Heart Team Discussion Research Articles

Abstract 15772: From Agony to Relief: Overcoming Angina Through Endovascular Coiling of the Left Internal Mammary Artery (LIMA) to Pulmonary Artery (PA) Fistulae- A Case Report

Introduction: LIMA to PA fistulae are a rare complication after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. We present a patient with angina secondary to a steal syndrome from LIMA-PA fistulae, treated with endovascular coiling. Case: The patient is a 49-year-old active male with coronary artery disease, status post CABG at age 46 with a LIMA graft to the left anterior descending artery, radial artery graft to the first obtuse marginal artery, and saphenous venous graft (SVG) to the posterior descending artery. At age 48, he developed angina and underwent stent placement to the distal right coronary artery after the SVG was found to be occluded. Several months later, he reported dyspnea and chest pain on exertion. An exercise nuclear stress test showed abnormal myocardial perfusion in the anteroseptal region, and he was referred for left heart catheterization (LHC). LHC revealed unchanged native coronary disease, patent LIMA, and a network of collateral vessels from the LIMA feeding into the pulmonary vasculature (Figure 1). The collaterals were not seen on LHC 9 months prior. CT coronary angiography confirmed multiple fistulae originating from the superior aspect of the LIMA graft communicating with the PA (Figure 1). After a multidisciplinary, patient-centered, heart team discussion, he underwent successful endovascular coiling of the collateral branches (Figure 2). Discussion: LIMA-PA fistulae is a rare cause of angina and there is a paucity of literature on management. To our knowledge, coil embolization has been described in roughly 10 cases. Here, we present a successful case of endovascular coiling of collateral vessels leading to symptomatic improvement.

Predictors of Residual Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation After Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair.

Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) may persist after a mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) and is associated with worsened clinical outcomes and survival. It is unclear which patients with concomitant mitral regurgitation (MR) and TR will have TR reduction after M-TEER. The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of residual TR after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER). Data were collected from the Northwell TEER registry, a prospectively maintained mandatory database including 4 high-volume transcatheter aortic valve replacement/TEER centers. Transthoracic echocardiograms, both pre-TEER and post-TEER, were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of severe TR after M-TEER. Significant TR reduction was defined as a reduction in TR grade by at least 1+ with moderate (2+) or less TR at 1 month. Of the 479 patients who underwent M-TEER, 107 patients with concomitant severe MR/TR were included. Successful MR reduction occurred in 89 patients (84%) and a significant TR reduction in 45 (42%). On the univariate analysis, the only predictors of severe residual TR were right atrial area and unsuccessful M-TEER. On the multivariate logistic regression model, the only predictor variable for patients with a reduction in TR was MR reduction of ≥3+ with M-TEER. In patients with concomitant severe MR and TR, TR reduction after isolated M-TEER occurs in only ∼40% of patients. MR grade reduction ≥3+ was the only independent predictor for TR reduction. Other clinical and echocardiographic variables (including pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular function, tricuspid annular dilation, atrial fibrillation, and presence of a cardiac implantable electrical device) were not associated with residual TR. Inability to predict TR reduction after M-TEER highlights the importance of establishing transcatheter tricuspid valve therapies and should factor in heart-team discussions.

Is There a Role for Alcohol Septal Ablation in Young Patients with Medically Refractory Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy?

Surgical myectomy is recommended for symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) after optimal pharmacological therapy. Percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) is reserved for high-risk adults. Symptomatic patients below 25years underwent either surgery or PTSMA after heart-team discussion and informed consent. Echocardiography assessed gradients in surgical group. PTSMA group underwent invasive transseptal hemodynamic assessment, selective coronary angiography and super-selective cannulation of septal perforators using microcatheters. Contrast echocardiography through the microcatheter identified the myocardial target for PTSMA. Hemodynamic and electrocardiographic monitoring guided alcohol injection. Both groups were continued on beta-blockers. Symptoms, echocardiographic gradients and Brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) measurements were assessed on follow-up. Twelve patients aged 5-23years (11-98kg) formed the study group. Indications for PTSMA in 8 patients included abnormal mitral valve anatomy warranting replacement (n = 3), Jehovah's witness (n = 2), severe neurodevelopmental and growth retardation (n = 1) and refusal of surgery (n = 2). PTSMA targeted first perforator (n = 5), second perforator (n = 2) and anomalous septal artery from left main trunk (n = 1). Outflow gradient reduced from 92.5 ± 19.7 to 33.1 ± 13.5mmHg. At a median follow-up of 38months (range 3-120weeks), the peak instantaneous echocardiographic gradient was 32 ± 16.5mmHg. Gradient reduced in four surgical patients from 86.5 ± 16.3mmHg to 42 ± 14.7mm Hg. All patients were in NYHA class I/II on follow-up. The mean NTproBNP in PTSMA group reduced from 6084 ± 3628pg/ml to 3081 ± 2019pg/ml; it was 1396 and 1795pg/ml in surgery. PTSMA may be considered in medically refractory high-risk young patients. It relieves symptoms and reduces gradient. Though surgery is preferred in young patients, PTSMA may have a role in selected patients.

Methods for assessing guideline adherence for invasive procedures in the care of chronic coronary artery disease: a scoping review

ObjectivesIn the care of coronary artery disease (CAD), evidence questions the adequate application of guidelines for cardiovascular procedures, particularly coronary angiographies (CA) and myocardial revascularisation. This review aims to examine...

110 ANEURYSMECTOMY AND SURGICAL ABLATION: WHEN?

Abstract A 60-year-old man with a previous myocardial infarction was admitted to our ICU for acute pulmonary edema in the context of an acute antero-lateral non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. Echocardiography showed severe left ventricular (LV) dilatation with extensive wall motion abnormalities, large apical aneurysm and severe systolic dysfunction. Coronary angiography showed a triple-vessel disease with proximal occlusion of the left anterior descending artery. During the hospitalization, multiple episodes of drug-resistant monomorphic ventricular tachycardias occurred, requiring repeated DC Shock. After Heart Team discussion, the patient underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, LV restoration according to the procedure described by Guilmet and surgical cryoablation. The Guilmet septoexclusion is indicated when the interventricular septum is more involved than the free wall. After aneurysm incision, cryolesions were applied at the septum and at the transitional zone of the scar and viable tissue. Thus, the anterior free wall was sewn obliquely to the septum. Finally, the edges of the incision, anterior and septal, were sewn together to assure a definitive hemostasis (overcoat technique). After surgery, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was implanted in secondary prevention. The postoperative course and subsequent cardiological follow-up were characterized by a gradual clinical improvement with mild increasing in LV function and reduction in ventricular arrhythmias. Nowadays, combined aneurysmectomy and endocardial ablation are rarely performed, but should be considered in patients with LV aneurysm who manifest drug-resistant ventricular arrhythmias. Encircling cryoablation in a remodelled ventricle is safe and effective in reducing ventricular arrhythmias which are a negative prognostic factor.

405 A NATURAL HISTORY OF VERY LONG-TERM BIORESORBABLE ATHEROSCLEROTIC RESTORATION THERAPY

Abstract A 49-year-old man was referred to our cath-lab in 2015 after the detection of inducible ischaemia in the infero-lateral wall on single-photon emission CT performed due to a worsening stable angina. His cardiovascular risk factors accounted for family history of ischemic disease, high blood pressure and dyslipidaemia. The echocardiography highlighted a mildly reduced left ventricular function with infero-lateral wall hypokinesia. Coronary angiography revealed a chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the left circumflex artery (LCX) and a long diffuse severe disease of the right coronary artery (RCA). The left anterior descending artery (LAD) showed a diffuse atherosclerotic involvement without critical stenoses. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed after Heart Team discussion with implantation of two 3.5×28mm and 3.5×23mm Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) on the RCA. Moreover, the LCX CTO was successfully treated by anterograde approach with implantation of a 3.0×28 mm Absorb BVS. Intravascular ultrasound confirmed the optimal result of both the interventions, while confirmed the long diffuse calcific involvement of the LAD with a thick cap calcific fibroatheroma at the virtual histology. The patient was discharged on dual antiplatelet therapy for twelve months. After five uneventful years, he was readmitted to our department for recurrence of worsening stable angina. At the coronary angiography a significant progression of the proximal LAD disease was noted. The lesion was judged hemodynamic relevant with pressure derived indices (instantaneous wave-free ratio 0.86; fractional flow reserve 0.70). The IVUS and optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis confirmed the significant progression of the disease with a long, diffuse, sub-occlusive thick cap fibroatheroma stenosis (minimal lumen area 1.9 mm2; plaque burden 91%). The OCT analysis showed the complete resorption of the devices previously implanted to the RCA and the LCX, with optimal long-term results and positive remodelling in the LCX. Therefore, an OCT-guided PCI with marker-to-marker implantation of two 3.5×25 and 3×20 mm magnesium-based Magmaris BVS was performed. In 2022, the patient underwent an elective coronary angiography that demonstrated a complete resorption of both the Magmaris with an optimal OCT result. Conversely, the positive remodelled segment resulting from complete resorption of the poly-L-lactic-based BVS in the mid-LCX was shown to be progressed to a critical sub-occlusive fibroatheroma. A further OCT-guided PCI with deployment one 3.5×20mm Magmaris BVS was performed. Six months later, patient was asymptomatic with a good performance status. To the best of our knowledge, the present is the first case of multivessel repetitive imaging-based percutaneous revascularizations with the use of two different BVS technologies and a total of six devices implanted, with very long-term intracoronary imaging result. Through the paired intravascular imaging analysis, this case sought to provide insightful findings on vulnerable plaque atherosclerotic progression and on BVS biologic restoration therapy, a process that appears particularly appealing in young patients with advanced CAD, namely multivessel involvement and diffuse disease that still poses limitations to PCI.

254 DIFFERENT DEGREES OF DEGENERATION OF TRANSCATHETER VALVES IMPLANTED IN THE AORTIC POSITION OR EMBOLIZED DISTALLY: A CASE REPORT

Abstract While transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) gradually emerges as first line therapy for aortic disease in most surgical risk groups, structural prosthetic degeneration remains an issue that may must be considered when planning procedures in younger patients. We present the case of a 74 years old female who underwent a valve-in-valve TAVR following degeneration of a previously implanted TAVR which had initially been complicated by distal embolization of two prosthetic valves. The patient initially underwent TAVR in 2010 for severe aortic regurgitation and a porcelain aorta. The procedure was complicated by distal embolization of two prosthetic valves; firstly a 26 mm Sapien valve migrated to the pre-renal abdominal aorta. This was followed by the embolization of a 29 mm CoreValve to the descending thoracic aorta. Finally, on the third attempt, a 29 mm CoreValve was successfully implanted without complication. The patient remained clinically stable until February 2022 when she developed progressively worsening effort angina and dyspnea. Echocardiographic evaluation demonstrated prosthetic aortic valve degeneration with cusp fibrosis and calcification, with severe aortic regurgitation. Interestingly, neither of the embolized prosthetic valves showed signs of deterioration on CT imaging. The valve that had migrated to the abdominal aorta did not show any significant increase in gradient or regurgitation on Doppler evaluation. After careful evaluation and Heart Team discussion, a transfemoral valve-in-valve (ViV) procedure was performed uneventfully with a 23 mm Sapien Ultra implant, that resulted in complete abolition of regurgitation with mild prosthesis-patient mismatch (mean gradient 15 mmHg, EOA 0.8 cm2/m2). Post-procedural CT imaging confirmed a satisfactory result with no signs of dislocation of the previous valve prostheses (Figure 3). The patient was safely discharged on day 4 post-op on oral anticoagulation (due to a history of atrial fibrillation), and was asymptomatic at 30-day follow-up. This case report describes a challenging but successful ViV TAVR implantation.

366 RIGHT HEART FAILURE IN CARCINOID HEART DISEASE: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH

Abstract Introduction Carcinoid heart disease occurs in more than 50% of patients with neuroendocrine gastrointestinal tumors, and it is the initial presentation of carcinoid syndrome in up to 20% of patients. The disease is characterized by pathognomonic plaque-like deposits of fibrous tissue in the endocardium of valvular cusps, cardiac chambers, and occasionally, the intima of the pulmonary arteries or aorta. The tricuspid and the pulmonary valve are most often affected by carcinoid disease, with several combinations of valve dysfunction (usually pulmonic stenosis + tricuspid regurgitation). Valvular dysfunction can lead to peripheral edema, ascites and right-sided heart failure, extreme cases may present with low cardiac output syndrome. Valve surgery may relieve symptoms and it should be considered in patients with controlled neoplasia. Case report a 47-years-old man with a history of operated neuroendocrine gastrointestinal tumor (ileal resection+right hemicolectomy+mesenteric lymphadenectomy) was admitted to our department for right heart failure. His clinical examination was remarkable for ankle swelling, flushing, liver congestion, ascites; moreover the patient reported progressive compromise of functional capacity and weight loss due to anorexia. Laboratory findings were in the normal range except for BNP 184 pg/ml (UNL <100 pg/dl). ECG: sinus rhythm 80 bpm, diffuse repolarization abnomarlities. Transthoracic echocardiography showed: severe right chambers remodeling with RV+RA dilatation associated with systo-diastolic septal bulge (pressure + volume overload), torrential tricuspid regurgitation (secondary to fibrotic retraction of valve leaflets and severe coaptation deficiency with apical tethering), moderate-to-severe pulmonic regurgitation associated with valve stenosis; on the left side: mitral and aortic valves were normal, there was mild reduction of left ventricle ejection fraction secondary to ventricular interdipendence. The patient was discussed in Heart Team: right sided valves were both considered responsible for patient's symptoms, so he was scheduled for surgical intervention after achieving adeguate haemodinamic stability. Pre-surgery right catetherization showed normal pulmonary pressures. Coronary arteries were normal. Before, during and after surgery he was treated with octreotide to reduce the risk of Carcinoid Crisis in the perioperative period. The patient underwent surgical replacement of tricuspid and pulmonary valves with biological prosthesis Mosaic n°33 and Avalus n°23 respectively. Histological examination of the valves showed extensive deposits of fibrous tissue in the valvular endocardium. Post-surgical hospital stay was uneventful, the patient was discharged 14 days after surgery on normal sinus rhythm and in good clinical conditions. In order to prevent thromboembolic events anticoagulant therapy with Warfarin was introduced. Conclusion this is the report of a rare cardiac condition responsible for right heart failure symptoms. Heart Team discussion and multidisciplinary approach involving surgeons and oncologist are mandatory in order to establish the best treatment strategy and timing for interventions. However, since this is a rare condition, more evidence is needed to better understand long term clinical outcomes and treatment options (including future percutaneous perspectives).

322 TRICUSPID VALVE REGURGITATION AFTER TRANSVENOUS LEAD EXTRACTION: WE NEED TO KNOW MORE

Abstract Since 2003 a 73-year-old man was submitted to a pacemaker implantation because of atrio-ventricular block. After fourteen years, upgrading to CRT-D was made due to recovery for acute heart failure in a dilated cardiomyopathy with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. In 2019 and 2020 he presented pocket erosion therefore underwent to a submuscular reimplantation. After one year, he came to Arrhythmology outpatient appointment with inflammatory signs of the CRT-D pocket. The patient was started on Meropenem and Vancomicin. Transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiogram didn't reveal any vegetation on valvular apparatus or on leads. The patient was submitted to transvenous lead extraction (TLE) with bidirectional rotational mechanical sheats and a epicardial lead on postero-lateral left ventricular wall was implanted. The post-procedural TTE showed a moderate to severe organic tricuspid valve regurgitation with annular dilatation despite the patient was asymptomatic. There weren't flail leaflets or tricuspid valve damage. The reimplantation of right atrial and ventricular leads was hindered by complex venous anatomy documented by intraprocedural phlebography. After Heart Team discussion, we agreed to tricuspid valve repair with annuloplasty ring and other two epicardial leads - right atrial and ventricular - was implanted. We achieve a successful result without complications. The patients was discharged without symptoms; the device interrogation showed good assessment of lead impedances, sensing thresholds, and capture thresholds. Conclusion The mechanisms of tricuspid valve regurgitation following TLE are complex. There isn't a standardized best practice to approach this phenomenon. It's important after TLE to assess tricuspid valve structure and function with TTE in order to understand the incidence of underlying potential mechanism and how to prevent it. Complex venous anatomy could direct the choice toward epicardial leads implantation.

683 TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE!

Abstract Patients suffering from atrial fibrillation (AF) and severe aortic stenosis thus undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have a worse prognosis than those in sinus rhythm. One of the reasons of this is related to the augmented bleeding risk associated with oral anticoagulation (OAC). Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) represents a therapeutic choice to avoid this drug intake and to reduce this kind of adverse outcome. So, a combined procedure of TAVI and LAAO could be an option for TAVI candidates with AF to omit the need for OAC. The clinical case concerns an 85-year-old man with hypertension and dyslipidemia with a history of recent syncope and permanent atrial fibrillation in therapy with antithrombotic drug. Brain MRI performed during hospitalization showed numerous hemosiderin deposits with microhemorrhagic foci thus contraindicating oral anticoagulation. Severe aortic stenosis has also been found to the transthoracic echocardiogram with a mean gradient of 35 mmHg and confirmed by transesophageal echocardiogram with a planimetric area of 0.8 sq.cm. Furthermore, given the finding of significative left circumflex artery disease, after Heart Team discussion and the execution of CT scan that demonstrated the feasibility of transcatheter approach, it was decided to perform in a single session percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) plus TAVI plus left atrial appendage closure (LAAO). This kind of approach allowed a quick recovery to the patient after a short period of hospitalization. After six months from interventional procedure his NYHA (New York Heart Association Functional Classification) status improved abutting on I/II class. As described above, it can be deduced that combined approach (TAVI+LAAO) is feasible for certain kind of patients thus avoiding surgical approach and long hospitalization. Furthermore, multimodality imaging is of critical importance to plan a complex procedure and an accurate step-by-step pre-procedural strategical planning is the key for procedural success.

672 TRANSCATHETER VS SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR PERCEVAL DEGENERATION: TAILORED STRATEGY FROM THE HEART TEAM

Abstract Transcatheter treatment of degenerated aortic bioprostheses is nowadays a well-established option (Valve-in-vale, ViV); however, some patients may pose some specific challenges. Perceval® is a sutureless, stent-mounted, aortic valve bioprosthesis that can be placed with a less invasive surgical technique. Its nitinol self-expandable stent frame is a bulky structure that anchors to the aortic annulus without the need of continuous suture, thus reducing aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass time. Performing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in Perceval® may be associated with increased risk of coronary obstruction, impaired coronary access and increased post-procedural gradients. Here we present the cases of two patients with Perceval® degeneration that have been treated with two different tailored approaches following a dedicated Heart Team evaluation. R.M. is a 74-year-old, very low-weight, woman with a history of diabetes, severe COPD, 3b stage CKD, rheumatoid arthritis and previous carotid surgery. She underwent surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) with Perceval® “S” bioprosthesis for severe aortic stenosis in 2016. After five years she was diagnosed with severe symptomatic degeneration of the aortic prosthesis (mean gradient 45 mmHg, NYHA class III). The patient was therefore discussed by the Heart Team and scheduled for percutaneous treatment. A ViV with a self-expandable Medtronic 23 mm Evolut™ R bioprosthesis was successfully performed. Hospital stay was uneventful and the patient was discharged on 6th post-operative day in good clinical conditions and good functional class. S.R. is a 70-year-old active smoker woman with a history of previous hemicolectomy for cancer that underwent SAVR in ministernotomy for severe aortic stenosis with Perceval® “L” in 2015. In 2016 she underwent PCI + DES implantation on OM of LCX for an acute coronary syndrome. In 2022 she was diagnosed with severe symptomatic degeneration of the bioprosthesis (mean gradient 40 mmHg, NYHA class II). The patient was referred to Heart Team discussion and scheduled for surgical reintervention. She underwent successful surgery with implantation of a Medtronic Avalus™ 23 mm bioprosthesis, followed by regular rehabilitation. In the first case the severe comorbidities and frailty made the surgical risk almost prohibitive for reintervention (STS-M 9,23%, STS-MM 23,7%, Euroscore II 6,18%). Moreover, there was very little concern about the risk of impaired coronary access afterwards. The second patient, instead, had an acceptable risk for surgery (STS-M 2,2%, STS-MM 10,6%, Euroscore II 4.45%); there was also a significant concern about the risk of impaired coronary access in case of ViV, since she already had a history of percutaneous coronary revascularization. Furthermore, from a lifetime management point of view it is possible to hypothesize easier future reintervention with a TAVR in SAVR instead of a complex TAVR in TAVR in SAVR. Thus, although ViV was technically feasible in both cases with predictable good short-term outcomes, we decided for opposite treatments by looking at individualized long-term needs. In Conclusion the choice between surgical and transcatheter intervention must be based not only on careful evaluation of clinical, anatomical and procedural characteristics but also on future perspectives, especially in patients with longer life expectancy.

One stone hits two birds: transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and severe mitral regurgitation.

A 68-year-old woman presented with dyspnoea on exertion and intermittent palpitation followed by near fainting. The transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed asymmetric myocardial hypertrophy with an interventricular septal wall thickness of 15.2 mm at diastole, and elongated anterior leaflet (Panel B) with systolic anterior motion (SAM; Panels A and C, right). Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction with a peak flow velocity (Vp) of 5.18 m/s and a peak pressure gradient (PPG) of 107 mmHg (Panel D) and severe eccentric mitral regurgitation (MR) were observed (Panel E). The transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) showed MR mostly originated from A2 and A3 (Panel F). The patient was finally diagnosed as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). After the Heart Team discussion and share decision-making, the patient then received transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair (TEER) with MitraClip system and a single XTR clip. The intraoperative TEE displayed residual trace MR (Panel J and TTE Panel I), abolishment of SAM phenomenon (Panel G, right), and an LVOT Vp of 1.84 m/s and PPG of 13 mmHg (Panel H). After the procedure, the left ventricular global longitudinal strain and circumferential strain also increased (pre-operation Panel C, left; post-operation Panel G, left). The patient got rid of prior symptoms immediately after the procedure, and she was then safely discharged home within a week.

Abstract 13800: Five-Year All-Cause Mortality in the Contemporary Coronary Artery Disease Patients Who Would Be Eligible for ISCHEMIA Trial

Introduction: Landmark ISCHEMIA (ISCH) trial provided unique information, but the generalizability of its results into myocardial revascularization guidelines and practice has been met by unprecedented debate. Hypothesis: We aimed to compare the 5 year all-cause mortality (5y Mt) in our ISCH trial like patients (pts) with results in ISCH. Methods: After applying ISCH study inclusion/exclusion criteria we identified 854 pts from our prospective database of 2455 consecutive pts who had the first isolated CABG in 2012-2015 with complex CAD with 100% follow up (F-up) of 5y Mt. Results: Comparative characteristics of ISCH like and actual ISCH pts are presented in Table 1. Аll our pts underwent CABG, contrary to ISCH where CABG and PCI were used in 538 and 1532 pts, consecutively. Although in ISCH pts had high diversity of ethnicity, were older, had more DM2 (but less insulin dependent), and had previous PCI or CABG in 25%, our pts were strikingly sicker (lower LVEF, higher proportion of 3VD and proximal LAD, higher NYHA as well as more comorbidities) 5-year mortality was 8.9% compared to 9% in the Invasive arm of ISCH. Of note 48 h mortality from MI type 5 (post CABG) was 1.67% in ISCH, and 30-day Mt in our study was 1.30%, with complete revascularization in 95%. As expected by the disease severity treated by CABG early Mt was higher in our than ISCH pts (Figure 1). Conclusion: The present study findings outline that translation of results from the ISCHEMIA trial with practice-changing implications into recommendations for a local Heart Team discussion to advise the best treatment decision for patients with more complex forms of CAD is uncertain and requires further research activities.

Emergent Off-Label TAVR for Native Aortic Valve Endocarditis.

A 76-year-old-male transferred to our center with severe breathlessness (New York Heart Association class III-IV). He was afebrile, hypoxic, and tachycardic with a wide pulse-pressure. Chest auscultation revealed a systolic and early diastolic murmur. Two weeks prior to admission, he reported severe cellulitis treated with intravenous antibiotics. Transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated severe aortic valve (AoV) stenosis and evidence of AoV disruption with mobile vegetations and severe aortic regurgitation (AR) in keeping with plausible infectious endocarditis (IE). Following 3 sets of blood cultures, we treated the patient with intravenous antibiotics and diuretics. Blood cultures were negative, likely due to previous antibiotics treatment. Due to the acute decompensation, he underwent early heart team discussion with a view to urgent surgical AoV replacement. This case example suggests that TAVR with cerebral protection might be a safe treatment option in inoperable patients with AoV IE.

Surgical extraction of cardiac implantable electronic device leads based on a heart team approach

BackgroundAs cardiac implantable electronic devices, such as pacemakers, cardioverter defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapies, have become more popular, device extraction has become more frequent. At our institution, individual treatment strategies are discussed at a heart team meeting. Transvenous lead extraction (TVLE) is a first-line treatment; however, surgical lead extraction (SLE) is sometimes selected as a primary choice to provide optimal treatment and maintain the medical safety policy. This study aimed to investigate the validity of this heart team decision-making. MethodsFrom 2013 to 2021, 384 consecutive patients underwent lead extraction at our institution. ResultsSLE was proposed as the primary intervention for 21 patients who had high risk of bleeding, difficult TVLE conditions, large vegetations, and other concomitant cardiac diseases. Of the 363 TVLE patients, 10 patients required surgical intervention; 5 had TVLE difficulty followed by SLE and 5 had excessive bleeding. SLE was performed in 26 patients, 19 of whom required valve surgery, and 8 required plication of the great veins. In 4 of the 17 hybrid procedures with SLE and TVLE, excessive bleeding occurred due to laceration of the superior vena cava and innominate vein. Operative mortality was not observed in SLE patients but was observed in 1 of the 4 TVLE patients who required emergent open-chest hemostasis. ConclusionsThe heart team discussion was essential to provide optimal treatment and maintain medical safety policies for each patient. SLE should be selected for patients with high risk of TVLE or other cardiac complications such as tricuspid valve incompetence.

CAD in kidney transplant recipients: a real-world assessment pre-ISCHEMIA-CKD

Abstract Background The ISCHEMIA-CKD trial has shown that an initial invasive strategy, as compared to conservative treatment, did not reduce the risk of death and non-fatal myocardial infarction, nor did it improve quality-of-life in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) with moderate-to-severe ischemia. Similar findings were reported in patients with CKD enlisted for kidney transplantation (KT). We aimed to evaluate screening and treatment CAD strategies in patients who ultimately underwent KT at our center. Methods This is a single-center study of consecutive patients who received a KT from 2015 to 2020. Obstructive CAD was defined whenever one of the following criteria was met: lesion with a stenosis >70% (or >50%, if left main disease) or CAD requiring revascularization, as per the Heart Team discussion. CAD evaluation refers to non-invasive or invasive coronary angiography and/or stress testing, irrespective of clinical scenario. Results A total of 324 patients underwent KT [mean age 55±12 years; 65.1% male; CKD most often due to hypertensive or diabetic nephropathy and polycystic kidney disease – 41.8%; median time from renal replacement therapy (RRT) to KT – 60 (40–88) months]. A flow-chart summarizing CAD diagnosis over time is depicted in Figure 1. Overall, 119 (36.7%) patients had CAD evaluation prior to KT, of whom 21 underwent myocardial revascularization – 8, 12 and 1 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and silent ischaemia, respectively. At a median time of 46 (25–66) months after KT, 36 (11.1%) more patients had CAD evaluation, of whom 8 underwent percutaneous myocardial revascularization – 6 and 2 for ACS and CCS, respectively. Those with obstructive CAD were older (64 vs 54 years-old; p<0.001), with a higher burden of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors (p<0.001) and more likely to have had a CV death (9.5 vs. 1.0%; p=0.025) or CV hospitalization (38.1 vs. 13.4%; p=0.007). CAD status (revascularized vs. non-revascularized) was not associated with improved major outcomes at follow-up. We found no strong predictors of CAD requiring revascularization post-KT, including time from RRT to KT. There were no patients with refractory angina, left main disease or reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (<40%) in need of myocardial revascularization over follow-up. Conclusions Obstructive CAD was uncommon in our cohort of patients who received a KT, most of whom with asymptomatic or mildly (monthly angina) symptomatic CCS or non-fatal ACS. These findings, together with the most recent evidence, may argue against routine CAD screening in all patients being enlisted for KT. Notwithstanding, randomized evidence is eagerly awaited to further guide treatment decisions in the post-ISCHEMIA-CKD era. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Impact of bifurcation lesion on 10-year mortality in the SYNTAX trial

Abstract Background Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of bifurcation lesions is associated with higher rates of adverse events, and currently it is unclear whether PCI or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the safer treatment for these patients at very long-term follow up. Objectives To investigate the impact of bifurcation lesions on observed all-cause 10-year mortality in the SYNTAX trial. Methods In the SYNTAX Extended Survival study, 10-year observed mortality was compared among four groups: (a) presence of ≥1 bifurcation lesion and treatment with PCI (n=649), (b) no bifurcation lesion and treatment with PCI (n=248), (c) presence of ≥1 bifurcation lesion and treatment with CABG (n=651), and (d) no bifurcation lesion and treatment with CABG (n=239). Results Compared to patients without bifurcations, those with bifurcation lesion(s) treated with PCI had a significantly higher risk of all-cause death (19.8% vs 30.1%; HR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.12 to 2.14; p=0.007), whereas following CABG, mortality was similar in patients with or without bifurcation lesion(s) (23.3% vs 23.0%; HR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.59 to 1.12; p=0.207). (Figure1) There was a significant interaction between bifurcation lesion(s) and treatment arm (p for interaction=0.006). In PCI patients, at 5-years there was no significant difference in mortality between 1- vs 2-stent techniques, whereas at 10-years, a 2-stent technique was associated with higher mortality (33.3% vs 25.9%; HR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.14; p=0.021, Figure2). Conclusions Bifurcation lesion(s) require special attention from the heart team discussion, considering the higher 10-year all-cause mortality associated with PCI. Careful evaluation of bifurcation lesion complexity may be helpful in decision-making. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): The SYNTAX Extended Survival study was supported by the German Foundation of Heart Research (Frankfurt am Main, Germany). The SYNTAX trial, during 0-5 years follow-up, was funded by Boston Scientific Corporation (Marlborough, MA, USA). Both sponsors had no role in the study design, data collection, data analyses, and interpretation of the study data, nor were involved in the decision to publish the final manuscript. The principal investigators and authors had complete scientific freedom.

Outcome after percutaneous coronary intervention with contemporary stents in patients with concomitant peripheral arterial disease: A patient-level pooled analysis of four randomized trials

Background and aimsA considerable number of patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) also have peripheral arterial disease (PAD) – a signal of more advanced atherosclerosis. After bare metal and early-generation drug-eluting coronary stent implantation, PAD patients showed inferior outcome. As stents and medical treatment were further improved, we aimed to assess the impact of PAD on outcome of PCI with contemporary new-generation stents. MethodsWe analyzed 3-year pooled patient-level data from 4 large-scale randomized new-generation stent trials to compare all-comer patients with and without (core lab-verified) history of symptomatic PAD, defined as obstructive lesions in peripheral locations including lower and upper extremities, carotid, vertebral, mesenteric and renal arteries. Main endpoint was target vessel failure: cardiac death, target vessel-related myocardial infarction, or clinically indicated target vessel revascularization. ResultsOf all 9204 patients, 695 (7.6%) had a history of symptomatic PAD. They were older and had more often diabetes, renal failure, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and prior stroke. PAD was an independent risk factor for target vessel failure (adjusted-HR:1.42, 95%-CI:1.12–1.73, p = 0.001). Target vessel revascularization (adjusted-HR:1.37, 95%-CI:1.04–1.80, p = 0.026), death (adjusted-HR:1.52, 95%-CI:1.17–1.99, p = 0.002), and major adverse cardiovascular event risks (adjusted-HR:1.36, 95%-CI:1.13–1.64, p = 0.001) were also substantially higher. ConclusionsA history of symptomatic PAD still allows to simply identify patients with increased risk of unfavorable clinical outcome after PCI, including a higher risk of repeated coronary revascularization, despite using contemporary stents. In clinical practice, this knowledge about higher event risks of PAD patients is helpful both during Heart Team discussions and when informing patients about the procedural risk.

Cardiac Surgery 2021 Reviewed

PubMed displayed more than 35,000 hits for the search term "cardiac surgery AND 2021." We used the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) approach and selected relevant publications for a results-oriented summary. As in recent years, we reviewed the fields of coronary and conventional valve surgery and their overlap with their interventional alternatives. COVID reduced cardiac surgical activity around the world. In the coronary field, the FAME 3 trial dominated publications by practically repeating SYNTAX, but with modern stents and fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). PCI was again unable to achieve non-inferiority compared with coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) in patients with triple-vessel disease. Survival advantages of CABG over PCI could be linked to a reduction in myocardial infarctions and current terminology was criticized because the term "myocardial revascularization" is not precise and does not reflect the infarct-preventing collateralization effect of CABG. In structural heart disease, new guidelines were published, providing upgrades of interventional treatments of both aortic and mitral valve disease. While for aortic stenosis, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) received a primary recommendation in older and high-risk patients; recommendations for transcatheter mitral edge-to-edge treatment were upgraded for patients considered inappropriate for surgery. For heart team discussions it is important to know that classic aortic valve replacement currently provides strong signals (from registry and randomized evidence) for a survival advantage over TAVI after 5 years. This article summarizes publications perceived as important by us. It can neither be complete nor free of individual interpretation, but provides up-to-date information for decision-making and patient information.

PO-717-05 PROPHYLACTIC AND PREVENTIVE RADIOFREQUENCY SEPTAL ABLATION TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF LEFT VENTRICULAR OUTFLOW TRACT OBSTRUCTION POST-MITRAL VALVE REPLACEMENT

The patients who have severe mitral annulus calcification leading severe mitral stenosis often are eldery and have comorbidities which increase surgical risk of stroke, embolization, and bleeding complications. Radiofrequency ablation is another prophylactic and preventive option for reducing the possibility of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) post-mitral valve replacement patients who are not suitable for surgical myomectomy or alcohol septal ablation. N/A We report on a 78-year-old woman with a history of symptomatic severe mitral valve stenosis with a mean gradient of 20 mmHg. She was not a surgical candidate for mitral valve and preparing for a valve-in-valve percutaneous mitral valve replacement. Computer tomography revealed left ventricular septal bulge appeared to have a significant LVOTO post-valve replacement. However she was not a candidate for surgical myomectomy due to her age and comorbidities, and she also had no anatomical option to consider for alcohol septal ablation. Heart team discussion decided to do radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to reduce the possibility of LVOTO post-valve replacement. RFA was performed in the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) using an irrigated-tip ablation catheter; the target site was identified along the LV septal hypertrophy using intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) and electroanatomical CARTO mapping. ICE demonstrated thinning of the ablated regions. The LV electrograms were noted during ablation and the size was decreasing from 0.63 mV to 0.15 mV. After RFA, she underwent minimally invasive open left-atrial transcatheter mitral valve replacement-in-MAC via right minithoracotomy with a 29-mm Edwards Sapien 3 bioprosthetic valve. Transthoracic echocardiography after surgery showed normal left ventricular systolic function with a mean mitral valve pressure gradient of 5.63 mmHg and no paravalvular leakage. The LVOT resting gradient of 17 mmHg. LVOTO could be one of the complications after valve replacement. Radiofrequency septal ablation is a novel prophylactic and preventive procedure in reducing the possibility of the left ventricular outflow tract obstruction post-mitral valve replacement and decreasing the risk of morbid and mortality.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)