Real-world experience with the cusp-overlap deployment technique in transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A propensity-matched analysis

Impact of New-Onset Right Bundle-Branch Block After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement on Permanent Pacemaker Implantation

BACKGROUND

A delayed and recurrent complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) is a life-threatening complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Post-TAVR evaluation may be important in predicting delayed and recurrent CAVB requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI). The impact of new-onset right bundle-branch block (RBBB) after TAVR on PPI remains unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In total, 407 patients with aortic stenosis who underwent TAVR were included in this analysis. Intraprocedural CAVB was defined as CAVB that occurred during TAVR. A 12-lead ECG was evaluated at baseline, immediately after TAVR, on postoperative days 1 and 5, and according to the need to identify new-onset bundle-branch block (BBB) and CAVB after TAVR. Forty patients (9.8%) required PPI, 17 patients (4.2%) had persistent intraprocedural CAVB, and 23 (5.7%) had delayed or recurrent CAVB after TAVR. The rates of no new-onset BBB, new-onset left BBB, and new-onset RBBB were 65.1%, 26.8%, and 4.7%, respectively. Compared with patients without new-onset BBB and those with new-onset left BBB, the rate of PPI was higher in patients with new-onset RBBB (3.4% versus 5.6% versus 44.4%, P<0.0001). On post-TAVR evaluation in patients without persistent intraprocedural CAVB, the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that new-onset RBBB was a statistically significant predictor of PPI compared with no new-onset BBB (odds ratio [OR], 18.0 [95% CI, 5.94-54.4]) in addition to the use of a self-expanding valve (OR, 2.97 [95% CI, 1.09-8.10]).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with new-onset RBBB after TAVR are at high risk for PPI.

Factors Influencing Implantation Depth During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Optimised implantation depth (OID) is crucial to obtain the best haemodynamic and clinical outcome during transcatheter heart valve (THV) deployment. OID ensures a better haemodynamic profile and is associated with a potential reduction in permanent pacemaker implantations, both of which are important during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Apart from patient-related anatomic conditions, many factors, such as THV and wire selection, as well as implantation strategies, can be controlled by the operator and facilitate the implantation process. However, there are only limited data dealing with predictors for OID. Therefore, the aim of this review was to outline factors and tools that might influence the final implantation depth during TAVR procedures, potentially influencing the outcome.

The impact of cusp overlap on permanent pacemaker requirement following self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The cusp overlap technique has standardized implantation for self-expanding valves with the goal of achieving more consistent implantation depths and lowering permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation rates. We retrospectively compared short-term outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with a self-expanding valve implanted using the cusp overlap technique vs. the traditional coplanar technique in a large tertiary referral center.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study among PPM-naïve patients who underwent TAVR using the CoreValve Evolut PRO/PRO+. We compared in-hospital PPM rates in patients who underwent TAVR using the cusp overlap technique vs. the coplanar technique. Additional outcomes included in-hospital all-cause mortality, stroke, major vascular complications, annular rupture, and >mild paravalvular leak. Furthermore, we compared outcomes over time to see whether there was evidence of a learning curve.

RESULTS

Of the 528 patients included, 270 underwent TAVR using the coplanar technique and 258 underwent TAVR using the cusp overlap technique. The rate of new PPM implantation did not differ between cohorts (17.0 % vs. 16.7 %; p = 0.910). Additionally, rates of in-hospital all-cause mortality (0.0 % vs. 0.4 %; p = 0.328), stroke (3.7 % vs. 1.6 %; p = 0.124), major vascular complications (0.7 % vs. 1.2 %; p = 0.617), annular rupture (0.4 % vs. 0.0 %; p = 0.328) and >mild paravalvular leak (0.0 % vs. 0.4 %; p = 0.444) were similar. Our secondary analysis did not identify any evidence of a learning curve.

CONCLUSIONS

The cusp overlap technique may not yield a reduction in PPM rates when compared with the coplanar technique. Other confounders should be explored to further minimize in-hospital PPM rates.

Cusp overlap technique decreases paravalvular leakage in self-expandable transcatheter aortic valve replacement

The cusp overlap technique allows greater visual separation between the basal annular plane and the conduction system and decreases the permanent pacemaker implantation rate. We assessed the impact of the cusp overlap technique on conduction disturbance and paravalvular leakage after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. A total of 97 patients underwent transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement with self-expandable valves at our institution from November 2018 to January 2023. The mean age of the patients was 85 years, and 23% were male. The patients were divided into two groups: the cusp overlap technique group and the non-cusp overlap technique group. We compared the clinical results between the two groups. The 30-day permanent pacemaker implantation rate was similar between the two groups (cusp overlap technique: 6.3% vs. non-cusp overlap technique: 10.2%, p = 0.48). The rate of new-onset conduction disturbance was slightly lower in the cusp overlap than non-cusp overlap technique group (18.8% vs. 34.7%, respectively; p = 0.08). The implanted valve function was similar between the two groups, but the rate of trivial or less paravalvular leakage (PVL) was significantly higher in the cusp overlap technique group on echocardiography (69% vs. 45%, p = 0.02). On multidetector computed tomography, the implantation depth at the membranous septum was significantly shorter in the cusp overlap technique group (2.0 ± 2.3 vs. 2.9 ± 1.5 mm, p = 0.02). The degree of canting was slightly smaller in the cusp overlap technique group (1.0 ± 2.2 vs. 1.7 ± 1.9 mm, p = 0.07). The relative risk of PVL equal to or greater than mild was 1.76 times higher for valve implantation without the cusp overlap technique (adjusted odds ratio, 3.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.45-9.69; p < 0.01). Transcatheter aortic valve replacement using the cusp overlap technique is associated with an optimized implantation depth, leading to fewer conduction disturbances. Optimal deployment may also maximize the radial force of self-expanding valves to reduce paravalvular leakage.

Cusp-overlap view reduces conduction disturbances and permanent pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement even with balloon-expandable and mechanically-expandable heart valves

Background

Conduction disturbances demanding permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) remain a common complication after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Optimization of the implantation depth (ID) by introducing the cusp-overlap projection (COP) technique led to a reduced rate of PPI when self-expanding valves were used.

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to determine if using the novel COP view is applicable for all types of TAVR prosthesis and results in a higher ID and reduced incidence of new conduction disturbances and PPI.

Methods

In this prospective case-control study 586 consecutive patients undergoing TAVR with either balloon-expandable Edwards SAPIEN S3 (n = 280; 47.8%), or mechanically expandable Boston LOTUS Edge heart valve prostheses (n = 306; 52.2%) were included. ID as well as rates of periprocedural PPI and left bundle branch block (LBBB) were compared between the conventional three-cusp coplanar (TCC) projection and the COP view for implantation.

Results

Of 586 patients, 282 (48.1%) underwent TAVR using COP, whereas in 304 patients (51.9%) the TCC view was applied. Using COP a significantly higher ID was achieved in Edwards SAPIEN S3 TAVR procedures (ID mean difference -1.0 mm, 95%-CI -1.9 to -0.1 mm; P = 0.029), whereas the final platform position did not differ significantly between both techniques when a Boston LOTUS Edge valve was used (ID mean difference -0.1 mm, 95%-CI -1.1 to +0.9 mm; P = 0.890). In Edwards SAPIEN S3 valves, higher ID was associated with a numerically lower post-procedural PPI incidence (4.9% vs. 7.3%; P = 0.464). Moreover, ID was significantly deeper in patients requiring PPI post TAVR compared to those without PPI [8.7 mm (6.8-10.6 mm) vs. 6.5 mm (6.1-7.0 mm); P = 0.005]. In Boston LOTUS Edge devices, COP view significantly decreased the incidence of LBBB post procedure (28.1% vs. 47.9%; P < 0.001), while PPI rates were similar in both groups (21.6% vs. 25.7%; P = 0.396).

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates the safety, efficacy and reproducibility of the cusp-overlap view even in balloon-expandable and mechanically-expandable TAVR procedures. Application of COP leads to significantly less LBBB in repositionable Boston LOTUS Edge valves and a numerically lower PPI rate in Edwards SAPIEN S3 valves post TAVR compared to the standard TCC projection. The results should encourage to apply the COP view more widely in clinical practice.

The Influence of the Learning Curve on Clinical Outcomes in Balloon-Expandable versus Self-Expandable Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

INTRODUCTION

Balloon-expandable (BE) and self-expandable (SE) prostheses are the main types of devices currently used in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Despite the different designs, clinical practice guidelines do not make any specific recommendation on the selection of one device over the other. Most operators are trained in using both BE and SE prostheses, but operator experience with each of the two designs might influence patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare the immediate and mid-term clinical outcomes during the learning curve in BE versus SE TAVI.

METHODS

The transfemoral TAVI procedures performed in a single center between July 2017 and March 2021 were grouped according to the type of implanted prosthesis. The procedures in each group were ordered according to the case sequence number. For each patient, a minimum follow-up time of 12 months was required for inclusion in the analysis. The outcomes of the BE TAVI procedures were compared with the outcomes of the SE TAVI procedures. Clinical endpoints were defined according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 (VARC-3).

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 28 months. Each device group included 128 patients. In the BE group, case sequence number predicted mid-term all-cause mortality at an optimal cutoff value ≤58 procedures (AUC 0.730; 95% CI: 0.644-0.805; p < 0.001), while in the SE group, the cutoff value was ≤85 procedures (AUC 0.625; 95% CI: 0.535-0.710; p = 0.04). A direct comparison of the AUC showed that case sequence number was equally adequate in predicting mid-term mortality, irrespective of prosthesis type (p = 0.11). A low case sequence number was associated with an increased rate of VARC-3 major cardiac and vascular complications (OR 0.98 95% CI: 0.96-0.99; p = 0.03) in the BE device group, and with an increased rate of post-TAVI aortic regurgitation ≥ grade II (OR 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97-0.99; p = 0.03) in the SE device group.

CONCLUSIONS

In transfemoral TAVI, case sequence number influenced mid-term mortality irrespective of prosthesis type, but the learning curve was longer in the case of SE devices.

Cusp overlap versus standard three-cusp technique for self-expanding Evolut transcatheter aortic valves

BACKGROUND

Reducing rates of permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is important for achieving the best procedural outcomes. The cusp overlap technique (COT) implements procedural steps including an overlap angulation of the right and left coronary cusp to mitigate this complication.

AIMS

We investigated the incidence of PPI and complication rates following the COT compared to the standard three-cusp implantation technique (3CT) in an all-comers cohort.

METHODS

A total of 2,209 patients underwent TAVI with the self-expanding Evolut platform from January 2016 to April 2022 at five sites. Baseline, procedural and in-hospital outcome characteristics were compared for both techniques before and after one-to-one propensity score matching.

RESULTS

A total of 1,151 patients were implanted using the 3CT and 1,058 using the COT. At discharge, the rates of PPI (17.0 vs 12.3%; p=0.002) and moderate/severe paravalvular regurgitation (4.6% vs 2.4%; p=0.006) were significantly reduced with the COT compared with 3CT within the unmatched cohort. Overall procedural success and complication rates were similar; major bleeding was less common in the COT group (7.0% vs 4.6%; p=0.020). These results remained consistent after propensity score matching. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, right bundle branch block (odds ratio [OR] 7.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.18-10.0; p<0.001) and diabetes mellitus (OR 1.38, 95% CI: 1.05-1.80; p=0.021) emerged as predictors of PPI, whereas the COT (OR 0.63, 95% CI: 0.49-0.82; p<0.001) was protective.

CONCLUSIONS

The introduction of the COT was associated with a significant and relevant reduction of PPI and paravalvular regurgitation rates without an increase in complication rates.

Reduction of permanent pacemaker implantation by using the cusp overlap technique in transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The need for permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation is a common complication after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Deep implantation position is a risk factor for PPM implantation. Thus, in the field of self-expandable (SE) transcatheter heart valves (THV) cusp overlap projection (COP) technique was implemented to reduce parallax, allowing a more precise guidance of implantation depth.

AIMS

This meta-analysis aims to report the outcome of patients undergoing TAVR with SE THV using COP versus conventional implantation technique (CIT).

METHODS

Systematical search in MEDLINE and EMBASE yielded five observational controlled studies comparing both implantation techniques for the SE Evolut prosthesis (Medtronic Intern. Ltd., CA, USA) and fulfilling the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Totally, 1227 patients were included, comprising 641 who underwent COP and 586 CIT TAVR. Incidence of post-procedural need for PPM implantation was significantly lower in COP group (9.8% vs 20.6%; OR = 0.43; p < 0.00001). This was accompanied by significantly higher implantation position in COP group (mean difference distance from distal end of the intraventricular portion of the THV to the non-coronary cusp (NCC): - 1.03 mm; p = 0.00001). Incidence of new-onset left bundle branch block did not differ. Regarding procedural and 30-day mortality, technical success, post-procedural aortic regurgitation, and rates of multiple device implantation, no difference between COP and CIT was found.

CONCLUSION

COP is an effective and safe implantation technique to reduce the need for a permanent pacemaker implantation during TAVR with SE Evolut prosthesis.

Cusp-overlap versus coplanar view in transcatheter aortic valve implantation with self-expandable valves: A meta-analysis of comparative studies

BACKGROUND

Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) is a common complication after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The cusp-overlap view (COV) was adopted to reduce PPI risk after TAVI with self-expandable valves (SEVs); however, the evidence remains scarce. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis comparing COV and the standard coplanar view (CPV) technique to evaluate their effectiveness and safety.

METHODS

Following the PRISMA statement, data were extracted from studies published by August 2022 and found in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL/CCTR, ClinicalTrials.gov, SciELO, LILACS, and Google Scholar. The primary outcome of interest was post-procedural PPI and the secondary outcomes were new left bundle branch block (LBBB), moderate/severe paravalvular leak (PVL), valve dislocation (pop-out); need of second transcatheter heart valve, 30-day mortality, stroke, conversion to surgery, coronary obstruction, implantation depth (mm), and post-TAVI mean gradients (mmHg).

RESULTS

Eleven studies met our eligibility criteria and included 1464 patients in the COV group and 1743 patients in the CPV group. Patients who underwent TAVI with COV had lower risk of PPI (odds ratio 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33-0.70; p = 0.001) and higher implantation depths with COV (mean difference -0.83; 95% CI -1.2 to -0.45; p < 0.001). We did not observe any statistically significant differences in the rates of new LBBB, moderate/severe PVL, valve dislocation, need of second transcatheter heart valve, 30-day mortality, stroke, conversion to surgery, coronary obstruction, and post-TAVI mean gradients (mmHg).

CONCLUSION

In TAVI with SEVs, the application of COV is associated with lower risk of PPI compared with the standard CPV without increasing risk for adverse outcomes.

Impact of different guidewires on the implantation depth using the largest self-expandable TAVI device

Background

The deployment process of the largest self-expandable device (STHV-34) during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) might be challenging due to stabilization issues. Whether the use of different TAVI-guidewires impact the procedural success and outcome is not well-known. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the impact of non-Lunderquist (NLu) vs. the Lunderquist (Lu) guidewires during TAVI using the STHV-34 on the procedural and 30-day outcomes.

Methods

The primary study endpoint was defined as the final implantation depth (ID) depending on the selected guidewire strategy. Key secondary endpoints included VARC-3-defined complications.

Results

The study cohort included 398 patients of four tertiary care institutions, of whom 79.6% (317/398) had undergone TAVI using NLu and 20.4% (81/398) using Lu guidewires. Baseline characteristics did not substantially differ between NLu and Lu patients. The average ID was higher in the Lu cohort (NLu vs. Lu: -5.2 [-7.0-(-3.5)] vs. -4.5 [-6.0-(-3.0)]; p = 0.022^*). The optimal ID was reached in 45.0% of patients according to former and only in 20.1% according to nowadays best practice recommendations. There was no impact of the guidewire use on the 30-day outcomes, including conduction disturbances and pacemaker need (NLu vs. Lu: 15.1 vs. 18.5%; p = 0.706).

Conclusion

The use of the Lunderquist^TM guidewire was associated with a higher ID during TAVI with the STHV-34 without measurable benefits in the 30-day course concerning conduction disturbances and associated pacemaker need. Whether using different guidewires might impact the outcome in challenging anatomies should be further investigated in randomized studies under standardized conditions.