Percutaneous Edwards SAPIEN(™) valve implantation for significant pulmonary regurgitation after previous surgical repair with a right ventricular outflow patch

Early results of Pulsta® transcatheter heart valve in patients with enlarged right ventricular outflow tract and severe pulmonary regurgitation due to transannular patch

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility, effectivity, and safety of a novel self-expandable valve system, Pulsta® transcatheter heart valve in patients with tetralogy of fallot and severe pulmonary regurgitation after transannular patch repair.

BACKGROUND

Severe pulmonary regurgitation after tetralogy of fallot repair is a life-threatening problem and should be treated by pulmonary valve implantation. Although percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation has been ever increasingly used for this purpose, available balloon-expandable valves have limitations and cannot be used by most patients. Pulsta® transcatheter heart valve is a new self-expandable valve system and offers a new solution to be used in patients with different types of native right ventricular outflow tract geometry.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ten patients with severe regurgitation after tetralogy of fallot repair with a transannular patch have been enrolled in the study according to echocardiographic examination. MRI was used in asymptomatic patients to delineate the indication and the right ventricular outflow tract geometry. Pulsta® transcatheter heart valve implantation was performed in ten patients, and preprocedural, procedure, and 6 months follow-up findings of the patients were evaluated.

RESULTS

Pulsta® pulmonary valve implantation was performed in ten patients successfully without any severe complications. Valve functions were perfect in six of ten patients, while the others had insignificant regurgitation by echocardiographic examination at the end of 6 months follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that Pulsta® transcatheter heart valve is a feasible, effective, and safe method in the treatment of severe pulmonary regurgitation due to transannular patch repair in patients with tetralogy of fallot.

Infective Endocarditis Risk with Melody versus Sapien Valves Following Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Implantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) is an effective non-surgical treatment method for patients with right ventricle outflow tract dysfunction. The Medtronic Melody and the Edwards Sapien are the two valves approved for use in TPVI. Since TPVI patients are typically younger, even a modest annual incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) is significant. Several previous studies have shown a growing risk of IE after TPVI. There is uncertainty regarding the overall incidence of IE and differences in the risk of IE between the valves.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane databases from inception to 1 January 2023 using the search terms 'pulmonary valve implantation', 'TPVI', or 'PPVI'. The primary outcome was the pooled incidence of IE following TPVI in Melody and Sapien valves and the difference in incidence between Sapien and Melody valves. Fixed effect and random effect models were used depending on the valve. Meta-regression with random effects was conducted to test the difference in the incidence of IE between the two valves.

RESULTS

A total of 22 studies (including 10 Melody valve studies, 8 Sapien valve studies, and 4 studies that included both valves (572 patients that used the Sapien valve and 1395 patients that used the Melody valve)) were used for the final analysis. Zero IE incidence following TPVI was reported by eight studies (66.7%) that utilized Sapien valves compared to two studies (14.3%) that utilized Melody valves. The pooled incidence of IE following TPVI with Sapien valves was 2.1% (95% CI: 0.9% to 5.13%) compared to 8.5% (95% CI: 4.8% to 15.2%) following TPVI with Melody valves. Results of meta-regression indicated that the Sapien valve had a 79.6% (95% CI: 24.2% to 94.4%, p = 0.019; R2 = 34.4) lower risk of IE incidence compared to the Melody valve.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of IE following TPVI differs significantly. A prudent valve choice in favor of Sapien valves to lower the risk of post-TPVI endocarditis may be beneficial.

Non-invasive imaging prior to percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation

The majority of patients with congenital heart disease who have undergone open heart surgery during childhood are possible candidates for additional transcatheter or surgical interventions. One fifth of these conditions usually involve the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). Percutaneous pulmonary valve replacement (PPVR) has been widely established as an alternative, less invasive option to surgical pulmonary valve replacement (SPVR). The variability of RVOT anatomy and size, the relative course of the coronary arteries and the anatomy of the pulmonary artery branches are factors that determine the success of the intervention as well as the complication rates. Careful and reliable pre-interventional imaging warrants the selection of suitable candidates and minimizes the risk of complications. 2D and 3D fluoroscopy have been extensively used during pre- and peri-interventional assessment. Established imaging techniques such as Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) and Computed Tomography (CT), as well as newer techniques, such as fusion imaging, have proved to be efficient and reliable tools during pre-procedural planning in patients assessed for PPVR.

Pre- and Postprocedure Imaging of Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Implantation

Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) is a minimally invasive procedure for treatment of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction in surgically repaired congenital heart diseases. TPVR is performed in these patients to avoid the high risk and complexity of repeat surgeries. Several TPVR devices are now available to be placed in the right ventricle (RV) to pulmonary artery (PA) conduit, native RVOT, or surgical bioprosthetic valves. Imaging is used before TPVR to determine patient eligibility and optimal timing, which is critical to avoid irreversible RV dilatation and failure. Imaging is also required for evaluation of contraindications, particularly proximity of the RVOT to the left main coronary artery and its branches. Cross-sectional imaging provides details of the complex anatomy in which the TPVR device will be positioned and measurements of the RVOT, RV-PA conduit, or PA. Echocardiography is the first-line imaging modality for evaluation of the RVOT or conduit to determine the need for intervention, although its utility is limited by the complex RVOT morphology and altered anatomy after surgery. CT and MRI provide complementary information for TPVR, including patient eligibility, assessment of contraindications, and key measurements of the RVOT and PA, which are necessary for procedure planning. TPVR, performed using a cardiac catheterization procedure, includes a sizing step in which a balloon is expanded in the RVOT, which also allows assessment of the risk for extrinsic coronary artery compression. Follow-up imaging with CT and MRI is used for evaluation of postprocedure remodeling and valve function and to monitor complications. ^©RSNA, 2022 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

The Clinical Trial Outcomes of Med-Zenith PT-Valve in the Treatment of Patients With Severe Pulmonary Regurgitation

Objective

Nearly 2/3 of patients with dilated right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) were excluded from pulmonary valves transplantation due to the lack of size-matched valves. Here, we explored the safety and efficacy of the Med-Zenith PT-Valve for the treatment of patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation.

Methods

22 Patients with severe PR (grade 3+,4+) were enrolled based on the anatomical features of native RVOT and the valve design. The immediate, 3-months and 1-year post-procedural follow-up data were analyzed.

Results

The baseline mean systolic diameters in the distal main pulmonary artery (MPA), MPA sinus junction, MPA sinus, pulmonary annulus, RVOT aneurysm and muscular outlet measured with computed tomography were 33.6 ± 6.1, 34.0 ± 5.8, 37.9 ± 6.0, 32.4 ± 7.3, 41.9 ± 9.3, and 34.4 ± 8.0 mm, respectively. The PT-Valve landing zone was set within these levels. Successful valve implantations were achieved in all patients without noticeable device malposition, coronary artery compression, pulmonary branch obstruction or paravalvular leak during follow-ups. Post-procedural pulmonary artery diastolic pressure increased from 5.8 ± 3.1 to 11.3 ± 2.5 mmHg. In the 3-month and 1-year follow-up, the right ventricular end diastolic volume index reduced from the baseline 181.6 ± 29.0 to 143.7 ± 29.7 ml/m² and 123.4 ± 31.2 ml/m², and the trans-pulmonary valve gradient decreased from 25.6 ± 22.2 to 10.64 ± 3.54 mmHg and 11.16 ± 3.0 mmHg, respectively. The 6-min walk distance increased from 416.6 ± 97.9 to 455.9 ± 64.6 m and 467.8 ± 61.2 m, respectively.

Conclusion

This clinical trial revealed favorable outcomes for the safety, efficacy and feasibility of the Med-Zenith PT-Valve in the treatment of severe PR with significantly enlarged RVOT.

Morphological changes and number of candidates for transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation in conduits involving heterograft and artificial material

Heterograft and artificial materials have been used for extracardiac conduit implantation to create right ventricular (RV) to pulmonary artery (PA) continuity for biventricular repair in Japan because of the limited availability of homograft valves. However, few studies have examined morphological changes and number of candidates for transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) in which the conduit includes more than one type of material. Overall, 88 patients who underwent biventricular repair with an external conduit were included in this evaluation. Based on catheterization data and surgical records, we estimated morphological change in the RV outflow tract for each material and the number of candidates for Melody valve implantation based on premarket approval application criteria established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. There were 63 candidates for TPVI (72%, 63/88). Median anteroposterior and lateral diameter of the RV outflow tract was 20.4 mm (range 9.0-41.5) and 17.8 mm (range 9.5-34.9), respectively. Bovine pericardium tended to dilate by 11.2%. Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), homograft, and Dacron polyethylene terephthalate (PET) tended to become stenotic by 11.1%, 28.0%, and 13.4%, respectively. While ePTFE (27/33, 82%) and Dacron PET (2/2, 100%) were highly suitable for TPVI, bovine pericardium (32/48, 67%) was less suitable. In Japan, many patients with hemodynamic indications for TPVI following extracardiac conduit implantation to create RV to PA continuity may also meet the morphological indications.

Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation in 100 patients: a 10-year single-center experience

Introduction

Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) is a non-surgical method of treatment for patients with right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction after surgical repair of congenital heart defects (CHD).

Aim

To evaluate the long-term results of TPVI performed in a single center.

Material and methods: Over 10 years, TPVI was performed in 100 patients (mean age: 26.4 ±8.1 years), using Melody Medtronic or Sapien Edwards valves.

Results

The initial success rate of TPVI was 93%. In 7 cases (5 urgent), a switch to surgical intervention was necessary due to periprocedural complications (all patients survived). Following TPVI, none of the 93 patients had severe pulmonary regurgitation. The pulmonary gradient decreased from 49.0 ±37.8 before to 27.6 ±14.9 mm Hg directly after TPVI (p < 0.0001). Right ventricular end-diastolic volume decreased, while NYHA class and pVO₂ uptake significantly improved in 1 year after TPVI. Freedom from reintervention was 100% in 1 year. Freedom from serious adverse events was 86% in mean 5.5 years of observation. The main reason for reintervention was infective endocarditis (IE) (1.6% patients/year). Increased risk of IE was associated with severe PS before valve implantation and the suboptimal result of TPVI. The incidence of IE seems to be lower in patients treated permanently with antiplatelet therapy (1.8% vs. 0.9% patients/year, NS).

Conclusions

TPVI is a safe and effective method of treatment in patients with RVOT dysfunction after surgical correction of CHD. To achieve a good outcome, precise patient selection and rigorous IE prevention are necessary.

Early clinical experience with the straight design of Venus P-valve™ in dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tracts

OBJECTIVES

To assess the initial procedural and short to medium-term experience with the straight design of the Venus P-valve™ (Venus MedTech, Hangzhou, China) in dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tracts (RVOT).

BACKGROUND

The Melody™ valve (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota) has been the only percutaneous valve option for smaller RVOT conduits. The straight Venus P-valve™ may provide an alternative to the Melody™ valve.

METHODS

Retrospective data collection of patient characteristics, procedural data, clinical and imaging follow-up of the straight Venus P-valve™.

RESULTS

Nine patients (four female) with a mean age of 23.1 ± 7.5 years and a mean weight of 72.7 ± 29.4 kg underwent straight Venus P-valve™ implantation between 03/2014 and 06/2016. All patients had right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduits which were pre-stented before the valve implantation. All valves were deployed successfully without any significant procedural complications. During the mean follow-up of 24 ± 9.1 months, there were no valve related re-interventions or deterioration in valve performance. There was one case of insignificant, single wire frame fracture and no cases of endocarditis. The cohort demonstrated a reduction in pulmonary regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation, which was sustained throughout the follow-up. Similarly the gradient across the RVOT tract did not significantly increase.

CONCLUSIONS

Implantation of the straight Venus P-valve™ has provided satisfactory short to mid-term results with high success rates and no complications and may be considered as an alternative option in patients with RVOT dysfunction.

Implantation of the Edwards SAPIEN XT and SAPIEN 3 valves for pulmonary position in enlarged native right ventricular outflow tract

OBJECTIVE

Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) into right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduits is increasingly being performed, but a few options are available for patients with a dilated native right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), among which is the off-label use of Ed-wards SAPIEN® valves. This study reviews the results of the SAPIEN XT and SAPIEN 3 (S3) valve implantations in the pulmonary position in patients with a dilated native RVOT.

METHODS

Between January 2015 and March 2020, PPVI procedures were performed on 129 patients. Among them, 103 (80%) had dilated native RVOT, 86 of whom were eligible for PPVI prestenting and valve implantation. Retrospective analysis was performed on 84 patients who have undergone successful PPVI implantation using the SAPIEN XT or S3 valves with dilated native RVOT.

RESULTS

The procedural success rate was 84/86 (98%). The median age was 18.7 years (8-46 years), and the median weight was 57 kg (22-102 kg). The primary underlying diagnosis was tetralogy of Fallot (n=77/84). Stenting was performed simultaneously with valve implantation in 50/84 (60%) cases-six of which were hybrid procedures-whereas prestenting was performed 3 to 14 weeks earlier in 34/84 cases. Before valve im-plantation, the median right anterior oblique and lateral diameters of the stents were 26 mm (20-32 mm) and 28 mm (21-32 mm). Valve sizes were 26 mm (n=13) and 29 mm (n=64) for XT and 29 mm (n=7) for S3. In 59 patients, an additional 1-5 ml (median 2 ml) volume was added to the valves' balloons for stabilization. In all hybrid procedures, the stent and valve were implanted in the same session. During follow-ups of 1 to 59 months (median 14 months), no deaths were reported, 3 patients developed tricuspid regurgitation secondary to the procedure, and valves continued to function in all patients.

CONCLUSION

The Edwards SAPIEN XT and S3 valves may be an alternative to PPVI in patients with dilated native RVOT.

Percutaneous Valve Interventions in the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Population: Emerging Technologies and Indications

Adult survivors with congenital heart disease are not cured and residual cardiac valve lesions are common and contribute substantially to long-term morbidity. Given the increased risk of reoperations in patients with previous cardiac surgery, percutaneous treatment options have been developed. Initially percutaneous therapies focused on right ventricular outflow tract lesions, but they have now expanded to include mitral and aortic valve interventions. Although some of these procedures, such as balloon valvuloplasty of pulmonary valve stenosis and percutaneous pulmonary valve replacement, have become standard of care, there are many new and evolving technologies that will likely become important treatment strategies over the coming decade. The key for success of these transcatheter valve procedures is the careful evaluation of the patient's individual anatomy and physiology and a multidisciplinary assessment involving cardiologists specialized in adult congenital heart disease, specialized imagers, cardiac surgeons, and interventionalists. Because many of these percutaneous interventions are relatively new, long-term outcomes are not yet well defined, dictating the need for careful and structured long-term observational studies on outcomes of these novel procedures, which will allow refining the indications of a specific intervention and to improve its technical aspects. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of common valve lesions in the adult congenital heart disease population and to discuss treatment options and strategies with a specific focus on percutaneous options.

Role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance end-systolic 3D-SSFP sequence in repaired tetralogy of Fallot patients eligible for transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation

To evaluate the usefulness of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) 3D steady state free precession (SSFP) sequence acquired at end-systole (ES) in repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (rToF) patients eligible for percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI). Between 2012 and 2018, 78 rToF patients were selected for pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) according to CMR criteria. CMR protocol included 3D-SSFP sequence used to assess the right ventricle outflow tract (RVOT) diameters at three levels (pulmonary valve remnant, mid-portion, bifurcation) in mid-diastole (MD) or ES, RVOT length and coronary artery anatomy. In 20 rToF patients without indications for PVR (controls), 3D SSFP sequence was acquired at both cardiac phases (MD and ES) to evaluate RVOT dimension throughout the cardiac cycle. Invasive balloon sizing was recorded in patients undergoing PPVI. The 3D-SSFP sequence was performed in MD on 39 patients and in ES on other 39, of whom 26 patients met the criteria for PPVI. The latter was unsuccessful in ten patients (38%), mainly due (80% of cases) to significant size discrepancy at PV remnant and bifurcation levels (p = 0.019 and 0.037 respectively) between the measurements by 3D-SSFP in MD and those by the balloon size in systole. Significant RVOT size difference between MD and ES was present at mid-portion and bifurcation levels in the PVR candidate group, and at all three-levels in the control group (all p < 0.001). ES 3D-SSFP sequence is able to quantify RVOT dilation in rToF patients at its maximum expansion, thus improving selection of PPVI candidates.

Magnetic resonance and computed tomography imaging fusion for live guidance of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation

Introduction

Until recently, two-dimensional (2D) angiography was the mainstay of guidance for percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI). Recent advances in fusion software have enabled direct fusion of pre-intervention imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans, to create a reliable three-dimensional (3D) roadmap for procedural guidance.

Aim

To report initial two-center experience with direct 2D–3D image fusion for live guidance of PPVI with MRI- and CT-derived 3D roadmaps.

Material and methods

We performed a prospective study on PPVIs guided with the new fusion imaging platform introduced in the last quarter of 2015.

Results

3D guidance with an MRI- (n = 14) or CT- (n = 8) derived roadmap was utilized during 22 catheterizations for right ventricular outflow tract balloon sizing (n = 7) or PPVI (n = 15). Successful 2D–3D registration was performed in all but 1 patient. Six (27%) patients required intra-procedural readjustment of the 3D roadmap due to distortion of the anatomy after introduction of a stiff wire. Twenty-one (95%) interventions were successful in the application of 3D imaging. Patients in the CT group received less contrast volume and had a shorter procedural time, though the differences were not statistically significant. Those in the MRI group had significantly lower weight adjusted radiation exposure.

Conclusions

With intuitive segmentation and direct 2D–3D fusion of MRI or CT datasets, VesselNavigator facilitates PPVI. Our initial data show that utilization of CT-derived roadmaps may lead to less contrast exposure and shorter procedural time, whereas application of MRI datasets may lead to lower radiation exposure.

Toward predictive modeling of catheter-based pulmonary valve replacement into native right ventricular outflow tracts

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary insufficiency is a consequence of transannular patch repair in Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) leading to late morbidity and mortality. Transcatheter native outflow tract pulmonary valve replacement has become a reality. However, predicting a secure, atraumatic implantation of a catheter-based device remains a significant challenge due to the complex and dynamic nature of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). We sought to quantify the differences in compression and volume for actual implants, and those predicted by pre-implant modeling.

METHODS

We used custom software to interactively place virtual transcatheter pulmonary valves (TPVs) into RVOT models created from pre-implant and post Harmony valve implant CT scans of 5 ovine surgical models of TOF to quantify and visualize device volume and compression.

RESULTS

Virtual device placement visually mimicked actual device placement and allowed for quantification of device volume and radius. On average, simulated proximal and distal device volumes and compression did not vary statistically throughout the cardiac cycle (P = 0.11) but assessment was limited by small sample size. In comparison to actual implants, there was no significant pairwise difference in the proximal third of the device (P > 0.80), but the simulated distal device volume was significantly underestimated relative to actual device implant volume (P = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that pre-implant modeling which assumes a rigid vessel wall may not accurately predict the degree of distal RVOT expansion following actual device placement. We suggest the potential for virtual modeling of TPVR to be a useful adjunct to procedural planning, but further development is needed.

Edwards SAPIEN Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Implantation: Results From a French Registry

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to describe and analyze data from patients treated in France with the Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter heart valve (Edwards Lifesciences LLC, Irvine, California) in the pulmonary position.

BACKGROUND

The Edwards SAPIEN valve has recently been introduced for percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI).

METHODS

From April 2011 to May 2017, 71 patients undergoing PPVI were consecutively included.

RESULTS

The median age at PPVI was 26.8 years (range 12.8 to 70.1 years). Primary underlying diagnoses were conotruncal malformations (common arterial trunk, tetralogy of Fallot and variants; n = 45), Ross procedure (n = 18), and other diagnoses (n = 8). PPVI indication was pure stenosis in 33.8% of patients, pure regurgitation in 28.1%, and mixed lesions in 38.1%. PPVI was successfully implemented in 68 patients (95.8%). Pre-stenting of the right ventricular outflow tract was performed in 70 patients (98.6%). Early major complications occurred in 4 subjects (5.6%), including 1 death, 1 coronary compression, and 2 pulmonary valve embolizations. Three of the 4 major complications occurred in the first 15 operated patients. No significant regurgitation was recorded after the procedure. Transpulmonary gradient was significantly reduced from 34.5 to 10.5 mm Hg (p < 0.0001). No patient died during a 1-month follow-up period. At 1-year follow-up, the death rate was 2.9%, and 3 patients had undergone surgical reintervention (44%).

CONCLUSIONS

Early results with the Edwards SAPIEN valve in the pulmonary position demonstrate an ongoing high rate of procedural success.

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.

[The successful saga of percutaneous pulmonary valvulation in congenital heart diseases]

With new surgical techniques, more and more complex congenital heart defects are treated requiring sometimes right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit implantation. In order to extend RV to PA conduit lifespan, 15 years ago a valved stent was developed. The implantation technique was progressively standardized to decrease risks of procedural complications. Medium and long-term hemodynamic results of the stent were so good that indications were broadened to native or complex right ventricular outflow tracts. Currently, 2 types of stents are implanted routinely: the Melody valve^® (Medtronic, Minneapolis, USA) and the Sapien^® valve (Edwards, Lifesciences, Irvine, USA). Other devices are evaluated in trials: thanks to their diabolo shape, implantation is feasible in large outflows tracts. The main source of worries is infective endocarditis. Numerous studies are conducted in order to identify risks factors, prevention and optimal treatment of this complication. In the near future, new devices and new implantation strategies will make this technology available for a larger number of patients.

Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation - state of the art and Polish experience

Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) is a relatively new method of treating patients with right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction after surgical repair of congenital heart disease. Since its introduction in 2000 by Bonhoeffer, more than ten thousand PPVI procedures have been performed worldwide. Indications for PPVI have been adapted from those accepted for surgical intervention. Two types of valves are being used: Melody Medtronic available in diameters 16 mm and 18 mm and the family of Edwards SAPIEN valves 23, 26 and 29. The procedure has been shown to be feasible and safe when performed in patients with full pulmonary conduit dysfunction and in selected cases of patched RVOT. The low complication rate and the reduced number of open-chest re-interventions over a patient’s lifetime are among the main advantages of the procedure. The most important problem responsible for late mortality and reinterventions is infective endocarditis. Size restrictions of the currently available valves limit deployment in the majority of patients with a wide RVOT. Newer devices are being developed to make these patients suitable for PPVI. A literature review, Polish experience and results of PPVI performed in 66 patients in the Institute of Cardiology in Warsaw are briefly reported.

Three-dimensional image fusion guidance of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation to reduce radiation exposure and contrast dose: A comparison with traditional two-dimensional and three-dimensional rotational angiographic guidance

INTRODUCTION

Three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA) has been used in the guidance of various transcatheter therapies including percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI). The most recently available 3D image fusion software (VesselNavigator, Philips) extends this technology to use pre-registered computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging datasets, promising reductions in contrast and radiation exposure along with shorter procedural times.

METHODS

In this retrospective review, patients were assigned to three groups according to the mode of imaging guidance: two-dimensional angiography (2DA), 3DRA and VesselNavigator (VN) assisted valve implantation. Patient characteristics and catheterisation data were reviewed with a focus on contrast and radiation exposure, fluoroscopy, and procedural times.

RESULTS

Between July 2012 and June 2016, 21 patients underwent PPVI: 8 with 2D guidance, 6 patients with 3DRA and most recently 7 patients with VN assistance. Patents in the VN group received significantly less absolute and weight indexed contrast when compared with those with 2DA or 3DRA guided PPVI. Patients in the 2DA group received a significantly higher total dose area product radiation dose and air kerma in comparison with patients with 3DRA and VN guided intervention. Application of VN resulted in the shortest fluoroscopy time, although not statistically significant, and a significantly shorter study time when compared with 2DA.

CONCLUSIONS

Utilisation of pre-intervention image manipulation with VesselNavigator for 3D guidance of PPVI results in a reduction in contrast and radiation exposure and study time as compared with traditional 2D guidance, and contrast usage as compared with 3DRA.

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.

Valve-in-Valve Therapy for Failed Surgical Bioprosthetic Valves: Clinical Results and Procedural Guidance

With improved life expectancy and increased use of bioprosthetic heart valves, more elderly and frail patients present with degenerative surgical heart valve disease. The valve-in-valve procedure is an attractive alternative to a conventional open redo procedure. Although it is a novel extension of established transcatheter aortic valve implantation for severe aortic stenosis in a high-risk population, it is gaining momentum worldwide, particularly for aortic and mitral positions. Success depends on the operator being familiar with emerging transcatheter heart valve technology and morphology as well as that of the existing surgical heart valve, patient selection, accurate sizing, an ideal implantation position.