45 (82%) patients (34 surgical, 11 transcatheter) with no significant postintervention regurgitation or paravalvular leak.

CONCLUSION

Failing surgically implanted BPVs demonstrate leaflet calcification, thickness, and immobility leading to PS and/or regurgitation while the mechanism of TPV failure in the short- to mid-term is stenosis, mainly from loss of stent integrity. This can be effectively treated with a catheter-based approach, predominantly with the valve-in-valve technique.

Percutaneous management of failed bioprosthetic pulmonary valves in patients with congenital heart defects

AIMS

We reviewed our center experience in the field of transcatheter pulmonary valve-in-valve implantation (TPViV), that is emerging as a treatment option for patients with pulmonary bioprosthetic valve (BPV) dysfunction.

METHODS

Between April 2008 and September 2015, a total of six patients with congenital heart disease (four men) underwent TPViV due to stenosis of preexisting BPV. Four patients received a Melody Medtronic Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve and two an Edward Sapien Valve.

RESULTS

No procedural-related complications occurred. After valve implantation, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP, 80.5 ± 25.3-41.2 ± 8.35 mmHg, P < 0.05), right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) gradient (55.3 ± 23.4-10.6 ± 3.8 mmHg, P < 0.05), and RVSP-to-aortic pressure (0.75 ± 0.21-0.38 ± 0.21, P = 0.01) fell significantly. Echocardiograms at follow-up revealed a significant reduction in estimated RVSP (88.7 ± 22-21.7 ± 4.7 mmHg, P < 0.05), in RVOT (76.2 ± 17.9-25.7 ± 6.1 mmHg, P = 0.005), and in mean RVOT (40.7 ± 9.9-15.5 ± 4.8 mmHg, P < 0.05) gradients. Cardiac magnetic resonance showed no significant change in biventricular dimensions and function. Symptomatic patients reported improvement of symptoms, although cardiopulmonary exercise did not show any significant differences.

CONCLUSION

TPViV is an effective and well tolerated treatment for BPV dysfunction, improving freedom from surgical reintervention. Long-term studies will redefine the management of dysfunctional RVOT, either native or surrogate.

Aortic root compression during transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement

OBJECTIVES

To describe the incidence of aortic root compression (ARC) during transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR).

BACKGROUND

ARC can occur during balloon sizing of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) or during coronary compression testing (BS/CCT) prior to TPVR, causing aortic valve dysfunction and/or root distortion with or without coronary compression. This has limited the use of TPVR in patients with native RVOTs, including those with a transannular patch (TAP). The characteristics of this patient cohort have not previously been described.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of all patients with congenital heart disease who presented for TPVR at UCLA from 2010 to 2015. ARC characteristics during BS/CCT were noted for all relevant cases.

RESULTS

Inclusion criteria were met by 174 patients. ARC occurred in 16 patients (9%), of whom 14 had Tetralogy of Fallot with a native/TAP RVOT (14/42, 33%, of all native/TAP patients). Five ARC patients also had concomitant coronary artery compression. Isolated coronary compression occurred in six patients. Two patients underwent successful TPVR despite ARC by implanting the valves in the distal RVOT. One patient required surgical PVR and Sapien valve explantation after TPVR caused severe ARC.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of cases of ARC occur in patients with native/TAP RVOTs. ARC during BS/CCT may identify those at risk for ARC following TPVR. While ARC is a real phenomenon, it is unclear if it can be accurately predicted, what its clinical significance will be and how it is best avoided. Further studies are necessary to answer these questions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Implantation of the Medtronic Harmony Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Improves Right Ventricular Size and Function in an Ovine Model of Postoperative Chronic Pulmonary Insufficiency

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary insufficiency is the nexus of late morbidity and mortality after transannular patch repair of tetralogy of Fallot. This study aimed to establish the feasibility of implantation of the novel Medtronic Harmony transcatheter pulmonary valve (hTPV) and to assess its effect on pulmonary insufficiency and ventricular function in an ovine model of chronic postoperative pulmonary insufficiency.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirteen sheep underwent baseline cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, surgical pulmonary valvectomy, and transannular patch repair. One month after transannular patch repair, the hTPV was implanted, followed by serial magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography imaging at 1, 5, and 8 month(s). hTPV implantation was successful in 11 animals (85%). There were 2 procedural deaths related to ventricular fibrillation. Seven animals survived the entire follow-up protocol, 5 with functioning hTPV devices. Two animals had occlusion of hTPV with aneurysm of main pulmonary artery. A strong decline in pulmonary regurgitant fraction was observed after hTPV implantation (40.5% versus 8.3%; P=0.011). Right ventricular end diastolic volume increased by 49.4% after transannular patch repair (62.3-93.1 mL/m²; P=0.028) but was reversed to baseline values after hTPV implantation (to 65.1 mL/m² at 8 months, P=0.045). Both right ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular ejection fraction were preserved after hTPV implantation.

CONCLUSIONS

hTPV implantation is feasible, significantly reduces pulmonary regurgitant fraction, facilitates right ventricular volume improvements, and preserves biventricular function in an ovine model of chronic pulmonary insufficiency. This percutaneous strategy could potentially offer an alternative for standard surgical pulmonary valve replacement in dilated right ventricular outflow tracts, permitting lower risk, nonsurgical pulmonary valve replacement in previously prohibitive anatomies.

Recent advances in transcatheter pulmonary valve delivery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement has only been both approved and widely available for most congenital heart disease centers for a few years; its use and familiarity for interventionalists have greatly expanded our knowledge of its applicability to a multitude of clinical situations. Expanded worldwide use and longer time from implant have both served to better understand procedural limits and uncommon late adverse events.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although currently approved for implantation in the USA only in dysfunctional and circumferential right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduits, with expanded experience operators have been able to adapt the delivery of this valve in a large number of additional clinical scenarios. Rare technical limitations of the procedure, most importantly coronary compression, are now being better defined. Although not frequent, a significant number of infective endocarditis episodes have been reported, but more recently several studies have deepened our understanding of this late adverse event for the most commonly implanted transcatheter pulmonary valve prosthesis.

SUMMARY

Expanded and widened use has extended our understanding of who may benefit from transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI), the current limits of TPVI, and uncommon but important late issues following TPVI.

Progressive intermediate-term improvement in ventricular and atrioventricular interaction after transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement in patients with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction

BACKGROUND

Relief of postoperative right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction with transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) results in functional improvement in the short term which we investigated at baseline (BL), early follow-up (FU), and midterm FU after TPVR.

METHODS

Echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing were performed at BL and at early (median 6 months) and midterm FU (median 2.5years) after TPVR.

RESULTS

Patients with RVOT obstruction (n=22, median age 17years) were studied. The max RVOT Doppler gradient fell from BL to early FU (60±24 to 26±8mm Hg, P<.001). Left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic and stroke volume increased at early FU (both P<.001) without further change, whereas LV ejection fraction improved throughout FU (P<.001). LV end-systolic and diastolic eccentricity (leftward septal displacement) improved early (both P≤.003), and end-diastolic eccentricity improved further at midterm FU (P=.02). Furthermore, whereas mitral inflow A wave velocity increased (P=.003), the LV A' velocity declined early (P=.007) without further change at midterm. RV systolic and early diastolic function was impaired at BL. Whereas RV strain improved partially at early and midterm FU (P≤.02), RV E' velocity did not improve throughout FU. Mildly impaired LV strain at BL fully recovered by midterm FU (P≤.002). Peak oxygen uptake improved at early and midterm FU (all P≤.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with RVOT obstruction had biventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction at BL. Relieving RVOT obstruction with TPVR reduced adverse ventricular and compensatory atrioventricular interaction, resulting in progressive biventricular functional improvement and remodeling at early and midterm FU.

Transcatheter native pulmonary valve and tricuspid valve replacement with the sapien XT: Initial experience and development of a new delivery platform

BACKGROUND

While the Melody valve is unable to be used for replacement of large pulmonary outflow tracts, the 29 mm Sapien XT transcatheter valve, designed specifically for aortic valve replacement, can potentially be used in these large native outflow tracts. Techniques to enable off-label use of the Sapien XT valve for large-diameter pulmonary and tricuspid valve replacement are described.

METHODS

Use of the Sapien valve for transcatheter pulmonary and tricuspid valve replacement using both the commercially available Novaflex+ system and using a novel flexible delivery system was reviewed. This customized flexible delivery platform was constructed using the Ensemble sheath and a 30 mm Nucleus balloon. This system was bench tested prior to its clinical use.

RESULTS

Ten patients had successful implantation of Sapien valves into native right ventricular outflow tracts (RVOTs) (n = 7) or tricuspid valves (n = 3). There was no stenosis or regurgitation after Sapien valve implantation. Several of the pulmonary valve replacement cases were extremely challenging due to the limited flexibility of the Novaflex system. The Sapien valve was crimped onto a 30 mm Nucleus balloon preloaded through an Ensemble sheath. This system was able to consistently deliver the Sapien valve safely in a bench model as well as in native RVOTs in two patients.

CONCLUSION

The 29 mm Sapien XT valve allows for large-diameter transcatheter valve replacement in both the pulmonary and tricuspid positions. Initial results of new techniques to utilize a more flexible delivery platform are described that could obviate the need for the Novaflex system. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Management of a dissection of matrix P right ventricular-to-pulmonary artery conduit by implanting two pre-stents and a melody valve

Reconstructing the right ventricular outflow tract and pulmonary valve via a bovine-derived valve conduit such as Matrix-P-Xenograft is a common surgical repair technique for pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect. After conduit degeneration due to calcification or aneurysmal dilatation, percutaneous transvenous stenting of the right ventricular outflow tract followed by pulmonary valve implantation has become the standard interventional treatment. Applied to stenotic conduits, the method is considered safe and effective. An important but seldom-reported problem is graft failure related to the formation of a Matrix membrane due to inflammation and fibrosis inside the xenograft, which can cause serious problems when dissection and rupture occur during transcatheter intervention. The torn pseudomembrane may cause the complete obstruction of both pulmonary arteries, resulting in a life-threatening situation requiring rapid intervention, as in this case presentation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve-in-Valve Implantation for the Treatment of Dysfunctional Surgical Bioprosthetic Valves

Background—

Off-label use of transcatheter aortic and pulmonary valve prostheses for tricuspid valve-in-valve implantation (TVIV) within dysfunctional surgical tricuspid valve (TV) bioprostheses has been described in small reports.

Methods and Results—

An international, multicenter registry was developed to collect data on TVIV cases. Patient-related factors, procedural details and outcomes, and follow-up data were analyzed. Valve-in-ring or heterotopic TV implantation procedures were not included. Data were collected on 156 patients with bioprosthetic TV dysfunction who underwent catheterization with planned TVIV. The median age was 40 years, and 71% of patients were in New York Heart Association class III or IV. Among 152 patients in whom TVIV was attempted with a Melody (n=94) or Sapien (n=58) valve, implantation was successful in 150, with few serious complications. After TVIV, both the TV inflow gradient and tricuspid regurgitation grade improved significantly. During follow-up (median, 13.3 months), 22 patients died, 5 within 30 days; all 22 patients were in New York Heart Association class III or IV, and 9 were hospitalized before TVIV. There were 10 TV reinterventions, and 3 other patients had significant recurrent TV dysfunction. At follow-up, 77% of patients were in New York Heart Association class I or II ( P <0.001 versus before TVIV). Outcomes did not differ according to surgical valve size or TVIV valve type.

Conclusions—

TVIV with commercially available transcatheter prostheses is technically and clinically successful in patients of various ages across a wide range of valve size. Although preimplantation clinical status was associated with outcome, many patients in New York Heart Association class III or IV at baseline improved. TVIV should be considered a viable option for treatment of failing TV bioprostheses.

Impact of Right-Sided-Catheter-Based Valve Implantation on Decision-Making in Congenital Heart Disease

There is a growing appreciation for the adverse long-term impact of right-sided valvular dysfunction in patients with congenital heart disease. Although right-sided valvular stenosis and/or regurgitation is often better tolerated than left-sided valvular dysfunction in the short and intermediate term, the long-term consequences are numerous and include, but are not limited to, arrhythmias, heart failure, and multi-organ dysfunction. Surgical right-sided valve interventions have been performed for many decades, but the comorbidities associated with multiple surgeries are a concern. Transcatheter right-sided valve replacement is safe and effective and is being performed at an increasing number of centers around the world. It offers an alternative to traditional surgical techniques and may potentially alter the decision making process whereby valvular replacement is performed prior to the development of long-term sequelae of right-sided valvular dysfunction.

Transcatheter melody valve placement in large diameter bioprostheses and conduits: What is the optimal "Landing zone"?

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to elucidate the optimal bioprosthetic valve (BPV) size prior to Melody valve implantation.

BACKGROUND

BPVs provide an ideal "landing zone" for future Melody valve insertion. To guide surgical choice of BPV size, it is important to understand which BPV size can serve consistently as substrates for Melody valve placements.

METHODS

A database of all patients who underwent Melody implantation at UCLA or Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles from 2010 to 2014 was analyzed retrospectively. Patients with an existing BPV were stratified into those with a valve diameter of ≥27 mm or <27 mm.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty patients underwent catheterization with the intention to implant a Melody valve. Melody valve implantation was performed in the pulmonary position in 52 patients with prior BPVs. The immediate procedural success rate was 100%. Immediately post-Melody, the right ventricular to pulmonary artery gradient was significantly higher in the <27 mm group compared to the ≥27 mm group (14.3±3 vs. 8.6±6.8, P=0.006). There was a significantly shorter time from prior valve replacement to Melody implantation in the <27 mm group. There was one patient in whom transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation was aborted due to inadequate landing zone in the <27 mm group, and no patients in the ≥27 mm group (P=NS).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that 27 and 29 mm BPV provide a superior landing zone for Melody valve implantation with excellent immediate and intermediate term hemodynamic results when compared to smaller BPVs less than 27 mm.

Prestenting for prevention of melody valve stent fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The role of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) prestenting in the prevention of Melody valve stent fractures (SFs) is not well defined. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the incidence of SF in Melody valve transcatheter pulmonary implants with and without prestenting.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central were searched for studies that reported the incidence of SF in Melody valve transcatheter pulmonary implants stratified by the presence or absence of RVOT prestenting. Subgroup analyses were performed for (1) SF associated with a loss of stent integrity and (2) SF requiring reintervention.

RESULTS

Five studies and 360 patients were included, of whom 207 (57.5%) received prestenting. Follow-up ranged from 15 to 30 months. SF were significantly reduced in the prestenting group (16.7%) when compared to no prestenting (33.5%) (odds-ratio [OR] 0.39; 95%CI 0.22-0.69). Patients who received prestenting also had a lower incidence of (1) SF associated with loss of stent integrity (OR 0.16; 95%CI 0.05-0.48) and (2) SF requiring reintervention (OR 0.15; 95%CI 0.02-0.91).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that stenting of the RVOT prior to Melody valve implantation is associated with a reduction in the incidence of SF and fracture-related reinterventions.

Clinical and hemodynamic outcomes up to 7 years after transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement in the US melody valve investigational device exemption trial

BACKGROUND

Studies of transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV) replacement with the Melody valve have demonstrated good short-term outcomes, but there are no published long-term follow-up data.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The US Investigational Device Exemption trial prospectively enrolled 171 pediatric and adult patients (median age, 19 years) with right ventricular outflow tract conduit obstruction or regurgitation. The 148 patients who received and were discharged with a TPV were followed up annually according to a standardized protocol. During a median follow-up of 4.5 years (range, 0.4-7 years), 32 patients underwent right ventricular outflow tract reintervention for obstruction (n=27, with stent fracture in 22), endocarditis (n=3, 2 with stenosis and 1 with pulmonary regurgitation), or right ventricular dysfunction (n=2). Eleven patients had the TPV explanted as an initial or second reintervention. Five-year freedom from reintervention and explantation was 76±4% and 92±3%, respectively. A conduit prestent and lower discharge right ventricular outflow tract gradient were associated with longer freedom from reintervention. In the 113 patients who were alive and reintervention free, the follow-up gradient (median, 4.5 years after implantation) was unchanged from early post-TPV replacement, and all but 1 patient had mild or less pulmonary regurgitation. Almost all patients were in New York Heart Association class I or II. More severely impaired baseline spirometry was associated with a lower likelihood of improvement in exercise function after TPV replacement.

CONCLUSIONS

TPV replacement with the Melody valve provided good hemodynamic and clinical outcomes up to 7 years after implantation. Primary valve failure was rare. The main cause of TPV dysfunction was stenosis related to stent fracture, which was uncommon once prestenting became more widely adopted.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00740870.

Percutaneous pulmonary and tricuspid valve implantations: An update

The field of percutaneous valvular interventions is one of the most exciting and rapidly developing within interventional cardiology. Percutaneous procedures focusing on aortic and mitral valve replacement or interventional treatment as well as techniques of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation have already reached worldwide clinical acceptance and routine interventional procedure status. Although techniques of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation have been described just a decade ago, two stent-mounted complementary devices were successfully introduced and more than 3000 of these procedures have been performed worldwide. In contrast, percutaneous treatment of tricuspid valve dysfunction is still evolving on a much earlier level and has so far not reached routine interventional procedure status. Taking into account that an “interdisciplinary challenging”, heterogeneous population of patients previously treated by corrective, semi-corrective or palliative surgical procedures is growing inexorably, there is a rapidly increasing need of treatment options besides redo-surgery. Therefore, the review intends to reflect on clinical expansion of percutaneous pulmonary and tricuspid valve procedures, to update on current devices, to discuss indications and patient selection criteria, to report on clinical results and finally to consider future directions.