Contrast-free left atrial appendage occlusion in patients using the LAMBRE™ device

BACKGROUND

Advances in imaging have led to procedural optimization of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC). Contrast-free approaches, guided merely by echocardiography, have been established, however data on this topic remains scarce. In this analysis, we assessed contrast-free procedural results with the LAMBRE LAAC device.

METHODS

The multicenter retrospective BoBoMa (Bonn/Bordeaux/Mainz)-Registry included a total of 118 patients that underwent LAAC with LAMBRE devices omitting contrast-dye. Baseline and echocardiographic characteristics as well as intra- and postprocedural complications and outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Patients were at a mean age of 77.5 ± 7.5 years with high thromboembolic and bleeding risk (CHADS-VASc-score 4.6 ± 1.4, HAS-BLED-score 3.7 ± 1.0, respectively). Renal function was impaired with a mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 50 ± 22 ml/min. Mean procedural time was 47.2 ± 37.5  minutes with a mean radiation dose of 4.75 ± 5.25 Gy*cm2. Device success, defined as proper deployment in a correct position, was achieved in 97.5% (115/118) of cases with repositioning of the occluder in 7.6% (9/118) and resizing in 3.4% (4/118) of cases. No relevant peri-device leakage (>3 mm) was observed with 42% of occluders being implanted in an ostial position. Periprocedural complications occurred in 6.8% (8/118) of cases, including two cases of device embolization and one case of clinically-relevant pericardial effusion requiring surgical intervention. Other complications included pericardial effusion (2.5%, 3/118) and vascular access site complications (1.7%, 2/118).

CONCLUSION

Echocardiography-guided contrast-free LAAC using the LAMBRE device is safe and feasible. Further prospective studies including the direct comparison of devices as well as imaging techniques are warranted in contrast-free LAAC.

Early hybrid cardiac rehabilitation in congenital heart disease: the QUALIREHAB trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Cardiopulmonary fitness in congenital heart disease (CHD) decreases faster than in the general population resulting in impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). As the standard of care seems insufficient to encourage and maintain fitness, an early hybrid cardiac rehabilitation programme could improve HRQoL in CHD.

METHODS

The QUALIREHAB multicentre, randomized, controlled trial evaluated and implemented a 12-week centre- and home-based hybrid cardiac rehabilitation programme, including multidisciplinary care and physical activity sessions. Adolescent and young adult CHD patients with impaired cardiopulmonary fitness were randomly assigned to either the intervention (i.e. cardiac rehabilitation) or the standard of care. The primary outcome was the change in HRQoL from baseline to 12-month follow-up in an intention-to-treat analysis. The secondary outcomes were the change in cardiovascular parameters, cardiopulmonary fitness, and mental health.

RESULTS

The expected number of 142 patients was enroled in the study (mean age 17.4 ± 3.4 years, 52% female). Patients assigned to the intervention had a significant positive change in HRQoL total score [mean difference 3.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2; 7.3; P = .038; effect size 0.34], body mass index [mean difference -0.7 kg/m2 (95% CI -1.3; -0.1); P = .022; effect size 0.41], level of physical activity [mean difference 2.5 (95% CI 0.1; 5); P = .044; effect size 0.39], and disease knowledge [mean difference 2.7 (95% CI 0.8; 4.6); P = .007; effect size 0.51]. The per-protocol analysis confirmed these results with a higher magnitude of differences. Acceptability, safety, and short-time effect of the intervention were good to excellent.

CONCLUSIONS

This early hybrid cardiac rehabilitation programme improved HRQoL, body mass index, physical activity, and disease knowledge, in youth with CHD, opening up the possibility for the QUALIREHAB programme to be rolled out to the adult population of CHD and non-congenital cardiac disease.

Risk of infective endocarditis after hybrid melody mitral valve replacement in infants: the French experience

OBJECTIVES

Surgical management of mitral valve disease is challenging in infants <1 year old. We aimed at reviewing the French experience with Melody mitral valve replacement in critically ill infants.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study reporting the French experience with Melody mitral valve replacement.

RESULTS

Seven symptomatic infants [complete atrioventricular septal defect (n = 4, Down syndrome: n = 3), hammock valve (n = 3)] underwent Melody mitral valve replacement [age: 3 months (28 days to 8 months), weight: 4.3 kg (3.2-6.4 kg)] because of severe mitral valve regurgitation (6) or mixed valve disease (1) and 14 mm (11-16 mm) mitral valve annulus. In 2 patients whose valve was felt irreparable, Melody mitral valve replacement was performed straightaway. The others underwent 2 (1-3) previous attempts of valve repair; 3 were on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Melody mitral valve replacement led to competent valve and low gradient [3 mmHg, (1-4 mmHg)]. One patient died 3 days post-implant from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-related stroke. Of the 6 discharged home patients, 3 (50%) were readmitted for a definite diagnosis (1) or high suspicion (2) of infective endocarditis, of which 2 died. Over the follow-up, 1 underwent balloon expansions of the valve at 9- and 16-months post-implant, and mechanical mitral valve replacement at 2 years; another is currently planned for transcatheter Melody valve dilation.

CONCLUSIONS

Melody mitral valve replacement may be considered in selected infants with small mitral valve annulus as an alternative to mechanical mitral valve replacement. Our experience highlights a high-risk of late infective endocarditis that deserves further consideration.

Outcomes Following Closure of Secundum Atrial Septal Defect in Children ≤ 15 kg in a French Tertiary Centre

Secundum atrial septal defects (sASDs) are common congenital cardiac defects mostly treated using a transcatheter approach. However, small children (<15 kg) are still undergoing surgical sASD closure in many centres. Although both options have been proved to have excellent results in children, comparative data of the two techniques are missing for patients ≤ 15 kg. The medical records of children ≤ 15 kg who underwent sASD surgical (group A) and transcatheter (group B) closure between 2010 and 2023 were reviewed retrospectively. Twenty-five children in group A and twenty-two in group B were included (mean weight 8.9 kg in group A and 10.3 kg in group B). The main indications for closure were right heart enlargement and failure to thrive. Major complications occurred in two patients in group A and none in group B. Minor complications occurred in eight patients in group A and one in group B. At last follow-up, symptoms resolved completely or improved significantly for all infants, with the exception of failure to thrive in the sub-population of children with extra-cardiac comorbidities. sASD closure can be performed safely in symptomatic infants ≤ 15 kg, even in the presence of comorbidity, and should not be postponed. However, in patients with extra-cardiac comorbidities, the only indication of growth retardation must be carefully evaluated.

Safety and efficacy of the Amplatzer™ Trevisio™ intravascular delivery system: Post-approval study results

BACKGROUND

The Amplatzer™ Trevisio™ Intravascular Delivery System (Trevisio DS; Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, IL, USA) facilitates the delivery of Amplatzer™ Occluders and features an ultraflexible tip, which improves assessment of occluder position before release.

AIMS

To assess the safety and efficacy of the Trevisio DS for transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale and atrial septal defect.

METHODS

The Amplatzer™ Trevisio™ Intravascular Delivery System Post-Approval Study was a prospective, postmarket, single-arm, multicentre, observational study of the Trevisio DS. Enrolled patients were indicated for transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect. In all procedures, the Trevisio DS was used to deliver Amplatzer™ Occluders. Technical success was defined as successful deployment and release of at least one occluder. Device- or procedure-related serious adverse events were tracked until discharge or day 7, whichever occurred earlier.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 144 patients with patent foramen ovale and 107 patients with atrial septal defect at 22 European sites; 53 patients with atrial septal defect (49.6%) were aged<18years. The rate of technical success was 98.4% (97.2% for atrial septal defect, 99.3% for patent foramen ovale). There was one serious adverse event (0.4%), an acute periprocedural device embolization that occurred after occluder release in a patient with atrial septal defect; the device was retrieved percutaneously. This was determined by the implanter to be unrelated to the performance of the Trevisio DS.

CONCLUSIONS

The Trevisio DS exhibited a high rate of technical success and an excellent safety profile during transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale and atrial septal defect.

Transcatheter Closure of Superior Sinus Venosus Defects

Superior sinus venosus defect is a communication between the right and left atrium located above the upper margin of the oval fossa, immediately inferior to the junction of the superior vena cava and the right atrium. It is systematically associated with partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, especially of the right upper pulmonary vein. Surgical repair has been the gold standard approach to close that defect. Introduced in 2014, percutaneous closure has gradually become a safe and effective alternative to surgery in carefully selected patients, although worldwide experience remains limited. This article provides an appraisal of the patients' selection process and a step-by-step description of the procedure as well as a comprehensive review of its outcomes.

Clinical Implications of CT-detected Hypoattenuation Thickening on Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Devices

Background At follow-up CT after left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), hypoattenuation thickening (HAT) on the atrial aspect of the device is a common finding but the clinical implications require further study. Purpose To assess the association of HAT grade at follow-up CT with clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients who underwent LAAO. Materials and Methods This prospective study included consecutive participants with atrial fibrillation and who were at high risk for stroke (CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥4) who underwent LAAO and were administered pacifier or nonpacifier devices at two French medical centers between January 2012 and November 2020. Postprocedure CT images were evaluated by two radiologists in consensus and device-specific interpretation algorithms were applied to classify HAT as low grade (low suspicion of thrombosis) or high grade (high suspicion of thrombosis). The association between HAT grade and clinical characteristics was assessed using multinomial logistic regression, and variables associated with risk of stroke were assessed using a Cox proportional hazard model. Results This study included 412 participants (mean age, 76 years ± 8 [SD]; 284 male participants) who underwent follow-up CT at a mean of 4.2 months ± 1.7 after LAAO. Low-grade and high-grade HAT were depicted in 98 of 412 (23.8%) and 21 of 412 (5.1%) participants, respectively. High-grade HAT was associated with higher odds of antithrombotic drug discontinuation during follow-up (odds ratio, 9.5; 95% CI: 3.1, 29.1; P < .001), whereas low-grade HAT was associated with lower odds of persisting left atrial appendage patency (odds ratio, 0.46; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.79; P = .005). During a median follow-up of 17 months (IQR, 11-41 months), stroke occurred in 24 of 412 (5.8%) participants. High-grade HAT was associated with stroke (hazard ratio, 4.6; 95% CI: 1.5, 14.0; P = .008) and low-grade HAT (P = .62) was not. Conclusion Low-grade HAT was a more common finding at CT performed after LAAO CT (24%) than was high-grade HAT (5%), but it was associated with more favorable outcomes than high-grade HAT, which was associated with higher stroke risk. © RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Choe in this issue.

Electrophysiological study prior to planned pulmonary valve replacement in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot

AIM

Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) are the most common cause of death in patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF). However, risk stratifying remains challenging. We examined outcomes following programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) with or without subsequent ablation in patients with rTOF planned for pulmonary valve replacement (PVR).

METHODS

We included all consecutive patients with rTOF referred to our institution from 2010 to 2018 aged ≥18 years for PVR. Right ventricular (RV) voltage maps were acquired and PVS was performed from two different sites at baseline, and if non-inducible under isoproterenol. Catheter and/or surgical ablation was performed when patients were inducible or when slow conduction was present in anatomical isthmuses (AIs). Postablation PVS was undertaken to guide implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven patients (36.2 ± 14.3 years old, 71% male) were included. Eighteen were inducible. In 28 patients (17 inducible, 11 non-inducible but with slow conduction) ablation was performed. Five had catheter ablation, surgical cryoablation in 9, both techniques in 14. ICDs were implanted in five patients. During a follow-up of 74 ± 40 months, no sudden cardiac death occurred. Three patients experienced sustained VAs, all were inducible during the initial EP study. Two of them had an ICD (low ejection fraction for one and important risk factor for arrhythmia for the second). No VAs were reported in the non-inducible group (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative EPS can help identifying patients with rTOF at risk for VAs, providing an opportunity for targeted ablation and may improve decision-making regarding ICD implantation.

Exploring the Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Pediatric Echocardiography-Preliminary Results from the First Pediatric Study Using AI Software Developed for Adults

(1) Background: Transthoracic echocardiography is the first-line non-invasive investigation for assessing pediatric patients' cardiac anatomy, physiology, and hemodynamics, based on its accessibility and portability, but complete anatomic and hemodynamic assessment is time-consuming. (2) Aim: This study aimed to determine whether an automated software developed for adults could be effectively used for the analysis of pediatric echocardiography studies without prior training. (3) Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the University Hospital of Bordeaux between August and September 2022 and included 45 patients with normal or near normal heart architecture who underwent a 2D TTE. We performed Spearman correlation and Bland-Altman analysis. (4) Results: The mean age of our patients at the time of evaluation was 8.2 years ± 5.7, and the main reason for referral to our service was the presence of a heart murmur. Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement between AI and the senior physician for two parameters (aortic annulus and E wave) regardless of the age of the children included in the study. A good agreement between AI and physicians was also achieved for two other features (STJ and EF) but only for patients older than 9 years. For other features, either a good agreement was found between physicians but not with the AI, or a poor agreement was established. In the first case, maybe proper training of the AI could improve the measurement, but in the latter case, for now, it seems unrealistic to expect to reach a satisfactory accuracy. (5) Conclusion: Based on this preliminary study on a small cohort group of pediatric patients, the AI soft originally developed for the adult population, had provided promising results in the evaluation of aortic annulus, STJ, and E wave.

The Ross Operation in Young Patients: A 15-Year Experience Focused on Right Ventricle to Pulmonary Artery Conduit Outcomes

Background

Data on long-term outcomes of the Ross operation in children and young adult patients are limited. The best pulmonary valve substitute for the right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction in the Ross operation in young patients using various pulmonary valve substitutes at a single institution. In addition, a comparison of reintervention rates between patients younger than 18 years and those older than 18 years was performed.

Methods

The study assessed all patients (N = 110) who underwent the Ross operation at the University Hospital of Bordeaux, France, between 2004 and 2020.

Results

The median follow-up time was 4.2 years, and the median age at operation was 15.9 years. There was no operative mortality and 1 late noncardiac death (0.8%). The overall survival rate at 10 years was 99.2%. The need for right ventricular outflow tract reoperation was lower with the pulmonary homograft compared with the Contegra conduit and Freestyle bioprosthesis: 94.3%, 93.8%, and 80% at 5 years, respectively, and 94.3%, 72.3%, and 34.3% at 10 years, respectively (P = 0.011). The probability of reintervention was not significantly different at 10 years among children vs adults (P = 0.22).

Conclusions

The Ross procedure in children and young adults was associated with a lower requirement for right ventricular outflow tract reoperation when pulmonary homografts were used instead of xenografts.

Rapid ventricular tachycardia in patients with tetralogy of Fallot and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator: Insights from the DAI-T4F nationwide registry

BACKGROUND

In repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), little is known about characteristics of patients with rapid ventricular tachycardia (VT). Also, whether patients with a first episode of nonrapid VT may subsequently develop rapid VT or ventricular fibrillation (VF) has not been addressed.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to compare patients with rapid VT/VF with those with nonrapid VT and to assess the evolution of VT cycle lengths (VTCLs) overtime.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from a nationwide registry including all patients with TOF and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) since 2000. Patients with ≥1 VT episode with VTCL ≤250 ms (240 beats/min) formed the rapid VT/VF group.

RESULTS

Of 144 patients (mean age 42.0 ± 12.7 years; 104 [72%] men), 61 (42%) had at least 1 VT/VF episode, including 28 patients with rapid VT/VF (46%), during a median follow-up of 6.3 years (interquartile range 2.2-10.3 years). Compared with patients in the nonrapid VT group, those in the rapid VT/VF group were significantly younger at ICD implantation (35.2 ± 12.6 years vs 41.5 ± 11.2 years; P = .04), had more frequently a history of cardiac arrest (8 [29%] vs 2 [6%]; P = .02), less frequently a history of atrial arrhythmia (11 [42%] vs 22 [69%]; P = .004), and higher right ventricular ejection fraction (43.3% ± 10.3% vs 36.6% ± 11.2%; P = .04). The median VTCL of VT/VF episodes was 325 ms (interquartile range 235-429 ms). None of the patients with a first documented nonrapid VT episode had rapid VT/VF during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Patients with TOF and rapid VT/VF had distinct clinical characteristics. The relatively low variation of VTCL over time suggests a room for catheter ablation without a backup ICD in selected patients with well-tolerated VT.

Feasibility and Diagnostic Value of Recording Smartwatch Electrocardiograms in Neonates and Children

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the agreement of smartwatch-derived single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings with 12-lead ECGs for diagnosing electrocardiographic abnormalities.

STUDY DESIGN

A 12-lead ECG and an ECG using Apple Watch were obtained in 110 children (aged 1 week to 16 years) with normal (n = 75) or abnormal (n = 35) 12-lead ECGs (atrioventricular block [7], supraventricular tachycardia [SVT] {5}, bundle branch block [12], ventricular preexcitation [6], long QT [5]). In children aged <6 years, the ECG recording was performed with the active participation of an adult who applied the neonate or child's finger to the crown of the watch. In older children, tracings were obtained after brief teaching without adult guidance. All 12-lead ECGs were independently evaluated by 2 blinded cardiologists. Apple Watch ECGs were independently evaluated by another blinded cardiologist.

RESULTS

In 109 children (99.1%), the smartwatch tracing was of sufficient quality for evaluation. Smartwatch tracings were 84% sensitive and 100% specific for the detection of an abnormal ECG. All 75 normal tracings were correctly identified. Of the 35 children with abnormalities on 12-lead ECGs, 5 (14%) were missed, most often because of baseline wander and artifacts. Rhythm disorders (atrioventricular block or SVT) and bundle branch blocks were correctly detected in most cases (11 of 12 and 11 of 12, respectively); preexcitation and long QT was detected in 4 of 6 and 4 of 5, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Smartwatch ECGs recorded with parental assistance in children aged up to 6 years and independently in older children have the potential to detect clinically relevant conditions.

Predictors of clinical success after transcatheter para-valvular leak closure: an international prospective multicentre registry

Background

Prosthetic paravalvular leaks (PVLs) are associated with congestive heart failure and haemolysis, for which the standard treatment is open-heart surgery with the attendant risks to the patient. Transcatheter closure has emerged as an alternative. Patient selection criteria for the best option are needed. We aimed to identify predictors of clinical success after transcatheter PVL closure.

Purpose

We aimed to identify predictors of clinical success after transcatheter PVL closure.

Methods

Consecutive patients referred to 24 European centres for transcatheter PVL closure in 2017–2019 were included in a prospective registry (Fermeture de Fuite ParaProthétique, FFPP). Clinical success was absence of any of the following within 1 month: re-admission for heart failure, blood transfusion, open-heart valvular surgery, and death.

Results

We included 216 symptomatic patients, who underwent 238 percutaneous PVL closure procedures on the mitral (64.3%), aortic (34.0%), or tricuspid (1.7%) valve. The prosthesis was mechanical in 53.3% and biological in 45.3% of procedures. All patients were symptomatic with heart failure, haemolytic anaemia, and the association of both conditions in 48.9%, 7.8% and 43.3%. One, two and three PVL were addressed during the same procedure in 69.6%, 26.6% and 3.8% respectively. Mitral and aortic PVL were severe in 35.3% and 13.8% (p&lt;0.001). PVL was punctiform or extended to 1/8 or 1/4 of valve circumference in 18.6%, 52.4% and 28.1% of cases. A total of 331 devices were implanted. More than one device (up to 5) was implanted in 34.2% of procedures. Vascular plug 3, muscular ventricular septal defect occluder, vascular plug 2 and paravalvular leak device were the most frequently used devices, implanted in 45.0%, 16.0%, 14.2% and 13.6%, respectively. Successful device(s) implantation(s) within the leak and leak reduction ≤ grade 2 occurred in 85.0% and 91.4% of patients with mitral and aortic procedures, respectively (p=0.164), with major intra-procedural adverse event rates of 3.3% and 1.2%, respectively (p=0.371). The clinical success rates were 77.8% and 88.9% following mitral and aortic procedures, respectively (p=0.01). By multivariate logistic regression analysis, technical failure, mechanical valve and haemolytic anaemia were independently associated with absence of clinical success (odds ratios [95% CIs]: 7.7 [2.0–25.0], p=0.002; 3.6 [1.1–11.1], p=0.036 and 3.7 [1.2–11.9], p=0.025; respectively).

Conclusion

Transcatheter PVL closure is efficient and safe in symptomatic patients but is more challenging and associated with an increased risk of clinical failure when performed in patients with hemolysis and/or on a mechanical valve.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private hospital(s). Main funding source(s): The study is promoted and financially supported by Groupe Hospitalier Paris Saint Joseph

Percutaneous edge-to-edge repair for systemic tricuspid valve regurgitation in patients with congenital heart disease: the first descriptive cohort

 

In patients with congenital heart diseases (CHD) systemic tricuspid regurgitation (STR) is frequent.

Here, we report our experience with percutaneous edge-to-edge repair (PETER) in a series of 12 CHD patients with STR using the MitraClip system.

Twelve patients (median age = 35 years, 83% males) with severe STR (ccTGA (n=5), asTGA (n=3), SV (n=4)), at high-risk for surgical treatment, gave informed consent for treatment using PETER. The XTR MitraClip device (Abbott, Santa Clara, CA) was used. At baseline, 7/12 patients were in NYHA functional class ≥ III. Standard femoral venous access was successfully used in 10/12 patients. In SV patients, the systemic valve was accessed directly through the right atrium (n=2), after a Fontan conduit puncture (n=1), or after direct atrial surgical access (n=1). In TGA patients, either transseptal (ccTGA patients, n=4) or transbaffle (asTGA patients, n=3) puncture was performed (4).

Mitraclip devices were successfully implanted in 11/12 patients (Figure 1). One procedural complication was reported for a patient with SV in whom a septal leaflet rupture occurred following clip release, leading to severe STR; the patient died from refractory cardiac failure one week later. Peri-procedural complications included one case of left femoral vein injury and one case of atrial flutter treated by catheter ablation. After a median follow-up of 12-months (range 1–25) following device implantation, no death had occurred. The patients had significant reduction in STR (from severe to moderate in 10/11 patients) and clinically improved (10/11 patients were in NYHA class I or II).

To conclude, percutaneous edge-to-edge therapy of STR in CHD patients is feasible, safe and effective to reduce STR and SRV dilatation. This reduction is associated with a significant clinical improvement.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

The efficacy and safety of macitentan in Fontan-palliated patients: results of the 52-week randomised, placebo-controlled RUBATO trial

Background

The clinical utility and long-term effects of endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) in Fontan-palliated patients remain unclear and there are currently no approved therapies. A decline in peak VO2 between consecutive cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPETs) is highly prognostic for death or transplant in adult Fontan patients, hence its use as a primary endpoint in clinical trials of ERAs in patients with Fontan circulation.

Purpose

The RUBATO trial aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of macitentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist, in Fontan-palliated patients over 52 weeks.

Methods

In the multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 RUBATO trial, Fontan-palliated patients were randomised 1:1 to macitentan 10 mg once-daily or placebo for 52 weeks. Eligible patients were aged ≥12 years, in New York Heart Association functional class II or III, had no limitations for CPET (including no pacemakers), had undergone lateral tunnel or extracardiac conduit Fontan (total cavopulmonary connection) &gt;1 year before screening and showed no signs of Fontan failure or clinical deterioration within 3 months before screening. Primary efficacy endpoint was change in peak VO2 from baseline to week 16. Secondary endpoints were change in peak VO2 from baseline over 52 weeks and change in mean count per minute of daily physical activity from baseline to week 16 as measured by an accelerometer. Adverse events were also assessed.

Results

137 patients were randomised to macitentan (n=68) or placebo (n=69). 92.7% of patients completed 52 weeks of double-blind treatment: 7 and 3 patients prematurely discontinued study treatment in macitentan and placebo arms, respectively. Patient baseline characteristics are shown in Table 1. At week 16, the mean (SD) change from baseline in peak VO2 was –0.16 (2.86) with macitentan vs –0.67 (2.66) mL/kg/min with placebo (median unbiased estimate of the difference between macitentan and placebo: 0.62 mL/kg/min [99% repeated confidence interval –0.62; 1.85], p=0.1930). No treatment effect was observed in the two secondary endpoints (Table 2): mean (SD) count per minute of daily physical activity decreased from baseline to week 16 by 3.02 (92.44) with macitentan and by 14.34 (117.56) with placebo (p=0.4512). The most common AEs were headache (10.3% vs 8.7% on placebo), nasopharyngitis (5.9% vs 4.3%), and pyrexia (5.9% vs 4.3%). AEs leading to treatment discontinuation were reported in 3 (4.4%) and 1 (1.4%) of macitentan and placebo patients.

Conclusion

The 52-week RUBATO trial provides an important addition to data on the clinical utility of ERAs in Fontan-palliated patients. The primary efficacy endpoint was not met and no treatment effect was observed for the two secondary endpoints. Macitentan was well tolerated; safety findings were consistent with the known safety profile of macitentan 10 mg.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd., a Janssen pharmaceutical company of Johnson & Johnson.

Predictors of Clinical Success After Transcatheter Paravalvular Leak Closure: An International Prospective Multicenter Registry

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter closure of a symptomatic prosthetic paravalvular leak (PVL) is feasible, but there is presently no conclusive evidence to show consistent efficacy. We aimed to identify predictors of clinical success after transcatheter PVL closure.

METHODS

Consecutive patients referred to 24 European centers for transcatheter PVL closure in 2017 to 2019 were included in a prospective registry (Fermeture de Fuite ParaProthétique, FFPP). Clinical success was absence of any of the following within 1 month: re-admission for heart failure, blood transfusion, open-heart valvular surgery, and death.

RESULTS

We included 216 symptomatic patients, who underwent 238 percutaneous PVL closure procedures on the mitral (64.3%), aortic (34.0%), or tricuspid (1.7%) valve. Symptoms were heart failure, hemolytic anemia, or both in 48.9%, 7.8%, and 43.3% of patients, respectively. One, 2, and 3 leaks were treated during the same procedure in 69.6%, 26.6%, and 3.8% of patients, respectively. The PVL was pinpoint or involved 1/8 or 1/4 of the valve circumference in 18.6%, 52.4%, and 28.1% of cases, respectively. The most frequently used devices were the Vascular Plug 3, Ventricular Septal Defect Occluder, Vascular Plug 2, and Paravalvular Leak Device (45.0%, 16.6%, 14.2%, and 13.6% of cases, respectively). Successful device(s) implantation with leak reduction to ≤grade 2 was obtained in 85.0% of mitral and 91.4% of aortic procedures, respectively (P=0.164); with major periprocedural adverse event rates of 3.3% and 1.2%, respectively (P=0.371); and clinical success rates of 70.3% and 88.0%, respectively (P=0.004). By multivariate analysis, technical failure, mechanical valve, and hemolytic anemia were independently associated with absence of clinical success (odds ratios [95% CIs], 7.7 [2.0-25.0]; P=0.002; 3.6 [1.1-11.1]; P=0.036; and 3.7 [1.2-11.9]; P=0.025; respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Transcatheter PVL closure is efficient and safe in symptomatic patients but is associated with a lower clinical success rate in patients with hemolysis and/or a mechanical valve.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifiers: NCT05089136.

Familial Recurrence Patterns in Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries: An International Study

BACKGROUND

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) is a rare disease of unknown cause. We aimed to better understand familial recurrence patterns.

METHODS

An international, multicentre, retrospective cohort study was conducted in 29 tertiary hospitals in 6 countries between 1990 and 2018, entailing investigation of 1043 unrelated ccTGA probands.

RESULTS

Laterality defects and atrioventricular block at diagnosis were observed in 29.9% and 9.3%, respectively. ccTGA was associated with primary ciliary dyskinesia in 11 patients. Parental consanguinity was noted in 3.4% cases. A congenital heart defect was diagnosed in 81 relatives from 69 families, 58% of them being first-degree relatives, including 28 siblings. The most prevalent defects in relatives were dextro-transposition of the great arteries (28.4%), laterality defects (13.6%), and ccTGA (11.1%); 36 new familial clusters were described, including 8 pedigrees with concordant familial aggregation of ccTGA, 19 pedigrees with familial co-segregation of ccTGA and dextro-transposition of the great arteries, and 9 familial co-segregation of ccTGA and laterality defects. In one family co-segregation of ccTGA, dextro-transposition of the great arteries and heterotaxy syndrome in 3 distinct relatives was found. In another family, twins both displayed ccTGA and primary ciliary dyskinesia.

CONCLUSIONS

ccTGA is not always a sporadic congenital heart defect. Familial clusters as well as evidence of an association between ccTGA, dextro-transposition of the great arteries, laterality defects and in some cases primary ciliary dyskinesia, strongly suggest a common pathogenetic pathway involving laterality genes in the pathophysiology of ccTGA.

Prevalence and outcomes of hypoattenuation defects and appendage patency on computed tomography after left atrial appendage closure

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): European Research Council

Background

Hypoattenuation (HAT) on the atrial aspect of the device and persisting LAA patency are not uncommon on CT images after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC), but their prognostic and therapeutic implications remain unclear.

Purpose

To analyze the prevalence, aspects and outcomes of HAT and LAA patency on CT after LAAC.

Methods

Consecutive patients from 2 French centers underwent cardiac CT 3 months post-LAAC. All CTs were reviewed by 2 readers in consensus to detect LAA patency and HAT. Linear defects of less than 1mm thickness in continuity with the adjacent LA wall were not considered as HAT but rather suggestive of device endothelialization. Defects &gt;1mm thickness were categorized as low grade HAT (if 1-3mm thick and linear/regular), or high grade HAT (if &gt;3mm and/or nodular/irregular). Patients with HAT underwent trans-esophageal echocardiography and received anticoagulation at the discretion of the cardiologist. We analyzed the relationship between CT findings and patient outcomes at follow-up.

Results

From 2012 to 2020, 412 patients were included (age 76±8 years, 68% males, prior stroke or embolism in 39%, HASBLED 3.1±0.8, CHA2DS2-VASc 4.4±1.3). The devices were Watchman in 175 (42.5%) and Amplatzer in 237 (57.5%). On 3-month follow-up CT, LAA patency was detected in 185 (45%). It related to none of the clinical characteristics, but was more common in Amplatzer devices (52% vs. 35%, P=0.001), particularly when using large Amplatzer devices (P&lt;0.001). HAT were detected in 117 (28%), including low grade HAT in 98 (23.8%) and high grade HAT in 19 (4.6%). Patients with high grade HAT were older (P&lt;0.001), and showed higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores (P=0.03). No relationship was found between high grade HAT and device type (P=0.89). Over a median follow-up of 17 [Q1-Q3: 11-41] months, stroke occurred in 24 (5.8%), and death in 54 (13.1%). On survival analyses, stroke and death did not relate to LAA patency (P=0.69 and P=0.80), low grade HAT (P=0.81 and P=0.38), high grade HAT (P=0.22 and P=0.36), or device type (P=0.36 and P=0.27).

Conclusion: although relatively high rates of LAA patency and HAT are observed on post-LAAC CT studies, these do not significantly relate to adverse outcomes.

Using a smartwatch to record an electrocardiogram in the pediatric population

The accuracy of smartwatch ECG recordings in adults has been demonstrated primarily in the automated diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. While the detection of atrial fibrillation is a priority among adults given the arrhythmia's prevalence and actionable ramifications, the potential value of smartwatch ECG recordings in children differs considerably. In this case series, we will describe some examples of smartwatch ECGs recorded in children, highlighting the feasibility and potential indications of this technology in the pediatric population.

Transcatheter interventions in patients with a Fontan circulation: Current practice and future developments

The Fontan operation represents the last of multiple steps that are offered a wide range of congenital cardiac lesions with a single ventricle (SV) physiology. Nowadays this surgical program consists of a total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC), by anastomosing systemic veins to the pulmonary arteries (PAs), excluding the right-sided circulation from the heart. As a result of imaging, surgical, percutaneous, and critical care improvements, survival in this population has steadily increased. However, the Fontan physiology chronically increases systemic venous pressure causing systemic venous congestion and decreased cardiac output, exposing patients to the failure of the Fontan circulation (FC), which is associated with a wide variety of clinical complications such as liver disease, cyanosis, thromboembolism, protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), plastic bronchitis (PB), and renal dysfunction, ultimately resulting in an increased risk of exercise intolerance, arrhythmias, and premature death. The pathophysiology of the failing Fontan is complex and multifactorial; i.e., caused by the single ventricle dysfunction (diastolic/systolic failure, arrhythmias, AV valve regurgitation, etc.) or caused by the specific circulation (conduits, pulmonary vessels, etc.). The treatment is still challenging and may include multiple options and tools. Among the possible options, today, interventional catheterization is a reliable option, through which different procedures can target various failing elements of the FC. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of indications, techniques, and results of transcatheter options to treat cavopulmonary stenosis, collaterals, impaired lymphatic drainage, and the management of the fenestration, as well as to explore the recent advancements and clinical applications of transcatheter cavopulmonary connections, percutaneous valvular treatments, and to discuss the future perspectives of percutaneous therapies in the Fontan population.

Renaissance of Cardiac Imaging to Assist Percutaneous Interventions in Congenital Heart Diseases:The Role of Three-Dimensional Echocardiography and Multimodality Imaging

Percutaneous interventions have completely refashioned the management of children with congenital heart diseases (CHD) and the use of non-invasive imaging has become the gold standard to plan and guide these procedures in the modern era. We are now facing a dual challenge to improve the standard of care in low-risk patients, and to shift our strategies from the classic open chest surgery to imaging-guided percutaneous interventions in high-risk patients. Such rapid evolution of ultrasound technologies over the last 20 years have permitted the integration of transthoracic, transesophageal and intracardiac echocardiography into the interventional workflow to improve image guidance and reduce radiation burden from fluoroscopy and angiography. Specifically, miniaturization of transesophageal probe and advances in three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques have enabled real-time 3D image guidance during complex interventional procedure, In addition, multimodality and fusion imaging techniques harness the strengths of different modalities to enhance understanding of anatomical and spatial relationship between different structures, improving communication and coordination between interventionalists and imaging specialists. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of 3D imaging modalities and multimodal fusion in procedural planning and live guidance of percutaneous interventions. At the present times, 3D imaging can no longer be considered a luxury but a routine clinical tool to improve procedural success and patient outcomes.

Organization of Pediatric Echocardiography Laboratories: Impact of Sonographers on Clinical, Academic, and Financial Performance

Echocardiography has evolved the first-line imaging for diagnosis and management of pediatric and congenital heart disease all over the world. While it recognized as essential component of pediatric cardiac care delivery, organization of pediatric echocardiography services is very heterogeneous across the world, mainly related to significant differences in material and human resources in heterogeneous health care systems. In this paper, we focus on the role of pediatric sonographers, defined as expert technicians in pediatric echocardiography. While in some services sonographers are an essential part of the organizational structure, other laboratories operate only with physicians trained in echocardiography. The impact of sonographers on clinical, academic and financial performance will be discussed. Two organizational models (with and without sonographers) will be compared, and the advantages and disadvantages of each model will be evaluated. Different models of care provision are possible and decisions on organizational models need to be adjusted to the demands and available resources.

A Heart Elsewhere: The Unusual Diagnosis of a Congenital Ventricular Diverticulum in the Abdomen

Congenital left ventricular (LV) diverticulum is a rare condition characterized by the presence of a contractile appendix originating usually from the cardiac apex, but with high variability in location, dimension, and clinical presentation. We describe the diagnostic process and clinical management of an isolated apical diverticulum discovered during fetal life. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)

Recording an ECG With a Smartwatch in Newborns and Young Children: Feasibility and Perspectives

Correlating symptoms with arrhythmia in neonates and young children is often difficult because of their sporadic and unpredictable nature. We show that it is possible to register an ECG with a smartwatch in neonates and young children and provide illustrative cases of supraventricular tachycardia and complete atrioventricular block identified with this technology.

Health-related quality of life and physical activity in children with inherited cardiac arrhythmia or inherited cardiomyopathy: the prospective multicentre controlled QUALIMYORYTHM study rationale, design and methods

Background

Advances in paediatric cardiology have improved the prognosis of children with inherited cardiac disorders. However, health-related quality of life (QoL) and physical activity have been scarcely analysed in children with inherited cardiac arrhythmia or inherited cardiomyopathy. Moreover, current guidelines on the eligibility of young athletes with inherited cardiac disorders for sports participation mainly rely on expert opinions and remain controversial.

Methods

The QUALIMYORYTHM trial is a multicentre observational controlled study. The main objective is to compare the QoL of children aged 6 to 17 years old with inherited cardiac arrhythmia (long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, or arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia), or inherited cardiomyopathy (hypertrophic, dilated, or restrictive cardiomyopathy), to that of age and gender-matched healthy subjects. The secondary objective is to assess their QoL according to the disease’s clinical and genetic characteristics, the level of physical activity and motivation for sports, the exercise capacity, and the socio-demographic data. Participants will wear a fitness tracker (ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer) for 2 weeks. A total of 214 children are required to observe a significant difference of 7 ± 15 points in the PedsQL, with a power of 90% and an alpha risk of 5%.

Discussion

After focusing on the survival in children with inherited cardiac disorders, current research is expanding to patient-reported outcomes and secondary prevention. The QUALIMYORYTHM trial intends to improve the level of evidence for future guidelines on sports eligibility in this population.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04712136, registered on January 15th, 2021 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04712136).

Vector flow mapping: A review from theory to practice

BACKGROUND

The interest in intra-cardiac blood flow analysis is rapidly growing, and it has encouraged the development of different non-invasive imaging techniques. Among these, Vector Flow Mapping (VFM), combing Color-Doppler imaging and speckle tracking data, seems to be a promising approach, feasible in adult and children population.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The aim of this review is to give a historical perspective on the development of VFM method and a summary of the current algorithms and parameters potentially evaluable. Then, we will present the current state-of-the-art of VFM with an overview of clinical studies and applications of this technique.

Edge to edge repair using a MitraClip for severe tricuspid valve regurgitation after a Mustard operation

A 48-year-old who underwent a Mustard operation in 1972 followed by a second cardiac intervention in 1996 for pulmonary venous baffle enlargement and residual baffle leak closure, complicated by recurrent atrial flutter, was admitted to our institution for severe systemic atrio-ventricular valve regurgitation (SAVVR) associated with severely impaired systemic right ventricular (RV) function. After careful preoperative anatomic assessment including three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) to define the clipping strategy and computed tomography to optimize the transvenous baffle puncture site, the intervention was performed under general anesthesia, fluoroscopic, and 3DTEE guidance. One XTR MitraClip was successfully implanted, achieving a significant reduction in regurgitation and immediate clinical improvement. The transbaffle puncture was closed using an 8 mm atrial septal defect (ASD) device without residual shunt or obstruction of the venous baffle. Post-operative clinical evaluation showed immediate improvement in the NYHA functional class (from III to II), but the patient presented with recurrent flutter at 1 week after the procedure, which was successfully treated by catheter ablation with another transbaffle approach next to the ASD device. Clinical improvement was maintained at 1- and 6-month follow-up with significant reduction in SAVVR, reduced systemic RV volumes and improved RV ejection fraction. This case demonstrates the feasibility of percutaneous treatment of systemic SAVV in patients with systemic RV after atrial redirection.

Left atrial appendage closure for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: Final report from the French left atrial appendage closure registry

OBJECTIVES

The French left atrial appendage (LAA) closure registry (FLAAC) aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of LAA closure in daily practice.

BACKGROUND

LAA closure has emerged as an alternative for preventing thromboembolic events (TE) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Clinical data in this field remains limited and few investigator-initiated, real-world registries have been reported.

METHODS

This nationwide, prospective study was performed in 36 French centers. The primary endpoint was the TE rate after successful LAA closure.

RESULTS

The FLAAC registry included 816 patients with a mean age of 75.5 ± 0.3 years, mean follow-up of 16.0 ± 0.3 months, high TE (CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc score: 4.6 ± 0.1) and bleeding risks (HAS-BLED score: 3.2 ± 0.05) and common contraindications to long-term anticoagulation (95.7%). Procedure or device-related serious adverse events occurred in 49 (6.0%) patients. The annual rate of ischemic stroke/systemic embolism was 3.3% (2.4-4.6). This suggests a relative 57% reduction compared to the risk of stroke in historical NVAF populations without antithrombotic therapy. By multivariate analysis, history of TE was the only factor associated with stroke/systemic embolism during follow-up (HR, 3.3 [1.58-6.89], p = 0.001). The annual mortality rate was 10.2% (8.4-12.3). Most of the deaths were due to comorbidities or underlying cardiovascular diseases and unrelated to the device or to TE.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that LAA closure can be an option in patients with NVAF. Long-term follow-up mortality was high, mostly due to comorbidities and underlying cardiovascular diseases, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary management after LAA closure.

REGISTRATION

NCT02252861.

Mid-Term Outcomes Following Percutaneous Pulmonary Valve Implantation Using the "Folded Melody Valve" Technique

Background:

The folded valve is a manual shortening of the Melody device, which has been validated as a valuable therapeutic option for the management of dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tracts needing a short valved stent. In this article, we aimed to evaluate, in a multicenter cohort, the mid-term outcomes of patients in whom a percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation was performed using the folded valve technique.

Methods:

A 2012 to 2018 retrospective multicenter study was performed in 7 European institutions. All patients who benefit from percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation with a folded Melody valve were included.

Results:

A total of 49 patients (median age, 19 years [range 4–56], 63% male) were included. The primary percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation indication was right ventricular outflow tract stenosis (n=19; 39%), patched native right ventricular outflow tracts were the most common substrate (n=15; 31%). The folded technique was mostly used in short right ventricular outflow tracts (n=28; 57%). Procedural success was 100%. After a median follow-up of 28 months (range, 4–80), folded Melody valve function was comparable to the immediate postimplantation period (mean transvalvular peak velocity=2.6±0.6 versus 2.4±0.6 m/s, P>0.1; only 2 patients had mild pulmonary regurgitation). Incidence rate of valve-related reinterventions was 2.1% per person per year (95% CI, 0.1%–3.9%). The probability of survival without valve-related reinterventions at 36 months was 90% (95% CI, 76%–100%).

Conclusions:

The folded Melody valve is a safe technique with favorable mid-term outcomes up to 6.5 years after implantation, comparable with the usual Melody valve implantation procedure. Complications and reinterventions rates were low, making this technique relevant in selected patients.

Non-invasive assessment of cardiac percutaneous occluders healing process using computed tomography imaging: a proof of concept study

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): National Research Agency (ANR) French Federation of Cardiology : “Aide à la recherche par équipe 2018, Cardiopathies de l’enfant”

Introduction

After percutaneous implantation of an atrial septal defect (ASD) occluder device, a complex healing process leads to the device coverage within several months. However, an unexplained incomplete device coverage is at risk of complications such as thrombosis or infectious endocarditis.

Purpose

The aim of the study was to assess the device coverage process of ASD occluder devices in a chronic sheep model using micro-CT technology.

Methods

After percutaneous creation of an ASD by catheterization, 8 ewes (mean age 5.4 ± 0.7 yo and mean weight 55.6 ± 7.9 kg) were implanted with a 16-mm Nit-Occlud ASD-R occluder (PFM medical, Cologne, Germany) and were followed for 1 month (N = 3) and 3 months (N =5). After heart explantation, a iodine contrast agent was used to enhance the tissue signal. The device coverage was then assessed by micro-CT and the results were compared to histology, used as the gold standard for healing evaluation. The micro-CT image resolution was 41.7 µm. Reconstruction was performed in 2D and 3D with Amira® software, allowing to obtain images that were exploited by a code to measure the surface for each disk of the analyzed devices. Histological study was performed after resin embedding and Richardson blue staining was used.  The pathologist was blinded to the duration of animals’ follow-up and micro-CT results.

Results

ASD creation and device closure was successful in 100% animals without complications. Following heart explantation, macroscopic assessment of devices showed that the coverage was complete for the left-side disk regardless of the duration of the follow-up and variable for the right-side disk, depending of the protrusion of this disk. 2D and 3D micro-CT analysis allowed an accurate evaluation of device coverage of each disk and was overall well correlated to histology slices (cf Figure). Surface calculation from micro-CT images showed that the median surface of coverage was 93 ± 8% for the left-side disk and 55 ± 31% for the right-side disk.

Conclusion

This preliminary study made the proof of concept that micro-CT is a reliable tool to assess the coverage of intra-cardiac occluders in vitro. The translation to clinical practice is challenging but would allow an individual follow-up, to avoid thrombotic or infective complications.

Abstract Figure.

Patent foramen ovale closure in children without cardiopathy: Child-PFO study

BACKGROUND

Closure of patent foramen ovale is well-managed in adults, but is performed less frequently in children.

AIM

To analyse all patent foramen ovale closures performed in the past 20 years in French paediatric centres.

METHODS

Retrospective study of patent foramen ovale closures in children without cardiopathy in nine centres between 2000 and 2019.

RESULTS

Forty-one procedures were carried out in children (median age: 14.9 years). Thirty-one patent foramen ovales were closed after a transient ischaemic attack or stroke, six for a left-to-right shunt and four for other reasons. Transthoracic echocardiography was used for 72.2% of the diagnoses and transoesophageal echocardiography for 27.8%. A substantial degree of shunting was found in 42.9% of patients and an atrial septal aneurysm in 56.2%. General anaesthesia with transoesophageal echocardiography guidance was performed in 68.3% of the procedures; local anaesthesia and transthoracic echocardiography or intracardiac echocardiography was performed in 31.7%. The success rate was 100%. The median fluoroscopy time was 4.14minutes: 3.55minutes with transoesophageal echocardiography; and 4.38minutes with transthoracic echocardiography (P=0.67). There was only one periprocedural complication (2.4%). Postoperatively, 80,5% of patients were treated with aspirin and 12,2% with an anticoagulant. The rate of complete occlusion was 56.8% immediately after the procedure, 68.6% at 1 year and 92.3% at the last follow-up. There were no delayed complications or cases of recurrent stroke during follow-up (median follow-up: 568 days).

CONCLUSION

Closure of patent foramen ovale in children appears to be safe and effective, as we noted a low rate of immediate complications, no delayed complications and no stroke recurrence in this indication.

An Unusual Cause of Neonatal Heart Failure

Hypertension is an important and under-recognized cause of acquired cardiomyopathy in newborns. Half the etiologies of neonatal hypertension are undetermined. We present a rare case of severe neonatal hypertension with ventricular dysfunction secondary to substance exposure during pregnancy. This case report emphasizes the importance of a well-focused prenatal history on maternal medications and substance use.

Efficacy of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors in univentricular congenital heart disease: the SV-INHIBITION study design

Aims

In univentricular hearts, selective lung vasodilators such as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors would decrease pulmonary resistance and improve exercise tolerance. However, the level of evidence for the use of PDE5 inhibitors in patients with a single ventricle (SV) remains limited. We present the SV‐INHIBITION study rationale, design, and methods.

Methods and results

The SV‐INHIBITION trial is a nationwide multicentre, randomized, double blind, placebo‐controlled, Phase III study, aiming to evaluate the efficacy of sildenafil on the ventilatory efficiency during exercise, in teenagers and adult patients (>15 years old) with an SV. Patients with a mean pulmonary arterial pressure >15 mmHg and a trans‐pulmonary gradient >5 mmHg, measured by cardiac catheterization, will be eligible. The primary outcome is the variation of the VE/VCO₂ slope, measured by a cardiopulmonary exercise test, between baseline and 6 months of treatment. A total of 50 patients are required to observe a decrease of 5 ± 5 points in the VE/VCO₂ slope, with a power of 90% and an alpha risk of 5%. The secondary outcomes are clinical outcomes, oxygen saturation, 6 min walk test, SV function, NT‐proBNP, peak VO₂, stroke volume, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, trans‐pulmonary gradient, SF36 quality of life score, safety, and acceptability.

Conclusions

The SV‐INHIBITION study aims to answer the question whether PDE5 inhibitors should be prescribed in patients with an SV. This trial has been built focusing on the three levels of research defined by the World Health Organization: disability (exercise tolerance), deficit (SV function), and handicap (quality of life).

Pulmonary Atresia With Ventriculocoronary Arterial Connections and a Large Conoventricular Septal Defect

Ventriculocoronary arterial connections are typically found in patients with pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum. This report describes a case of ventriculocoronary arterial connections in a patient with pulmonary atresia with a ventricular septal defect. Our case supports recent data suggesting a primary coronary artery developmental anomaly in pulmonary atresia. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)

Transcatheter ductus arteriosus stenting in paediatric cardiology: Indications, results and perspectives

Stenting the arterial duct emerged in the early 1990s as an alternative to a variety of surgical interventions in neonates with a duct-dependent pulmonary or systemic circulation complex defect. Furthermore, palliative ductal stenting has been applied in older children with severe suprasystemic pulmonary arterial hypertension, as an alternative to surgical shunts, such as Potts anastomosis. Early results of this technique were discouraging, but by learning from the failures of the past, ductal stenting has become a reliable palliative therapy. In this review, we aim to describe the historical evolution of ductal stenting, its different clinical applications and outcomes, and future perspectives for this strategy in congenital cardiac catheterization.

2396Long-term follow-up of patients with tetralogy of Fallot and implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Background

Ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death are potential late complications in patients with tetralogy of Fallot. Data regarding the value of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) are scarce in this population.

Purpose

To assess long-term rates of appropriate ICD therapies and ICD-related complications in a large registry of ICD recipients with tetralogy of Fallot.

Methods

The DAI-T4F study is an ongoing national French registry including all patients with tetralogy of Fallot and ICD (NCT03837574). Information have been collected prospectively since 2010 with annual update. Baseline patient characteristics and clinical events during follow-up were analyzed with central adjudication. Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify factors associated with appropriate ICD therapies and complications.

Results

A total of 134 patients (median age 41.7 years, 70.7% males) were enrolled. The median (IQR) follow-up duration was 6.1 (2.7–10.2) years. ICDs were implanted for primary prevention in 47 (35.1%) patients and for secondary prevention in 87 (64.9%) patients. Overall, 14 (29.8%) and 45 (51.7%) patients received at least one appropriate ICD therapy in primary and secondary prevention, respectively, giving annual incidences of 5.5% and 7.1% (p=0.06). Patients with altered left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) at inclusion ≤35% experienced less appropriate ICD therapies (HR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.11–0.86, p=0.02), whereas a history of sustained or non-sustained ventricular arrhythmia (HR=2.7, 95% CI: 1.2–3.9, p=0.03) was positively associated with appropriate therapies. Fifty-seven (42.5%) patients had ICD-related complications, including 32 (24.2%) inappropriate ICD shocks, 22 (16.4%) significant lead dysfunction, 14 (10.4%) device infection, and 5 (3.7%) generator dysfunction/recall. History of supraventricular arrhythmias (HR=2.2, 95% CI: 1.2–3.7, p=0.01) and congestive heart failure (HR=2.0, 95% CI: 1.2–3.6, p=0.01) were both associated with a higher risk of complications. During follow-up, 7 (5.2%) patients underwent cardiac transplantation and 12 (9.0%) patients died, mainly from progressive heart failure (n=5). Only one sudden death due to electrical storm was recorded.

Figure 1

Conclusions

Appropriate therapies are frequent in patients with tetralogy of Fallot and ICDs, including in primary prevention. The relatively important proportion of ICD-related complication highlights the need for improving risk stratification in this population, considering associated conditions in the individual benefit-risk equation.

5204Primary prevention of sudden cardiac death in patients with tetralogy of Fallot with implantable cardioverter defibrillator: insights from the DAI-T4F study

Background

Ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death are feared late complications in patients with tetralogy of Fallot. Selection of candidates for primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) remains challenging in this population. Non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), altered left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), positive programmed ventricular stimulation, and enlarged QRS are currently used for risk stratification.

Purpose

To identify high-risk patients with tetralogy of Fallot in the setting of primary prevention of sudden cardiac death.

Methods

The DAI-T4F study is a large ongoing national French registry including all patients with tetralogy of Fallot and ICD (NCT03837574). Information have been collected prospectively since 2010 with annual update. Baseline patient characteristics and clinical events during the follow-up were analyzed with central adjudication. Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify factors associated with appropriate ICD therapies.

Results

Among 134 patients enrolled, 47 (35.1%) underwent ICD implantation for primary prevention (median age 49.1 years, 76.6% males). At baseline, 20 (42.6%) patients had NSVT, 17 (36.2%) had severe altered LVEF ≤35%, 16 (34.0%) had positive programmed ventricular stimulation, and 16 (34.0%) had QRS duration ≥180ms. Overall, 20 (42.6%), 15 (31.9%), and 6 (12.8%) patients had respectively one, two, or ≥ three of these risk factors. Six (12.8%) patients were implanted for other indications. During a median (IQR) follow-up duration of 5.3 (2.1–8.0) years, 14 (29.8%) patients had at least one appropriate ICD therapy. The annual incidence of appropriate ICD therapies were 2.8%, 4.6%, 6.3%, and 8.6% in patients with none, one, two, or ≥ three of these factors (p for trend = 0.145). None of predictors, considered isolated, was significantly associated with ICD appropriate therapies. Patients with non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) and positive programmed ventricular stimulation had a significant increased risk of ICD appropriate therapies (HR=3.8, 95% CI: 1.1–14.3, p=0.035), as well as patients with NSVT and QRSd ≥180 ms (HR=7.2, 95% CI: 1.6–32.7, p=0.003). No patient with severe altered LVEF without other risk factor had appropriate ICD therapy. Patients with congestive heart failure and/or altered LVEF had a higher risk of non-sudden death or cardiac transplantation (HR=14.4, 95% CI: 1.8–112.7, p<0.001). Seventeen (36.2%) patients experienced at least one ICD-related complication.

Conclusions

Our data illustrate that specific risk stratification and primary prevention for sudden cardiac death in patients with tetralogy of Fallot may be improved. The value of a severely altered LVEF appears low in the absence of other risk factors, and combination of different predictors is essential. The high rate of complications as well as consideration of competing risk situation have to be integrated in the benefit-risk equation.