2-Year Clinical and Echocardiography Follow-Up of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement With the Transapical Intrepid System

BACKGROUND

Thirty-day outcomes with the investigational Intrepid transapical (TA) transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) system have previously demonstrated good technical success, but longer-term outcomes in larger cohorts need to be evaluated.

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to evaluate the 2-year safety and performance of the Intrepid TA-TMVR system in patients with symptomatic, ≥moderate-severe mitral regurgitation (MR) and high surgical risk.

METHODS

Patient eligibility was determined by local heart teams and approved by a central screening committee. Clinical events were adjudicated by an independent clinical events committee. Echocardiography was evaluated by an independent core laboratory.

RESULTS

The cohort included 252 patients that were enrolled at 58 international sites before February 2021 as part of the global Pilot Study (n = 95) or APOLLO trial (primary cohort noneligible + TA roll-ins, n = 157). Mean age was 74.2 years, mean STS-PROM was 6.3%, 60.3% were male, and 80.6% were in NYHA functional class III/IV. Most presented with secondary MR (70.1%), and nearly all had ≥moderate-severe MR (98.4%). All-cause mortality was 13.1% (30-day), 27.3% (1-year), and 36.2% (2-year). The 30-day ≥major bleeding event rate was 22.3%. Heart failure rehospitalization was 9.6% (30-day) and 36.2% (2-year). At 2 years, >50% of patients were alive with improvement in NYHA functional class (82.1%, class I/II), and all patients with available echocardiograms had ≤mild MR.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis represents the largest reported TA-TMVR experience with the longest follow-up in high-risk ≥moderate-severe MR patients. Early mortality and heart failure rehospitalizations were significant, exacerbated by early TA-related bleeding events; however, meaningful improvements in clinical outcomes and marked reductions in MR severity were observed through 2 years.

Referral Versus Embedded Palliative Care Consultation Among People Hospitalized With Heart Failure: A Report From a Single Center Pilot Program

CONTEXT

Despite calls for integration into routine heart failure (HF) care, optimal palliative care delivery for people living with HF remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

Describe an innovative model of an embedded palliative care nurse practitioner (NP) within a HF team. Compare demographics and utilization among people hospitalized with HF receiving referral or embedded consultation.

METHODS

Using an electronic health record-based palliative care registry, we conducted descriptive analyses and t-tests and χ2 tests, as appropriate, to examine bivariate associations between sociodemographic, clinical and utilization data of hospitalized people with HF receiving a traditional, referral-based palliative care consultation generated exclusively by the primary team vs. a novel, embedded-based consultation generated by collaboration between a palliative care NP and the advanced HF team at an urban, quaternary care academic medical center in New York City.

RESULTS

During the study period from January 1, 2019-December 31, 2021, consultation volume nearly doubled with 363 consults from traditional referrals and an additional 317 consults from the newly embedded NP. People in the embedded group, as compared to referral, were younger (mean age: 60.1 vs. 71.9 years (2019); 59.2 vs. 70.4 (2020); 61.3 vs. 69.6 (2021), p-value < 0.001), more functional (median Karnofsky Performance Status: 40% vs. 30%, p-value = 0.01 (2019); 40% vs 20%, p-value < 0.0001 (2020); 40% vs. 20%, p-value = 0.02 (2021)), more likely had capacity to designate a medical decision maker (56.4% vs. 20.6%, p-value < 0.001 (2020); 76.3% vs. 49.5%, p-value < 0.001 (2021)), received earlier consultation (median days before discharge: 9.5 vs. 4 (2019); 11 vs. 5 (2020); 7 vs. 3 (2021), p-value ≤ 0.001), and more likely to discharge home (60% vs. 26%, p-value ≤ 0.001 (2019); 62.7% vs 20.6%, p-value ≤ 0.001 (2020); 42.3% vs. 28%, p-value = 0.03 (2021)).

CONCLUSION

Hospitalized people living with advanced HF who received an embedded palliative care consult were younger, had higher functional status and less illness severity compared to those served by a traditional, referral-based consult.

Impact of prophylactic donor heart tricuspid valve annuloplasty on outcomes in heart transplantation

BACKGROUND

Tricuspid regurgitation(TR) following heart transplantation could adversely affect clinical outcomes. In an effort to reduce the incidence of TR, prophylactic donor heart tricuspid valve annuloplasty has been performed during heart transplantation in our institution. We assessed early and long-term outcomes.

METHODS

Between August 2011 and August 2021, 349 patients who underwent prophylactic tricuspid valve annuloplasty were included. Tricuspid valve annuloplasty was performed using the DeVega annuloplasty technique. The clinical outcomes of the interests included complete atrioventricular block requiring pacemaker implantation, the occurrence of significant TR(defined as moderate or greater), and survival. Long-term survival was compared in patients with and without significant TR using the Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox proportional hazards regression with time-dependent covariate analysis was used to see if significant TR affected the long-term survival.

RESULTS

There was one patient(0.3%) who required pacemaker implantation for complete atrioventricular block. No patients developed tricuspid valve stenosis that required intervention. Significant TR developed in 31 patients(8.9%) during the follow-up period. The survival rate of patients who developed significant TR was significantly lower than that of those who did not(log rank < 0.01). Significant TR was associated with the long-term mortality(HR2.92, 95%CI 1.47-5.82, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic donor heart tricuspid valve annuloplasty has the potential to reduce the occurrence of significant TR and can be performed safely. The significant TR that developed in patients with prophylactic annuloplasty negatively affected survival and was an independent predictor of long-term mortality.

Patients hospitalized with acute heart failure, worsening renal function, and persistent congestion are at high risk for adverse outcomes despite current medical therapy

INTRODUCTION

Approximately 1/3 of patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) are discharged with persistent congestion. Worsening renal function (WRF) occurs in approximately 50% of patients hospitalized for ADHF and the combination of WRF and persistent congestion are associated with higher risk of mortality and HF readmissions.

METHODS

We designed a multicenter, prospective registry to describe current treatments and outcomes for patients hospitalized with ADHF complicated by WRF (defined as a creatinine increase ≥0.3 mg/dL) and persistent congestion at 96 h. Study participants were followed during the hospitalization and through 90-day post-discharge. Hospitalization costs were analyzed in an economic substudy.

RESULTS

We enrolled 237 patients hospitalized with ADHF, who also had WRF and persistent congestion. Among these, the average age was 66 ± 13 years and 61% had a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 40%. Mean baseline creatinine was 1.7 ± 0.7 mg/dL. Patients with persistent congestion had a high burden of clinical events during the index hospitalization (7.6% intensive care unit transfer, 2.1% intubation, 1.7% left ventricular assist device implantation, and 0.8% dialysis). At 90-day follow-up, 33% of patients were readmitted for ADHF or died. Outcomes and costs were similar between patients with reduced and preserved LVEF.

CONCLUSIONS

Many patients admitted with ADHF have WRF and persistent congestion despite diuresis and are at high risk for adverse events during hospitalization and early follow-up. Novel treatment strategies are urgently needed for this high-risk population.

Tricuspid Regurgitation Management for Heart Failure

There is growing evidence that severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) impacts clinical outcomes in a variety of cardiovascular disease states. The late presentation of patients with advanced TR highlights the underappreciation of the disease, as well as the pitfalls of current guideline-directed medical management. Given the high in-hospital mortality associated with isolated tricuspid valve surgery, transcatheter options continue to be explored with the hope of improved survival and reduced heart failure hospitalizations. In this review, we explore the physiology of TR, discuss the etiologic classes of TR, and explore the transcatheter options for treatment and who might benefit from device therapy.

Concomitant left atrial appendage closure during left ventricular assist device surgery can reduce ischaemic cerebrovascular accidents

BACKGROUND

It remains unknown if the left atrial appendage closure at the time of left ventricular assist device surgery can reduce ischaemic cerebrovascular accidents.

METHODS

Consecutive 310 patients who underwent left ventricular assist device surgery with HeartMate II or 3 between January 2012 and November 2021 were included in this study. The cohort was divided into two groups: patients with left atrial appendage closure (Group A) and without left atrial appendage closure (Group B). We compared the clinical outcomes including the incidence of cerebrovascular accident between two groups.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight patients were included in Group A, and 212 patients in Group B. There were no significant differences between two groups in age, preoperative CHADS2 score and history of atrial fibrillation. In-hospital mortality did not differ significantly between the two groups (Group A: 7.1%, Group B: 12.3%, p = 0.16). Thirty-seven patients (11.9%) experienced ischaemic cerebrovascular accident (five patients in Group A and 32 patients in Group B). The cumulative incidence from ischaemic cerebrovascular accidents in Group A (5.3% at 12 months and 5.3% at 36 months) was significantly lower than that in Group B (8.2% at 12 months and 16.8% at 36 months; p = 0.017). In a multivariable competing risk analysis, left atrial appendage closure was associated with reducing ischaemic cerebrovascular accidents (hazard ratio 0.38, 95% confidence interval 0.15-0.97, p = 0.043).

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant left atrial appendage closure in left ventricular assist device surgery can reduce ischaemic cerebrovascular accidents without increasing perioperative mortality and complications.

Adverse Hemodynamic Consequences of Continuous Left Ventricular Mechanical Support: JACC Review Topic of the Week

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) provide lifesaving therapy for patients with advanced heart failure. The recognition of pump thrombosis, stroke, and nonsurgical bleeding as hemocompatibility-related adverse events (HRAEs) led to pump design improvements and reduced adverse event rates. However, continuous flow can predispose patients to right-sided heart failure (RHF) and aortic insufficiency (AI), especially as patients live longer with their device. Given the hemodynamic contributions to AI and RHF, these comorbidities can be classified as hemodynamic-related events (HDREs). Hemodynamic-driven events are time dependent and often manifest later than HRAEs. This review examines the emerging strategies to mitigate HDREs, with a focus on defining best practices for AI and RHF. As we head into the next generation of LVAD technology, it is important to differentiate HDREs from HRAEs so that we can continue to advance the field and improve the true durability of the pump-patient continuum.

Transcatheter Left Ventricular Restoration in Patients With Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular (LV) volume reshaping reduces myocardial wall stress and may induce reverse remodeling in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The AccuCinch Transcatheter Left Ventricular Restoration system consists of a series of anchors connected by a cable implanted along the LV base that is cinched to the basal free wall radius. We evaluated the echocardiographic and clinical outcomes following transcatheter left ventricular restoration.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed 51 heart failure patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction between 20% and 40%, with no more than 2+ mitral regurgitation treated with optimal medical therapy, who subsequently underwent transcatheter left ventricular restoration. Serial echocardiograms, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire scores, and 6-minute walk test distances were measured at baseline through 12 months. Primary analysis end point was change in end-diastolic volume at 12 months compared with baseline. Patients (n = 51) were predominantly male (86%) with a mean age of 56.3 ± 13.1 years. Fluoroscopy showed LV free wall radius decreased by a median of 9.2 mm amounting to a 29.6% decrease in the free wall arc length. At 12 months, the LV end-diastolic volume decreased by 33.6 ± 34.8 mL (P < .01), with comparable decreases in the LV end-systolic volume. These decreases were associated with significant improvements in the overall Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score (16.4 ± 18.7 points; P < .01) and 6-minute hall walk test distance (45.9 ± 83.9 m; P < .01). There were no periprocedural deaths; through the 1-year follow-up, 1 patient died (day 280) and 1 patient received a left ventricular assist device (day 13).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction without significant mitral regurgitation receiving optimal medical therapy, the AccuCinch System resulted in decreases of LV volume, as well as improved quality of life and exercise endurance. A randomized trial is ongoing (NCT04331769).

Multimodality Imaging of Right Heart Function: JACC Scientific Statement

Right ventricular (RV) size and function assessed by multimodality imaging are associated with outcomes in a variety of cardiovascular diseases. Understanding RV anatomy and physiology is essential in appreciating the strengths and weaknesses of current imaging methods and gives these measurements greater context. The adaptation of the right ventricle to different types and severity of stress, particularly over time, is specific to the cardiovascular disease process. Multimodality imaging parameters, which determine outcomes, reflect the ability to image the initial and longitudinal RV response to stress. This paper will review the standard and novel imaging methods for assessing RV function and the impact of these parameters on outcomes in specific disease states.

The prognostic role of advanced hemodynamic variables in patients with left ventricular assist devices

BACKGROUND

Invasive hemodynamic variables obtained from right heart catheterization have been used for risk-stratifying patients with advanced heart failure (HF). However, there is a paucity of data on the prognostic value of invasive hemodynamic variables in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). We hypothesized that cardiac power output (CPO), cardiac power efficiency (CPE), and left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI) can serve as prognostic markers in patients with LVADs.

METHODS

Baseline hemodynamic data from patients who had LVAD ramp studies at our institution from 4/2014 to 7/2018 were prospectively collected, from which advanced hemodynamic variables (CPO, CPE, and LVSWI) were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed for hemocompatibility-related adverse events (HRAE), HF admissions, and mortality.

RESULTS

Ninety-one participants (age 61 ± 11 years, 34% women, 40% Black or African American, and 38% ischemic cardiomyopathy) were analyzed. Low CPE was significantly associated with mortality (HR 2.42, 95% CI 1.02-5.74, p = 0.045) in univariate analysis and Kaplan-Meier analysis (p = 0.04). Low LVSWI was significantly associated with mortality (HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.09-4.17, p = 0.03) in univariate analysis and Kaplan-Meier analysis (p = 0.02). CPO was not associated with mortality. CPO, CPE, and LVSWI were not associated with HRAE or HF admissions.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced hemodynamic variables can serve as prognostic indicators for patients with LVADs. Low CPE and LVSWI are prognostic for higher mortality, but no variables were associated with HF admissions or HRAEs.

Addressing sex-based disparities in solid organ transplantation in the United States - a conference report

Solid organ transplantation provides the best treatment for end-stage organ failure, but significant sex-based disparities in transplant access exist. On June 25, 2021, a virtual multidisciplinary conference was convened to address sex-based disparities in transplantation. Common themes contributing to sex-based disparities were noted across kidney, liver, heart, and lung transplantation, specifically the existence of barriers to referral and wait listing for women, the pitfalls of using serum creatinine, the issue of donor/recipient size mismatch, approaches to frailty and a higher prevalence of allosensitization among women. In addition, actionable solutions to improve access to transplantation were identified, including alterations to the current allocation system, surgical interventions on donor organs, and the incorporation of objective frailty metrics into the evaluation process. Key knowledge gaps and high-priority areas for future investigation were also discussed.

Donor heart selection: Evidence-based guidelines for providers

The proposed donor heart selection guidelines provide evidence-based and expert-consensus recommendations for the selection of donor hearts following brain death. These recommendations were compiled by an international panel of experts based on an extensive literature review.

Management of Heart Failure

This JAMA Clinical Guidelines Synopsis summarizes the 2022 ACC/AHA/HFSA guidelines for management of heart failure in adults with a diagnosis of or at risk for heart failure.

Concomitant left atrial appendage closure with left ventricular assist device surgery can reduce ischemic cerebrovascular accidents

Background

It remains unknown if concomitant left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) at the time of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgery can reduce ischemic cerebrovascular accidents.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of LAAC at LVAD surgery on the incidence of ischemic cerebrovascular accidents.

Methods

Between January 2012 and November 2021, 310 patients underwent LVAD surgery with HeartMate II or III. Out of 310 patients, 98 patients (31.6%) underwent concomitant LAAC. The cohort was divided into two groups: patients with LAAC (Group A, n=98) and without LAAC (Group B, n=212). To minimize device bias, LVAD surgery with HeartWare HVAD device was excluded. The ischemic cerebrovascular accident was defined as ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke or transient ischemic attack. We reviewed early and long-term clinical outcomes. The incidence of ischemic cerebrovascular accidents was compared between two groups using the Kaplan-Meier method. We also investigated if LAAC was associated with ischemic cerebrovascular accidents by Cox proportional hazards analysis.

Results

There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between two groups including age (Group A: 55.0±12.3 years old, Group B: 56.9±14.1 years old, p=0.26), preoperative CHADS2 score (Group A: 2.40±1.1, Group B: 2.58±1.1, p=0.19) and history of atrial fibrillation (Group A: 42.9%, Group B: 42.5%, p=0.95). In-hospital mortality was not significantly different between the two groups (Group A: 7.1%, Group B: 12.3%, p=0.16). In terms of postoperative complications, there were no significant differences between two groups in requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, re-exploration for bleeding and newly required hemodialysis. Median follow up period was 474 days. Thirty-five patients (11.2%) developed ischemic cerebrovascular accidents (5 patients in Group A and 30 patients in Group B). The rate of freedom from ischemic cerebrovascular accidents in Group A (94.1% at 500 days and 94.1% at 1500 days) was significantly higher than that in Group B (88.2% at 500 days and 77.4% at 1500 days; log rank=0.024). In a Cox proportional hazards regression analysis including LAAC, age, history of atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus and Heartmate 3 device implantation, LAAC was associated with reducing the incidence of ischemic cerebrovascular accidents (hazard ratio 0.37, 95% CI 0.13–0.89, p=0.02).

Conclusion

Concomitant LAAC at the time of LVAD surgery can reduce ischemic cerebrovascular accidents without increasing perioperative mortality and complications.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Proceedings from the metrics forum in heart transplantation for performance monitoring

Regulatory oversight for heart transplant programs is currently under review by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). There is concern whether 1-year patient and graft survival truly represent heart transplant center performance. Thus, a forum was organized by the Thoracic and Critical Care Community of Practice (TCC COP) of the American Society of Transplantation (AST) for the heart transplant community to voice their opinions on matters involving program performance monitoring by UNOS. A TCC COP work group was formed to review outcome metrics for adult heart transplantation and culminated in a virtual community forum (72 participants representing 61 heart transplant programs) on November 12-13, 2020. One-year posttransplant survival is still considered an appropriate and important measure to assess program performance. Waitlist mortality and offer acceptance rate as pretransplant metrics could also be useful measures of program performance, recognizing that outside factors may influence these metrics. In depth discussion of these metrics and other issues including auditing thresholds, innovations to reduce risk-averse behavior and personally designed program scorecards are included in this meeting proceedings.

Child-Turcotte-Pugh versus MELD-XI identify distinct high-risk populations for heart transplantation following ventricular assist device placement

BACKGROUND

Patients with end-stage heart failure frequently have significant congestive hepatopathy requiring hepatology assessment prior to heart transplantation listing. An elevated Model for End-stage Liver Disease score with modification to exclude INR (MELD-XI) has been associated with increased mortality following heart transplantation (HT). This study's primary aim was to examine whether Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) classification is associated with post-transplant mortality in patients bridged to transplant with left ventricular assist devices.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 134 patients from our center. Age, CTP class, and MELD-XI at HT were included in the multivariate model for the primary outcome, which demonstrated a significant association between 1-year mortality and CTP class (CTP-A HR: .08, CI .01-.46, P < .01; CTP-B HR: .25, CI .05-1.2, P = .08; reference group CTP-C), and MELD-XI (HR: 1.15; CI: 1.03-1.28; P = .01), but no significant difference for age (HR: .97; CI: .93-1.01; P = .15). Only 13/33 patients with CTP improvement after assist device also had improvement in MELD-XI.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with relatively low MELD-XI scores with discordantly high CTP classification may be a distinct subset for whom MELD-XI underestimates the risk of mortality after heart transplantation compared to CTP.

Comparing short-term/long-term outcomes of heart transplants that occur inside and outside of normal working hours

Aims

Heart transplantation involves many factors such as donor selection, recipient management, multidisciplinary assessment, coordination with other organ teams, and transportation. Because of some unpredictable factors, heart transplantation can be conducted at any time of day. The purpose of this study is to investigate if outcomes differ between heart transplants taking place inside or outside of normal working hours.

Methods and results

We reviewed patients who underwent heart transplantation at our institution from January 2010 to July 2020 (n = 329). Based on the documented start time of the recipient surgeries, the cohort was divided into two groups: working hours (Group A: 7:30 to 17:00; n = 92) and after hours (Group B: 17:00 to 7:30; n = 237). We compared these groups using propensity score matching analysis. After propensity score matching, 78 pairs of patients were successfully matched. We reviewed early and late clinical outcomes including survival. Long‐term survival was compared using the Kaplan–Meier method. In the propensity‐score matched patients, there were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between two groups. In‐hospital mortality was not significantly different between the two groups (Group A: 6.4% vs. Group B: 2.6%, P = 0.44). Ischaemic time and cross‐clamp time did not differ between the groups. In terms of postoperative complications, there were no significant differences between two groups in stroke (6.4% vs. 3.9%, P = 0.72), primary graft dysfunction requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (5.1% vs. 7.7%, P = 0.75), re‐exploration for bleeding (9.0% vs. 12.8%, P = 0.44), and newly required haemodialysis (7.7% vs. 6.4%, P = 0.75). The survival rate in Group A (88.1% at 1 year, 81.3% at 3 years) was not significantly different from Group B (90.5% at 1 year, 82.3% at 3 years, log rank = 0.96).

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between heart transplants taking place inside or outside of working hours. A high quality of care can be provided for heart transplant patients even during after hours.

Intracardiac device associated interference with tricuspid valve apparatus on echocardiography: What can we learn from pathology?

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

 New or worsening tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with right-sided heart failure and worsened outcomes. Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs), which are being implanted at growing rates worldwide, are increasingly being recognized as associated with TR occurrence related to interference with the tricuspid valve (TV) apparatus. Purpose: We sought to identify echocardiographic features in the right ventricle and TV that differentiate patients who have anatomically demonstrated interference with the TV on direct pathology inspection. 

Methods

 Explanted hearts from 44 consecutive patients undergoing orthotopic heart transplant (55 ±13 yrs, 68% men) with known implanted CIEDs were dissected to assess the presence (n = 18) or absence (n = 26) of CIED interference with the TV (Figure). Echocardiographic measurements performed prior to transplantation, including left and right ventricular (LV, RV) size and performance metrics as well as TR severity, were compared between both groups using non-parametric testing. 

Results

 Echocardiographic features of patients with and without anatomically demonstrated TV interference are shown in the Table. Although overall LV dimensions and volumes were not different between the two groups and LV ejection fraction was severely reduced in both groups, patients demonstrating CIED interference trended towards larger right atrial volumes (Table) and also larger RV and tricuspid annular sizes. Importantly, however, they were more than 4 times likely to have abnormal right ventricular function. Lastly, patients with tricuspid apparatus interference tended to have more significant TR, although these differences have not reached statistical significance (Table). 

Conclusion

 CIED interreference with tricuspid valve apparatus occurs frequently (41%) among patients with CIEDs, who undergo orthotopic heart transplantation. This may be associated with worsening TV function with subsequent changes in right atrial and ventricular geometry and function. In light of prior data showing poor outcomes with CIED associated TR, this study emphasizes the importance of non-invasive assessment of CIED interference with the tricuspid valve, in order to improve device placement and patient outcomes. Abstract Figure  Abstract Table

Proximal ascending aorta size is associated with the incidence of de novo aortic insufficiency with left ventricular assist device

We sought to assess the impact of the aortic root geometry on developing de novo aortic insufficiency (AI) in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD). In total, 114 patients underwent LVAD implantation between February 2016 and January 2020 were included in this study (HeartMate3 N = 68, HeartWare N = 46). Significant aortic insufficiency was defined as mild-to-moderate or greater in echocardiography. The cohort was divided into two groups; those who developed significant AI (Group AI: n = 13) and did not (Group non-AI: n = 101). The primary outcomes of interest included late survival and predictors for significant AI. The patients in Group AI were older than Group non-AI (62.6 ± 11.9 vs 51.3 ± 14.0 years, p < 0.01). The diameter of proximal ascending aorta in Group AI was larger than Group non-AI (31.0 ± 5.0 vs 27.4 ± 4.3 mm, p < 0.01). Aortic valve remained closed in 53.8% in Group AI and 36.6% in Group non-AI (p = 0.24). The late survival was not significantly different between the groups (67.1% vs 76.0% at 3 years, log rank = 0.97). The Cox hazard model showed that larger proximal ascending aortic diameter/BSA (HR 1.55, CI 1.19-2.04, p < 0.01) and not-opening aortic valve (HR 4.73, CI 1.43-16.9, p = 0.01) were independent risk factors for significant AI. The cutoff value of proximal ascending aortic diameter/BSA was 15.5 (area under curve: 0.770, sensitivity: 0.69, specificity: 0.79). Dilated proximal ascending aorta at the time of LVAD surgery and not-opening aortic valve during follow-up were associated with the incidence of de novo significant AI.

STS INTERMACS Database: The Key to Conduct Single-arm Trials in Advanced Heart Failure Patients

BACKGROUND

Safe introduction of novel mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices into clinical practice is a challenging process. Single-arm trials using a control arm from existing database is an effective alternative that could be applied for regulatory approval. This study analyzes the capability of the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) database to establish objective performance criteria and select patient population that could be used for future single-arm MCS trials.

METHODS

Patients with INTERMACS profiles IM1-2 and IM3-5, who underwent implant of isolated Left Ventricular Assist Devises between 2014-2017 were included. Both cohorts were further stratified into Shock and Non-Shock groups using surrogate markers of shock (ECMO, temporary VAD, vasopressor infusions). Survival, transplant rates, adverse events, 6 min walk test and quality of life measures were obtained for all 4 groups at 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

Total of 7,907 patients were divided into IM1-2(n=3,909), IM3-5(n=3,998), Shock(n=3,469) and Non-Shock(n=3,040). Re-categorization occurred in 11% of patients from the IM3-5 group into the Shock group. Overall, patients in the Shock group had similar outcomes to the IM 1-2 group (1-year survival: 86% vs 85%, p=0.74). Patients in the Non-Shock group also had similar outcomes to the IM 3-5 (1-year survival: 90% vs 90%, p=0.43).

CONCLUSIONS

INTERMACS database can successfully establish objective performance criteria and concurrent control group for single-arm trials that could be used to support regulatory approval of new, less invasive MCS. INTERMACS data allows reliable comparisons of outcomes and adverse events.