Implantation of one, two or multiple MitraClips for transcatheter mitral valve repair: insights from a 1824-patient multicenter study

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair With the MitraClip Device for Prior Mitral Valve Repair Failure: Insights From the GIOTTO-FAILS Study

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive mitral valve repair has a favorable risk-benefit profile in patients with significant de novo mitral regurgitation. Its role in patients with prior mitral valve repair is uncertain. We aimed to appraise the outcome of patients undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) with prior transcatheter or surgical mitral valve repair (SMVR).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We queried the Italian multicenter registry on TEER with MitraClip, distinguishing naïve patients from those with prior TEER or (SMVR). Inhospital and long-term clinical/echocardiographic outcomes were appraised. The primary outcome was the occurrence of death or rehospitalization for heart failure. A total of 2238 patients were included, with 2169 (96.9%) who were naïve to any mitral intervention, 29 (1.3%) with prior TEER, and 40 (1.8%) with prior SMVR. Several significant differences were found in baseline clinical and imaging features. Respectively, device success was obtained in 2120 (97.7%), 28 (96.6%), and 38 (95.0%, P=0.261) patients; procedural success in 2080 (95.9%), 25 (86.2%), and 38 (95.0%; P=0.047); and inhospital death in 61 (2.8%), 1 (3.5%), and no (P=0.558) patients. Clinical follow-up after a mean of 14 months showed similar rates of death, cardiac death, rehospitalization, rehospitalization for heart failure, and their composite (all P>0.05). Propensity score-adjusted analysis confirmed unadjusted analysis, with lower procedural success for the prior TEER group (odds ratio, 0.28 [95% CI, 0.09-0.81]; P=0.019) but similar odds ratios and hazard ratios for all other outcomes in the naïve, TEER, and SMVR groups (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In carefully selected patients, TEER can be performed using the MitraClip device even after prior TEER or SMVR.

Advancements in MitraClip Intervention for Mitral Regurgitation: A Comprehensive Review and Comparative Analysis of Clinical Trials

This comprehensive review explores the evolution and clinical impact of MitraClip intervention in the management of mitral regurgitation. Mitral regurgitation results from dysfunction in the mitral valve (MV) apparatus. The MitraClip Clip Delivery System was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013. The discussion delves into the procedural foundation of MitraClip intervention, primarily based on Alfieri's technique of edge-to-edge leaflet approximation. As highlighted by key clinical trials, including Endovascular Valve Edge-to-Edge Repair (EVEREST) II Trial, Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients with Functional Mitral Regurgitation (COAPT) Trial, and Percutaneous Repair with the MitraClip Device for Severe Functional/Secondary Mitral Regurgitation (MITRA-FR) trial, the efficacy and safety of MitraClip were evaluated in comparison to surgical interventions and guideline-directed medical therapy. Notably, the COAPT demonstrated significant benefits in reducing all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization, while the MITRA-FR presented contrasting results, emphasizing the importance of patient selection. An analysis of the EVEREST II trial underscores MitraClip's potential to achieve comparable outcomes to surgical intervention, emphasizing its role in reducing mitral regurgitation and improving clinical status. However, limitations and complications, such as device-related issues and the potential impact on future MV surgery, are discussed. The study also explores the evolving landscape of MV interventions, reflecting advancements and the growing acceptance of MitraClip. In conclusion, the MitraClip device represents a significant advancement in the treatment of mitral regurgitation. The data presented highlights its promising results in terms of reduced hospitalization rates, improved in-hospital mortality, and enhanced quality of life for patients. However, challenges remain, and careful consideration of patient selection and underlying pathology is crucial in determining the optimal treatment approach. Ongoing research and clinical experience will continue to refine our understanding of MitraClip's role in the evolving landscape of MV interventions.

Implications of Mitral Annular Calcification on Outcomes Following Mitral Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair

BACKGROUND

Limited data exist regarding the impact of mitral annular calcification (MAC) on outcomes of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair for mitral regurgitation (MR).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 968 individuals (median age, 79 [interquartile range, 70-86] years; 60.0% males; 51.8% with functional MR) who underwent an isolated, first-time intervention. Stratified by MAC extent per baseline transthoracic echocardiogram, the cohort was assessed for residual MR, functional status, all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalizations, and mitral reinterventions post-procedure.

RESULTS

Patients with above-mild MAC (n=101; 10.4%) were older and more likely to be female, exhibited a greater burden of comorbidities, and presented more often with severe, primary MR. Procedural aspects and technical success rate were unaffected by MAC magnitude, as was the significant improvement from baseline in MR severity and functional status along the first postprocedural year. However, the persistence of above-moderate MR or functional classes III and IV at 1 year and the cumulative incidence of reinterventions at 2 years were overall more pronounced within the above-mild MAC group (significant MR or functional impairment, 44.7% versus 29.9%, P=0.060; reinterventions, 11.9% versus 6.2%, P=0.033; log-rank P=0.035). No link was demonstrated between MAC degree and the cumulative incidence or risk of mortality and mortality or heart failure hospitalizations. Differences in outcomes frequencies were mostly confined to the primary MR subgroup, in which patients with above-mild MAC also experienced earlier, more frequent 2-year heart failure hospitalizations (20.8% versus 9.6%; P=0.016; log-rank P=0.020).

CONCLUSIONS

Mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair in patients with and without above-mild MAC is equally feasible and safe; however, its postprocedural course is less favorable among those with primary MR.

Implications of Mitral Annular Disjunction in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair for Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation

BACKGROUND

Little is known about mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) in patients with mitral annular disjunction (MAD).

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to explore TEER for degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) according to MAD status.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 271 consecutive patients (median age 82 [Q1-Q3: 75-88] years, 60.9% men) undergoing an isolated, first-ever TEER for whom there were viewable preprocedural echocardiograms. Stratified by MAD status at baseline, the cohort was evaluated for all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalizations, and mitral reinterventions-the composite of which constituted the primary outcome-as well as functional capacity and residual MR, all along the first postprocedural year.

RESULTS

Individuals with (n = 62, 22.9%) vs without MAD had more extensive prolapse and larger valve dimensions. Although the former's procedures were longer, utilizing more devices per case, technical success rate and residual MR were comparable. MAD presence was associated with higher mortality risk (HR: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.82-5.52; P = 0.014), and increased MAD length-with lower odds of functional class ≤II (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.47-0.88; P = 0.006). Among 47 MAD patients with retrievable 1-month data, MAD regressed in 91.5% and by an overall 50% (Q1-Q3: 22%-100%) compared with baseline (P < 0.001). A greater MAD shortening conferred attenuated risk for the primary outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, TEER for degenerative MR accompanied by MAD was feasible and safe; however, its postprocedural course was somewhat less favorable. MAD shortening following TEER was observed in most patients and proved prognostically beneficial.

Impact of coronary artery disease on outcome after transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system

BACKGROUND

The clinical impact of coronary artery disease (CAD) on the prognosis of patients undergoing MitraClip implantation is still unclear.

METHODS

One thousand nine hundred fifty-three patients undergoing MitraClip implantation included in the multicenter GIOTTO Registry were stratified according to CAD. Endpoints were all-cause death, cardiac death, and re-hospitalization for heart failure at follow-up (median 15.8 months).

RESULTS

Although younger, CAD patients were more symptomatic, had worse cardiovascular risk profile, higher burden of comorbidities, more frequently affected by functional MR, with higher left ventricle (LV) diameters and lower ejection fraction (EF). At follow-up, CAD patients showed higher rates of all-cause death (25.4% vs. 19.6%; P=0.002), cardiovascular death (14.0% vs. 10.1%; P=0.007) and re-hospitalization for heart failure (13.9% vs. 10.2%; P=0.011). Dividing the population according to mitral regurgitation (MR) etiology (functional vs. non-functional MR), no differences were observed between CAD and no-CAD patients. At multivariate logistic regression, NYHA III/IV class, prior heart failure hospitalization, severe chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, LV end-diastolic diameter and LVEF<30% but not CAD resulted independent predictors of all-cause death. The same finding was confirmed even after propensity score adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

CAD did not show a relevant impact on mid-term prognosis per se, but seemed to identify a more complex and diseased cohort of patients with worse clinical and functional status.

Racial disparities in characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair

Background

There are scarce data regarding the post-mitral transcatheter edge-to-edger repair (TEER) course in different racial groups.

Objective

To assess the impact of race on outcomes following TEER for mitral regurgitation (MR).

Methods

This is a single-center, retrospective analysis of consecutive TEER procedures performed during 2013-2020. The primary outcome was the composite of all-cause mortality or heart failure (HF) hospitalizations along the first postprocedural year. Secondary outcomes included individual components of the primary outcome, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, MR grade, and left ventricular mass index (LVMi).

Results

Out of 964 cases, 751 (77.9%), 88 (9.1%), 68 (7.1%), and 57 (5.9%) were whites, blacks, Asians, and Hispanics, respectively. At baseline, non-whites and blacks were younger and more likely be female, based in lower socioeconomic areas, not fully insured, diagnosed with functional MR, and affected by biventricular dysfunction. Intra-procedurally, more devices were implanted in blacks. At 1-year, non-whites (vs. whites) and blacks (vs. non-blacks or whites) experienced higher cumulative incidence of the primary outcome (32.9% vs. 22.5%, p = 0.002 and 38.6% vs. 23.4% or 22.5%, p = 0.002 or p = 0.001, respectively), which were accounted for by hospitalizations in the functional MR sub-cohort (n = 494). NYHA class improved less among blacks with functional MR. MR severity and LVMi equally regressed in all groups. White race (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.39-0.99, p = 0.047) and black race (HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.28-3.35, p = 0.003) were independently associated with the primary outcome in functional MR patients only.

Conclusion

Mitral TEER patients of different racial backgrounds exhibit major differences in baseline characteristics. Among those with functional MR, non-whites and blacks also experience a less favorable 1-year clinical outcome.