Final 5-year outcomes following aortic valve replacement with a RESILIA™ tissue bioprosthesis

Early and mid-term outcomes after aortic valve replacement using a novel tissue bioprosthesis: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

While current data show a clear trend towards the use of bioprosthetic valves during aortic valve replacement (AVR), durability of bioprosthetic valves remains the most important concern. We conducted a 1st systematic review of all available evidence that analysed early and mid-term outcomes after AVR using the Inspiris RESILIA™ bioprosthesis.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed to identify all relevant studies evaluating early and mid-term outcomes after AVR using the Inspiris RESILIA bioprosthesis and including at least 20 patients with no restriction on the publication date. Subgroup meta-analysis was performed to compare Inspiris RESILIA and PERIMOUNT Magna Ease bioprosthesis and to pool the early postoperative mortality and stroke rates.

RESULTS

A total of 416 studies were identified, of which 15 studies met the eligibility criteria. The studies included a total of 3202 patients with an average follow-up of up to 5.3 years. The average age of patients across the studies was 52.2-75.1 years. Isolated AVR was performed in 39.0-86.4% of patients. In-hospital or 30-day postoperative mortality was 0-2.8%. At the mid-term follow-up, freedom from all-cause mortality was up to 85.4%. Among studies with mid-term follow-up, trace/mild paravalvular leak was detected in 0-3.0%, while major paravalvular leak was found only in up to 2.0% of patients. No statistically significant differences in terms of mortality (P = 0.98, odds ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 0.36-2.83) and stroke (P = 0.98, odds ratio 1.01, 95% confidence interval 0.38-2.73) between the Inspiris RESILIA bioprosthesis and PERIMOUNT Magna Ease bioprosthesis were observed in the subgroup meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Mid-term data on the safety and haemodynamic performance of the novel aortic bioprosthesis are encouraging. Further comparative studies with other bioprostheses and longer follow-up are still required to endorse durability and safety of the novel bioprosthesis.

A Case of TAV-in-SAV in a Patient with Structural Valve Deterioration after Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement with the INSPIRIS RESILIA Valve

The INSPIRIS RESILIA valve is designed to dilate its valve annulus in transcatheter aortic valve-in-surgical aortic valve (TAV-in-SAV), a catheter therapy for biological valve deterioration. RESILIA tissue has improved anti-calcification properties. An 83-year-old man on hemodialysis undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) with a 25-mm INSPIRIS for severe aortic stenosis 22 months ago presented with general malaise. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe bioprosthetic stenosis (peak velocity: 3.5 m/s, mean pressure gradient: 32 mmHg, and effective orifice area: 0.45 cm2) and severely reduced left ventricular function (ejection fraction: 17%). Because redo-SAVR was extremely risky (society of thoracic surgeons [STS] risk score: 31%), the patient underwent transfemoral-TAV-in-SAV using a 26-mm SAPIEN 3️. Pre- and postoperative computed tomography showed that the internal diameter of the INSPIRIS had expanded from 22.2 mm to 24.2 mm. This case demonstrated the dilatable design of INSPIRIS but not the durability of RESILIA tissue.

Five-year outcomes of surgical aortic valve replacement with a novel bovine pericardial bioprosthesis

OBJECTIVES

The short-term performance of the Cingular bovine pericardial aortic valve was proven. This study evaluated its 5-year safety and haemodynamic outcomes.

METHODS

It enrolled 148 patients who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement with the Cingular bovine pericardial aortic valve between March 2016 and October 2017 in 5 clinical centres in China. Safety and haemodynamic outcomes were followed up to 5 years. The incidence of all-cause mortality, structural valve deterioration and reintervention was estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 67.7 [standard deviation (SD) 5.1] years, and 36.5% of patients were female. The mean follow-up was 5.3 (SD 1.2) years. Five-year freedom from all-cause mortality, structural valve deterioration and all-cause reintervention were 91.2%, 100% and 99.3%, respectively. At 5 years, the mean gradient and effective orifice area of all sizes combined were 14.0 (SD 5.5) mmHg and 1.9 (SD 0.3) cm2, respectively. For 19- and 21-mm sizes of aortic prostheses, the mean gradients and effective orifice area at 5 years were 17.5 (SD 7.0) mmHg and 1.6 (SD 0.2) cm2 and 13.7 (SD 6.7) mmHg and 1.8 (SD 0.3) cm2, respectively. The incidence of moderate or severe patient-prosthesis mismatch was 4.1% and 0.0% patients at 5 years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The 5-year safety and haemodynamic outcomes of Cingular bovine pericardial aortic valve are encouraging. Longer-term follow-up is warranted to assess its true durability.

Left ventricular mass and valve performance after surgical and transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a single-center experience from Japan

Background

There are few reports on the postoperative left ventricular mass (LVM), aortic valve area (AVA), and pressure gradient (PG) after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in Japan. We aimed to compare the postoperative LVM, AVA, stroke volume (SV), PG, and long-term outcomes between patients undergoing SAVR and TAVR procedures from single center in Japan.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study. We included 107 patients who underwent simple SAVR between January 2012 and May 2022 (SAVR group, n=107) and 274 who underwent TAVR between January 2016 and May 2022 (TAVR group, n=274). The overall mean follow-up periods was 28.8±25.9 months (median: 24 months; range, 0.03-117 months).

Results

The aortic valve mean PG (mmHg) was significantly smaller in the TAVR group than in the SAVR group (P<0.001). The AVA index (cm2/m2) was significantly larger in the TAVR group than in the SAVR group (P<0.001). The SV index (mL/m2) was significantly smaller in the SAVR group than in the TAVR group (P=0.02). The LVM index (LVMI) (g/m2) was significantly smaller in the SAVR group than in the TAVR group (P<0.001). The incidence of mild or higher postoperative paravalvular leak (PVL) and pacemaker implantation were significantly higher in the TAVR group. The 5-year postoperative mortality, re-hospitalization, and major adverse cerebral and cardiovascular events (MACCEs) were significantly better in the SAVR group.

Conclusions

The postoperative aortic valve PG, AVA, and SV were better in the TAVR group; however, LVM regression and postoperative outcomes were better in the SAVR group.

Midterm outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement with the INSPIRIS RESILIA from a multicenter AVR registry

BACKGROUND

There have been few reports on the mid- to long-term safety and efficacy validation of the INSPIRIS RESILIA aortic bioprosthesis (Edwards Lifesciences LLC, Irvine, CA, USA) in Japan. Herein, we report the mid-term results of surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic stenosis using INSPIRIS and evaluate the hemodynamics compared to the CEP Magna series from the multicenter AVR registry (the ACTIVIST registry).

METHODS

Of the 1967 patients who underwent surgical or transcatheter AVR from the ACTIVIST registry, 66 patients who underwent isolated surgical AVR with INSPIRIS by December 2020 were included in this study, and the early and mid-term results were evaluated. Hemodynamics were evaluated by comparing 272 patients undergoing isolated surgical AVR with the Magna group using propensity score matching.

RESULTS

The mean age was 74.0 ± 7.8 years, and 48.5 % were women. In-hospital mortality was 1.5 %, and the survival rates at 1- and 2-years were 95.2 % and 95.2 %, respectively. After propensity score matching, echocardiographic findings at discharge demonstrated that peak velocity and mean pressure gradient in the INSPIRIS group were comparable, while the effective orifice area in the INSPIRIS group was significantly larger than those in the Magna group (p = 0.048). A patient-prosthesis mismatch at discharge was significantly lower in the INSPIRIS group (11.8 %) than in the Magna group (36.4 %) (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical AVR with INSPIRIS was performed safely and the mid-term results were satisfactory. The hemodynamics of INSPIRIS were comparable to those of Magna.

Use of the Inspiris valve in the native right ventricular outflow tract is associated with early prosthetic regurgitation

OBJECTIVE

The Inspiris Resilia prosthesis (Edwards Lifesciences) has been increasingly used in the pulmonic position with limited performance data. We sought to investigate its durability as a surgical pulmonary valve replacement (PVR).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent PVR or conduit replacement with an Inspiris or non-Inspiris valve/conduit from 2018 to 2022. The primary end point was freedom from a composite of at least moderate pulmonary regurgitation, pulmonary stenosis, or valve/conduit reintervention. Secondary end points were individual components of the composite outcome. To account for baseline differences, propensity matching identified 70 patient pairs.

RESULTS

A total of 227 patients (median age: 19.3 years [interquartile range, 11.8-34.4]) underwent PVR or conduit replacement (Inspiris: n = 120 [52.9%], non-Inspiris: n = 107 [47.1%]). Median follow-up was 26.6 months [interquartile range, 12.4-41.1]. Among matched patients, 2-year freedom from valve failure was lower in the Inspiris group (53.5 ± 9.3% vs 78.5 ± 5.9%, P = .03), as was freedom from at least moderate pulmonary regurgitation (54.2 ± 9.6% vs 86.4 ± 4.9%, P < .01). There was no difference in 2-year freedom from at least moderate pulmonary stenosis (P = .61) or reintervention (P = .92). Inspiris durability was poorer when implanted in the native right ventricular outflow tract compared with as a conduit, with 18-month freedom from valve failure of 59.0 ± 9.5% versus 85.9 ± 9.5% (P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

Early durability of the Inspiris valve is poor when implanted in the native right ventricular outflow tract; its unique design may be incompatible with the compliant pulmonary root. Modified implantation techniques or alternative prostheses should be considered.

Seven-year outcomes following aortic valve replacement with a novel tissue bioprosthesis

OBJECTIVE

As bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement (AVR) extends to younger cohorts, tissue durability is of paramount importance. We report 7-year outcomes from an AVR bioprosthesis utilizing novel tissue.

METHODS

This was an international investigational device exemption trial for novel AVR with annual follow-up and a subset re-consented at 5 years for extended 10-year follow-up. Safety end points and echocardiographic measurements were adjudicated by an independent clinical events committee and by a dedicated core laboratory, respectively.

RESULTS

Between January 2013 and March 2016, 689 patients underwent AVR with the study valve. Mean age was 66.9 ± 11.6 years, Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk score was 2.0% ± 1.8%, and 74.3% of patients were New York Heart Association functional class II and III. Five-year follow-up was completed by 512 patients, and 225 re-consented for extended follow-up. Follow-up duration was 5.3 ± 2.2 years (3665.6 patient-years), and 194 and 195 patients completed 6- and 7-year follow-ups, respectively. One-, 5-, and 7-year freedom from all-cause mortality was 97.7%, 89.4%, and 85.4%, respectively. Freedom from structural valve deterioration at 7 years was 99.3%. At 7 years, effective orifice area and mean gradients were 1.82 ± 0.57 cm2 (n = 153), and 9.4 ± 4.5 mm Hg (n = 157), respectively. At 7 years, predominantly none (96.8% [152 out of 157]) or trivial/trace (2.5% [4 out of 157]) paravalvular regurgitation and none (84.7% [133 out of 157]) or trivial/trace (11.5% [18 out of 157]) transvalvular regurgitation were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the longest surgical AVR follow-up with novel tissue in an investigational device exemption trial utilizing an independent clinical events committee and an echocardiography core laboratory. This tissue demonstrates excellent outcomes through 7 years and is the benchmark for future surgical and transcatheter prostheses.

Mid-term outcomes of the COMMENCE trial investigating mitral valve replacement using a bioprosthesis with a novel tissue

Objective

Novel tissue leaflets (RESILIA tissue) may improve durability of bioprosthetic heart valves. The COMMENCE trial is an ongoing prospective study to evaluate valve replacement using RESILIA tissue. This report describes mid-term outcomes in the mitral cohort of COMMENCE.

Methods

Adult patients requiring mitral valve replacement were enrolled in a prospective, single-arm trial at 17 sites in the United States and Canada. An independent clinical events committee adjudicated safety events using definitions from established guidelines, and hemodynamic performance was evaluated by an independent echocardiographic core laboratory.

Results

Eighty-two patients (median age 70 years) successfully underwent mitral valve replacement with the study valve. Five-year event-free probabilities for all-cause mortality, structural valve deterioration, and reoperation were 79.9%, 98.7%, and 97.1%, respectively. Hemodynamic valve function measurements were stable through the 5-year follow-up period; valvular leaks were infrequently observed and primarily clinically insignificant/mild.

Conclusions

Mitral valve replacement patients implanted with a RESILIA tissue bioprosthesis had a good safety profile and clinically stable hemodynamic performance.

One-year clinical outcomes following Edwards INSPIRIS RESILIA aortic valve implantation in 487 young patients with severe aortic stenosis: a single-center experience

Introduction

The use of an aortic bioprosthesis is on the rise in younger patients with severe aortic stenosis despite the risk of accelerated structural valve degeneration (SVD). In the search for an optimal valve substitute that would not be prone to SVD, the INSPIRIS bioprosthesis represents a promising solution to lowering the risk of SVD. Here, we report the 1-year outcomes of the INSPIRIS RESILIA aortic bioprosthesis in a population of young patients who underwent aortic valve replacement.

Methods

In this prospective single-center study, we included all consecutive patients receiving INSPIRIS RESILIA bioprosthesis between June 2017 and July 2021. Patients with isolated severe aortic regurgitation were excluded. Clinical assessment and transthoracic echocardiography were performed preoperatively and at 1 year post-operatively. The primary outcome was overall mortality at one year.

Results

A total of 487 patients were included. The mean age was 58.2 ± 11.5 years, 75.2% were men. Most of the interventions were elective, with a mean EuroSCORE II of 4.8 ± 7.9. The valve annulus size in most cases was either 23 mm or 25 mm. Overall mortality at 1-year was 4.1%. At 1-year, 7 patients (1.4%) had a stroke, 4 patients (0.8%) had a myocardial infarction, and 20 patients (4.1%) were hospitalized for congestive heart failure. The Kaplan-Meier estimated survival rates and survival without major adverse cardiac events at 1-year were 96.4% and 96.7%, respectively. At 1-year follow-up, 10 patients (2.1%) had endocarditis and 1 patient (0.2%) had partial prosthetic thrombosis. Pacemaker implantation at 1-year post-operative was necessary in 27 patients (5.5%). Severe patient prosthesis mismatch and severe intra valvular regurgitation were 1.2% and 0.6%, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier estimated survival rates at 1-year of no infective endocarditis preoperative and infective endocarditis preoperative were 97.9 ± 0.7% and 89.5 ± 3.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). Excluding endocarditis-related complication, no structural valve deterioration and no valve failure requiring redo surgery were reported.

Conclusion

This is the largest single-center descriptive study of the 1-year outcomes after INSPIRIS RESILIA bioprosthesis implantation. The EDWARDS INSPIRIS RESILIA bioprosthesis provides encouraging clinical outcomes with an excellent 1- year survival rates and good hemodynamic performance. Long-term studies are mandatory to assess valve durability.

Mid-term clinical and echocardiographic results of the INSPIRIS RESILIA aortic valve: a retrospective comparison to the Magna Ease

OBJECTIVES

The INSPIRIS aortic valve combines the RESILIA proprietary tissue preservation process and an expandable stent frame to benefit future transcatheter valve-in-valve procedures. As the INSPIRIS valve became commercially available in 2017, mid-term outcome reports are scarce. We aimed to evaluate mid-term safety and echocardiographic performance of the INSPIRIS valve in comparison to its predecessor, the Carpentier Edwards Perimount Magna Ease (ME).

METHODS

This study was a retrospective single-centre study. Clinical results included early postoperative outcomes, mid-term mortality and readmission for cardiovascular cause or stroke. Echocardiographic follow-up (FU) was performed at discharge and 1-3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Clinical end point analyses were accomplished with a propensity score matching analysis and FU echocardiographic data comparisons using pairwise analyses and linear mixed-effect models.

RESULTS

We included 953 patients who received an INSPIRIS (n = 488) or ME (n = 463) bioprosthesis between January 2018 and July 2021. In the matched population (n = 217 per group), no significant difference in short-term outcomes was observed, survival was similar at 30 months (INSPIRIS: 94% vs ME: 91%, P = 0.89), but freedom from readmission was higher in the INSPIRIS group (94% vs 86%, P = 0.014). INSPIRIS valves had a lower gradient at discharge (∼10 vs 14 mmHg, P < 0.001), 1-3 months (∼10 vs 12 mmHg, P < 0.001) and 24 months (∼11 vs 17 mmHg, P < 0.001) in paired analyses and significantly lower evolution of mean transvalvular gradients compared to ME.

CONCLUSIONS

This study represents the largest comparative evaluation of the INSPIRIS to the ME valves, which demonstrated safe clinical outcomes and favourable haemodynamic performance at 2 years. Long-term FU is underway.

An exploratory cost-effectiveness analysis of a novel tissue valve compared with mechanical valves for surgical aortic valve replacement in subgroups of people aged 55-64 and 65+ with aortic stenosis in the UK

OBJECTIVE

Exploratory analysis to conceptualize and evaluate the potential cost-effectiveness and economic drivers of using a novel tissue valve compared with mechanical heart valves for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in people aged 55-64 and 65+ with aortic stenosis (AS) from a National Health Service (NHS) UK perspective.

METHODS

A decision-analytic model was developed using a partitioned survival model. Parameter inputs were obtained from published literature. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (DSA and PSA) were conducted to explore the uncertainty around the parameters.

RESULTS

The novel tissue valve was potentially associated with higher quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of 0.01 per person. Potential cost savings were greatest for those aged 55-64 (£408) versus those aged 65+(£53). DSA indicated the results to be most dependent on relative differences in general mortality, procedure costs, and reoperation rates. PSA estimated around 75% of the iterations to be cost-effective at £20,000 per QALY for those aged 55-64, and 57% for those aged 65+.

CONCLUSIONS

The exploratory analysis suggests that the novel tissue valve could be a cost-effective intervention for people over the age of 55 with AS who are suitable for SAVR in the UK.

Perceval valve intermediate outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis at 5-year follow-up

OBJECTIVES

New technologies for the treatment of Aortic Stenosis are evolving to minimize risk and treat an increasingly comorbid population. The Sutureless Perceval Valve is one such alternative. Whilst short-term data is promising, limited mid-term outcomes exist, until now. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate mid-term outcomes in the Perceval Valve in isolation.

METHODS

A systematic literature review of 5 databases was performed. Articles included evaluated echocardiographic and mortality outcomes beyond 5 years in patients who had undergone Perceval Valve AVR. Two reviewers extracted and reviewed the articles. Weighted estimates were performed for all post-operative and mid-term data. Aggregated Kaplan Meier curves were reconstructed from digitised images to evaluate long-term survival.

RESULTS

Seven observational studies were identified, with a total number of 3196 patients analysed. 30-day mortality was 2.5%. Aggregated survival at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years was 93.4%, 89.4%, 84.9%, 82% and 79.5% respectively. Permanent pacemaker implantation (7.9%), severe paravalvular leak (1.6%), structural valve deterioration (1.5%), stroke (4.4%), endocarditis (1.6%) and valve explant (2.3%) were acceptable at up to mid-term follow up. Haemodynamics were also acceptable at up mid-term with mean-valve gradient (range 9-13.6 mmHg), peak-valve gradient (17.8-22.3 mmHg) and effective orifice area (1.5-1.8 cm²) across all valve sizes. Cardiopulmonary bypass (78 min) and Aortic cross clamp times (52 min) were also favourable.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this represents the first meta-analysis to date evaluating mid-term outcomes in the Perceval Valve in isolation and demonstrates good 5-year mortality, haemodynamic and morbidity outcomes.

KEY QUESTION

What are the mid-term outcomes at up to 5 years follow up in Perceval Valve Aortic Valve Replacement?

KEY FINDINGS

Perceval Valve AVR achieves 80% freedom from mortality at 5 years with low valve gradients and minimal morbidity.

KEY OUTCOMES

Perceval Valve Aortic Valve Replacement has acceptable mid-term mortality, durability and haemodynamic outcomes.

Structural hemodynamic valve deterioration durability of RESILIA-tissue versus contemporary aortic bioprostheses

Aim: Durability of aortic valve replacement is becoming increasingly important. Aortic bioprostheses with RESILIA tissue have demonstrated outstanding outcomes thus far, but only in single-arm studies. Methods: We compared structural valve deterioration (SVD)-related hemodynamic valve deterioration (HVD) of grade ≥2 of RESILIA tissue valves from the COMMENCE trial (n = 689) to those from the PARTNER 2A contemporary AVR arm (n = 936) based upon annual core laboratory echocardiograms through 5 years of follow-up. Results: SVD-related HVD in the COMMENCE and PARTNER 2A cohorts were 1.8 versus 3.5%, respectively (one-sided 95% lower-bound hazard ratio of 0.92; p = 0.07). In propensity-matched cohorts (n = 239), these outcomes were 1.0 versus 4.8%, respectively (one-sided 95% lower-bound hazard ratio of 1.15; p = 0.03). Conclusion: RESILIA tissue-based AVR exhibited reduced SVD-related HVD compared with a contemporary AVR cohort devoid of RESILIA tissue.

Budget impact analysis of a bovine pericardial aortic bioprosthesis versus mechanical aortic valve replacement in adult patients with aortic stenosis in Romania

AIMS

An analysis of the budget impact of using a bovine pericardial aortic bioprosthesis (BPAB) or a mechanical valve (MV) in aortic stenosis (AS) patients in Romania.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A decision-tree with a partitioned survival model was used to predict the financial outcomes of using either a BPAB (the Carpentier-Edwards Perimount Magna Ease Valve) or MV in aortic valve replacement (AVR) procedure over a 5-year period. The budget impact of various resource consumption including disabling strokes, reoperations, minor thromboembolic events, major bleeding, endocarditis, anticoagulation treatment and monitoring, and echocardiogram assessments were compared for both types of valves. One-way sensitivity analyses (OWSA) were conducted on the input costs and probabilities.

RESULTS

The use of BPAB compared to MV approaches budget neutrality due to incremental savings year-on-year. The initial surgical procedure and reoperation costs for BPAB are offset by savings in acenocoumarol use, disabling strokes, major bleeding, minor thromboembolic events, and anticoagulation complications. The cost of the initial procedure per patient is 460 euros higher for a BPAB due to the higher valve acquisition cost, although this is partially offset by a shorter hospital stay. The OWSA shows that the total procedure costs, including the hospital stay, are the primary cost drivers in the model.

LIMITATIONS

Results are limited by cost data aggregation in the DRG system, exclusion of costs for consumables and capital equipment use, possible underestimation of outpatient complication costs, age-related variations of event rates, and valve durability.

CONCLUSIONS

Adopting BPAB as a treatment option for AS patients in Romania can lead to cost savings and long-term economic benefits. By mitigating procedure costs and increasing anticoagulation treatment costs, BPAB offers a budget-neutral option that can help healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients alike manage the growing burden of AS in Romania.

Long-run savings associated with surgical aortic valve replacement using a RESILIA tissue bioprosthetic valve versus a mechanical valve

BACKGROUND

Prior economic analyses demonstrate that legacy tissue valves are associated with substantial financial savings over the long run after a surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Bioprostheses with RESILIA tissue reduce calcification, the primary cause of structural valve deterioration (SVD), and have demonstrated promising pre-clinical and 5-year clinical results. This economic evaluation quantifies the expected long-run savings of bioprosthetic valves with RESILIA tissue relative to mechanical valves given 5-year clinical results and expected performance through year 15.

METHODS

Simulation models estimated disease progression across two hypothetical SAVR cohorts (tissue vs. mechanical) of 10,000 patients in the US over 15 years. One comparison evaluated RESILIA tissue valves relative to mechanical valves. The other compared legacy SAVR tissue and mechanical valves. Health outcome probabilities and costs were based on literature and expert opinion. Incidence rates of health outcomes associated with mechanical valve were calculated using relative risks of expected outcomes in tissue valve versus mechanical valve patients. The comparisons also accounted for anti-coagulation monitoring in both cohorts. Savings estimates are based on US healthcare costs and do not yet account for the premium associated use of RESILIA relative to a standard tissue valve.

RESULTS

Relative to mechanical SAVR, the median net discounted savings for a patient receiving SAVR with a RESILIA tissue valve is $20,744 ($US, 2020; 95% CI = $15,835-$26,655) over a 15-year horizon. While 30-day and 1-year savings were not significant, expected savings after 5 years are $9,110 (95% CI = $6,634-$11,969). Net savings for RESILIA SAVR valves were approximately 30-50% larger than savings anticipated using legacy tissue SAVR valves.

CONCLUSION

RESILIA tissue valves are associated with lower health expenditures relative to mechanical valves.

Eight-year outcomes of aortic valve replacement with the Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT Magna Ease valve

INTRODUCTION

The Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT Magna Ease valve is a third-generation bioprosthesis for aortic valve replacement (AVR). This is a postapproval study reporting on its 8-year outcomes.

METHODS

Adults undergoing AVR with the Magna Ease valve between October 2007 and December 2012 were enrolled for this prospective, nonrandomized, single-arm, and multicenter study. Assessments occurred preoperatively, at hospital discharge, 6 months, 1 year, and annually thereafter for up to 8 years. Outcomes included safety endpoints, hemodynamic performance, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class.

RESULTS

Of the 258 study patients, 67.5% were in NYHA Class I or II, and 32.5% were in NYHA Class III or IV at baseline. Concomitant procedures were performed in 44.2%. Total follow-up was 1597.6 patient-years, and median follow-up was 7 years (interquartile range: 5.5-8.0 years). Eight years following AVR, the functional class remained improved from baseline with 93.9% in NYHA Class I/II and 6.1% in NYHA Class III; 38 deaths had occurred, 8 of which were valve related; freedom from all-cause mortality was 80.7% (95% confidence intervals: 74.9, 86.4); freedom from valve-related mortality was 95.8% (92.8, 98.8); freedom from reintervention, explant, major bleeding events, and structural valve deterioration was 89.8% (85.1, 94.6), 94.8% (91.7, 97.9), 85.1% (80.0, 90.1), and 90.1% (84.7, 95.4), respectively; effective orifice area was 1.5 ± 0.5 cm² , the mean gradient was 14.8 ± 8.3 mmHg, and 88.6% of patients had no or trivial aortic regurgitation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated satisfactory safety and sustained hemodynamic and functional improvements at 8 years following AVR with the Magna Ease valve.

Using tissue mitral valves in younger patients: A word of caution

BACKGROUND

The debate about the optimal mitral valve prosthesis continues. We aimed to compare the early and late outcomes, including stroke, bleeding, survival, and reoperation after isolated mitral valve replacement (MVR) using tissue versus mechanical valves.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 291 patients who had isolated MVR from 2005 to 2015. Patients were grouped into the tissue valve group (n = 140) and the mechanical valve group (n = 151).

RESULTS

There were no differences in duration of mechanical ventilation, hospital stay, and hospital mortality between groups. Fifteen patients required cardiac rehospitalization, nine in the tissue valve group, and six in the mechanical valve group (p = .44). Stroke occurred in nine patients, five with tissue valves, and four with mechanical valves (p = .66). Bleeding occurred in 22 patients, seven patients with tissue valves, and 15 patients with mechanical valves (p = .09). Freedom from reoperation was 95%, 93%, 84%, 67% at 3, 5, 7, and 10 years for tissue valve and 97%, 96%, 96%, and 93% for mechanical valves, respectively (p˂ .001). The median follow-up was 84 months (Q1: Q3: 38-139). Survival at 3, 5, 7, and 10 years was 94%, 91%, 89%, 86% in tissue valves and 96%, 93%, 91%, 91% in mechanical valves, respectively (p = .49).

CONCLUSIONS

Tissue valve degeneration is still an issue even in the new generations of mitral tissue valves. The significant risk of reoperation in patients with mitral tissue valves should be considered when using those valves in younger patients. Mechanical valves remain a valid option for all age groups.

Clinical performance of a novel bioprosthetic surgical aortic valve in a German high-volume center

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Bioprosthetic surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is increasingly adopted in younger patients. We aimed to analyze mid-term follow-up data after SAVR to assess the performance of the prosthesis.

METHODS

Data were collected from a single-center series of 154 patients, who underwent SAVR with a bioprosthetic heart valve with the RESILIA tissue at our Heart Centre in Siegburg. All procedural and midterm patient outcomes were documented.

RESULTS

Patients had a mean age of 56.8 ± 9.9 years, 35.7% were female, and the mean logistic European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation (EuroSCORE) was 3.4 ± 3.6%. Diabetes (12.3%), atrial fibrillation (10.4%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (5.8%) were common comorbidities. The mean surgery duration was 163.8 ± 73.4 min, with the 23 mm (34.4%) and 25 mm (33.8%) heart valves being most frequently implanted. At 3-year follow-up, mean pressure gradient was 13.9 ± 5.9 mmHg, peak gradient was 23.6 ± 7.7 mmHg, and effective orifice area (EOA) was 1.9 ± 0.4 cm². No patient died during the operation, 3 (2.1%) patients within 30 days, and 4 (2.7%) thereafter with an overall mortality of n = 7. Of the surviving patients, 97.8% were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I/II and none had structural valve deterioration (SVD).

CONCLUSION

Results of our single-center study indicate favorable procedural outcomes. The safety outcomes confirm preliminary earlier results of this novel bioprosthesis but include more patients and a longer midterm follow-up.

Reimbursement Savings Associated With Tissue Versus Mechanical Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Thailand

OBJECTIVES

Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is an indicated treatment for severe aortic stenosis. Although mechanical valves are typically more durable, tissue SAVR valves do not require lifetime anticoagulation monitoring and may have lower rates of expensive sequelae. This economic evaluation estimates payer costs to the 3 largest Thai health insurance mechanisms for tissue versus mechanical SAVR.

METHODS

A deterministic and Monte Carlo simulation model based on literature and expert opinion estimated total payer costs for tissue and mechanical valves over a 25-year duration for 3 separate age cohorts (45, 55, and 65 years). Reimbursements levels for hospitalization services were from the Thai Diagnosis Related Groups. Separate models are generated for the 3 main Thai health insurance mechanisms.

RESULTS

The discounted expected 25-year reduction in payer savings associated with tissue SAVR are $2540, $2529, and $2311 per surgery for patients aged 45, 55, and 65 years, respectively, for the largest Thai insurer. Expected cost reductions associated with tissue SAVR are larger for each of the other schemes and generally decrease with patient age. Most savings accrue within 10 years of surgery. Reoperation costs are larger with tissue valves, but reductions in complications and anticoagulation monitoring more than offset these expenditures. Results are robust to multiple sensitivity and scenario analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Coverage and reimbursement of tissue valves can financially benefit Thai insurers and reduce expenditures in the Thai health system compared with mechanical valves. As tissue valve technology evolves and reoperation rates decline, the financial benefit associated with tissue valves will increase.

Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Thrombosis and Literature Review

An 83-year-old gentleman with a history of 23-mm Hancock-II-bioprosthetic aortic valve (BAV) replacement ten-years prior presented with symptoms of dyspnea and lower extremity edema. During the preceding seven-years, he had been noted to have asymptomatic increased mean transvalvular gradients (MG; 36–50 mmHg) felt to be due to either early bioprosthetic degeneration, pannus formation, or patient–prosthesis mismatch. An echocardiogram at the time of symptom development demonstrated significant flow acceleration through the aortic valve, mild regurgitation, and severely increased MG (48 mmHg) with prolonged acceleration time (AT, 140 msec). A trial of warfarin anticoagulation resulted in dramatic improvement after only 6 weeks with laminar flow through the AV, near-total resolution of regurgitation, and a decrease in MG to 14 mmHg and AT to 114 msec. These findings strongly suggest that BAV thrombosis was the predominant mechanism responsible for the longstanding high MG. Our case highlights that BAV thrombosis should be considered in the differential of elevated gradients regardless of the age of prosthesis, and that a trial of warfarin anticoagulation may be beneficial even if elevated gradients have been present for a prolonged period. Valvular gradients are often abnormal long before a formal diagnosis; however, these may reverse quickly with anticoagulation therapy.

Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Young, Low-risk Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis is a common form of acquired degenerative valvular disease associated with poor survival after the onset of symptoms. Treatment options for patients with aortic stenosis in addition to medical therapy include surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) with either tissue or mechanical valves, or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with either balloon-expandable or self-expanding valves via either transfemoral or alternative access routes. In this review, the authors discuss the current evidence and special considerations regarding the use of TAVR versus SAVR in the management of severe aortic stenosis in young (<65 years of age), low-risk patients, highlighting the history of aortic stenosis treatment, the current guidelines and recommendations, and important issues that remain to be addressed. Ultimately, until ongoing clinical trials with long-term follow-up data shed light on whether interventions for aortic stenosis can be broadened to a low-risk population, TAVR in young, low-risk patients should be undertaken with caution and with guidance from a multidisciplinary heart team.

Surgical aortic valve replacement with a stented pericardial bioprosthesis: 5-year outcomes

OBJECTIVES

This analysis evaluated the safety, durability, and haemodynamic performance of a stented bovine pericardial valve through 5 years of follow-up in patients with an indication for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

METHODS

Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate the incidence of survival and valve-related thromboembolism, major paravalvular leak (PVL), endocarditis, structural valve deterioration (SVD), and reintervention. Mean aortic gradient and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class were also evaluated.

RESULTS

1118 patients have received the Avalus valve (Medtronic); 564 have completed 5-year follow-up. Median follow-up was 4.85 years (4810 patient-years total follow-up). At baseline, mean age was 70.2 ± 9.0 years; 75.1% of patients were male. STS predicted risk of mortality was 2.0 ± 1.4%. Most patients were in NYHA class II (46.8%) or III (40.3%). At 5 years follow-up, the overall Kaplan-Meier survival rate was 88.1% (85.9-90.0%). The Kaplan-Meier event rates were 5.6% (4.3-7.2%) for thromboembolism, 4.4% (3.2-6.0%) for endocarditis, 0.2% (0.0-0.7%) for major PVL, and 3.2% (2.3-4.6%) for reintervention. There were no cases of SVD. Mean gradient decreased from 42.1 ± 17.1 mmHg at baseline, to 13.1 ± 4.7 mmHg at discharge, and remained stable at 12.5 ± 4.6 mmHg at 5 years. More than 95% of patients were in NYHA class I/II 5 years after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of a high survival rate, excellent safety, no SVD, and stable haemodynamic performance and functional status through 5 years of follow-up are encouraging. Additional follow-up is needed to assess the long-term durability of this contemporary surgical bioprosthesis.

Budget impact analysis of a bioprosthetic valve with a novel tissue versus mechanical aortic valve replacement in patients older than 65 years with aortic stenosis in Saudi Arabia

AIMS

A budget impact analysis (BIA) comparing bioprosthetic valves with RESILIA tissue and mechanical valves in aortic stenosis (AS) patients > 65 years in the public and private sectors of Saudi Arabia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A decision-tree with a partitioned survival model was adapted to estimate the financial consequences of either a RESILIA tissue valve or a mechanical valve in aortic valve replacement (AVR) procedures up to 5 years. The budget impact of resource consumption for both valve types was compared and included disabling strokes, reoperations, minor thromboembolic events, major bleeding, endocarditis, anticoagulation treatment and monitoring, and echocardiogram assessments. One-way sensitivity analyses (OWSA) were performed on cost and probability inputs.

RESULTS

RESILIA tissue valves versus mechanical valves are overall budget saving commencing in Year 1 and savings gradually increase year-on-year. The higher costs of the initial procedure, reoperation, and additional monitoring (echocardiogram tests and visits) associated with RESILIA tissue valves are offset by savings in warfarin use, disabling strokes, major bleeding, and anticoagulation complications. The cost per initial procedure per patient is SAR795 higher for a RESILIA tissue valve reflecting the higher valve acquisition cost, which is partially offset by a shorter hospital stay. The OWSA suggests that total procedure costs of each valve, including the hospital stay, are the main cost drivers in the model.

LIMITATIONS

The variability of cost inputs and the presence of multiple payers with multiple costing data is a key challenge in Saudi Arabia. Budget impact results may, therefore, change if repeated per AVR center and may also be impacted by the long-term durability of RESILIA tissue valves.

CONCLUSIONS

An AVR in patients > 65 years with a RESILIA tissue valve is budget-saving from the first year in Saudi Arabia. Patients, payers, providers and policymakers may benefit economically from increased implantation of RESILIA tissue valves.

Two-Year Clinical Follow-Up Assessment of the Novel Cingular Surgical Bovine Pericardial Valve

Objectives: To evaluate the 2-year clinical safety and hemodynamic outcomes of the Cingular bovine pericardial bioprosthesis. Methods: A prospective, multicenter, single-arm trial was conducted in patients who required aortic or mitral valve replacement. From March 2016 to October 2017, 197 patients were implanted with the Cingular bovine pericardial valve at five sites in China. The clinical outcomes and hemodynamic performance were assessed through a 2-year follow-up. Clinical safety events were reviewed by an independent clinical events committee, and echocardiographic data were assessed by an independent core laboratory. Results: The mean age was 66.9 ± 4.9 years. The 2-year survival rate was 96.4%. A complete 2-year clinical follow-up was achieved in 189 of 190 survivors. No case of structural valve deterioration, major perivalvular leak, prosthetic valve endocarditis, or valve-related reoperation was seen. For the aortic valve, the mean pressure gradient observed was 12.5 ± 4.0 mm Hg, and the effective orifice area (EOA) was 2.0 ± 0.3 cm2. For the smaller size aortic valves, 19 mm and 21 mm, respective mean EOA values of 1.7 ± 0.2 cm2 and 1.8 ± 0.2 cm2 were found. The values for mean pressure gradient and mean EOA for mitral bioprostheses were 4.0 ± 1.4 mm Hg and 2.2 ± 0.3 cm2, respectively. There was no significant change between 1-year and 2-year hemodynamic performance. Conclusions: The Cingular bovine pericardial valve showed favorable clinical safety and hemodynamic outcomes over a 2-year follow-up. Further follow-up is required to validate the long-term durability.

Updates on the Latest Surgical Approach of the Aortic Stenosis

Over the last twenty years, we marked significant progresses in the field of tissue engineering and the development of new aortic valve structural and delivery systems. These continuous iterations on the field, have completely changed the surgical indications and approaches for AVR. Nowadays, therapeutic decisions are endorsed by international guidelines; however, new technical advances need a new integrated approach. The clinical scenarios issued from the interaction between the Guidelines and the newest approaches and technologies are regularly on debate by the Heart Team. We will present some of our most encountered situations and the pattern of our therapeutic decisions. To easily navigate through Guidelines and clinical scenarios, we reported in this review a simplified and easy to use Clinical decision-making algorithm that may be a valuable tool in our daily practice.

Long-Term Outcome of Mechanical and Biological Prostheses in Patients with Left-Side Infective Endocarditis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background. Long-term outcomes of patients with infective endocarditis (IE) who received either a mechanical (MP) or biological prosthesis (BP) are conflicting. A meta-analysis of observational studies comparing the long-term outcomes of left-side IE with the use of MP versus BP was performed. Methods. Electronic databases from January 2000 to June 2021 were screened. Studies reporting long-term mortality were analyzed. The primary endpoint was long-term overall mortality. Secondary endpoints were in-hospital/.30-day mortality and freedom from both prosthesis reinfection and reintervention. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for survival according to the random effect model. Results. Thirteen retrospective observational studies reporting on 8645 patients (MP: 4688; BP: 4137) were included for comparison. Twelve studies reported data of long-term survival for a total of 8285 patients (MP: 4517; BP: 3768). The pooled analysis revealed that the use of MP was statistically associated with longer benefits compared to BP (HR 0.74; 95% CI 0.63–0.86; p < 0.0001). The median follow-up time ranged from 1 to 15.3 years. The pooled analysis of five studies reporting data on prosthesis reinfection in 4491 patients (MP: 2433; BP: 2058) did not reveal significant differences (HR 0.60; 95% CI 0.30–1.21; p = 0.15). Five studies reported data on prosthesis reintervention in 4401 patients (MP: 2307; BP: 2094). The meta-analysis revealed a significant difference in favor of MP (HR 0.40; 95% CI 0.29–0.55; p < 0.0001). Meta-regression reported no effect of male gender (p = 0.09) and age (p = 0.77) on long-term survival. Conclusions. In a meta-analysis of retrospective observational studies comparing the long-term outcome of patients who underwent surgery for left-sided IE, the use of MP compared to BP is associated with a significant longer-term survival and with a reduced incidence of late reoperation. The incidence of late reinfection is comparable between the two prostheses.

Serial echocardiographic evaluation of the Perimount Magna Ease prosthesis

Background

The Carpentier-Edwards Perimount Magna Ease prosthesis (PME) represents the latest generation of stented bioprostheses used for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). The aim of our study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcome and hemodynamic performance of the prosthesis with a focus on the incidence and course of structural valve deterioration (SVD) by serial echocardiographic examinations.

Methods

SAVR with the PME was performed in 58 consecutive patients between 2007 and 2008. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed preoperatively, at discharge and annually during a 10-year follow-up at the German Heart Center Munich.

Results

Mean age at surgery was 62±14 years. At discharge (n=57), the overall mean pressure gradient (MPG) and effective orifice area (EOA) were 15.8±4.1 mmHg and 1.8±0.4 cm², respectively. Moderate patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) was present in 18 patients (32%) and severe PPM in 6 patients (11%) at discharge. Ten years following SAVR (n=33), the overall MPG was 16.6±7.3 mmHg and EOA was 1.3±0.4 cm².Thirty-day and late mortality was 2% (n=1) and 21% (n=12), respectively. Survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 94.7%±3.3%, 91.1%±4.1%, and 77.3%±5.9%, respectively. Freedom from reoperation at 10 years was 88.8%±4.7%. Ten years after PME implantation the cumulative incidence of any SVD, severe SVD, and bioprosthetic valve failure (BVF) was 25%±6%, 14%±5%, and 16%±5%, respectively.

Conclusions

The PME shows an excellent hemodynamic performance over the course of 10 years with development of clinically relevant SVD as late as 6 years post implant, and a 10-year incidence of severe SVD of 14%.

Implantability of the MITRIS RESILIA mitral valve: a first-in-human case report

We report a first-in-human implantation of a novel bovine pericardial bioprosthesis in the mitral position. An 80-year-old woman underwent double valve replacement with the novel bioprosthesis, the MITRIS RESILIA mitral valve, in the mitral position and the INSPIRIS RESILIA aortic valve in the aortic position. The MITRIS valve is attached to the RESILIA tissue, which is treated using a special integrity preservation technology, which possibly increases its durability. The structural features of this bioprosthesis could facilitate easier and safer implantability during double valve replacement. This bioprosthesis can be considered advantageous theoretically in patients undergoing double valve replacement.

Prognostic influence of objective nutritional indexes on mortality after surgical aortic valve replacement in elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis (from the nutrition-SAVR trial)

AIM

Several scoring systems, such as controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI), have been previously described to show nutritional status. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the value of these scoring systems in predicting in-hospital and long-term mortality in patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

METHODS

PNI, GNRI, and CONUT were determined using the receiver operator characteristics curve analysis in 150 consecutive elderly patients (age: 70 (66-74) years, male: 78) who underwent SAVR due to degenerative severe aortic stenosis (AS). Patients were divided into two groups according to cutoff values from these indexes.

RESULTS

During the 50 ± 31 months follow-up period, a total of 36 (24%) patients died. 30-day mortality, 1-year mortality, and total mortality were significantly higher in lower PNI, lower GNRI, and higher CONUT groups. PNI cutoff value was 49.2, GNRI cutoff value was 102.5, and CONUT cutoff value was 1.5. PNI ≤ 49.2, GNRI ≤ 102.5, and CONUT > 1.5 values were found to be independent predictors of total mortality even after risk adjustment. In addition, in the mortality group, PNI (53.7 ± 5.9 vs. 47.4 ± 6.3; p < .001) and GNRI (108 ± 10 vs. 99 ± 6.3); p < .001) were significantly lower, while CONUT score (1 [0-2] vs. 2 [0.2-3]; p < .001) was significantly higher.

CONCLUSION

Objective nutritional indexes including CONUT score, PNI, and GNRI are important prognostic factors and those indexes should be part of frailty assessment in patients with severe AS.