Infective endocarditis after transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement using the Melody valve: combined results of 3 prospective North American and European studies

Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Implantation Using Self-Expandable Percutaneous Pulmonary Valve System: 3-Year CE Study Results

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary regurgitation is common during follow-up of patients after surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot and other right ventricular outflow tracts (RVOTs). Many percutaneous pulmonary valves have been used but are limited to smaller RVOTs.

OBJECTIVES

Since August 2016, a multicenter CE (Conformité Européenne) study was initiated to evaluate a self-expandable VenusP-valve. We aimed to report the acute and 3-year follow-up results.

METHODS

A total of 81 patients with pulmonary regurgitation were recruited for VenusP-valve implantation and assessed for a 3-year period.

RESULTS

In all patients, VenusP-valves were successfully implanted. The mean age was 26.5 ± 13.3 years and the mean weight 59.5 ± 15.6 kg. There was no early procedure-related or late mortality. One patient experienced guidewire perforation of a branch pulmonary artery, causing hemoptysis, and 1 had ventricular tachycardia, at the end of the procedure. During follow-up, 1 patient developed runs of ventricular tachycardia and needed an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and ablation of the RVOT 5 months after valve implantation. One developed endocarditis 11 months after implantation. After medical treatment, the valve has continued to function normally. One patient developed thrombus on the distal flare 3 years after implantation and was treated with anticoagulants. During 3-year follow-up, valve function has remained satisfactory and right ventricular remodeling has occurred in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the 3-year CE study results of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation in patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation. The valve has shown promising safety and durability. Long-term evaluation is warranted.

Incidence and outcomes of prosthetic valve endocarditis in adults with congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND

Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) often require prosthetic valve implantation, increasing their lifetime risk of developing prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE). The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of PVE in adults with CHD.

METHOD

Retrospective cohort study of adults with CHD and prior prosthetic valve implantation (2003-2023). Patients diagnosed with PVE were designated as the PVE group, while the patients without PVE were designated as the reference group.

RESULTS

Of 9161 patients, 3150 (34%) had prosthetic valves. Among the patients with prosthetic valve, 86 (2.7%) developed PVE, yielding an incidence of 5.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.8-1-5.6) events per 1000 patient-years. Of the 86 patients with PVE, the average age at the time of PVE diagnosis was 35 ± 9 years, the average interval between prosthetic valve implantation and PVE was 91 ± 27 months, and mean duration of follow-up with11.6 ± 4.9 years. The risk factors for PVE were male sex, younger age, type 2 diabetes, multiple prosthetic valves, and Melody bioprosthetic valve implantation. PVE was associated with more than a 2-fold increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 2.21, 95% CI 1.33-3.68, P = .002), after adjustment for demographic/anatomic indices, and comorbidities. Of 86 patients with PVE, 21 (24%) died during follow-up. The 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year mortality after diagnosis of PVE was 1.6%, 12% and 15%, respectively. Of 86 patients, 39 (45%) developed 47 PVE-related complications (perivalvular abscess[(n = 21], and septic emboli [n = 26]). PVE-related complications were associated with all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

PVE was common in CHD patients with prosthetic valves and was associated with all-cause mortality. These findings highlight the prognostic implications of prosthetic valve implantation in patients with CHD, and the need for new criteria for risk stratification in order to improve outcomes.

Multimodality Imaging Approach to Infective Endocarditis: Current Opinion in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease

Although advances in medical and surgical management have significantly improved clinical outcomes, infective endocarditis (IE) remains a significant threat to patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). The complexity of cardiac anatomy, the presence of prosthetic materials, and the emergence of novel pathogens pose unique diagnostic challenges in this specific population. However, the use of personalized imaging, integrating the strengths of each modality, has the potential to refine the diagnostic process, thereby optimizing diagnostic accuracy, guiding therapeutic decisions, and, ultimately, improving patient clinical outcomes. This review delves into the critical role of the multimodality imaging approach in the care of patients with IE and CHD, underscoring the importance of tailored and patient-centered management strategies in this vulnerable cohort.

Endocarditis in Adult Congenital Heart Disease Patients: Prevention, Recognition, and Management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Present an updated overview of the prevention, diagnosis, and management of infective endocarditis in adult patients with congenital heart disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

Care for patients with infective endocarditis is changing in the areas of specialized teams, diagnostics, and prevention. Endocarditis teams should be involved in the care of ACHD patients. The 2023 Duke Criteria for Infective Endocarditis and the 2023 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines have updated the criteria for diagnosis including new major criteria such as CT and positron emission computed tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) scans. Immunological, PCR, and nucleic acid-based tests are now acceptable means to isolate infective organisms. Clindamycin is no longer recommended for antibiotic prophylaxis due to resistance and side effect profile. Special considerations for antibiotic prophylaxis and management must be made for specific congenital heart diseases in adulthood and pregnant ACHD patients. Infective endocarditis (IE), a potentially devastating clinical entity, is a feared threat to the health of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). IE needs a systematic approach for its prevention, early diagnosis and management with a multidisciplinary IE team's involvement. There have been changes in the diagnostics and management of IE, which is reflected in updated diagnostic criteria. Timely blood cultures and imaging continue to be the mainstay of diagnosis, however the timing of blood cultures, microbiological testing, and types of diagnostic imaging such as the positron emission computed tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) scan are new. Bicuspid aortic valves, ventricular septal defects, transcatheter pulmonary valve replacements, and tetralogy of Fallot are diagnoses at higher risk for IE in the ACHD population. The following article will focus on the preventive strategies, in addition to novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of IE in ACHD patients.

Occurrence and Outcome of Infective Endocarditis after Surgical Compared to Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Implantation in Congenital Heart Disease

Background: Conflicting data exist on the occurrence and outcome of infective endocarditis (IE) after pulmonary valve implantation. Objectives: This study sought to assess the differences between transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) and surgical pulmonary valve replacement (SPVR). Methods: All patients ≥ 4 years who underwent isolated pulmonary valve replacement between 2005 and 2018 were analyzed based on the data of a major German health insurer (≈9.2 million insured subjects representative of the German population). The primary endpoint was a composite of IE occurrence and all-cause death. Results: Of 461 interventions (cases) in 413 patients (58.4% male, median age 18.9 years [IQR 12.3-33.4]), 34.4% underwent TPVI and 65.5% SPVR. IE was diagnosed in 8.0% of cases during a median follow-up of 3.5 years. Risk for IE and all-cause death was increased in patients with prior IE (p < 0.001), but not associated with age (p = 0.50), sex (p = 0.67) or complexity of disease (p = 0.59). While there was no difference in events over the entire observational time period (p = 0.22), the time dynamics varied between TPVI and SPVR: Within the first year, the risk for IE and all-cause death was lower after TPVI (Hazard Ratio (HR) 95% CI 0.19 (0.06-0.63; p = 0.006) but increased over time and exceeded that of SPVR in the long term (HR 10.07 (95% CI 3.41-29.76; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with TPVI appear to be at lower risk for early but higher risk for late IE, resulting in no significant difference in the overall event rate compared to SPVR. The results highlight the importance of long-term specialized care and preventive measures after both interventions.

Use of Three-Dimensional Intracardiac Echocardiography Catheter in the Evaluation of Prosthetic Pulmonary Valves after Transcatheter Replacement

Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) is commonly performed in patients with congenital heart disease as a safe alternative to replacement via open heart surgery. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is a useful technique for evaluating multiple structures that are difficult to assess by other echocardiographic techniques, particularly the pulmonary valve. To our knowledge, the use of three-dimensional (3D) ICE catheters to evaluate prosthetic valves after TPVR has not been reported. Three-dimensional ICE catheters offer a comprehensive evaluation of transcatheter-deployed pulmonary valves through 3D, 3D color, xPlane, and multiplane reconstruction. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of using 3D ICE catheters, outline their role in evaluating post-TPVR deployment success and complications, consider their additive value to two-dimensional ICE, and present our institutional experience with it in 50 cases of TPVR.

Right Heart Reverse Remodeling and Prosthetic Valve Function After Transcatheter vs Surgical Pulmonary Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND

There are limited data about postprocedural right heart reverse remodeling and long-term prosthesis durability after transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) and how these compare to surgical pulmonary valve replacement (SPVR).

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to compare right heart reverse remodeling, pulmonary valve gradients, and prosthetic valve dysfunction after TPVR vs SPVR.

METHODS

Patients with TPVR were matched 1:2 to patients with SPVR based on age, sex, body surface area, congenital heart lesion, and procedure year. Right heart indexes (right atrial [RA] reservoir strain, RA volume index, RA pressure, right ventricular [RV] global longitudinal strain, RV end-diastolic area, and RV systolic pressure) were assessed at baseline (preintervention), 1 year postintervention, and 3 years postintervention. Pulmonary valve gradients were assessed at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 years postintervention.

RESULTS

There were 64 and 128 patients in the TPVR and SPVR groups, respectively. Among patients with TPVR, 46 (72%) and 18 (28%) received Melody (Medtronic) vs SAPIEN (Edwards Lifesciences) valves, respectively. The TPVR group had greater postprocedural improvement in RA reservoir strain and RV global longitudinal strain at 1 and 3 years. The TPVR group had a higher risk of prosthetic valve dysfunction mostly because of a higher incidence of prosthetic valve endocarditis compared to SPVR but a similar risk of pulmonary valve reintervention because some of the patients with endocarditis received medical therapy only. Both groups had similar pulmonary valve mean gradients at 9 years postintervention.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest a more favorable right heart outcome after TPVR. However, the risk of prosthetic valve endocarditis and prosthetic valve dysfunction remains a major concern.

[Modern possibilities for transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement]

The literature review is devoted to transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement. The authors summarize the indications, clinical data and current capabilities of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement. The authors also overviewed modern valves for transcatheter pulmonary artery replacement. Effectiveness of transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation has been substantiated. Various studies comparing the outcomes of different valve systems for endovascular implantation were analyzed. The authors concluded the prospects for transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation.

Over-expansion of right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduits during transcatheter pulmonary valve placement

OBJECTIVES

To determine the safety and feasibility of over-expansion of right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduits during transcatheter pulmonary valve placement.

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter pulmonary valve placement is an alternative to surgical pulmonary valve replacement. Traditionally, it was thought to be unsafe to expand a conduit to >110% of its original size.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study from two centers includes patients with right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduits with attempted transcatheter pulmonary valve placement from 2010 to 2017. Demographic, procedural, echocardiographic and follow-up data, and complications were evaluated in control and overdilation (to >110% original conduit size) groups.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy-two patients (51 overdilation and 121 control) had attempted transcatheter pulmonary valve placement (98% successful). The overdilation group was younger (11.2 versus 16.7 years, p < 0.001) with smaller conduits (15 versus 22 mm, p < 0.001); however, the final valve size was not significantly different (19.7 versus 20.2 mm, p = 0.2). Baseline peak echocardiographic gradient was no different (51.8 versus 55.6 mmHg, p = 0.3). Procedural complications were more frequent in overdilation (18%) than control (7%) groups (most successfully addressed during the procedure). One patient from each group required urgent surgical intervention, with no procedural mortality. Follow-up echocardiographic peak gradients were similar (24.1 versus 26 mmHg, p = 0.5).

CONCLUSIONS

Over-expansion of right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduits during transcatheter pulmonary valve placement can be performed successfully. Procedural complications are more frequent with conduit overdilation, but there was no difference in the rate of life-threatening complications. There was no difference in valve function at most recent follow-up, and no difference in rate of reintervention. The long-term outcomes of transcatheter pulmonary valve placement with conduit over-expansion requires further study.

Risk of Infective Endocarditis Post-transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement Versus Surgical Pulmonary Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review

Pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) is the most common cardiac operation in adult patients with congenital heart disease (ACHD). It can improve right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction, typically due to pulmonary valve stenosis or regurgitation. PVR can be performed surgically (open-heart) and through a transcatheter (percutaneous) method, which is minimally invasive and is associated with shorter hospitalization stays. However, following PVR, infectious endocarditis (IE) can complicate the recovery process and increase mortality in the long term. IE is a rare but deadly multi-organ system condition caused by microorganisms traversing the bloodstream from a specific entry point. It can have many presentations, such as splinter hemorrhages, fevers, and vegetation on valves that lead to stroke consequences. This paper aims to evaluate the differences in the rate, etiology, manifestations, treatment, and outcomes of IE following surgical and transcatheter PVR, as the goal is to perform a procedure with few complications. In both approaches, Staphylococcus aureus was the most common microorganism that affected the valves, followed by Streptococcus viridians. Research has shown that surgical pulmonary valve replacement (SPVR) has a decreased risk of IE following surgery compared to TPVR. However, TPVR is preferred due to the reduced overall risk and complications of the procedure. Despite this, the consensus on mortality rates does differ. Future research should consider the type of valves used for transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR), such as Melody valves versus Edward Sapien valves, as their IE rates vary significantly.

Congenital Pulmonic Valve Dysfunction Treated With SAPIEN 3 Transcatheter Heart Valve (from the COMPASSION S3 Trial)

Significant pulmonary regurgitation (PR) and pulmonary stenosis are common after surgical repair of some congenital heart defects. This prospective, single-arm, multicenter trial enrolled patients who underwent transcatheter heart valve (THV) implantation with a SAPIEN 3 valve to treat dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) conduits or pulmonic surgical valves (≥ moderate PR and/or mean RVOT gradient ≥35 mm Hg). The primary end point was a nonhierarchical composite of THV dysfunction at 1 year comprising RVOT reintervention, ≥ moderate total PR, and mean RVOT gradient >40 mm Hg. A performance goal of <25% of upper confidence interval (CI) was prespecified for the primary end point, using a 95% exact binomial CI. Patients (n = 58) were enrolled between July 5, 2016 and July 17, 2018, with mean age of 32 years. Prestenting was performed in 53.4%. At discharge, the device success was 98.1% (single valve without explant, < moderate PR, gradient <35 mm Hg). At 30 days, there were no major adjudicated adverse clinical events. At 1 year, the primary end point composite was 4.3% (95% CI 0.5 to 14.5). The composite components were 0% (0 of 56) RVOT reintervention, 2.1% (1 of 47) ≥ moderate PR, and 2.1% (1 of 48) mean RVOT gradient >40 mm Hg. No mortality, endocarditis, thrombosis, or stent fracture were reported at 1 year. In conclusion, the SAPIEN 3 THV was safe and effective in patients with dysfunctional RVOT conduits or previously implanted valves in the pulmonic position to 1 year. Clinical trial registration: NCT02744677; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02744677.

Infective endocarditis after transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation in patients with congenital heart disease: Distinctive features

The introduction of transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) has greatly benefited the management of right ventricular outflow tract dysfunction. Infective endocarditis (IE) is a feared complication of TPVI that affects valve durability and patient outcomes. Current recommendations provide only limited guidance on the management of IE after TPVI (TPVI-IE). This article, by a group of experts in congenital heart disease in children and adults, interventional cardiology, infectious diseases including IE, and microbiology, provides a comprehensive review of the current evidence on TPVI-IE, including its incidence, risk factors, causative organisms, diagnosis, and treatment. The incidence of TPVI-IE varies from 13-91/1000 person-years for Melody valves to 8-17/1000 person-years for SAPIEN valves. Risk factors include history of IE, DiGeorge syndrome, immunosuppression, male sex, high residual transpulmonary gradient and portal of bacteria entry. Staphylococci and streptococci are the most common culprits, whereas Staphylococcus aureus is associated with the most severe disease. In addition to the modified Duke criteria, a high residual gradient warrants a strong suspicion. Imaging studies are helpful for the diagnosis. Intravenous antibiotics guided by blood culture results are the mainstay of treatment. Invasive re-intervention may be required. TPVI-IE in patients with congenital heart disease exhibits several distinctive features. Whether specific valve types are associated with a higher risk of TPVI-IE requires further investigation. Patient and parent education regarding IE prevention may have a role to play and should be offered to all patients.

Outcomes of Treatment for Infective Endocarditis Following Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND

Recipients of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) have shown increased risk of infective endocarditis (IE). Little is known about the outcomes of different management strategies, particularly surgery, for IE after TPVR.

METHODS

We queried the Pediatric Health Information System database for cases of IE after TPVR performed from 2010-2020. We described patient demographics, hospital courses, admission complications, and treatment outcomes based on therapy offered, surgical or medical only. We compared outcomes of initial therapy. Data are expressed as median or percent.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine cases of IE were identified, accounting for 98 related hospital admissions; 29% of patients recorded IE-related readmissions. Of those readmitted after initial medical therapy only, 33% had relapse IE. Rates of surgery were 22% during initial admission and 36% overall. Likelihood of surgical intervention increased with each subsequent admission. Renal and respiratory failure were more common in those given initial surgery. Mortality rate was 4.3% overall and 8% in the surgical cohort.

CONCLUSION

Initial medical therapy may result in relapses/readmissions and possible delay of surgical therapy, which appears to be most effective for treatment of IE. For those treated only medically, a more aggressive course of therapy may be more likely to prevent relapse. Mortality following surgical therapy for IE after TPVR appears higher than reported for surgical pulmonary valve replacement generally.

Ten Years of Percutaneous Pulmonary Valve Implantation in Australia and New Zealand

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to investigate the characteristics, morbidity (including the rate of infective endocarditis and valve replacement) and mortality of individuals undergoing percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation in Australia and New Zealand since the procedure has been performed.

BACKGROUND

The outcomes of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation in Australia and New Zealand have not been evaluated. Recent international data, including patients from New Zealand, suggests the rate of infective endocarditis is not insignificant.

METHODS

A retrospective multi-site cohort study was undertaken via medical record review at the centres where percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation has been performed. All procedures performed from 2009-March 2018 were included. Individuals were identified from local institution databases. Data was collected and analysed including demographics, details at the time of intervention, haemodynamic outcome, post procedure morbidity and mortality. Multi-site ethics approval was obtained.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy-nine (179) patients attended the cardiac catheter laboratory for planned percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation. Of these patients, 172 underwent successful implantation. Tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary atresia were the most common diagnoses. The median age at procedure was 19 years (range 3-60 yrs). There was a significant improvement in the acute haemodynamics in patients undergoing percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation for stenosis. Seven (7) patients (3.9%) experienced a major procedural/early post procedure complication (death, conversion to open procedure, cardiac arrest), including two deaths. The annualised rates of infective endocarditis and valve replacement were 4.6% and 3.8% respectively. There was one death related to infective endocarditis in follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous pulmonary valve replacement is a relatively safe method of rehabilitating the right ventricular outflow tract.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Infective Endocarditis: A Survey of Practice Among Pediatric Cardiology Providers

The 2007 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines limited antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) for infective endocarditis (IE) to fewer patients with predisposing cardiac conditions (PCC). We surveyed the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery (AAP SOCCS) on their recommendations for AP for a number of PCC and procedures. We report on those 173 respondents who follow the 2007 AHA guidelines. AP rates for high-risk PCCs clearly meeting AHA criteria ranged from 70.5-89.8%. Conversely, for PCCs which did not meet AHA criteria, prescribing rates varied from &lt;1% to 29.5%. PCC for which AP indication was unclear per guidelines, AP rates similarly varied from 9.9-39.8%. Similar variability is noted in AP for various procedures in setting of high-risk PCC. There is variability in AP prescribing practices among pediatric cardiologists based on both underlying PCC and noncardiac procedures in the setting of underlying cardiac disease.

Transcatheter Interventions in Patients With Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Patients with congenital heart disease now live well into adulthood because of advances in surgical techniques, improvements in medical management, and the development of novel therapeutic agents. As patients grow older into adults with congenital heart disease, many require catheter-based interventions for the treatment of residual defects, sequelae of their initial repair or palliation, or acquired heart disease. The past 3 decades have witnessed an exponential growth in both the type and number of transcatheter interventions in patients with congenital heart disease. With improvements in medical technology and device design, including the use of devices designed for the treatment of acquired valve stenosis or regurgitation, patients who previously would have required open-heart surgery for various conditions can now undergo percutaneous cardiac catheter-based procedures. Many of these procedures are complex and occur in complex patients who are best served by a multidisciplinary team. This review aims to highlight some of the currently available transcatheter interventional procedures for adults with congenital heart disease, the clinical outcomes of each intervention, and any special considerations so that the reader may better understand both the procedure and patients with adult congenital heart disease.

Intracardiac echocardiography Chinese expert consensus

In recent years, percutaneous catheter interventions have continuously evolved, becoming an essential strategy for interventional diagnosis and treatment of many structural heart diseases and arrhythmias. Along with the increasing complexity of cardiac interventions comes ever more complex demands for intraoperative imaging. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is well-suited for these requirements with real-time imaging, real-time monitoring for intraoperative complications, and a well-tolerated procedure. As a result, ICE is increasingly used many types of cardiac interventions. Given the lack of relevant guidelines at home and abroad and to promote and standardize the clinical applications of ICE, the members of this panel extensively evaluated relevant research findings, and they developed this consensus document after discussions and correlation with front-line clinical work experience, aiming to provide guidance for clinicians and to further improve interventional cardiovascular diagnosis and treatment procedures.

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.

Endocarditis in Bovine Vein Grafts in the Pulmonary Position Placed Surgically & Percutaneously

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is one of the major complications following pulmonary valve replacement (PVR). This analysis hopes to evaluate the incidence, outcomes and possible risk factors of IE associated with trans-catheter and surgical placement of a bovine jugular vein (BJV) graft in the pulmonary position. Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, all records of trans-catheter and surgical PVR from 3/2010 to 12/2019 were reviewed. IE was defined as positive blood cultures, with vegetations seen on echocardiography or sudden increase in peak gradient across the valve or vegetations confirmed at time of valve replacement. Poor dental hygiene:1.dental procedures without S.B.E prophylaxis AND/OR 2.one or more dental cavities, caries, dental abscess. Results: 165 patients had PVR with BJV:107 trans-catheter and 63 surgical. 7%(12/170) of PVRs developed IE(catheter:n = 10, surgery:n = 2) at a median time from valve placement of 38 months. The incidence of IE in the catheter group:3-per-100patient-years and in surgical group:1-per-100patient-years. Multivariate cox regression showed that poor dental hygiene was significantly associated with IE [HR(95% CI):16.9(4.35-66.2)](p value <.001). Kaplan-Meier curves showed a significant difference in freedom from IE between patients with poor and appropriate dental hygiene (p value<.001). Conclusions: There is a 7% incidence of IE with the use of BJV grafts in the pulmonary position at mid-term follow-up. Though the rate in catheter placed BJV seems 3x higher than surgically placed ones, their cohorts are quite different making this comparison flawed. Poor dental hygiene is a strong predictor for post-operative IE and offers a significant opportunity for lowering the rate of infective endocarditis.

Nationwide Registry-Based Analysis of Infective Endocarditis Risk After Pulmonary Valve Replacement

Background Infective endocarditis (IE) after pulmonary valve replacements in congenital heart disease is a significant concern. This study aimed to identify specific long-term risk factors for IE after percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation or surgical pulmonary valve replacement. Methods and Results All patients with congenital heart disease from the National Register for Congenital Heart Defects with at least 1 pulmonary valve replacement before January 2018 were included. A total of 1170 patients (56.3% men, median age at study inclusion 12 [interquartile range {Q1-Q3} 5-20 years]) received 1598 pulmonary valve replacements. IE occurred in 4.8% of patients during a follow-up of total 9397 patient-years (median 10 [Q1-Q3, 6-10] years per patient). After homograft implantation 7 of 558 (1.3%) patients developed IE, after heterograft implantation 31 of 723 (4.3%) patients, and after Melody valve implantation 18 of 241 (7.5%) patients. Edwards Sapien and mechanical valves were used less frequently and remained without IE. The incidence of IE in heterografts excluding Contegra valves was 7 of 278 (2.5%), whereas the incidence of IE in Contegra valves was 24 of 445 (5.4%). The risk of IE was not increased compared with homografts if Contegra valves were excluded from the heterografts (hazard ratio [HR], 2.60; P=0.075). The risk of IE was increased for bovine jugular vein valves, Contegra valves (HR, 6.72; P<0.001), and Melody valves (HR, 5.49; P<0.001), but did not differ between Melody valves and Contegra valves (HR, 1.01; P=0.978). Conclusions Bovine jugular vein valves have the highest risk of IE, irrespective of the mode of deployment, either surgical or percutaneous.

Echocardiographic Assessment of Melody Versus Sapien Valves Following Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare the immediate and midterm echocardiographic performance of the Melody (Medtronic Inc) and Sapien (Edwards Lifesciences Inc) valves after transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) in native and conduit right ventricular outflow tracts (RVOTs).

BACKGROUND

TPVR is now a common procedure, but limited data exist comparing postimplantation echocardiographic findings between Melody and Sapien valves.

METHODS

This was a single-institution retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent successful TPVR from 2011 to 2020. Patient demographics, procedural details, and immediate and midterm echocardiographic findings were collected and compared between valve types using the Wilcoxon rank sum, chi-square, or Fisher exact test as appropriate. Subgroups were analyzed individually and were adjusted for multiple comparisons using the Bonferroni method.

RESULTS

A total of 328 patients underwent successful TPVR (Melody: n = 202, Sapien: n = 126). The groups had a similar baseline age, weight, and diagnosis. The most common indications for TPVR were pulmonary stenosis (32.2%) or mixed disease (46%) in the Melody group and pulmonary insufficiency in the Sapien group (52.4%) (P < 0.001). Sapien valves were more often placed in native RVOTs (43.7% vs 18.8%; P < 0.001). The discharge and follow-up mean and peak Doppler gradients were similar between the Melody and Sapien groups. Valves implanted in native RVOTs had significantly lower postimplantation gradients at each follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Echocardiographic performance after TPVR was generally acceptable and similar when comparing Melody and Sapien valves despite differences in the indication and anatomy in each group. The peak and mean gradients were lower in transcatheter valves implanted in native RVOTs compared with those implanted in conduits or bioprosthetic valves.

Selective Valve Removal for Melody Valve Endocarditis: Practice Variations in a Multicenter Experience

Guidelines for management of Melody transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV) infective endocarditis (IE) are lacking. We aimed to identify factors associated with surgical valve removal versus antimicrobial therapy in Melody TPV IE. Multicenter retrospective analysis of all patients receiving Melody TPV from 10/2010 to 3/2019 was performed to identify cases of IE. Surgical explants versus non-surgical cases were compared. Of the 663 Melody TPV implants, there were 66 cases of IE in 59 patients (59/663, 8.8%). 39/66 (59%) were treated with IV antimicrobials and 27/66(41%) underwent valve explantation. 26/59 patients (44%) were treated medically without explantation or recurrence with average follow-up time of 3.5 years (range:1-9). 32% of Streptococcus cases, 53% of MSSA, and all MRSA cases were explanted. 2 of the 4 deaths had MSSA. CART analysis demonstrated two important parameters associated with explantation: a peak echo gradient ≥ 47 mmHg at IE diagnosis(OR 10.6, p < 0.001) and a peak echo gradient increase of > 24 mmHg compared to baseline (OR 6.7, p = 0.01). Rates of explantation varied by institution (27 to 64%). In our multicenter experience, 44% of patients with Melody IE were successfully medically treated without valve explantation or recurrence. The degree of valve stenosis at time of IE diagnosis was strongly associated with explantation. Rates of explantation varied significantly among the institutions.

Is there a role for endovascular stent implantation in the management of postoperative right ventricular outflow tract obstruction in the era of transcatheter valve implantation?

BACKGROUND

The optimal management pathway for the dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) is uncertain. We evaluated the long-term outcomes and clinical impact of stent implantation for obstructed RVOTs in an era of rapidly progressing transcatheter pulmonary valve technology.

METHODS

Retrospective review of 151 children with a biventricular repair who underwent stenting of obstructed RVOT between 1991 and 2017.

RESULTS

RVOT stenting resulted in significant changes in peak right ventricle (RV)-to-pulmonary artery (PA) gradient (39.4 ± 17.1-14.9 ± 8.3; p < 0.001) and RV-to-aortic pressure ratio (0.78 ± 0.22-0.49 ± 0.13; p < 0.001). Subsequent percutaneous reinterventions in 51 children to palliate recurrent stenosis were similarly effective. Ninety-nine (66%) children reached the primary outcome of subsequent pulmonary valve replacement (PVR). Freedom from PVR from the time of stent implantation was 91%, 51%, and 23% at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Small balloon diameters for stent deployment were associated with shorter freedom from PVR. When additional children without stent palliation (with RV-to-PA conduits) were added to the stent cohort (total 506 children), the multistate analysis showed the longest freedom from PVR in those with stent palliation and subsequent catheter reintervention. Pulmonary regurgitation was well-tolerated clinically. Indexed RV dimensions and function estimated by echocardiography remained stable at last follow up or before primary outcome.

CONCLUSION

Prolongation of conduit longevity with stent implant remains an important strategy to allow for somatic growth to optimize the risk-benefit profile for subsequent surgical or transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement performed at an older age.

Comparison of homografts and bovine jugular vein conduits in the pulmonary position in patients <20 years of age

OBJECTIVE

To compare the performance of homografts and bovine jugular vein (BJV) conduits in the pulmonary position.

METHODS

All patients with congenital heart disease up to age 20 years who underwent pulmonary valve replacement with homografts or BJV at 3 centers in Australia were evaluated. There were 674 conduits, with 305 (45%) pulmonary homografts (PHs), 303 (45%) BJV conduits, and 66 (10%) aortic homografts (AHs). Endpoints were freedom from reintervention, structural valve degeneration (SVD), and infective endocarditis (IE). Propensity score matching was used to balance the comparison of PH and BJV conduits.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 6.4 years (interquartile range, IQR, 3.1-10.7 years). Freedom from reintervention at 5 and 10 years was 92% and 80%, respectively, for PH, 74% and 37% for BJV, and 75% and 47% for AH. BJV conduits had a higher risk of reintervention (P < .001) and SVD (P < .001) compared with PHs. These findings were confirmed with propensity score matching valid for conduit size >15 mm. AHs >15 mm had a higher risk of reintervention (P < .001) and SVD (P < .001) compared with PHs >15 mm. The performance of AHs and BJV conduits was similar across all sizes (reintervention, P = .94; SVD, P = .72). The incidence of IE was 1% for PH, 10% for BJV, and 1.5% for AH.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients age <20 years with a conduit >15 mm, PHs outperformed BJV conduits and AHs in the pulmonary position. The performance of AH and BJV was comparable. Small conduits (≤15 mm) had similar performance across all conduit types.

Multicenter Study of Endocarditis After Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND

Endocarditis has emerged as one of the most impactful adverse events after transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR), but there is limited information about risk factors for and outcomes of this complication.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors for and outcomes of endocarditis in a large multicenter cohort.

METHODS

The authors established an international registry focused on characterizing endocarditis after TPVR, including the incidence, risk factors, characteristics, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Investigators submitted data for 2,476 patients who underwent TPVR between July 2005 and March 2020 and were followed for 8,475 patient-years. In total, 182 patients were diagnosed with endocarditis a median of 2.7 years after TPVR, for a cumulative incidence of 9.5% (95% CI: 7.9%-11.1%) at 5 years and 16.9% (95% CI: 14.2%-19.8%) at 8 years (accounting for competing risks: death, heart transplant, and explant) and an annualized incidence of 2.2 per 100 patient-years. Staphylococcus aureus and Viridans group Streptococcus species together accounted for 56% of cases. Multivariable analysis confirmed that younger age, a previous history of endocarditis, and a higher residual gradient were risk factors for endocarditis, but transcatheter pulmonary valve type was not. Overall, right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reintervention was less often to treat endocarditis than for other reasons, but valve explant was more often caused by endocarditis. Endocarditis was severe in 44% of patients, and 12 patients (6.6%) died, nearly all of whom were infected with Staphylococcus aureus.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of endocarditis in this multicenter registry was constant over time and consistent with prior smaller studies. The findings of this study, along with ongoing efforts to understand and mitigate risk, will be critical to improve the lifetime management of patients with heart disease involving the RVOT. Although endocarditis can be a serious adverse outcome, TPVR remains an important tool in the management of RVOT dysfunction.

Edwards SAPIEN XT transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation: 5-year follow-up in a French Registry

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to investigate patient intermediate-term outcomes after transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) with Edwards SAPIEN valve.

BACKGROUND

The Edwards SAPIEN valve, initially designed for percutaneous aortic valve replacement, has been approved for TPVR in patients with dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tracts (RVOT), but only short-term follow-up has been reported.

METHODS

From 2011 to 2016, 62 patients undergoing successful TPVR using the SAPIEN XT valve were consecutively included into the study. Primary efficacy and safety endpoints were defined as freedom from valve-reintervention and freedom from infective endocarditis at last follow-up, respectively.

RESULTS

The primary efficacy outcome was met for 87.1% patients after a mean follow-up of 4.6 ± 1.8 years, corresponding to a freedom of reintervention at 5 years of 89% (95% CI 74.8-95.6%). Reinterventions were exclusively due to recurrent obstruction, no significant valvular regurgitation was observed. One case of infective endocarditis was reported, corresponding to a rate of 0.35% per patient-year (95% CI 0.01-2.00%). At 5 years, freedom from infective endocarditis was 98.4% (95% CI 89.1-99.8%). Six patients died or were transplanted due to advanced cardiac failure, without relationship with TPVR. In univariate analysis, reintervention was associated with young age, a smaller tube-graft, a higher pulmonary valve gradient after the procedure and a ratio of largest implanted stent diameter to invasive balloon conduit diameter over 1.35.

CONCLUSIONS

This study documents the mid-term safety and efficacy of the Edwards SAPIEN XT valve in patients with dysfunctional RVOT, and identifies a patient profile associated with an uncertain benefit-risk balance.

Munich Comparative Study: Prospective Long-Term Outcome of the Transcatheter Melody Valve Versus Surgical Pulmonary Bioprosthesis With Up to 12 Years of Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) has become an important treatment of right ventricular outflow tract dysfunction. Studies directly comparing the long-term outcome of PPVI with the Melody valve to surgical pulmonary valve replacement (SPVR) are lacking.

METHODS

All patients treated with PPVI with the Melody valve and SPVR between January 2006 and December 2018 in our center were enrolled into a database and investigated with a standard follow-up protocol. The current study compares the outcomes in means of survival, reinterventions, infectious endocarditis, and performance of the valves.

RESULTS

The study included 452 patients, of whom 241 were treated with PPVI with the Melody valve and 211 patients with SPVR with different types of valves. Median follow-up time was 5.4 years (3 months to 12.5 years), and the total observation was 2449 patient-years. Estimated survival after 10 years was 94% in the Melody group and 92% in the SPVR group (P=0.47). There was no difference in the estimated survival free of surgery on the implanted valve at 10 years (Melody, 87%, versus SPVR, 87%; P=0.54) or in the survival with the originally implanted pulmonary valve (Melody group, 80%; SPVR group, 73%; P=0.46) between both groups. The annualized incidence of infective endocarditis was 1.6% in the Melody group and 0.5% in the SPVR group, and the estimated survival free of endocarditis did not differ significantly between groups (Melody group, 82%; SPVR group, 86%; P=0.082). Survival free of valve replacement because of infective endocarditis was comparable between both groups (Melody, 88%; SPVR, 88%; P=0.35).

CONCLUSIONS

PPVI with the Melody valve and SPVR provides similar survival, freedom of reinterventions, and infective endocarditis with or without the need of replacement of the pulmonary valve. Being less invasive, PPVI should be considered a method for treatment for patients with dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tracts.

Procedural technique for hybrid pulmonary valve replacement in infants and small children

OBJECTIVES

Hybrid approach to pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) in the paediatric population has been reported, although data in infants and small children are limited. Several strategies are now possible. The aim of this study is to review our hybrid PVR strategy in a complex patient cohort, outlining a variety of approaches employed in our centre.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of infants and small children who underwent hybrid PVR between May 2017 and April 2019 in a single tertiary cardiology centre. Medical records were reviewed to ascertain demographic, clinical and outcome data.

RESULTS

Ten patients with a median (interquartile range) age of 1.5 years (1.1-1.9) and weight of 8.8 kg (8-10.6) were managed with hybrid pulmonary valve insertion. Eight patients had perventricular approach (4 sternotomy and 4 subxiphoid) and 2 patients had surgically sutured valve. Six patients underwent cardiopulmonary bypass for associated lesions. Three had insertion of the valve into conduits and 7 were deployed into native right ventricular outflow tracts. The pulmonary valve was successfully inserted in all 10 patients with no mortality. Postprocedural complications included paravalvar leak in 2 patients, suspected endocarditis in 1 patient who developed early valve regurgitation and wound infection in 1 patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Several approaches to hybrid PVR may be employed in small children with a high success rate. Follow-up studies are required to evaluate longer term durability of these approaches compared to standard surgical replacement.

Mid-term outcomes of Contegra implantation for the reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract to proximal branch pulmonary arteries: Japan multicentre study

OBJECTIVES

To reveal the mid-term outcomes of Contegra implantation for the reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract to proximal branch pulmonary arteries in a multicentre study.

METHODS

Between April 2013 and December 2019, 178 Contegra conduits were implanted at 5 Japanese institutes. The median age and body weight at operation were 16 months (25th-75th percentile: 8-32) and 8.3 kg (6.4-10.6). Sixteen patients were neonates (9.0%). Selected conduit sizes were 12 mm in 28 patients (15.7%), 14 mm in 67 patients (37.6%), 16 mm in 66 patients (37.1%), 18 mm in 5 patients (2.8%) and <12 mm in 12 patients (6.7%). Fifty-six grafts (31.4%) were ring supported. Proximal branch pulmonary arteries were concomitantly augmented in 85 patients (47.5%). Follow-up was completed in all patients and the median follow-up period was 3.1 years (1.3-5.1).

RESULTS

The overall, conduit explantation-free and conduit infection-free survival rates at 5 years were 91.3%, 71.0% and 83.7%, respectively. Infection (P = 0.009) and common arterial trunk (P = 0.024) were risk factors for explantation. Conduit durability was shorter in smaller one (P < 0.001). Catheter interventions (for conduit to proximal branch pulmonary artery)-free survival rates at 5 years was 52.9%; however, need for catheter interventions was not a risk factor for conduit explantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Mid-term outcomes of reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract to the proximal branch pulmonary arteries with Contegra were acceptable. The need for explantation over time was higher in smaller conduits. Conduit infection was a strong risk factor for conduit explantation. Frequently and repeated catheter interventions effectively extended the conduit durability.

Prevention and management of endocarditis after transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement: current status and future prospects

Introduction: Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) has become an important tool in the management of congenital heart disease with abnormalities of the right ventricular outflow tract. Endocarditis is one of the most serious adverse long-term outcomes and among the leading causes of death in patients with congenital heart disease and after (TPVR).Areas covered: This review discusses the current state knowledge about the risk factors for and outcomes of endocarditis after transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement in patients with congenital and acquired heart disease. It also addresses practical measures for mitigating endocarditis risk, as well as diagnosing and managing endocarditis when it does occur.Expert opinion: With increasing understanding of the risk factors for and management and outcomes of endocarditis in patients who have undergone TPVR, we continue to learn how to utilize TPVR most effectively in this complex population of patients.

Acute and midterm outcomes of the post-approval MELODY Registry: a multicentre registry of transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation

AIMS

The post-approval MELODY Registry aimed to obtain multicentre registry data after transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) with the Melody™ valve (Medtronic plc.) in a large-scale cohort of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Retrospective analysis of multicentre registry data after TPVI with the Melody™ valve. Eight hundred and forty-five patients (mean age: 21.0 ± 11.1 years) underwent TPVI in 42 centres between December 2006 and September 2013 and were followed-up for a median of 5.9 years (range: 0-11.0 years). The composite endpoint of TPVI-related events during follow-up (i.e. death, reoperation, or reintervention >48 h after TPVI) showed an incidence rate of 4.2% per person per year [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.7-4.9]. Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation infective endocarditis (I.E.) showed an incidence rate of 2.3% per person per year (95% CI 1.9-2.8) and resulted in significant morbidity and in nine deaths. In multivariable Cox proportional hazard models, the invasively measured residual right ventricle (RV)-to-pulmonary artery (PA) pressure gradient (per 5 mmHg) was associated with the risk of the composite endpoint (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.21, 95% CI 1.12-1.30; P < 0.0001) and the risk of TPVI I.E. (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.19, 95% CI 1.07-1.32; P = 0.002). Major procedural complications (death, surgical, or interventional treatment requirement) occurred in 0.5%, 1.2%, and 2.0%, respectively. Acutely, the RV-to-PA pressure gradient and the percentage of patients with pulmonary regurgitation grade >2 improved significantly from 36 [interquartile range (IQR) 24-47] to 12 (IQR 7-17) mmHg and 47 to 1%, respectively (P < 0.001 for each).

CONCLUSION

The post-approval MELODY Registry confirms the efficacy of TPVI with the Melody™ valve in a large-scale cohort of CHD patients. The residual invasively measured RV-to-PA pressure gradient may serve as a target for further improvement in the composite endpoint and TPVI I.E. However, TPVI I.E. remains a significant concern causing significant morbidity and mortality.

Pulmonary regurgitation after repaired tetralogy of Fallot: surgical versus percutaneous treatment

Pulmonary regurgitation is the most important sequellae after correction of Tetralogy of Fallot and has a considerable impact over the right ventricle. Surgery has demonstrated low early mortality after pulmonary valve replacement and good long-term outcomes, remaining nowadays the gold standard treatment of pulmonary regurgitation in rTOF patients. Nevertheless, transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation has emerged as a new, safe and efficient alternative to surgical valve replacement. In this review article, we try to evaluate and compare both techniques to find out which is the best therapeutic option in this patients.

Infective endocarditis in patients after percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation with the stent-mounted bovine jugular vein valve: Clinical experience and evaluation of the modified Duke criteria

AIMS

Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) has proven good hemodynamic results. As infective endocarditis (IE) remains a potential complication with limited available clinical data, we reviewed our patient records to improve future strategies of IE prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

Medical records of all patients diagnosed with Melody® valve IE according to the modified Duke criteria were retrospectively analyzed in three Belgian tertiary centers.

RESULTS

23 IE episodes in 22 out of 240 patients were identified (incidence 2.4% / patient year) with a clear male predominance (86%). Median age at IE was 17.9 years (range 8.2-45.9 years) and median time from PPVI to IE was 2.4 years (range 0.7-8 years). Streptococcal species caused 10 infections (43%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (n = 5, 22%). In 13/23 IE episodes a possible entry-point was identified (57%). IE was classified as definite in 15 (65%) and as possible in 8 (35%) cases due to limitations of imaging. Echocardiography visualized vegetations in only 10 patients. PET-CT showed positive FDG signals in 5/7 patients (71%) and intracardiac echocardiography a vegetation in 1/1 patient (100%). Eleven cases (48%) had a hemodynamically relevant pulmonary stenosis at IE presentation. Nine early and 6 late percutaneous or surgical re-interventions were performed. No IE related deaths occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

IE after Melody® valve PPVI is associated with a relevant need of re-interventions. Communication to patients and physicians about risk factors is essential in prevention. The modified Duke criteria underperformed in diagnosing definite IE, but inclusion of new imaging modalities might improve diagnostic performance.

Transcatheter Interventions in Adult Congenital Heart Disease

This article provides a detailed review of the current practices and future directions of transcatheter interventions in adults with congenital heart disease. This includes indications for intervention, risks, and potential complications, as well as a review of available devices and their performance.

Left Anterior Mini-Incision for Pulmonary Valve Replacement Following Tetralogy of Fallot Repair

Pulmonary insufficiency is a known complication following Tetralogy of Fallot repair. With over 90% of patients now surviving to adulthood, surgeons are once again faced with the question of when, and more importantly, how to reintervene. We developed a novel approach to pulmonary valve replacement in this population through a 5-cm left anterior mini-incision. The incision is optimized for exposing and operating on the right ventricular outflow tract and the main pulmonary artery in patients with a history of median sternotomy. Early outcomes are reassuring, and we believe our approach is a safe and reliable alternative to median sternotomy within this patient population, with the ability to quickly convert intraoperatively when needed.

Left Anterior Mini-Incision for Pulmonary Valve Replacement in a 12-Year-Old

A 12-year-old, 32 kg male with history of Tetralogy of Fallot status post repair at 8 days of life presented with progressive pulmonary insufficiency and left pulmonary artery stenosis. Surgical options were discussed, and the patient and his family elected to pursue minimally invasive pulmonary valve replacement with left pulmonary artery augmentation through a 5-cm left anterior mini-incision. The procedure was performed without complication, and he was discharged on postoperative day 3. At the time of his last follow-up, the patient was recovering well without evidence of pulmonary stenosis or insufficiency.

Transcatheter Versus Surgical Pulmonary Valve Replacement: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) has emerged as an alternative to surgery in patients with pulmonary valve dysfunction.

METHODS

We searched the Medline and Cochrane databases since their inception to January 2019 as well as references from article, for all publications comparing TPVR with surgical PVR (SPVR). Studies were considered for inclusion if they reported comparative data regarding any of the study endpoints. The primary endpoint was early mortality after PVR. Secondary endpoints included procedure-related complications, length of hospital stay, mortality during follow-up, infective endocarditis, need for reintervention, post-PVR transpulmonary peak systolic gradient, and significant pulmonary regurgitation.

RESULTS

There were no differences in perioperative mortality between groups (0.2% vs 1.2%; pooled odds ratio, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-1.59; P = .27, I² = 0%). However TPVR conferred a significant reduction in procedure-related complications and length of hospital stay compared with SPVR. Midterm mortality and the need for repeat intervention were similar with both techniques, but pooled infective endocarditis was significantly more frequent in the TPVR group (5.8 vs 2.7%; pooled odds ratio, 3.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.89-5.06; P < .001, I² = 0%). TPVR was associated with less significant PR and a trend towards a lower transpulmonary systolic gradient during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

TPVR is a safe alternative to SPVR in selected patients and is associated with a shorter length of hospital stay and fewer procedure-related complications. At midterm follow-up TPVR was comparable with SPVR in terms of mortality and repeat intervention but was associated with an increased risk of infective endocarditis.