Rapid pacing using the 0.035-in. Retrograde left ventricular support wire in 208 cases of transcatheter aortic valve implantation and balloon aortic valvuloplasty

Left versus right ventricular pacing during TAVR and balloon aortic valvuloplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

While right ventricular pacing (RVP) is the conventional temporary pacing modality used for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), this approach possesses inherent risks and procedural challenges. We aim to assess and compare the safety and efficacy of left ventricular pacing (LVP) and RVP during TAVR and balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV).

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in four databases from inception to December 15th, 2023. We included observational studies and clinical trials comparing LVP with RVP during TAVR and BAV procedures. Primary outcomes included short-term mortality, mortality due to cardiac tamponade, and procedural complications including bleeding, vascular complications, and cardiac tamponade. Secondary outcomes comprised procedure duration and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Five studies involving 830 patients with RVP and 1577 with LVP were included. Short-term mortality was significantly higher in the RVP group (RR 2.32, 95% CI: [1.37-3.93], P = .002), as was the incidence of cardiac tamponade (RR 2.19, 95% CI: [1.11-4.32], P = .02). LVP demonstrated shorter hospital stays (MD = 1.34 d, 95% CI: [0.90, 1.78], P < .001) and reduced procedure duration (MD = 7.75 min, 95% CI: [5.08, 10.41], P < .00001) compared to RVP. New pacemaker implantation was higher in the RVP group (RR 2.23, 95% CI: [1.14, 4.39], P = .02).

CONCLUSION

LVP during TAVR and BAV emerges a safer alternative to RVP, offering reduced mortality, hospital stays, and procedure durations.

Acute Mitral Valve Regurgitation Caused by Left Ventricular Pacing Wire During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is quickly becoming the standard of care for patients with severe aortic stenosis thanks to its minimally invasive nature and favorable outcomes. Recently, left ventricular pacing has been proposed as a safer alternative to traditional right heart pacing, which could simplify the transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure overall, although procedural complications may still occur. This report describes a rare case of left ventricular pacing wire-induced acute severe mitral valve regurgitation during transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Pacing Using Cardiac Implantable Electric Device During TAVR: 10-Year Experience of a High-Volume Center

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an effective and safe therapy for severe aortic stenosis. Rapid or fast pacing is required for implantation, which can be performed via a pre-existing cardiac implantable electric device (CIED). However, safety data on CIEDs for pacing in TAVR are missing.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to elucidate procedural safety and feasibility of internal pacing with a CIED in TAVR.

METHODS

Patients undergoing TAVR with a CIED were included in this analysis. Baseline characteristics, procedural details, and complications according to Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 (VARC-3) criteria after TAVR were compared between both groups.

RESULTS

A total of 486 patients were included. Pacing was performed using a CIED in 150 patients and a transient pacemaker in 336 patients. No differences in technical success according to VARC-3 criteria or procedure duration occurred between the groups. The usage of transient pacers for pacing was associated with a significantly higher bleeding rate (bleeding type ≥2 according to VARC-3-criteria; 2.0% vs 13.1%; P < 0.01). Furthermore, impairment of the CIED appeared in 2.3% of patients after TAVR only in the group in which pacing was performed by a transient pacer, leading to surgical revision of the CIED in 1.3% of all patients when transient pacemakers were used.

CONCLUSIONS

Internal pacing using a CIED is safe and feasible without differences of procedural time and technical success and might reduce bleeding rates. Furthermore, pacing using a CIED circumvents the risk of lead dislocation. Our data provide an urgent call for the use of a CIED for pacing during a TAVR procedure in general.

Safety and Efficacy of TAVR With a Pressure Sensor and Pacing Guidewire: SAFE-TAVI Trial

BACKGROUND

The SavvyWire (OpSens Inc) is a 0.035-inch preshaped guidewire with dedicated pacing properties and a distal pressure sensor allowing for continuous hemodynamic pressure monitoring.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to determine the efficacy and safety of the guidewire during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures.

METHODS

This prospective, multicenter clinical study included patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR in 8 European centers. The primary efficacy endpoint was defined as effective left ventricular rapid pacing runs with the guidewire translating into a significant systemic pressure drop (below 60 mm Hg). The safety outcome included the absence of major procedural complications related to the guidewire.

RESULTS

A total of 121 patients (mean age: 82.2 ± 5.9 years, 50% women) were included in the study, and 119 (98.3%) patients were finally treated with the study device. A balloon-expandable valve was implanted in 45 (37.8%) patients. Predilatation and postdilatation were performed in 89 (74.8%) and 14 (11.8%) patients, respectively. The primary efficacy endpoint was achieved in 116 (98.3%) patients, and the mean aortic systolic arterial pressure achieved during rapid pacing was 46.6 ± 11.3 mm Hg. Hemodynamic assessment with the use of the OptoMonitor 3 (OpSens Inc) without additional catheter exchange was achieved in 117 (99.2%) patients. The safety endpoint was achieved in 117 (99.2%) patients. No procedural mortality, stroke, or ventricular perforation was reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the guidewire during TAVR procedures appeared to be efficacious and safe. This device could help minimize interventions during the procedure and improve the clinical decision making after transcatheter heart valve deployment. (SavvyWire Efficacy and Safety in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Procedures [SAFE-TAVI]; NCT05492383).

Best Practices in Left Ventricular Pacing for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is continually evolving, with a recent emphasis on a "minimalist" approach toward reducing procedural invasiveness, duration, and recovery time. Whereas a better understanding of the relationship between TAVR and new conduction disturbances has led to improved periprocedural management, intraprocedural rapid-pacing techniques have not evolved beyond traditional right ventricular temporary pacing. An alternative strategy utilizing the left ventricular guidewire for rapid pacing has been developed with evidence supporting its safety, effectiveness, and potential reductions in procedure time and cost. This review will outline the current best practices in left ventricular pacing for TAVR, a practical technique that embraces the minimalist approach to TAVR and may be considered for routine use. It aims to explore the current evidence and combine this with expert opinion to offer a strategy for temporary pacing that encourages efficiencies for physicians and patients without compromising periprocedural safety.

Direct wire pacing during measurement of fractional flow reserve: A randomized proof-of-concept noninferiority crossover trial

Background

Adenosine administration for fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement may induce heart pauses.

Aims

To assess the accuracy and tolerability of direct wire pacing (DWP) during measurement of FFR.

Methods

Adults with at least one intermediate coronary artery stenosis (40%-80%) were consecutively enrolled between June 2021 and February 2022 in this randomized, noninferiority, crossover trial (NCT04970082) carried out in France. DWP was applied (DWP) or not (standard method) through the pressure guidewire used for FFR measurement during adenosine-induced maximal hyperaemia. Subjects were randomly assigned to the allocation sequence (DWP first or standard first). A 2-minute washout period was observed between the two FFR measurements performed for each stenosis. The primary endpoint was the reproducibility of FFR measurements between methods.

Results

A total of 150 focal lesions, presented by 94 subjects, were randomized (ratio: 1:1). The FFR values obtained with each method were nearly identical (R = 0.98, p = 0.005). The mean FFR difference of 0.00054 (95% confidence interval: 0.004 to 0.003) showed the noninferiority of FFR measurement with DWP vs. that with the standard method. Higher levels of chest discomfort were reported with DWP than with the standard method (0.61 ± 0.84 vs. 1.05 ± 0.89, p < 0.001), and a correlation was observed between the electrical sensations reported with DWP and chest discomfort (p < 0.001). Pauses (n = 20/148 lesions) were observed with the standard method, but did not correlate with chest discomfort (p = 0.21). No pauses were observed with DWP.

Conclusions

DWP during FFR measurement resulted in accurate and reproducible FFR values, and eliminated the pauses induced by adenosine.

Intracoronary Pacing during "Chimney Technique" in Transcatheter Aortic Valve-in-Valve Implantation: An Alternative Temporary Rapid Ventricular Stimulation?

Temporary rapid ventricular pacing (TRVP) is required during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in order to reduce cardiac output and to facilitate balloon aortic valvuloplasty, prosthesis deployment, and post-deployment balloon dilation. The two most frequently used TRVP techniques are right endocardial (RE)-TRVP and retrograde left endocardial temporary rapid ventricular pacing (RLE)-TRVP. The first one could be responsible for cardiac tamponade, one of the most serious procedural complications during TAVI, while the second one could often be unsuccessful. Intracoronary (IC)-TRVP through a coronary guidewire has been described as a safe and efficient procedure that could avoid such complications. We describe two clinical cases in which IC-TRVP has been effectively used during valve-in-valve TAVI with coronary protection via the "chimney technique", after unsuccessful RLE-TRVP.

A direct wire pacing device for transcatheter heart valve and coronary interventions: a first-in-human, multicentre study of the Electroducer Sleeve

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and complex percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) may require cardiac pacing during device delivery, generally requiring the insertion of a temporary pacing lead via an additional venous access site. The purpose-built Electroducer Sleeve device provides direct wire pacing without the need for a temporary venous pacemaker.

AIMS

This study assessed the safety of temporary cardiac pacing using the novel sleeve device during PCI.

METHODS

This was a multicentre, non-randomised, prospective, first-in-human, single-arm, pilot study. The primary endpoint was analysis of a safety outcome, defined as the occurrence of haematomas or bleeding complications at the device vascular access site. Secondary endpoints included analyses of effectiveness and qualitative outcomes.

RESULTS

Sixty patients (mean age: 77.9±9.6 years) from 4 centres in France were included: 39 (65%) underwent TAVI, and 21 (35%) underwent PCI. Procedures were performed using the sleeve with access through the radial (32 patients; 53.3%) or femoral arteries (26; 43.3%), or the femoral vein (2; 3.3%). Primary endpoint analysis revealed that 2 patients (3.3%) developed EArly Discharge After Transradial Stenting of CoronarY Arteries Study (EASY) grade I/Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type I haematomas at the device access site. As a measure of effectiveness, a haemodynamic effect was observed after each spike delivery in 54 patients (90%). Analyses of other secondary endpoints showed that 2 patients (6.3%) presented asymptomatic radial artery occlusion. No allergies were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

This first-in-human trial using the Electroducer Sleeve indicated that this novel, purpose-built, temporary pacing device was safe and effective. Larger prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.

New Practices in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: How I Do It in 2023

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) went through a huge evolution in the last decades. Previously performed under general anesthesia, with transoperative transesophageal echocardiography guidance and using cutdown femoral artery access, the procedure has now evolved into a minimalist approach, with local anesthesia, conscious sedation, and the avoidance of invasive lines becoming the new standards. Here, we discuss the minimalist TAVI approach and how we incorporate it into our current clinical practice.

Clinical outcomes following single access transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation

OBJECTIVES

We describe the first experience using calcification of anatomical landmarks to obviate the need for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) alignment aortography and secondary TAVI access.

BACKGROUND

TAVI alignment conventionally involves secondary femoral access for contrast aortography using a second catheter. Secondary femoral access accounts for up to 25% of all vascular complications. Heavily calcified aortic leaflets are often visible fluoroscopically and can act as markers for TAVI alignment.

METHODS

We considered 100 consecutive patients for transfemoral TAVI. The first group was considered for a conventional dual access technique and the subsequent group was considered for a single access technique. Relevant baseline, and procedural and outcome measures were recorded.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valves (THV) were used in all cases. THV implantation was successful in 100% of cases with no procedural or in-hospital mortality. Procedural time and contrast use were lower in the single access group. There were no Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-2 major vascular complications with the single access technique.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study describing the use of calcification of anatomical landmarks to obviate the need for secondary TAVI access. Notable observations included successful device implantation in all cases, no VARC-2 major vascular complications, comparable rates of paravalvular leak and permanent pacemaker requirement, shorter procedural times, and lower contrast use. Single access TAVI is a viable alternative technique to minimize vascular access, contrast use, and procedural duration in experienced centers and with selected patients, allowing successful device implantation and low complication rates while further streamlining TAVI workflow.

Comparison of left ventricular with right ventricular rapid pacing on tamponade during TAVI

BACKGROUND

Small studies have suggested left ventricular (LV) rapid pacing has similar safety and efficacy to conventional right ventricular (RV) rapid pacing in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, there are limited data on the comparative rates of tamponade. The study compared the rate of cardiac tamponade between LV and RV-pacing during TAVI.

METHODS

Between 2008 and 2021, 1226 consecutive patients undergoing transfemoral or transaxillary TAVI were included. 470(38.3%) patients had TAVI deployment with RV-pacing and 756(61.7%) with LV-pacing. The primary outcome was the frequency and cause of cardiac tamponade. Secondary outcomes included efficacy, procedure duration and crossover rates.

RESULTS

There was a trend to less tamponade with LV-pacing, which did not reach statistical significance [11(2.3%) vs 11(1.5%);P = 0.27]. There was no significant difference in the frequency of tamponade due to annular tear [4(0.9%) vs 9(1.2%);P = 0.59] or LV free-wall perforation [1(0.2%) vs 2(0.3%);P = 0.86]. The frequency of tamponade due to RV perforation was significantly lower in the LV-pacing group [0 vs 6(2.3%);P < 0.005)]. Two patients with tamponade due to RV perforation required emergency sternotomy of whom one died. Deployment success was similar (99% vs 99.6%;P=NS). Procedure duration was shorter with LV-pacing (70 vs 80 mins;P < 0.005). Crossover to RV-pacing was low (0.9%). There were no embolizations caused by loss-of-capture in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

LV-pacing appears equally efficacious and is associated with a lower risk of tamponade due to RV perforation caused by the temporary pacing wire. LV-pacing was not associated with an increased risk of tamponade due to LV free-wall perforation.

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty: current status and future prospects

INTRODUCTION

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) improves hemodynamic and clinical status of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) for a limited period of 6-12 months. However, there is a high number of procedures performed worldwide and an upward trend over the last decades.

AREAS COVERED

Epidemiology of AS and the advent of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) contribute to the extensive referral of patients. The expansion of recommendations for TAVI has occasionally led to financial reimbursement-related problems that do not exist for BAV. BAV is indicated as a bridge to valve replacement, to decision in complex cases, and to extracardiac surgery. BAV may play a role in preparing for TAVI and optimizing procedural results. The minimalist approach and reduced complication rate make it applicable in fragile patients.

EXPERT OPINION

In the near future, BAV will continue to be a useful asset in managing patients with AS given the multiple indications, broad applicability, safety profile, low cost, and repeatability. Specific studies are necessary to explore technical solutions, stronger indications, the finest technique, and to standardize the procedural result. Pending the development of potential competitive devices, the role that BAV plays will remain closely intertwined with the one played by TAVI.

The Wattson temporary pacing guidewire for transcatheter heart valve implantation

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation and implantation of other transcatheter heart valves, generally requires insertion of a temporary venous pacemaker. Implantation of a temporary venous pacemaker adds complexity, time and risk to the procedure. Guidewire modification to allow pacing is increasingly popular, however it requires technical expertise and provides unipolar pacing resulting in high thresholds and potential capture loss. The Wattson temporary pacing guidewire is a novel device which offers guidewire support for valve delivery and concomitant bipolar pacing. It may offer a safe and effective solution to guidewire pacing for transcatheter aortic valve implantation and other transcatheter heart valve implantations. Herein, we review the literature surrounding left ventricular guidewire pacing along with the features and clinical data of the Wattson wire.

Comparison of left ventricular pacing performance among pre-shaped guidewires designed for transfemoral-approach transcatheter aortic valve implantation

TAVI is an established therapy for patients with severe aortic stenosis. Rapid or control pacing is necessary for TAVI, and most centers are familiar with right ventricular (RV) pacing. Although there are several reports on the efficacy and safety of LV pacing, they are still few. In addition, LV pacing has not been studied for different LV guidewires. Our aim is to study the effectiveness of left ventricular (LV) pacing and the thresholds of LV guidewires in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We retrospectively analyzed 252 consecutive patients who underwent trans-femoral TAVI (TF-TAVI) with LV pacing in our institute between December 2017 and November 2020. We excluded 48 patients from the total cohort due to TAVI with RV pacing, and the remaining 204 patients were analyzed (52 males, mean age 85 ± 5 years). Among them, 202 patients (99.0%) had successful LV pacing. In the two patients with failed LV pacing, SAFARI2™ Small was used. The CONFIDA™ group (n = 34) showed a significantly lower threshold than the SAFARI2™ group (n = 163) (median 3.0 vs. 5.0 V; P = 1.1 × 10^-7). LV pacing with Lunderquist® was successful in all patients (n = 7). LV pacing in TAVI was an effective and safe strategy. CONFIDA™ wire may be particularly well suited for LV pacing in TAVI.

Balloon seal separation leading to SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve deployment failure: Complications and management

We present two cases of failure of balloon inflation secondary to balloon separation from the delivery catheter when implanting the SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA). Although very uncommon, this is a potentially disastrous complication of transcatheter intervention. Case 1 highlights the complexity of the problem when it occurs and subsequent complications. Case 2 highlights how to manage this issue successfully.

Catastrophic Cardiac Events during Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND

Perioperative complications of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are decreasing but can be catastrophic when they occur. Systematic reports of the nature of these events are lacking in the contemporary era. Our study aimed to report the incidence, outcomes, and perioperative management of catastrophic cardiac events in patients undergoing TAVR and to propose a working strategy to address these complications.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients who developed catastrophic cardiac events during or immediately after TAVR between 2015 and 2019 at a single academic center.

RESULTS

Of 2102 patients who underwent TAVR, 51 (2.5%) developed catastrophic cardiac events. The causes included cardiac perforation and tamponade (n=19, 37.3%), acute left ventricular failure (n=10, 19.6%), coronary artery obstruction (n=10, 19.6%), aortic root disruption (7, 13.7%), and device embolization (n=5, 9.8%). Twenty-four patients (47.0%) with catastrophic cardiac events required stabilization by either intra-aortic balloon counter-pulsation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The in-hospital mortality rate increased by 11.7-fold for patients with catastrophic cardiac events compared to those without (25.5% vs 2.0%, p<0.001). Patients who developed aortic root disruption had the highest mortality rate (42.8%) compared with the others. The incidence of catastrophic cardiac events remained stable over a 5-year period, but the associated mortality decreased from 38.5% in 2015 to 9.1% in 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

Catastrophic cardiac events during TAVR are rare, but they account for a dramatic increase in perioperative mortality. Early recognition and development of a standardized perioperative team approach can help manage patients experiencing these complications.

Bradyarrhythmias and Physiologic Pacing in the ICU

Bradyarrhythmias represent a common pathology in the intensive care unit (ICU) with etiologies of varying severity. Treatment has often been focused on correcting underlying causes and may require pacing for urgent hemodynamic support. In recent years, there has been interest in physiologic pacing modalities which avoid the dyssynchrony from right ventricular (RV) only pacing. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) through biventricular pacing is a well-established device-based electrical therapy in patients with wide QRS and heart failure. Recently, it has been shown that biventricular pacing may also be pursued for hemodynamic rescue in the ICU setting. Efforts to re-engage the conduction system with His bundle pacing or further downstream have also emerged as alternative means to deliver resynchronization, with early applications in the ICU now being reported. The goal of the review is to examine bradyarrhythmia causes and management in the ICU as well as investigate new approaches in physiologic pacing and their potential roles in critically ill patients.

Safety, efficacy and impact on frailty of mini-invasive radial balloon aortic valvuloplasty

OBJECTIVE

The study was designed to: (1) confirm safety and feasibility of mini-invasive radial balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV); (2) assess its impact in terms of quality of life and frailty; and (3) evaluate whether changes in frailty after BAV are associated with death in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

METHODS

330 patients undergoing BAV in 16 Italian centres were prospectively included. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of major and minor Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-2 bleeding. Secondary endpoints were scales of quality of life, frailty, evaluated at baseline and 30 days, and their relationship with the occurrence of all-cause death.

RESULTS

BAV was performed by radial access in 314 (95%) patients. No VARC-2 major and six (1.8%) VARC-2 minor bleedings occurred in the study population. Quality of life, as well as frailty status, significantly improved 30 days after BAV. At 1 year, patients undergoing TAVI with baseline essential frailty toolset (EFT) <3 or achieving an EFT <3 after BAV had a comparable occurrence of all-cause death (15% vs 19%, p=0.58). On the contrary, patients with EFT ≥3 at 30 days despite BAV showed the worst prognosis (all-cause death: 40% vs 15% and 19%, p=0.006 and p=0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Mini-invasive radial BAV is safe, feasible and associated with a low rate of vascular complications. Patients improving EFT 30 days after BAV showed a favourable outcome after TAVI.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03087552.

Acurate Neo Implantation to Treat Degenerative Regurgitation of Surgical Bioprostheses

Valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (VIV-TAVR) provides a safe and effective treatment option for failing surgical aortic bioprostheses. Self-expanding supra-annular valves offer optimal haemodynamics for this clinical application. The Acurate Neo transcatheter heart valve (THV) offers further unique advantages with stabilisation arches to assist with alignment, upper crowns to restrain bioprosthetic valve leaflets, rapid final opening coaxial to the left ventricular outflow tract and an open design that optimises future coronary access. We report our procedural technique and experience using the Acurate Neo THV in four VIV-TAVR implantations for patients aged between 70 and 81 yrs. All patients presented with severe symptomatic valvular aortic regurgitation (AR), one of whom was in cardiogenic shock. The patients had malfunctioning surgical bioprostheses (stented n = 3; stentless n = 1) ranging in size from 21 to 25 mm. The Acurate Neo THV was successfully implanted in all patients without any complications, residual AR, coronary compromise or need for permanent pacing. Length of stay was 2 to 7 days. Follow-up to 12 months revealed no adverse events. The Acurate Neo THV is an attractive self-expanding option for patients with AR due to degeneration of a surgical aortic valve bioprosthesis.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Patients With Symptomatic Severe Aortic Regurgitation Using the Self-Expanding Acurate neo Valve

INTRODUCTION

This case series describes use of the Acurate Neo transcatheter aortic valve in patients with symptomatic severe native aortic regurgitation (AR). TAVI is not currently mentioned in either the European Society of Cardiology or American College of Cardiology guidance for management of severe symptomatic AR. There are no randomised trials comparing the outcomes of patients with pure severe AR treated with a TAVI valve vs surgical aortic valve replacement (sAVR).

METHOD

We present a case series of four patients with isolated AR treated using the Acurate Neo valve (Boston Scientific). Each case had been turned down for sAVR but deemed suitable for TAVI after review at the structural heart multi-disciplinary team meeting. TAVI implantation was successful in each case with reduction or resolution of their AR and improved cardiac haemodynamics.

RESULTS

Three of the patients had significant symptomatic improvement, one had limited symptomatic improvement despite resolution of her AR on aortogram post TAVI.

CONCLUSION

Our case series adds to the growing literature that TAVI is a viable option for patients with pure AR but further long-term follow-up is required to assess the longevity and robustness of the valves.

Pacing Over the Guidewire in Cardiac Structural Intervention: A Practical Guide

Left ventricular access for aortic valve intervention provides the opportunity to deliver rapid pacing over the guidewire for device positioning and deployment. Temporary pacing delivered via the left ventricle can obviate the need for venous access and has been shown to be a safe alternative to temporary right ventricular pacing. The technique requires some basic knowledge and experience in temporary cardiac pacing. We outline safe practical steps and common pitfalls in using this technique.

Direct Rapid Left Ventricular Wire Pacing during Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty

Background: Rapid ventricular pacing is mandatory for optimal balloon positioning during aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) in patients with severe aortic stenosis. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of direct left ventricular (LV) guidewire pacing in comparison with regular pacing induced by temporary pacemaker (PM) placement in the right ventricle. Methods: Direct rapid LV pacing was provided with a 0.035″ guidewire. Baseline clinical characteristics, echocardiographic and procedural data, as well as complication rates, were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 202 patients undergoing BAV were enrolled (49.5% with direct LV guidewire pacing). The pacing success rate was 100%. In the direct LV guidewire pacing group, we found a lower radiation dose, shorter fluoroscopy and overall procedural time (0.16 vs. 0.28 Gy, p = 0.02; 5.4 vs. 10.3 min, p = 0.01; 17 vs. 25 min, p = 0.01; respectively). In addition, the complication rate was lower in that group (cardiac tamponades, vascular access site complications, blood transfusions rate, and in-hospital mortality: 0% vs. 3.9%; 4.0% vs. 15.7%; 2.0% vs. 12.7%; 2.0% vs. 9.8%, p = 0.01 for all, respectively). Conclusions: Direct rapid LV guidewire pacing is a simple, safe and effective option for BAV with a reduced complication rate compared to a temporary PM placed in the right ventricle.

Contemporary balloon aortic valvuloplasty: Changing indications and refined technique

Even if un to improve long-term prognosis, balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) may be useful in selected patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis either as a bridge to surgical or transcatheter valve replacement (aortic valve replacement [AVR] or transcatheter aortic valve implantation [TAVI]) or as a triage strategy for patients with uncertain indications. International guidelines recommend BAV as: a "bridge" to AVR/TAVI, a "trial" in patients with undetermined symptoms, or a "bridge-to-decision" in case of comorbidities. However, in clinical practice, BAV is also used as a palliative measure to improve hemodynamics and quality of life in many patients who are excluded from AVR/TAVI. Finally, BAV is often performed during TAVI to facilitate prosthesis delivery, optimize frame expansion, or for bioprosthetic valve fracture in selected valve-in-valve procedures. Technical innovations, which allow for a mini-invasive approach via transradial access and pacing delivered through the wire, have led to a decrease in complications over time. This review focuses on contemporary BAV with a specific emphasis on new indications, innovative techniques, and specific complex patient subgroups.

Transcoronary Rapid Pacing Solving a Complex Retrograde Chronic Total Occlusion Procedure

We report a case of revascularization of the right coronary artery via the epicardial collateral, for which we used transcoronary rapid pacing to obtain cardiac standstill while puncturing the distal chronic total occlusion (CTO) cap. To our knowledge, this is the first case in which this technique has been used in CTO. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)

Facilitating right-sided axillary artery access for transcatheter aortic valve replacement using the Edwards Sapien 3 and ultra valves: Technical considerations

Trans-Axillary Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) has become established as the safest arterial approach when femoral arterial anatomy is unfavorable. Although a left sided axillary approach is generally preferred, patient specific factors may require use of the right axillary artery. In this case series we describe procedural modifications that are required to overcome the challenge of restricted space in the ascending aorta for in situ valve preparation of balloon-expandable valve systems when a right sided trans-Axillary approach is taken. These steps permit implantation of both the Edwards LifeSciences Sapien 3 and Ultra prostheses via the right trans-Axillary approach, allowing patients a greater range of valve options when this arterial route is required for TAVR.