Left-sided Valve Surgery Research Articles

The Spillover Effects of Quality Improvement Beyond Target Populations in Mechanical Ventilation.

Before-during-and-after implementation interrupted time series analysis to assess the effect of the intervention between coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery patients (included) and left-sided valve surgery patients (excluded). Academic medical center. Patients undergoing CABG and left-sided valve procedures were analyzed. A postoperative mechanical ventilation quality improvement program was developed for patients undergoing CABG. Patients undergoing CABG had a median mechanical ventilation time of 11 hours during P0 ("before" phase) and 6.22 hours during P2 ("after" phase; p < 0.001). A spillover effect was observed because mechanical ventilation times also decreased from 10 hours during P0 to 6 hours during P2 among valve patients who were excluded from the protocol (p < 0.001). The interrupted time series analysis demonstrated a significant level of change for ventilation time from P0 to P2 for both CABG (p < 0.0001) and valve patients (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the slope of change between the CABG and valve patient populations across time cohorts (P0 vs P1 [p = 0.8809]; P1 vs P2 [p = 0.3834]; P0 vs P2 [p = 0.7672]), which suggests that the rate of change in mechanical ventilation times was similar between included and excluded patients. Decreased mechanical ventilation times for patients who were not included in a protocol suggests a spillover effect of quality improvement and demonstrates that quality improvement can have benefits beyond a target population.

The Role of Substance Abuse on Outcomes and Readmission for Left-Sided Heart Valve Surgery in Endocarditis in the US

The Role of Substance Abuse on Outcomes and Readmission for Left-Sided Heart Valve Surgery in Endocarditis in the US

Tricuspid regurgitation: frequency, management and outcome among patients with severe left-sided valvular heart disease in Europe. Insights from the ESC-EORP valvular heart disease II survey

Abstract Background Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is frequent among patients with severe left-sided valvular heart disease (LS-VHD). Objectives This study sought to assess TR frequency, management and outcome in this population. Methods Among 6883 patients with severe LS-VHD or previous valvular intervention in the EURObservational Research Programme prospective VHD II survey, we analyzed frequency and grade of TR according to LS-VHD, and 6-month survival according to TR grade. Among 2081 patients who underwent an intervention for severe LS-VHD, we analyzed frequency and outcome of concomitant TV intervention, and concordance between Class I indications for concomitant TV surgery (patients with severe TR) and real-practice decision-making. Results Moderate to severe TR was very frequent among patients with severe mitral VHD (≥30%), especially in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation (46%), and rare among patients with aortic VHD (&amp;lt;5%). Higher TR grade was associated with a poorer 6-month survival (P&amp;lt;0.001). Rates of concomitant tricuspid valve (TV) intervention at the time of left-sided heart valve surgery were high at the time of mitral valve surgery (more than 40%). Concomitant TV intervention at the time of left-sided heart valve surgery (LS-HVS) was not associated with an increase in-hospital mortality (P=0.93). Concordance between Class I indications for concomitant TV surgery at the time of LS-HVS according to guidelines and real-practice decision-making was very good (88% overall). Conclusion TR was frequent in patients with mitral VHD and was associated with a poorer outcome as TR grade increased. Compliance to guidelines for Class I indications for concomitant TV surgery at the time of LS-HVS was very good. With the trend toward more transcatheter treatment for left-sided VHD, there is a critical need for safe and efficient tricuspid valve transcatheter treatment for patients with concomitant TR. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Staging right heart failure in patients with tricuspid regurgitation undergoing tricuspid surgery.

This study evaluated the prognostic value of staging right heart failure in patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) undergoing tricuspid valve (TV) surgery. Patients with significant TR who underwent TV surgery were divided into 4 right heart failure stages according to the presence of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and clinical signs of right heart failure: stage 1 was defined as no RV dysfunction and no signs of right heart failure; stage 2 indicated RV dysfunction without signs of right heart failure; stage 3 included RV dysfunction and signs of right heart failure; and stage 4 was defined as RV dysfunction and refractory signs of right heart failure at rest. A total of 278 patients [mean age 64 (12), 49% males] were included, of whom 34 (12%) patients were classified as stages 1 and 2, 141 (51%) as stage 3 and 103 (37%) as stage 4 right heart failure. The majority of patients (91%) had TV surgery concomitant to left-sided valve surgery or coronary artery bypass grafting and 95% underwent TV annuloplasty. Cumulative survival rates were 89%, 78% and 61% at 1 month, 1 year and 5 years, respectively. Stages 1 and 2 and stage 3 were independently associated with better survival compared to stage 4 (hazard ratio: 0.391 [95% confidence interval: 0.186-0.823] and 0.548 [95% confidence interval: 0.369-0.813], respectively). Patients with significant TR undergoing TV surgery and diagnosed without advanced right heart failure have better survival as compared to patients with right heart failure.

Minimally Invasive Isolated Tricuspid Valve Repair After Left-Sided Valve Surgery: A Single-Center Experience.

BackgroundTricuspid regurgitation after left-sided valve surgery was associated with terrible outcomes and high perioperative mortality for surgical treatment. In current years, minimally invasive isolated tricuspid valve repair is increasingly performed in our institution to address tricuspid regurgitation.MethodsThirty-seven consecutive patients with previous left-sided valve surgery underwent minimally invasive isolated tricuspid valve repair in our institution between November 2017 and December 2020. Twenty-nine patients(78.4%) were women and the mean age of patients was 58.4 ± 8.5 years. Follow-up was 100% complete with a mean follow-up time of 17.2 ± 9.5 months.ResultsBoth the in-hospital and 30-day mortalities were 2.7%. The overall NYHA class had improved significantly during the follow-up (p < 0.001). The grade of TR had decreased before discharge (p < 0.001) and during the follow-up (p < 0.001) compared with the preoperative level although severe TR was recurrent in one patient.ConclusionsMinimally invasive isolated tricuspid valve repair has acceptable early and midterm outcomes, may be the preferred surgical option to address tricuspid regurgitation after previous left-sided valve surgery when it is feasible.

Right ventricle function before and after different types of cardiac surgery

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is an established independent predictor for adverse prognosis in a heterogeneous group of cardiac surgery patients (pts). However, there is lack of information about normal and abnormal dynamics of echocardiographic parameters for different types of cardiac surgery. The aim of the study was to define changes in RV parameters after cardiac surgery. Methods sixty-five pts (39 men, 62 ± 9 years old) were selected into prospective study (NCT03953755). There were the groups of pts with left-sided valves surgery with/ without tricuspid valve (TV) repair, and pts with left-sided coronary artery bypass surgery without lesions of right coronary artery were included control group. A transthoracic echocardiography assessment before and an average of 101 days (88-115) following the operation was performed. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change (FAC), strain of the RV free wall (SRV), and right atrial volume were assessed in groups of patients with and without tricuspid valve repair as in CABG-group. Follow-up during 12 months was available in all pts. Results Valve repair for secondary tricuspid regurgitation was performed in nineteen patients undergoing left-sided valve surgery. Thirty-six patients had repair and/or replacement of left-sided valves without a tricuspid valve operation. There was a strong correlation between TAPSE, FAC, and RV strain before the operation (R = 0.61-0.67, p &amp;lt; 0.000001). However, there was no correlation between TAPSE and FAC; TAPSE, and RV strain after the operation. TAPSE and RV strain significantly decreased after the operations and were below the normal range in both the groups with valve surgery, whereas, the CABG group showed only significantly TAPSE decreasing, RV strain was unchanged. TAPSE was 20 ± 5mm vs. 13 ± 2 mm, p &amp;lt; 0.0003 for the group which underwent tricuspid valve repair; 22 ± 4mm vs. 14 ± 4 mm, p &amp;lt; 0.0000001 for the group with tricuspid valves which were not operated on; 25 ± 6mm vs. 16 ± 3 mm, p &amp;lt; 0.009 for CABG group. There was no difference in TAPSE and SRV ranges among patients with and without tricuspid valve repair. Dynamics in SRV didn’t correlate with patients’ clinical status or with normalized right chambers volumes. An increase in FAC correlated with a decrease in right chamber sizes after operations (R=-0.46, p &amp;lt; 0.03). More prominent decreasing in TAPSE was connected in adverse events during follow-up (dTAPSE 6.7 ± 3.5 mm vs. 12.7 ± 5.1 mm, p &amp;lt; 0.02) Conclusion TAPSE significantly decreases in all patients after CABG or valve cardiac operations with/without tricuspid valve repair, range of TAPSE were below normal standard in all patients. However more severe decreasing in TAPSE is connected with further adverse outcomes.

Prevalence and Prognostic Importance of Massive Tricuspid Regurgitation in Patients Undergoing Tricuspid Annuloplasty With Concomitant Left-Sided Valve Surgery: A Study on Rheumatic Valvular Heart Disease.

BackgroundThe presence of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is very common in patients with concomitant left-sided valve disease. Recent studies have advocated an additional grading of massive TR that is beyond severe. The present study sought to characterize the spectrum of TR in patients undergoing tricuspid annuloplasty (TA) and to evaluate the prognostic value of TR severity for post-operative outcome following TA.MethodsA total of 176 patients who underwent TA with combined left-sided valve surgery, secondary to rheumatic valvular heart disease, were prospectively evaluated. The severity of TR was quantified by effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) using the proximal isovelocity surface area method. Patients were categorized as having non-massive TR (EROA < 0.6 cm2) or massive TR (EROA ≥ 0.6 cm2). Adverse outcome was defined as all-cause mortality or heart failure requiring hospital admission following TA.ResultsA total of 55 (31%) patients were considered to have massive TR. Patients with massive TR had a greater right ventricular dimension but a smaller left ventricular dimension compared with those with non-massive TR. After a median follow-up of 39 months, 35 adverse events occurred. Cox-regression analysis showed that both continuous EROA and dichotomized EROA (massive vs. non-massive TR) were independently associated with adverse events even after multivariable adjustment. Further, Harrell C index demonstrated that the addition of massive TR provided better discrimination ability of a prediction model to known prognosticators following TA.ConclusionsMassive TR is common and up to 31% of study population had massive TR. Massive TR was associated with adverse outcome in patients undergoing TA. Classification of the severity of TR by quantitative measures and identification of massive TR in patients with concomitant left-sided valve disease are essential when considering the optimal timing of corrective surgery.

Long-Term Impact of Preventive Tricuspid Valve Annuloplasty on Right Ventricular Remodeling

In patients with primary mitral regurgitation (MR), concomitant tricuspid valve (TV) annuloplasty at the time of left-sided valve surgery is indicated in case of a dilated TV annulus ≥40mm independent of the presence or severity of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). However, the long-term impact on right ventricular (RV) adverse remodeling is less well established and the benefit of preventive TV annuloplasty remains controversial. The aim of the study was to assess differences in long-term RV adverse remodeling and the development of significant TR in those patients. In total, 98 patients (mean age 65 ± 11years, 85% men) with significant primary MR and TV annulus dilatation ≥40mm without significant TR who underwent mitral valve (MV) repair with or without concomitant TV annuloplasty were included. Of the 98 patients, 28 patients underwent isolated MV repair without TV annuloplasty and 70 patients received concomitant TV annuloplasty at the time of MV surgery. The RV basal diameter (p=0.03), RV long-axis diameter (p=0.04), RV end-diastolic area (p <0.01), and RV end-systolic area (p=0.03) showed less adverse remodeling at follow-up in patients with concomitant TV annuloplasty compared with patients without TV annuloplasty. Additionally, 4 patients (14%) in the subgroup without TV annuloplasty developed significant TR during follow-up in contrast to zero patients in the subgroup with TV annuloplasty (p=0.001). In conclusion, concomitant preventive TV annuloplasty during MV surgery in patients with primary MR, no significant TR and a tricuspid annulus (≥40mm) prevented RV adverse remodeling and the development of significant TR at long-term follow-up.

Predictors of functional tricuspid regurgitation after successful left-sided valve surgery

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is probably the most common and anticipated complication of left-sided heart valve pathology, especially MV disease. Whether preoperative functional TR will regress or progress after successful left-sided valve surgery is unknown. The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of significant TR after successful left-sided valve surgery. A retrospective analysis was performed on a total of 56 patients who underwent left-sided valve surgery (mitral or mitro-aortic valve surgery). We have excluded patients who had organic TR. All patients had complete clinical examination and echocardiographic studies preoperatively and clinical and echocardiographic follow-up postoperatively. Mean operative age of patients was 49,3 ± 13,7 years with a sex-ratio of 0,8. Tricuspid annuloplasty was associated to left-sided valve surgery in 18 (32%) patients. Postoperatively, significant TR was found in 13 patients (23%) with a mean follow-up of 20,5 ± 33 months. Patients with significant postoperative TR were more often female (83% vs. 48%, P = 0,03), had more often a previous mitral commissurotomy (58% vs. 23%, P = 0,02) and showed a higher prevalence of significant preoperative TR (69% vs. 42%, P = 0,04). Postoperatively, residual pulmonary hypertension ( P = 0,04), dilatation of left atrium ( P = 0,02) and dilatation of right cardiac cavities ( P = 0,01) were significant risk factors for development or progression of TR after surgery. Late onset or progression of functional TR after successful left-sided valve surgery is a significant clinical entity as it displays a great impact on patient prognosis. So, the identification of clinical and echocardiographic predictors of late TR allows an adequate screening of patients that will require tricuspid valve repair at the time of initial left-sided valve surgery.

Long-term outcomes of pericardial strip versus prosthetic ring annuloplasty for secondary tricuspid regurgitation by a minimally invasive approach

BackgroundThis study was conducted to compare the outcomes of prosthetic ring versus autologous pericardial strip for the treatment of functional tricuspid regurgitation during left-sided valve surgery by minimally invasive approach.MethodsFrom January 2008 and July 2016, autologous pericardial strip (group P-TAP) was used in 109 patients, and prosthetic ring (group R-TAP) in 115 patients. The primary outcomes were long-term overall survival, development of patch degeneration, and significant tricuspid regurgitation recurrence. The second outcome was the assessment of right ventricular functional parameters.ResultsOperative mortality was 1 case (0.9%) in the R-TAP group. At the time of hospital discharge only one patient (0.9%) in the R-TAP group had grade III+ tricuspid regurgitation, and none had grade IV+. Mean follow-up was 94.1 ± 24.5 months. Mild and moderate tricuspid regurgitation recurrence was 3.7% and 4.5% (P-TAP vs. R-TAP groups, p = 0.99). Severe regurgitation was observed in 1.8% of cases only in the R-TAP group (p = 0.49). There were no reoperations. Late mortality was 3.7% and 5.4% (P-TAP vs. R-TAP groups, p = 0.75). Freedom from death, all causes, were comparable among groups (log-rank p = 0.45). There were no statistically significant differences between two groups in TAPSE, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left atrial diameter.ConclusionsTricuspid annuloplasty using an autologous pericardial strip in patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery is associated to similar long results (survival, late tricuspid regurgitation, and functional echocardiographic parameters) than annuloplasty with a prosthetic ring. In particular, the pericardial strip over time does not develop any degeneration or retraction.

Shedding some light on tricuspid intervention.

More than 1.6 million Americans have at least moderate to severe valvular tricuspid regurgitation, yet fewer than 8000 tricuspid valve operations are performed annually in the USA. The undertreatment for isolated tricuspid regurgitation might be related to the fact that in the past years no clear guidelines on 'how' and 'when' to treat tricuspid regurgitation were issued. Sarris-Michopoulos and colleagues carried out a meta-analysis with the aim to investigate the role of tricuspid valve repair versus tricuspid valve replacement in patients with isolated tricuspid valve regurgitation. Outcomes of patients with first-time surgery for isolated tricuspid valve regurgitation without previous left-sided valve surgery were reviewed. Ten studies were included with a total of 1407 patients. Authors concluded that patients who underwent tricuspid valve repair showed less 30-days mortality than replacement along with a reduced need for post-operaitve permanent pacemaker implantation rate. Decision on whether to treat or not tricuspid valve is demanding, particularly in the context of the newest percutaneous technologies. Before intervention, careful evaluation of both tricuspid valve and right ventricle must be performed. Nevertheless, intervention, should not be deferred when clinically indicated. The findings form this meta-analysis suggest that reparative surgery, perhaps in an early stage, may be beneficial in selected cohort of patients.

Left atrial strain evaluation and prognostic value in constrictive pericarditis patients undergoing pericardiectomy

Abstract Background Left Atrial (LA) phasic volumes analyses is flawed with geometrical assumption requiring high endocardial border definition. LA strain analysis is an emergent technique that overcome some of these technical limitations. Prior studies of LA mechanics in pericardiectomy patients found improvement in LA strain at follow-up and manifested as symptomatic improvement, however their relationships with survival have not been investigated. Purpose We assessed LA strain before and after pericardiectomy and its association with all- cause mortality. Methods Consecutive patients with constrictive pericarditis who underwent pericardiectomy from 2000–2017 were retrospectively analyzed, analyzing pre-operative and post-operative (at 12 months) echocardiography. Exclusion criteria included atrial fibrillation, previous left sided valve surgery, concomitant valvular surgery at the index pericardiectomy, more than mild left sided valvulopathy and poor echocardiographic windows. Strain analyses was performed with Vector velocity imaging independent software. Univariate and multivariable analyses were utilized to identify factors associated with reduced survival. Results Amongst 190 patients included in the analyses, mean age was 58.5±12.7 years and 37 (19.5%) were female. The etiology of constriction was deemed idiopathic in 61.6% of the cases, median time interval surgery-postoperative echo was 67 days (IQR 6, 312 days). During median follow up of 3.3 years (IQR 0.73, 5.9 years) there were 37 deaths. After surgery, there was a significant decrease in LA reservoir, conduit and regional wall strains. (Table 1). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that postoperative 4C AL strain reservoir was independently associated with all-cause mortality (Table 2). Conclusions In pericardiectomy patients, postoperative 4C LA strain reservoir is independently associated with all-cause mortality. Perhaps, compensatory changes of septal and antero-posterior walls during constriction explain why after surgery these walls become less dynamic, negatively impacting the overall function. Overall, LA quantification and strains may become a useful clinical tool for risk stratification in pericardiectomy patients Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Table 1. Left atrial variables.Table 2. All-cause mortality predictors

Prognostic implications of staging right heart failure in patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation undergoing tricuspid valve surgery

Abstract Introduction Mortality of tricuspid valve (TV) surgery for severe secondary tricuspid regurgitation (TR) remains relatively high. Current guidelines advise surgery in patients with symptomatic severe TR as a concomitant procedure to left-sided valve surgery. Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is an important prognostic marker and may appear late in the natural history of TR. How a staging algorithm of right heart failure (RHF) may impact on TV surgery outcomes has not been evaluated. Purpose To evaluate the impact of staging RHF on survival of patients with significant TR undergoing TV surgery. Methods Patients diagnosed with significant (moderate and severe) TR who subsequently underwent TV surgery, were staged into 4 groups of progressive disease according to the diagnosis of RV dysfunction and the presence of RHF: stage 1, at risk for RHF; stage 2, RV dysfunction without clinical symptoms of RHF; stage 3, RV dysfunction with symptoms of RHF, and stage 4, RV dysfunction with refractory symptoms of RHF (Figure 1). The study endpoint was all-cause mortality. Results A total of 279 patients (mean age 64±12 years, 49% male), were included in the analysis, of which 20 patients (7%) were in stage 1, 14 patients (5%) were in stage 2, 141 patients (51%) were in stage 3 and 104 patients (37%) were in stage 4. The majority of the patients (266 patients, 95%) underwent TV annuloplasty. Most patients had TV surgery concomitant to left-sided valve surgery or coronary artery bypass grafting (254 patients, 91%). In per-group analysis, patients in stage 4 had significantly larger left ventricular (LV) and RV dimensions, lower LV ejection fraction and more severe diastolic dysfunction than patients in other RHF stages. During a median follow-up of 65 [15 - 106] months after TV surgery, 145 deaths (52%) occurred. The cumulative survival rates were 88%, 77% and 60% at 1 month, 1 year and 5 years, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier curves for overall survival according to RHF stage are shown in Figure 2. Survival rates at 5 years were significantly worse in more advanced stages of RHF: 71% (stage 1 and 2), 66% (stage 3) and 49% (stage 4); log-rank chi-square: 11.302; p=0.004. Right heart failure stage was independently associated with all-cause mortality following adjustment for age, gender, LV ejection fraction, kidney function, TV annulus diameter, concomitant mitral valve surgery and time delay from diagnosis until surgery (p=0.021). Conclusion Patients diagnosed with significant TR may benefit from earlier referral for surgical intervention, before presenting with RV dysfunction and before the onset of symptoms of RHF. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1. Stages of right heart failureFigure 2. Kaplan-Meier curves for overall survival

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction after left-sided valve surgery: prevalent and relevant.

AimsTo investigate the epidemiological and prognostic relationship between heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and left‐sided valve surgery using all‐cause mortality as a primary endpoint.Methods and resultsWe studied a total of 973 patients, of whom 673 had undergone left‐sided valve surgery (time from surgery to enrolment 50 ± 30 months after valve surgery) and 300 patients with HFpEF without prior surgery served as control group. Among patients after surgery, 67.4% fulfilled all criteria of HFpEF according to current guideline recommendations, 20.6% had no heart failure (HF), and 12.0% had HF with mid‐range or reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF/HFrEF). During 83 ± 39 months of follow‐up, a total of 335 (34.4%) patients died. Compared to surgical patients with no subsequent HF, patients with HFpEF and HFmrEF/HFrEF after surgery showed significantly higher all‐cause mortality rates [hazard ratio (HR) 1.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25–2.57, P = 0.001; and HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.16–2.98, P = 0.010, respectively]. This increased mortality rate was similar to the control HFpEF group without surgery (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.38–3.02, P < 0.001). Results remained consistent after adjustment for clinical and imaging risk factors and when using the established HFA‐PEFF risk score for HFpEF diagnosis. Notably, only 12.5% of HFpEF patients after surgery were diagnosed with HF despite regular follow‐up visits by board‐certified cardiologists. In contrast, 92.1% of HFmrEF/HFrEF patients after surgery were diagnosed correctly.ConclusionsHeart failure with preserved ejection fraction following left‐sided valve surgery is highly prevalent, associated with unfavourable outcomes, but rarely recognized.

Outcomes of redo-isolated tricuspid valve surgery after left-sided valve surgery.

To compare early and long-term outcomes of redo-isolated tricuspid surgery (RITS) after left-sided valve surgery. We retrospectively reviewed 173 patients who underwent RITS for severe tricuspid regurgitation after previous left-sided valve surgery from January 1999 to December 2019. Patients were divided into two groups: RITS by median sternotomy (m-RITS; n = 78) and totally endoscopic approach (e-RITS; n = 95). Perioperative outcomes and follow-up results were analyzed. There were 19 (11%) in-hospital deaths (14.1% in m-RITS and 8.4% in e-RITS, p = .234) that decreased from 16.7% (1999-2014) to 6.9% (2015-2019) (p = .044). Tricuspid valve replacement (odds ratio [OR] = 4.989, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.133-29.790, p = .041) and NYHA function class IV (OR = 9.611, 95% CI: 2.102-43.954, p = .004) were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality. The overall 1-, 5-, 10-, and 15-year survival rates were 97.2% (95% CI: 94.5%-99.9%), 80.3% (95% CI: 71.7%-88.9%), 59.2% (95% CI: 43.5%-75.5%), and 49.3% (95% CI: 27.2%-71.4%), respectively. Patients undergoing RITS carry a high risk of early mortality. There was no significant difference in early mortality or long-term survival between the endoscopy and median sternotomy, whereas the endoscopy approach was associated with shorter intensive care unit stays and fewer reoperations. Repair resulted in lower surgical mortality than replacement with acceptable residual tricuspid regurgitation.

Midterm Results of Isolated Tricuspid Valve Replacement—Implications for Clinical Decision Making

BackgroundIsolated tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) is considered high-risk surgery. We investigated our outcomes of TVR with the aim of identifying variables that may influence morbidity and mortality of isolated TVR compared with combined TVR and left-sided valve surgery. MethodsRetrospective analysis of patients undergoing TVR surgery. The primary endpoint was long-term mortality. The association of postoperative outcomes with isolated compared with combined replacement was analyzed. The association between type of surgery and mortality over time was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate the hazard ratio. ResultsOverall, 70 patients underwent TVR. Mean age was 61 ± 12 years and 74% (52 of 70) were women. About two thirds (61%) of the study population had a diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease and 8% (6 of 70) had previous infectious endocarditis. Atrial fibrillation was prevalent (86%, 60 of 70). Comorbidities were similar between groups. Tricuspid valve replacement combined with left-sided valvular surgery was performed in 37 patients (53%), and isolated replacement in 33 patients (47%). Previous cardiac surgery was common (40 patients, 57%). One-month survival rate was 94.3% (66 of 70). During a median follow-up period of 3.6 years, 12 patients (17%) died. The cumulative 5-year survival tended to be lower among patients with isolated TVR compared with patients having combined surgery. ConclusionsWe showed that TVR can be performed with good outcomes. Isolated TVR did not increase morbidity and mortality when patients are referred for surgery early, including after previous sternotomy. This finding should perhaps lead to a more aggressive approach toward patients requiring isolated replacement.

Prognostic value and reversibility of liver stiffness in patients undergoing tricuspid annuloplasty.

Liver stiffness (LS) assessed by transient elastography is associated with adverse events in patients with heart failure. However, the predictive value of LS for adverse outcome is uncertain in patients undergoing tricuspid annuloplasty (TA). This study sought to evaluate the prognostic value and reversibility of LS in patients undergoing TA during left-sided valve surgery. A total of 158 patients who underwent TA were prospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into three groups according to tertile of LS. Adverse outcome was defined as heart failure that required hospital admission or all-cause mortality following TA. The median LS was 13.9 (inter-quartile range 8.1-22.3) kPa and independently correlated positively with tricuspid regurgitation (TR) severity, inferior vena cava diameter and negatively with tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion. During a median follow-up of 31 months, 49 adverse events occurred. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that LS was an independent predictor of adverse events. Significant improvement in LS at 1-year post-TA (13.1-7.8 kPa, P < 0.01) was noted only in patients who had no adverse events, not in those who experienced heart failure (17.1-14.2 kPa, P = 0.87) and seems to be linked to an absence of TR recurrence. This study demonstrated that LS is predictive of adverse outcome and is reversible in patients undergoing TA without TR recurrence at 1 year. These findings suggest that assessing LS, an integrative correlate of right heart condition, may aid the pre-operative risk assessment of candidate for heart surgery including TA.

The best approach for functional tricuspid regurgitation: A network meta-analysis.

For many years, functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) was considered negligible after treatment of left-sided heart valve surgery. The aim of the present network meta-analysis is to summarize the results of four approaches to establish the possible gold standard. A systematic search was performed to identify all publications reporting the outcomes of four approaches for FTR, not tricuspid annuloplasty (no TA), suture annuloplasty (SA), flexible (FRA), rigid rings (RRA). All studies reporting at least one the four endpoints (early and late mortality, early and late moderate or more TFR) were included in a Bayesian network meta-analysis. There were 31 included studies with 9663 patients. Aggregate early mortality was 5.3% no TA, 7.2% SA, 6.6% FRA, and 6.4% RRA; early TR moderate-or-more was 9.6%, 4.8%, 4.6%, and 3.8%; late mortality was 22.5%, 18.2%, 11.9%, and 11.9%; late TR moderate-or-more was 27.9%, 18.3%, 14.3%, and 6.4%. Rigid or semirigid ring annuloplasty was the most effective approach for decreasing the risk of late moderate or more FTR (-85% vs. no TA; -64% vs. SA; -32% vs. FRA). Concerning late mortality, no significant differences were found among different surgical approaches; however, flexible or rigid rings reduced significantly the risk of late mortality (78% and 47%, respectively) compared with not performing TA mortality. No differences were found for early outcomes. Ring annuloplasty seems to offer better late outcomes compare to either suture annuloplasty or not performing TA. In particular rigid or semirigid rings provide more stable FTR across time.

Dynamics of right ventricle contractility after cardiac surgery of tricuspid valve

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background The function of right ventricle (RV) is an independent prognostic factor for patients with valvular heart disease. However, changes in RV function parameters in patients with and without tricuspid valve operations after cardiac surgery are lack known. The aim of the study was to define changes in RV parameters after cardiac surgery in patients with left-sided valve diseases. Methods Fifty-five consecutive patients (33 men, 61 ± 10 years old), who were referred for the repair and/or replacement of left-sided valves, were included in the study. A transthoracic echocardiography assessment before and an average of 109 days (91-114) following the operation was performed. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change RV (FAC), strain of the RV free wall (SRV), and right atrial volume were assessed in groups of patients with and without tricuspid valve repair. Results Valve repair for secondary tricuspid regurgitation was performed in nineteen patients undergoing left-sided valve surgery. Thirty-six patients had repair and/or replacement of left-sided valves without a tricuspid valve operation. There was a strong correlation between TAPSE, FAC, and RV strain before the operation (R = 0.62-0.77, p &amp;lt; 0.000002). However, there was no correlation between TAPSE and FAC; TAPSE and RV strain after the operation. TAPSE and RV strain significantly decreased after the operations and were below the normal range in both the groups of patients with and without tricuspid valve repair. TAPSE was 21 ± 5mm before the operation vs. 14 ± 4 mm after operation, p &amp;lt; 0.0000001 for all patients (20 ± 5mm vs. 13 ± 3 mm, p &amp;lt; 0.0003 for the group which underwent tricuspid valve repair; 22 ± 4mm vs. 14 ± 4 mm, p &amp;lt; 0.000001 for tricuspid valves which were not operated on). RV strain was -19 ± 6 mm before operating vs. -16 ± 5mm after operating, p &amp;lt; 0.0004 for all patients (-20 ± 6mm vs. -15 ± 5mm, p &amp;lt; 0.006 for tricuspid valve repair; -19 ± 6mm vs. -16 ± 4 mm, p &amp;lt; 0.02 for the tricuspid valves which were not operated on). There was no difference in TAPSE and SRV among patients with and without tricuspid valve repair. Decreased longitudinal function parameters (TAPSE and SRV) didn’t correlate with patients’ clinical status or with normalized right chambers volumes. FAC was 39 ± 11% before operating vs. 41 ± 9% after the operation, p = 0.45 for all patients (37 ± 13% vs. 40 ± 8%, p = 0.69 for the group which underwent tricuspid valve repair; 40 ± 10% vs. 41 ± 9%, p = 0.52 for the group with tricuspid valves which were not operated on). An increase in FAC correlated with a decrease in right chamber sizes after operations (R=-0.37, p &amp;lt; 0.03). Conclusion Longitudinal right ventricle parameters (TAPSE, SRV) significantly decrease after valve operations in groups with and without tricuspid valve repair. However, there is no correlation with the clinical status of patients. Global function parameters (FAC) correlates with the normalization of right chamber size after cardiac operation.

M05 Repair of Less Than Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation During Left Sided Valve Surgery: A Meta-analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken to investigate the short and long-term clinical outcomes of concurrent repair of mild or moderate tricuspid regurgitation (TR) during left sided valve surgery.