Is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Better Than Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease? A Nationwide Inpatient Sample Analysis

Age, creatinine, and ejection fraction score is a risk factor for acute kidney injury after surgical aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND

The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) increases after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). This study aimed to characterize the risk factors of AKI after SAVR.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We conducted a retrospective registry study based on data from 299 consecutive patients undergoing SAVR. At 48 h after SAVR, 41 patients developed AKI. There was a significantly higher prevalence of older age, higher body mass index (BMI), and diabetes mellitus in the AKI group. Previous use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blocker (ACEI/ARB) and β-blocker, intake and output volumes within 24 h, mechanical ventilation time, length of intensive care unit and hospital stay, baseline creatinine, baseline, 24 h, and 48 h estimated glomerular filtration rate were strongly associated with the incidence of AKI. BMI >24, history of hypertension, use of ACEI/ARB and β-blocker, and mechanical ventilation time were associated with AKI. Univariate logistic regression indicated that overweight, hypertension, use of ACEI/ARB and β-blocker, and mechanical ventilation time were associated with AKI. Notably, the ACEF score was an independent predictor of AKI. The receiver operating characteristic curve was employed to assess the ACEF score for predicting AKI and the best cutoff was 1.1. After dividing ACEF into quartiles, each one-unit increment in ACEF led to a 2.27-fold risk in the incidence of AKI among patients.

CONCLUSIONS

AKI is a generalizable phenomenon occurring frequently after SAVR. The ACEF score is an independent predictor of AKI among patients undergoing SAVR.

Surgical vs transcatheter aortic valve replacement in bicuspid aortic valve stenosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to provide a comprehensive analysis of the literature directly comparing the outcomes of surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and TAVR in patients with BAV stenosis. Medline, PubMed, and Scopus were systematically searched for articles published between 2000 and 2023, 1862 studies were screened, and 6 retrospective studies met the inclusion criteria. We included 6550 patients in the final analyses: 3,292 and 3,258 in the SAVR and TAVR groups, respectively. Both groups have similar rates of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio (OR) 1.11; 95% CI 0.59-2.10; p = 0.75) and stroke (OR 1.25; 95% CI 0.85-1.86; p = 0.26. Patients who underwent SAVR experienced lower rates of permanent pacemaker implantation (OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.35-0.83; p = 0.005) and paravalvular leak (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.26-0.86; p = 0.02). On the other hand, patients who underwent TAVR displayed lower rates of acute kidney injury (OR 1.81; 95% CI 1.15-2.84; p = 0.010), major bleeding (OR 3.76; 95% CI 2.18-6.49; p < 0.00001), and pulmonary complications (OR 7.68; 95% CI 1.21-48.84; p = 0.03). Despite the early mortality data suggesting that TAVR may be a reasonable strategy for patients with bicuspid AS with low to intermediate surgical risk, the increased risk of PPI and PVL is concerning. A prospective, randomized, controlled trial reporting long-term outcomes with pre-defined subgroup analyses based on BAV morphology is paramount. In the interim, caution should be exercised in the widespread adoption of TAVR in lower surgical-risk patients.

Incidence, predictors, and prognostic significance of impaired functional status early after transcatheter aortic valve replacement

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

There are scarce data on the factors associated with impaired functional status after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and its clinical impact. This study aimed to determine the incidence, predictors, and prognostic implications of impaired functional class (NYHA class III-IV) following TAVR.

METHODS

This multicenter study included 3462 transarterial TAVR patients receiving newer generation devices. The patients were compared according to their NYHA class at 1 month of follow-up (NYHA I-II vs NYHA III-IV). A multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the predictors of 30-day NYHA class III-IV. Patient survival was compared with the Kaplan-Meier method and factors associated with decreased survival were identified with Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

The mean age of the study population was 80.3±7.3 years, with 47% of women, and a median Society of Thoracic Surgeons score of 3.8% [IQR, 2.5-5.8]. A total of 208 patients (6%) were in NYHA class III-IV 1 month after TAVR. Predictors of 30-day NYHA class III-IV were baseline NYHA class III-IV (OR, 1.76; 95%CI, 1.08-2.89; P=.02), chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (OR, 1.80; 95%CI, 1.13-2.83; P=.01), and post-TAVR severe mitral regurgitation (OR, 2.00; 95%CI, 1.21-3.31; P<.01). Patients in NYHA class III-IV 1 month after TAVR were at higher risk of death (HR, 3.68; 95%CI, 2.39-5.70; P<.01) and heart failure-related hospitalization (HR, 6.00; 95%CI, 3.76-9.60; P<.01) at 1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Up to 6% of contemporary TAVR patients exhibited an impaired functional status following TAVR. Worse baseline NYHA class, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, and severe mitral regurgitation predicted 30-day NYHA class III/IV, and this determined a higher risk of mortality and heart failure hospitalization at 1-year follow-up. Further studies on the prevention and treatment optimization of patients with impaired functional status after TAVR are needed.

In-Hospital and One-Year Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients Requiring Supplemental Home Oxygen Use

Background

There have been limited reports with inconsistent results on the impact of long-term use of oxygen therapry (LTOT) in patients treated with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods

We compared in-hospital and intermediate TAVR outcomes in 150 patients requiring LTOT (home O₂ cohort) with 2,313 non-home O₂ patients.

Results

Home O₂ patients were younger, and had more comorbidities including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, carotid artery disease, lower forced expiratory volume (FEV₁) (50.3±21.1% vs. 75.0±24.7%, P < 0.001), and lower diffusion capacity (DLCO, 48.6±19.2% vs. 74.6±22.4%, P < 0.001). These differences represented higher baseline Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk score (15.5±10.2% vs. 9.3±7.0%, P < 0.001) and lower pre-procedure Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ-12) scores (32.5 ± 22.2 vs. 49.1 ± 25.4, P < 0.001). The home O₂ cohort required higher use of alternative TAVR vascular access (24.0% vs. 12.8%, P = 0.002) and general anesthesia (51.3% vs. 36.0%, P < 0.001). Compared to non-home O₂ patients, home O₂ patients showed increased in-hospital mortality (5.3% vs. 1.6%, P = 0.001), procedural cardiac arrest (4.7% vs. 1.0%, P < 0.001), and postoperative atrial fibrillation (4.0% vs. 1.5%, P = 0.013). At 1-year follow-up, the home O₂ cohort had a higher all-cause mortality (17.3% vs. 7.5%, P < 0.001) and lower KCCQ-12 scores (69.5 ± 23.8 vs. 82.1 ± 19.4, P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meir analysis revealed a lower survival rate in the home O₂ cohort with an overall mean (95% confidence interval (CI)) survival time of 6.2 (5.9 - 6.5) years (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Home O₂ patients represent a high-risk TAVR cohort with increased in-hospital morbidity and mortality, less improvement in 1-year KCCQ-12, and increased mortality at intermediate follow-up.

Does the Type of Chronic Heart Failure Impact In-Hospital Outcomes for Aortic Valve Replacement Procedures?

BACKGROUND

This study assessed in-hospital outcomes of patients with chronic systolic, diastolic, or mixed heart failure (HF) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

METHODS

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was used to identify patients with aortic stenosis and chronic HF who underwent TAVR or SAVR between 2012 and 2015. Propensity score matching and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine outcome risk.

RESULTS

A cohort of 9,879 patients with systolic (27.2%), diastolic (52.2%), and mixed (20.6%) chronic HF were included. No statistically significant differences in hospital mortality were noted. Overall, patients with diastolic HF had the shortest hospital stays and lowest costs. Compared with patients with diastolic HF, the risk of acute myocardial infarction (TAVR odds ratio [OR], 1.95; 95% CI, 1.20-3.19; P = .008; SAVR OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.98-1.95; P = .067) and cardiogenic shock (TAVR OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.43-3.23; P < .001; SAVR OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.42-2.53; P ≤ .001) was higher in patients with systolic HF, whereas the risk of permanent pacemaker implantation (TAVR OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.45-0.76; P < .001; SAVR OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.40-0.84; P = .004) was lower following aortic valve procedures. In TAVR, the risk of acute deep vein thrombosis and kidney injury was higher, although not statistically significant, in patients with systolic HF than in those with diastolic HF.

CONCLUSION

These outcomes suggest that chronic HF types do not incur statistically significant hospital mortality risk in patients undergoing TAVR or SAVR.

Low Circulating Musclin is Associated With Adverse Prognosis in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation at Low-Intermediate Risk

Background

Musclin is an activity‐stimulated and cardioprotective myokine that attenuates pathological cardiac remodeling. Musclin deficiency, in turn, results in reduced physical endurance. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of circulating musclin as a novel, putative biomarker to identify patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) who are at a higher risk of death.

Methods and Results

In this study, we measured systemic musclin levels in 368 patients undergoing TAVI who were at low to intermediate clinical risk (median EuroSCORE [European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation] II: 3.5; quartile 1–quartile, 2.2%–5.3%), whereby 209 (56.8%) patients were at low and 159 (43.2%) were at intermediate risk. Median preprocedural musclin levels were 2.7 ng/mL (quartile 1–quartile 3, 1.5–4.6 ng/mL). Musclin levels were dichotomized in low (<2.862 ng/mL, n=199 [54.1%]) or high (≥ 2.862 ng/mL, n=169 [45.9%]) groups using cutoff values determined by classification and regression tree analysis. The primary end point was 1‐year overall survival. Patients with low circulating musclin levels exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of frailty, low albumin values, hypertension, and history of stroke as well as higher N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide. Low musclin levels significantly predicted risk of death in univariable (hazard ratio, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.00–3.53 [P=0.049]) and multivariable (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.06–5.69 [P=0.037]) Cox regression analyses. Additionally, low musclin levels in combination with conventional EuroSCORE II suggested improved risk stratification in patients undergoing TAVI who were at low to intermediate clinical risk into subgroups with reduced 1‐year survival rates by log‐rank test (P for trend=0.003).

Conclusions

Circulating musclin is an independent predictor of 1‐year overall survival in patients undergoing TAVI. Combined with EuroSCORE II, circulating musclin might help to improve prediction of mortality in patients undergoing TAVI who are at low to intermediate clinical risk.

Postoperative Pulmonary Complications after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation under Monitored Anesthesia Care versus General Anesthesia: Retrospective Analysis at a Single Large Volume Center

Few studies to date have assessed the postoperative pulmonary complications after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) according to the anesthesia method. The present study aims to compare the effects of general anesthesia (GA) or monitored anesthesia care (MAC) on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing TAVI. This retrospective cohort study included 578 patients who underwent TAVI through the trans-femoral approach between August 2011 and May 2019 at a single tertiary academic center. The primary outcome was postoperative pulmonary complications, which were defined as the occurrence of one or more pulmonary complications, such as respiratory failure, respiratory infection, and radiologic findings, within 7 days after TAVI. Secondary outcomes included postoperative delirium, all-cause 30-day mortality rate, 30-day readmission rate, reoperation rate, vascular complications, permanent pacemaker/implantable cardioverter-defibrillator insertion, length of stay in the ICU, hospital stay, and incidence of stroke. Of the 589 patients, 171 underwent TAVI under general anesthesia (GA), and 418 under monitored anesthesia care (MAC). The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications was significantly higher in the GA than in the MAC group (17.0% vs. 5.3%, p < 0.001). Anesthetic method significantly affected the occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications, but not of delirium. ICU stay was significantly shorter in the MAC group, as were operation time, the volume of fluid administered during surgery, heparin dose, transfusion, and inotrope requirements. TAVI under MAC can increase the efficiency of medical resources, reducing the lengths of ICU stay and the occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications, compared with TAVI under GA.

Acute Kidney Injury in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Introduction

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been established as a standard of care for patients with severe aortic stenosis. We aim to study the predictors of acute kidney injury (AKI) after TAVR from a contemporary analysis using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database.

Methods

We performed a national analysis using the NIS database to evaluate predictors of acute kidney injury (AKI) after TAVR. Our study period was from 2015 to 2018, and we identified TAVR patients in all procedure fields. Patients aged less than 18 years were excluded from the study.

Results

We report data of 173,760 TAVR patients, of which 20,045 (11.5%) had AKI and 153,715 (88.4%) did not. There were three principal findings of our study. First, mortality was higher in patients with AKI compared to patients who did not have AKI (8% vs. 0.8%; p<0.01). Second, patients with chronic kidney disease, weight loss, liver disease, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, metastatic cancer, and peripheral vascular disease had higher adjusted odds of AKI. Third, length of stay and cost of stay were significantly higher in patients who had AKI during the index admission. 

Conclusion

Patients with AKI had higher in-hospital mortality. We also report that at baseline, chronic kidney disease, weight loss, liver disease, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, metastatic cancer, and peripheral vascular disease were important predictors of AKI in patients after TAVR. Length of stay and cost of stay were higher with AKI, which result in higher burden on the health care system due to increased resource utilization.

Demographic and Clinical Variables Associated With 30-day Re-Intubation Following Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND

A retrospective study was performed to evaluate factors associated with 30-d re-intubation following surgical aortic valve repair. We hypothesized a significant increase in the odds of re-intubation among patients with preoperative comorbidities.

METHODS

The American College of Surgery National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2007 to 2016 was used to evaluate demographic and clinical factors associated with 30-d re-intubation following surgical aortic valve repair. Multivariable logistic regression was used to report factors associated with 30-d re-intubation while controlling for various patient characteristics.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 5,766 adult subjects who underwent surgical aortic valve repair, of whom 258 (4.47%) were re-intubated within 30 d of surgery. The mean ± SD age was 69 ± 12.98 y, and 3,668 (63.6%) were male. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus, shortness of breath, poor functional status, COPD, congestive heart failure, hypertension, and bleeding disorder was higher among subjects who were re-intubated compared to those who were not (P < .05). Age, severe COPD, congestive heart failure, and bleeding disorder were associated with this outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Age, COPD, congestive heart failure, and bleeding disorder were associated with 30-d re-intubation in this surgical cohort. If surgical aortic valve repair is deemed non-emergent, patients should be optimized preoperatively and receive careful postoperative planning to reduce the risk of postoperative complications.

Analysis of the Changing Economics of US Hospital Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Programs

New technologies in medicine, even if they are promising medically, are often expensive and logistically difficult to implement at the hospital level. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a model technology that is revolutionary in treating aortic stenosis, but has been plagued with significant challenges with financial sustainability. In this article, a margin analysis at the hospital level was performed using literature data. A TAVR industry analysis was performed using Porter's Five Forces framework. The data indicate that TAVR is more expensive than surgical aortic valve replacement, although the cost of TAVR is declining with the use of an optimized minimalist protocol. The overall industry is growing as its clinical indications expand, and it will likely undergo significant reduction of costs when new valves enter the US market. As such, TAVR is a growing industry, with financial sustainability currently dependent on operational efficiency. A concluding list of specific program interventions is provided to help TAVR programs improve operational efficiency and clinical outcomes, as well as help decide whether to create, expand, or redirect funding for TAVR programs. Importantly, the frameworks used to analyze this rapidly evolving technology can be applied to other new technologies to determine financial sustainability.

Transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Although a number of studies compared mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with that after surgical aortic replacement (SAVR) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), no meta-analysis of them has been conducted to date. To determine whether TAVI or SAVR is associated with better postprocedural survival in patients with COPD, a meta-analysis of all studies currently available was performed. Design. To identify all comparative studies of TAVI with SAVR in patients with COPD, PubMed and Web of Science were searched through January 2020. Studies meeting the following criteria were included in the present meta-analysis: the design was an observational comparative study or a randomized controlled trial; the study population was patients with COPD; patients were assigned to TAVI versus SAVR; and outcomes included all-cause mortality. Adjusted (if unavailable, unadjusted) odds or hazard ratios with their confidence intervals (CIs) of mortality for TAVI versus SAVR were extracted from each study. Study-specific estimates were combined in the random-effects model. Results. Six eligible studies with a total of 4771 patients with COPD were identified and included in the present meta-analysis. The meta-analysis indicated significantly lower early (in-hospital or 30-day) mortality after TAVI than after SAVR (odds ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.53-0.90; p = .006) but no significant difference in midterm (1-year to 5-year) mortality between TAVI and SAVR (hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.79-1.44; p = .68). Conclusions. In patients with COPD, TAVI was associated with reduced early mortality, while midterm mortality appeared similar, as compared with SAVR.

Effects of COPD on in-hospital outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Results from the National Inpatient Sample database

Background

Comorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases morbidity and mortality among aortic valve replacement patients undergoing conventional surgery. The impact of COPD in patients undergoing less invasive transcatheter aortic valve insertion (TAVI) is unclear.

Hypothesis

This study evaluates the in‐hospital outcomes of TAVI in patients with and without COPD.

Methods

This population‐based, retrospective study of 8466 TAVI patients (29.87% with COPD) evaluates the effects of COPD on short‐term clinical outcomes (in‐hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications) using data from the National Inpatient Sample database from 2011 to 2014. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with in‐hospital mortality and postoperative complications. Linear regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with length of hospital stay.

Results

COPD is significantly associated with increased risk of respiratory complications and pneumonia after TAVI (aOR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.24‐1.64; P < .001) but not in‐hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, or non‐respiratory postoperative complications as compared to non‐COPD patients. Concomitant COPD is significantly associated with increased risk of respiratory complications or pneumonia after TAVI but may still be the best treatment option for some patients.

Conclusions

Patients with comorbid COPD who receive TAVI have greater risk of developing postoperative respiratory complications and pneumonia. Vigilance for specific respiratory complications is highly warranted when treating this subgroup. Treatment decisions must be individualized.

Transcatheter and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement Outcomes for Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

OBJECTIVES

To determine in-hospital outcomes and assess high-risk groups among chronic heart failure (CHF) patients with aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from January 2012 to September 2015 was performed.

SETTING

Hospitals across the United States that offer TAVRs or SAVRs.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults with a diagnosis of CHF and AS.

INTERVENTIONS

The patients underwent either TAVR or SAVR.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Totals of 5,871 and 4,008 CHF patients underwent TAVR and SAVR, respectively. TAVR patients were significantly older, more were female, and had a higher comorbidity burden. No significant differences in in-hospital mortality were noted between TAVR and SAVR. However, mean length of stay was significantly longer by 3.5 days in the SAVR group, as was the mean total cost. With the exception of complete heart block, permanent pacemaker implantation, and vascular complications, the majority of postoperative events were higher among the SAVR group. Multivariate regression analysis identified postoperative cardiac, respiratory and renal complications as significant predictors of in-hospital mortality for both groups. Additionally, age ≥75 years and vascular complications were significant predictors of mortality for patients undergoing TAVR.

CONCLUSIONS

Among CHF patients with symptomatic AS, TAVR had similar in-hospital mortality rate compared with SAVR despite higher comorbidity burden. TAVR patients are at a lower risk of cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal complications and might lead to reduced length of hospital stay and cost. Hence, TAVR may be a safer option in this population.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Programs: Clinical Outcomes and Developments

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a relatively recent revolutionary treatment that has now become a standard procedure for treating severe aortic stenosis. In this article, the authors review the clinical history of transcatheter aortic valve replacement, summarize the major clinical trials, and describe the evolution of the technique over time. In doing so, the authors hope to provide a clear and concise review of the history and clinical evidence behind transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Transcatheter vs surgical aortic valve replacement in patients with interstitial lung disease

BACKGROUND

Patients with underlying interstitial lung disease (ILD) who undergo cardiac surgery are at high risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. It remains unclear if transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) offers any benefit over surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in ILD patients with severe aortic stenosis.

METHODS

All adult patients with a diagnosis of ILD who underwent either a TAVR or isolated SAVR between January 2002 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Operative mortality, 30-day readmissions, and adjusted 1-year survival were compared between the two cohorts.

RESULTS

The overall cohort included 52 TAVR and 74 SAVR patients. While TAVR patients were significantly older (77.2 vs 72.9 years) with higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality (STS-PROM) scores compared with SAVR patients (6.29 vs 4.49; all P < .02), operative mortality was similar (5.8% vs 4.1%; P =  .45). Rates of postoperative stroke, permanent pacemaker implantation, reintubation, and 30-day readmissions did not differ between the two groups (all P > .46). However, TAVR was associated with significantly shorter hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, shorter ventilation times, and less requirement for ICU admission (all P < .05). Thirty-day readmissions and adjusted 1-year survival were also similar between the two groups (hazard ratio for TAVR vs SAVR = 1.34; 95% CI: 0.7-2.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Among ILD patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis, TAVR was associated with comparable operative and risk-adjusted 1-year survival to SAVR. TAVR patients also had shorter ventilator times, ICU and hospital stay despite being at higher risk. Together, our findings suggest that TAVR may be a better option in this unique cohort.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with bicuspid aortic valve stenosis: national trends and in-hospital outcomes

BACKGROUND

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease is considered the most common congenital heart disease and the main etiology of aortic valve stenosis (AS) in young adults. Although transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is routinely used in high- and intermediate-risk patients with AS, BAV patients with AS were excluded from all pivotal trials that led to TAVR approval. We sought, therefore, to examine in-hospital outcomes of patients with BAV who underwent TAVR in comparison with surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

METHODS

Using the National Inpatient Sample from 2011 to 2014, we identified patients with BAV with International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Revision-CM code 746.4. Patients who underwent TAVR were identified using ICD-9 codes 35.05 and 35.06 and those who underwent SAVR were identified using codes 35.21 and 35.22 during the same period.

RESULTS

A total of 37,052 patients were found to have BAV stenosis. Among them, 36,629 patients (98.8%) underwent SAVR, whereas 423 patients (1.14%) underwent TAVR. One-third of enrolled patients were female, and the majority of the patients were White with a mean age of 65.9 ± 15.1 years. TAVR use for BAV stenosis significantly increased from 0.39% in 2011 to 4.16% in 2014 (P < 0.001), which represents a 3.77% overall growth in procedure rate. The median length of stay decreased significantly throughout the study period (mean 12.2 ± 8.2 days to 7.1 ± 5.9 days, P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between SAVR and TAVR groups in the in-hospital mortality (0% vs. 5.9%; adjusted P = 0.119).

CONCLUSION

There is a steady increase in TAVR use for BAV stenosis patients along with a significant decrease in length of stay.

Advances in transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Evidence in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has accumulated rapidly over the last few years and its application to clinical decision making are becoming more important. In this review, we discuss the advances in TAVR for patient selection, expanding indications, complications, and emerging technologies.

The Outcomes of Pulmonary Hypertension Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis Who Underwent Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

The outcomes for patients who undergo transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) with pulmonary hypertension (PH) is not well understood. We sought to evaluate the outcomes of patients with PH who underwent TAVI compared with SAVR. We identified patients who were diagnosed with PH and underwent TAVI SAVR for aortic valve stenosis in the National Inpatient Sample database who were admitted from 2011 to 2014. Propensity score matching was used to generate 2 matched cohorts for TAVI and SAVR and outcomes were compared using logistic regressions. A total of 36,786 patients were diagnosed with PH and had an intervention for aortic valve stenosis. Twenty six percent underwent TAVI (n = 9,560) and 74% underwent SAVR (n = 27,225). Patients in the TAVI group were older (81.0 vs 68.5, p <0.001) had more women (53.2% vs 45.4%) and less African-American patients (4.6% vs 8.3%; p <0.001 for both). Although both groups had comparable co-morbidities, the TAVI group had higher prevalence of congestive heart failure, chronic pulmonary disease, renal failure, peripheral vascular disease, coronary artery disease, and previous stroke compared with the SAVR group (p ≤0.002). After propensity-score-matching, patients with PH had no statistically significant difference in in-hospital mortality between for TAVI or SAVR procedures (5.6% vs 4.6%, odds ratio [OR] 1.23, confidence interval [CI] 0.92 to 1.66, p = 0.165). However, TAVI patients were less likely to have cardiac complications (15.4% vs 19.9%, OR 0.73, CI 0.61 to 0.87, p = 0.001) and respiratory complications (12.4% vs 25.1%, OR 0.42, CI 0.35 to 0.51, p <0.001). In conclusion, whereas patient with PH who underwent TAVI and SAVR had similar in-hospital mortality, TAVI was associated with lower cardiac, respiratory and bleeding complications compared with SAVR.

National trend of utilization, clinical and economic outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objectives: We aimed to trend the utilization of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) among COPD patients, compare its outcomes to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and assess any social disparities in its outcomes. Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been increasingly undergoing TAVR, but studies to evaluate the national trend of TAVR utilization and outcomes are still lacking. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study using a nationally representative database, the National Inpatient Sample (NIS). Results: From 2010 to 2014, the proportion of TAVR among COPD patients has increased from <1% to >50%. Patients who underwent TAVR were older, more likely to be women or white, carried more public insurance and had more comorbidities. There was no overall difference in mortality between TAVR and SAVR (2.74% vs. 2.59%, p = .860), and it has been consistently similar over time. However, patients with TAVR had shorter length of stay in the hospital after the procedure and were more likely to be discharged home than the SAVR group. Among the TAVR group, there were no gender, race or insurance disparities for in-hospital mortality, but female gender was related to lower discharge home rate, higher cost and longer stay in hospital. Conclusions: The rate of TAVR among COPD patients has been increasing nationally since 2011. In spite of higher comorbidities, TAVR did not show a difference in hospital mortality compared to SAVR but demonstrated shorter length of stay and more home discharges. This suggests that TAVR is a viable and potentially better option for patients with COPD.

Trends in the Incidence of In-Hospital Mortality, Cardiogenic Shock, and Utilization of Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices in Myocarditis (Analysis of National Inpatient Sample Data, 2005-2014)

BACKGROUND

Myocarditis may be associated with hemodynamic instability and portends a poor prognosis when associated with cardiogenic shock (CS). There are limited data available on the incidence of in-hospital mortality, CS, and utilization of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices in these patients.

METHODS

We queried the 2005-2014 National Inpatient Sample databases to identify all patients aged >18 years with myocarditis in the United States.

RESULTS

The number of reported cases of myocarditis per 1 million gradually increased from 95 in 2005 to 144 in 2014 (Pfor trend <.01). The trend and incidence of endomyocardial biopsy remained the same despite the increase in clinical diagnosis. Overall, in-hospital mortality was 4.43% of total admissions without a change in overall trend over the study period. We also observed a significant increase in the incidence of CS from 6.94% in 2005 to 11.99% in 2014 (Pfor trend <.01). There was a parallel increase in the utilization of advanced MCS devices during the same time period such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (0.32% in 2005 to 2.1% in 2014; P< .01) and percutaneous ventricular assist devices such as Impella/tandem heart (0.176% in 2005 to 1.75% in 2014; P< .01).

CONCLUSION

Although the incidence of myocarditis has increased in the last decade, the in-hospital mortality has remained the same despite increases in the incidence of CS, possibly reflecting the benefits of increased usage of advanced MCS devices. We noted that increasing age, presence of multiple comorbidities and CS were associated with an increase in in-patient mortality.

Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Are at Higher Risk for Pneumonia, Septic Shock, and Blood Transfusions After Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been associated with several complications after surgery, including pneumonia, myocardial infarction, septic shock, and mortality. To the authors' knowledge, there has been no work analyzing the impact of COPD on complications after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Although previous work has elucidated the complications COPD has on TKA and THA, extrapolating the results of lower extremity arthroplasty to TSA may prove to be inaccurate. Compared with lower extremity arthroplasty, TSA is a relatively new procedure that has only recently gained popularity. Therefore, this study seeks to elucidate COPD's effects on complications in TSA specifically so that postoperative care can be tailored for these patient populations. Assessing these patients may enable surgeons to implement preoperative precautionary measures to prevent serious adverse events in these patients.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

What serious postoperative complications are patients with COPD at risk for within the 30-day postoperative period after TSA?

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program® (ACS-NSQIP) database was queried to identify 14,494 patients who had undergone TSA between 2005 and 2016, excluding patients who had undergone hemiarthroplasties of the shoulder and revision shoulder arthroplasties. The ACS-NSQIP database was utilized in this study for the comprehensive preoperative and postoperative medical histories it provides for each patient for 274 characteristics. Among the 14,494 patients undergoing TSA, 931 (6%) patients who had a history of COPD were identified, and the two cohorts-COPD and non-COPD-were analyzed for differences in their demographic factors, comorbidities, and acute complications occurring within 30 days of their procedure. Univariate analyses were utilized to assess differences in the prevalence of demographic features, comorbidities, and perioperative/postoperative outcomes after surgery. Multivariate regression analyses were used to assess COPD as an independent risk factor associated with complications.

RESULTS

COPD is an independent risk factor for three complications after TSA: pneumonia (odds ratio [OR], 2.793; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.426-5.471; p = 0.003), bleeding resulting in transfusion (OR, 1.577; 95% CI, 1.155-2.154; p = 0.004), and septic shock (OR, 9.259; 95% CI, 2.140-40.057; p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

In light of the increased risk of these serious complications, surgeons should have a lower threshold of suspicion for infection in patients with COPD after TSA so that adequate measures can be taken before developing severe infectious complications including pneumonia and septic shock. Surgeons may also consider administering tranexamic acid in patients with COPD undergoing TSA to reduce the amount of blood transfusions necessary. Future work through randomized control trials analyzing (1) the effectiveness of more aggressive infection prophylaxis in decreasing the risk of pneumonia/septic shock; and (2) the use of tranexamic acid in decreasing blood transfusion requirements in patients with COPD undergoing TSA is warranted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.