Abstract 17851: Prevalence and Predictors of Early Left Ventricular Functional Recovery After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: The TAVI-NOR Study

Abstract

Introduction: Pre-intervention left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) in aortic stenosis (AS) patients has prognostic value. However, the hemodynamic changes early after TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation) is not fully explored. Hypothesis: To what extent early functional recovery by a clinically significant increase (≥10%) in LVEF is achievable following TAVI, how it differs from baseline patient characteristics, and its potential prognostic impact. Methods: Between 2012 and 2019, 600 consecutive patients (age 81±6years, 49.3% females) with clinically significant AS underwent TAVI. Echocardiography was performed before and within 8 weeks after TAVI. Variables associated with <10% LVEF improvement were identified. End-points were ≥10% LVEF improvement and all-cause mortality. Results: From baseline to follow-up; 28% of patients achieved ≥10% LVEF improvement. A ≥10% LVEF improvement was observed in 25% of patients with normal baseline flow (indexed stroke volume ≥35ml/m 2 ) versus 38% in low-flow (p=0.002). Impaired kidney function, higher blood pressure (BP), higher baseline LVEF and indexed stroke volume, and lower LV mass was more likely in patients with <10% LVEF. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, higher baseline systolic BP (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.03, p=0.004) and lower LV mass (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.02-1.54, p=0.031), and new pacemaker implantation (OR 1.55; 95% CI 0.99-2.42, p=0.055) were associated with a higher risk, and baseline LVEF <50% with a lower risk (OR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.09-0.25) for <10% LVEF improvement following TAVI, independent of CKD, baseline troponin T and NT-proBNP. In a univariate Cox regression model, <10% increase in LVEF in early phase after TAVI was not a significant predictor of mortality (HR 1.16; 95% CI 0.90-1.50, p=0.258). Conclusions: Clinically significant early LV functional recovery was evident in nearly one-third of severe AS patients, especially patients with reduced LVEF and more symptoms at baseline. Higher systolic BP, lower LV mass, and the need for new permanent pacemaker, were independently associated with a higher risk of not achieving early LV function recovery after TAVI. In long-term follow-up early LV functional recovery was not associated with all-cause mortality.