Physical and Computational Modeling for Transcatheter Structural Heart Interventions

Structural heart disease interventions rely heavily on preprocedural planning and simulation to improve procedural outcomes and predict and prevent potential procedural complications. Modeling technologies, namely 3-dimensional (3D) printing and computational modeling, are nowadays increasingly used to predict the interaction between cardiac anatomy and implantable devices. Such models play a role in patient education, operator training, procedural simulation, and appropriate device selection. However, current modeling is often limited by the replication of a single static configuration within a dynamic cardiac cycle. Recognizing that health systems may face technical and economic limitations to the creation of "in-house" 3D-printed models, structural heart teams are pivoting to the use of computational software for modeling purposes.

Coronary Lithotripsy as Elective or Bail-Out Strategy After Rotational Atherectomy in the Rota-Shock Registry

Debulking lesions with severe coronary artery calcification (CAC) is highly recommended to obtain good procedural and long-term success. Utilization and performance of coronary intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) after rotational atherectomy (RA) has not been thoroughly studied. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IVL with the Shockwave Coronary Rx Lithotripsy System in lesions with severe CAC as elective or bail-out strategy after RA. This observational, prospective, single-arm, multicenter, international, open-label Rota-Shock registry included patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease and lesions with severe CAC treated by percutaneous coronary intervention, including lesion preparation with RA and IVL, at 23 high-volume centers. Primary efficacy end point was procedural success, defined as final diameter stenosis <30% by quantitative coronary angiography. Primary safety end point was freedom from serious angiographic complications, which included >National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute type B dissection, perforation, abrupt closure, slow or no flow, final thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow <3, and acute thrombosis. A total of 160 patients were enrolled between June 2020 and June 2022. The primary efficacy end point was observed in 155 patients (96.9%). The primary safety end point occurred in 145 cases (90.6%). Dissections >National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute type B occurred in 3 patients (1.9%), whereas slow or no flow occurred in 8 (5.0%), final thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow <3 in 3 (1.9%), and perforation in 4 patients (2.5%). Free from inhospital major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, including cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, cerebrovascular accident, definite/probable stent thrombosis, and major bleeding, occurred in 158 patients (98.7%). In conclusion, IVL after RA in lesions with severe CAC was effective and safe, with a very low incidence of complications as either elective or bail-out strategy.

464 Implantation of contemporary transcatheter aortic valves in small aortic annuli: the international multicentre TAVI-SMALL 2 registry

Aims

In patients with severe aortic stenosis, trans-prosthetic haemodynamics after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) tend to be more favourable than after surgical aortic valve replacement, especially after self-expandable valve (SEV) implantation. The relative performance of TAVI according to leaflet position, that is supra-annular and intra-annular valves (SAV and IAV, respectively), has not been investigated thoroughly. Moreover, prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) is more common in patients with small aortic annuli, even though its clinical impact after TAVI is debated. Compare haemodynamics and clinical outcomes of transcatheter SAV and IAV in patients with small annuli.

Methods

TAVI SMALL 2 is an international retrospective registry of 1378 patients with severe aortic stenosis and small annuli (annular perimeter &lt;72 mm or area &lt;400 mm2 on computed tomography) treated with transfemoral transcatheter SEV (Evolut R/Pro, n = 750, Acurate Neo, n = 170 and Portico n = 172) and balloon-expandable valves (BEV, Sapien 3, n = 286) in 16 high-volume centres. Analyses were performed according to mechanism of valve release, that is SEV (n = 1092) vs. BEV (n = 286), and according to leaflet position, that is SAV (Evolut R/Pro and Acurate Neo, n = 920) vs. IAV (Sapien 3 and Portico, n = 458). Primary endpoints were pre-discharge mean aortic gradient and incidence of severe PPM. Secondary endpoint was incidence of all-cause mortality.

Results

Pre-discharge mean aortic gradient was lower both after SAV vs. IAV (7.8 ± 3.9 vs. 12.0 ± 5.1, P &lt;0.001) and SEV vs. BEV implantation (8.0 ± 4.1 vs. 13.6 ± 4.7, P&lt;0.001). IAV implantation was more often complicated by severe PPM when compared to SAV implantation (8.8% vs. 3.6%, P = 0.007), and severe PPM was more common after BEV than after SEV implantation (8.7% vs. 4.6%, P = 0.041). At a median follow-up of 377 days (interquartile range 168–700 days), all-cause mortality occurred in 11.9% of patients after IAV and 9.4% after SAV implantation (P = 0.172), and in 12.3% and 9.8% of BEV and SEV groups, respectively (P = 0.218). Results were confirmed at Kaplan-Meier analysis (log-rank P = 0.748 and 0.687 for SAV vs. IAV and SEV vs. BEV, respectively, Figure 1). Pre-discharge more than mild paravalvular leak (PVL) was more common with SEV than BEV (11.6% vs. 2.6%, P &lt;0.001), while incidence of more than moderate PVL was higher both after SAV vs. IAV (1.5% vs. 0.2%, P = 0.043) and SEV vs. BEV implantation (1.4% vs. 0%, P = 0.052). New permanent pacemaker implantation was higher after SEV than BEV (13.5% vs. 8.1%, P = 0.013).

Conclusions

In this high-numerosity registry of patients with small aortic annuli, TAVI with SAV and SEV yielded a more favourable forward haemodynamic profile than after IAV and BEV implantation, respectively. All-cause mortality did not differ between groups.

Prophylactic permanent pacemaker strategy in patients with right bundle branch block undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement

OBJECTIVES

To report on the experience with a selective prophylactic permanent pacemaker (PPx-PPM) implantation strategy in patients with pre-existing right bundle branch block (RBBB) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

BACKGROUND

Pre-existing RBBB is an independent predictor for PPM after TAVR and has been linked to increased mortality.

METHODS

Hospital patient flow and longer-term clinical endpoints were compared for TAVR patients with pre-existing RBBB treated in a period with and without selective PPx-PPM strategy (2013-2020).

RESULTS

A total of 260 patients were included: 170 in the early period without PPx-PPM strategy and 90 patients in the late period with selective PPx-PPM strategy. A PPx-PPM was implanted in 44% of patients in the late period. Overall, 69% versus 80% of all patients in the early versus late period ended up with a PPM (p = .06). Streamlined transfemoral TAVR was routinely used from 2017-in this series of patients, both TAVR procedural time and hospital length of stay (LoS) were significantly shorter in the late versus early period (mean procedural time: 70 vs. 83 min and LoS ≥5 days: 15% vs. 40%; p < .05). No difference in all-cause/cardiovascular mortality was observed between both strategies, whereas cardiac rehospitalization was significantly higher for patients treated in the early versus late period (hazard ratio 2.33 [1.04-5.26]; p = .042)-this mainly due to (sub)acute PPM-implantation early after discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Selective prophylactic PPM implantation in TAVR candidates with pre-existing RBBB results in shorter TAVR procedural time and hospital LoS and prevents early cardiac rehospitalization related to complete heart block.

EAPCI Core Curriculum for Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (2020): Committee for Education and Training European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI). A branch of the European Society of Cardiology

The proposed 2020 Core Curriculum for Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions aims to provide an updated European consensus that defines the level of experience and knowledge in the field of percutaneous cardiovascular intervention (PCI). It promotes homogenous education and training programmes among countries, and is the cornerstone of the new EAPCI certification, designed to support the recognition of competencies at the European level and the free movement of certified specialists in the European Community. It is based on a thorough review of the ESC guidelines and of the EAPCI textbook on percutaneous interventional cardiovascular medicine. The structure of the current core curriculum evolved from previous EAPCI core curricula and from the "2013 core curriculum of the general cardiologist" to follow the current ESC recommendations for core curricula. In most subject areas, there was a wide - if not unanimous - consensus among the task force members on the training required for the interventional cardiologist of the future. The document recommends that acquisition of competence in interventional cardiology requires at least two years of postgraduate training, in addition to four years devoted to cardiology. The first part of the curriculum covers general aspects of training and is followed by a comprehensive description of the specific components in 54 chapters. Each of the chapters includes statements of the objectives, and is further subdivided into the required knowledge, skills, behaviours, and attitudes.

Determinants of changes in pulmonary artery pressure in patients with severe aortic stenosis treated by transcatheter aortic valve implantation

BACKGROUND

Elevated pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) is a strong predictor of adverse prognosis. This study sought to assess the relation between PAP and clinical and echocardiographic parameters in elderly patients with severe AS, as well as to identify the determinants of the change in PAP after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

METHODS

The study included 170 subjects (age 81 ± 7 years, 45% men) with symptomatic severe AS who were treated by TAVI. They underwent a clinical evaluation and a transthoracic echocardiography before the TAVI procedure and 6 months after.

RESULTS

In a multivariable analysis, the independent predictors for baseline PAP were the body mass index (BMI) (β = 0.21, p = .006), COPD GOLD class (β = 0.20; p = .009), the E/e' ratio (β = 0.20; p = .02) and the degree of aortic regurgitation (β = 0.20; p = .01). After TAVI, there was significantly less (51% vs. 29%, p<.0001) pulmonary hypertension, defined as a tricuspid regurgitation velocity ≥2.8 m/s. The baseline variables related to an improvement in PAP were the tricuspid regurgitation velocity (p = .0001) and the E/e' (p = .005). From the parameters potentially modified with TAVI, the only independent predictor of PAP variation was the change in the E/e' ratio (β = 0.23; p = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Independent predictors for baseline PAP in elderly patients with symptomatic AS were the BMI, GOLD class, the aortic regurgitation and the E/e' ratio. The baseline predictors for a change in PAP 6 months after TAVI were the baseline PAP and E/e', with only the change in the E/e' ratio being correlated to the change in PAP.

Managing Patients With Short-Term Mechanical Circulatory Support: JACC Review Topic of the Week

The use of mechanical circulatory support for patients presenting with cardiogenic shock is rapidly increasing. Currently, there is only limited and conflicting evidence available regarding the role of the Impella (a microaxial, continuous-flow, short-term, left or right ventricular assist device) in cardiogenic shock; further randomized trials are needed. Patient selection, timing of implantation, and post-implantation management in the cardiac intensive care unit are crucial elements for success. Particular challenges at the bedside include the practical management of anticoagulation, evaluation of correct device position, and the approach to use in a patient with signs of insufficient hemodynamic support. Profound knowledge of these issues is required to enable the maximal potential of the device. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the short-term assist device and describes a practical approach to optimize care for patients supported with the device.

Pre-procedural planning of transcatheter mitral valve replacement in mitral stenosis with multi-detector tomography-derived 3D modeling and printing: a case report

Background

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) may be a valuable treatment option for mitral annular calcification and severe mitral stenosis (MS) in patients at high operative risk. Pre-procedural virtual and printed simulations may aid in procedure planning, device sizing, and mitigate complications such as valve embolization or left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction.

Case summary

We describe a case of TMVR in which multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) derived, three-dimensional virtual planning and a 3D-printed model of the patients’ left heart provided enhanced understanding of an individual patient’s unique anatomy to determine feasibility, device sizing, and risk stratification. This resulted in deployment of an adequately sized valve. Post-TMVR LVOT obstruction was treated with LVOT balloon dilatation and percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation.

Discussion

Advanced MDCT-derived planning techniques introduce consistent 3D modeling and printing to enhance understanding of intracardiac anatomical relationships and test device implantation. Still, static measurements do not feature haemodynamic factors, tissue, or device characteristics and do not predict device host interaction. Transcatheter mitral valve replacement is feasible in MS when adequately pre-procedurally planned. Multi-detector computed tomography-derived, 3D, virtual and printed models contribute to adequate planning in terms of determining patient eligibility, procedure feasibility, and device sizing. However, static 3D modeling cannot completely eliminate the risk of peri-procedural complications.

Revascularization Strategies in Patients Presenting With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Multivessel Coronary Disease

The optimal revascularization strategy for residual coronary stenosis following primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease (MVD) remains controversial. This is a retrospective single-centre study including patients with STEMI and MVD. Based on the revascularization strategy, 3 groups were identified: (1) culprit only (CO), (2) ad hoc multivessel revascularization (MVR), and (3) staged MVR. Clinical outcomes were compared in terms of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), a composite of cardiac death, any myocardial infarction, and any unplanned revascularization at a long-term follow-up. A total of 958 patients were evaluated, 489 in the CO, 254 in the ad hoc, and 215 in the staged group. In the staged group, 65.6% of the patients received planned percutaneous coronary intervention, 9.7% coronary artery bypass grafting, 8.4% no further intervention after lesion reassessment, and in 16.3% an event occurred before the planned procedure. At 1,095 days, MACE was 36.1%, 16.7%, and 31% for CO, ad hoc, and staged groups, respectively. A MVR strategy was associated with lower rate of all-cause death compared with CO (HR 0.50; 95%CI [0.31 to 0.80]; p = 0.004). Complete revascularization reduced the rate of MACE (HR 0.30 [0.21 to 0.43] p < 0.001) compared with incomplete revascularization. Ad hoc MVR had lower rate of MACE compared with staged MVR (HR 0.61 [0.39 to 0.96] p = 0.032) mainly driven by less unplanned revascularizations. In conclusion, in patients with STEMI and MVD, complete revascularization reduced the risk of MACE. Ad hoc MVR appeared a reasonable strategy with lower contrast and stent usage and costs.

Reduced Leaflet Motion after Transcatheter Aortic-Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND

Subclinical leaflet thickening and reduced leaflet motion of bioprosthetic aortic valves have been documented by four-dimensional computed tomography (CT). Whether anticoagulation can reduce these phenomena after transcatheter aortic-valve replacement (TAVR) is not known.

METHODS

In a substudy of a large randomized trial, we randomly assigned patients who had undergone successful TAVR and who did not have an indication for long-term anticoagulation to a rivaroxaban-based antithrombotic strategy (rivaroxaban [10 mg] plus aspirin [75 to 100 mg] once daily) or an antiplatelet-based strategy (clopidogrel [75 mg] plus aspirin [75 to 100 mg] once daily). Patients underwent evaluation by four-dimensional CT at a mean (±SD) of 90±15 days after randomization. The primary end point was the percentage of patients with at least one prosthetic valve leaflet with grade 3 or higher motion reduction (i.e., involving >50% of the leaflet). Leaflet thickening was also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 231 patients were enrolled. At least one prosthetic valve leaflet with grade 3 or higher motion reduction was found in 2 of 97 patients (2.1%) who had scans that could be evaluated in the rivaroxaban group, as compared with 11 of 101 (10.9%) in the antiplatelet group (difference, -8.8 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -16.5 to -1.9; P = 0.01). Thickening of at least one leaflet was observed in 12 of 97 patients (12.4%) in the rivaroxaban group and in 33 of 102 (32.4%) in the antiplatelet group (difference, -20.0 percentage points; 95% CI, -30.9 to -8.5). In the main trial, the risk of death or thromboembolic events and the risk of life-threatening, disabling, or major bleeding were higher with rivaroxaban (hazard ratios of 1.35 and 1.50, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In a substudy of a trial involving patients without an indication for long-term anticoagulation who had undergone successful TAVR, a rivaroxaban-based antithrombotic strategy was more effective than an antiplatelet-based strategy in preventing subclinical leaflet-motion abnormalities. However, in the main trial, the rivaroxaban-based strategy was associated with a higher risk of death or thromboembolic complications and a higher risk of bleeding than the antiplatelet-based strategy. (Funded by Bayer; GALILEO-4D ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02833948.).

Outcome of Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Implantation of Aortic Valve With Previous Mitral Valve Prosthesis (OPTIMAL) Study

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is the gold standard for severe valvular aortic stenosis in patients at high/prohibitive surgical risk. This procedure has also been used in patients with previous mitral valve (MV) prostheses, with contrasting outcomes reported. The aim of this study is to describe procedural and early outcomes of patients with previous MV prostheses undergoing TAVR.

METHODS

This is a retrospective registry of 154 patients with previous MV prostheses who underwent TAVR across high-volume medical centres at a mean of 11.7 ± 8.4 years after mitral surgery.

RESULTS

Mean mitroaortic distance at computed tomography was 9.7 ± 4.8 mm. Procedural success was achieved in 150 (97.4%) patients, with reduction of aortic gradients (42.6 ± 14.2 to 10.0 ± 7.0 mm Hg; P < 0.001). Device success was achieved in 133 (86.3%) patients. MV prosthesis interference by the TAVR device was observed in 2 patients; in both, the mitroaortic distance was <5 mm, with 1 complicated by TAVR prosthesis embolization. Periprocedural complications included 4 (2.6%) cerebrovascular accidents, 10 (6.6%) major vascular complications, 22 (14.4%) severe bleedings, 1 (0.7%) myocardial infarction, and 5 (3.2%) in-hospital deaths (all cases cardiovascular or procedure related). At a median follow-up of 13.5 (interquartile range 1.0 to 36.0) months, 26 (16.9%) deaths occurred; 15 (9.7%) were cardiac related. Late fatal mitral prosthesis thromboses occurred in 2 patients. We recorded a case of fatal hemorrhagic stroke; hospital readmission was observed in 25 (16.2%) patients due to worsening heart failure.

CONCLUSIONS

TAVR in patients with previous mitral prostheses appears to be safe and feasible, with good hemodynamic results at 30-day and at longer-term follow-up.

Usefulness of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation for Treatment of Pure Native Aortic Valve Regurgitation

Patients with pure native aortic valve regurgitation (NAVR) and increased surgical risk are often denied surgery. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the "off-label" use of transcatheter heart valves (THV) for the treatment of NAVR. A total of 254 high surgical risk patients with NAVR (age 74 ± 12 years, Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk score 6.6 ± 6.2%) underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with early generation (43%) or newer generation (57%) devices at 46 different sites. Device success was significantly higher in patients treated with newer as compared with early generation THV (82% vs 47%, p <0.001). The difference was driven by lower rates of device malpositioning (9% vs 33%) and aortic regurgitation (AR) ≥ moderate (4% vs 31%) and translated into higher clinical efficacy at 30 days in patients treated with newer as compared with early generation THV (72% vs 56%, p = 0.041). Both THV under- and oversizing were associated with an increased risk of THV malpositioning. In conclusion, TAVI is a feasible treatment strategy in selected high-risk patients with NAVR but is associated with a considerable risk of THV malpositioning and residual AR. Although newer-generation THV are associated with better outcomes, novel devices for the treatment of NAVR are warranted.