Aortic Position Research Articles

Estimating the “Pull” on a Pullthrough Wire: A Pilot Study

ObjectivePullthrough/body floss wires are used to track endovascular devices across tortuous aorto-iliac anatomy encountered during endovascular repair of abdominal or thoracic aortic aneurysms. The tension imparted on such wires is arbitrary and has never been quantified. This pilot study attempted to quantify the tension used to stiffen the floppy hydrophilic wires typically used in such a scenario.MethodsTwo linked experiments were undertaken, the first by tasking 13 blinded vascular surgeons (eight male, five female; mean age 36 ± 11 years, including nine trainees) with pulling a long floppy hydrophilic wire (Radifocus Guidewire M Stiff, Terumo UK, Bagshot, Surrey, UK) attached at the other end to a horizontally configured industrial scale (HDN-N Hanging Scale, Kern & Sohn GmbH, Balingen, Germany), to simulate what they individually felt was an “appropriate” tension; the second by using the derived average tensioning force to set up a pullthrough wire within a rigid life like aorto-iliac model to assess whether a test device (16F Sentrant Introducer Sheath, Medtronic Limited, Watford, UK) could be delivered over such a tensioned wire in both brachiofemoral and femorofemoral configurations.ResultsThe mean tension exerted by the group on the wire was 38.3 ± 14.8 N (equivalent to 3.9 kgf). Pullthrough wire tensioning was undertaken by fixing one end and applying a 3.9 kg weight at the other. The test device was successfully deployed into the infrarenal aortic position and also across the aortic bifurcation, via brachiofemoral and femorofemoral pullthrough configurations, respectively.ConclusionSuccessful test device deliveries suggest that a minimum tension equivalent to almost 4 kgf applied to a floppy wire can provide “stiffeningˮ to allow device tracking across tortuous aorto-iliac anatomy. More studies are needed to ascertain whether lower tensions can be applied; these results may help provide a platform for other such studies depending on configuration, aortic geometry, and device or wire/tension characteristics.

A giant left ventricular pseudoaneurysm diagnosed after double-valve replacement

A diagnostic coronary catheter injury to the subaortic region in a 41-year-old woman with rheumatic heart disease led to a pseudoaneurysm that later caused extrinsic left coronary compression. She subsequently underwent double-valve replacement, overlooking the pseudoaneurysm that enlarged to a giant size three months later following thrombolysis for mitral prosthesis thrombosis. A thrombolysis-induced large intracerebral hemorrhage posed a significant risk for reoperation, and mechanical prosthetic valves in the aortic and mitral positions allowed a catheter option only, through percutaneous transapical access. Interventional closure of the pseudoaneurysm is discussed in this unique report.

Transapical Transcatheter Valve Replacement Using J-Valve for Aortic Valve Diseases

The J-Valve system (Jie ChengMedical Technologies, Suzhou, China) is designed specifically for transapical transcatheter aortic valve replacement and has three U-shaped graspers. With the unique structure, the J-Valve is suitable for both aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation. We used the J-Valve system for patients with aortic valve diseases and observed favorable results. From January 2018 to August 2019, 23 patients underwent transapical transcatheter valve replacement using the J-Valve system. High-risk patients with diseased peripheral vessels (small diameter, heavily calcified, and tortuous arteries), pure aortic regurgitation, and complex prosthetic valve-in-valve cases were enrolled. Ten patients mainly had aortic stenosis, 11 patients had pure aortic regurgitation, and 2 patients had valve-in-valve aortic valve position. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation average preoperative scores were 8.9% and 8.7%, respectively. The technique success rate was 91.3% (21 of 23; 1 patient was referred for open surgery and 1 patient received intraoperative valve-in-valve), and 1 patient died of cardiogenic shock after the procedure (mortality 4.3%, 1 of 22). One patient had stroke postoperatively and recovered well; no cases needed to undergo permanent pacemaker implantation. During the follow-up period, 1 patient died of acute heart attack. No moderate or severe paravalvular leakage was found. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement surgery with the J-Valve system is effective, even when it is traumatic and requires the transapical route. The applicability of the J-Valve system in pure aortic regurgitation patients is the advantage of this system.

Flow Dynamics in Anomalous Aortic Origin of a Coronary Artery in Children: Importance of the Intramural Segment

This study aims to assess the differences in pressure, fractional flow reserve (FFR) and coronary flow (with increasing pressure) of the proximal coronary artery in patients with anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery with a confirmed ischemic event, without ischemic events, and before and after unroofing surgery, and compare to a patient with normal coronary arteries. Patient-specific flow models were 3D printed for 3 subjects with anomalous right coronary arteries with intramural course, 2 of them had documented ischemia, and compared with a patient with normal coronaries. The models were placed in the aortic position of a pulse duplicator and precise measurements to quantify FFR and coronary flow rate were performed from the aortic to the mediastinal segment of the anomalous right coronary artery. In an ischemic model, a gradual FFR drop (emulating that of pressure) was shown from the ostium location (∼1.0) to the distal intramural course (0.48). In nonischemic and normal patient models, FFR for all locations did not drop below 0.9. In a second ischemic model prior to repair, a drop to 0.44 was encountered at the intramural and mediastinal intersection, improving to 0.86 postrepair. There is a difference in instantaneous coronary flow rate with increasing aortic pressure in the ischemic models (slope 0.2846), compared to the postrepair and normal models (slope >0.53). These observations on patient models support a biomechanical basis for ischemia and potentially sudden cardiac death in aortic origin of a coronary artery, with a drop in pressure and FFR in the intramural segment, and a decrease in coronary flow rate with increasing aortic pressure, with both improving after corrective surgery.

TExpression of matrix metalloproteinases 1, 2, 9, 12 in xenogenic tissues of epoxy-crosslinked bioprosthetic heart valves explanted due to dysfunction

Aim. To study the expression patterns of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) -1, -2, -9, -12 in the leaflets of the epoxy-treated bioprostheses explanted due to dysfunction and to identify the pathways for the accumulation of these enzymes in the xenogenic tissues.Methods. 19 leaflets from seven epoxy-treated bioprostheses (Kemcor (n = 2), PeriCor (n = 2), UniLine (n = 2) and TiAra (n = 1)) explanted from the mitral or aortic positions during repeat heart valve replacements were included in a study. Sections for microscopic studies were cut on a standard rotary microtome. Cell typing and the expression of MMP-1, -2, -9, -12 were evaluated using immunohistochemical staining with the antibodies against PTPRC/CD45, CD68, neutrophil myeloperoxidase and the corresponding MMPs. Stained samples were examined by light microscopy.Results. Sporadic cell infiltrates, mainly composed of macrophages (PTPRC/CD45+, CD68+), were found in 17 leaflets from six explanted bioprostheses. Positive staining for MMP-1, -2, -9, -12 was colocalized with immune cell infiltrates. It is worth noting that MMP-9 staining was visualized even in the absence of cell infiltration, while more intense staining was found in the areas with a loose extracellular matrix. There were no signs of macrophage infiltration or MMP expression in xenotissues of pericardial bioprostheses failed due to thrombosis and explanted two days after implantation. However, a blood clot formed on its surface showed intense MMP-9 staining and included a large proportion of neutrophils positive for myeloperoxidase.Conclusion. Macrophages and other immune cells that infiltrate xenotissues of epoxy-treated bioprostheses are sources of MMP-1, -2, -9, -12. In addition, MMP-9 can diffuse into bioprosthetic valve leaflets from blood plasma of patients. Thus, MMPs deposition in xenotissues may contribute to the leaflet ruptures and calcifications leading to the development of bioprosthetic valve dysfunction.

Abstract 14902: The Impact of Bicuspid Pulmonary Valve in Aortic Position After Arterial Switch for Transposition of the Great Arteries onNeoaortic Root and Neoaortic Valve Function; Propensity Score Matched Analysis

Objective: Neoaortic valve regurgitation which might be related to root dilatation is one of the major concerns following arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries (TGA). This study investigated the effect of bicuspid neoaortic valve on neoaortic root morphology, function, and the long-term clinical outcomes after ASO for TGA using propensity score matching (PSM). Methods: From 1997 to 2018, 442 patients underwent ASO for TGA. Patients who underwent staged repair (n=15), were repaired at extremely old age (> 1 year, n=9), and died before discharge (n=46), and were lack of echocardiographic data at discharge (n=20) were excluded. Among a total of 352 eligible patients, 18 patients (5.1%) had a BPV. After PSM (1:4), 15 patients with BPV and 60 corresponding patients with tricuspid pulmonary valve were enrolled for analysis. Results: Baseline characteristics in both groups were similar. The median duration of follow-up was 9.9 years (4 months ~ 22.3 years). There was one late death. Freedom from reoperation at 10 years was 93.3 ± 6.4 % in bicuspid group and 88.7 ± 4.4 % in tricuspid group ( p =0.84). Reoperation for aortic valve or aortic root was rarely required during follow-up. Indexed dimension (z-score) of neoaortic annulus was not increased in both groups ( p =0.57) (Figure 1A), although there was a little increasing tendency in z-score of neoaortic sinus without intergroup difference ( p =0.69) (Figure 1B). Deterioration in neoaortic valve function was more prominent in bicuspid group (common odds ratio; 1.40 in bicuspid group [ p <0.01], and 1.12 in tricuspid group [ p =0.03], p =0.03) (Figure 1C). Conclusions: Arterial switch operation could be a safe option in selected patients with TGA associated with BPV without increasing the risk of reoperation. Deterioration of aortic valve function was more prominent in bicuspid group, which suggests that the neoaortic valve function would be deteriorated mainly by valve itself not root pathology.

Abstract 14443: Aortic Root Rotational Position Associates With Aortic Valve Incompetence and Aortic Dilation After Arterial Switch Operation for Transposition of the Great Arteries

Introduction: Variation in aortic root (AoR) rotational position affects flow dynamics in normal patients. Complications of arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries (TGA) include aortic dilation and neo-aortic regurgitation (AR). We sought to assess the association of neo-AoR rotational position with neo-AoR and ascending aorta (AA) dilation and neo-AR in TGA after ASO. Methods: Patients after ASO for TGA who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) from 2005-2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Neo-AoR rotational angle, indexed (to height) neo-AoR and AA dimensions, indexed left ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDVi), and neo-aortic regurgitant fraction (RF) were obtained from CMR. Multivariable regression analysis for neo-AoR and AA dilation, RF, and LVEDVi were performed. Results: A total of 36 patients (78% male) were included. Median age at ASO was 5 days (3, 7) and at CMR was 17.1 years (12.3, 21.9). Rotational angle was 25% counterclockwise (<-9°), 25% central (-9 to +14°), and 50% clockwise (>+15°). There was no material association of neo-AoR and AA size with sex, age, and coronary artery anatomy. A quadratic term for neo-AoR rotational angle - increasing extremes of counterclockwise and clockwise angles - was significantly associated with neo-AoR dilation (p=0.03), AA dilation (p<0.02), and LVEDVi (p<0.01) (Figure 1) and remained significant in multivariable model of neo-AoR dilation (p<0.02), AA dilation (p<0.01), and LVEDVi (p<0.02). Rotational angle was negatively associated with neo-aortic RF (p<0.05) and remained significant in multivariable model (p<0.02). Conclusions: In conclusion, both clockwise and counterclockwise neo-AoR rotational position in TGA after ASO are associated with neo-AoR and AA dilation and LVEDVi. Counterclockwise rotational angle was associated with RF. Neo-AoR rotational position likely affects valve function and hemodynamics, leading to risk of neo-AR and aortic dilation.

Mid-term results of Biological Bentall using a larger valve implantation technique.

ABSTRACTThe present study evaluated our modified technique for placing a valve one size larger for Biological Bentall (Bio-Bentall) with a stented valve using a double sawing ring technique with a comparison to classical Bio-Bentall with a stent-less valve. Between December 2001 and July 2017, 44 patients (10 stent-less and 34 stented) with Bio-Bentall were included in this study. The early and mid-term surgical outcomes and re-operation free rates, including the structural valve deterioration (SVD) rate, were investigated. The mean follow-up duration was 69 months. There were two in-hospital mortalities in the stent-less group and one in the stented group, showing no significant difference. The survival at 1, 5 and 10 years was 80%, 50% and 30% in the stent-less group and 85%, 77% and 71% in the stented group, respectively, with a significant difference. There were no cases of SVD occurrence in either group. Freedom from re-operation at 1, 5 and 10 years was 100% at all points in the stent-less group and 100%, 96% and 96% in the stented group, respectively, without significance. The mean pressure gradient through the aortic valve according to the most recent echocardiogram was 8.1 mmHg in the stent-less group and 15.8 mmHg in the stented group, without significance. Our modified technique for Bio-Bentall showed a feasible short- and mid-term survival compared to classical stent-less Bio-Bentall. Both techniques had a good outcome concerning SVD occurrence and the re-operation-free rate with a low-pressure gradient in the aortic position.

A 6-year experience of the Ross procedure in children with congenital aortic valve disease

Background: The choice of an optimal method for correction of aortic valve stenosis or insufficiency remains the matter of debate. Some clinicians prefer transluminal balloon angioplasty, some would perform an open type commissurotomy, or aortic valve replacement, or to valve leaflets repair with various materials, while others opt for the Ross procedure. Each of these techniques has its advantages and disadvantages both in the early postoperative period and in the long-term.Aim: To assess the results of the Ross procedure, its complications, survival, and probability of reoperations in the long-term.Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed the results of 32 Ross procedures performed from the end of 2012 to the beginning of 2019 in children aged from 3 days to 18 years. Eight children were below 1 year of age, including one newborn. A pulmonary autograft was placed into the aortic position in all children. In 31 children, a homograft was placed into the pulmonary artery. In one patient, an aortic autograft was implanted instead of the pulmonary artery valve. The mean patient age was 6.8 years, mean bodyweight 27.7 kg (range, 3.9–74.6 kg).Results: Two patients died in the early postoperative period (mortality 6.25%). We examined 26 patients at the follow-up, with its mean duration of 2.5 years. There were no indications for replacement of the homograft during the follow-up. One patient, in whom we had implanted an aortic autograft into the pulmonary position, required its replacement after 4.5 years. We have no data on death rates in the long-term.Conclusion: The Ross procedure provides satisfactory results in the early and intermediate postoperative period. Continuous follow-up is needed to determine the time points and the proportion of repeated interventions with a pulmonary homograft and aortic valve.

Valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement on a self-expandable nitinol frame due to degeneration of primary bioprosthetic valve cusps. Clinical case of a high-risk surgical female patient

Introduction. We present the clinical observation of a 72-year-old female patient with high surgical risk and structural degeneration of a bioprosthetic aortic valve (AV) cusps in the form of stenosis, accompanied by severe dysfunction. Transcatheter implantation of bioprosthesis Medtronic CoreValve™ Evolut™ R-23 was performed using the valve-in-valve technique. The choice of minimally invasive treatment tactics is substantiated, a preoperative examination algorithm and a specific bioprosthesis model for such intervention are provided. Materials and methods. Imaging – echocardiography (Echo), electrocardiography, multispiral computed tomography, coronary angiography. Bioprosthetic valve calcification and stenosis with critical parameters of the bioprosthetic AV peak pressure gradient according to Echo data were the indications for minimally invasive surgery. Results. Dynamic observation revealed a progressive deterioration in the function of the previously implanted bioprosthetic heart valve in the aortic position, and a critical deterioration in the patient’s condition. After additional examination of the patient and selection of a new prosthesis, valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement was done. The positive dynamics of the general state of the patient was noted in the early postoperative period. Echo data showed that the bioprosthetic AV peak systolic pressure gradient decreased from 90 to 29 mmHg, average gradient – from 42 to 19 mmHg. Conclusion. The minimally invasive valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement used to correct the dysfunction of a bioprosthetic AV that was previously implanted during an open surgery was shown to be safe and effective and can be considered as one of the options for repeat valve replacement.

Hemodynamic results of TTK-Chitra valve in aortic position in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis

TTK Chitra valve is one of the most extensively used prosthetic heart valves in our country, yet not many studies of this valve are available pertaining to the Indian population. TTK Chitra valve is commonly used in our Institute and we decided to do a prospective study on short and mid-term results of TTK Chitra valve in aortic position in patients with aortic stenosis. Patients were taken up for aortic valve replacement after detailed informed consent including consent for lifelong anticoagulation and it’s management. Aortic valve replacement was done under general anaesthesia, on cardiopulmonary bypass as per existing standard operating practice detailed later. The intra-operative and postoperative data were collected in the study Performa. Echocardiography was performed postoperatively, on the day of surgery, prior to shifting to ward, prior to discharge, once at three months and once at one year follow up and then yearly thereafter. Sixty seven of 75 patients [89.3%] were in NYHA II, 7 patients [9.3%] and 1 patient [1.3%] in class III and IV respectively. There was significant improvement in functional class post operatively following the aortic valve replacement. 70 patients [93.3%] patients were in NYHA class I following surgery.

Heart valves from polymeric fibers: potential and limits.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become today a popular alternative technique to surgical valve replacement for critical patients. However, with only six years follow-up on average, little is known about the long-term durability of transcatheter implanted biological tissue. Moreover, the high cost of biological tissue harvesting and chemical treatment procedures favor the development of alternative synthetic valve leaflet materials. In that context, thin, flexible and porous textile constructions could be considered as interesting candidates. However, these constructions must be strong enough to withstand the load applied on the leaflet especially in aortic position. Moreover, the interaction of textile material with living tissue should be comparable to biological valve tissue, and the foreign body reaction (FBR) as well as the calcification mechanisms should be controlled. In the frame of heart valve tissue engineering strategies, the use of bioresorbable polymer scaffolds is expected to limit that FBR. However, to precisely control the degradation of the polymer is not trivial. Conversely, when permanent textile polymers are considered, the porosity of the fibrous scaffold tends to induce exaggerated tissue ingrowth which may prevent the implants from remaining flexible. In that context, the ideal synthetic fibrous valve leaflet remains to be found. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible strategies which have been adopted over the last 50 years regarding the use of textile as heart valve leaflet material. Results showed that textile presented potential, despite remaining strong challenges. It came out that hybrid textiles combining bioresorbable and permanent polymer fibers arranged in both non-woven and woven or knitted way could probably help providing strength and generating appropriate tissue ingrowth.

Ureteric complications and left retroperitoneal abdominal aortic surgery.

Open surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysms in the UK is usually performed via a midline transperitoneal incision. However, the left retroperitoneal (RP) approach may be beneficial for juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms and certain physiological reasons. One potential disadvantage is that the left kidney usually requires mobilization anteromedially risking injury to the renal tract and possibly the ureter. In this retrospective study, the time of onset, clinical presentation and treatment of left renal tract complications are scrutinized and discussed. Reasons for open aortic surgery as opposed to endovascular repair being undertaken were documented. Also, the aortic cross-clamp positions and type of reconstruction were examined. A total of 208 patients underwent RP aortic surgery for aneurysmal disease. The aortic cross-clamp positions were infrarenal in 115 (55%), suprarenal in 78 (38%) and supra-superior mesenteric artery or supracoeliac in 15 (7%). Two percent (4/208) sustained ureteric complications and all occurred in the upper third of the left ureter. The time of onset of symptoms ranged from 2 to 14 days post-operatively with a median of 3.5. Clinical signs were non-specific including pyrexia, tachycardia and flank pain. Ureteric complications following left RP aortic surgery is uncommon and usually occurs in the upper third of the renal tract. Trauma appears to be the most common cause, although ureteric ischaemia can occur but presents later particularly in those with comorbidities.

Double transcatheter balloon-expandable valve implantation for severe valve dysfunction in high-risk patients: initial experience.

Concomitant valvular heart valve disease is a frequent finding, with higher morbidity and mortality among patients undergoing redo surgical procedures. Our goal was to report our initial experience with combined transcatheter Inovare bioprosthesis implants for severe valve dysfunction. Among 300transcatheter procedures, a total of 6 patients had concurrent simultaneous transcatheter bioprosthesis implants for severe mitral bioprosthesis failure (valve-in-valve), with a second valve procedure that included native aortic (n = 2) or degenerated bioprostheses in the aortic position (n = 4). During the procedures, all patients were treated with a balloon-expandable Inovare transcatheter valve, using the transapical approach. Patients were highly symptomatic [New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class IV: 100%], with a mean age of 62 ± 5 years, yielding a mean European System for Cardiac Operative Risk II (EuroSCORE II) of 24.0 ± 10.1%. There was a mean of 1.6 ± 0.4 prior valve operations/patient, with a median time from prior mitral bioprosthesis surgery of 13.0 (9.2-20.0) years. Device success was 100% according to the Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium and the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 criteria. During the hospital stay, only 1 patient required dialysis, and the median intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay were 5.0 (3.2-6.7) days and 16.0 (12.2-21.2) days, respectively. No deaths occurred at 30 days; at a median follow-up of 287 (194-437) days, 1 patient died of a non-cardiac cause and the rest of patients were in NYHA functional class I or II, with normofunctioning bioprostheses. Transcatheter double valve interventions using the Inovare bioprosthesis in this initial series were shown to be a reasonable alternative to redo surgical operations. The short- and mid-term clinical and echocardiographic outcomes demonstrate promising results, although future studies with a larger number of patients and longer follow-up are warranted.

Co-occurrence of Moyamoya syndrome and Kartagener syndrome caused by the mutation of DNAH5 and DNAH11: a case report

BackgroundKartagener syndrome is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder of primary ciliary dyskinesia. Moyamoya syndrome refers to a moyamoya angiopathy associated with other neurological and/or extra-neurological symptoms, or due to a well identified acquired or inherited cause. We herein reported a case of a 48-year-old woman who was favored the diagnosis of Kartagener syndrome and moyamoya syndrome. The whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis showed a homozygotic nonsense mutation in the dynein, axonemal, heavy chain (DNAH) 5 gene, and heterozygotic missense mutation in the DNAH11 gene. This is the first report of the co-occurrence of the two rare diseases.Case presentationA case of a 48-year-old woman was presented with hemiplegia and slurred speech. The magnetic resonance imaging of the brain confirmed acute cerebral infarction in the right basal ganglia region, semi-oval center, insular lobe, and frontal parietal lobe. The electrocardiogram showed inverted “P” waves in L1 and AVL on left-sided chest leads and computed tomography scan of the chest showed bronchiectasis changes, cardiac shadow and apex on the right side, and situs inversus of aortic arch position. The digital subtraction angiography showed inversion of the aortic arch, and bilateral internal carotid arteries are occluded from the ophthalmic segment. The clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings made the diagnosis of Kartagener syndrome and moyamoya syndrome. The whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis showed a homozygotic nonsense mutation in DNAH5 gene, and heterozygotic missense mutation in the DNAH11 gene.ConclusionThe combined mutation of DNAH5 and DNAH11 may lead to the overlapping dysfunction of motile and nonmotile cilia, which contribute to the co-occurrence of Kartagener syndrome and moyamoya syndrome. Our report deserves further confirm by more case reports.

Long-term clinical outcomes of the Toronto stentless porcine valve: 15-year results from dual centers.

The purpose of this study is to examine the long-term durability of the Toronto stentless porcine valve (SPV) in the aortic position (St Jude Medical, Minneapolis, MN). We assessed the long-term clinical outcomes of 515 patients with aortic valve replacement (AVR) with the Toronto SPV from 1987 to 2001 at two centers, excluding early (<30 days) death. Median follow-up was 11.5 years (maximum 19.0 years). Average age was 64.2 ± 10.8 years, and females were 34% (173/515). The incidence of prosthesis-patient mismatch was low, 10.9%. Overall survival was 90.7 ± 1.3%, 75.4 ± 2.0%, and 56.8 ± 3.2% at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectivelyafter surgery. Over the follow-up duration, 116 patients (23%) underwent repeated AVR: 90 for structural valve deterioration (SVD), 12 for endocarditis, 10 nonstructural valve dysfunction (10 aortic regurgitation due to aorta dilatation), and four for other reasons. The cumulative incidence of repeated AVR with death as a competing risk was 1.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.6-2.7), 11.1% (95% CI, 8.4-14.2), and 34.4% (95% CI, 28.8-40.2) at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Reoperative mortality was 5.2% (6/116). In SVD, the regurgitation type was dominant (82%). The Toronto SPV is associated with excellent survival and durability during the first decade of follow-up. However, regurgitation type of SVD increases from 10 years after operation with acceptable reoperative mortality. These findings may assist with prosthesis selection and reintervention strategy for failing stentless bioprosthesis.

When to consider a posterolateral descending aortopexy in addition to a posterior tracheopexy for the surgical treatment of symptomatic tracheobronchomalacia

PurposesThe descending thoracic aorta typically crosses posterior to the left mainstem bronchus (LMSB). We sought to evaluate patient factors that may lead one to consider a posterolateral descending thoracic aortopexy (PLDA) in addition to a posterior tracheopexy (PT) in the surgical treatment of symptomatic tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) that involves the LMSB. MethodsRetrospective review of patients who underwent PT with or without PLDA between 2012 and 2017.Severity and extent of TBM were assessed using dynamic tracheobronchoscopy. Aortic positioning compared to the anterior border of the spine (ABS) at the level of the left mainstem bronchus was identified on computed tomography (CT). Factors associated with performing a PLDA were evaluated with logistic regression. ResultsOf 188 patients who underwent a PT, 70 (37%) also had a PLDA performed. On multivariate analysis, >50% LMSB compression on bronchoscopy (OR 8.06, p < 0.001), >50% of the aortic diameter anterior to the ABS (OR 2.06, p = 0.05), and more recent year of surgery (OR 1.61, p = 0.003) were associated with performing a PLDA. ConclusionWhen performing a PT, a PLDA should be considered for patients who have >50% LMSB compression on dynamic bronchoscopy, and in those with a descending thoracic aorta located >50% anterior to the ABS. Level of evidenceIII Type of studyRetrospective comparative study.

Transcatheter Valve Implantation for Failed Surgical Aortic and Mitral Bioprostheses: A Single-Center Experience.

We share our center's experience with the use of transcatheter valvular therapies in the setting of failed bioprostheses. As medicine continues to advance, the lifespan of individuals continues to increase, and current surgical valvular therapies begin to degrade prior to a person's end of life. It is important to evaluate the efficacy and durability of transcatheter valves within failed surgical bioprostheses. Baseline characteristics, periprocedural complications, and long-term outcomes were collected and assessed in patients who received transcatheter valves for failing surgical aortic valve bioprostheses and mitral valve and ring bioprostheses from March 2011 to July 2018. From our cohort of 1048 patients, we identified 45 individuals (4.3%) who underwent transcatheter replacement of a failed bioprosthetic valve or ring. Mean age at presentation was 80.8 ± 10.7 years and 75.5 ± 9.3 years, mean STS score was 9.3 ± 5.1 and 13.3 ± 8.7, and mean time to failure was 12.0 ± 5.2 years and 7.3 ± 4.5 years for aortic and mitral positions, respectively. At 1 year, time to event analysis suggested a 16.4% mortality rate for aortic replacement and 12.8% mortality rate for mitral replacement. We demonstrate outcomes from one of the largest single-center United States based cohorts of transcatheter replacements of failed surgical bioprostheses. Our center has demonstrated that it is feasible to pursue the replacement of failed surgical bioprostheses in the aortic and mitral positions with transcatheter valves given appropriate patient selection.

Antegrade transseptal transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Back to the future?

Antegrade transseptal approach was utilized in the first human case of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and in the early phase of TAVR. Various challenges with the antegrade transseptal approach including procedural complexity, need for atrial septal crossing, and potential for injury to the mitral valve apparatus led it to being supplanted by other approaches. These challenges have now largely been mitigated as structural interventionalists routinely perform left atrial procedures. We report a case of antegrade transseptal TAVR using a large bore sheath placed in the mid left ventricle across the mitral orifice to protect the mitral valve apparatus and facilitate valve deployment. An 84-year-old man with heart failure symptoms was seen for severe aortic stenosis. The severity of peripheral arterial disease precluded femoral, axillary, carotid, or transcaval routes. After transseptal puncture and creation of an arteriovenous rail, a long 26-Fr sheath was advanced from the right femoral vein transseptally over the arteriovenous rail, past the mitral valve inflow to the mid left ventricular cavity. The sheath provided a stable platform with stable intraprocedure hemodynamics. Balloon valvuloplasty was performed in an antegrade manner, after which a 29-mm SAPIEN S3 prosthesis was advanced into the aortic valve position and deployed under rapid pacing. We observed no injury to the mitral leaflets or subvalvular apparatus after the procedure. The antegrade transseptal approach should be revisited as an option for patients at high surgical risk with no other suitable access site. The use of a large bore sheath facilitates this approach.

Results of correction of aortic valve defects using small‑diameter «BioLAB» xenopericardial prosthesis in old patients

A prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) describes a state in which the valve prosthesis implanted during surgery is too small in relation to the patient’s body size. This leads to high transvalvular pressure gradients. We investigate direct results and dependence of transvalvular pressure gradients on body mass index and surface area in patients after correction of aortic valve defects using small-diameter BioLAB prosthesis. Material and methods . From January 2011 to August 2018, 65 small-diameter (18, 20) BioLAB scaffold xenopericardial prostheses were implanted in aortic position at the Department of Emergency Surgery for Acquired Heart Defects, Bakulev National Medical Research Center of Cardiovascular Surgery. The average age of the patients was 75.4 ± 4.1 (65–86 years). The average patient body mass index was 25.74 ± 5.11 kg/m2 (19.57–39.54). The average body surface area was 1.79 ± 0.15 (1.54–2.18). Results . Isolated aortic valve replacement was performed in 38 (58%) patients, the rest of the surgeries were combined with other techniques. There were no reoperations due to early prosthetic endocarditis or prosthetic dysfunction in hospital. Hospital mortality was 6% (4 patients). Correlation dependence of peak pressure prosthesis gradient on body surface area and body mass index was 10% and 8%, respectively. Conclusions . This study confirmed the safety and effectiveness of using small-diameter BioLAB scaffold xenopericardial prostheses in aortic valve position.