Normal-Flow Low-Gradient Aortic Stenosis: Comparing the U.S. and European Guidelines

Patients with normal-flow low-gradient (NFLG) severe aortic stenosis present both diagnostic and management challenges, with debate about the whether this represents true severe stenosis and the need for valve replacement. Studies exploring the natural history without intervention have shown similar outcomes of patients with NFLG severe aortic stenosis to those with moderate aortic stenosis and better outcomes after valve replacement than those with low-flow low-gradient severe aortic stenosis. Most studies (all observational) have shown that aortic valve replacement was associated with a survival benefit vs surveillance. Based on available data, the European Society of Cardiology/European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery guidelines and European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging/American Society of Echocardiography suggest that these patients are more likely to have moderate aortic stenosis. This clinical entity is not mentioned in the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines. Here we review the definition of NFLG severe aortic stenosis, potential diagnostic algorithms and points of error, the data supporting different management strategies, and the differing guidelines and outline the unanswered questions in the diagnosis and management of these challenging patients.

National Variation in Hospital MTEER Outcomes and Correlation With TAVR Outcomes: STS/ACC TVT Registry Analysis

BACKGROUND

A single, multitiered valve center designation has been proposed to publicly identify centers with expertise for all valve therapies. The correlation between transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (MTEER) procedures is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to examine the relationship between site-level volumes and outcomes for TAVR and MTEER. We further explored variability between sites for MTEER outcomes.

METHODS

Using the STS/ACC TVT (Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American College of Cardiology Transcatheter Valve Therapy) national registry, TAVR and MTEER procedures at sites offering both therapies from 2013 to 2022 were examined. Sites were ranked into deciles of adjusted in-hospital and 30-day outcomes separately for TAVR and MTEER and compared. Stepwise, hierarchical multivariable models were constructed for MTEER outcomes, and the median OR was calculated.

RESULTS

Between 2013 and 2022, 384,394 TAVRs and 53,274 MTEERs (median annualized volumes: 93.6 and 18.8, respectively) were performed across 453 U.S. sites. Annualized TAVR and MTEER volumes were moderately correlated (r = 0.48; P < 0.001). After adjustment, 14.3% of sites had the same decile rank for TAVR and MTEER 30-day composite outcome, 50.6% were within 2 decile ranks; 35% had more discordant outcomes for the 2 procedures (P = 0.0005). For MTEER procedures, the median OR for the 30-day composite outcome was 1.57 (95% CI: 1.51-1.64), indicating a 57% variability in outcome by site.

CONCLUSIONS

There is modest correlation between hospital-level volumes for TAVR and MTEER but low interprocedural correlation of outcomes. For similar patients, site-level variability for mortality/morbidity following MTEER was high. Factors influencing outcomes and "centers of excellence" as a whole may differ for TAVR and MTEER.

Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair in COAPT-Ineligible Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation

BACKGROUND

Mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (MTEER) was approved in the United States for treatment of functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) based on results from the COAPT (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients with Functional Mitral Regurgitation) trial.

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to analyze outcomes of MTEER in FMR patients who would have been excluded from COAPT.

METHODS

MTEER procedures performed for FMR in the TVT (Transcatheter Valve Therapy) Registry between January 1, 2013, and April 30, 2020, were categorized as "trial-ineligible" if any of the following were present: cardiogenic shock, inotropic support, left ventricular ejection fraction <20%, left ventricular end-systolic dimension >7 cm, home oxygen use, or severe tricuspid regurgitation. Trial-ineligible and trial-eligible groups were compared through 1 year using multivariable models. The primary endpoint was 1-year death or heart failure hospitalization (HFH).

RESULTS

Of 6,675 patients who underwent MTEER for FMR, 3,721 (55.7%) were trial-eligible and 2,954 (44.3%) were trial-ineligible. Trial-ineligible patients had lower rates of technical procedural success (86.9% vs 92.6%; P < 0.001) and more frequent in-hospital complications (11.8% vs 5.7%; P < 0.001) compared with trial-eligible patients. A clinically meaningful improvement in health status at 30 days was observed in 78.9% and 77.0% of patients in the trial-ineligible and trial-eligible groups, respectively. There was a higher risk of 1-year death or HFH (HR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.57-1.91; P < 0.001) in trial-ineligible patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients who underwent MTEER for FMR in the TVT Registry, nearly one-half would have been ineligible for the COAPT trial. Health status improvement at 30 days was similar in COAPT-ineligible and COAPT-eligible patients, but trial-ineligible patients had higher 1-year rates of death or HFH.

Diastolic Dysfunction and Health Status Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Background

Baseline left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is associated with poor health status in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), but health status improvement after TAVR appears similar across all grades of LVDD. Here, we aim to examine the relationship between changes in LVDD severity and health status outcomes following TAVR.

Methods

Patients who underwent TAVR and had evaluable LVDD at both baseline and 1 year in the PARTNER (Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves) 2 SAPIEN 3 registries and PARTNER 3 trial were analyzed. LVDD grade was evaluated using echocardiography core lab data and an adapted definition of American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. Health status was assessed using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Overall Summary (KCCQ-OS) score. The association between ΔLVDD severity and ΔKCCQ-OS was examined using linear regression models adjusted for baseline KCCQ-OS.

Results

Of 1100 patients, 724 (65.8%), 283 (25.7%), and 93 (8.5%) had grade 0/1, 2, and 3 LVDD at baseline, respectively. At 1 year, LVDD severity was unchanged in 790 (71.8%) patients, improved in 189 (17.2%), and worsened in 121 (11.0%). Among 376 patients with baseline grade 2 or 3 LVDD, 50.3% had improvement in LVDD. In the overall cohort, KCCQ-OS score improved by 21.9 points at 1 year. There was a statistically significant association between change in LVDD severity (improved, unchanged, and worsened) and ΔKCCQ-OS at 1 year (p = 0.007).

Conclusions

Change in LVDD grade was associated with change in health status 1 year following TAVR.

Mitral Valve Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair Volumes and Trends

Background

Despite an association between operator volumes and procedural success, there remains an incomplete understanding of the contemporary utilization and procedural volumes for mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (MTEER). We aimed to identify annual operator procedural volumes, temporal trends, and geographic variability for MTEER among Medicare patients in the United States (US).

Methods

We queried the National Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Database for a CPT code (33418) specific for MitraClip device from 2015 through 2019. We analyzed annual operator procedural volumes and incidence and identified longitudinal and geographic trends in MTEER utilization.

Results

From 2015 through 2019, a total of 27,034 MTEER procedures were performed among Medicare patients in the US. The nationwide incidence increased from 6.2 per 100,000 patients in 2015 to 23.8 per 100,000 patients in 2019, a 283% increase over the study period (Ptrend < 0.001). The incidence of MTEER by state varied by nearly 900% (range 5.5 to 54.9 per 100,000 person-years). In 2019, the mean annual MTEER operator annual volume was 9.1 MTEER procedures and had grown from 6.2 per year in 2015.

Conclusions

In this nationwide study of Medicare beneficiaries in the United States, we identified a significant and sustained increase in the utilization of MTEER devices and operators and growth in annual procedural volumes from 2015 through 2019 with considerable variability in utilization by state. Further studies are needed to understand the clinical impact of variability in utilization and the optimal procedural volumes to ensure high efficacy outcomes and maintain critical access to MTEER therapies.

Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Asymptomatic or Minimally Symptomatic Aortic Stenosis

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in minimally symptomatic patients.

OBJECTIVES

The authors aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients with minimally symptomatic severe aortic stenosis treated with TAVR in the STS/ACC TVT registry.

METHODS

Minimally symptomatic status was defined as a baseline Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire overall summary score (KCCQ-OS) ≥75. Clinical and health status outcomes of TAVR in patients with severe aortic stenosis and normal left ventricular ejection fraction were compared between minimally symptomatic patients and those with moderate or severe symptoms.

RESULTS

Among 231,285 patients who underwent TAVR between 2015 and 2021 (median age 80.0 years [IQR: 74.0-86.0 years], 47.5% female), 20.0% were minimally symptomatic before TAVR. Survival at 1 year was higher in minimally symptomatic patients vs those with moderate or severe symptoms (adjusted HR for death: 0.70 [95% CI: 0.66-0.75]). Mean KCCQ-OS increased by 2.7 points (95% CI: 2.6-2.9 points) at 30 days and 3.8 points (95% CI: 3.6-4.0 points) at 1 year in minimally symptomatic patients compared with increases of 32.2 points (95% CI: 32.0-32.3 points) at 30 days and 34.9 points (95% CI: 34.7-35.0 points) at 1 year in more symptomatic patients. Minimally symptomatic patients had higher odds of being alive and well at 1 year (OR: 1.19 [95% CI: 1.16-1.23]).

CONCLUSIONS

Although minimally symptomatic patients treated with TAVR experience only small improvements in health status, their overall outcomes are favorable with a higher likelihood of survival with good health status at 1 year compared with more symptomatic patients.

Feasibility of Coronary Access Following Redo-TAVR for Evolut Failure: A Computed Tomography Simulation Study

BACKGROUND

Coronary accessibility following redo-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (redo-TAVR) is increasingly important, particularly in younger low-risk patients. This study aimed to predict coronary accessibility after simulated Sapien-3 balloon-expandable valve implantation within an Evolut supra-annular, self-expanding valve using pre-TAVR computed tomography (CT) imaging.

METHODS

A total of 219 pre-TAVR CT scans from the Evolut Low-Risk CT substudy were analyzed. Virtual Evolut and Sapien-3 valves were sized using CT-based diameters. Two initial Evolut implant depths were analyzed, 3 and 5 mm. Coronary accessibility was evaluated for 2 Sapien-3 in Evolut implant positions: Sapien-3 outflow at Evolut node 4 and Evolut node 5.

RESULTS

With a 3-mm initial Evolut implant depth, suitable coronary access was predicted in 84% of patients with the Sapien-3 outflow at Evolut node 4, and in 31% of cases with the Sapien-3 outflow at Evolut node 5 (P<0.001). Coronary accessibility improved with a 5-mm Evolut implant depth: 97% at node 4 and 65% at node 5 (P<0.001). When comparing 3- to 5-mm Evolut implant depth, sinus sequestration was the lowest with Sapien-3 outflow at Evolut node 4 (13% versus 2%; P<0.001), and the highest at Evolut node 5 (61% versus 32%; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Coronary accessibility after Sapien-3 in Evolut redo-TAVR relates to the initial Evolut implant depth, the Sapien-3 outflow position within the Evolut, and the native annular anatomy. This CT-based quantitative analysis may provide useful information to inform and refine individualized preprocedural CT planning of the initial TAVR and guide lifetime management for future coronary access after redo-TAVR.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02701283.

Site Variability in Cerebral Embolic Protection for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation and Association With Outcomes

Background

The effectiveness of cerebral embolic protection devices (CEPD) in mitigating stroke after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains uncertain, and therefore CEPD may be utilized differently across US hospitals. This study aims to characterize the hospital-level pattern of CEPD use during TAVI in the US and its association with outcomes.

Methods

Patients treated with nontransapical TAVI in the 2019 Nationwide Readmissions Database were included. Hospitals were categorized as CEPD non-users and CEPD users. The following outcomes were compared: the composite of in-hospital stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), in-hospital ischemic stroke, death, and cost of hospitalization. Logistic regression models were used for risk adjustment of clinical outcomes.

Results

Of 41,822 TAVI encounters, CEPD was used in 10.6% (n = 4422). Out of 392 hospitals, 65.8% were CEPD non-user hospitals and 34.2% were CEPD users. No difference was observed between CEPD non-users and CEPD users in the risk of in-hospital stroke or TIA (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.99 [0.86-1.15]), ischemic stroke (adjusted OR = 1.00 [0.85-1.18]), or in-hospital death (adjusted OR = 0.86 [0.71-1.03]). The cost of hospitalization was lower in CEPD non-users.

Conclusions

Two-thirds of hospitals in the US do not use CEPD for TAVI, and no significant difference was observed in neurologic outcomes among patients treated at CEPD non-user and CEPD user hospitals.

Transcarotid versus transaxillary access for transcatheter aortic valve replacement with a self-expanding valve: A propensity-matched analysis

Transaxillary access has been the most frequently used nonfemoral access route for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with a self-expanding valve. Use of transcarotid TAVR is increasing; however, comparative data on these methods are limited. We compared outcomes following transcarotid or transaxillary TAVR with a self-expanding, supra-annular valve.

Methods

The Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry was queried for TAVR procedures using transaxillary and transcarotid access between July 2015 and June 2021. Patients received a self-expanding Evolut R, PRO, or PRO + valve (Medtronic) and had 1-year follow-up. Thirty-day and 1-year outcomes were compared in transcarotid and transaxillary groups after 1:2 propensity score-matching. Multivariable regression models were fitted to identify predictors of key end points.

Results

The propensity score-matched cohort included 576 patients receiving transcarotid and 1142 receiving transaxillary access. Median procedure time (99 vs 118 minutes; P < .001) and hospital stay (2 vs 3 days; P < .001) were shorter with transcarotid versus transaxillary access. At 30 days, patients with transcarotid access had similar mortality (Kaplan-Meier estimates 3.7% vs 4.3%, P = .57) but significantly lower stroke (3.1% vs 5.9%; P = .017) and mortality or stroke (6.0% vs 8.9%; P = .033) compared with patients receiving transaxillary access. Similar differences were observed at 1 year. Transaxillary access was associated with increased risk of 30-day stroke (hazard ratio, 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-3.58) by multivariable regression analysis.

Conclusions

Transcarotid versus transaxillary access for TAVR using a self-expanding valve is associated with procedural benefits and significantly lower stroke and mortality or stroke at 30 days. In patients with unsuitable femoral anatomy, transcarotid access may be the preferred delivery route for self-expanding valves.

Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair for mitral regurgitation using PASCAL or MitraClip

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of data regarding the comparative efficacy and safety of Mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (MTEER) using the PASCAL or MitraClip systems for patients with mitral regurgitation (MR).

METHODS

An electronic search was conducted for MEDLINE, COCHRANE, and EMBASE, through February 2023, for studies comparing the clinical outcomes of MTEER using PASCAL versus MitraClip systems among patients with severe MR. The primary study outcome was residual MR ≤ 2 at discharge. Data were pooled using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

The final analysis included six studies with a total of 1581 patients, with a weighted follow-up period of 3.5 months. Two studies only included patients with degenerative MR, while the remaining studies included both degenerative and functional MR. There was no significant difference in procedure duration between MTEER with the PASCAL or MitraClip systems. There was no difference in residual MR ≤ 2 at discharge (94.7% vs. 91.9%; odds ratio [OR]: 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.92-2.27) or residual MR ≤ 2 at the mid-term follow-up (94.6% vs. 91.0%, p = 0.05) among the PASCAL versus MitraClip systems. There was no difference between both groups in residual MR ≤ 1 at discharge (73.1% vs. 63.8%, p = 0.12), while there was greater incidence of residual MR ≤ 1 at midterm follow-up with the PASCAL system (71.3% vs. 56.2%, p < 0.001). There was no difference between the PASCAL and MitraClip MTEER systems in technical success (97.0% vs. 97.9%, p = 0.15), procedural success (89.1% vs. 87.1%, p = 0.78), single leaflet detachment (1.8% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.55), or all-cause mortality (3.6% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.71).

CONCLUSION

In this meta-analysis, we demonstrated comparable efficacy and safety between the PASCAL and MitraClip MTEER systems at short- and mid-term assessments. Randomized trials are warranted to evaluate the comparative long-term outcomes between both MTEER systems.

Updates on bioprosthetic valve fracture

INTRODUCTION

Valve-in-valve (VIV) transcatheter valve replacement has emerged as a feasible and potentially safer treatment option for failed bioprosthetic surgical valves (BSVs). However, VIV procedure carries an inherent risk of prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM). Bioprosthetic valve fracture (BVF) and bioprosthetic valve remodeling (BVR) by either fracturing or stretching the surgical valve ring, allows for a more optimal expansion of the transcatheter heart valve (THV) and beneficial effects on post-implant valve hemodynamics and perhaps long-term valve durability.

AREAS COVERED

This is an expanded overview of BVF and BVR to facilitate VIV transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), with detailed discussion on lessons learned from bench testing studies and translation to procedural technique, clinical experience incorporating up-todate evidence and experience with BVF in non-aortic positions.

EXPERT OPINION

BVF and BVR improve valve hemodynamics following VIV-TAVR with timing of BVF being an important determinant of procedure safety and efficacy; however longer-term data are needed to determine long-term clinical outcomes including mortality, valve hemodynamics, and valve reintervention. In addition, further research will be needed to understand the safety and efficacy of these procedures in any new generation BSV or THV and to better define the role of these techniques in the pulmonic, mitral, and tricuspid positions.

Outcomes of Bioprosthetic Valve Fracture in Patients Undergoing Valve-in-Valve TAVR

BACKGROUND

Valve-in-valve (VIV) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is increasingly used to treat degenerated surgical bioprostheses. Bioprosthetic valve fracture (BVF) has been shown to improve hemodynamic status in VIV TAVR in case series. However, the safety and efficacy of BVF are unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of VIV TAVR using SAPIEN 3 and SAPIEN 3 Ultra valves with or without BVF using data from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American College of Cardiology TVT (Transcatheter Valve Therapy) Registry.

METHODS

The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included echocardiography-derived valve gradient and aortic valve area. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to adjust for baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 2,975 patients underwent VIV TAVR from December 15, 2020, to March 31, 2022. BVF was attempted in 619 patients (21%). In adjusted analyses, attempted BVF was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (OR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.30-4.84) and life-threatening bleeding (OR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.44-4.50). At discharge, VIV TAVR with attempted BVF was associated with larger aortic valve area (1.6 cm² vs 1.4 cm²; P < 0.01) and lower mean gradient (16.3 mm Hg vs 19.2 mm Hg; P < 0.01). When BVF was compared with no BVF according to timing (before vs after transcatheter heart valve implantation), BVF after transcatheter heart valve implantation was associated with improved hemodynamic status and similar mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

BVF as an adjunct to VIV TAVR with the SAPIEN 3 and SAPIEN 3 Ultra valves is associated with a higher risk for in-hospital mortality and significant bleeding and modest improvements in echocardiography-derived hemodynamic status. The timing of BVF is an important determinant of safety and efficacy.

Timing of bioprosthetic valve fracture in transcatheter valve-in-valve intervention: impact on valve durability and leaflet integrity

BACKGROUND

Bioprosthetic valve fracture (BVF) can be used to improve transcatheter heart valve (THV) haemodynamics following a valve-in-valve (ViV) intervention. However, whether BVF should be performed before or after THV deployment and the implications on durability are unknown.  Aims: We sought to assess the impact of BVF timing on long-term THV durability.

METHODS

The impact of BVF timing was assessed using small ACURATE neo (ACn) or 23 mm SAPIEN 3 (S3) THV deployed in 21 mm Mitroflow valves compared to no-BVF controls. Valves underwent accelerated wear testing up to 200 million (M) cycles (equivalent to 5 years). At 200M cycles, THV were evaluated by hydrodynamic testing, second-harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histology.

RESULTS

At 200M cycles, the regurgitant fraction (RF) and effective orifice area (EOA) for the ACn were 8.03±0.30%/1.74±0.01 cm2 (no BVF), 12.48±0.70%/1.97±0.02 cm2 (BVF before ViV) and 9.29±0.38%/2.21±0.0 cm2 (BVF after ViV), respectively. For the S3 these values were 2.63±0.51%/1.26±0.01 cm2, 2.03±0.42%/1.65±0.01 cm2, and 1.62±0.38%/2.22±0.01 cm2, respectively. Further, SHG and SEM revealed a higher degree of superficial leaflet damage when BVF was performed after ViV for the ACn and S3. However, the histological analysis revealed significantly less damage, as determined by matrix density analysis, through the entire leaflet thickness when BVF was performed after ViV with the S3 and a similar but non-significant trend with the ACn.  Conclusions: BVF performed after ViV appears to offer superior long-term EOA without increased RF. Ultrastructure leaflet analysis reveals that the timing of BVF can differentially impact leaflets, with more superficial damage but greater preservation of overall leaflet structure when BVF is performed after ViV.

Rehospitalization Events After Aortic Valve Replacement: Insights From the PARTNER Trial

BACKGROUND

Rehospitalization is a common end point in clinical trials of structural heart interventions, but whether rehospitalization is clinically and prognostically relevant in these patients is uncertain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of rehospitalization events after aortic valve replacement (AVR) and their association with mortality and health status.

METHODS

The study population included patients who underwent transcatheter or surgical AVR in the PARTNER I' II' and III trials (Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves). Health status was assessed with the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-overall summary score. The primary analysis focused on heart failure hospitalization within 1 year after AVR and its association with mortality, poor outcome (death, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-overall summary score <60 or decrease by ≥10), and health status at 1 year using adjusted models. Secondary analyses examined the prognostic associations of rehospitalization due to a composite of heart failure, valve-related, or procedure-related causes.

RESULTS

Among 3403 patients treated with AVR (2008 transcatheter AVR, 1395 surgical AVR), the 1-year incidence was 6.7% for heart failure hospitalization and 9.7% for rehospitalization due to a composite of heart failure, valve-related, or procedure-related causes. Heart failure hospitalization after AVR was associated with increased risk of 1-year mortality (hazard ratio, 3.97 [2.48 to 6.36]; P<0.001), poor outcome (OR, 2.76 [1.73 to 4.40]; P<0.001), and worse health status (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-overall summary mean difference -9.8 points [-13.8 to -5.8]; P<0.001). Rehospitalization due to a composite of heart failure, valve-related, or procedure-related causes was similarly associated with increased 1-year mortality (hazard ratio, 4.64 [3.11 to 6.92]; P<0.001), poor outcome (OR, 2.06 [1.38 to 3.07]; P=0.0004), and worse health status (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-overall summary mean difference -8.8 points [-11.8 to -5.7]; P<0.001). There was no effect modification by treatment type (transcatheter AVR versus surgical AVR) for these associations.

CONCLUSIONS

Heart failure hospitalization and rehospitalization after AVR are associated with increased risk of mortality and worse 1-year health status. These findings confirm the clinical and prognostic relevance of rehospitalization end points for trials of AVR.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: NCT00530894.

Network meta-analysis comparing the short and long-term outcomes of alternative access for transcatheter aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND

Several studies have pair-wise compared access sites for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) but pooled estimate of overall comparative efficacy and safety outcomes are not well known. We sought to compare short- and long-term outcomes following various alternative access routes for TAVR.

METHODS

Thirty-four studies with a pooled sample size of 32,756 patients were selected by searching PubMed and Cochrane library databases from inception through 11th June 2021 for patients undergoing TAVR via 1 of 6 different access sites: Transfemoral (TF), Transaortic (TAO), Transapical (TA), Transcarotid (TC), Transaxillary/Subclavian (TSA), and Transcaval (TCV). Data were extracted to conduct a frequentist network meta-analysis with a random-effects model using TF access as a reference group.

RESULTS

Compared with TF, both TAO [RR 1.91, 95% CI (1.46-2.50)] and TA access [RR 2.12, 95% CI (1.84-2.46)] were associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality. No significant difference was observed for stroke, myocardial infarction, major bleeding, conversion to open surgery, and major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events at 30 days between different accesses. Major vascular complications were lower in TA [RR 0.43, (95% CI, 0.28-0.67)] and TC [RR 0.51, 95% CI (0.35-0.73)] access compared to TF. The 1-year mortality was higher in TAO [RR of 1.35, (95% CI, 1.01-1.81)] and TA [RR 1.44, (95% CI, 1.14-1.81)] groups.

CONCLUSION

Non-thoracic alternative access site utilization for TAVR implantation (TC, TSA and TCV) is associated with outcomes similar to conventional TF access. Thoracic TAVR access (TAO and TA) translates into increased short and long-term mortality.

Bioprosthetic valve fracture: a practical guide

Valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (VIV TAVR) is currently indicated for the treatment of failed surgical tissue valves in patients determined to be at high surgical risk for re-operative surgical valve replacement. VIV TAVR, however, often results in suboptimal expansion of the transcatheter heart valve (THV) and can result in patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM), particularly in small surgical valves. Bioprosthetic valve fracture (BVF) and bioprosthetic valve remodeling (BVR) can facilitate VIV TAVR by optimally expanding the THV and reducing the residual transvalvular gradient by utilizing a high-pressure inflation with a non-compliant balloon to either fracture or stretch the surgical valve ring, respectively. This article, along with the supplemental video, will provide patient selection, procedural planning and technical insights for performing BVF and BVR.

Impact of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement on Hospitalization Rates: Insights From Nationwide Readmission Database

Background

Hospitalization rates after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remain high, given the age and comorbidities of patients undergoing TAVR. To better understand the impact of TAVR on hospitalization, we sought to compare hospitalization rates before and after TAVR and to examine if underlying patient comorbidities are associated with a differential effect of TAVR on hospitalizations.

Methods and Results

We used the Nationwide Readmissions Database to identify patients who underwent TAVR. As Nationwide Readmissions Database data do not cross over calendar years, we limited our index admission to hospitalizations during April to September of each calendar year to allow 90 days of observation before and after TAVRs. We calculated the daily risk of all‐cause hospitalization and used a mixed‐effects logistic regression model to explore interactions between patient characteristics, TAVR, and hospitalization risk. Among 39 249 patients who underwent TAVR in 2014 to 2017 (median age, 82 years [interquartile range, 76–87 years]; 45.7% women), 32.0% had at least one hospitalization in the 90 days before TAVR compared with 23.2% in the 90 days post‐TAVR (relative reduction, 27.5%; P<0.001). In the mixed‐effects logistic regression model, TAVR was associated with decreased all‐cause hospitalization rate after TAVR in all comorbidity subgroups. However, younger patients and those with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction appeared to have more robust reduction in hospitalizations.

Conclusions

Although patients who are treated with TAVR have high rates of rehospitalization, TAVR is associated with an overall reduction in all‐cause hospitalizations regardless of underlying patient comorbidities.

Impact of COPD on Outcomes After MitraClip for Secondary Mitral Regurgitation: The COAPT Trial

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and outcomes after transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) for severe secondary mitral regurgitation.

BACKGROUND

TMVr with the MitraClip improves clinical and health-status outcomes in patients with heart failure and severe (3+ to 4+) secondary mitral regurgitation. Whether these benefits are modified by COPD is unknown.

METHODS

COAPT (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation) was an open-label, multicenter, randomized trial of TMVr plus guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) versus GDMT alone. Patients on corticosteroids or continuous oxygen were excluded. Multivariable models were used to examine the associations of COPD with mortality, heart failure hospitalization (HFH), and health status and to test whether COPD modified the benefit of TMVr compared with GDMT.

RESULTS

Among 614 patients, 143 (23.2%) had COPD. Among patients treated with TMVr, unadjusted analyses demonstrated increased 2-year mortality in those with COPD (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33 to 3.26), but this association was attenuated after risk adjustment (adjusted HR: 1.48; 95% CI: 0.87 to 2.52). Although TMVr led to reduced 2-year mortality among patients without COPD (adjusted HR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.67), for patients with COPD, 2-year all-cause mortality was similar after TMVr versus GDMT alone (adjusted HR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.54 to 1.65; p_int = 0.04), findings that reflect offsetting effects on cardiovascular and noncardiovascular mortality. In contrast, TMVr reduced HFH (adjusted HR: 0.48 [95% CI: 0.28 to 0.83] vs. 0.46 [95% CI: 0.34 to 0.63]; p_int = 0.89) and improved both generic and disease-specific health status to a similar extent compared with GDMT alone in patients with and without COPD (p_int >0.30 for all scales).

CONCLUSIONS

In the COAPT trial, COPD was associated with attenuation of the survival benefit of TMVr versus GDMT compared with patients without COPD. However, the benefits of TMVr on both HFH and health status were similar regardless of COPD. (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation [The COAPT Trial] [COAPT]; NCT01626079).

Counterpoint: challenges and limitations of transcatheter aortic valve implantation for aortic regurgitation

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for isolated aortic regurgitation (AR) comprises <1.0% of all TAVI procedures performed in the USA. In this manuscript, we review the challenges, evidence and future directions of TAVI for isolated AR. There are no randomised clinical trials or mid-term data evaluating TAVI for isolated AR, and no commercially available devices are approved for this indication. Challenges in performing TAVI for isolated AR as opposed to aortic stenosis (AS) include: lack of a calcified anchoring zone for valve deployment, large and dynamic size of the aortic annulus and high stroke volume (during systole) and regurgitant volume (during diastole) across the aortic annulus during each cardiac cycle. Observational studies have shown that outcomes of TAVI for AR are worse than outcomes of TAVI for AS. However, newer generation TAVI devices may perform better than older generation devices in patients with AR. Two emerging valves (the JenaValve and the J-Valve) are designed with mechanisms to anchor in a non-calcified annulus, and these valves have shown promise for AR. Data on these devices are limited, and clinical investigation is ongoing. Randomised clinical trials are needed to establish TAVI as a safe and effective treatment for isolated AR.

Effect of Operator Experience on Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair Outcomes

Transcatheter mitral valve repair with MitraClip is a novel, intricate therapy for mitral regurgitation that improves survival and quality of life. Similar to other medical procedures, there is a relationship between procedural experience and clinical outcomes. MitraClip results and the efficiency and safety of the procedure all improved with increasing experience at both the institutional and operator level in two large studies from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and American College of Cardiology Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry. Patient selection was also found to have a significant role in procedure success. The old adage of “See one, do one, teach one” does not necessarily apply to complex interventions, such as MitraClip, given that the learning curve does not appear to plateau even as operators approach a 150-case experience.

Site-Level Variability in 30-Day Patient Outcomes After Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair in the United States

BACKGROUND

Clinical trials have demonstrated health status benefit of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) with MitraClip in patients with mitral valve regurgitation. Real-world site-level variability in health status outcomes for TMVr, and factors associated with this variability, are unknown.

METHODS

All patients undergoing TMVr procedure with MitraClip between November 2013 and March 2019 in the Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry were included. Health status was measured at baseline and 30 days with the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) Overall Summary (OS) score. Site-level variability in 30-day change in KCCQ-OS was examined by calculating the median odds ratio from a hierarchical logistic regression model, with ≥20-point improvement as the dependent variable. To define the extent to which patient characteristics, procedural characteristics (residual mitral valve regurgitation, periprocedural bleeding), site volume, and patients' baseline health status accounted for variability in outcomes, the proportion of variability (R²) explained by sequentially adding these variables to the model was quantified.

RESULTS

Across 339 sites, 12 415 patients (mean age 79.0±9.5 years, 46.1%. females, 89.5% White) completed baseline and 30-day health status assessments. Mean KCCQ-OS score was 43.0±24.4 at baseline and 67.0±24.9 at 30-day follow-up. Across sites, the proportion of patients achieving a ≥20-point improvement in KCCQ-OS ranged from 12.5% to 100% and the adjusted median odds ratio was 1.58 (95% CI, 1.46-1.69). The greatest contribution to the variability in health status outcomes was from patients' baseline KCCQ-OS score (R²=25%) with <1% of the variability explained by patient and procedural characteristics, and annual site volume.

CONCLUSIONS

There is moderate variation across sites in their patients' achievement of health status benefits from TMVr, with patient's baseline health status accounting for the largest proportion of this variation. This underscores the importance of patient selection in supporting more consistent health status benefit from TMVr.

Outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement for patients with severe aortic stenosis and concomitant aortic insufficiency: Insights from the TVT Registry

AIMS

Data regarding outcomes for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) with concomitant aortic insufficiency (AI), undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are limited. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of severe AS with concomitant AI among patients undergoing TAVR and outcomes of TAVR in this patient group.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using data from the STS/ACC-TVT Registry, we identified patients with severe AS with or without concomitant AI who underwent TAVR between 2011 and 2016. Patients were categorized based on the severity of pre-procedural AI. Multivariable proportional hazards regression models were used to examine all-cause mortality and heart failure (HF) hospitalization at 1-year. Among 54,535 patients undergoing TAVR, 42,568 (78.1%) had severe AS with concomitant AI. Device success was lower in patients with severe AS with concomitant AI as compared with isolated AS. The presence of baseline AI was associated with lower 1 year mortality (HR 0.94 per 1 grade increase in AI severity; 95% CI, 0.91-0.98, P < .001) and HF hospitalization (HR 0.87 per 1 grade increase in AI severity; 95% CI, 0.84-0.91, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Severe AS with concomitant AI is common among patients undergoing TAVR, and is associated with lower 1 year mortality and HF hospitalization. Future studies are warranted to better understand the mechanisms underlying this benefit.

SHORT ABSTRACT

In this nationally representative analysis from the United States, 78.1% of patients undergoing TAVR had severe AS with concomitant AI. Device success was lower in patients with severe AS with concomitant AI as compared with isolated AS. The presence of baseline AI was associated with lower 1 year mortality (HR 0.94 per 1 grade increase in AI severity; 95% CI, 0.91-0.98, P < .001) and HF hospitalization (HR 0.87 per 1 grade increase in AI severity; 95% CI, 0.84-0.91, P < .001).

Update on the Current Status and Indications for Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the current status and indications of transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair.

RECENT FINDINGS

Mitral regurgitation remains a common valvular disease and can be classified as degenerative (primary) or functional (secondary). Randomized controlled trials have shown that transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair with MitraClip is successful, safe, and effective in reducing mitral regurgitation. The US Food and Drug Administration approved MitraClip in 2013 for treatment of patients with primary mitral regurgitation at prohibitive surgical risk and in 2019 for secondary mitral regurgitation. Several MitraClip generations exist (NT/R, XT/R, NTW, and XTW) with unique features and considerations. Additional edge-to-edge repair, non-edge-to-edge repair, and transcatheter valve replacement systems are under investigation as stand-alone or adjunctive therapy for patients with mitral regurgitation. Mitral regurgitation remains a significant health burden and many patients are not suitable for surgical repair or replacement. Transcatheter mitral valve therapies can be considered in selected patients and are safe and effective. More research is needed to understand how to best select devices and patients and optimize outcomes.

Developing and Testing a Personalized, Evidence-Based, Shared Decision-Making Tool for Stent Selection in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Using a Pre-Post Study Design

Background Drug-eluting stents reduce the risk of restenosis in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, but their use necessitates prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy, which increases costs and bleeding risk, and which may delay elective surgeries. While >80% of patients in the United States receive drug-eluting stents, less than a third report that their physicians discussed options with them. Methods and Results An individualized shared decision-making (SDM) tool for stent selection was designed and implemented at 2 US hospitals. In the postimplementation phase, all patients received the SDM tool before their procedure, with or without decision coaching from a trained nurse. All patients were interviewed with respect to their knowledge of stents, their participation in SDM, and their stent preference. Between May 2014 and December 2016, 332 patients not receiving the SDM tool, 113 receiving the SDM tool with coaching, and 136 receiving the tool without coaching were interviewed. Patients receiving the SDM tool + coaching, as compared with usual care, demonstrated higher knowledge scores (mean difference +1.8; P<0.001), reported more frequent participation in SDM (odds ratio=2.96; P<0.001), and were more likely to state a stent preference (odds ratio=2.00; P<0.001). No significant differences were observed between the use of the SDM tool without coaching and usual care. For patients who voiced a stent preference, concordance between stent desired and stent received was 98% for patients who preferred a drug-eluting stent and 50% for patients who preferred a bare metal stent. The SDM tool (with or without coaching) had no impact on stent selection or concordance. Conclusions An SDM tool for stent selection was associated with improvements in patient knowledge and SDM only when accompanied by decision coaching. However, the SDM tool (with or without coaching) had no impact on stent selection or concordance between patients' stent preference and stent received, suggesting that physician-level barriers to SDM may exist. Clinical Trial Information URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique Identifier: NCT02046902.

Association Between Diastolic Dysfunction and Health Status Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the association of baseline left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) with health status outcomes of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

BACKGROUND

Although LVDD in patients with aortic stenosis is associated with higher mortality after TAVR, it is unknown if it is also associated with health status recovery.

METHODS

In a cohort of 304 patients with interpretable echocardiograms, undergoing TAVR, LVDD was categorized at baseline as absent (grade 0), mild (grade 1), moderate (grade 2), or severe (grade 3). Disease-specific health status was assessed using the 12-item Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire overall summary score (KCCQ-OS) at baseline and at 1-month and 12-month follow-up. Association of baseline LVDD with health status at baseline and follow-up after TAVR was assessed using a linear trend test, and association with health status recovery (change in KCCQ-OS) was examined using a linear mixed model adjusting for baseline KCCQ-OS.

RESULTS

Twenty-four (7.9%), 54 (17.8%), 186 (61.2%), and 40 (13.2%) patients had LVDD grades of 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Baseline KCCQ-OS was 61.3 ± 22.7, 51.0 ± 26.1, 44.7 ± 25.7, and 44.4 ± 21.9 (p = 0.004) in patients with LVDD grades of 0, 1,2 and 3. At 1 and 12 months after TAVR, LVDD was not associated with KCCQ-OS. Recovery in KCCQ-OS after TAVR was substantial and similar in patients across all severities of LVDD.

CONCLUSIONS

Although LVDD is associated with health status prior to TAVR, patients across all severities of LVDD have similar recovery in health status after TAVR.

Opioid-Related Adverse Events: Incidence and Impact in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Purpose. Opioid-related adverse drug events (ORADEs) increase patient length of stay (LOS) and health care costs. However, ORADE rates may be underreported. This study attempts to understand the degree to which ORADEs are underreported in Medicare patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Materials and Methods. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrative claims database was used to identify ORADEs in 110 158 Medicare beneficiaries who underwent cardiac valve (n = 50 525) or coronary bypass (n = 59 633) surgery between April 2016 and March 2017. The International Classification of Disease (ICD)-10 codes specifically linked to ORADEs were used to identify an actual ORADE rate, while additional ICD codes, clinically associated with butas not specific to adverse drug events were analyzed as potential ORADEs. Length of stay (LOS) and hospital daily revenue were analyzed among patients with or without a potential ORADE. Results. Among patients undergoing valve or bypass surgery, the documented ORADE rate was 0.7% (743/110 158). However, potential ORADEs may have occurred in up to 32.4% (35 658/110 158) of patients. In patients with a potential ORADE, mean LOS was longer (11.4 vs 8.2 days; P < .0001) and mean Medicare revenue/day was lower ($4016 vs $4412; P < .0001). The mean net difference in revenue/day between patients with and without an ORADE varied between $231 and $1145, depending on the Diagnosis-Related Group analyzed. Conclusions. ORADEs are likely underreported following cardiac surgery. ORADEs can be associated with increased LOS and decreased hospital revenue. Understanding the incidence and economic impact of ORADEs may expedite changes to postoperative pain management. Adopting multimodal pain management strategies that reduce exposure to opioids may improve outcomes by reducing complications, side effects, and health care costs.

Performance of the TRUE dilatation balloon valvuloplasty catheter beyond rated burst pressure: A bench study

OBJECTIVES

We undertook an independent bench test assessing the performance of the TRUE dilatation (TD) balloon valvuloplasty catheter (Bard Vascular Inc., Tempe, AZ) beyond its rated burst pressure (RBP).

BACKGROUND

The TD balloon has a RBP of six atmospheres (atm), and its performance beyond this RBP is poorly understood. Techniques such as bioprosthetic valve fracture require inflation pressures beyond manufacturer recommendations.

METHODS

A 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28 mm TD balloon were inflated to increasing pressures in increments of 3 atm until balloon failure. Measurements were performed at the proximal, middle, and distal balloon segments with scientific digital calipers. Z-MED balloons (Braun Interventional Systems Inc., Bethlehem, PA) were used as a comparator.

RESULTS

The mean diameter at the middle of the 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28 mm TD balloon at nominal pressure (3 atm) was 20.02 ± 0.09, 21.77 ± 0.07, 23.9 ± 0.06, 25.82 ± 0.08, and 27.62 ± 0.08 mm, respectively. The maximal mean diameter at the middle of the 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28 mm TD balloon was 20.39 ± 0.03 mm (15 atm), 22.35 ± 0.03 mm (15 atm), 24.55 ± 0.02 mm (15 atm), 26.48 ± 0.02 mm (12 atm), and 28.39 ± 0.03 mm (12 atm), respectively. The 20/22/24 and 26/28 mm balloon failed when inflated beyond 15 atm and 12 atm, respectively. Failure was due to either leakage or longitudinal balloon rupture. TD balloons were more likely to maintain dimensions similar to their labeled size and less likely to fail at higher pressures as compared to Z-MED balloons.

CONCLUSION

The TD balloon catheter maintains a similar diameter to its labeled size, when inflated beyond its RBP. When inflated beyond 12 atm, the TD balloon can fail due to either leakage or rupture. This has implications for percutaneous structural heart interventions.

Association of Smoking Status With Long-Term Mortality and Health Status After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Insights From the Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American College of Cardiology Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry

Background

Smoking is a significant risk factor for aortic stenosis but its impact on clinical and health status outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has not been described.

Methods and Results

Patients (n=72 165) undergoing TAVR at 457 US sites in the STS/ACC TVT (Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American College of Cardiology Transcatheter Valve Therapy) Registry between November 2011 and June 2016 were categorized at the time of TAVR as current/recent smokers versus prior/nonsmokers. A series of multivariable models examined the association between smoking status and outcomes, including 1‐year mortality, rehospitalization, mean gradient, and health status (measured by the 12‐item Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire–Overall Summary Score [KCCQ‐OS]) and in‐hospital outcomes. A total of 4063 patients (5.6%) were smokers. Smokers presented for TAVR at a younger age (75 [68–81] years versus 83 [77–88] years) but with a greater burden of cardiovascular and lung disease. In adjusted models, smoking was associated with lower in‐hospital mortality (relative risk, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.62–0.89 [P=0.001]) but not with in‐hospital stroke/transient ischemic attack or myocardial infarction. Smoking status had no association with postdischarge mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, or heart failure (HF) but was associated with slightly lower 1‐year KCCQ‐OS scores (2.4‐point lower KCCQ‐OS; 95% CI, −4.6 to −0.2 [P=0.031]) and higher mean aortic valve gradients (11.1 versus 10.2 mm Hg, P<0.001) in adjusted models.

Conclusions

The current/recent smoking rate in US patients with TAVR is 5.6% and smokers present at a younger age for TAVR. Smoking was associated with lower in‐hospital but similar long‐term survival after TAVR, slightly worse long‐term health status, and marginally higher mean aortic valve gradients. Further research is needed to understand the effect of smoking cessation on outcomes.

See Editorial Edelman and Thourani

Pivotal Clinical Study to Evaluate the Safety and Effectiveness of the MANTA Percutaneous Vascular Closure Device

Background:

Open surgical closure and small-bore suture-based preclosure devices have limitations when used for transcatheter aortic valve replacement, percutaneous endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, or percutaneous thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. The MANTA vascular closure device is a novel collagen-based technology designed to close large bore arteriotomies created by devices with an outer diameter ranging from 12F to 25F. In this study, we determined the safety and effectiveness of the MANTA vascular closure device.

Methods and Results:

A prospective, single arm, multicenter investigation in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement, percutaneous endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, or thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair at 20 sites in North America. The primary outcome was time to hemostasis. The primary safety outcomes were accessed site-related vascular injury or bleeding complications. A total of 341 patients, 78 roll-in, and 263 in the primary analysis cohort, were entered in the study between November 2016 and September 2017. For the primary analysis cohort, transcatheter aortic valve replacement was performed in 210 (79.8%), and percutaneous endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair or thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair was performed in 53 (20.2%). The 14F MANTA was used in 42 cases (16%), and the 18F was used in 221 cases(84%). The mean effective sheath outer diameter was 22F (7.3 mm). The mean time to hemostasis was 65±157 seconds with a median time to hemostasis of 24 seconds. Technical success was achieved in 257 (97.7%) patients, and a single device was deployed in 262 (99.6%) of cases. Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 major vascular complications occurred in 11 (4.2%) cases: 4 received a covered stent (1.5%), 3 had access site bleeding (1.1%), 2 underwent surgical repair (0.8%), and 2 underwent balloon inflation (0.8%).

Conclusions:

In a selected population, this study demonstrated that the MANTA percutaneous vascular closure device can safely and effectively close large bore arteriotomies created by current generation transcatheter aortic valve replacement, percutaneous endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, and thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair devices.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02908880.

Abstract 221: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement is Associated with a Reduction in Hospitalization Rates: Insights from Nationwide Readmission Database

Background: In inoperable patients with severe aortic stenosis, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) reduced mortality and hospitalization as compared with medical therapy. However, hospitalization rates after TAVR remain high, given the age and comorbidities of patients undergoing TAVR. Studies have thus far focused on rehospitalization after TAVR and have not examined the decline in hospitalizations achieved with TAVR. We sought to compare hospitalization rates in the 3 months before and after TAVR and further examine these changes in patients with and without LV dysfunction.

Methods: We used the 2014 Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) to identify patients who underwent TAVR between April and September, to allow for assessment of hospitalizations 3 months before and after TAVR. We compared hospitalization rates before and after TAVR using McNemar tests and also examined rates among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and those without HFrEF.

Results: Among 10416 who underwent TAVR between 4/1/14-9/30/14, mean age was 81.1 ± 8.4 years, 45.4% were men, mean number of chronic condition was 9.6 ± 3.1, and 40.6% had HFrEF. The rate of all-cause hospitalization in the 3 months before TAVR was 34.1%, which decreased to 25.5% in the 3 months after TAVR (p <0.001; Figure). Among patients with HFrEF, rates changed from 40.2% before TAVR to 26.8% after (p <0.001), as compared with 29.8% to 24.6% among patients without HFrEF (p<0.001). Mixed effects logistic regression to examine patient characteristics associated with change in hospitalization rates after TAVR will be performed.

Conclusion: Although patients who are treated with TAVR have high rates of rehospitalization after the procedures, TAVR is associated with a reduction in all-cause hospitalization, which appears to be even more pronounced among patients with HFrEF. Further investigation is needed to better understand the patient factors associated with response to TAVR, in terms of hospitalization

Bioprosthetic Valve Fracture Improves the Hemodynamic Results of Valve-in-Valve Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Background—

Valve-in-valve (VIV) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may be less effective in small surgical valves because of patient/prosthesis mismatch. Bioprosthetic valve fracture (BVF) using a high-pressure balloon can be performed to facilitate VIV TAVR.

Methods and Results—

We report data from 20 consecutive clinical cases in which BVF was successfully performed before or after VIV TAVR by inflation of a high-pressure balloon positioned across the valve ring during rapid ventricular pacing. Hemodynamic measurements and calculation of the valve effective orifice area were performed at baseline, immediately after VIV TAVR, and after BVF. BVF was successfully performed in 20 patients undergoing VIV TAVR with balloon-expandable (n=8) or self-expanding (n=12) transcatheter valves in Mitroflow, Carpentier-Edwards Perimount, Magna and Magna Ease, Biocor Epic and Biocor Epic Supra, and Mosaic surgical valves. Successful fracture was noted fluoroscopically when the waist of the balloon released and by a sudden drop in inflation pressure, often accompanied by an audible snap. BVF resulted in a reduction in the mean transvalvular gradient (from 20.5±7.4 to 6.7±3.7 mm Hg, P <0.001) and an increase in valve effective orifice area (from 1.0±0.4 to 1.8±0.6 cm 2 , P <0.001). No procedural complications were reported.

Conclusions—

BVF can be performed safely in small surgical valves to facilitate VIV TAVR with either balloon-expandable or self-expanding transcatheter valves and results in reduced residual transvalvular gradients and increased valve effective orifice area.

Impact of Ejection Fraction and Aortic Valve Gradient on Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND

In patients with aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), studies have suggested that reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) and low aortic valve gradient (AVG) are associated with worse long-term outcomes. Because these conditions commonly coexist, the extent to which they are independently associated with outcomes after TAVR is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of LVEF and AVG on clinical outcomes after TAVR and to determine whether the effect of AVG on outcomes is modified by LVEF.

METHODS

Using data from 11,292 patients who underwent TAVR as part of the Transcatheter Valve Therapies Registry, we examined rates of 1-year mortality and recurrent heart failure in patients with varying levels of LV dysfunction (LVEF <30% vs. 30% to 50% vs. >50%) and AVG (<40 mm Hg vs. ≥40 mm Hg). Multivariable models were used to estimate the independent effect of AVG and LVEF on outcomes.

RESULTS

During the first year of follow-up after TAVR, patients with LV dysfunction and low AVG had higher rates of death and recurrent heart failure. After adjustment for other clinical factors, only low AVG was associated with higher mortality (hazard ratio: 1.21; 95% confidence interval: 1.11 to 1.32; p < 0.001) and higher rates of heart failure (hazard ratio: 1.52; 95% confidence interval: 1.36 to 1.69; p <0.001), whereas the effect of LVEF was no longer significant. There was no evidence of effect modification between AVG and LVEF with respect to either endpoint.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series of real-world patients undergoing TAVR, low AVG, but not LV dysfunction, was associated with higher rates of mortality and recurrent heart failure. Although these findings suggest that AVG should be considered when evaluating the risks and benefits of TAVR for individual patients, neither severe LV dysfunction nor low AVG alone or in combination provide sufficient prognostic discrimination to preclude treatment with TAVR.

Beyond restenosis: Patients' preference for drug eluting or bare metal stents

OBJECTIVES

To assess patients' perspective about factors associated with stent choice.

BACKGROUND

Drug eluting stents (DES) markedly reduce the risk of repeat percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but necessitate a longer duration of dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT) as compared with bare metal stents (BMS). Thus, understanding patients' perspective about factors associated with stent choice is paramount.

METHODS

Patients undergoing angiography rated, on a 10-point scale, the importance (1 = not important, 10 = most important) of avoiding repeat revascularization and avoiding the following potential DAPT drawbacks: bleeding/bruising, more pills/day, medication costs and delaying elective surgery. The factor, or group of factors, that was rated highest by each patient was identified.

RESULTS

Among 311 patients, repeat revascularization was the single most important consideration to 14.4% of patients, while 20.6% considered avoiding one of the DAPT drawbacks as most important. Most patients (65%) considered avoiding at least one DAPT drawback as important as avoiding repeat revascularization. In no subgroup of patients did more than a quarter of patients prefer avoiding repeat revascularization above all other concerns. Among patients undergoing PCI, more than three quarters received a DES, regardless of their stated preferences (DES use among those most valuing DES benefits, avoiding DAPT drawbacks, or both equally were 78.7%, 86.2%, and 85.6%, respectively, P = 0.56).

CONCLUSION

Most patients reported that avoiding DAPT drawbacks was as important as avoiding repeat revascularization. Eliciting patient preferences regarding stent type can enhance shared decision-making and allow physicians to better tailor stent choice to patients' goals and values.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Developing and Testing a Personalized Evidence-based Shared Decision-making Tool for Stent Selection (DECIDE-PCI). ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02046902. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02046902 © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.