Tricuspid Valve Transcatheter Edge-To-Edge Repair Guidance with Transesophageal Echocardiography and Intracardiac Echocardiography

As transcatheter tricuspid interventions have emerged, especially edge-to-edge repair, imaging has shown to be key in optimizing transcatheter outcomes. Given the location of the tricuspid valve relative to the esophagus, transesophageal echocardiography has proven difficult and utilization of three-dimensional (3D) multiplanar reconstruction has become essential. Three-dimensional intracardiac echocardiography is a useful imaging adjunct for tricuspid edge-to-edge repair. As 3D intracardiac echocardiography evolves, it may supplant transesophageal echocardiography as the imaging modality of choice in transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions.

Cardiogenic shock and severe secondary mitral regurgitation successfully treated with transcatheter edge-to-edge repair: a case report

Background

Cardiogenic shock (CS) associated with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) forebodes a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) is a rapidly evolving technique for severe MR in haemodynamically stable patients. However, the safety and efficacy of TEER for severe MR in CS are not well established.

Case summary

An 83-year-old male presented with dyspnoea and was hospitalized for heart failure. Chest X-ray revealed pulmonary oedema. Transthoracic echocardiography showed severely depressed ejection fraction (EF) with severe secondary MR. Right heart catheterization confirmed a low cardiac index. Diuretics and inotropes were administered. Due to persistent hypotension, we could not wean inotropes. The patient was deemed high risk for surgery by the heart team, and a decision was made to proceed with TEER with MitraClip. Under transoesophageal echocardiography and fluoroscopic guidance, two MitraClips were deployed sequentially. The MR grade was reduced to two mild jets subsequently. The patient was weaned off inotropes and eventually discharged. At the 30-day follow-up, he was participating in physical activities such as golf.

Discussion

Cardiogenic shock complicated by severe MR carries high mortality. With severe MR, the forward stroke volume is lower than the stated EF leading to poor organ perfusion. Inotropes and/or mechanical circulatory support devices are paramount for initial stabilization; however, they do not treat underlying MR. Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair with MitraClip has been shown to improve survival in CS patients with severe MR in observational studies. However, prospective trials are lacking. Our case demonstrates the utility of MitraClip to treat severe secondary MR refractory to medical therapy in a CS patient. The heart team must evaluate risks and benefits of this therapy in CS patients.

Complications Following MitraClip Implantation

Purpose of Review

To provide a detailed overview of complications associated with MitraClip therapy and its development over time with the aim to alert physicians for early recognition of complications and to offer treatment strategies for each complication, if possible.

Recent Findings

The MitraClip system (MC) is the leading transcatheter technique to treat mitral regurgitation (MR) and has been established as a safe procedure with very low adverse event rates compared to mitral surgery at intermediate to high risk or in secondary MR. Lately, the fourth MC generation has been launched with novel technical features to facilitate device handling, decrease complication rates, and allow the treatment of even complex lesions.

Summary

Although the complication rate is low, adverse events are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The most common complications are bleeding, acute kidney failure, procedure-induced mitral stenosis, and an iatrogenic atrial septal defect with unknown clinical impact.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11886-021-01553-9.

New strategies in the management of valvular heart disease : A critical appraisal on the top 10 messages of the 2020 ACC/AHA guidelines for the management of patients with valvular heart disease

The advent of transcatheter procedures for treatment of valvular heart disease has accelerated the pace of research in the diagnosis and treatment of heart valve disease. Rapid accumulation of novel knowledge in the field necessitates timely revisions of clinical guidelines. This paper comments on some important and novel issues addressed in the recently published American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines.