Periprocedural Predictors of New-Onset Conduction Abnormalities After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

The value of the dynamic changes in cardiac power output in aortic stenosis patients following transcatheter aortic valve implantation: an exercise stress echocardiography study

AIMS

Evidence for risk stratification using exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for severe aortic stenosis (AS) is currently lacking. Cardiac power output (CPO) has demonstrated prognostic value in patients undergoing TAVI for severe AS. This study investigated prognoses in patients undergoing TAVI for severe AS and to explore the additional information that ESE can provide for risk stratification.

METHODS

In this retrospective observational study, we included 96 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI for severe AS and patients with preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (≥ 50%) who underwent ESE at 3-6 months after TAVI. CPO was calculated as 0.222 × cardiac output × mean blood pressure/LV mass, where 0.222 was the conversion constant to W/100 g of the LV myocardium. All patients were followed up for all-cause mortality and hospitalization for heart failure.

RESULTS

Of the 96 patients, 3 were excluded and 93 patients (82.0 years; 45.2% male) were included in this study. During a median follow-up period of 1446 (1271-1825) days, the composite end point was reached in 17 patients. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that CPO at rest and the change in CPO from rest to exercise (ΔCPO) were independently associated with the composite end point (hazard ratio = 0.278, p = 0.023). The addition of ΔCPO resulted in an incremental value of the model containing clinical and resting echocardiography variables (p = 0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that resting CPO and exercise-induced changes in CPO are useful for risk stratification of patients undergoing TAVI for severe AS.

Comparative Prognostic Value of Risk Factors for Predicting Pacemaker Implantation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

This study compares the prognostic value of risk factors for Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched until November 2024 for studies reporting PPI incidence within 30 days post-TAVR. A random-effect model was used to pool risk ratios (RR) and standardized mean differences (SDM) for binary and continuous risk factors. Network meta-analysis estimated pooled risk differences (ΔRR) for binary predictors with male sex as the reference. Significant predictors were ranked based on their surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values. A total of 108 studies comprising 77,538 patients (14,560 requiring PPI) were included. Male sex (RR: 1.13), baseline atrial fibrillation (AF) (RR: 1.12), 2nd degree Mobitz I (RR: 5.16) and Mobitz II (RR: 2.30) atrioventricular blocks (AVB), 3rd degree AVB (RR: 13.46), left anterior (LAHB) (RR: 1.79) and posterior hemiblocks (LPHB) (RR: 2.57), bifascicular block (RR: 2.34), right bundle branch block (RBBB) (RR: 3.20) and intraprocedural AVB (RR: 4.15) were identified as predictors for PPI post-TAVR. The risk of PPI was higher with self-expandable valves (RR: 1.79), subclavian access (RR: 1.75), and 29 mm prostheses (RR: 1.33) compared to balloon-expandable valves, transfemoral access, and 23 mm prostheses. Network meta-analysis ranked 3rd degree AVB (SUCRA <0.01), Mobitz I AVB (SUCRA: 0.14), Mobitz II AVB (SUCRA: 0.33), intraprocedural AVB (SUCRA: 0.42), bifascicular block (SUCRA: 0.48), RBBB (SUCRA: 0.49) and LPHB (SUCRA: 0.54) as major predictors of PPI in descending order of significance. In conclusion, clinicians should closely monitor conduction abnormalities as key predictors of PPI following TAVR. Additionally, other risk factors such as subclavian access, self-expanding implantation, AF, large prosthesis diameter, and male sex should not be overlooked.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement With Intra-Annular Self-Expanding or Balloon-Expandable Valves: The Multicenter International NAVULTRA Registry

BACKGROUND

No comparative data exist with the self-expanding Navitor (NAV) and the balloon-expandable SAPIEN 3 Ultra (ULTRA) transcatheter heart valves (THVs).

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to investigate the 1-year outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement using the intra-annular NAV and the ULTRA THVs.

METHODS

The NAVULTRA (Navitor and SAPIEN 3 Ultra) registry included consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement at 16 centers with NAV or ULTRA between November 2018 and April 2024. Propensity score matching was used for adjustment. The primary outcomes of interest were all-cause death and the composite of all-cause death, disabling stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure at 1 year.

RESULTS

The overall study cohort included 3,878 patients treated with NAV (n = 1,746) or ULTRA (n = 2,176). The propensity score-matched population resulted in 1,363 pairs. At 1 year, the rate of death from any cause was 9.7% with NAV and 9.9% with ULTRA (adjusted P = 0.585). Similarly, there were no significant differences in primary composite outcome (13.6% in the NAV group and 12.6% in the ULTRA group; adjusted P = 0.218). The rate of new permanent pacemaker implantation (20.6% vs 10.6%; adjusted P < 0.01) and heart failure rehospitalization (4.6% vs 2.8%; adjusted P < 0.05) was higher in NAV group. At 1 year, the use of NAV was associated with higher rates of mild paravalvular leak (OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.01 to 2.33; adjusted P < 0.05) but lower mean transprosthetic gradients compared with ULTRA (mean change:-3.90, 95% CI: -4.47 to -3.34; adjusted P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Both intra-annular THVs were associated with similar 1-year clinical outcomes; however, differences were observed in secondary clinical endpoints and valve hemodynamic performance.

Computed tomography to predict pacemaker need after transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is preferred therapy for elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and increasingly used in younger patient populations with good safety and efficacy outcomes. However, cardiac conduction abnormalities remain a frequent complication after TAVR ranging from relative benign interventriculair conduction delays to prognostically relevant left bundle branch block and complete atrio-ventricular (AV) block requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI). Although clinical, procedural and electrocardiographic factors have been identified as predictors of this complication, there is a need for advanced strategies to control the burden of conduction defects particularly as TAVR shifts towards younger populations. This state of the art review highlights the value of ECG-synchronized computed tomographic angiography (CTA) evaluation of the aortic root to better understand and manage conduction problems post-TAVR. An update on CTA derived anatomic features related to conduction issues is provided and complemented with computational framework modelling. This CTA-derived 3-dimensional anatomical reconstruction tool generates patient-specific TAVR simulations enabling operators to adapt procedural strategy and implantation technique to mitigate conduction abnormality risks.

Conduction Abnormalities after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Incidence, Impact and Management Using CT Data Interpretation

The demonstrated safety and effectiveness of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) among low surgical risk patients opened the road to its application in younger low-risk patients. However, the occurrence of conduction abnormalities and need for permanent pacemaker implantation remains a frequent problem associated with adverse outcomes. The clinical implications may become greater when TAVI shifts towards younger populations, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to address this issue. Beyond currently available clinical and electrocardiographic predictors, patient-specific anatomical assessment of the aortic root using multi-sliced CT (MSCT) imaging can refine risk stratification. Moreover, leveraging MSCT data for computational 3D simulations to predict device-anatomy interactions may help guide procedural strategy to mitigate conduction abnormalities. The aims of this review are to summarise the incidence and clinical impact of new left bundle branch block and permanent pacemaker implantation post-TAVI using contemporary transcatheter heart valves; and highlight the value of MSCT data interpretation to improve the management of this complication.

Computed tomography-derived membranous septum length as predictor of conduction abnormalities and permanent pacemaker implantation after TAVI: A meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND

Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is associated with higher risk of mortality and rehospitalization for heart failure. Efforts to prevent conduction abnormalities (CA) requiring PPI after TAVI should be made. The membranous septum (MS) length and its interaction with implantation depth (ID-ΔMSID) could provide useful information about the risk of CA/PPI following TAVI.

OBJECTIVES

To identify MS length and ΔMSID as predictors of CA/PPI following TAVI.

METHODS

Study-level meta-analysis of studies published by September 30, 2022.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies met our eligibility including 5740 patients. Shorter MS length was associated with a significantly higher risk of CA/PPI (per 1 mm decrease: odds ratio [OR] 1.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28-1.99, p < 0.001). Similarly, lower ΔMSID was associated with a significantly higher risk of CA/PPI (per 1 mm decrease: OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.32-2.31, p < 0.001). Meta-regression analyses revealed a statistically significant modulation of the effect of shorter MS length and lower ΔMSID on the outcome (CA/PPI) by balloon postdilatation (positive regression coefficients with p < 0.001); with increasing use of balloon postdilatation, the effect of shorter MS length and lower ΔMSID on the outcome increased. MS length and ΔMSID demonstrated excellent discriminative abilities, with diagnostic ORs equaling 9.49 (95% CI 4.73-19.06), and 7.19 (95% CI 3.31-15.60), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Considering that short MS length and low ΔMSID are associated with higher risk of CA and PPI, we should include measurement of MS length in the pre-TAVI planning with MDCT and try to establish optimal ID values before the procedure to avoid CA/PPI.

Contemporary issues and lifetime management in patients underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Latest clinical trials have indicated favorable outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in low surgical risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. However, there are unanswered questions particularly in younger patients with longer life expectancy. While current evidence are limited to short duration of clinical follow-up, there are certain factors which may impair patients clinical outcomes and quality-of-life at long-term. Contemporary issues in the current TAVR era include prosthesis-patient mismatch, heart failure hospitalization, subclinical thrombosis, future coronary access, and valve durability. In this review, the authors review available evidence and discuss each remaining issues and theoretical treatment strategies in lifetime management of TAVR patients.

Predictors of Permanent Pacemaker Implantation in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

As transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) technology expands to healthy and lower‐risk populations, the burden and predictors of procedure‐related complications including the need for permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation needs to be identified.

Methods and Results

Digital databases were systematically searched to identify studies reporting the incidence of PPM implantation after TAVR. A random‐ and fixed‐effects model was used to calculate unadjusted odds ratios (OR) for all predictors. A total of 78 studies, recruiting 31 261 patients were included in the final analysis. Overall, 6212 patients required a PPM, with a mean of 18.9% PPM per study and net rate ranging from 0.16% to 51%. The pooled estimates on a random‐effects model indicated significantly higher odds of post‐TAVR PPM implantation for men (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.04–1.28); for patients with baseline mobitz type‐1 second‐degree atrioventricular block (OR, 3.13; 95% CI, 1.64–5.93), left anterior hemiblock (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.09–1.86), bifascicular block (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.52–4.42), right bundle‐branch block (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 2.17–2.83), and for periprocedural atriorventricular block (OR, 4.17; 95% CI, 2.69–6.46). The mechanically expandable valves had 1.44 (95% CI, 1.18–1.76), while self‐expandable valves had 1.93 (95% CI, 1.42–2.63) fold higher odds of PPM requirement compared with self‐expandable and balloon‐expandable valves, respectively.

Conclusions

Male sex, baseline atrioventricular conduction delays, intraprocedural atrioventricular block, and use of mechanically expandable and self‐expanding prosthesis served as positive predictors of PPM implantation in patients undergoing TAVR.

Clinical and Hemodynamic Outcomes in 121 Patients Who Underwent Perceval Sutureless Aortic Valve Implantation - Early Results From a Single Korean Institution

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the early outcomes of Perceval sutureless valves in the Korean population and to introduce a modified technique of guiding suture placement during valve deployment.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From December 2014 to April 2019, 121 patients (mean age: 74.7±6.2 years; 53.7% female) received a Perceval sutureless aortic valve replacement. To prevent conduction system injury, the depth of guiding suture placement (1 mm below the nadir of the annulus) was modified. All patients underwent echocardiographic evaluation at discharge and 6-12 months postoperatively, with a mean follow up of 13.7±11.2 months. Concomitant surgeries, such as coronary artery bypass grafting, and other valvular surgeries, were performed in 45.5% of cases. The mean aortic cross-clamp times for isolated and minimal procedures were 32.8±7.9, and 41.2±8.0 min, respectively. The overall transvalvular mean gradients were 13.1±3.8 mmHg at discharge and 11.5±4.7 mmHg at the last follow up. After modifying the guiding suture placement, permanent pacemaker implantation risk decreased from 9.9% to 2.5%. Cardiac-related mortality was 0.8%, with no patient developing valvular or paravalvular aortic regurgitation, valve thrombosis, or endocarditis.

CONCLUSIONS

Perceval valve implantation provided a significant cardiac-related survival benefit with excellent early hemodynamic and clinical outcomes. Further research is needed to determine whether adjusting the implantation depth, such as modification of the guiding suture technique, can reduce the risk of permanent pacemaker implantation.

Cost analysis of transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement in octogenarians: analysis from a single Japanese center

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has revolutionized the prognosis of intermediate- or high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis, particularly among older adults. However, in possible candidates for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), the implantation of expensive prostheses may be questionable in an era when healthcare costs are becoming a major concern. In this retrospective analysis of a single Japanese center, we focused on patients aged over 80 years; the objectives of this study were: (1) to compare TAVR and SAVR in terms of total hospitalization costs and (2) to describe the itemized cost of TAVR and SAVR to identify patients aged over 80 years in whom TAVR or SAVR would be cost-effective. A total of 146 patients aged over 80 years who underwent TAVR or SAVR for severe aortic stenosis were included. These patients were divided into a high-risk group (Society of Thoracic Surgeons [STS] mortality score > 8%; 36: TAVR and 12: SAVR) with 48 patients and a non-high-risk group (STS mortality score < 8%; 45: TAVR and 53 SAVR) with 98 patients. No 30-day mortality was observed in either group. In both groups, postoperative intensive care unit stay and hospital stay were longer with SAVR than with TAVR. In the non-high-risk group, the total cost was comparable for TAVR and SAVR; however, in the high-risk group, the total cost was significantly higher with SAVR than that with TAVR. A breakdown analysis of the total cost in the high-risk group showed both pre- and postoperative costs to be significantly higher with SAVR than with TAVR; however, operative costs were higher with TAVR. Up to 3 years, the overall survival in both groups did not significantly differ between TAVR and SAVR. Our findings suggest that from the perspective of total medical costs, TAVR is more suitable than SAVR for high-risk older adults.