Atrioventricular Block Requiring Pacemaker Implantation Research Articles

Long-Term Atrioventricular Block Following Valve Surgery: Electrocardiographic and Surgical Predictors.

Bradyarrhythmia requiring pacemaker implantation among patients undergoing valve surgery may occur even after several years, with unclear predictors. Our aim was to investigate the incidence of pacemaker implantation at different follow-up times and identify associated predictors. We conducted a retrospective study evaluating 1046 consecutive patients who underwent valve surgery at the Cardiac Surgery Division of Bologna University Hospital from 2005 to 2010. During 10 ± 4 years of follow-up, 11.4% of these patients required pacemaker implantation. Interventions on both atrioventricular valves independently predicted long-term pacemaker implantation (SHR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.8, p = 0.014). Preoperative atrioventricular conduction disease strongly predicted long-term atrioventricular block, with right bundle branch block as the major predictor (SHR 7.0, 95% CI 3.9-12.4, p < 0.001), followed by left bundle branch block (SHR 4.9, 95% CI 2.4-10.1, p < 0.001), and left anterior fascicular block (SHR 3.9, 95% CI 1.8-8.3, p < 0.001). Patients undergoing valvular surgery have a continuing risk of atrioventricular block late after surgery until the 12-month follow-up, which was clearly superior to the rate of atrioventricular block observed at long-term. Pre-operative atrioventricular conduction disease and combined surgery on both atrioventricular valves are strong predictors of atrioventricular block requiring pacemaker implantation.

Impact of prophylactic donor heart tricuspid valve annuloplasty on outcomes in heart transplantation

BackgroundTricuspid regurgitation(TR) following heart transplantation could adversely affect clinical outcomes. In an effort to reduce the incidence of TR, prophylactic donor heart tricuspid valve annuloplasty has been performed during heart transplantation in our institution. We assessed early and long-term outcomes.MethodsBetween August 2011 and August 2021, 349 patients who underwent prophylactic tricuspid valve annuloplasty were included. Tricuspid valve annuloplasty was performed using the DeVega annuloplasty technique. The clinical outcomes of the interests included complete atrioventricular block requiring pacemaker implantation, the occurrence of significant TR(defined as moderate or greater), and survival. Long-term survival was compared in patients with and without significant TR using the Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox proportional hazards regression with time-dependent covariate analysis was used to see if significant TR affected the long-term survival.ResultsThere was one patient(0.3%) who required pacemaker implantation for complete atrioventricular block. No patients developed tricuspid valve stenosis that required intervention. Significant TR developed in 31 patients(8.9%) during the follow-up period. The survival rate of patients who developed significant TR was significantly lower than that of those who did not(log rank < 0.01). Significant TR was associated with the long-term mortality(HR2.92, 95%CI 1.47–5.82, p < 0.01).ConclusionsProphylactic donor heart tricuspid valve annuloplasty has the potential to reduce the occurrence of significant TR and can be performed safely. The significant TR that developed in patients with prophylactic annuloplasty negatively affected survival and was an independent predictor of long-term mortality.

Clinical manifestation of patients with Fabry disease and R356W GLA variant

BackgroundThe R356W GLA variant is an ultra-rare cause of Fabry disease (FD). The clinical manifestations of adult patients carrying this variant have never been reported. This study aims to describe the clinical phenotype of the R356W GLA variant. MethodsThe cohort consisted of consecutive patients diagnosed with FD and carrying the R356W GLA variant. An observational, longitudinal, retrospective cohort study design was used. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging data have been collected from the baseline evaluation to the last clinical review. ResultsSix families, including 36 patients with FD and the R356W GLA variant (age 41.1 ± 15.9 years, 67% females), were evaluated. Eleven patients (31%) showed left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and 6 (17%) had chronic kidney disease (CKD). Patients with LVH were older (53.4 ± 8.5 vs. 35.7 ± 15.5, p-value 0.001), showed a higher prevalence of CKD (45% vs. 4%, p-value 0.002), and worse structural and functional cardiac parameters at echocardiographic evaluation. During a median follow-up of 42 (IQR 21–98) months, one patient experienced advanced atrioventricular block requiring pacemaker implantation and one end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis. No patients experienced major adverse events. ConclusionThis study suggests that the R356W GLA variant could be a late-onset FD-causing variant with incomplete penetrance and predominantly cardiac manifestations.

Early Conduction Disorders After Aortic Valve Replacement With the Sutureless Perceval Prosthesis

BackgroundThis study was conducted to determine the incidence of postoperative conduction disorders and need for pacemaker (PM) implantation after aortic valve replacement (AVR) with the Perceval prosthesis (Livanova, Saluggia, Italy). MethodsFrom January 2007 to December 2017, 908 patients underwent AVR with Perceval S in 5 participating centers. Study end points focused on electrocardiographic changes after AVR and the incidence of new PM implantation in 801 patients after exclusion of patients with previous PM (n = 48) or patients undergoing tricuspid (n = 28) and/or atrial fibrillation ablation (n = 31) surgery. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine risk factors for PM need. ResultsMean age was 79.7 ± 5.2 years, and 476 (59.4%) were women. Median logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (2011 revision) score was 4.1% (interquartile range, 2.6%-6.0%). Isolated AVR was performed in 441 patients (55.1%). Associated procedures were coronary artery bypass grafting in 309 (38.6%) and mitral valve surgery in 51 (6.4%). Overall 30-day mortality was 3.9% and was 2.8% for isolated AVR. Electrocardiographic changes included a significant increase of left bundle branch block from 7.4% to 23.7% (P < .001) and development of complete atrioventricular block requiring PM implantation in 9.5%. Multivariable analysis revealed independent of a learning period (odds ratio [OR], 1.91; 95% confidence limits (CL), 1.16-3.13; P = .011), preexisting right-bundle branch block (OR, 2.77; 95% CL, 1.40-5.48; P = .003), intraoperative prosthesis repositioning (OR, 6.70; 95% CL, 1.89-24.40; P = .003), and size extra large (OR, 6.81; 95% CL, 1.55-29.96; P = .011) as significant predictors of PM implantation. ConclusionsIn a challenging elderly population, use of the Perceval S for AVR provides low operative mortality but at the risk of an increased PM implantation rate. Besides preexisting right bundle branch block, the significant effect of size extra large, an increased valve size/body surface area ratio, and need for intraoperative repositioning on PM rate are underscoring the reappraisal of the annular sizing policy.

Smartwatch detected high-degree atrioventricular block requiring pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement during COVID-19.

Abstract We report the case of a 63-year-old woman who received remote health monitoring through the smartwatch after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. She began to dizzy on the third day after discharge and was found advanced atrioventricular block. Subsequent evaluation revealed a high-degree atrioventricular block, treated with permanent pacemaker implantation.

Safety of transradial and transfemoral left ventricular compared with transfemoral right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy.

AimsWith the present study, we sought to determine the safety of three different endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) access routes in 514 patients admitted for diagnostic workup of heart failure of unknown aetiology.Methods and resultsIn this retrospective monocentric cohort study, we analysed 514 consecutive patients with heart failure without evidence of significant coronary artery disease or valvular disease undergoing EMB between November 2013 and December 2018, stratified in three access route groups: transradial arterial left ventricular (LV‐)EMB (323 patients), transfemoral LV‐EMB (138 patients), and transfemoral right ventricular (RV‐)EMB (53 patients). Patients undergoing selective transradial LV‐EMB were older compared with patients undergoing selective transfemoral LV‐EMB or RV‐EMB [transradial LV‐EMB: 56.0 (45.0/64.0) vs. transfemoral LV‐EMB: 53 (42.5/64.5), P = 0.455; transradial LV‐EMB: 56 (45.0/64.0) vs. RV‐EMB: 53 (42.5/64), P = 0.695] and presented more often in New York Heart Association‐functional class III and IV. A total of eight major complications including permanent atrioventricular block requiring pacemaker implantation, pericardial tamponade necessitating pericardiocentesis, stroke and transient cerebral ischaemic attack as well as severe valvular damage, vascular access site complications, and ventricular fibrillation were documented with no significant differences between the groups (8/514, 1.5%). Minor complications such as transient chest pain, non‐sustained electrocardiogram abnormalities, and transient atrioventricular block were rare and equally distributed between groups.ConclusionsTransradial LV‐EMB is a safe procedure for experienced radial operators and non‐inferior compared with transfemoral LV‐EMB and RV‐EMB. An accurate peri‐procedural and post‐procedural monitoring and follow‐up care should be recommended for all patients undergoing this procedure in order to identify potential complications.

Prevalence, Incidence, and Impact on Mortality of Conduction System Disease in Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) is an increasingly recognized infiltrative cardiomyopathy in which conduction system disease is common. The aim of our study was to define the incidence and prevalence of high-grade atrioventricular (AV) block requiring pacemaker implantation in our quaternary referral center. This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of 369 consecutive patients with ATTR-CA who underwent 12-lead electrocardiogram at the time of ATTR-CA diagnosis. During a mean follow-up of 28 months, serial ECGs and the electronic medical record were examined for the development of high-grade AV block and pacemaker implantation. Wild-type ATTR-CA (wtATTR-CA) was diagnosed in 261 patients and 108 had hereditary ATTR-CA (hATTR-CA). A total of 35 (9.5%) had high-grade AV block requiring pacemaker implantation at the time of diagnosis of ATTR-CA. The most common conduction abnormalities evident on the baseline ECG were a wide QRS complex, present in 51% with wtATTR-CA and 48% with hATTR-CA (p = 0.62), followed by first-degree AV block, which was present in 49% with wtATTR-CA and 43% with hATTR-CA (p = 0.31). During follow-up, high-grade AV block developed in 10% of those with hATTR-CA and 12% of patients with wtATTR-CA (p = 0.64). On multivariable models, high-grade AV block was not significantly associated with increased mortality. More advanced ATTR-CA stage and a history of obstructive coronary artery disease were associated with increased mortality on multivariable models. In conclusion, the incidence and prevalence of high-grade AV block is high in patients with ATTR-CA. Patients with ATTR-CA require close monitoring during follow-up for the development of conduction system disease.

One-year outcomes of surgical aortic valve replacement: a single, high-volume center experience

The introduction of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (AVR) mandates attention to outcomes after surgical AVR (SAVR). The aim of this study was to assess 1-year outcomes in a contemporary large cohort of patients undergoing AVR. Data from 520 patients who underwent isolated SAVR between October 2016 and April 2019 were prospectively collected. The mean age of the study population was 72.8 ± 10.1 years and the average EuroSCORE II was 1.8 ± 1.5%. SAVR was performed using minimally invasive approaches (MI-AVR) in 306 patients (58.9%). However, the rate of MI-AVR considerably increased over the observational period from 47.9% to 86.7% (p<0.001). MI-AVR patients received rapid deployment valves in 40% of cases, minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation system in 34.4% and ultra fast track anesthetic management with table extubation in 38.2%. Overall 30-day mortality was 0.4% (n=2). The rates of postoperative stroke and atrioventricular block requiring pacemaker implantation were 0.6% (n=3) and 3.8% (n=20), respectively. At 1 year, the estimated survival, stroke and rehospitalization rates were 97.3%, 1% and 4.5%, respectively. Overall, the estimated incidence of the composite endpoint - death, stroke and rehospitalization - was 7%. Contemporary SAVR in a high-volume center yields excellent clinical outcomes with very low mortality and morbidity. In this setting, the extensive use of minimally invasive approaches combined with the modern techniques and technologies demonstrated to improve clinical outcomes and increase patient and family satisfaction.

Performance of the “GUCH morbidity and mortality scores” in cyanotic and non-cyanotic adults with congenital heart disease

Cyanotic adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) rely on life-sustaining adaptations to their chronic cyanosis and are at risk of adverse consequences if such adaptations are out of balance. They may benefit from surgical treatment options that were not available during their childhood. The “GUCH morbidity and mortality scores” were specifically designed to predict risks after surgery in ACHD and included comorbidities and patient age. We aim to assess their performance in cyanotic compared to non-cyanotic ACHD. Data of all consecutive adults who underwent CHD surgery in 2005–2016, were collected. Mortality was defined as hospital mortality or mortality within 30 days following surgery. Morbidity was defined as occurrence of one or more of the following complications: renal failure requiring dialysis, neurological deficit persisting at discharge, atrioventricular block requiring pacemaker implantation, mechanical circulatory support, phrenic nerve injury and unplanned reoperation. The performance of the GUCH scores was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (C-index, 95% CI). We evaluated 824 operations including 99 performed in cyanotic ACHD. The mean age at operation was 34 ± 13 years (18–72 years). Cyanotic patients had higher hospital mortality and morbidity than non-cyanotic patients (11.1% vs. 2.4%, P < 0.0001; and 22.2% vs. 8.4%, P < 0.0001 respectively). C-index for GUCH mortality score in cyanotic and non-cyanotic ACHD were not different: 0.722 (0.536–0.907) and 0.800 (0.712-0.887) ( P = 0.44), respectively. C-index for GUCH morbidity score was lower in cyanotic than in non-cyanotic ACHD: 0.483 (0.335–0.632) vs. 0.671 (0.601–0.741) ( P = 0.027). GUCH mortality score is efficient in cyanotic ACHD patients. However, the GUCH morbidity score should be refined in these patients.

Performance of the “GUCH morbidity and mortality scores” in cyanotic and non-cyanotic adults with congenital heart disease

BackgroundCyanotic adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) rely on life-sustaining adaptations to their chronic cyanosis and are at risk of adverse consequences if such adaptations are out of balance. They may benefit from surgical treatment options that were not available during their childhood. The “GUCH morbidity and mortality scores” were specifically designed to predict risks after surgery in ACHD and included comorbidities and patient age. We aim to assess their performance in cyanotic compared to non-cyanotic ACHD. MethodsData of all consecutive adults who underwent CHD surgery in 2005–2016, were collected. Mortality was defined as hospital mortality or mortality within 30 days following surgery. Morbidity was defined as occurrence of one or more of the following complications: renal failure requiring dialysis, neurological deficit persisting at discharge, atrioventricular block requiring pacemaker implantation, mechanical circulatory support, phrenic nerve injury and unplanned reoperation. The performance of the GUCH scores was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (C-index, 95% CI). ResultsWe evaluated 824 operations including 99 performed in cyanotic ACHD. The mean age at operation was 34±13 years (18–72 years). Cyanotic patients had higher hospital mortality and morbidity than non-cyanotic patients (11.1% vs. 2.4%, P<0.0001; and 22.2% vs. 8.4%, P<0.0001 respectively).C-index for GUCH mortality score in cyanotic and non-cyanotic ACHD were not different: 0.722 (0.536–0.907) and 0.800 (0.712-0.887) (P=0.44), respectively. C-index for GUCH morbidity score was lower in cyanotic than in non-cyanotic ACHD: 0.483 (0.335–0.632) vs. 0.671 (0.601–0.741) (P=0.027). ConclusionGUCH mortality score is efficient in cyanotic ACHD patients. However the GUCH morbidity score should be refined in these patients.

OC06 BUILDING UP A MULTIDISCIPLINARY 360° MINIMALLY INVASIVE PROGRAM FOR AVR: OUR EXPERIENCE

Aim: The aim of this study was to report the first results of our multidisciplinary minimally invasive program to treat patients who require aortic valve replacement (AVR), which involves: 1) reduced chest incision (through upper ministernotomy or right anterior minithoracotomy), 2) sutureless or rapid deployment AVR, 3) minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) system and 4) ultra fast-track (UFT) anaesthesia. Methods: Data from 167 consecutive patients undergoing primary isolated aortic valve replacement through minimally invasive approaches (MIAVR) between October 2016 and April 2018 were prospectively collected. The mean age of the study population was 74 ± 9 years, and the average EuroSCORE II was 2.1 ± 1.2. Results: MIAVR was performed using sutureless or rapid deployment valves in 76 (45.5%) patients, MiECC system in 63 (37.7%), and UFT management in 67 (40.1%). Overall in-hospital mortality was 0.6% (n = 1). The rate of postoperative stroke and atrioventricular block requiring pacemaker implantation was 1.2% (n = 2) and 3.6% (n = 6), respectively. MiECC system was associated with reduced postoperative bleeding (requiring chest re-opening) compared with conventional cardio-pulmonary bypass circuits (0% vs. 5.8%, p = 0.05). The mean intensive care unit stay was 25 hours in UFT patients and 52.2 hours in no-UFT patients (p = 0.04). Hospital stay was similar between groups (UFT 6.9 days, no-UFT 13.9 days, p = 0.2). Conclusions: Our UFT mini AVR program is a multidisciplinary minimally approach that involves the latest best technologies and techniques for AVR. We believe it may considerably increase patient's comfort being associated with faster recovery and excellent hospital outcomes.

Cronología y evolución de los trastornos de conducción asociados con el implante percutáneo de válvula aórtica: impacto de la valvuloplastia aórtica con balón

Introduction and objectivesLittle is known about the timing of onset and outcome of conduction abnormalities (CA) following balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve implantation. The aim of this study was to examine the timing of CA and determine the impact of balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) on the persistence of these abnormalities. MethodsA total of 347 patients were included. Of these, 75 had a continuous electrocardiogram recording and a 6-lead electrocardiogram at each step of the procedure. ResultsIn the transcatheter aortic valve implantation population undergoing continuous electrocardiogram monitoring, new-onset left bundle branch block (LBBB) or third-degree atrioventricular block occurred in 48 (64%) and 16 (21.3%) patients, with 51.5% of CA occurring before valve implantation. Left bundle branch block persisted more frequently at hospital discharge (53.8 vs 22.7%; P=.028) and at 1-month follow-up (38.5 vs 13.6%; P=.054) when occurring before valve implantation. Balloon aortic valvuloplasty prior to valve implantation was used in 264 (76.1%) patients, and 78 (22.5%) had persistent LBBB or complete atrioventricular block requiring pacemaker implantation. Persistent LBBB or unresolved atrioventricular block at 1 month occurred more frequently in the BAV group (76.1 vs 47.6%; P=.021), and the use of BAV was associated with a lack of CA resolution (OR, 3.5; 95%CI, 1.17-10.43; P=.021). ConclusionsIn patients undergoing a balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve implantation, more than half of CA occurred before valve implantation. Early occurrence of CA was associated with a higher rate of persistence at 1-month follow-up. The use of BAV was associated with an increased risk of CA persistence.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/enFull English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en

Timing of Onset and Outcome of New Conduction Abnormalities Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Role of Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty

Introduction and objectivesLittle is known about the timing of onset and outcome of conduction abnormalities (CA) following balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve implantation. The aim of this study was to examine the timing of CA and determine the impact of balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) on the persistence of these abnormalities. MethodsA total of 347 patients were included. Of these, 75 had a continuous electrocardiogram recording and a 6-lead electrocardiogram at each step of the procedure. ResultsIn the transcatheter aortic valve implantation population undergoing continuous electrocardiogram monitoring, new-onset left bundle branch block (LBBB) or third-degree atrioventricular block occurred in 48 (64%) and 16 (21.3%) patients, with 51.5% of CA occurring before valve implantation. Left bundle branch block persisted more frequently at hospital discharge (53.8 vs 22.7%; P=.028) and at 1-month follow-up (38.5 vs 13.6%; P=.054) when occurring before valve implantation. Balloon aortic valvuloplasty prior to valve implantation was used in 264 (76.1%) patients, and 78 (22.5%) had persistent LBBB or complete atrioventricular block requiring pacemaker implantation. Persistent LBBB or unresolved atrioventricular block at 1 month occurred more frequently in the BAV group (76.1 vs 47.6%; P=.021), and the use of BAV was associated with a lack of CA resolution (OR, 3.5; 95%CI, 1.17-10.43; P=.021). ConclusionsIn patients undergoing a balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve implantation, more than half of CA occurred before valve implantation. Early occurrence of CA was associated with a higher rate of persistence at 1-month follow-up. The use of BAV was associated with an increased risk of CA persistence.

Association of temporary complete AV block and junctional ectopic tachycardia after surgery for congenital heart disease.

Aim:Junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET) is a postoperative complication with a mortality rate of up to 14% after surgery for congenital heart disease. This study evaluated the risk factors of JET and explored the association of postoperative temporary third degree atrioventricular (AV) block and the occurrence of JET.Materials and Methods:Data were collected retrospectively from 1158 patients who underwent surgery for congenital heart disease.Results:The overall incidence of JET was 2.8%. Temporary third degree AV block occurred in 1.6% of cases. Permanent third degree AV block requiring pacemaker implantation occurred in 1% of cases. In all, 56% of patients with JET had temporary AV block (P < 0.001), whereas no case of postoperative JET was reported in patients with permanent AV block (P = 0.56). temporary third degree AV block did not suffer from JET.Conclusions:A correlation between temporary third degree AV block and postoperative JET could be observed. The risk factors identified for JET include younger age groups at the time of surgery, longer aortic cross clamping time and surgical procedures in proximity to the AV node.

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with Perceval S sutureless valve: Early outcomes and one-year survival from two European centers

The aim of our study was to evaluate the early outcomes and 1-year survival of patients undergoing minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with the Perceval S sutureless valve for severe aortic stenosis. From March 2010 to March 2013, 281 high-risk patients underwent minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with the Perceval S sutureless valve through either right anterior minithoracotomy (n = 164) or upper ministernotomy (n = 117) at 2 cardiac centers. The overall in-hospital mortality was 0.7% (2 patients). The overall median cardiopulmonary bypass and crossclamp time was 81 minutes (interquartile range, 68-98) and 48 minutes (interquartile range, 37-60), respectively. Postoperative stroke occurred in 5 patients (1.8%). The incidence of paravalvular leak greater than 1 of 4 and atrioventricular block requiring pacemaker implantation was 1.8% (5 patients) and 4.2% (12 patients), respectively. No migration occurred, and the mean postoperative gradient was 13 ± 4 mm Hg. At a median follow-up of 8 months (interquartile range, 4-14), the overall survival was 90%. Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with the Perceval S sutureless valve in high-risk patients is a safe and reproducible procedure associated with excellent hemodynamic results, postoperative outcomes, and 1-year survival.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation through carotid artery access under local anaesthesia

Trans-femoral and transapical are the most commonly used accesses for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, when these approaches are unsuitable, alternative accesses are needed. We report a series of 19 patients undergoing TAVI through common carotid artery (CCA) access under local anaesthesia in order to assess its feasibility and safety. From November 2008 to September 2013, 361 patients underwent TAVI at our institution. Nineteen of them (14 men) with mean age 82.2 ± 6.2 years, EuroSCORE 25.2 ± 15.7, Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 11.9 ± 5.1 and with severe peripheral arteriopathy were unsuitable for usual approaches and underwent TAVI through CCA access under local anaesthesia. Preoperative computed tomography assessed suitable carotid artery anatomy. Common carotid cross-clamping test allowed verifying patient's neurological status stability. An 18-Fr or 20-Fr sheath inserted into the CCA down into the ascending aorta was used for the delivery catheter. Valve implantation procedures were as usual. After sheath removal, the CCA was surgically purged and repaired. Feasibility and safety end points (VARC-2) were collected up to 30 days. Transcarotid insertion of the delivery sheath was successful in all cases (8 right, 11 left) and accurate deployment of the device was achieved in 18 patients (4 Edwards SAPIEN XT and 14 Medtronic CoreValve). There was 1 intraoperative death by annulus rupture during preimplant balloon valvuloplasty, and 1 in-hospital death due to multisystem organ failure. There was no myocardial infarction, stroke or major bleeding. Third-degree atrioventricular block requiring pacemaker implantation occurred in 3 patients. No vascular access-site, access-related or other TAVI-related complication occurred. Echocardiography revealed good prosthesis functioning with none, mild and moderate paravalvular leak in, respectively, 8, 9 and 1 patients. Patient ambulation was immediate after TAVI and hospital stay was 4.6 ± 2.3 days. TAVI through the CCA approach under local anaesthesia is feasible and safe. It allows continuous clinical neurological status monitoring with low risk of stroke, bleeding events, vascular access-site and access-related complications and immediate patient ambulation. It appears to be a valuable alternative access for patients who cannot undergo trans-femoral TAVI.

Performance of valve‐in‐valve for severe para‐prosthetic leaks due to inadequate transcatheter aortic valve implantation

This study reports on mid-term safety and performance of valve-in-valve implantation as rescue strategy to overcome acute PPL after TAVI. Moderate to severe para-prosthetic leaks (PPL) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have been described with both self-expandable and balloon-expandable device. We analyzed data regarding patients who underwent valve-in-valve implantation, enrolled in the ongoing single-center prospective registry of TAVI, the Padova University REVALVing experience Registry. All procedures were performed by a totally percutaneous approach, using the self-expanding Medtronic CoreValve (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN). Out of 87 patients who underwent TAVI, six received valve-in-valve implantation because of persisting severe PPL, due to prosthesis malposition. In all patients, the second device was successfully deployed, with a significant reduction in aortic regurgitation: PPL was no longer appreciable in two of six patients, and it decreased from severe to mild or trivial in four patients. Four patients developed atrio-ventricular block requiring pace-maker implantation. At follow-up (6-24 months) two patients died, whereas no prosthesis-related death occurred. Transprosthesis pressure gradient, effective orifice area, and aortic regurgitation did not change at serial echocardiograms throughout the follow-up. Valve-in-valve implantation using self-expandable bioprosthesis seems safe and highly effective to overcome severe PPL due to prosthesis malposition early after TAVI. Moreover, the implantation of two valves does not affect the performance of prosthesis at follow-up.

Anesthetic Management of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation With Transaxillary Approach

To describe the anesthetic management of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with the transaxillary approach. An observational cohort study. Two university hospitals. Twenty-two patients with severe aortic stenosis (± regurgitation) at high risk for surgical valve replacement, with contraindications for transfemoral TAVI (81 ± 4.9 years; logistic EuroSCORE, 27% ± 16.9%). General anesthesia or local anesthesia plus sedation followed by postoperative care. Local anesthesia plus sedation and general anesthesia were used in 14 and 8 patients, respectively. Two patients undergoing local anesthesia were monitored with transesophageal echocardiography and supported with noninvasive mask ventilation during the procedure. Main complications included hemodynamic instability requiring inotropes (2 patients), severe postimplant aortic regurgitation requiring immediate second valve-in-valve implantation (1 patient), valve embolization requiring open-valve surgery (1 patient), subclavian artery dissection compromising the flow to a mammary artery graft (1 patient), ascending aortic dissection (1 patient), stroke (2 patients), and atrioventricular block requiring pacemaker implantation (3 patients). Four patients experienced an increased (baseline value × 1.5) postoperative serum creatinine. Five patients required red blood cell tranfusions (2 units). Intensive care unit stay and hospital stay were 6 (4-23) hours and 8 (8-9) days, respectively. All patients were alive 30 days after the procedure. The 6-month mortality was 9%. Transaxillary TAVI is feasible in high-risk patients with aortic stenosis and peripheral vasculopathy. Nevertheless, severe procedural complications are possible, and anesthesiologists should be prepared to assist in the management of these conditions.

Transcatheter device closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects: mid-term outcomes

AimsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter closure for perimembranous ventricular septal defect (pmVSD) and its long-term results. The most common congenital heart condition is pmVSD. Transcatheter closure of pmVSD is a recently described technique with limited results for mid- to long-term follow-up.Methods and resultsBetween June 2002 and June 2008, 848 patients with pmVSD were enrolled in our study and treated percutaneously with pmVSD occluders. All patients were followed up until December 2008, an average of 37 months. According to colour Doppler transthoracic echocardiography before the intervention and ventriculography, the average end-diastolic pmVSD size was 5.1 and 5.4 mm, respectively. Placement of the device was successful in 832 patients (98.1%) and the median device size was 8.6 mm. During follow-up, 103 adverse events (12.4%) were reported. Most adverse events were categorized as minor and there were nine major adverse events (8.7%), including two complete atrioventricular block requiring pacemaker implantation. Kaplan–Meier estimates showed >85% freedom from major or minor adverse events during a maximal follow-up of 79 months.ConclusionsIn experienced hands, transcatheter pmVSD closure can be performed safely and successfully with low morbidity and mortality. Long-term prognostic results are favourable, and the transcatheter approach provides a less-invasive alternative that may become the first choice in selected pmVSD patients.This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00890799.

Atrioventricular Block After Transcatheter Balloon Expandable Aortic Valve Implantation

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (AVR) is a promising approach to aortic valve disease. The implications of this new therapy are not entirely known. We describe the potential for the development of new atrioventricular (AV) block. Atrioventricular block is a known complication of conventional surgical AVR. Block is presumed to occur as a consequence of surgical trauma to the cardiac conduction tissue during excision of the diseased aortic valve and débridement of the calcified annulus. Whether AV block might occur as a consequence of nonsurgical implantation of an aortic stent valve is unknown. We reviewed our experience with patients undergoing transcatheter AVR using both the percutaneous transarterial and the open-chest direct left ventricular apical ventriculotomy approaches. Patients were considered at high risk for conventional surgery because of comorbidities. Continuous arrhythmia monitoring was performed for at least 48 h after the valve implantation procedure. Patients who developed apparently new, clinically significant AV block were identified. Transcatheter AVR was successfully performed in 123 patients. Seventeen of these patients (13.8%) had pre-existing permanent pacemakers. Two patients (1.6%) required pacemaker implantation because of pre-existing intermittent bradycardia. Seven patients (5.7%) developed new and sustained complete AV block requiring pacemaker implantation. An additional 4 patients (3.3%) developed new and sustained left bundle branch block but did not require pacemaker implantation. As with conventional AVR surgery, transcatheter AVR may result in impaired atrioventricular conduction. Physicians and patients should be aware of the potential for AV block and pacemaker dependence.