Hemodynamic performance of self-expandable transcatheter aortic valve replacement systems during valve deployment

OBJECTIVES

Little is known about valve hemodynamic performance during the Evolut and Neo deployment course. We aimed to evaluate transvalvular mean and peak-to-peak gradients over several intraprocedural timepoints during TAVR with Evolut PRO+ (Medtronic) and Neo (Boston Scientific) systems.

METHODS

This was single-center pilot sub-study from the SavvyWire EFficacy and SafEty in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Procedures (SAFE-TAVI) trial. Participants received either the Evolut PRO+ or Neo for native valve severe aortic stenosis and the SavvyWire (OpSens Medical) was used for device delivery, pacing, and continuous left ventricular and aortic pressure measurements. For the Evolut, evaluation was done for baseline, two-thirds of valve deployment (still recapturable), 90% of valve deployment (no longer recapturable), and post-deployment hemodynamics. For the Neo, analysis was done at baseline, after the first step (top-crown deployment), and at final status.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients were included (Evolut = 15; Neo = 4). There were no statistically significant changes in peak-to-peak gradients (44 mm Hg [IQR:33-69] vs 43 mm Hg [IQR:26-62], P = .41) between baseline and two-thirds of valve deployment in the Evolut patients. There was a significant decrease in mean (40 mm Hg [IQR:32-54] vs 14 mm Hg [IQR:10-18], P less than .001) and peak-to-peak (43 mmHg [IQRS:26-62] vs 9 mm Hg [IQR:8-13], P less than .001) transvalvular gradients between two-thirds and 90% of valve deployment for Evolut. Neo patients exhibited a decrease in transvalvular gradients after top-crown deployment (42.5 mm Hg baseline vs 13 mm Hg).

CONCLUSIONS

Transvalvular gradients did not vary between the point of "no-recapture" compared to baseline values in patients receiving the Evolut, whereas a significant reduction in transvalvular gradients was observed when the valve was deployed at 90% and fully deployed. The Neo valve was slightly obstructive after the first step of deployment.

Optimal oversizing in transcatheter aortic valve replacement with the self-expanding Evolut valve system

OBJECTIVES

Valve oversizing has been associated with reduced paravalvular leaks (PVL) and valve migration risk. However, no optimal cut-off oversizing value has been defined for the Evolut system (Medtronic). The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the degree of oversizing and moderate-to-severe PVL and determine the optimal oversizing cut-off value.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter study that included 740 consecutive patients with multidetector computed tomography (CT) data. Valve size was selected according to manufacturer recommendations, with oversizing ranging from 10% to 30%. The primary endpoint was moderate-to-severe PVL.

RESULTS

The median age was 84 years (79-87 years), with 58.4% women, and a median EuroSCORE II of 4.1% (2.4-7.3%). Moderate-to-severe PVL was observed in 7.0% of the patients. An inverse relationship was found between oversizing and both PVL (11.3%, 8.6%, 5.4%, and 2.7% for quartiles Q1 to Q4; P = .007) and the need for post-dilation (P = .016). The multivariable analysis showed an association between oversizing and PVL (OR: 0.915 for each 1%-increase, P = .002). The optimal oversizing cut-off value to predict PVL was 20%, and PVL was significantly higher in patients with oversizing less than 20% (10.5% vs.4.2%, P less than .001). There were no differences in major clinical events according to the degree of oversizing, and a higher oversizing did not translate into an increased risk of permanent pacemaker (18.4% vs18.3%, P = .976).

CONCLUSIONS

In TAVR with the Evolut valve, a higher oversizing was associated with lower rates of moderate-to-severe PVL and a lower need for post-dilation, with no negative impact on procedural and early clinical outcomes. A 20% oversizing threshold could be suggested to reduce PVLs. Further prospective studies are warranted to validate optimal oversizing for this valve system.

Transcatheter or Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis and Small Aortic Annulus: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment in patients with severe aortic stenosis and small aortic annulus (SAA) remains to be determined. This study aimed to compare the hemodynamic and clinical outcomes between transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with a SAA.

METHODS

This prospective multicenter international randomized trial was performed in 15 university hospitals. Participants were 151 patients with severe aortic stenosis and SAA (mean diameter <23 mm) randomized (1:1) to TAVR (n=77) versus SAVR (n=74). The primary outcome was impaired valve hemodynamics (ie, severe prosthesis patient mismatch or moderate-severe aortic regurgitation) at 60 days as evaluated by Doppler echocardiography and analyzed in a central echocardiography core laboratory. Clinical events were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 75.5±5.1 years, with 140 (93%) women, a median Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality of 2.50% (interquartile range, 1.67%-3.28%), and a median annulus diameter of 21.1 mm (interquartile range, 20.4-22.0 mm). There were no differences between groups in the rate of severe prosthesis patient mismatch (TAVR, 4 [5.6%]; SAVR, 7 [10.3%]; P=0.30) and moderate-severe aortic regurgitation (none in both groups). No differences were found between groups in mortality rate (TAVR, 1 [1.3%]; SAVR, 1 [1.4%]; P=1.00) and stroke (TAVR, 0; SAVR, 2 [2.7%]; P=0.24) at 30 days. After a median follow-up of 2 (interquartile range, 1-4) years, there were no differences between groups in mortality rate (TAVR, 7 [9.1%]; SAVR, 6 [8.1%]; P=0.89), stroke (TAVR, 3 [3.9%]; SAVR, 3 [4.1%]; P=0.95), and cardiac hospitalization (TAVR, 15 [19.5%]; SAVR, 15 [20.3%]; P=0.80).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with severe aortic stenosis and SAA (women in the majority), there was no evidence of superiority of contemporary TAVR versus SAVR in valve hemodynamic results. After a median follow-up of 2 years, there were no differences in clinical outcomes between groups. These findings suggest that the 2 therapies represent a valid alternative for treating patients with severe aortic stenosis and SAA, and treatment selection should likely be individualized according to baseline characteristics, additional anatomical risk factors, and patient preference. However, the results of this study should be interpreted with caution because of the limited sample size leading to an underpowered study, and need to be confirmed in future larger studies.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03383445.

Safety and Efficacy of TAVR With a Pressure Sensor and Pacing Guidewire: SAFE-TAVI Trial

BACKGROUND

The SavvyWire (OpSens Inc) is a 0.035-inch preshaped guidewire with dedicated pacing properties and a distal pressure sensor allowing for continuous hemodynamic pressure monitoring.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to determine the efficacy and safety of the guidewire during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures.

METHODS

This prospective, multicenter clinical study included patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR in 8 European centers. The primary efficacy endpoint was defined as effective left ventricular rapid pacing runs with the guidewire translating into a significant systemic pressure drop (below 60 mm Hg). The safety outcome included the absence of major procedural complications related to the guidewire.

RESULTS

A total of 121 patients (mean age: 82.2 ± 5.9 years, 50% women) were included in the study, and 119 (98.3%) patients were finally treated with the study device. A balloon-expandable valve was implanted in 45 (37.8%) patients. Predilatation and postdilatation were performed in 89 (74.8%) and 14 (11.8%) patients, respectively. The primary efficacy endpoint was achieved in 116 (98.3%) patients, and the mean aortic systolic arterial pressure achieved during rapid pacing was 46.6 ± 11.3 mm Hg. Hemodynamic assessment with the use of the OptoMonitor 3 (OpSens Inc) without additional catheter exchange was achieved in 117 (99.2%) patients. The safety endpoint was achieved in 117 (99.2%) patients. No procedural mortality, stroke, or ventricular perforation was reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the guidewire during TAVR procedures appeared to be efficacious and safe. This device could help minimize interventions during the procedure and improve the clinical decision making after transcatheter heart valve deployment. (SavvyWire Efficacy and Safety in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Procedures [SAFE-TAVI]; NCT05492383).

Current status of transcatheter mitral valve replacement: systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Mitral Regurgitation (MR) has a strong impact on quality of life and on mid-term survival. Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) is rapidly expanding and a growing number of studies have been published recently.

Methods

A systematic review of studies reporting on clinical data for patients with symptomatic severe MR undergoing TMVR was performed. Early- and mid-term outcomes (clinical and echocardiographic) were evaluated. Overall weighted means and rates were calculated. Risk ratios or mean differences were calculated for pre- and post-procedural comparisons.

Results

A total of 12 studies and 347 patients who underwent TMVR with devices clinically available or under clinical evaluation were included. Thirty-day mortality, stroke and major bleeding rates were 8.4%, 2.6%, and 15.6%, respectively. Pooled random-effects demonstrated a significant reduction of ≥ grade 3+ MR (RR: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.02-0.11; p < 0.001) and in the rates of patients in NYHA class 3-4 after the intervention (RR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.22-0.34; p < 0.001). Additionally, the pooled fixed-effect mean difference for quality of life based on the KCCQ score yielded an improvement in 12.9 points (95% CI:7.4-18.4, p < 0.001), and exercise capacity improved by a pooled fixed-effect mean difference of 56.8 meters in the 6-minute walk test (95% CI 32.2-81.3, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Among 12 studies and 347 patients comprising the updated evidence with current TMVR systems there was a statistically significant reduction in ≥ grade 3+ MR and in the number of patients exhibiting poor functional class (NYHA 3 or 4) after the intervention. Overall rate of major bleeding was the main shortcoming of this technique.

Leaving obstacles aside: Antegrade paravalvular leakage closure after transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Paravalvular leakage (PVL) is yet a potential and serious complication after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Percutaneous PVL closure may be the treatment of choice upon failure of balloon postdilation in patients with excessive surgical risk. If the retrograde approach fails, an antegrade strategy might provide the solution.

Cohort profile: the ESC EURObservational Research Programme Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infraction (NSTEMI) Registry

AIMS

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) EURObservational Research Programme (EORP) Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) Registry aims to identify international patterns in NSTEMI management in clinical practice and outcomes against the 2015 ESC Guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without ST-segment-elevation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Consecutively hospitalised adult NSTEMI patients (n = 3620) were enrolled between 11 March 2019 and 6 March 2021, and individual patient data prospectively collected at 287 centres in 59 participating countries during a two-week enrolment period per centre. The registry collected data relating to baseline characteristics, major outcomes (in-hospital death, acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, bleeding, stroke/transient ischaemic attack, and 30-day mortality) and guideline-recommended NSTEMI care interventions: electrocardiogram pre- or in-hospital, pre-hospitalization receipt of aspirin, echocardiography, coronary angiography, referral to cardiac rehabilitation, smoking cessation advice, dietary advice, and prescription on discharge of aspirin, P2Y12 inhibition, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), beta-blocker, and statin.

CONCLUSION

The EORP NSTEMI Registry is an international, prospective registry of care and outcomes of patients treated for NSTEMI, which will provide unique insights into the contemporary management of hospitalised NSTEMI patients, compliance with ESC 2015 NSTEMI Guidelines, and identify potential barriers to optimal management of this common clinical presentation associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Real-World Multicenter Coronary Lithotripsy Registry: Long-Term Clinical Follow-Up

OBJECTIVES

Coronary lithotripsy (CL) works by fracturing the calcified plaque, allowing mean area gain, enhancing vessel compliance, and facilitating stent deployment. This study reports the safety, effectiveness, and durability of the clinical benefit of CL at long-term follow-up of a real-world multicenter registry.

METHODS

This was a prospective, multicenter, single-arm study that included consecutive patients with calcified lesions undergoing CL from August, 2018 to October, 2020 with a clinical follow-up of 20 months (interquartile range, 14.5-25). Exclusion criteria were a target lesion located in a vessel &lt;2.5 mm and/or the presence of dissection prior to CL. The primary endpoint was the rate of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE, defined as death or target-lesion revascularization [TLR] or myocardial infarction [MI]) at follow-up.

RESULTS

This registry included 109 patients (128 lesions). The population was elderly (mean age, 74 years old), with high rates of diabetic patients (58%), renal insufficiency (32%), and multivessel disease (76%). Most of the lesions were predilated with semicompliant/noncompliant balloons (25 with cutting balloon). Rotational atherectomy was used in 20 lesions. On average, CL required the use of 1 balloon delivering a mean of 60 pulses. Twelve patients presented with ST-segment-elevation MI and a culprit calcified coronary lesion undergoing CL. Successful CL was achieved in 99% of cases. There were few procedural complications, with 30-day freedom from MACE rate of 98%. The MACE rate at long-term follow-up was 5.6%.

CONCLUSION

This is the first real-world, multicenter registry that confirms the safety and long-term efficacy of percutaneous coronary intervention for calcified lesions using CL in an unselected and high-risk population with a low long-term follow-up MACE rate.

Transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions: Current status and future perspectives

The development of transcatheter therapies to treat valvular heart diseases has changed the rules of the game, particularly in the case of aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation. In the last years, the tricuspid valve has also been the focus of these percutaneous techniques for several reasons: (1) tricuspid regurgitation is a frequent disease associated with poor clinical outcomes in spite of medical treatment, leading to end-stage right ventricular heart failure, (2) surgical tricuspid valve repair or replacement has been the treatment of choice for patients with tricuspid valve disease, but high mortality rates for isolated surgical tricuspid valve intervention have been reported in the literature, and (3) most patients with tricuspid pathology are ultimately denied cardiac surgery because of their comorbidity burden. Thus, in this context the development of less invasive catheter-based therapies would be of high clinical relevance. The present review provides an overview regarding the framework of chronic tricuspid regurgitation transcatheter therapeutic options, summarizes the transcatheter systems under clinical use or clinical evaluation with their technical features, and describes the updated current evidence in this challenging and evolving field.

Association of the Surgical Technique With the Structural Valve Deterioration of a Bioprosthesis: A Prospective Cohort Study

The Trifecta aortic valve is a prosthesis with externally mounted leaflets and a stent which may be deformed during implant. Our aim was to know if the use of the holder as a protection device during the knotting has an impact on the incidence of structural valve deterioration (SVD) or endocarditis. Prospective cohort study where all patients who underwent aortic valve replacement with a Trifecta aortic valve between 2013 and 2018 were included. The use of the holder as a protection device was collected in a database. Propensity-score matched methods were used and analyses were based on competing events. Death without SVD or prosthesis replacement not due to SVD was considered competing events. 782 patients were included, 352 pairs after the matching. Rates of SVD at 5 and 8 years were 5.8% (95% CI 3.5-8.7) and 13.6% (95% CI 9.2-18.9) in the group without holder and 2.3% (95% CI 1-4.5) and 7% (95% CI 4.2-10.8) in the group with holder; sHR = 0.49 (95% CI 0.27-0.86; P = 0.015). The risk of endocarditis at 8 years was 4.8% (95% CI 2.8-7.4) in the group without holder and 2.3% (95% CI 1.1-4.3) in the group with holder, sHR = 0.49 (95% CI 0.21-1.15, P = 0.1). The use of holder as a protection device during the knotting of the Trifecta aortic valve is associated with less risk of SVD.

Six-Month Outcomes of the TricValve® System in Patients with Tricuspid Regurgitation: TRICUS EURO Study

BACKGROUND

Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is frequently associated with significant morbidity and mortality; such patients often deemed to be at high surgical risk. Heterotopic bi-caval stenting is an emerging, attractive transcatheter solution for these patients.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the 30-day safety and 6-month efficacy outcomes of specifically designed bioprosthetic valves for the superior and inferior vena cava.

METHODS

TRICUS EURO is a non-blinded, non-randomized, single-arm, multicenter, prospective trial that enrolled patients from 12 European centers between December 2019 to February 2021. High risk individuals with severe symptomatic TR despite optimal medical therapy were included. Primary end point was quality of life (QOL) improvement measured by Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ12) and New York Heart Association functional class (NYHA) improvement at 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

35 patients (mean age 76±6.8 years; 83% women) were treated with TricValve® system. All patients at baseline were at NYHA ≥ 3 status. At 30-days, procedural success was 94% with no procedural deaths or conversions to surgery. A significant increase in QOL at 6-months follow-up was observed (baseline and 6-month KCCQ: 42.01±22.3 vs. 59.7±23.6 respectively; p=0.004), correlating with a significant improvement in NYHA functional class with 79.4% of patients noted to be in class I or II at 6 months (p=0.0006). The 6-month all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization rates were 8.5% and 20%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The dedicated bi-caval system for treating severe, symptomatic TR was associated with high procedural success rate and significant increase in both, QOL and functional improvements at 6-months follow-up.

Transseptal puncture: Review of anatomy, techniques, complications and challenges, a critical view

Transseptal puncture (TSP) was initially described to gain access to the left heart for hemodynamic assessment. Continuous evolution from its origins allows interventionists to perform a myriad of procedures that otherwise would be impossible to accomplish. In the recent years, the number of procedures in cardiology that require TSP has grown exponentially. Namely, transcatheter mitral valve repair and replacement, pulmonary vein isolation and left atrium appendage occlusion. In skilled hands, it is a safe and straightforward procedure; however, a lack of knowledge of the materials, anatomy of the interatrial septum and the technique can be met with life-threatening complications. Therefore, it is imperative that interventional cardiologists master this technique to successfully overcome these obstacles and ensure clinical outcomes in patients requiring TSP. The purpose of the following review is to critically analyze the available evidence regarding TSP, provide a step-by-step approach to the technique, the available materials and tips and tricks to overcome difficulties and manage complications.

Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Complex Coronary Artery Disease

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare, in a cohort of patients with complex coronary artery disease (CAD) and severe aortic stenosis (AS), the clinical outcomes associated with transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) (plus percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]) versus surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) (plus coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]).

BACKGROUND

Patients with complex CAD were excluded from the main randomized trials comparing TAVR with SAVR, and no data exist comparing TAVR + PCI vs SAVR + CABG in such patients.

METHODS

A multicenter study was conducted including consecutive patients with severe AS and complex CAD (SYNTAX [Synergy Between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery] score >22 or unprotected left main disease). A 1:1 propensity-matched analysis was performed to account for unbalanced covariates. The rates of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), including all-cause mortality, nonprocedural myocardial infarction, need for new coronary revascularization, and stroke, were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 800 patients (598 undergoing SAVR + CABG and 202 undergoing transfemoral TAVR + PCI) were included, and after propensity matching, a total of 156 pairs of patients were generated. After a median follow-up period of 3 years (interquartile range: 1-6 years), there were no significant differences between groups for MACCE (HR for transfemoral TAVR vs SAVR: 1.33; 95% CI: 0.89-1.98), all-cause mortality (HR: 1.25; 95% CI: 0.81-1.94), myocardial infarction (HR: 1.16; 95% CI: 0.41-3.27), and stroke (HR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.13-1.32), but there was a higher rate of new coronary revascularization in the TAVR + PCI group (HR: 5.38; 95% CI: 1.73-16.7).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with severe AS and complex CAD, TAVR + PCI and SAVR + CABG were associated with similar rates of MACCE after a median follow-up period of 3 years, but TAVR + PCI recipients exhibited a higher risk for repeat coronary revascularization. Future trials are warranted.

A comprehensive formula for computing corrected QT intervals in patients with wide QRS

BACKGROUND

There is increasing interest in developing appropriate methods for correction of the QT intervals in patients with prolonged depolarization of the ventricles. From an experimental model of controlled heart rate and QRS widening, we aimed to develop a new formula with better performance.

METHODS

After exclusions, incremental pacing was performed (AAI mode; 50-120 bpm) in 17 patients admitted for self-expanding aortic valve implantation in two different phases: before and immediately after the release of the prosthesis. Mixed linear models were built to predict variation in QRS and JT intervals, and subsequently calculate the corrected QT (QT_QRS-C). Internal and external validation on a new cohort of 48 patients was performed.

RESULTS

Significant QRS widening (32.5 ms; CI95%:31.5-33.6) and QT prolongation (35.4 ms; CI95%:33.4-37.4) was observed after the release of the prosthesis. The best fit formula was computed as QT_QRS-C = QT_measured - (1.058*QRS_measured - 108.397) - (0.0496*JT_measured - 11.038). Internal validation provided a good correlation between measured and predicted QT (Pearson's coefficient:0.76; CI95%:0.70-0.80). In an external cohort (n = 48), the QRS widening was 28.4 ms(CI95%:21.8-35.1) and the JT widening was 16.58 ms(CI95%:8.73-24.4). Compared to other formulas, our proposed formula tends to display better performance as a result of a combination of appropriate correlation (Pearson's:0.75), being the closer to identity line (slope 0.83) and minimizing the relative standard error of the estimates (RSE 0.11).

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a formula with better performance for QT correction in patients with wide QRS.

Premature STEMI in Men and Women: Current Clinical Features and Improvements in Management and Prognosis

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most frequent cause of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Etiopathogenic and prognostic characteristics in young patients may differ from older patients and young women may present worse outcomes than men. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of men and women with premature STEMI.

METHODS

A total 1404 consecutive patients were referred to our institution for emergency cardiac catheterization due to STEMI suspicion (1 January 2014-31 December 2018). Patients with confirmed premature (<55 years old in men and <60 in women) STEMI (366 patients, 83% men and 17% women) were included (359 atherothrombotic and 7 spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD)).

RESULTS

Premature STEMI patients had a high prevalence of classical cardiovascular risk factors. Mean follow-up was 4.1 years (±1.75 SD). Mortality rates, re-hospitalization, and hospital stay showed no significant differences between sexes. More than 10% of women with premature STEMI suffered SCAD. There were no significant differences between sexes, neither among cholesterol levels nor in hypolipemiant therapy. The global survival rates were similar to that expected in the general population of the same sex and age in our region with a significantly higher excess of mortality at 6 years among men compared with the general population.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed a high incidence of cardiovascular risk factors, a high prevalence of SCAD among young women, and a generally good prognosis after standardized treatment. During follow-up, 23% suffered a major cardiovascular event (MACE), without significant differences between sexes and observed survival at 1, 3, and 6 years of follow-up was 96.57% (95% CI 94.04-98.04), 95.64% (95% CI 92.87-97.35), and 94.5% (95% CI 91.12-97.66). An extra effort to prevent/delay STEMI should be invested focusing on smoking avoidance and optimal hypolipemiant treatment both in primary and secondary prevention.

Newer glucose-lowering drugs at discharge from cardiology hospitalization department: safetyness, effectiveness and mortality reduction

Background

In recent years, the paradigm of glycemic treatment has changed due to the cardiovascular impact of newer glucose-lowering drugs (GLD) (sodium-glucosa cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) and GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP1a)). The cardiological patient with type 2 diabetes (2DM) is a very high cardiovascular risk patient in which the benefit of these therapies is greater. However, to date, different studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of newer GLD only in the outpatient setting. So its impact when they are initiated to discharge after a cardiovascular event is unknown.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the onset of these newer GLD in 2DM patients at discharge from cardiology hospitalization. And to compare mortality and readmissions among patients treated with or without newer GLD.

Methods

Prospective, it includes patients admitted to cardiology at a 3er level hospital between April/2018 and February/2019 with a history of 2DM or diagnosed with 2DM during hospitalization. They were followed at 6, 12 and 18 months. The evolution of anthropometric parameters, glycemic profile, renal function and blood pressure were analyzed; renal events, readmissions, mortality and combined clinical outcome (mortality or readmission) were collected during follow-up. Quantitative variables are expressed in mean/SD and categorical variables in number of patients (%). For the comparison between the parameters at discharge and thefollow-up, a T student was used for paired data. Survival analysis by K-M was performed crude and adjusted data by propensity score matching (PSM).

Results

Population: Diagnoses at discharge: Acute coronary syndrome 66 (64%), Heart failure 22 (21%), Arrhythmias 16 (15%). 104 diabetic patients, 39 of them (38%) were treated on discharge with newer GLD. 35 Patients with SGLT2i without GLP1a, 3 patients with SGLT2i and GLP1a and 1 patient with GLP1a without SGLT2i. The mean follow-up was 16±2 months. Regarding the subgroup of patients with newer GLD: mean age was 65±21 y, male 26 (67%). A significant decrease was observed in glycated hemoglobin (7.6 to 6.9%, p=0.04) and weight (81 to 78 kg, p&lt;0.01) without significant changes in blood pressure or glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Only 1 patient presented deterioration of their GFR that forced the transient suspension of newer GLD.

10 deaths were registered in the classical GLD group (15%) and none in the newer GLD group (HR 0.81 [0.71–0.92] p=0.002, Figure 1A, HR adjusted by PSM 0.9 [0.82–0.99], p=0.04), Figure 1B. The combined clinical outcome appeared in 38 patients (58%) in the the classical GLD group and in 9 (23%) in the newer GLD group (HR 0.70 [0.58–0.85] p&lt;0.001, Figure 1C, PSM adjusted HR 0.75 [0.61–0.92], p=0.001), Figure 1D.

Conclusion

The use of newer GLD at discharge from cardiology hospitalization reduce mortality and readmissions. Newer GLD were safe and showed significant reduction in weigth and glycated hemoglobin.

Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis crude and adjusted

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Premature Acute Coronary Syndrome. Insights from CholeSTEMI Registry

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an underdiagnosed genetic inherited condition that may lead to premature coronary artery disease (CAD). FH has an estimated prevalence in the general population of about 1:313. However, its prevalence in patients with premature STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) has not been widely studied. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of FH in patients with premature STEMI. Cardiovascular risk factors, LDLc (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) evolution, and differences between genders were also evaluated. Consecutive patients were referred for cardiac catheterization to our center due to STEMI suspicion in 2018. From the 80 patients with confirmed premature CAD (men < 55 and women < 60 years old with confirmed CAD), 56 (48 men and eight women) accepted to be NGS sequenced for the main FH genes. Clinical information and DLCN (Dutch Lipid Clinic Network) score were analyzed. Only one male patient had probable FH (6-7 points) and no one reached a clinically definite diagnosis. Genetic testing confirmed that the only patient with a DLCN score ≥6 has HF (1.8%). Smoking and high BMI the most frequent cardiovascular risk factors (>80%). Despite high doses of statins being expected to reduce LDLc levels at STEMI to current dyslipidemia guidelines LDL targets (<55 mg/dL), LDLc control levels were out of range. Although still 5.4 times higher than in general population, the prevalence of FH in premature CAD is still low (1.8%). To improve the genetic yield, genetic screening may be considered among patients with probable or definite FH according to clinical criteria. The classical cardiovascular risk factors prevalence far exceeds FH prevalence in patients with premature STEMI. LDLc control levels after STEMI were out range, despite intensive hypolipemiant treatment. These findings reinforce the need for more aggressive preventive strategies in the young and for intensive lipid-lowering therapy in secondary prevention.

Impact of Saharan dust exposure on airway inflammation in patients with ischemic heart disease

Epidemiological studies found that increases in the concentrations of airborne particulate matter (PM) smaller than 10 microns diameter (PM₁₀) in the ambient air due to desert dust outbreaks contribute to global burden of diseases, primarily as a result of increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. No studies have investigated the possible association between desert dust inhalation and airway inflammation in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). Induced sputum was collected in 38 patients and analyzed to determine markers of airway inflammation (Transforming Growth Factor-β1 [TGF-β1] and hydroxyproline) concentrations. For the purpose of the investigation, PM₁₀ and reactive gases concentrations measured in the European Air Quality Network implemented in the Canary Islands were also used. We identified Saharan desert dust using meteorology and dust models. Patients affected by smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary abnormalities, acute bronchial or pulmonary disease were excluded. The median of age of patients was 64.71 years (56.35-71.54) and 14 (38.84%) of them were women. TGF-β1 and hydroxyproline in sputum were highly associated to PM₁₀ inhalation from the Saharan desert. According to a regression model, an increase of 1 µg/m³ of PM₁₀ concentrations due to desert dust, results in an increase of 3.84 pg/gwt of TGF-β1 (R2 adjusted = 89.69%) and of 0.80 μg/gwt of hydroxyproline (R² adjusted = 85.28%) in the sputum of patients. The results of this study indicate that the exposure to high PM₁₀ concentrations due to Saharan dust events are associated with intense inflammatory reaction in the airway mucosae of IHD-patients.

Perceval or Trifecta to Prevent Patient-Prosthesis Mismatch

The Trifecta aortic valve has excellent hemodynamics characteristics. Moreover, the Perceval prosthesis may achieve better hemodynamics than the conventional valves; therefore, it has been proposed to reduce the incidence of patient-prosthesis mismatch. Our aim was to compare the prevalence of this complication between both prostheses. All patients who underwent valve replacement with a Perceval or a Trifecta from 2016 to 2020 at our institution were included. We calculated the prevalence of patient-prosthesis mismatch for each prosthesis and size and performed a multinomial logistic regression model to investigate the impact of choosing one prosthesis over the other. A total of 516 patients were analyzed. Moderate mismatch was present in 33 (8.6%) in the Trifecta group and 28 (21.4%) in the Perceval group, p < 0.001. Severe mismatch was present in 8 (2.1%) patients with Trifecta and 5 (3.8%) patients with Perceval, p = 0.33. Compared with the Perceval, the Trifecta prosthesis was shown to reduce moderate patient-prosthesis mismatch: OR = 0.5 (95% CI 0.3-0.9, p = 0.02). Both prostheses led to a similar risk of severe patient-prosthesis mismatch: OR = 0.9 (95% CI 0.3-2.8, p = 0.79). Both prostheses provide a very low risk of severe patient-prosthesis mismatch. Compared with the Perceval prothesis, the Trifecta prosthesis is able to reduce by 50% the risk of moderate mismatch.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors at Discharge from Cardiology Hospitalization Department: Decoding A New Clinical Scenario

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2 inhibitors) are new glucose-lowering drugs (GLDs) with demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in patients with heart disease and type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, their safety and efficacy when prescribed at hospital discharge are unexplored. This prospective, observational, longitudinal cohort study included 104 consecutive T2DM patients discharged from the cardiology department between April 2018 and February 2019. Patients were classified based on SGLT-2 inhibitor prescription and adjusted by propensity-score matching. The safety outcomes included discontinuation of GLDs; worsening renal function; and renal, hepatic, or metabolic hospitalization. The efficacy outcomes were death from any cause, cardiovascular death, cardiovascular readmission, and combined clinical outcome (cardiovascular death or readmission). The results showed that, the incidence rates of safety outcomes were similar in the SGLT-2 inhibitor or non-SGLT-2 inhibitor groups. Regarding efficacy, the SGLT-2 inhibitors group resulted in a lower rate of combined clinical outcomes (18% vs. 42%; hazard ratio (HR), 0.35; p = 0.02), any cause death (0% vs. 24%; HR, 0.79; p = 0.001) and cardiovascular death (0% vs. 17%; HR, 0.83; p = 0.005). No significant differences were found in cardiovascular readmissions. SGLT-2 inhibitor prescription at hospital discharge in patients with heart disease and T2DM was safe, well tolerated, and associated with a reduction in all-cause and cardiovascular deaths.

Outcomes with percutaneous mitral repair vs. optimal medical treatment for functional mitral regurgitation: systematic review

Functional mitral regurgitation (MR) could be defined as a ventricular disease where mitral valve is structurally normal, left chambers are enlarged and mitral annulus is dilated with lack of coaptation of leaflets. Transcatheter mitral valve repair technique has broadened the therapeutic range in the treatment of severe MR. The aim of this study was to review outcomes of MitraClip vs. medical treatment for functional MR. We also planned to review the concept of functional MR, assessment of the degree, prognosis and therapy options. This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The Medline through PubMed database was used to search. The present review included manuscripts published between January 2009 and September 2019. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts of all publications, and performed the selection of studies and data extraction. In the case of disagreements, consensus meetings reached the final decision. Inclusion criteria were: (I) randomized controlled trials and (II) works must compare MitraClip versus optimal medical treatment. Transcatheter mitral valve repair along optimal medical treatment has been compared with optimal medical therapy in two different randomized trials. In the COAPT trial, the MitraClip group showed a significant reduction in mortality and heart failure (HF) hospitalizations. In the MITRA-FR trial, no significant differences were observed between both groups. We reviewed important aspects of functional MR and performed a comprehensive review of both trials comparing them and focusing on their differences.

Transcatheter Mitral Repair for Functional Mitral Regurgitation According to Left Ventricular Function: A Real-Life Propensity-Score Matched Study

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) could improve survival in functional mitral regurgitation (FMR), but it is necessary to consider the influence of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Therefore, we compare the outcomes after TMVR with Mitraclip® between two groups according to LVEF.

METHODS

In an observational registry study, we compared the outcomes in patients with FMR who underwent TMVR with and without LVEF <30%. The primary endpoint was the combined one-year all-cause mortality and unplanned hospital readmissions due to HF. The secondary end-points were New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class and mitral regurgitation (MR) severity. Propensity-score matching was used to create two groups with the same baseline characteristics, except for baseline LVEF.

RESULTS

Among 535 FMR eligible patients, 144 patients with LVEF <30% (group 1) and 144 with LVEF >30% (group 2) had similar propensity scores and were included in the analyses. The primary study endpoint was significantlly higher in group 1 (33.3% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.002). There was a maintained improvement in secondary endpoints without significant differences among groups.

CONCLUSION

FMR patients with LVEF <30% treated with MitraClip® had higher mortality and readmissions than patients with LVEF ≥30% treated with the same device. However, both groups improved the NYHA functional class and MR severity.

Life expectancy of patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement compared with that of the general population

OBJECTIVES

Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) changes the natural history of severe aortic stenosis. However, whether the life expectancy of patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing this surgical procedure is fully restored is unknown. The objective of this study was to assess if the life expectancy of patients aged >75 years is fully restored after undergoing surgery for severe aortic stenosis.

METHODS

We compared long-term survival of a group of patients aged >75 years, who underwent SAVR at our institution with the long-term survival of the general population. We matched each patient with 100 simulated individuals (control group) of the same age, sex and geographical region who died as indicated by the National Institute of Statistics. We compared survival curves and calculated hazard ratio (HR) or incidence rate ratio. Statistical significance existed if confidence intervals (CIs) did not overlap or did not include the value 1, as appropriate.

RESULTS

Average life expectancy of surgical patients who survived the postoperative period was 90.91 months (95% CI 82.99-97.22), compared to 92.94 months (95% CI 92.39-93.55) in the control group. One-, 5- and 8-year survival rates for SAVR patients who were discharged from the hospital were 94.9% (95% CI 92.74-96.43%), 71.66% (95% CI 67.37-75.5%) and 44.48% (95% CI 38.14-50.61%), respectively, compared to that of the general population: 95.8% (95% CI 95.64-95.95%), 70.64% (95% CI 70.28%-71%) and 47.91% (95% CI 47.52-48.31%), respectively (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.94-1.22).

CONCLUSION

For patients over the age of 75 years who underwent SAVR and survived the postoperative period, life expectancy and survival rates were similar to that of the general population.

Life Expectancy after Surgery for Ascending Aortic Aneurysm

Introduction: The life expectancy of patients who undergo ascending aortic replacement is unknown. The life expectancy of a population depends on a collection of environmental and socio-economic factors of the territory where they reside. Our aim was to compare the life expectancy of patients undergoing surgery for ascending aortic aneurysm with that of the general population matching by age, sex, and territory. In addition, we aimed to know the late complications, causes of death and risk factors. Methods: All patients who underwent elective replacement of an ascending aortic aneurysm at our institution between 2000 and 2019 were included. The long-term survival of the sample was compared with that of the general population using data of the National Institute of Statistics. Results: For patients who survived the postoperative period, observed cumulative survival at three, five and eight years was 94.07% (95% CI 91.87%-95.70%), 89.96% (95% CI 86.92%-92.33%) and 82.72% (95% CI 77.68%-86.71%). Cumulative survival of the general population at three, five and eight years was 93.22%, 88.30%, and 80.27%. Cancer and cardiac failure were the main causes of death. Conclusions: Long-term survival of patients undergoing elective surgery for ascending aortic aneurysm who survive the postoperative period completely recover their life expectancy.

Acute Coronary Syndrome Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND

Scarce data exist on coronary events following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), and no study has determined the factors associated with poorer outcomes in this setting. This study sought to determine the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and prognostic factors of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) events following TAVR.

METHODS

Multicenter cohort study including a total of 270 patients presenting an ACS after a median time of 12 (interquartile range, 5-17) months post-TAVR. Post-ACS death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and overall major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events were recorded.

RESULTS

The ACS clinical presentation consisted of non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) type 2 (31.9%), non-STEMI type 1 (31.5%), unstable angina (28.5%), and STEMI (8.1%). An invasive strategy was used in 163 patients (60.4%), and a percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in 97 patients (35.9%). Coronary access issues were observed in 2.5% and 2.1% of coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention procedures, respectively. The in-hospital mortality rate was 10.0%, and at a median follow-up of 17 (interquartile range, 5-32) months, the rates of death, stroke, myocardial infarction, and major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events were 43.0%, 4.1%, 15.2%, and 52.6%, respectively. By multivariable analysis, revascularization at ACS time was associated with a reduction of the risk of all-cause death (hazard ratio, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.36-0.81] P=0.003), whereas STEMI increased the risk of all-cause death (hazard ratio, 2.06 [95% CI, 1.05-4.03] P=0.036) and major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events (hazard ratio, 1.97 [95% CI, 1.08-3.57] P=0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

ACS events in TAVR recipients exhibited specific characteristics (ACS presentation, low use of invasive procedures, coronary access issues) and were associated with a poor prognosis, with a very high in-hospital and late death rate. STEMI and the lack of coronary revascularization determined an increased risk. These results should inform future studies to improve both the prevention and management of ACS post-TAVR.

Cerebral protection devices for transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Aortic stenosis is the most prevalent primary valve disease in developed countries. Its prevalence is increasing due to population aging. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a sterling therapy for symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis and high or intermediate surgery risk. The number of procedures has increased exponentially expanding to younger and lower risk patients. Despite new-generation TAVR devices and enhanced operator skills, cerebrovascular events (CVEs) carry on being one of the most severe complications, increasing morbi-mortality. CVE might be under reported because there are few studies with rigorous neurological clinical assessment. Several imaging studies show most of CVE after TAVR has a probable embolic etiology. The risk of CVE ranges from 2.7% to 5.5% at 30 days. As TAVR expands to younger and lower risk patients, the prevention of stroke plays an increasingly important role. Cerebral protection devices (CPD) were designed to reduce the risk of CVE during TAVR. This review describes the scientific evidence on CVE after TAVR and summarizes the performance and results of the main CPDs.

Incidence and outcome of peri-procedural transcatheter heart valve embolization and migration: the TRAVEL registry (TranscatheteR HeArt Valve EmboLization and Migration)

Aims

Peri-procedural transcatheter valve embolization and migration (TVEM) is a rare but potentially devastating complication of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We sought to assess the incidence, causes, and outcome of TVEM in a large multicentre cohort.

Methods and results

We recorded cases of peri-procedural TVEM in patients undergoing TAVI between January 2010 and December 2017 from 26 international sites. Peri-procedural TVEM occurred in 273/29 636 (0.92%) TAVI cases (age 80.8 ± 7.3 years; 53.8% female), of which 217 were to the ascending aorta and 56 to the left ventricle. The use of self-expanding or first-generation prostheses and presence of a bicuspid aortic valve were independent predictors of TVEM. Bail-out measures included repositioning attempts using snares or miscellaneous tools (41.0%), multiple valve implantations (83.2%), and conversion to surgery (19.0%). Using 1:4-propensity matching, we identified a cohort of 235 patients with TVEM (TVEMPS) and 932 patients without TVEM (non-TVEMPS). In the matched cohort, all-cause mortality was higher in TVEMPS than in non-TVEMPS at 30 days (18.6% vs. 4.9%; P < 0.001) and after 1 year (30.5% vs. 16.6%; P < 0.001). Major stroke was more frequent in TVEMPS at 30 days (10.6% vs. 2.8%; P < 0.001), but not at 1 year (4.6% vs. 1.9%; P = 0.17). The need for emergent cardiopulmonary support, major stroke at 30 days, and acute kidney injury Stages 2 and 3 increased the risk of 1-year mortality, whereas a better renal function at baseline was protective.

Conclusion

Transcatheter valve embolization and migration occurred in approximately 1% and was associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

Surgical Explantation of a Transcatheter-Implanted Aortic Valve Prosthesis Is Feasible and Easy

This report describes a clinical case of a degenerated CoreValve (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) aortic prosthesis in a 59-year-old patient. Videos of a previously described surgical technique for late surgical explantation of a CoreValve are provided. This operation is feasible and easy to perform, partly because of the absence of adhesions at the coronary ostia. This report also comments on the controversy between mechanical and biologic prostheses in patients undergoing renal dialysis.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation system as a bridge to reparative surgery in ventricular septal defect complicating acute inferoposterior myocardial infarction

Post-infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a rare but potentially lethal complication of acute myocardial infarction. Medical management is usually futile, so definitive surgery remains the treatment of choice but the risk surgery is very high and the optimal timing for surgery is still under debate. A 55-year-old man with no previous medical history attended the emergency-room for 12 h evolution of oppressive chest pain and strong anginal pain 7 days ago. On physical examination, blood pressure was 96/70 mmHg, pansystolic murmur over left sternal border without pulmonary crackles. An electrocardiogram revealed sinus rhythm 110 bpm, elevation ST and Q in inferior-posterior leads. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed inferoposterior akinesia, posterior-basal septal rupture (2 cm × 2 cm) with left-right shunt. Suspecting VSD in inferior-posterior acute myocardial infarction evolved, we performed emergency coronarography with 3-vessels disease and complete subacute occlusion of the mid segment of the right coronary artery. Left ventriculography demonstrated shunting of contrast from the left ventricule to the right ventricule. He was rejected for heart transplantation because of his age. Considering the high surgical risk to early surgery and his hemodynamic and clinical stability, delayed surgical treatment is decided, and 4 days after admission the patient suffered hemodynamic instability so venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation system (ECMO) is implanted as a bridge to reparative surgery. The 9th day after admission double bypass, interventricular defect repair with pericardial two-patch exclusion technique, and ECMO decannulation were performed. The patient's postoperative course was free of complications and was discharged 10 days post VSD repair surgery. Follow-up 3-month later revealed the patient to be in good functional status and good image outcome with intact interventricular septal patch without shunt. ECMO as a bridge to reparative surgery in postinfarction VSD is an adequate option to stabilize patients until surgery.

Comparing American, European and Asian practice guidelines for aortic diseases

The aortic disease comprises a group of different pathologies of high prevalence, seriousness and ever changing by the medical and surgical investigations. Therefore cardiovascular scientific societies in USA, Europe and Asia have created Task Force on practice guidelines (PG) to develop, update and revise PG for aortic diseases. These documents issue recommendations on the diagnosis and management of different aortic diseases. The three societies agree on the recommendations about diagnostic tests and on the value of computed tomography and magnetic resonance as the main tools for the diagnosis and follow-up of aortic disease. Concerning to acute aortic syndromes (AAS), American and European GPs recognize intramural hematoma (IMH) as a type of AAS with surgery indication; however Asian guidelines consider IMH a pathological process different from AAS and indicate medical treatment. In thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA), all express the need for an adequate control of cardiovascular risk factors, emphasizing strict control of blood pressure, smoking cessation and recommend the use of beta-blockers and statins. The threshold for asymptomatic repair is 5.5 cm in European and American and 6 cm for Asian PG, with lower thresholds in Marfan and bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). As regards the abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), the PGs recognize the adequate control of cardiovascular risk factors, but there are differences in class of recommendation on statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or beta-blockers to prevent progression of AAA. For intervention, the threshold diameter in asymptomatic is 5.5 cm but can be reduced to 5 cm in women as recommended by Asian PG. Moreover the specific diseases such as Marfan, BAV, pregnancy or atherosclerosis aortic present specific recommendations with small differences between PGs. In conclusion, PGs are interesting and appropriate documents at present. They issue recommendations based on evidence that help the clinician and surgeon in their daily approach to aortic pathology.