5-Year Outcomes With Self-Expanding vs Balloon-Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Small Annuli

Late Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation with Balloon-Versus Self-Expandable Valves: Meta-Analysis of Reconstructed Time-To-Event Data

Self-expanding valves (SEV) and balloon-expandable valves (BEV) for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have their own features. There is a growing interest in long-term outcomes with the adoption of lifetime management in younger patients. To evaluate late outcomes in TAVI with SEV versus BEV, we performed a study-level meta-analysis of reconstructed time-to-event data published by May 31, 2023. We found no statistically significant difference in all-cause death after TAVI with SEV versus BEV. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate our results.

'Incidence and impact of structural valve deterioration following TAVI: a multicenter real-world study'

AIMS

Valve durability becomes a major issue as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is expanding to populations with longer life expectancy. We sought to (i) determine the incidence of structural valve deterioration (SVD), (ii) compare the incidence of SVD between balloon-expandable (BE) and self-expandable (SE) valves, and (iii) analyse the impact of SVD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

2040 patients who underwent TAVI (2007-2020) from 9 centres were included. After inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW), 1848 patients were selected (973 BE and 875 SE). SVD was defined using recent echocardiographic definitions according to VARC-3 criteria: Median follow-up was 4.2 (IQR: 2.5-5.7) years. The estimated incidence of SVD and bioprosthetic valve failure (BVF) at 8 years follow-up for the overall cohort were 13.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 9.8-18%] and 11.5% (95% CI 8.9-14.8%), respectively. After IPTW and a median follow-up of 4 years, the risk of SVD (5.25% vs. 1.19%; HR 10.25, 95% CI 3.79-27.71, P < 0.001), and all-cause BVF (6.41% vs. 3.2%; HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.27-3.47 P = 0.004), was significantly higher for BE compared with SE recipients. Patients developing SVD had a trend towards a higher incidence of cardiovascular death (P = 0.06), as well as a significantly higher risk of heart failure rehospitalization (P = 0.048). After IPTW, there were no differences between BE and SE recipients in the combined endpoint of cardiovascular death, heart failure rehospitalization and valve reintervention (P = 0.46).

CONCLUSION

In this real-world registry, the incidence of SVD at 8 years after TAVI was relatively low. The risk of SVD was higher among BE compared with SE valve recipients. SVD was associated with an increased risk of heart failure rehospitalization and a trend towards a higher risk of cardiovascular death.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in small aortic annuli: A propensity-matched comparison between intra-annular self-expanding valves and balloon-expandable valves

BACKGROUND

Specific transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) valve superiority is not established in the small aortic annulus (SAA) population. We sought to compare clinical and echocardiographic characteristics between patients with a SAA who underwent TAVR with either intra-annular self-expanding valves (SEV) or balloon-expandable valves (BEV).

METHODS

This was an observational, retrospective analysis (2013-2023). SAA was defined as an aortic annulus diameter < 23 mm (maximum) and annulus area ≤ 430 mm2. Unmatched and propensity-score matched (PSM) populations were compared.

RESULTS

We identified 663 patients with SAA who underwent TAVR with SEV (n = 106) or BEV (n = 557). The PSM cohort (96 pairs) was predominantly female (90.6 % and 87.5 %) with a median age of 82.5 and 81.0 years. No statistically significant differences were observed in VARC-3 outcomes (periprocedural mortality, technical success, device success, clinical efficacy). Higher rates of residual mean gradients >20 mmHg were seen in the BEV group at 30 days (SEV 2.1 % vs BEV 21.9 %, P < 0.001) as well as lower median values of indexed effective orifice area (SEV 0.9 vs 0.6 cm2/m2). Severe PPM was also more common in the BEV group (SEV 5.2 % vs BEV 21.9 %, P = 0.002). At 2 years, differences in the rates of all-cause death (SE 11.9 % vs BE 17.1 %, Plog-rank = 0.6794) and stroke (SEV 3.4 % vs BEV 10.2 %, P = 0.7055) were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-annular SEV presented better hemodynamics compared to BEV; however, survival and incidence of stroke were comparable between the groups at 2 years. Potential risk of nonstructural valve deterioration with BEV needs further investigation with longer follow-up.

Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Self-Expanding Versus Balloon-Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a safe alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis at increased surgical risk. However, comparative data on self-expanding valves (SEV) versus balloon-expanding valves (BEV) remain limited.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of PubMed and Embase was conducted through April 2024, identifying eight studies (five randomized controlled trials and three propensity-matched observational studies) comparing SEV and BEV in TAVR. Primary outcomes included all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and device success per Valve Academic Research Consortium criteria, while secondary outcomes assessed bioprosthetic valve dysfunction and adverse events (annulus rupture/dissection, coronary artery occlusion, valve dislocation/embolization, valve thrombosis, moderate and severe paravalvular aortic regurgitation, endocarditis, permanent pacemaker implantation, major or life-threatening bleeding, acute kidney injury, and stroke).

RESULTS

The analysis included 4,032 patients (SEV = 2,006; BEV = 2,017). SEV was associated with higher rates of moderate-to-severe paravalvular aortic regurgitation [OR, 1.76; CI 1.13-2.74; P = 0.01] and permanent pacemaker placement [OR, 1.57; CI, 1.23-2.00; P = 0.0002] compared to BEV. No significant differences were observed in 30-day or 1-year all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, device success, bioprosthetic valve dysfunction, valve dislocation/embolization, valve thrombosis, endocarditis, major or life-threatening bleeding, coronary artery occlusion, stroke, rehospitalization, or acute kidney injury.

CONCLUSION

SEV and BEV demonstrated comparable outcomes in mortality and device success. However, the higher risk of moderate-to-severe paravalvular aortic regurgitation and permanent pacemaker placement with SEV should be considered when selecting the optimal TAVR valve for individual patients.

Structural Heart Disease Interventions. Year in Review 2023-2024

In 2023-2024, there was a surge in research on structural heart disease. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the field for both general and interventional cardiologists, especially those with a keen interest in structural heart interventions. It summarizes the most important randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, retrospective analyses, data registries, and noteworthy late-breaking studies unveiled at prominent cardiology conferences.

Aortic Valve Intervention in Patients with Aortic Stenosis and Small Annulus

Over the last two decades, the management of aortic stenosis has undergone significant transformation due to developments in surgical techniques and the introduction of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). These transformations have enabled improved patient selection and treatments to be tailored based on individual clinical and anatomical characteristics. Both surgical and transcatheter options have resulted in reduced mortality and enhanced quality of life for patients with aortic stenosis. Nonetheless, treating patients with small aortic annulus remains challenging despite advances in current technology. The insertion of a small prosthetic valve, leading to patient prosthetic mismatch, has been associated with heart failure hospitalization, early structural valve degeneration, and long-term mortality. Although aortic root enlargement was historically employed to address this issue, stentless and sutureless valves in the supra-annular position and, more recently, TAVI have emerged as alternative treatments for patients with small annulus and severe aortic stenosis. This review will provide an overview of the prevalence and anatomical characteristics of patients with aortic stenosis and small annulus. Additionally, we will discuss current treatment options, including surgery and TAVI, used to mitigate procedural and long-term adverse outcomes in this group.

Late Clinical Outcomes of Balloon-Expandable Valves in Small Annuli: Results From the PARTNER Trials

BACKGROUND

Short-term clinical outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are similar in individuals with small or large annuli. The longer term impact of prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) and mean gradient (MG) post-TAVR in these patients remains controversial.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate 5-year outcomes in patients with small vs large annuli.

METHODS

Patients from the PARTNER (Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves) 2 SAPIEN 3 intermediate-risk registry and the PARTNER 3 low-risk randomized controlled trial were grouped according to small (≤430 mm2) or large (>430 mm2) annular size. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death, disabling stroke, or heart failure hospitalization. In addition, the relationships between both PPM and post-TAVR MG and clinical outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

In total, 1,355 patients were included: 476 with small annuli (376.7 ± 41.9 mm2) and 879 with large annuli (518.3 ± 58.0 mm2). Patients with small annuli were older (age 79.6 ± 7.1 years vs 78.7 ± 7.8 years; P = 0.047), were more often female (75.0% vs 16.2%; P < 0.0001), had higher baseline Society of Thoracic Surgeons scores (4.3% ± 1.93% vs 4.0% ± 1.93%; P < 0.0001), and had higher left ventricular ejection fractions (66.3% ± 15.82% vs 59.7% ± 13.68%; P < 0.0001). Primary endpoint rates were similar at 1 year (7.8% vs 8.0%; P = 0.94) and 5 years (36.3% vs 35.8%; P = 0.83). Bioprosthetic valve failure was infrequent at 5 years in both groups (2.9% vs 2.1%; P = 0.46). Among female patients, outcomes were similar for small vs large annuli (primary endpoint; 33.6% vs 34.2%; P = 0.90). Among patients with small annuli, there was no association between 5-year outcomes and any severity of PPM (P = 0.22) or 30-day MG (P for nonlinearity = 0.96).

CONCLUSIONS

Five-year clinical outcomes were excellent and comparable between patients with small vs large aortic annuli. Outcomes in patients with small annuli were not affected by 30-day MG or PPM.

Extremely Small 20-mm Versus Standard-Size Balloon-Expandable Transcatheter Heart Valves: Propensity-Matched Analysis From the OCEAN-TAVI Registry

BACKGROUND

The 20-mm balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valve (THV) represents the smallest available option for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Its current underutilization stems from concerns regarding prosthesis-patient mismatch, durability, and potential adverse outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes between the 20-mm balloon-expandable THVs and standard-size balloon-expandable THVs.

METHODS

Patients who underwent transfemoral TAVR with SAPIEN THVs were sourced from the OCEAN-TAVI (Optimized Transcatheter Valvular Intervention) registry, an ongoing, multicenter cohort study that has enrolled over 7,000 TAVR patients in Japan. A 1:3 propensity-matched analysis, based on 24 baseline clinical and echocardiographic variables, was used to contrast the 20-mm with >20-mm balloon-expandable THVs.

RESULTS

Of 5,086 eligible patients, 284 (5.6%) received the 20-mm balloon-expandable THV. After propensity-matching, the 20-mm THV group (n = 276) and the >20-mm THV group (n = 828) demonstrated balanced baseline characteristics, with an absolute standardized difference <0.10. The average follow-up duration for patients who were alive was 955 ± 512 days, and the average time to death was 584 ± 543 days. The 20-mm group showed a higher frequency of prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) (moderate PPM: 29.2% vs 10.8%; severe PPM: 4.9% vs 1.5%; P < 0.001). Over a 5-year period, all-cause mortality and heart failure rehospitalization rates were comparable between the 2 groups (all-cause mortality: 34.2% vs 38.0%; HR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.74-1.37; P = 0.970; heart failure rehospitalization: 15.2% vs 16.3%; HR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.50-1.29; P = 0.371).

CONCLUSIONS

This registry-based study suggests that the initially observed inferior forward hemodynamics associated with the 20-mm THV do not translate into heightened long-term mortality or heart failure rehospitalization risks. (The OCEAN-TAVI registry [Optimized Transcatheter Valvular Intervention-Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation]; UMINID:000020423).

Supra-Annular Versus Intra-Annular Self-Expanding Valves in Small Aortic Annulus: A Propensity Score-Matched Study

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with self-expanding valves (SEVs) may have different outcomes with supra-annular valves (SAVs) or intra-annular valves (IAVs) in patients with small aortic annuli (SAA), but this topic remains underexplored. We aimed to evaluate outcomes between different SEVs, namely SAVs (CoreValve/Evolut R/PRO/PRO+/FX) vs. IAVs (Portico/Navitor).

Methods

Single-center data with patients with SAA (maximum diameter <23 mm) who underwent TAVR from 2013 to 2023 with SEVs, followed by 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM).

Results

We obtained 86 PSM pairs with median age of 83.0 years (SAVs) and 82.0 years (IAVs), with women representing 77.6% of the PSM cohort. After TAVR, we did not find statistically significant differences for the following outcomes: Valve Academic Research Consortium-3 periprocedural mortality, technical success, device success, clinical efficacy, and rates of paravalvular leak were not statistically significantly different, but we found higher rates of permanent pacemaker implantation in the IAV group (1.2 vs. 8.1%; p = 0.029). Despite the larger indexed effective orifice area with SAVs (median 1.0 vs. 0.8 cm2/m2, p = 0.001), we did not find statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of residual mean gradients >20 mmHg (0.0 vs. 2.3%, p = 0.155), and severe prosthesis-patient mismatch (2.3 vs. 5.8%, p = 0.390). No statistically significant difference was observed in survival (log-rank p = 0.950) and stroke (p = 0.6547) between patients who received SAVs and IAVs. For patients with SAA, TAVR with SEV devices is safe.

Conclusions

IAVs and SAVs are associated with comparable device performance in terms of hemodynamic structural and nonstructural dysfunction. Randomized data are needed to validate these findings and guide informed device selection.

Incidence of aortic valve reintervention in patients with aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation versus surgical aortic valve replacement: a systematic review and updated meta-analysis of randomized studies

INTRODUCTION

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) are established interventions for alleviating symptoms and enhancing survival in individuals with severe aortic stenosis (AS). However, the long-term outcomes and incidence of reintervention associated with TAVI and SAVR remain uncertain.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the incidence of reintervention in TAVI versus SAVR. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled with a random-effects model. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Nine RCTs were included, with 5144 (50.9%) patients randomized to TAVI. Compared with SAVR, TAVI increased reinterventions (RR 1.89; 95% CI 1.29-2.76; p < 0.01) and the need for pacemakers (RR 1.91; 95% CI 1.49-2.45; p < 0.01). In addition, TAVI significantly reduced the incidence of new-onset atrial fibrillation (RR 0.43; 95% CI 0.32- 0.59; p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in all-cause mortality (RR 1.04; 95% CI 0.92-1.16; p = 0.55), cardiovascular mortality (RR 1.04; 95% CI 0.94-1.17; p = 0.44), stroke (RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.80-1.17; p = 0.76), endocarditis (RR 0.96; 95% CI 0.70-1.33; p = 0.82), and myocardial infarction (RR 1.06; 95% CI 0.79-1.41; p = 0.72) between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with severe AS, TAVI significantly increased the incidence of reinterventions and the need for pacemakers as compared with SAVR.

Morphological Characteristics Following Self-Expanding Transcatheter Heart Valve Implantation and Implications for Hypoattenuating Leaflet Thickening

BACKGROUND

Hypoattenuating leaflet thickening (HALT) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may compromise valve durability, posing a significant barrier to the broader adoption of this technology among younger patients. Self-expanding valves (SEVs) are the most commonly used transcatheter heart valves (THVs) among Chinese patients with aortic stenosis. Understanding the potential mechanisms underlying HALT is, therefore, critical to guide future THV design and development.

AIMS

Identify morphological factors associated with HALT Unidentified after SEVs implantation.

METHODS

This study included 195 consecutive patients from Fuwai Hospital who underwent TAVR with SEVs. All participants underwent their first postoperative 4D-CT scan within 6 months of the procedure. Key parameters following THV implantation were measured and recorded using 3mensio software. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were applied to identify associations between variables and HALT. Discriminatory ability was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, followed by bootstrap validation for model robustness.

RESULTS

HALT was observed in 36.4% of patients (71 out of 195 patients). New sinus height (NSH) and leaflet outflow area were identified as independent risk factors for HALT. The areas under the curve (AUC) for NSH and leaflet outflow area were 0.689 (95% CI: 0.612-0.767) and 0.602 (95% CI: 0.521-0.683), respectively, with no significant difference between them (p = 0.082). Bootstrap validation confirmed the robustness of both NSH and leaflet outflow area, showing performance comparable to the initial stepwise model.

CONCLUSION

NSH and leaflet outflow area were identified as critical post-THV implantation parameters associated with HALT in TAVR patients treated with SEVs. These findings provide valuable insights that could inform the future design and optimization of SEVs.

Recurrent strokes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in an elderly patient with severe bicuspid aortic valve stenosis: a case report

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has evolved from a novel technology to an established therapy for high-risk patients with symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis (AS). Recently, its use has also been extended to low-risk patients, resulting in its increasing utilization in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). But as a serious post-TAVR complication, ischemic stroke was associated with a nearly 6-fold increased 30-day mortality. BAV presents unique challenges for post-TAVR antithrombotic therapy due to its distinct valvular anatomy.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case of a 72-year-old female who presented with angina pectoris symptoms and was found to have severe BAV stenosis (Type 0). According to the patient's age, obvious symptom and willingness herself, TAVR was successful performed with deployment of a 23 mm Venus-A Plus valve (Venus Medtech, Hangzhou, China). A post-procedure echocardiogram confirmed the appropriate placement of the bioprosthetic valve with minor paravalvular regurgitation. Six months after TAVR, this patient experienced multiple strokes, presenting a significant challenge for clinicians.

CONCLUSIONS

This case underscores the serious complications that can occur post-TAVR and highlights the need for improved strategies to prevent early strokes.

Self-Expandable Versus Balloon-Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for Treatment of Patients With Small Aortic Annulus: An Updated Meta-Analysis of Reconstructed Individual Patient Data

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement has emerged as an effective alternative to surgery in selected patients with aortic stenosis. It needs to be made clear which type of valve has better results in patients with small aortic annulus. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. A total of 27 articles were included, including 10,378 patients [5989 in balloon-expanding valve (BEV) and 4389 in the self-expanding valve (SEV) groups] with small aortic annulus. Our meta-analysis demonstrated no significant difference between SEVs and BEVs for 1-year all-cause mortality. There was a statistically significant increased risk of permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) within 30 days and ischemic stroke at 1 year with SEVs [risk ratio (RR) = 1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.18-2.42, P < 0.01, and RR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.03-3.26, P = 0.04, respectively]. Our meta-analysis showed that SEVs are favored over BEVs in terms of 1-year change from baseline in effective orifice area (mean difference = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.19-0.71, P < 0.01). Moreover, after 1-year follow-up, severe patient-prosthesis mismatch was significantly lower in the SEV group (RR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.11-0.53, P < 0.01). In conclusion, SEVs were associated with better echocardiographic outcomes from baseline. Patients with SEVs were more likely to develop stroke and require PPI but were less likely to have patient-prosthesis mismatch. The benefit of a larger effective aortic valve area with SEVs has to be balanced against higher PPI and stroke rates.

Hemodynamic and clinical outcomes with balloon-expandable valves versus self-expanding valves in patients with small aortic annulus undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and propensity score matched studies

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is considered more effective than surgical aortic valve implantation for patients with a small aortic annulus (SAA), however, the comparative efficacy of different transcatheter heart valves (THVs) remains uncertain. A literature search was performed across databases from their inception until June 2024 to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and propensity-score matched (PSM) studies. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using a random-effects model to pool risk ratios (RRs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). The analysis included 10 studies with 2,960 patients. BEVs were associated with a significantly smaller indexed effective orifice area (MD: -0.18, 95 % CI: -0.27 to -0.10), and a higher transvalvular mean pressure gradient (MD: 5.07, 95 % CI 3.43 to 6.71) than SEVs. The risk for prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) (RR = 1.89, 95 % CI: 1.42 to 2.51) and severe PPM (RR = 2.80, 95 % CI: 1.96 to 4.0) was significantly higher for patients receiving BEVs than those receiving SEVs. Although nonsignificant differences were observed between BEVs and SEVs regarding 30-day and 1-year all-cause mortality, 30-day stroke rates, vascular complication, paravalvular leak, and permanent pacemaker implantation (p > 0.05), patients receiving BEVs were associated with a significantly increased risk of 1-year cardiovascular mortality (RR = 1.61, 95 % CI: 1.05 to 2.47) compared to those receiving SEVs. In patients with SAA, BEVs demonstrated worse hemodynamic performance as determined by the higher risk of moderate and severe PPM compared to SEVs. Moreover, the use of BEVs was associated with a higher risk of 1-year cardiovascular mortality.

Timing of Aortic Valve Intervention in the Management of Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis (AS) affects about 12% of people aged ≥75 years. Accumulating evidence on the prognostic importance of cardiac damage in patients with asymptomatic and less than severe AS supports the proposition of advancing aortic valve replacement (AVR) to earlier disease stages. Potential benefits of earlier treatment, including prevention of cardiac damage progression and reduced cardiovascular hospitalizations, need to be balanced against the earlier procedural risk and subsequent lifetime management after AVR. Two small, randomized trials indicate that early surgical AVR may improve survival in patients with asymptomatic severe AS, and observational data suggest that AVR may reduce mortality even in patients with moderate AS. A clear understanding of the pathophysiology of cardiac damage secondary to AS is needed to develop strategies to select patients for earlier AVR. Noninvasive imaging can detect early cardiac damage, and indices such as fibrosis, global longitudinal strain, and myocardial work index have potential use to guide stratification of patients for earlier AVR. Ongoing randomized trials are investigating the safety and efficacy of AVR for patients with asymptomatic severe AS and those with moderate AS who have symptoms/evidence of cardiac damage. Pathophysiological considerations and accumulating evidence from clinical studies that support earlier timing of AVR for AS will need to be corroborated by the results of these trials. This review aims to evaluate the evidence for earlier AVR, discuss strategies to guide stratification of patients who may benefit from this approach, highlight the relevant ongoing randomized trials, and consider the consequences of earlier intervention.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Small Aortic Annuli: A Propensity-Matched Analysis of Gender-Based Outcomes

Patients with small aortic annuli (SAAs) are predominantly women. We sought to compare gender-based and propensity-matched outcomes of index transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with SAAs. In this retrospective institutional analysis (2012 to 2023), primary stratification was by gender. SAA was defined as an aortic valve annulus diameter <23 mm and the 30-day and 1-year outcomes were compared between the groups. A total of 3,911 patients underwent TAVR. Of those, 661 patients had an SAA, of whom 23.8% were men and 76.2% were women. Propensity matching (1:1) identified 152 pairs. The mean age was 81 years. History of surgical or percutaneous coronary intervention was more prevalent in men (72.4% vs 48%, p <0.001). Men had a higher incidence of postoperative pacemaker implantation (8.6% vs 3.3%, p = 0.05), whereas only women had iliofemoral dissections (4.6% vs 0%, p = 0.007). The rates of moderate (23.0% vs 25.7%) and severe (2.6% vs 0.7%) prosthesis-patient mismatch was not statistically significantly different between the groups (p = 0.364). The 30-day mortality was 0%, whereas the 1-year mortality was 4.3%, with no difference between the groups. An increase in preoperative creatinine was associated with higher risk of death (hazard ratio 1.206, 95% confidence interval 1.025 to 1.418, p = 0.02), whereas gender was not. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates (Log rank, p = 0.768) and cumulative incidence of stroke readmission (p = 0.842) were similar in both groups. In conclusion, the outcomes of TAVR in SAAs do not differ by gender, with safety and efficacy evident in men and women.

Asymmetrical Expansion of Balloon-Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve Prostheses: Implications for Valve Hemodynamic and Clinical Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Asymmetrical expansion of transcatheter heart valves (THVs), manifesting as stent frame deformation, is an occasional fluoroscopic finding in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of asymmetrical expansion of balloon-expandable THVs on hemodynamic valve performance and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

In a prospective registry, TAVR asymmetry index was measured using freeze-frame fluoroscopic images and was defined as the ratio of THV heights: [(longer height/shorter height) - 1] × 100. THV hemodynamic performance was measured using echocardiography before hospital discharge. Impaired hemodynamic valve performance was defined as a mean residual THV gradient ≥20 mm Hg and/or moderate or greater paravalvular regurgitation.

RESULTS

Among 1,216 patients undergoing transfemoral TAVR for native severe aortic valve stenosis with contemporary balloon-expandable THVs between February 2014 and June 2022, asymmetry index was an excellent predictor of impaired hemodynamic valve performance (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.84-0.92; P < 0.001). The optimal asymmetry index threshold for predicting impaired THV performance was >5.5% (sensitivity 77%, specificity 86%) and occurred in 17% of patients. Higher asymmetry index, as a continuous variable, was associated with impaired hemodynamic valve performance independent of total aortic valve calcium, bicuspid anatomy, balloon-expandable valve prosthesis type or size, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality score (OR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.29-1.46; P < 0.001). High TAVR asymmetry index was not associated with all-cause mortality during a median of 376 days of follow-up (HR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.71-1.41; P = 0.989).

CONCLUSIONS

Asymmetrical expansion of balloon-expandable THVs was associated with impaired hemodynamic valve performance but not with clinical outcomes.

Short and Long-Term Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in the Small Aortic Annulus: A Systematic Literature Review

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation has revolutionized the treatment of aortic stenosis. The small aortic annulus is one of the most challenging aspects of aortic stenosis treatment and since the beginning, TAVI has shown promising results in this subgroup of patients. This systematic literature review aims to investigate the short and long-term outcomes of TAVI in the small aortic annulus. The literature was meticulously screened for this topic until April 2024 using the PRISMA guidelines. Technical aspects, characteristics of this subgroup of patients, hemodynamic performances, and outcomes are discussed. The importance of device selection has shown up, with insight into the differences between self-expandable and the balloon-expandable valves. Two special populations were also taken into account: outcomes of TAVI in the small aortic annulus with bicuspid aortic valve and extra-small aortic annulus. The last 10 years have been paramount in technological advancements, bringing TAVI to broader use in this population. While several important trials underscored the usefulness of TAVI in the small aortic annulus population, the clinical practice still lacks consensus on the ideal device, and the outcomes are debated. The pivotal role of TAVI in this context needs to be addressed with a patient-tailored approach to optimize patient care.

Impact of cerebral protection on observed versus predicted in-hospital stroke in a high stroke risk TAVR cohort

BACKGROUND

Despite impressive improvements in the safety profile of Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), the risk for peri-procedural stroke after TAVR has not declined substantially. In an effort to reduce periprocedural stroke, cerebral embolic protection (CEP) devices have been utilized but have yet to demonstrate benefit in all-comers. There is a paucity of data supporting the utilization of CEP in TAVR patients with an anticipated high risk for peri-procedural stroke.

METHODS

The Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement In-Hospital Stroke (TASK) score is a clinical risk tool for predicting the in-hospital stroke risk of patients undergoing transfemoral TAVR. This score was used to identify high-risk patients and calculate the expected in-hospital stroke risk. This was a single-centre cohort study in all consecutive TAVR patients who had placement of CEP. The observed versus expected ratio for peri-procedural stroke was calculated. To obtain 95% credible intervals, we used 1000 bootstrapped samples of the original cohort sample size without replacement and recalculated the TASK predicted scores.

RESULTS

The study included 103 patients. The median age was 83 (IQR 78,89). 63 were male (61.1%) and 45 (43.69%) had a history of previous Stroke or TIA. Two patients had an in-hospital stroke after TAVR (1.94%). The expected risk of in-hospital stroke based on the TASK score was 3.39% (95% CI 3.07-3.73). The observed versus expected ratio was 0.57 (95% CI 0.52-0.64).

CONCLUSION

In this single-center study, we found that in patients undergoing TAVR with high stroke risk, CEP reduced the in-hospital stroke risk by 43% when compared with the risk-score predicted rate.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

N/A.

Short- and intermediate-term outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in low-risk patients: A meta-analysis and systematic review

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) being currently employed in low surgical risk patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS). The durability and extended outcomes of TAVR as compared to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in low-risk patients remains uncertain.

Methods

We selected randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing outcomes of TAVR vs. SAVR in low surgical risk patients having severe AS using online databases. The primary outcome was all-cause death. The secondary outcomes were composite of all-cause death & disabling stroke, cardiovascular (CV) death, stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), permanent pacemaker (PPM) placement, new onset atrial fibrillation (AF), valve re-intervention and valve thrombosis. The outcomes were stratified at short- (1-year) and intermediate-term (≤5 years) follow-up. We used a random effect model to report outcomes as relative risk (RR) with a 95 % confidence interval (CI).

Results

The analysis consisted of six RCTs comprising 5,122 subjects with a mean age of 75.4 years. At short-term follow up, there was a significant reduction in all-cause death (RR: 0.62, 0.46-0.82, p = 0.001) and composite of all-cause death and disabling stroke (RR: 0.62, 0.45-0.83, p = 0.002) in patients undergoing TAVR. At intermediate-term follow-up, there was no significant difference in survival (RR:0.95, 0.73-1.24, p = 0.71) and composite outcome (RR: 0.95, 0.74-1.22, p = 0.71). TAVR patients had lower incidence of new onset AF, however, higher PPM placement.

Conclusion

In patients with severe AS having low-surgical risk, patients undergoing TAVR had improved short-term survival as compared to SAVR. This survival advantage was absent at intermediate-term follow-up. The long-term outcomes remain uncertain.

Late Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation with Balloon-Versus Self-Expandable Valves: Meta-Analysis of Reconstructed Time-To-Event Data

Self-expanding valves (SEV) and balloon-expandable valves (BEV) for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have their own features. There is a growing interest in long-term outcomes with the adoption of lifetime management in younger patients. To evaluate late outcomes in TAVI with SEV versus BEV, we performed a study-level meta-analysis of reconstructed time-to-event data published by May 31, 2023. We found no statistically significant difference in all-cause death after TAVI with SEV versus BEV. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate our results.

Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Using Third-Generation Balloon-Expandable Versus Self-Expanding Valves: A Meta-analysis

Background

The choice of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) prosthesis is crucial in optimizing short- and long-term outcomes. The objective of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis comparing outcomes of third-generation balloon-expandable valves (BEV) vs self-expanding valves (SEV).

Methods

Electronic databases were searched from inception to June 2023 for studies comparing third-generation BEV vs SEV. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included clinical and hemodynamic end points. Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) or weighted mean differences (WMDs).

Results

The meta-analysis included 16 studies and 10,174 patients (BEV, 5753 and SEV, 4421). There were no significant differences in 1-year all-cause mortality (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.89-1.48) between third-generation BEV vs SEV. TAVR with third generation BEV was associated with a significantly lower risk of TIA/stroke (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44-0.87), permanent pacemaker implantation (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.44-0.70), and ≥moderate paravalvular leak (PVL, OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.25-0.75), and higher risk of ≥moderate patient-prosthesis mismatch (OR, 3.76; 95% CI, 2.33-6.05), higher mean gradient (WMD, 4.35; 95% CI, 3.63-5.08), and smaller effective orifice area (WMD, -0.30; 95% CI, -0.37 to -0.23), compared with SEV.

Conclusion

In this meta-analysis, TAVR with third-generation BEV vs SEV was associated with similar all-cause mortality, lower risk of TIA/stroke, permanent pacemaker implantation, and ≥moderate PVL, but higher risk of ≥moderate patient-prosthesis mismatch, higher mean gradient, and smaller effective orifice area. Large, adequately powered randomized trials are needed to evaluate long-term outcomes of TAVR with latest generations of BEV vs SEV.

Improved Hemodynamics With Self-Expanding Compared to Balloon-Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Small Annulus Patients: A Propensity-Matched Analysis

Patients with small aortic annuli (SAA) pose a challenge in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement because of the potential for prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM). This study aimed to compare the clinical and hemodynamic outcomes of self-expandable valve (SEV) versus balloon-expandable valve (BEV) transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with severe aortic stenosis and SAA. All patients who underwent TAVI for severe native aortic stenosis with a SAA between January 2018 and December 2022 were retrospectively included in the study from a single center. Propensity score matching was performed to balance the baseline characteristics. Bioprosthesis valve dysfunction was based on modified Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 criteria. A total of 1,170 TAVI procedures were performed between 2018 and 2022. After applying the exclusion criteria, 332 patients reported a SAA at computed tomography scan, and the matching created 109 balanced pairs. Echocardiographic data at discharge showed higher mean transvalvular gradients (p <0.001), higher grades of mitral regurgitation (p = 0.029), and lower ejection fraction (p <0.043) in BEVs than SEVs. At follow-up, significant differences favoring the SEV group regarding bioprosthesis valve dysfunction were observed (p = 0.002), especially in terms of severe PPM (p = 0.046) and at least moderate structural valve deterioration (p = 0.040). In conclusion, TAVI in patients with SAA using a BEV was associated with lower valve areas, higher mean pressure gradients, and PPM (including severe) than a SEV. Short- and midterm all-cause and cardiac-related mortality did not differ between the 2 groups. Future randomized studies with extended follow-ups are warranted to validate these outcomes.

Balloon-Expandable Versus Self-Expanding Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Patients With Small Aortic Annulus: A Meta-Analysis

Although transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is considered a superior option to surgery in patients with small aortic annulus (SAA), it is not clear which type of transcatheter heart valve (THV) has better results in terms of echocardiographic hemodynamics and clinical outcomes. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed comparing balloon-expandable valves (BEVs) and self-expanding valves (SEVs) in patients with SAA who underwent TAVI regarding their impact on hemodynamic and clinical outcomes at short- and midterm follow-up. Relative risk (RR) and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were measured for the outcomes, as appropriate. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the generation type of devices and study designs. A total of 16 articles comprising 1 randomized trial, 3 propensity-matched studies, and 12 observational studies including 4,341 patients (1,967 in BEV and 2,374 in the SEV group) with SAA were included. The implantation of BEVs correlated with a lower indexed effective orifice area (MD -0.19 [-0.25 to -0.13]) and higher transvalvular mean pressure gradient (MD 3.91, 95% CI 2.96 to 4.87). Compared with SEVs, BEVs had increased risk of prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM; RR 2.09, 95% CI 1.79 to 2.45) and severe PPM (RR 2.16, 95% CI 1.48 to 3.15). However, BEV had lower moderate and severe paravalvular leak (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.69), risk of stroke (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.76), and permanent pacemaker implantation (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.91). The 1-year all-cause mortality (RR 1.13, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.49) and cardiac-related mortality (RR 1.53, 95% CI 0.24 to 9.81) were not different between the 2 groups. In conclusion, SEVs were associated with larger indexed effective orifice area and lower PPM but higher paravalvular leak. In contrast, patients with SEVs were more likely to develop stroke and required permanent pacemaker implantation. Both THVs did not show difference in terms of early and midterm all-cause and cardiac mortality. Because both types of THVs show similar results regarding mortality data, hemodynamics should be among the factors considered in decision making for patients with SAA who underwent TAVI.

Transcatheter aortic valve durability: a contemporary clinical review

Encouraged by randomized controlled trials demonstrating non-inferiority of transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) compared to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) across all surgical risk categories, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of TAVI in a younger patient cohort with severe aortic stenosis, endorsed by both European and American Cardiac Societies. However, the standard use of TAVI in younger, less co-morbid patients with a longer life expectancy can only be supported if there is sound data demonstrating long-term durability of transcatheter aortic valves (TAVs). In this article, we have reviewed available randomized and observational registry clinical data pertaining to TAV long-term durability, placing emphasis on trials and registries using the new standardized definitions of bioprosthetic valve dysfunction (BVD) and bioprosthetic valve failure (BVF). Despite inherent difficulties in interpreting the available data, the determination reached is that the risk of structural valve deterioration (SVD) is potentially lower after TAVI than SAVR at 5 to 10 years, and that the two treatment modalities have a similar risk of BVF. This supports the adoption of TAVI in younger patients evident in current practice. However, the routine use of TAVI in younger patients with bicuspid aortic valve stenosis should be cautioned due to insufficient long-term TAV durability data in this particular patient population. Finally, we highlight the importance of future research into the unique potential mechanisms that can potentially contribute to TAV degeneration.