Concomitant Mitral Valve Research Articles

Anomalous papillary muscle insertion into the mitral valve leaflet in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: a lip nevus sign in echocardiography.

Anomalous papillary muscle (APM) insertion into the mitral valve leaflet is rare but clinically important in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). In this study, we report the detection rate of APM insertion into the mitral valve using preoperative imaging modalities and the surgical outcomes of the patients. By retrospectively reviewing the clinical records of patients with HOCM who underwent surgical treatment by a single operation group at our center from January 2020 to June 2023, patients with APM insertion into the mitral valve leaflet were identified. Baseline data, image characteristics, and surgical outcomes were analyzed. The incidence of APM insertion into the mitral valve leaflet was 5.1% (8/157). The insertion site was located at A3 in six cases, which was more common than at A2 (n = 2). Preoperative echocardiography was used to identify two patients (25%) with APM insertion. We observed a particular echocardiographic feature for APM in HOCM patients, which was noted as a "lip nevus sign", with a higher detection rate (62.5%). All patients successfully underwent septal myectomy with concomitant APM excision or mitral valve replacement via the transaortic (n = 5) or transmitral (n = 3) approach. The mean age was 49.0 ± 17.4 years and seven patients (87.5%) were female. Interventricular septum thickness (17.0 mm vs. 13.3 mm, P = 0.012) and left ventricular outflow gradient (117.5 mmHg vs. 7.5 mmHg, P = 0.012) were significantly decreased after surgery. Residual outflow obstruction, systolic anterior motion, and ≥3+ mitral regurgitation were negative. During the follow-up of 26.2 ± 12.2 months, there were no reported operations, adverse events, mitral regurgitation aggravations, recurrences of outflow obstruction, or instances of SAM. Papillary muscles inserted into the mitral valve leaflet are a subtype of subvalvular malformation in HOCM that requires surgical correction. The lip nevus sign on echocardiography is a characteristic of APM insertion in HOCM and may improve the preoperative detection rate. Adequate myectomy with anomalous papillary muscle excision has achieved good results in reducing the outflow gradient and eliminating mitral regurgitation, with good outcomes at short-to-intermediate follow-up.

New approach to the mitral valve through the left anterior minithoracotomy for combined valve and coronary surgical procedures

ObjectiveWe have developed a new technique for accessing the mitral valve through the left anterior minithoracotomy. This approach has been used in patients requiring both mitral valve surgery and coronary artery bypass grafting. MethodsFrom October 2020 to September 2022, we performed 24 concomitant mitral valve procedures and coronary artery bypass grafting through the left anterior minithoracotomy. The average age of the patients was 65.5 years, and the mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 44.5%. Computed tomography angiography was routinely performed preoperatively. The surgical technique included a left anterior minithoracotomy in the fourth intercostal space, peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic crossclamping using a transthoracic clamp through the additional port in the left second intercostal space, the administration of cold blood cardioplegia, a right atrial transseptal approach to the mitral valve, and special surgical exposure maneuvers. These maneuvers were designed to displace the heart into the left pleural space by pulling the inferior vena cava tape and the ascending aorta tape to the left. Conventional mitral valve surgical techniques were used. The mitral valve repair or replacement was performed after the distal anastomoses to the right and circumflex coronary system were completed. Subsequently, after the mitral valve procedure, coronary anastomosis to the left anterior descending artery was performed. ResultsThe mitral valve was effectively visualized, and a planned procedure was successfully completed in all patients. There was no need for conversion to a sternotomy. mitral valve repair was performed in 22 patients (91.7%), and mitral valve replacement was performed in 2 patients (8.3%). Conventional surgical instruments were used in 10 cases (41%), and long-shafted instruments were used in 14 cases (59%). A knot-pusher was required in 9 cases (37.5%). A computed tomography distance from the skin level to the mitral valve posterior annulus of more than 14 cm was identified as a technical difficulty marker, necessitating the use of long-shafted instruments. Concomitant complete revascularization was achieved in all cases. The mean number of distal anastomoses was 2.54 ± 0.7 (1; 4). Total operation time was 341 ± 41 (285; 420) minutes, cardiopulmonary bypass time was 231 ± 38 (172; 316) minutes, and the crossclamp time was 127 ± 23 (80; 169) minutes. Patients had a mean intensive care unit stay of 1.87 ± 0.69 (1; 4) days, and their total hospital stay averaged 6.54 ± 1.86 (4; 10) days. There were no reoperations due to bleeding, no occurrences of strokes, and no other major complications. There were no instances of hospital mortality or mortality within 30 days after the procedures. ConclusionsMitral valve repair or replacement through the left anterior thoracotomy and transseptal approach is a valuable and effective technique that can be used for concomitant procedures performed through a single minithoracotomy incision in selected patients.

Moderate Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation with Ejection Fraction

Numerous studies have examined the therapeutic effects of mitral valve repair during revascularization on moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR), as well as the incremental benefit of subvalvular repair alongside an annuloplasty ring. However, the impact of depressed left ventricular (LV) function on the surgical outcome of patients with moderate IMR has been rarely investigated. The aims of this single-center, retrospective, observational study were firstly to evaluate short- and medium-term outcomes in this patient group after undergoing mitral valve repair during revascularization, and secondly to assess the impact of depressed LV function on surgical outcomes. A total of 272 eligible patients who had moderate IMR and underwent concomitant mitral valve repair and revascularization from January 2010 to December 2017 were included in the study. These patients were categorized into different groups based on their ejection fraction (EF) levels: an EF 40% group (n = 90) and an EF 40% group (n = 182). The median time course of follow-up was 42 months and the shortest follow-up time was 30 months. This study compared in-hospital outcomes (major postoperative morbidity and surgical mortality) as well as midterm outcomes (moderate or more mitral regurgitation, all-cause mortality, and reoperation) of the two groups before and after propensity score (PS) matching (1:1). No significant difference was observed in surgical mortality between groups (8.9% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.076). More patients in the EF 40% group developed low cardiac output (8.9% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.034) and prolonged ventilation (13.3% vs. 5.5%, p = 0.026) compared to the EF 40% group. Propensity score (PS) matching successfully established 82 patient pairs in a 1:1 ratio. No significance was discovered between the matched cohorts in terms of major postoperative morbidity and surgical mortality, except for prolonged ventilation. Conditional mixed-effects logistic regression analysis revealed that EF 40% had an independent impact on prolonged ventilation (odds ratio (OR) = 2.814, 95% CI 1.321-6.151, p = 0.031), but was not an independent risk factor for surgical mortality (OR = 2.967, 95% CI 0.712-7.245, p = 0.138) or other major postoperative morbidity. Furthermore, the two groups showed similar cumulative survival before (log-rank p = 0.278) and after (stratified log-rank p = 0.832) PS matching. Cox regression analysis suggested that EF 40% was not related to mortality compared with EF 40% (PS-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.151, 95% CI 0.763-1.952, p = 0.281). Patients with moderate IMR and EF 40% shared similar midterm outcomes and surgical mortality to patients with moderate IMR and EF 40%, but received prolonged ventilation more often. Depressed LV function may be not associated with surgical or midterm mortality.

The impact of calcium and vitamin D supplement intake on survival in patients with concomitant moderate aortic and mitral valve disease

Abstract Background Calcium and vitamin D supplement intake has increased among the elderly population, who are prone to deficiency. We sought to assess the association between calcium and vitamin D supplementation and the long-term outcomes in patients diagnosed with concomitant moderate aortic and mitral valve disease. Methods We included 3257 patients (aged 71.7 ± 12.9 years; 55.2% male; 83.1% white), who presented to the Cleveland Clinic between 2010 and 2018, diagnosed with concomitant moderate aortic and mitral valves disease. The patients were followed up with a mean period of 21.8 months (range 1-155.8). Patients were stratified based on the supplementation with calcium and vitamin D. Focusing on the aortic component of the concomitant valvular disease, patients were further subdivided into two groups; Aortic Stenosis (AS) with either Mitral Regurgitation (MR) or Stenosis (MS)(group 1), and Aortic Regurgitation (AR) with either MR or MS(group 2). The primary endpoints were death and heart failure hospitalization. The data was analyzed using Kaplan Meier survival analysis on SPSS. Results Of the total 3257 patients included in this study, 2273 (70%) were not supplemented, and 984 (30%) were supplemented with calcium and vitamin D. Supplementation with calcium and vitamin D was significantly associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR=1.114, 95% CI [1.003-1.237]; p=0.043) (Figure 1). However, no significant association with heart failure hospitalization was noted (HR=1.003, 95% CI [0.884-1.139]; p=0.958). On further sub-group analysis of the aortic component, 1045 (32%) patients in group 1 and 2212 (68%) patients in group 2 were assessed. In group 1, 701 (67%) patients were not supplemented, and 344 (33%) were supplemented. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation was associated with a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality in patients with AS (HR=1.203, 95% CI [1.017-1.425]; p=0.031). Conversely in patients with AR (group 2), 1572 (71%) patients were not supplemented, and 640 (29%) were supplemented, and no significant association was exhibited in this group (HR=1.044, 95% CI [0.913-1.193]; p=0.531) (Figure 2). Conclusion In our cohort of patients with concomitant moderate aortic and mitral valve disease, the intake of calcium and vitamin D supplements was associated with higher mortality specifically in patients with aortic stenosis.Figure 1Figure 2

Predictors of long-term outcomes of patients with concomitant moderate aortic and mitral valves diseases: a single tertiary care center experience 2010-2018

Abstract Background To date, moderate concomitant valvular heart diseases have been scarcely studied. This study aimed to further define predictors of long-term outcomes in patients diagnosed with concomitant moderate aortic and mitral valve disease at a tertiary center. Methods In this cohort we included 3257 patients (aged 71.7 ± 12.9 years; 55.2% male; 83.1% white) diagnosed with concomitant moderate aortic and mitral valves diseases who presented to the Cleveland Clinic between 2010 and 2018. The patients’ demographic, clinical and echocardiographic variables were collected. The primary endpoint of the study was the long-term composite outcome defined as heart failure hospitalization or all-cause mortality. We then conducted a univariate and multivariate cox proportional hazard survival analysis for the primary endpoint. Results The patients were followed up for 21.8 months. Baseline demographic characteristics are presented in table 1. Multiple demographic, clinical, and echo variables were evaluated. Using a univariate Cox proportional hazard survival analysis, older Age, history of smoking, Diabetes, Hypertension, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), Atrial Fibrillation (Afib), Dyslipidemia, higher Right Ventricular Systolic Pressure (RVSP), higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, and lower Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) were associated with worse long-term outcomes. Additionally, patients who underwent an aortic (39.1%) or a mitral valve intervention (29.4%) were associated with better long-term outcomes (HR, 0.710, 0.708; respectively). In comparison, on Multivariable Cox analysis, female sex was significantly associated with worse survival (HR of 1.151, p-value=0.019). However, older Age, history of smoking, Diabetes, CKD, higher RVSP, NYHA class 2, 3, and 4, and lower LVEF remained significantly associated with worse long-term (table 2). Aortic valve intervention remained significantly associated with better survival (HR, 0.861, P-value=0.021). Compared to the Aortic Stenosis/ Mitral Stenosis (AS/MS) group, univariate analysis showed that patients in the Aortic Regurgitation/Mitral Regurgitation (AR/MR), and the AR/MS groups were significantly associated with better long term outcomes (HR, 0.738, HR, 0.575; respectively). Conversely, on Multivariate Cox analysis, AR/MR and AS/MR groups were significantly associated with better survival compared to AS/MS group (HR, 0.580, HR, 0.716; respectively). Conclusion In patients diagnosed with concomitant moderate aortic and mitral valve diseases, female sex, older age, history of smoking, diabetes, CKD, RVSP, NYHA class, LVEF and aortic valve intervention are independent predictors of the composite endpoint of heart failure hospitalization or all-cause mortality.Table 1Table 2

Mitral regurgitation decreases over time after successful thoracoscopic ablation, a subanalysis of a prospective cohort study

Abstract Background Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) often present with mitral regurgitation (MR) without significant changes in the morphology of the valve leaflets. Even though these patients are at increased risk of developing and maintaining AF, concomitant mitral valve surgery still exclusively occurs in the setting of severe MR. The interplay between AF and MR is incompletely understood, particularly it has not been established how ablation of AF affects the grade of MR. We hypothesized that successful TA decreases the grade of MR. Purpose We aimed to to explore the course of MR severity after TA in patients with AF. Methods We performed a subanalysis of the MARK-AF registry, a single-arm single-center prospective cohort study on patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF undergoing thoracoscopic pulmonary vein isolation. Those with persistent AF were also treated with a roof and trigone line. All patients within this cohort without a history of morphological MR, prior mitral valve prosthesis and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <30% who underwent TA between January 2016-January 2022 were included. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed 1 month preoperatively and at 6-9 months post-operatively. MR was graded ordinally 1-4 (1:None/Trivial, 2:Mild, 3:Moderate, 4:Severe). Successful TA was defined as absence of ≥1 episodes of AF, atrial flutter or atrial tachycardia lasting >30s on electrocardiogram or 24-hour Holter monitoring after a blanking period of 90 days, which were performed at 3, 6, and 12 months post-operatively. Results Of the 283 patients, 31 were excluded. The remaining 252 patients were on average 64 years old (IQR 49-71), 25% were women, and 75% had persistent AF. The median duration between AF diagnosis and TA was 4 years (IQR 2.2-8.0) and the median left atrial volume index (LAVI) 42.5 ml/m2 (IQR 35.1-50.7). Between baseline and follow-up, the median LAVI decreased from 43.5 (IQR 35-50) to 38.7(IQR 32-47) p<0.001, MR grade improved in 33% of patients by at least one grade, and worsened in 17%. In total, 70% of patients had no AF recurrences during follow-up of 12 months. 34% of patients with a successful TA improved in MR grade during follow-up, versus 26% after a failed TA. Mean MR grade improved after successful TA (2.22 ±1.01 versus 1.60± 1.4 p<0.001). MR improved less in patients with AF recurrence (2.13± 1.1 versus 1.80± 1.38 P=0.016). 40% of the patients with MR worsening had AF recurrence versus 23% in whom MR improved. In multivariable ordinal regression analysis, age <65 years and AF recurrence were negative predictors of MR grade at follow-up (OR 4.45: 95%CI 3.432–5.468 p=0.003and 3.83: 95%CI: 2.750–5.090 p=0.040, respectively). Conclusion Successful TA is associated with more MR grade improvement. More AF recurrence is observed in patients whose MR grade aggravates. Whether MR improvement relates to restoration of sinus rhythm or to a smaller left atrium, remains to be investigated.

Comparing clinical outcomes in bicuspid versus trileaflet aortic valve endocarditis

Abstract Background The incidence of bicuspid aortic valve infective endocarditis (BAV-IE) has been reported at 2% in contemporary BAV cohorts with an estimated risk of developing BAV-IE 11 times that of the general population with a trileaflet aortic valve (TAV). Purpose To characterise BAV-IE from a clinical and microbiological perspective and compare clinical outcomes with a cohort of individuals with trileaflet aortic valve infective endocarditis (TAV-IE). Methods The clinical records of all patients (>16 years old) admitted to a large tertiary referral centre in the United Kingdom between 2015 and 2022 with a definitive diagnosis of native aortic valve IE by Duke’s criteria were included. Clinical, echocardiographic and microbiological data were obtained. The primary outcomes were death or surgical aortic valve intervention during the indexed hospital admission. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of cardiac complications (e.g. aortic root abscess or fistula formation, IE affecting another valve or high degree atrioventricular block requiring temporary or permanent pacing). Extra-cardiac complications included embolic phenomena and thrombotic events. Results 83 patients were included (BAV-IE 34; TAV-IE 49). BAV-IE patients were significantly younger at presentation than TAV-IE patients (Table 1). There was no difference age-adjusted mortality rate between the two groups (mortality rate BAV-IE 0.20 (95% CI 0.08-0.54) versus TAV-IE 0.29 (95% CI 0.17-0.48). The rate of cardiac complications including aortic root abscess or fistula formation, and concomitant mitral valve endocarditis was greater in the BAV group, though not reaching statistical significance. Those in the BAV-IE group were more likely to develop at least moderate aortic regurgitation and have aortic valve intervention during the admission (70.6% (24/34) BAV-IE versus 46.9% (23/49) TAV-IE, p=0.03). Conclusion Despite an estimated prevalence of 1% in the general population, BAV accounted for 41% of all native AV IE cases at our institution. This study demonstrates that even in young, otherwise healthy individuals, BAV-IE has a poor prognosis with a high proportion developing structural complications. Age-adjusted mortality rates are similar to those with TAV-IE, who are often older with more co-morbidities. Though antibiotic prophylaxis is currently only recommended for those at the highest risk, these findings reinforce the importance of mitigating sources of infection in individuals with BAV. Prompt medical attention and treatment of suspected IE cases is of utmost importance as degeneration of a BAV and other cardiac complications, particularly aortic regurgitation, can rapidly develop.

Abstract 16917: Ross Procedure versus Biological Aortic Valve Replacement in Adults in a Single Center Setting: A Propensity Score Matched Comparison

Background: Guidelines suggested alternative for middle-aged adults undergoing aortic valve replacement is mechanical prosthesis, followed by the Ross procedure (Ross). However, increasingly more patients receive a biological prosthesis (bio AVR) even in young adult age. Is this practice justified? Objectives: To compare long-term outcomes in a single center after Ross vs bio AVR. Methods: For this retrospective study, we screened 2624 patients 04/2007 - 03/2020. Out of these, 231 received Ross, and 2393 received bio AVR ± CABG or aortic surgery. Exclusion criteria: emergency surgery and concomitant mitral or tricuspid valve surgery. Using 1:1 propensity score 99 matches were paired. Primary end-point was all-cause mortality. Secondary end-point was composite of death, need for repeat intervention, and stroke (MACCE). Median follow-up was 7.5 years (IQR: 4.4 - 10.6 years). Results: Mean age for Ross was 56.2±6.1, and for bio AVR was 56.2±5.9. Actuarial 10-year survival for Ross was 89.3%, but significantly lower for the bio AVR 57.9%. All-cause mortality was significantly lower after the Ross procedure compared to the bio AVR (log rank p<0.001). The MACCE-free survival was significantly better after the Ross procedure (log rank p<0.001). Conclusion: In middle-aged adults undergoing AVR, the Ross procedure was superior over the conventional bio AVR after 10 years F/U. Bio AVR should therefore be avoided in this patient population every time possible. Overall long-term survival after Ross vs bio AVR: MACCE free survival after Ross vs bio AVR:

Abstract 17855: Improvement of Mitral Valve Regurgitation Severity Following Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

Background: The presence of concomitant mitral valve regurgitation (MR) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is well known, yet the degree of MR improvement after catheter ablation is not well studied. We investigated the effect of catheter ablation on the degree of MR in patients with baseline ≥moderate MR and AF. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed charts of AF catheter ablation patients at Montefiore Medical Center (2018-2019). Patients with prior or subsequent mitral valve surgeries were excluded. Degree of MR, assessed through echocardiograms, was compared at baseline and follow-up. Early follow-up was defined as 6 months post-ablation. Patients were stratified by left atrial size and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to assess the influence of these parameters on MR severity after ablation. Results: A total of 202 patients were included in our analysis with an average age of 64 years. At baseline there were 149 patients (74%) with <moderate MR and 44 patients with ≥moderate MR (22%). There was a statistically significant reduction in the number of patients with ≥moderate MR following ablation both at early and late follow-up (p<0.0001, Figure 1). Our results remained statistically significant after stratification by LVEF (<40% vs ≥ 40%) and LA dimension (<4.5cm vs ≥ 4.5cm) (p<0.001, Figure 2). Conclusions: Catheter ablation of AF improved the degree of MR severity in patients with baseline ≥moderate MR and AF. Our findings were preserved across stratification by left atrial size and LVEF subgroups. Further investigation is necessary to validate our findings.

Left ventricular assist device implantation and concomitant mitral valve surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The management of concomitant valvular lesions in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation remains a topic of debate. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the existing evidence on postoperative outcomes following LVAD implantation, with and without concomitant MV surgery. A systematic database search was conducted as per PRISMA guidelines, of original articles comparing LVAD alone to LVAD plus concomitant MV surgery up to February 2023. The primary outcomes assessed were overall mortality and early mortality, while secondary outcomes included stroke, need for right ventricular assist device (RVAD) implantation, postoperative mitral valve regurgitation, major bleeding, and renal dysfunction. The meta-analysis included 10 studies comprising 32 184 patients. It revealed that concomitant MV surgery during LVAD implantation did not significantly affect overall mortality (OR:0.83; 95% CI: 0.53 to 1.29; p = 0.40), early mortality (OR:1.17; 95% CI: 0.63 to 2.17; p = 0.63), stroke, need for RVAD implantation, postoperative mitral valve regurgitation, major bleeding, or renal dysfunction. These findings suggest that concomitant MV surgery appearsnot to confer additional benefits in terms of these clinical outcomes. Based on the available evidence, concomitant MV surgery during LVAD implantation does not appear to have a significant impact on postoperative outcomes. However, decision-making regarding MV surgery should be individualized, considering patient-specific factors and characteristics. Further research with prospective studies focusing on specific patient populations and newer LVAD devices is warranted to provide more robust evidence and guide clinical practice in the management of valvular lesions in LVAD recipients.

TCT-278 Impact of Mitral Annular Calcification and Concomitant Mitral Valve Disease on Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

TCT-278 Impact of Mitral Annular Calcification and Concomitant Mitral Valve Disease on Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Minimally invasive multi-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting and concomitant mitral valve replacement via bilateral mini-thoracotomy: An alternative to sternotomy

Minimally invasive methods continue to become increasingly common in cardiac surgery. In particular, the utilization of thoracotomy in multi-vessel coronary bypass grafting and valve surgery has accelerated, but sternotomy is still applied in combined pathologies. A 76-year-old male patient underwent multi-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting and mitral valve replacement without sternotomy using bilateral mini-thoracotomy, as the patient was old, frail, and had many comorbid factors. In conclusion, this minimally invasive approach can decrease all postoperative complications, accelerate patient recovery, and achieve good cosmetic results.

Survival and repair durability in patients undergoing concomitant aortic valve reimplantation and mitral valve repair

ObjectiveThe study objective was to determine repair durability and survival in patients with and without connective tissue disorders undergoing concomitant aortic valve reimplantation and mitral valve repair. MethodsFrom 2002 to 2019, 68 patients underwent concomitant aortic valve reimplantation and mitral valve repair, including 27 patients with Marfan syndrome (39.7%). Follow-up echocardiograms were analyzed using nonlinear multiphase mixed-effects cumulative logistic regression. The regurgitation grade over time was estimated by averaging patient-specific profiles. Survival and freedom from reoperation were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. ResultsAt 7 years, 11% of patients had aortic insufficiency greater than mild (severe in 2 patients). There was no difference in greater than mild aortic insufficiency between patients with or without Marfan syndrome (P = .37). Twenty percent of patients had progressed to mitral regurgitation greater than mild (severe in only 1 patient). The prevalence of recurrent mitral regurgitation was higher in those without Marfan syndrome, with greater than mild regurgitation increasing to 24% by 2 years and remaining constant thereafter (P = .04). Freedom from reoperation on the aortic valve or mitral valve was 83% at 10 years and did not differ between Marfan syndrome groups. There were no cases of perioperative mortality. Survival at 5 and 10 years was 94% and 87%, respectively, without a difference between those with and without Marfan syndrome. ConclusionsPatients can undergo a total repair strategy using combined aortic valve reimplantation and mitral valve repair procedures with a low risk of mortality and complications, with favorable freedom from both residual valve regurgitation and reoperation.

Pacemaker implantation following tricuspid valve annuloplasty

ObjectiveTricuspid annuloplasty is associated with increased risk of atrioventricular block and subsequent implantation of a permanent pacemaker. However, the exact incidence of permanent pacemaker, associated risk factors, and outcomes in this frame remain debated. The aim of the study was to report permanent pacemaker incidence, risk factors, and outcomes after tricuspid annuloplasty from nationwide databases. MethodsBy using data from multiple Swedish mandatory national registries, all patients (n = 1502) who underwent tricuspid annuloplasty in Sweden from 2006 to 2020 were identified. Patients who needed permanent pacemaker within 30 days from surgery were compared with those who did not. The cumulative incidence of permanent pacemaker implantation was estimated. A multivariable logistic regression model was fit to identify risk factors of 30-day permanent pacemaker implantation. The association between permanent pacemaker implantation and long-term survival was evaluated with multivariable Cox regression. ResultsThe 30-day permanent pacemaker rate was 14.2% (214/1502). Patients with permanent pacemakers were older (69.8 ± 10.3 years vs 67.5 ± 12.4 years, P = .012). Independent risk factors of permanent pacemaker implantation were concomitant mitral valve surgery (odds ratio, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.34-3.27), ablation surgery (odds ratio, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.12-2.23), and surgery performed in a low-volume center (odds ratio, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.17-2.83). Permanent pacemaker implantation was not associated with increased long-term mortality risk (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.53-1.03). ConclusionsThis nationwide study demonstrated a high risk of permanent pacemaker implantation within 30 days of tricuspid annuloplasty. However, patients who needed a permanent pacemaker did not have worse long-term survival, and the cumulative incidence of heart failure and major adverse cardiovascular events was similar to patients who did not receive a permanent pacemaker.

Health status analysis is comparable in HM3 patients with different preoperative grades of mitral regurgitation

BackgroundThe guidelines for mechanical circulatory support of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation do not recommend the routine replacement or repair of the mitral valve at the time point of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We investigated different parameters of health status including exercise capacity, anxiety and depression after LVAD implantation in patients with different preoperative grades of mitral regurgitation (MR).MethodsA single-center analysis of health status was performed including 45 patients with HeartMate 3 (HM 3) implantation using the 12-items Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS) questionnaires. The study groups were classified according to echocardiographically defined preoperative grade of MR. The group without severe MR comprised 33 patients; the group with severe MR comprised 12 patients.ResultsDemographic and preclinical characteristics as well as LVAD complications such as thrombosis and bleeding events were comparable between LVAD patients with severe and not severe MR (p > 0.05). Severe MR resolved in all patients after LVAD implantation and improved to moderate, mild or no MR in both groups in a period ranging from 6 months until 2 years. The analyses of SF-12 questionnaire revealed that the physical (p = 0.44) and mental health (p = 0.64) was comparable. The grade of anxiety (p = 0.34) and depression (p = 0.44) was comparable between the groups. Exercise capacity measured by the 6 min walk test correlated positively with the SF-12-determined physical health (p < 0.01, r = 0.518) and negatively with the HADS anxiety (p = 0.01, r = −0.399) and depression (p < 0.01, r = −0.570) scores.ConclusionsOur data showed that the health status is comparable in HM 3 patients with different preoperative MR severities in the post-LVAD period. Preoperative severe MR resolves in the majority of patients early after LVAD implantation and is not associated with concomitant mitral valve repair or replacement at the time of LVAD implantation.

Surgical Outcomes of Septal Myectomy With and Without Mitral Valve Surgeries in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: a National Propensity-Matched Analysis (2005 to 2020)

The management of concomitant mitral valve (MV) disease in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) remains controversial. The 2020 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology HCM guidelines recommend that MV replacement (MVR) at the time of myectomy should not be performed for the sole purpose of relieving outflow obstruction. At the national level, limited data exist on the surgical outcomes of MV repair/replacement in patients with HCM who underwent septal myectomy (SM). Hospitalizations of patients with HCM who underwent SM between 2005 and 2020 were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision codes (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision Clinical Modification/ProcedureCoding System). The 3 comparison cohorts were SM alone, MV repair, and MVR with concomitant SM. After propensity matching, 2 cohorts, SM+MVR versus SM+MV repair, were studied for surgical outcomes. Demographic characteristics, baseline co-morbidities, procedural complications, inpatient mortality, length of stay, and cost of hospitalization were compared between the propensity-matched cohorts. A total of 16,797 SM procedures were identified from 2005 to 2020. Among them, 11,470 hospitalizations had SM alone (68.2%), SM+MVR was seen in 3,101 (18.4%), and SM+MV repair comprised 2,226 (13.2%). After propensity matching, the MVR and MV repair formed the matched cohorts of 1,857. There were no significant differences in the odds of cardiogenic shock (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63 to 1.24, p=0.49), mechanical circulatory support requirement (aOR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.90, p=0.015), stroke (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.99, p=0.29), and major bleeding (aOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.79, p=0.0026) between the comparison groups. MVR, compared with MV repair, was associated with a higher risk of procedural mortality (8.02% vs 3.18%, aOR 2.98, 95% CI 2.05 to 4.33, p <0.0001), complete heart block (16.36% vs 12.15%, aOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.12, p <0.0001), and the need for permanent pacemaker (16.39% vs 10.62%, aOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.41 to 2.38, p <0.0001). The total length of hospital stay and median hospitalization cost was higher in the MVR group. SM in HCM concomitant with MVR is associated with higher procedural mortality and in-hospital complication risk. These real-world data support the 2020 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines that in patients who are candidates for surgical myectomy, MVR should not be performed as part of the operative strategy for relieving outflow obstruction in HCM.

Mitral Valve Repair Is Effective When Performed With Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement

BackgroundConcurrent aortic and mitral valve repair presents specific technical challenges to surgeons. Here we evaluate the outcomes of patients undergoing combined valve-sparing aortic root reimplantation and mitral valve repair. MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of patients at our center between 2006 and 2021 who underwent concomitant valve-sparing aortic root replacement and mitral valve repair. Patient characteristics, including preoperative and postoperative valve function, and operative outcomes were analyzed. ResultsBetween 2006 and 2021, 14 patients underwent valve-sparing aortic root replacement with concurrent mitral valve repair. Mean age of the patients at operation was 39 ± 20 years. Almost half of the patients (6/14) had Marfan disease. The primary indication for operation in all patients was aortic root dilation. Preoperatively, all patients (14/14) had moderate to severe mitral regurgitation, and half (7/14) had moderate to severe aortic regurgitation. Patients underwent mitral annuloplasty alone (9/14) or had concurrent leaflet repair (5/14). The median length of intubation was 0 day (interquartile range, 0-1 day), and median length of stay was 7 days (interquartile range, 6-10 days). At average follow-up of 6.8 ± 4.2 years, 13 of 14 patients had none to trace aortic and mitral regurgitation. One patient required reoperation for late recurrence of aortic and mitral regurgitation. There was no early or late cardiovascular mortality. ConclusionsMitral valve repair can be performed safely with excellent short-term and long-term results in selected patients undergoing valve-sparing aortic root reimplantation. For durable bivalvular repair to be achieved, specific technical considerations should be adhered to.

Robotic endoscopic transmitral septal myectomy and concomitant mitral valve repair for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart in which the patient develops left ventricular outflow tract obstruction due to the interaction of the mitral valve and the intraventricular septum. Although septal myectomy remains the gold standard treatment for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, several other approaches have been described in the literature, such as a transaortic, transapical or transmitral approach via a sternotomy. All of these approaches have been shown to produce reliable reduction in left ventricular outflow tract gradients. Robotic-assisted cardiac surgery has recently become a safe and effective alternative approach to a sternotomy for several intracardiac procedures, especially mitral valve repair and, in experienced centres, septal myectomy.

Perceval Sutureless Aortic Bioprosthesis With Concomitant or Previous Mitral Valve Surgery

To investigate the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent an aortic valve replacement (AVR) with a Perceval sutureless bioprosthesis with previous or concomitant mitral valve (MV) surgery.

Predictors and clinical implications of residual mitral regurgitation following left ventricular assist device therapy

BackgroundCorrection of mitral regurgitation (MR) at the time of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation remains controversial. There is conflicting evidence regarding the clinical impact of residual MR, and studies...