Implementation of a clinical trial recruitment support system based on fast healthcare interoperability resources (FHIR) in a cardiology department

Background

Clinical Trial Recruitment Support Systems can booster patient inclusion of clinical trials by automatically analyzing eligibility criteria based on electronic health records. However, missing interoperability has hindered introduction of those systems on a broader scale.

Purpose

Our aim was to develop a recruitment support system based on FHIR R4 and evaluate its usage and features in a cardiology department.

Methods/Implementation

Clinical conditions, anamnesis, examinations, allergies, medication, laboratory data and echocardiography results were imported as FHIR resources. Trial study nurses and physicians were enabled to add new and edit trial information and input inclusion and exclusion criteria using a web-browser user interface in the hospital intranet. All information were recorded on the server side as the FHIR resources “ResearchStudy” and “Group”. Eligibility criteria linked by the logical operation “OR” were represented by using multiple FHIR Group resources for enrollment. On the client side, eligibility criteria were transformed to a tree-like structure (see Figure 1). Upon user demand, all hospitalized and ambulatory patients in the cardiology department were instantly screened for trial eligibility using the FHIR eligibility criteria on the existing patients' FHIR resources. Furthermore, study personal was able to manually edit trial status (i.e. ineligible, on-study, ...) of patients, which was implemented using the FHIR resource “ResearchSubject”.

Results

This implementation of a CTRSS based on FHIR R4 was evaluated in clinical practice: Beginning from 1st April 2021 the application was used as an additional patient screening tool for the four trials CLOSURE-AF, FAIR-HF2, SPRIRIT-HF and TORCH-PLUS of the German Centre for Cardiovascular Research. As the COVID-19 pandemic is prohibiting any proper comparison of patient inclusion rates, efficacy of the recruitment support system was tested by comparing the numbers of patients identified by the recruitment support system and enrolled in a trial to the actual number of enrolled patients irrespective of the screening method from 1st April 2021 to 23rd November 2021. The system was able to identify 52 of 55 patients included in those four clinical trials.

Conclusion

Use of FHIR for defining eligibility criteria of clinical trials may facilitate interoperability and allow automatic screening for eligible patients at multiple sites of different healthcare providers in the future. Upcoming changes in FHIR should allow easier description of “OR”-linked eligibility criteria.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

CT-determined tricuspid annular dilatation is associated with persistence of tricuspid regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Introduction

Moderate or severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) can be observed in 11% to 27% of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Even though in most patients an improvement of TR can be achieved after TAVR, the persistence of severe or massive TR after the procedure is associated with increased all-cause mortality.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate if tricuspid annular dilatation (TAD) measured in pre-procedural CT among TAVR patients who had at least moderate TR at baseline could serve as a predictor for the persistence of TR. Moreover, the predictive value of TR persistence on the composite of 2-year mortality or tricuspid valve intervention was analysed.

Methods

We examined 151 patients with severe AS and at least moderate concomitant TR at baseline, who were treated with TAVR from April 2013 to December 2019. TR persistence was defined as the same or a higher grade of TR in the follow-up echocardiography at least 30 days after the procedure compared to preprocedural TR grade. To identify patients with TAD, the maximum septolateral diameter of the tricuspid annulus was measured in pre-procedural cardiac computed tomography images and normalized to the body surface area.

Results

The median value of 25.5 mm/m2 was determined as cut-off value for TAD. Out of 151 patients with moderate or more TR before TAVR, 75 patients (49.7%) were above the threshold of 25.5 mm/m2. Improvement of TR after TAVR of at least one grade was significantly more frequent in patients without TAD than with TAD (59% vs. 32%, corresponding odds ratio for persistence of TR: 3.06, 95% confidence interval: 1.50–6.35, p=0.001) (Figure 1A). Multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for baseline TR severity confirmed that the predictive value of TAD for TR persistence after TAVR was irrespective of baseline TR (adjusted odds ratio: 2.79, 95% confidence interval: 1.42–5.59, p=0.003). Tricuspid valve intervention was conducted in 11 patients with TAD after TAVR (14.6%) and in no patients without TAD. Accordingly, at 2-years, tricuspid valve intervention-free survival was lowest among patients with TAD and persistent TR (Figure 1B).

Conclusion

Our analysis demonstrates for the first time that in patients undergoing TAVR for severe AS and at least moderate concomitant TR, CT-derived TAD is associated with persistence of TR after the procedure. Furthermore, TR persistence is associated with an adverse outcome.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Suture-based vs. pure plug-based vascular closure devices for VA-ECMO decannulation

Background

VA-ECMO is a valuable treatment option for patients in cardiogenic shock, but complications during decannulation may worsen the overall outcome. To date, no larger study has ever compared suture-based to pure plug-based vessel closure devices for VA-ECMO decannulation.

Purpose

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of suture-based to pure plug-based vascular closure devices for veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) decannulation for patients with cardiogenic shock.

Methods

In this retrospective study, the outcome of 33 patients with suture-based closure devices implanted between 02/2019 to 05/2020 were compared to 38 patients with plug-based closured device implanted between 06/2020 to 11/2021.

Results

Closure device success rate was 88% in the suture-based group versus 97% in the plug-based group (Figure 1, p=0.27). Median number of devices used was two for patients with suture-based closure device and 1 for patients with plug-based closure device (p<0.01). Severe bleeding was more frequent in the suture-based (21%) compared to the plug-based group (3%) (Figure 2, p=0.04). Ischemic complications occurred in 6% with suture-based and 5% with plug-based device (p=1.00). Pseudoaneurysm formation was detected in 3% in both groups (p=1.00). Application of the femoral compression system was required in 27% of patient with suture-based closure device and 11% of patients with plug-based closure device (p=0.13). No switch to open vascular surgery due to closure device failure occurred in both groups.

Conclusions

Based on our retrospective analysis, we propose that plug-based vascular closure should be the preferred option for VA-ECMO decannulation. This hypothesis should be further tested in a randomized trial.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

Periodic Repolarization Dynamics derived from 10-second ECG recordings predicts mortality in patients after myocardial infarction

Background

Periodic repolarization dynamics (PRD) is an electrocardiographic biomarker that quantifies low-frequency (LF), sympathetic-activity associated instabilities of repolarization. PRD is a strong predictor of mortality in patients after myocardial infarction (MI). The main limitation of PRD is the requirement of ECGs with a duration of ≥20 minutes. Calculation of PRD using 10-second ECGs would be advantageous allowing the implementation in everyday clinical practice.

Purpose

We aimed to develop and validate a modified version of PRD, originating from 10-second ECGs, which we called PRDshort.

Methods

First, the beat-to-beat change in the direction of repolarization, called dT° was measured for 30-minute ECGs (Figure 1) and PRD was quantified as the amplitude of LF periodicities (≤0.1 Hz) within dT°. We randomly selected segments with a duration of 10 seconds. For each of these segments we calculated several parameters based on dT° and RR-interval. To overcome the issue that the wavelength of PRD is longer than 10 seconds, we performed signal-simulation and machine learning analysis. We simulated 100.000 dT°-signals using different assumptions for the level of PRD, heart rate, respiratory rate, number of premature ventricular contractions and the level of artifacts. Thereafter we used machine learning to calculate PRD from single 10-second ECG recordings (Figure 1). This method was finally validated in a cohort including 455 patients after MI. The primary endpoint was 3-year mortality. The prognostic power of PRD was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox-regression analyses.

Results

The Pearson's correlation coefficients between PRD and PRDshort were 0.80 (0.79–0.80) in the simulated data and 0.75 (0.70–0.78) in the post-MI cohort. In the post-MI cohort 47 patients died within 27±11 months of follow-up. The median left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 50±15%. PRDshort was significantly higher in non-survivors (6.8±5.7 deg2) than survivors (4.9±3.0 deg2; p<0.001). Dichotomization of PRDshort at the median value of ≥/<5.0 deg2 identified a high-risk group with a 3-year mortality rate of 21.0% (13.4–27.9%) compared to a mortality rate of 6.5% (2.7–10.2%; HR=3.2; 1.6–6.2; p<0.001; Figure 2) among patients with PRDshort <5.0 deg2. In multivariable analysis, PRDshort was independent from GRACE-score >140 and LVEF ≤35% (HR 2.7; 1.4–5.2; p=0.003). In ROC analysis the predictive value of PRDshort didn't differ significantly from that of the original PRD (p=0.263). PRDshort ≥5.0 deg2 detected 33 out of the 34 deaths originally identified by PRD.

Conclusion

This is the first description of a method to calculate PRD from 10-second ECG recordings. The prognostic value of PRDshort was comparable to that of PRD in post-MI patients with preserved LVEF. As normal 12-lead ECG-recordings are ubiquitous in every hospital and doctor's office this method may allow the wide application of PRD as risk stratification tool in everyday clinical practice.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Three-year outcomes following transcatheter tricuspid valve edge-to-edge repair

Background

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) has long been neglected due to limited therapeutic options. Within the past five years, transcatheter tricuspid valve edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) has become a valuable tool in the treatment of TR besides diuretic medical therapy and valve surgery. Owing its novelty, data on long-term survival after T-TEER for relevant TR are sparse. Beyond that, there is uncertainty on the impact of TR reduction on outcomes after successful T-TEER.

Purpose

This study sought to investigate long-term survival outcome after T-TEER for relevant symptomatic TR. We evaluated the impact of TR reduction on outcome in patients with successful T-TEER.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent successful isolated T-TEER for relevant TR from 2016 until 2022 at a high-volume university center were included in the study. Procedural success was defined as at least one degree TR reduction. Long-term survival endpoint was three-year all-cause mortality. Survival follow-up was completed via phone calls with the patients themselves, the next of kin, local practitioners and using the German national population registry. Post-procedural TR was assessed by interventionalist and echocardiographer at the end of the T-TEER procedure.

Results

A total of 244 patients who underwent successful T-TEER in the study period were included in the present analysis (mean age 77.7±8.7 years; 50.8% female). Patients were highly symptomatic as represented by New York Heart Association functional class ≥ III in 95.9% of cases. TR was 4+ in 128 patients (52.2%), 3+ in 106 patients (43.4%) and 2+ in 10 patients (6.1%). The etiology of TR was predominately functional (88.5%), while 5.4% presented with degenerative TR and 6.1% with TR of mixed etiology. Median time to last contact or death was 365 days (interquartile range 166–809 days). Three-year follow-up was available in 98% of eligible patients. T-TEER was performed using a mean number of 2.0±0.6 devices (Mitra-/TriClip 53%; PASCAL 47%). Post-procedural TR was 1+ in 126 patients (51.6%), 2+ in 101 patients (41.4%) and 3+ in 17 patients (7.0%). Survival rates at one, two and three years were 76%, 68% and 56%. Among patients with procedural success (at least 1° TR reduction), a higher degree in post-procedural TR was associated with a trend towards reduced postinterventional survival (Figure 1). The absolute degree of TR reduction did not impact survival rates in patients with procedural success (Figure 2).

Conclusion

T-TEER effectively reduces TR severity and shows high rates of procedural success. While the extent of TR reduction did not yield prognostic value in terms of long-term survival, the degree of post-procedural TR showed a trend regarding survival outcome. These results indicate that procedural techniques and strategies should be refined to achieve TR1+ at the end of the procedure.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Right ventricular reverse remodeling after mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair

Background

Right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) is an important predictor for outcome in patients undergoing transcatheter mitral or tricuspid valve edge-to-edge repair (M/T-TEER). Due to the unique anatomy and contraction pattern of the RV, three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) has emerged as a valuable tool in the assessment of RV function. While 3DE data showed RV reverse remodeling (RVRR) following T-TEER, respective data are absent in the setting of M-TEER.

Purpose

We sought to assess RVRR after M-TEER using 3DE comparing baseline and follow-up RV measurements.

Methods

Patients undergoing M-TEER treatment for relevant MR between August 2016 and February 2021 with eligible transthoracic 3DE of the RV at baseline and follow-up were included in the study. 3DE comprised RV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (RVEDV3D, RVESV3D), total RV stroke volume (RVSV3D) and RV ejection fraction (RVEF3D). Further, RV length (RVL3D) as well as RV basal (RVbase3D) and mid-ventricular diameters (RVmid3D) were derived from 3DE. RVRR was assessed as change in the respective 3DE parameters of RV dimensions between baseline and follow-up.

Results

A total of 66 patients (45.5% female; age 78.5±8.2 years; EuroScore II 4.6±3.6%) were included in the study. From baseline to latest available follow-up (median interval 364 days, interquartile range 180–728 days), a significant reduction of RVEDV3D and RVESV3D was observed (RVEDV3D 140.2±50.2 ml to 128.1±46.1 ml, p<0.01 and RVESV3D 93.1±37.8ml to 87.1±34.7ml, p=0.04). The decrease in 3D-derived linear RV dimensions primarily occurred in the septolateral direction, while RV length did not change significantly. The observed RVRR was associated with significant reduction of TR severity. Of note, patients with RVRR showed also left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR).

Conclusion

M-TEER is an effective treatment option for patients with MR which leads to LVRR and RVRR.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Staging heart failure patients with secondary mitral regurgitation undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair

Background

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) are closely related. Progression of HFrEF-SMR is associated with characteristic pathophysiological changes. Recently, staging of HFrEF-SMR patients showed prognostic value in a SMR cohort on medical therapy. Whether these stages are prognostic for SMR patients undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (M-TEER) in addition to drug therapy is unknown.

Purpose

The present study aimed at classifying HFrEF-SMR patients undergoing M-TEER into progressive disease stages based on cardiac and extracardiac involvement. We sought to evaluate the impact of the disease stages on survival outcome and symptomatic improvement after M-TEER

Methods

Based on echocardiographic transthoracic evaluation, patients were assigned into one of the following subsequent HFrEF-SMR stages representing disease progression (Figure 1): left ventricular (LV) dysfunction alone (Stage 1, LV end diastolic volume ≥159 ml and/or LV ejection fraction <50%); left atrial (LA) involvement (Stage 2, history of atrial fibrillation and/or indexed LA volume >34 ml/m2); right ventricular (RV) pressure/volume overload (Stage 3, tricuspid regurgitation ≥3+ and/or systolic pulmonary artery pressure >65 mmHg); biventricular failure (Stage 4, RV to pulmonary artery coupling <0.274 mm/mmHg). A Cox regression model was implemented to investigate the impact of HFrEF-SMR stages on two-year all-cause mortality and symptomatic outcome was assessed with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class at follow-up.

Results

Among a total of 849 included patients who underwent M-TEER for symptomatic MR from 2008 until 2019, 9.5% (n=81) presented with LV dysfunction alone, 46% (n=393) with LA involvement, 15% (n=129) with pressure/volume overload and 29% (n=246) with biventricular failure. At baseline and follow-up, successive HFrEF-SMR stages were associated with more severe heart failure symptoms as expressed by NYHA functional class. An increase in HFrEF-SMR stage was associated with increased two-year all-cause mortality rates after M-TEER (Hazard ratio 1.39, confidence interval 1.23–1.58, p<0.01, Figure 2).

Conclusions

Classifying HFrEF-SMR patients undergoing M-TEER into subsequent disease stages provides prognostic value regarding heart failure symptoms and survival.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Telemedical cardiac risk assessment by implantable cardiac monitors in post-infarction patients with autonomic dysfunction (SMART-MI-DZHK9): gender differences and outcomes

Background

Cardiac autonomic dysfunction identifies high-risk patients after myocardial infarction (MI). Telemedical cardiac risk assessment by implantable cardiac monitors (ICM) after MI was recently identified as an effective method to early detect subclinical, but prognostically relevant serious arrhythmic events (SArE). Clinical complications in female patients after MI usually present with atypical symptoms. Therefore, early detection of prognostically relevant SArE in females would be of great clinical interest.

Purpose

In this pre-specified analysis of the SMART-MI trial we aimed to assess the impact of gender on detection of SArE and subsequent clinical complications.

Methods

SMART-MI was a prospective, randomised trial. Survivors of acute MI with preserved left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF 36–50%) and abnormal periodic repolarization dynamics (≥5.75deg2) and/or deceleration capacity (≤2.5ms) were randomly assigned to ICM-based telemedical monitoring or conventional follow-up. Primary endpoint was time to detection of SArE defined as the composite of atrial fibrillation ≥6 minutes, atrioventricular block ≥IIb, or fast non-sustained (>187 bpm;≥40 beats)/sustained ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation. Clinical complications were defined as the composite of mortality, stroke, systemic arterial thromboembolism, and hospitalization for decompensated heart failure. The effect of intervention on the primary endpoint was tested using Cox-regression analysis. The effect of SArE on clinical complications was evaluated by introducing SArE as time-dependent covariate.

Results

Between May 12, 2016, and July 20, 2020, 1305 individuals were screened and 400 patients were randomly assigned to ICM-implantation (N=201; 49 females) or conventional follow-up (control group; N=199; 29 females). During a median follow-up of 21±23 months, SArE were detected in 60 (30%; 12 females) patients in the ICM and 12 (6%; 1 female) patients in the control group. In both males and females ICM-implantation was associated with a higher detection rate of SArE (HR 6.33; 3.28–12.23; p<0.001 in males and HR 8.49; 1.10–65.66; p=0.040 in females; p-interaction = 0.790; Figure 1). In both male and female patients, detection of SArE was prognostic for subsequent clinical complications (HR 3.64; 1.89–7.02; p<0.001 in males and HR 16.19; 4.76–55.11 in females; p<0.001). The association between SArE and clinical complications was significantly higher in females than males. Among the 13 females with detected SArE, 6 developed clinical complications within a median period of 25±18 months, compared to 12 complications out of 59 SArE within 18±13 months among males (Figure 2; p-interaction = 0.030).

Conclusion

Telemedical monitoring with ICM was highly effective in early detection of subclinical, prognostically relevant SArE in both female and male patients. However, the association of a detected SArE with a subsequent clinical complication was significantly higher among females.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Deutsches Zentrum für Herz und Kreislaufforschung (DZHK) and Medtronic Bakken Research Center

Propofol versus midazolam sedation in patients with cardiogenic shock – an observational propensity-matched study

Introduction

Benzodiazepines are recommended as first line sedative agent in ventilated cardiogenic shock patients, although data regarding the optimal sedation strategy are sparse. On our cardiac ICU, midazolam was used as first line sedation until 2016, whereas soybean oil formulated propofol was used preferentially since 2017.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the hemodynamic effects of propofol versus midazolam sedation in our cardiogenic shock registry.

Methods

Mechanically ventilated patients suffering from cardiogenic shock were retrospectively enrolled from a cardiogenic shock registry. 174 patients treated predominantly with propofol were matched by propensity-score to 174 patients treated predominantly with midazolam.

Results

Catecholamine doses were similar on admission but significantly lower in the propofol group on days 1–4 of ICU stay (Figure 1). Mortality rate was 38% in the propofol and 52% in the midazolam group after 30 days (p=0.002, Figure 2). Rate of ≥BARC3 bleeding was significantly lower in the propofol group compared to the midazolam group (p=0.008). Age, gender, first lactate measured on ICU, first GFR measured on ICU, cardiac arrest, coaxial left ventricular assist device and sedation with midazolam were significantly associated with ICU mortality.

Conclusion

In this observational cohort study, sedation with propofol in comparison to midazolam was linked to a reduced dose of catecholamines, decreased mortality and bleeding rates for patients with cardiogenic shock. Based on this study and in contrast to current recommendations, propofol should be given consideration for sedation in cardiogenic shock patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

Characteristics and outcomes of normal-flow low-gradient aortic stenosis patients compared to high-gradient aortic stenosis patients undergoing TAVI

Background

Guidelines recommend aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis (AS) depending on mean pressure gradients (dPmean) and flow status. It is indicated when dPmean is ≥40 mmHg (high-gradient, HG) or when patients have low-flow low-gradient AS. Normal-flow (stroke volume index, SVi >35 ml/m2) low-gradient (dPmean <40 mmHg) (NFLG) AS is subject of scientific debate and severe AS is considered unlikely in current European guidelines.

Purpose

We hypothesized that NFLG patients are heterogenous, containing a subgroup similar to HG patients in terms of characteristics and outcomes. The purpose of this study was to identify and assess this subgroup by dividing NFLG patients by dPmean.

Methods

All patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) at our centre between 2013 and 2019 were analysed and categorised into groups according to dPmean, left-ventricular ejection fraction, and SVi. Among 2,326 patients analysed, 386 patients fulfilled criteria for NFLG AS (dPmean <40 mmHg, LV-EF ≥50%, SVi >35 ml/m2). They were further subdivided into two groups according to the median dPmean and were compared to 956 HG AS patients (dPmean ≥40 mmHg). Groups were compared for baseline characteristics, mortality, and outcomes according to Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC) 3 definitions.

Results

Median dPmean was 33 mmHg in NFLG patients. Accordingly, they were split into two groups, with 204 patients above (higher gradient NFLG) and 182 patients below (lower gradient NFLG) this value. Characteristics of lower gradient NFLG patients differed from HG patients in many aspects while they were similar between higher gradient NFLG and HG patients. This was underscored by higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) scores in lower gradient NFLG compared to the other two groups (Table).

Procedural and short-term clinical complications were similar between groups. The VARC-3 composite endpoint of technical failure occurred in 42 HG (4.4%), 12 higher gradient NFLG (5.9%), and 5 lower gradient NFLG patients (2.7%, p=0.32). The rates of the VARC-3 composite endpoint of device failure at 30 days were 108 patients (11.3%), 21 patients (10.3%), and 17 patients (9.3%), respectively (p=0.71). At follow-up, symptoms of patients from all three groups improved equally by at least one New York Heart Association class (p=0.47). Hazard ratio (HR) for 3-year mortality for all NFLG patients vs. HG patients was 1.4 [95% confidence interval, CI, 1.1–1.8]. Estimated 3-year all-cause mortality was significantly higher in lower gradient NFLG compared to HG patients, whereas mortality rate of higher gradient NFLG was similar to HG (Figure).

Conclusions

The data show that a large subgroup of NFLG patients has characteristics similar to those of HG patients, with similar clinical and procedural outcomes and comparable mortality rates. If severe AS was identified as the main clinical problem in this subgroup, aortic valve replacement can be justified.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

TAVR in patients with low-flow low-gradient aortic stenosis – outcome data after three years from one large centre

Background

The outcome of patients with low-flow low-gradient (LFLG) aortic stenosis after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is not well evaluated. Long-term clinical success is thought to be less pronounced in LFLG patients compared to patients with high gradient (HG) aortic stenosis.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to characterise different LFLG groups and determine their outcome after TAVR. We hypothesised that there would be relevant differences in baseline characteristics and patient survival after TAVR.

Methods

All patients undergoing TAVR for severe aortic stenosis at our centre between 2013 and 2019 were included in the study. Patients have been split into groups according preinterventional echocardiography data according to mean pressure gradient (dPmean), ejection fraction (EF), and stroke volume index (SVi). Patients with a dPmean <40 mmHg and SVi ≤35 ml/m2 were subdivided into classical low-flow low-gradient (cLFLG, EF <50%) and paradoxical low-flow (pLFLG, EF ≥50%). Patients with previous aortic valve replacement or severe aortic regurgitation were excluded from the analysis.

Results

1,772 patients were analysed (mean follow-up 2.2 years, median age 81.7 [77.5–85.7] years) and split into groups: HG, 953 patients (54.3%), cLFLG, 446 patients (25.2%), and pLFLG 373 patients (21.1%). Baseline characteristics showed significant differences (p<0.01), among others, in sex (male sex, HG 46.1% vs. cLFLG 69.5% vs. pLFLG 44.5%), rate of atrial fibrillation (HG 20.3% vs. cLFLG 36.3% vs. pLFLG 41.6%), coronary artery disease (HG 56.2% vs. cLFLG 73.5% vs. pLFLG 63.4%), and grade 3 or 4 mitral regurgitation (HG 2.2% vs. cLFLG 5.5% vs. pLFLG 6.8%). Accordingly, Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Scores differed significantly: HG, 3.0 [2.0–5.0], cLFLG, 5.0 [3.0–7.3] pLFLG, 3.9 [2.2–6.0] (p<0.01).

Rates of periprocedural complications including death, device failure, pericardial effusion, stroke or myocardial infarction were comparable between groups. Mortality rate (figure 1) was highest for cLFLG patients (43.4% [95% confidence interval, 37.3–48.6%]) compared to HG (25.1% [21.6–28.5%]) or pLFLG (32.9% [26.9–38.4%]), Log-rank test, <0.001. Corresponding hazard ratios were 2.1 [1.7–2.6] (p<0.001) for cLFLG and 1.5 [1.2–2.0] (p<0.001) for pLFLG. Similar results were obtained when adjusting to STS score (figure 2).

Conclusion

In this all-comer analysis, almost half of the patients belong toLFLG groups with considerable differences in patient characteristics. While equally safe during the procedure, patients with LFLG aortic stenosis show increased 3-year mortality rates compared to patients with HG aortic stenosis. Further studies evaluating this are needed.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1. 3-year mortalityFigure 2. STS score-adjusted mortality

Impact of the cardio-hepatic syndrome on outcomes after transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair

Background

The prognostic value of impaired liver function in the presence of moderate-to-severe and severe mitral regurgitation (MR), also called cardio-hepatic syndrome (CHS), for outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) has not been studied yet.

Purpose

In this work, we aimed at identifying the prognostic impact of the CHS on two-year all-cause mortality in patients undergoing TEER compared to established risk factors. Furthermore, we evaluated the change in hepatic function after TEER.

Methods

Hepatic function was assessed by laboratory parameters of liver function (bilirubin, gamma glutamyl transferase [GGT], alkaline phosphatase [AP], aspartate and alanine aminotransferase [AST and ALT]). We defined CHS as elevation of at least two out of three laboratory parameters of hepatic cholestasis (bilirubin, GGT, AP). The impact of CHS on two-year mortality was evaluated using a proportional hazards Cox model. The change in hepatic function after TEER was evaluated by repeat laboratory testing at follow-up.

Results

We included 1083 patients who underwent TEER for highly symptomatic primary or secondary MR at four high volume academic European centers between 2008 and 2019. In 66.4% of patients, we observed elevated levels of either bilirubin, GGT or AP. CHS was present in 23% of patients and showed strong association with a reduced two-year survival (52.9% vs. 87.0% in patients without CHS, p<0.01). In a multivariate Cox regression model, CHS was identified as a strong and independent predictor of increased two-year mortality (hazard ratio 1.49, p=0.03). In patients with successful MR reduction ≤2+ (90.7% of patients), parameters of hepatic function significantly improved from baseline to follow-up (−0.2 mg/dl for bilirubin; −21 U/l for GGT, respectively, p<0.01), while they did not in case of residual postprocedural MR >2+.

Conclusions

CHS can be observed in up to 25% of patients undergoing TEER and is associated with impaired two-year survival rates. Successful TEER is associated with decreased levels of hepatic enzymes at follow-up evaluation.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Cardio-hepatic syndrome TEER

Asymmetric leaflet tethering is associated with worse outcomes after edge-to-edge mitral valve repair for secondary mitral regurgitation

Background

The impact of mitral valve (MV) tethering patterns on outcomes of patients undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TEER) for severe secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) is unknown.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of asymmetric postero-anterior and medio-lateral MV leaflet tethering on procedural and survival outcomes after TEER for SMR.

Methods

Symmetry of postero-anterior leaflet tethering was defined as the ratio of the posterior to anterior MV leaflet angle (PLA/ALA) in the central MV segment 2. The ratio of the tenting area between MV segments 3 and 1 (S3/S1 ratio) was defined as medio-lateral tethering symmetry. We used receiver operating characteristics and a proportional Cox model to identify cut-off values of asymmetric postero-anterior and medio-lateral tethering for prediction of two-year survival after TEER.

Results

178 patients receiving TEER for SMR were included. Asymmetric postero-anterior tethering was observed in 67 patients (37.6%, PLA/ALA ratio cut-off >1.54). Medio-lateral tethering was asymmetric in 49 patients (27.5%, S3/S1 ratio cut-off >1.49). MR was reduced to MR ≤2+ in 91.6% of patients, while postprocedural MR remained higher in the presence of asymmetric postero-anterior tethering (p=0.01). After adjustment for potential clinical and echocardiographic confounders, multivariable Cox regression analysis confirmed asymmetric postero-anterior tethering (HR=2.77, CI=1.43–5.38, p<0.01) and asymmetric medio-lateral tethering (HR=2.90, CI=1.54–5.45, p<0.01) as independent predictors for two-year survival.

Conclusions

Asymmetric postero-anterior and medio-lateral MV leaflet tethering patterns independently increase two-year all-cause mortality in patients undergoing TEER for SMR. Detailed echocardiographic patient selection might improve outcomes after TEER.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Postero-anterior tetheringMedio-lateral tethering

Prevention of pacemaker lead induced tricuspid regurgitAtion by transesophageal eCho guidEd implantation (PLACE Pilot)

Background

Lead-induced tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a frequent complication after pacemaker- and ICD-implantation that is associated with increased mortality and hospitalizations.

Purpose

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate if lead implantation guided by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is feasible and might be able to reduce lead-associated TR.

Methods

21 patients with indication for new pacemaker/ICD including a trans-tricuspid lead implantation and TR < grade 2+ were prospectively enrolled and underwent TEE-guided lead implantation in addition to fluoroscopy. Leads were placed according to a dedicated echo protocol with focus on a transgastric en face view of the tricuspid valve targeting a lead position in a tricuspid valve commissure (preferentially postero-septal) and an apical ventricular lead position. (Figure 1) Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed before implantation and at discharge. 121 consecutive patients with standard lead implantation guided by fluoroscopy only served as a historical control group. TR was assessed by an experienced cardiologist and graded according to current guidelines.

Results

Key baseline characteristics of overall 124 patients with a mean age of 74 years didn't differ between groups. Of note, there was no significant difference regarding device type and baseline TR.

TEE-guided lead implantation was possible in all 21 patients in the TEE-group in deep conscious sedation without occurrence of serious adverse events. Lead placement in a commissure, mostly postero-septal, was possible in 95.2% of patients without worsening of TR (20/21 pts). Based on TEE-guidance, lead position or length was altered in 52.4% of patients (11/21 pts, 6 pts with lead repositioning, 5 pts with modification of lead length).

Compared to baseline, the 21 patients in the TEE-group did not show worsening of TR at discharge. In contrast, TR worsening by one grade occurred in 13.6% of patients (14/103 pts) with new onset of TR ≥2+ in 6.8% of patients (07/103 pts) in the control group (p=0.001).

At discharge, lead position was evaluated using 2D and 3D TTE in a subset of patients. In all examined patients (14/14 pts) lead position was unchanged compared to intraprocedural position and stable during inspiration vs. expiration as well as in upright vs. horizontal position.

Conclusion

TEE-guidance during PM/ICD-implantation was safe and feasible and resulted in steps to optimize lead position in a relevant number of patients. At discharge lead position remained stable and TEE-guided lead implantation was associated with less worsening of TR than standard lead implantation guided by fluoroscopy.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. TEE view with targeted lead position

Three-dimensional echocardiography in transcatheter edge-to-edge tricuspid valve repair

Background

Transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVR) is a new treatment option for severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR). First reports have reported conflicting results on development of right ventricular (RV) function after TTVR and questioned the role of conventional echocardiographic parameters to predict outcome.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate 3D echocardiography for the comprehensive assessment of RV function and its prognostic value for TTVR-treated patients.

Methods

We included patients undergoing TTVR from February 2017 to July 2019 who had preprocedural 3D assessment of RV volumes and ejection fraction. At follow-up (FU), 3D echo was performed to evaluate right ventricular reverse remodeling. All-cause mortality was assessed as clinical endpoint.

Results

75 patients treated with TTVR for isolated, severe TR had 3D echo assessment. TTVR reduced TR from grade ≥3+ to ≤2+ in 83.1% of patients at discharge. 3D-RV end-diastolic volume (−46.3 ml, p<0.001), end-systolic volume (−22.0 ml, p=0.027) and 3D-RV ejection fraction (−4.7%, p<0.001) decreased at short-term FU at 1-month and remained stable at 6-month FU. An impaired preprocedural 3D-RVEF <44% conferred higher mortality risk (Figure), and was an independent predictor for 1-year mortality (hazard ratio 5.32, p=0.033) in multivariable analysis. Tricuspid annular systolic excursion (TAPSE) and RV fractional area change were not predictive for this endpoint. Importantly, the observed decrease of 3D-RVEF function after TTVR was not associated with outcome (p=0.22 for decrease of 3D-RVEF vs. no decrease of 3D-RVEF in Kaplan-Meier analysis). Instead, left ventricular stroke volume index increased by 9.2% from 26.0 to 28.4 ml/m2 (p<0.01)

Conclusion

TTVR leads to right ventricular reverse remodeling and decrease of RV systolic function after TTVR. Impaired preprocedural RV systolic function is associated with worse clinical outcome. In contrast, the observed decrease of RV systolic function after TTVR was not associated with outcome.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Klinikum der Universtität München Figure 1

Quantification of physical activity with activity tracking after transfemoral aortic valve replacement (TAVR)

Background and hypothesis

TAVR is a well-established, safe and effective therapy for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS), but improvement of physical activity after TAVR is difficult to assess objectively. The aim of this study was to quantify improvement of physical activity with Activity Tracking after TAVR with special focus on the different low-gradient subtypes of AS.

Methods

All patients who underwent TAVR for severe AS in our center between 01/2019 and 12/2019 were screened. Participants received an Activity Tracker for 7 days at two times: after hospital discharge following TAVR procedure and 6 months thereafter. The difference of mean daily steps was defined as study endpoint.

Results

The analysis is based on 230 patients. The median age was 79.7 years with 53.7% male participants. The median aortic valve area (AVA) was 0.75 cm2 and median mean pressure gradient was 38.7 mmHg (Table 1). The median amount of daily steps was 4409 [IQR 2581–7487] steps/day after hospital discharge and 5326 [IQR 3045–8668] steps/day 6 months thereafter. On a patient base, median difference of steps per day was Δ 529 [IQR −702–2152]). Whenever possible, patients were categorized into different subgroups of AS. Patients with high-gradient (HG) AS showed significant improvement in difference of daily steps at 6 months-FUP (Δ 951 [IQR −378–2.323], p<0.001), as well as patients with paradox low-flow-low-gradient (LFLG) AS (Δ 1392 [IQR −609–4444], p=0.02). Patients with classical LFLG AS also showed an improvement of daily steps at 6-months-FUP but without statistical significance (Δ 192 [IQR −687–770], p=0.79). Patients with a normal-flow-low-gradient (NFLG) AS have no significant difference in daily steps after 6-months and show a tendency of decline in daily steps at 6-months-FUP (Δ −300 [IQR −1334–1406], p=0.67) (Figure 1).

Conclusions

This is the first study of this sample size to evaluate physical activity after TAVR with an objective and reproducible method. Overall, physical activity improved significantly 6 months after TAVR and daily steps per day increased in all subtypes of AS besides NFLG AS, where a tendency of decline in daily steps without statistical significance was shown. However the increase in daily steps did not reach statistical significance in classical LFLG AS patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Table 1Figure 1

Isoflurane sedation in patients undergoing VA-ECMO treatment for cardiogenic shock – an observational propensity-matched study

Introduction

The feasibility and hemodynamic effects of isoflurane sedation in cardiogenic shock in the presence of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) treatment is currently unknown.

Methods

Thirty-two cardiogenic shock patients with VA-ECMO treatment under sedation with volatile isoflurane on a cardiac intensive care unit have been enrolled in this retrospective single-center study and were matched by propensity score in a 1:1 ratio with intravenously (IV) sedated patients.

Results

Administration of isoflurane was associated with lower IV sedative drug use during VA-ECMO treatment (86% vs. 32%, p=0.01). Mean systolic arterial pressure was similar (94.3±12.6 mmHg versus 92.9±10.5 mmHg, p=0.65), but mean heart rate was significantly higher in the conventional sedation group, when compared to the isoflurane group (85.2±20.5 / min vs. 74.7±15.0 /min; p=0.02). Catecholamine doses, VA-ECMO blood and gas flow, ventilation time (304±143 h vs. 398±272 h, p=0.16), bleeding complications BARC3a or higher (59.3% vs. 65.3%, p=0.76) and 30-day mortality (59.2% vs. 63.4%, p=0.80) were similar in both groups.

Conclusions

Volatile sedation with isoflurane is feasible in patients with cardiogenic shock and VA-ECMO treatment and was not associated with higher catecholamine dosage or ECMO flow rate compared to IV sedation.

Mortality and bleeding

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Triple therapy in the elderly patients and women – results from the MUNICH triple cohort in patients with AF undergoing PCI

Introduction

Approximately 20% of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are suffering from coronary artery disease (CAD), requiring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and stenting over time. These patients are in need of a so-called “triple therapy” (TT) for prevention of stent thrombosis and stroke. Prospective and randomized trials examined risk for bleeding in TT and compared it to a dual regimen, but in majority excluded elderly patients. Moreover, in all to date presented triple therapy trials women represent a minority of included patients (mostly <30%). This raises the question, why female and elderly patients are underrepresented and these groups have a different outcome then younger and male patients, when treated with a guideline recommended TT.

Methods

The objective of our retrospective cohort study was to determine the number of women and elderly patients with the indication for TT and to evaluate the differences in medical treatment. Furthermore, we evaluated safety, represented by bleeding (BARC ≥2 bleedings) and efficacy endpoints (composite clinical endpoint: all-cause-death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, stroke and other systemic thromboembolism) in women vs. men, and elderly vs. younger patients. Moreover, we investigated the influence of NOAC (new oral anticoagulant) vs. VKA (vitamin K antagonist) treatment. Follow-ups were performed via phone-calls or in-hospital visits.

Results

In total, we included 928 patients with AF, that underwent PCI and stenting. Mean follow-up was 464 days. 627 patients were <80 years old (mean age: 72±7 years), 301 were ≥80 years old (mean age: 84±4 years). Only 27.9% of all patients were female. The number of men and women receiving TT was comparable (83.0% vs. 82.2%, p=0.78), while in the younger group significantly more patients received TT (537 (85.6%) vs. 228 (74.7%) (p<0.001). The incidence of BARC ≥2 bleedings in patients with TT was not significantly different in younger vs. older patients and in men vs. women. Also, the incidence of the composite clinical endpoint did not differ significantly in both comparisons.

Conclusion

In our real-life cohort female sex represents around a quarter of TT patients in line with large RCTs. But, unlike the large RCTs, 1/3 of our included patients were older then 80 years and seem to be underrepresented in randomized TT trials.

TT seems to be safe in elderly as well as in female patients. As they both represent an important group, future trials should focus more on including a well balanced patient cohort to improve the applicability of the results.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Quantified coronary plaque volume provides superior risk stratification up to 10 years

Background

Automated plaque quantification derived from coronary CT angiogragphy datasets provides exact and reliable assessment of coronary atherosclerosis burden.

Purpose

To investigate the potential for category based reclassification of patients based upon quantified coronary plaque volume in patients with 10 years of follow-up.

Methods

Coronary PV was quantified with dedicated software in 1577 patients with suspected coronary artery disease. Cardiac death and acute coronary syndrome were defined as endpoint. Patients were initially classified as low, intermediate or high risk based upon the Morise score. Quantified PV was used to reclassify patients as shown in Figure 1 Panel A. The applied cutoffs (PV=0, PV0–110.5 mm3 and PV>110.5mm3) were established by previous work of our group. Categorical net reclassification improvement was used to compare the initial and updated patient stratification.

Results

Patients were followed for 10.4 years. The combined endpoint occurred in 59 patients, of whom 36 suffered from cardiac death, 18 had non-fatal myocardial infarction and 5 presented with unstable angina requiring recascularisation. The Morise score classified the majority of patients as intermediate risk patients (71%) and smaller proportions as low risk (21.9%) or high risk (7.1%). Quantified PV based reclassification resulted in reclassification of 800 (51%) patients. Of those, the majority was classified into a lower risk category (n=502). Calculation of the categorical NRI proved a significantly superior risk stratification when compared to the initial risk groups (0.48 with 95% CI 0.13 and 0.68, p<0.001). The reclassification matrix is shown in Figure 1 Panel B. After reclassification, the estimated 10-year event rates for low, intermediate and high risk patients were 0.6% (95% CI 0 and 1.3%), 4.8% (95% CI 2.4 and 7.2%) and 11.3% (95% CI 6.6 and 13.9%) respectively.

Conclusion

Quantified coronary PV permits an effective and useful approach to reclassify patients with suspected coronary artery disease into superior risk categories.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Incremental prognostic value of tricuspid annular dilatation over the STS score

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is the treatment of choice in most patients with severe aortic stenosis. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score is a well established risk score to estimate morbidity, mortality and procedural risk of patients undergoing TAVR. However, tricuspid annular Dilatation (TAD), which is an increasingly recognized pathology associated with increased mortality, is not implemented in the STS Score.

Purpose

The purpose of this analysis was to investigate the incremental prognoctic value of TAD over the STS score.

Methods

Maximal septo-lateral diameter of the tricuspid annulus was measured in 923 patients on 3-dimensional MDCT datasets. A cut-off of 23 mm/m2 body-surface area was revealed by receiver-operating curve statistics and used to define TAD. Incremental prognostic Information was tested with c-index statistics and continuous net reclassification improvement (NRI). Patients were followed for 2 years and all-cause mortality was defined as study endpoint.

Results

Of 923 patients included in this analyis, TAD was found in 370 patients (40%). Patients with TAD had a significantly higher mortality (hazard ratio 2.18 with 95% CI 1.71 and 2.78, p<0.001). The mean STS score in the investigated patient cohort was 5.6±5.0. TAD provided incremental prognostic Information over the STS score when assessed with c-index statistics (rise from 0.63 to 0.66, p<0.01) or continuous NRI (0.209 with 95% CI 0.127 and 0.292, p<0.001). Estimated survival rates at 2 years were 88.2% (95% CI 84.5 and 92.1) in patients with a low STS score (<4) and no TAD and 57.5% (95% CI 51.1 and 64.7) in patients with a high STS score (>4) and TAD. Estimated survival rates in patients with a low STS score and TAD and patients with a high STS score and no TAD were similiar (75.8% with 95% CI 68.9 and 83.5 and 74.8% with 95% CI 69.2 and 80.7, respectively). Kaplan-Meier curves are shown in Figure 1.

Conclusion

TAD is a common entity in patients undergoing TAVR for severe aortic stenosis. It is associated with significantly higher mortality and provides incremental prognostic Information over the STS score.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Coronary plaque volume and predictors for fast plaque progression assessed by serial coronary CT angiography-A single-center observational study

PURPOSE

The rationale of this study was to identify patients with fast progression of coronary plaque volume PV and characterize changes in PV and plaque components over time.

METHOD

Total PV (TPV) was measured in 350 patients undergoing serial coronary computed tomography angiography (median scan interval 3.6 years) using semi-automated software. Plaque morphology was assessed based on attenuation values and stratified into calcified, fibrous, fibrous-fatty and low-attenuation PV for volumetric measurements. Every plaque was additionally classified as either calcified, partially calcified or non-calcified.

RESULTS

In total, 812 and 955 plaques were detected in the first and second scan. Mean TPV increase was 20 % on a per-patient base (51.3 mm³ [interquartile range (IQR): 14.4, 126.7] vs. 61.6 mm³ [IQR: 16.7, 170.0]). TPV increase was driven by calcified PV (first scan: 7.6 mm³ [IQR: 0.2, 33.6] vs. second scan: 16.6 mm³ [IQR: 1.8, 62.1], p < 0.01). Forty-two patients showed fast progression of TPV, defined as >1.3 mm³ increase of TPV per month. Male sex (odds ratio 3.1, p = 0.02) and typical angina (odds ratio 3.95, p = 0.03) were identified as risk factors for fast TPV progression, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol had a protective effect (odds ratio per 10 mg/dl increase of HDL cholesterol: 0.72, p < 0.01). Progression to >50 % stenosis at follow-up was observed in 34 of 327 (10.4 %) calcified plaques, in 13 of 401 (3.2 %) partially calcified plaques and 2 of 221 (0.9 %) non-calcified plaques (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Fast plaque progression was observed in male patients and patients with typical angina. High HDL cholesterol showed a protective effect.

P5567Clinical characteristics, diagnosis and risk stratification of pulmonary hypertension in severe tricuspid regurgitation and implications for transcatheter tricuspid valve repair

Objective

To assess the role of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) in severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and its implications for transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVR).

Background

PHT patients are often excluded from surgical TR therapies. TTVR with the MitraClipTM technique is a novel treatment option for these patients.

Methods

A total of 164 patients at high surgical risk (median age 78 years) and TR underwent TTVR at two centers. Seventy patients were grouped as iPHT+, defined as invasive systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAPs) >50 mmHg. Patients were similarly stratified according to echocardiographic PAPs (ePHT). The occurrence of the combined clinical endpoint (death, heart failure hospitalization, reintervention) was investigated.

Results

iPHT+ patients were at higher pre-operative risk (p<0.01), had more severe symptoms (p=0.01), higher NT-pro-BNP levels (p<0.01) and more impaired biventricular function (left: p=0.03; right: p=0.02).

Procedural TTVR success was achieved in 86 vs. 82% in iPHT+ and iPHT- patients respectively (p=0.52). Tricuspid valve effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) was reduced from 0.49 cm2 to 0.20 cm2 (p<0.01) similarly in both groups.

While iPHT+ conveyed risk (HR 1.7 (95% CI 1.1–2.8), p=0.03) for the occurrence of the clinical endpoint, ePHT+ paradoxically conveyed protection (HR 0.61 (95% CI 0.36–0.98), p=0.04). This discrepancy was explained by the highest event rates in patients with iPHT+/ePHT- (n=28). Conversely, iPHT+/ePHT+ patients had comparable outcomes to iPHT- patients.

Conclusions

PHT in TR is associated with worse clinical status and advanced HF, but not procedural failure. Symptomatic benefit can be achieved irrespective of PHT status by TTVR. Although echocardiographic PHT diagnosis is unreliable, the combination of echocardiographic and invasive assessment may identify ideal candidates for TTVR among PHT patients.

3293Atherothrombotic risk and outcomes following guided de-escalation of antiplatelet treatment in patients with acute coronary syndrome:a post-hoc analysis of the TROPICAL-ACS trial

Background

A de-escalation of P2Y12-inhibitor treatment guided by platelet function testing (PFT) has been identified as a safe and alternative treatment strategy in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, no specific data are available on the efficacy of such strategy in patients with high atherothrombotic risk (ATR).

Purpose

To investigate the safety and efficacy of guided de-escalation of P2Y12-inhibitor treatment in patients with low- vs. high-ATR.

Methods

The TROPICAL-ACS trial randomized 2,610 biomarker-positive ACS patients 1:1 to either conventional treatment with prasugrel for 12 months (control group) or to a PFT guided de-escalation treatment strategy (guided de-escalation group). The primary endpoint was defined as the composite of cardiovascular mortality (CVM), myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and clinically overt bleeding (bleeding ≥ grade 2 according to the BARC criteria). The ischemic endpoint was defined as the composite of CVM, MI or stroke. We used semi-parametric Cox regression analysis and interaction testing to assess the effect of low- vs. high-ATR on the primary and ischemic endpoints. High-ATR was defined as one of the following: (i) age ≥65 years or (ii) age <65 and either history of peripheral artery disease or at least two of the following risk-factors: diabetes mellitus, current smoking or renal dysfunction.

Results

Patients with high- (n=990) versus low-ATR (n=1,620) exhibited a higher risk for the primary endpoint (11.0% vs. 6.7%; HR 1.67; 95% CI 1.28–2.18; p<0.001). Guided de-escalation was non-inferior to conventional treatment for the primary endpoint in both patients with high- (10.5% vs. 11.5%; pnon-inferiority = 0.029; Figure 1A) and low-ATR (5.6% vs. 7.7%; pnon-inferiority=0.001; Figure 1B). Moreover, there was no significant interaction in the prognostic value of guided de-escalation between high- and low-ATR groups for both the primary (HR 0.90 [0.61–1.32]; p=0.586 in patients with high-ART vs. 0.71 [0.48–1.04; p=0.082 in patients with low-ATR; pinteraction= 0.394) and combined ischemic endpoints (HR 0.83 [0.44–1.56]; p=0.567 in patients with high-ATR vs. 0.68 [0.35–1.34]; p=0.262 in patients with low-ATR; pinteraction =0.666).

Kaplan-Meier curves

Conclusion

A guided DAPT de-escalation strategy appears to be safe and effective in ACS patients regardless of the atherothrombotic risk. Further studies are needed for refining antiplatelet treatment strategies in ACS patients with varying levels of atherothrombotic risk.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Klinikum der Universität München, Roche Diagnostics, Eli Lilly, and Daiichi Sankyo.

P4717Clinical impact of elevated tricuspid valve gradient after transcatheter tricuspid valve repair

Background

Transcatheter edge-to-edge tricuspid valve repair (TTVR) is a novel treatment approach in heart failure patients with moderate-to-severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) at prohibitive surgical risk.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the mean tricuspid valve gradient (TVG) over time and compare patient characteristics and outcome of patients with a post-procedure TVG of >3 mmHg vs. ≤3 mmHg.

Methods

All patients who were treated between between March 2016 and October 2018 with TTVR were included in this analysis. Trans-thoracic echocardiographic assessment of TVG was performed pre-procedurally, pre-discharge, after 1, 6, and 12 month.

Results

We treated 145 consecutive patients with moderate-to-severe secondary TR with TTVR. Patients were treated with TTVR for severe TR alone (70 patients) or in combination with mitral valve repair for concomitant severe mitral regurgitation and severe or moderate-severe TR with significant annulus dilatation (75 patients). One clip was implanted in 17 (11.7%), 2 clips in 83 (57.2%), 3 clips in 40 (27.6%) and 4 clips in 4 patients (2.8%). Reduction of at least 1 degree of TR was achieved in 136 Patients (93.8%). The median baseline TVG of all patients was 1 mmHg [Inter Quarter Range, IQR 1.0–1.4 mmHg]. The median TVG – measured at post-procedural trans-thoracic echocardiogram pre-discharge – increased to 2 mmHg [IQR, 1.6–3.0 mmHg] and remained constant up to 12 month (2.0 mmHg [IQR 1.0–2.0 mmHg).

Of these, twenty-five patients showed an elevated TVG >3 mmHg post-procedurally. Patients with TVG >3 mmHg were younger (73.1±11.0 vs. 77.5±9.2 years, p=0.038) and presented with lower levels of pro-BNP at baseline (median 2276 ng/l [IQR, 906–5150] vs. 4182 ng/l [2310–8629], p=0.008) compared to patients with TVG ≤3mmHg. All other baseline characteristics were balanced. There were no differences in procedural success (TR reduction of ≥1 grade in 96% vs. 93.3%, p=0.946) and number of clips implanted (p=0.697). At one month follow-up there were no differences in NYHA class (NYHA class ≥3 in 24% vs. 30.8%, p=0.559), quality of life measured with the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure questionnaire (32.0±22.9 vs. 31.1±16.3, p=0.833), 6 minute walking distance (255.5±140.6 vs. 250.5±111.7 metre, p=0.872). The clinical endpoints 1-year mortality (HR 1.07; 95% CI [0.43–2.65], p=0.88) and the combined endpoint mortality and hospitalization for heart failure at one year (HR 1.07; 95% CI [0.46 to 2.48], p=0.88, see Figure) did not differ between patients with a TVG >3 mmHg vs. patients with a TVG ≤3mmHg.

Figure 1

Conclusion

TTVR results in a small increase in the tricuspid valve gradient, which remains constant up to one year. A small cohort of patients shows an elevated TVG higher than 3 mmHg after the procedure. This elevation has no impact on NYHA class at 1 month and the clinical endpoints mortality and hospitalization for heart failure at 1 year.

4290Results of transcatheter mitral valve repair for severe mitral regurgitation from a real-world patient cohort according to COAPT and MITRA-FR trial inclusion criteria and echocardiographic parameter

Background

Two randomized trials (MITRA-FR and COAPT) of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) for functional MR have shown symptomatic improvement but discordant results for heart failure hospitalizations compared to optimal medical therapy. Differences between real-world patients similar to the trial population in terms of symptomatic outcome and mortality have not been shown yet.

Purpose

Our study compared patients similar to both studies in terms of NYHA development and mortality at 1-year follow-up (FU).

Methods

In our center, 447 patients were treated with TMVR for MR grade 3 and 4 between 2012 and 2018. For the comparative analysis with MITRA-FR and COAPT, we applied filters to our database patients according to the published echocardiographic inclusion criteria and baseline data (COAPT: effective regurgitant orifice area [ERO]) 0.41±0.15cm2; left ventricular ejection fraction [LV-EF] 31.3±9.1%, left ventricular end-diastolic volume [LVEDV] 194.4±69.2ml; MITRA-FR: ERO 0.31±0.1 cm2; LV-EF 33.3±6.5, indexed LVEDV 136.2±37.4 ml).

Results

Out of our database, 91 patients were categorized as COAPT-like and 92 as MITRA-FR-like. COAPT-like patients had an ERO of 0.40±0.16cm2, LV-EF of 32.7±4.8%, LVEDV of 195±53.7ml and indexed LVEDV of 103.6±26.0ml/cm2 (Figure A). MITRA-FR-like patients had an ERO of 0.31±0.07 cm2, LV-EF of 31.7±5.0%, LVEDV of 221.7±60.8ml and indexed LVEDV of 117.9±29.1 ml/cm2. The difference of ERO and LVEDV between both groups was statistically significant. The majority of patients in both groups were in NYHA class III or IV at baseline (97% COAPT-like group, 98% MITRA-FR-like group, p=0.44).

MR reduction was equally effective in both groups, with 85 (93%) COAPT-like patients and 88 (96%) MITRA-FR-like patients having MR grade 1 or 2 at discharge. Clinical FU was available in 62 (68%) and 67 (73%) COAPT-like and MITRA-FR-like patients, respectively. The majority of patients improved symptomatically after TMVR. Before TMVR, 1 (98%) COAPT-like patient and 2 (97%) MITRA-FR-like patients were in NYHA class I or II compared to 36 (58%, p<0.01) COAPT-like patients and 38 (57%, p<0.01) MITRA-FR-like patients at FU (p=1.0 for intergroup comparison). Overall, 40 (65%) COAPT-like patients and 43 (64%) MITRA-FR-like improved at least one NYHA class (p=1.0 for intergroup comparison; Figure B). There were no differences in overall survival between groups with 68.9% of COAPT-like patients and 74.5% of MITRA-FR-like patients alive at 1-year FU (p=0.53, Figure C).

Figure 1

Conclusion

Our real-world data shows that TMVR leads to symptomatic improvement in both MITRA-FR-like and COAPT-like patients to a similar extent, despite substantial echocardiographic differences. Both patient groups have a similar survival rate.

P6303Developmental origin of cardiac macrophages in steady state and myocardial infarction

Background

Macrophages are the most abundant immune cells in the myocardial tissue in steady state. The sterile inflammation caused by myocardial infarction triggers a massive immune reaction, which leads to a profound influx of neutrophils and monocytes. In the postacute phase of infarction macrophages play an essential role in reparative processes. Recently, it has become clear that macrophages in the heart have a dual developmental origin from embryonic and bone marrow (BM) hematopoiesis. In this study, we sought to investigate the contribution of embryonic derived macrophages to the cardiac macrophage pool in steady state as well as the acute and chronic phase after ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Methods/Results

To address the origin of macrophages in steady state we used different models of lineage tracing to determine the developmental origin of cardiac macrophages. Using FLT3-Cre mice and radiation-independent CD45.1/.2 bone marrow chimera, we found that the resident macrophage population in the heart is mainly independent of definitive hematopoiesis (approximately 70–80% of cardiac macrophages). The BM-dependent population on the other hand is replenished by blood-derived monocytes.

Further we used the radiation-independent CD45.1/.2 bone marrow chimera to characterize the origin of macrophages at different time points after I/R-injury. In the acute phase after myocardial infarction we observed a profound influx of BM-derived macrophages in the infarct region and also in the remote area. 30 days after I/R-injury the composition of the resident macrophage pool was mainly comprised of BM-independent macrophages, similar to steady state conditions. To address the role of BM-derived macrophages we used CCR2-ko mice, which have low numbers of inflammatory monocytes in peripheral blood. CCR2-ko mice showed reduced macrophage numbers in the acute phase after myocardial infarction. Using positron emission tomography we investigated the influence of CCR2-deficiency on cardiac function after I/R-injury. In comparison to WT mice, CCR2-ko mice showed a significantly increased infarct size. Cardiac remodeling, determined by end-diastolic volume, on the other hand was improved in CCR2-ko mice. The ejection fraction was similar in both groups.

Conclusion

The cardiac macrophage pool is mainly comprised of BM-independent macrophages. In response to I/R-injury monocyte-derived macrophages transiently enter the myocardium but do not persist in significant numbers over time. The influx of BM-derived macrophages after I/R-injury was reduced using CCR2-ko mice, which led to improved cardiac remodeling.

Our findings are of potential importance for understanding the cardiac immune response and for the therapeutic targeting of macrophages in inflammatory conditions.

Acknowledgement/Funding

German Society of Cardiology, German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, LMU Excellence, SFB 914

1336Outcome analysis of systolic or diastolic CT acquisition prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement to estimate prothesis size

Background

Computed tomography (CT) imaging is considered as standard of care for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) prothesis sizing. ECG-triggered high-pitch helical CT data acquisition on dual-source CT systems is associated with less contrast volumes, but CT image reconstruction of the aortic valve is limited to a single time point within the cardiac cycle. Although systolic CT imaging of the aortic valve is recommended due to the changes in aortic annulus area during the cardiac cycle, this recommendation is not supported by clinical outcome data.

Purpose

The study aimed to assess the impact of systolic vs. diastolic CT imaging of the aortic annulus for TAVR sizing on patient outcomes in a large series of patients.

Methods

In the study CT images of 1346 patients undergoing TAVR at our centre from 2013–2016 were re-evaluated. Patients were stratified into two groups with 0–35% and 36–99% of the RR-interval as systolic and diastolic CT imaging. Outcomes according to VARC2-criteria at 30 days and long-term survival were analysed.

Results

CTs of 1135 out of 1346 patients were analysed retrospectively, 278 (24.5%) of which were acquired during systole and 859 (75.5%) during diastole. Mean age was 80.6±7.6 years and 52.2% were female. Mean follow-up, available for 83.4% of patients, was 2.1±0.8 years. No significant difference in baseline characteristics was observed across both groups.

Aortic annular area measurements were significantly larger in systole (mean aortic anulus area: systole: 4.8±1.0 cm2; diastole: 4.5±1.0 cm2, p<0.01), resulting in larger implanted valves. Balloon-expandable valves were used in 69.4% of patients; the need for post-dilation did not differ between both groups (systole 4.7%, and diastole 7.5%; p=0.13).

There was no difference between groups concerning the combined endpoints for device success or early safety according to VARC2-criteria. Overall 30-day mortality was 3.4% (systole: 4.2% and diastole: 3.1%, p=0.35). Device failure occurred in 2.7% (systole: 2.9% and diastole: 2.7%, p=0.83). Permanent pacemaker implantation was required in 20.1% (systole: 18.7%, and diastole: 20.5%; p=0.55). Stroke rate at 30 days was 2.9%, n=33 and was similar in the two groups. The landmark analysis demonstrates the 30-day and 1-year mortality rates for both groups (Figure).

Figure 1. Landmark analysis mortality

Conclusion

The current analysis does not suggest that systolic CT imaging for TAVR sizing is associated with improved early or late outcomes. Accordingly, full-cycle CT imaging which usually is associated with higher contrast volumes, should be avoided in this elderly population, which often presents with reduced kidney function.

P2242Prognostic impact of CT derived quantified coronary artery plaque volume: A 10 year follow-up study

Background

Automated plaque quantification derived from coronary CT angiogragphy (CCTA) datasets provides exact and reliable assessment of coronary atherosclerosis burden.

Purpose

To investigate the long-term predictive value of quantified coronary plaque volume (PV) in comparison to Calcium Score (CACS).

Methods

Dedicated software was used to quantify PV in 1577 patients. A combination of cardiac death and acute coronary syndrome was used as endpoint. Incremental prognostic value was tested with c-statistics and continuous net reclassification improvement (NRI). The Morise Score was used to summarize patients clinical risk profile.

Results

Patients were followed for 10.4 years. The combined endpoint occurred in 59 patients, of whom 36 suffered from cardiac death, 18 had non-fatal myocardial infarction and 5 presented with unstable angina requiring revascularisation. The additive predictive value of PV and CACS was tested against a baseline model (c-index 0.741) including clinical risk and the number of diseased coronary segments (segment-Involvement score). While PV provided additive prognostic value (rise in c-index to 0.763, p=0.01 and NRI 0.247, p=0.03), CACS did not (c-index 0.749, p=0.2 and NRI 0.162, p=0.12).

A threshold of 110.5 mm3, which was established by a previous analysis of our group, provided excellent separation of patients into low (no PV), intermediate (PV <110.5 mm3) and high (PV >110.5 mm3) risk categories based upon quantified PV (see attached Figure).

Conclusion

Quantification of PV from CCTA datasets provides excellent prognostic information on long-term follow-up.

5940Right ventricular reverse remodeling occurs early after transcatheter tricuspid valve repair for isolated severe tricuspid regurgitation and is associated with better outcome

Background

Transcatheter edge-to-edge tricuspid valve repair (TTVR) is a novel treatment option in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR), right-sided heart failure and prohibitive surgical risk.

Purpose

We investigated whether RVRR can occur early after TTVR in patients with isolated TR and its potential association with clinical outcome.

Method

We measured right ventricular parameters by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) at baseline (BL) in 44 consecutive patients undergoing TTVR for isolated severe TR. We obtained follow-up (FU) TTEs after 1 month.

Results

At BL, we observed dilated RVs with an RV end-diastolic area (RVEDA) of 28.0±8.3cm2, RV mid diameter of 40.7±7.3mm and tricuspid annulus of 47.5±8.1mm. The majority of patients (63%) showed RV systolic dysfunction with either a tricuspid annular plane excursion (TAPSE) <17mm or fractional area change (FAC) <35%. In 40 Patients (90%), a periprocedural TR reduction by at least 1 degree was achieved (p<0.01). During further clinical FU (272±183 days), 21 patients died (of whom 14 had prior hospitalizations for heart failure before death), 8 patients had hospitalizations for heart failure, 1 patient underwent heart transplantation and 1 patient was lost to clinical FU.

We acquired a short-term echocardiographic follow-up (Echo-FU) after 30 days in 36 patients (82%). TR reduction was stable after 1 month with a TR grade ≤2+ in 26 of 36 patients (72%, p<0.01 vs BL). We detected RVRR in the majority of patients with 1-month Echo-FU: RVEDA decreased from 28.8±8.2 to 26.3±7.4cm2 (p<0.01), RV mid diameter from 41.2±7.3 to 38.5±7.7mm (p<0.01) and tricuspid annulus from 48.3±8.3 to 42.8±6.6mm (Figure, p<0.01). We observed a non-significant trend towards reduction of TAPSE (17.5mm to 16.1 mm, p=0.12) and FAC (37.8% to 35.5%, p=0.17), which could represent a normalization of systolic function of a previously hyperactive RV.

Next, we evaluated whether RVRR is potentially associated with clinical outcome. We stratified patients into two groups with more or less than median change in RVEDA, RV mid diameter and TV annulus. Fewer combined clinical events (time to death or repeat intervention or first hospitalization for heart failure) were observed in patients with pronounced decrease of RV mid diameter (p=0.03) and TV annulus (Figure, p=0.02) at FU. A decrease of RVEDA showed a non-significant trend towards better outcome (p=0.06).

Figure 1

Conclusions

Our report demonstrates that RVRR occurs already 1 month after TTVR for isolated TR and is associated with less clinical endpoints.

P5584Causes of death within the first year after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Lessons from EVERY-TAVI registry

Background

According to current recommendations, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) should only be performed among patients with a life expectancy of at least one year. However, many deaths occur within the first year after TAVI.

Purpose

To assess the causes of death within one year after TAVI.

Methods

Data was taken between November 2007 and December 2017 from the EVERY-TAVI registry. Patients who died during TAVI or experienced mechanical complications requiring surgery were excluded from the analysis. We assessed the causes of death over 3 periods post-TAVI: within the first 30 days, between 30 and 90 days, and between 90 and 365 days.

Results

Overall, 2389 patients underwent TAVI without mechanical complications. Among them, 320 (1.3%) died within one year. Age was the main cause of death, accounting for 73 deaths (22.8%), followed by heart failure (20.6%) and infections (18.7%). During the first month, cardiogenic shock was the main cause of death (25.4%), followed by infections (22.2%) and terminal heart failure (20.6%), while age was responsible of only one death (1.6%). During the two following months, heart failure was the main cause of death (33.3%), followed by infections (21.2%), and the percentage of deaths due to age increased to 18.2%. After 3 months, age was the main cause of death (31.4%), followed by infection (16.8%) and heart failure (16.2%).

Causes of death within one year of TAVI Cause of death All (n=320) <30 days (n=63) 30–90 days (n=66) >90 days (n=191) Older age, n (%) 73 (22.8) 1 (1.6) 12 (18.2) 60 (31.4) Terminal heart failure, n (%) 66 (20.6) 13 (20.6) 22 (33.3) 31 (16.2) Infection, n (%) 60 (18.7) 14 (22.2) 14 (21.2) 32 (16.8) Terminal renal failure, n (%) 26 (8.1) 4 (6.3) 5 (7.6) 17 (8.9) Cardiogenic shock, n (%) 26 (8.1) 16 (25.4) 4 (6.1) 6 (3.1) Malignancies, n (%) 18 (5.6) 0 (0.0) 2 (3.0) 16 (8.4) Sudden death, n (%) 17 (5.3) 6 (9.5) 2 (3.0) 9 (4.7) Stroke, n (%) 12 (3.7) 4 (6.3) 2 (3.0) 6 (3.1) Accident, n (%) 7 (2.2) 2 (3.2) 0 (0.0) 5 (2.6) Myocardial infarction, n (%) 7 (2.2) 2 (3.2) 2 (3.0) 3 (1.6) Non-cardiac surgery, n (%) 5 (1.6) 1 (1.6) 1 (1.5) 3 (1.6) Pulmonary embolism, n (%) 3 (0.9) 0 (0.0) 0 (0.0) 3 (1.6)

Conclusion

Cardiogenic shock is the main cause within the first month after TAVI, while older age is the main cause overall and after the initial months, highlighting the need to more carefully selection of patients undergoing TAVI.

5941Improvement of cardiac output after transcatheter repair of severe tricuspid regurgitation impacts all-cause mortality

Background

Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) impairs right-ventricular forward stroke volume and left-ventricular preload leading to a reduction of cardiac output (CO). Transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVR) is a novel experimental treatment strategy for TR and an alternative to surgery in fragile patients. The clinical impact of improved CO after TTVR on the prognosis of chronic heart failure patients is currently unknown.

Purpose

This study has been designed to analyze the impact of TTVR on CO and the association to post-interventional hospitalization for congestive heart failure (CHF) and all-cause mortality.

Methods

Between February 2017 and October 2018 we prospectively enrolled 70 patients suffering from chronic heart failure (median age 78 years; 54% female; 90% NYHA III or IV; median NT-pro-BNP of 3,540 ng/ml) due to severe TR (all ≥ grade 3 of 4). All patients underwent TTVR with isolated intervention to the tricuspid valve (n=41) or combined mitral and tricuspid intervention due to concomitant mitral regurgitation (n=29). Invasive CO was measured shortly before TTVR under general anesthesia using transpulmonary thermodilution. For a more physiologic assessment, non-invasive CO was measured using the inert gas rebreathing technique (Innocor, Innovision, Glamsbjerg, Denmark). Non-invasive CO was assessed 2 weeks prior TTVR (baseline), at the day of discharge from the hospital (post-procedural) and after a median of 193 days (interquartile range, IQR 53 to 360 days; follow-up).

Results

Invasive CO significantly correlated to non-invasive assessment of CO at baseline (Pearsons correlation coefficient r=0.36, p<0.01). Baseline median non-invasive CO (3.3 l/min, IQR 2.4 to 4.2 l/min) improved with TTVR in the post-procedural analysis (4.0 l/min, IQR 2.8 to 5.1 l/min, p<0.001). At follow-up, median non-invasive CO improved by 0.5 l/min (IQR 0.0 to 1.6 l/min). CO changed ≤0.5 l/min in 37 patients (low ΔCO) and >0.5 l/min in 33 patients (high ΔCO). Hospitalization for CHF was significantly lower with high ΔCO (18%), when compared to low ΔCO (54%; p<0.01). Furthermore, all-cause mortality was significantly reduced in the high ΔCO-group (3%), when compared to the low ΔCO-group (43%; p<0.001). Significant differences in mortality were also observed in the subgroup of patients with isolated tricuspid intervention (10% vs. 45%, p=0.016).

Conclusion

Successful TTVR with maintenance of improved CO impacts patient prognosis and is associated to a reduced rate of hospitalization and all-cause mortality.

252Guided de-escalation of antiplatelet treatment in patients with acute coronary syndrome and multivessel coronary artery disease: a post-hoc analysis of the TROPICAL-ACS trial

Background

The TROPICAL-ACS trial showed that platelet function testing (PFT) guided de-escalation of P2Y12-inhibitor is a safe alternative treatment strategy in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). No specific data are available on the efficacy of this strategy in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD).

Purpose

To investigate the safety and efficacy of guided de-escalation of P2Y12-inhibitor treatment in patients with multivessel CAD.

Methods

Two-thousand six-hundred-two biomarker-positive ACS patients were 1:1 randomized to either conventional treatment with prasugrel for 12 months (control group) or to a PFT guided de-escalation treatment strategy (guided de-escalation group). The primary endpoint (net clinical benefit) was defined as the composite of cardiovascular mortality (CVM), myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and clinically overt bleeding (bleeding ≥ grade 2 according to the BARC criteria). The ischemic endpoint was defined as the composite of CVM, MI or stroke. We used log-rank statistics and Cox regression analysis with interaction testing to assess the effect of multivessel CAD on the primary and ischemic endpoints.

Results

Patients with multivessel (n=709) versus single-vessel CAD (n=1,901) exhibited a higher risk for the primary endpoint (10.2% vs. 7.6%; HR 1.36; 95% CI 1.02–1.81; p=0.034). Guided de-escalation was non-inferior to conventional treatment for the primary endpoint in both patients with single-vessel CAD (6.7% vs. 8.5%; pnon-inferiority = 0.001; Figure 1A) and multivessel CAD (9,5% vs. 10.9%; pnon-inferiority=0.041; Figure 1B). Moreover, there was no significant interaction in the prognostic value of guided de-escalation between single-vessel and multivessel CAD for both the primary (HR 0.78 [0.56–1.08]; p=0.137 in patients with single-vessel CAD vs. 0.86 [0.54–1.37; p=0.524 in patients with multivessel CAD; pinteraction=0.732) and combined ischemic endpoints (HR 0.80 [0.44–1.45]; p=0.456 in patients with single-vessel CAD vs. 0.71 [0.35–1. 46]; p=0.356 in patients with multivessel CAD; pinteraction=0.823).

Kaplan-Meier curves

Conclusion

A guided de-escalation of P2Y12-inhibitor appears to be safe and effective in ACS patients with both single-vessel and multivessel CAD.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Klinikum der Universität München, Roche Diagnostics, Eli Lilly, and Daiichi Sankyo.

P6385Association of prehospital acetylsalicylic acid and heparin administration with favourable neurological outcome after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a matched-pair analysis

Background/Introduction

To date, no prehospital administered drug has shown to influence favourable neurological outcome in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Early administration of antiplatelet and anticoagulant medication might affect organ microcirculation and therefore favourable neurological outcome in the setting of OHCA.

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of prehospital acetylsalicylic acid and heparin (AH) administration on favourable neurological outcome and overall survival after OHCA in a large multicentre registry.

Methods

We examined patients with cardiac causes of OHCA that were prospectively included in the German Resuscitation Registry. Patients that were administered AH in the prehospital setting were matched in a 1:4 ratio with patients that were not administered AH. Pairs were matched for age >80 years, public place of collapse, initial ECG rhythm, witnessed by lay people and by emergency medical services (EMS), bystander CPR, usage of vasopressors, ECG signs of ACS or diagnosed ACS, coronary angiography conducted and hypothermia conducted. Analyses in the patients were stratified by treatment arm. Data was collected from 2011 to 2017 and analysed from January 2019 to March 2019. The primary endpoint was favourable neurological outcome at hospital discharge defined as cerebral performance category (CPC) 1 or 2. Secondary endpoints were return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) as well as survival to hospital discharge. Logistic regression analysis and chi square analysis were used to evaluate the primary and secondary endpoints, respectively.

Results

Within the German Resuscitation Registry, 17,139 patients included between 2011 and 2017 had a presumably cardiac cause of OHCA with completed follow-up data. 205 patients were administered AH in the prehospital setting, whereas 16,934 were not. After matching in a 1:4 ratio, 174 patients in the AH group and 696 in the noAH group were suitable for analysis of the primary and the secondary endpoints. Prehospital AH administration was associated with favourable neurological outcome (OR for CPC 1 or 2 at hospital discharge 1.489 [1.026–2.162], p=0.036). Patients with AH were more likely to have ROSC (73.6% vs. 65.7% in the noAH group, p=0.047). Survival to hospital discharge was not statistically different between groups (32.8% vs. 28.5% in the noAH group).

Consort flow-diagram

Conclusion(s)

In this matched-pair analysis, prehospital administration of AH was associated with an enhanced ROSC rate and with favorable neurological outcome. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.

1335Tricuspid anular dilatation is associated with higher mortality in patients undergoing TAVR

Background

Tricuspid annular dilatation is an increasingly recognized entity associated with poor outcomes in patients with valvular heart disease, which led to upvaluation of tricuspid annuloplasty in current European and U.S. guidelines on valvular heart disease.

Purpose

To investigate the prognostic role of tricuspid annular dilatation measured in multi-slice CT (MDCT) datasets in patients undergoing transfemoral aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods

All consecutive patients with available MDCT data undergoing TAVR at our institution between 2013 und 2016 were included. Maximal septal-lateral diameter was obtained from 3-dimensional MDCT datasets. Receiver-operating curves (ROC) analysis was performed to obtain an ideal cut-off for septal-lateral dilatation in systolic and diastolic heart phase. All-cause mortality served as endpoint.

Results

The study included 1137 patients, of whom 299 died within a mean follow-up period of 1.8±1 years. Mean patient's age was 80.6 years and 51.5% were women. TAVR was performed via transfemoral approach in all patients and balloon-expandable prosthesis were used in 69.4% of patients. ROC analysis revealed a cut-off of 45.7 mm for diastolic MDCT scans (n=859) and 36.1 mm for systolic MDCT scans (n=278). Patients above this threshold experienced a significantly higher mortality within the follow-up period (s. attached Figure, hazard ratio 1.63 with 95% CI 1.39 and 1.92, p<0.001). Tricuspid annular dilatation had no impact on procedural outcomes including device failure (2.4 vs. 2.9%, p=0.7), need for permanent pacemaker implantation (17.6 vs. 21.3%, 0.16, acute myocardial infarction (0.3 vs. 1.2%, p=0.18) and acute stroke (1.8 vs. 1.1%, p=0.28) defined according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2) criteria.

Conclusion

Tricuspid annular dilatation assessed with MDCT in patients undergoing TAVR is associated with 63% higher all-cause mortality. Future studies will have to determine whether interventional tricuspid annuloplasty techniques can reduce mortality in this group of patients.