Management Of Aortic Stenosis Research Articles

Clinical Outcomes According to Aortic Stenosis Management: Insights From Real-World Practice.

Real-world data regarding clinical outcomes according to aortic stenosis (AS) management are scarce. Therefore, we aimed to investigate long-term management across the spectrum of outpatients with AS. Between May 2016 and December 2017, consecutive outpatients with mild (peak aortic velocity, 2.5-2.9 m/s), moderate (3-3.9 m/s), and severe AS (≥4 m/s) were included by 117 cardiologists in the VALVENOR (Follow-Up of a Cohort of Patients With Valvular Aortic Stenosis in the Nord-pas-de-Calais Region) study and followed-up for aortic valve replacement (AVR) and modes of death. Among 2704 patients included, 1156 (42.7%) had mild, 1121 (41.5%) moderate, and 427 (15.8%) severe AS. After a median follow-up of 5 years, 993 AVRs (488 surgical and 505 transcatheter) and 1098 deaths occurred. The 5-year cumulative incidence of AVR or of the composite of death or AVR was 13.3% and 45.2% in mild AS, 45.5% and 75.3% in moderate AS, and 62.8% and 90.6% in severe AS, respectively. Of the 292 patients who met the criteria for AVR but were not treated, AVR was considered futile in 137 patients and 155 patients refused AVR. Mortality rates after 3 years were high: 86% for anticipated futility and 72.3% for refusal. While patients at anticipated futility showed a well-balanced proportion of cardiovascular and noncardiovascular deaths, cardiovascular deaths predominated among those who refused AVR. At 5-year follow-up, only two thirds of patients with severe AS underwent AVR. Patients with untreated severe AS experienced high mortality rates, mostly cardiovascular for patients who declined AVR. This advocates for better patient education based on shared decision making and for optimizing AS quality of care, from diagnosis to treatment.

Abstract 4143217: Gender Disparities in Clinical Outcomes Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Insights from the National Inpatient Sample

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has revolutionized the management of aortic stenosis, offering a less invasive alternative to surgical valve replacement, particularly for high-risk patients. While TAVR has demonstrated efficacy and safety in various patient populations, there is growing recognition of gender-specific differences in clinical outcomes post-procedure.Understanding gender-related variations in TAVR outcomes is crucial for optimizing patient care and ensuring equitable access to this life-saving therapy. Methods: Using the National Inpatient Sample (2017-2020), we analyzed the characteristics and comorbidities of male and female patients undergoing TAVR. We then assessed the incidence of clinical outcomes between genders, including in-hospital mortality, mechanical ventilation, length of stay, hospital charges, vasopressor requirement, heart block, pacemaker insertion, stroke, acute kidney injury (AKI), vascular complications, and discharge disposition. Multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate mortality risk among congestive heart failure (CHF) patients. Results: Among 234,860 total admissions, females comprised 44.5% (104,365) of the population. Females were slightly older (mean age 79.4 vs. 78.5 years, p < 0.001) and had a lower mean Charlson Comorbidity Index (2.8 vs. 3.1, p < 0.001) compared to males. After adjusting for confounding factors, females had a higher odds ratio for in-hospital mortality (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.37-1.60, p < 0.001), mechanical ventilation (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.07-1.20, p < 0.001), stroke (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.46-1.65, p < 0.001), and vascular complications (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.19-1.31, p < 0.001). Length of stay (mean difference 0.37 days, 95% CI 0.32-0.42, p < 0.001) and hospital charges (mean difference $3,795, 95% CI 2,488-5,102, p < 0.001) were also significantly higher in females (p < 0.001 for both). Conclusion: The divergent clinical profile and poorer outcomes observed among females undergoing TAVR, characterized by elevated in-hospital mortality, stroke, and vascular complications compared to males, may emphasize the need for gender-specific approaches in TAVR management.

Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology Position Statement on the Use of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in the Management of Aortic Stenosis

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been established as an effective treatment modality in patients with severe aortic stenosis and the uptake of TAVI is rapidly growing in the Asia-Pacific region. However, there exists a heterogeneity in the management of aortic stenosis and the use of TAVI among countries in the region. Reasons for these differences include anatomical variations, disparity in healthcare resources and infrastructure and the lack of consensus on the optimal management of aortic stenosis in the Asia-Pacific region. Hence, an Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology (APSC) working group, including a multidisciplinary group of general and interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and imaging specialists, developed a position statement on the recommendations for TAVI in the management of aortic stenosis. The APSC expert panel reviewed and appraised the available evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. Recommendations were developed and put to an online vote. Consensus was reached when 80% of votes for a given recommendation were in support of ‘agree’ or ‘neutral.’ The resulting 28 statements provide guidance for clinical practitioners in the region on the use of TAVI in the treatment of patients with aortic stenosis.

Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology Position Statement on the Use of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in the Management of Aortic Stenosis

Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology Position Statement on the Use of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in the Management of Aortic Stenosis

5-year valve academic research consortium-3 outcomes and predictors of mortality in a 10-year Asian transcatheter aortic valve implantation registry

Abstract Background Transaortic valvular implantation (TAVI) has revolutionised the management of aortic stenosis (AS). Uptake in Asia has caught up in recent years, after an initial lag due to expensive cost, limited subsidies, and scarce accessibility. Hence, longitudinal outcomes of TAVI remain largely unknown in Asian patients. Purpose This study aims to present the 5-year mortality endpoints in an Asian cohort followed up over a decade. Methods 253 patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis status post TAVI were retrospectively enrolled at a tertiary academic hospital from 2010-2021. The main outcomes were defined as short-term (30-day), mid-term (1-year) and long-term (5-year) all-cause mortality. Baseline demographics, procedural findings and clinical outcomes were analysed. Kaplan-Meier curves and multiple Cox regression analyses were constructed. Results The mean age was 75.2 + 10.2 years. 120 (47.4%) patients were female and 167 (66%) were Chinese. 168 patients (66.7%) received balloon-expandable valves, 80 patients (31.7%) underwent self-expandable valves, and 4 patients (1.6%) had mechanical-expandable valves. Malignancy was associated with worse short-term mortality at 30-days (HR 3.65, p = 0.054), while pulmonary disease and previous stroke were associated with worse long-term mortality at 5-years (HR 2.27, p = 0.012 and HR 2.02, p = 0.064). Worse all-cause mortality at 30-days, 1-year and 5-years were associated with high NT-Pro BNP levels (HR 1.04, p = 0.046; HR 1.05, p = 0.002 and HR 1.04, p < 0.001), the presence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (HR 4.32, p = 0.056; HR 4.48, p = 0.006 and HR 2.43, p = 0.023) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (HR 6.19, p = 0.006; HR 6.77, p < 0.001 and HR 2.09, p = 0.008). Society of Thoracic Surgery (STS) score (HR 1.11, p = 0.001; HR 1.13, p < 0.001 and HR 1.12, p < 0.001) and Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC) III endpoints of acute kidney injury (AKI) (HR 6.68, p = 0.047, HR 10.8, p < 0.001 and HR 6.99, p < 0.001), cardiogenic shock (HR 26.3, p < 0.001, HR 12.0, p < 0.001 and HR 4.29, p = 0.011) and structural complications (HR 40.3, p < 0.001, HR 18.1, p < 0.001 and HR 5.18, p = 0.008) were associated with worse all –cause mortality at time-points of 30-days, 1-year and 5-years respectively. On multivariate analyses adjusted for comorbidities and outcomes, STS score and structural complications were independent predictors of 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year all-cause mortality (HR 1.16; p = 0.003, HR 1.09, p = 0.003 and HR 1.10, p < 0.001) and (HR 62.7, p < 0.007; HR 18.9, p < 0.001 and HR 10.6, p = 0.001) respectively. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) use was protective of survival within 1-year (HR 0.37, p = 0.022). Conclusions STS score and VARC III endpoints of structural complications were reliable predictors of all-cause mortality in Asian patients with TAVI. ACE inhibitor and ARB use was protective against mortality at 1-year.Cox regression analysesKaplan-Meier curves

Coronary access after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Abstract Introduction Over the past two decades, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has transformed the management of aortic stenosis, initially for high-risk surgical candidates and subsequently for low-risk patients. However, with the expanding indications for TAVR to younger, lower-risk patients, it is crucial to assess not only the short-term clinical outcomes but also the long-term considerations for future interventions. The prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in TAVR patients is relevant, and the optimal timing of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains a question, given the technical challenges associated with coronary access in TAVR patients. Methods We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis according to Cochrane Collaborations and PRISMA guidelines. We included 19 eligible trials involving 1533 patients who underwent coronary angiography after TAVR. The primary endpoint was the incidence of successful selective coronary re-access. Secondary endpoints included semi-selective and non-selective access rates. The analysis was stratified by balloon-expandable (BEVs) and self-expandable valve (SEVs) types. Results Successful coronary access after TAVR was feasible in the majority of patients, with a higher success rate observed for the left main coronary artery (LM) compared to the right coronary artery (RCA). Balloon-expandable valves demonstrated the highest success rates in coronary ostia cannulation, achieving nearly 100% success for both LM and RCA. Among self-expandable valves, the Evolut R/PRO showed superior success rates in selective coronary access (76,85% (95%CI 53,34-100%) for LM and 57,27% (95%CI 32,8-81,74%) for RCA) compared to the CoreValve (45,62% (95%CI 0-92,78%) for LM and 49,19% (95%CI 0-100%) for RCA). Notably, the majority of coronary angiograms were performed due to acute coronary syndrome, primarily non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and unstable angina (UA), 26,5% for NSTEMI and 23,4% for UA, respectively. Conclusions Selective coronary engagement after TAVR is generally achievable, with BEVs demonstrating superior success rates compared to SEVs. Among self-expandable valves, the Evolut R/PRO showed better outcomes than the CoreValve. These findings provide valuable insights into post-TAVR coronary access feasibility, reducing concerns about valve selection based on this criterion

Clinical Conundrum: Lifetime Management of Aortic Stenosis in Young Patients

Clinical Conundrum: Lifetime Management of Aortic Stenosis in Young Patients

A proposed algorithm for management of patients with left bundle branch block post-TAVR: 1-year follow-up

BackgroundTAVR has revolutionized the management of aortic stenosis and has become the standard of care across a broad spectrum of patients with aortic stenosis. However, it is still associated with high incidence of conduction abnormalities, particularly new LBBB. Management of these patients remains a challenge. ObjectiveTo assess the clinical outcomes of patients with post-TAVR conduction disorders managed according to a pre-specified institutionally developed algorithm. MethodsA retrospective analysis including all patients undergoing TAVR in our institute between October-2018 to December-2022 was performed. Patients with new LBBB were managed according to the algorithm comprising QRS width and electrophysiology study. In-hospital and one-year clinical outcomes were assessed. ResultsA total of 230 patients were included in the present analysis. Seventy patients (30.4%) developed new LBBB after TAVR. Overall, 44 patients (19.1%) required permanent pacemaker implantation (PPM): 20 patients (8.7%) with Mobitz II, complete AV block or alternating bundle branch block, 21 patients (9.1%) with persistent new LBBB, and 3 others (1.3%) per physician discretion. During 1-year follow-up, only 3 patients required late PPM, of whom only 1 patient with new LBBB. There was no difference in mortality or heart failure hospitalizations between the PPM and No PPM groups. Multivariable analysis identified atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, and pre-TAVR RBBB as independent predictors for PPM following TAVR. ConclusionOur findings suggest that the presented algorithm may serve as a safe and efficacious strategy for management of patient with post-TAVR LBBB, although the PPM rate may be further reduced.

Geriatricians' role in the management of aortic stenosis in frail older patients: a decade later.

Increasing evidence supports the implementation of geriatric assessment in the workup of older patients with aortic stenosis (AS). In 2012, an online European survey revealed that geriatricians were rarely involved in the assessment of candidates for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). After a "call to action" for early involvement of geriatricians in AS evaluation, the survey was repeated in 2022. Our aim was to investigate whether geriatricians' role changed in the last decade. Online survey conducted between December 16th, 2021, and December 15th, 2022. All members of the European Geriatric Medicine Society were invited to participate. The survey included 26 questions regarding geriatricians' experience with AS and TAVI. Among 193 respondents (79.8% geriatricians), 73 (38%) reported to be involved in AS evaluation at least once a week. During 2 years prior to the survey, 43 (22.3%) had referred > 50% of their patients with severe AS for TAVI. Age influenced TAVI referral in a considerable proportion of respondents (36.8%). TAVI candidates were mainly referred to specialised cardiac centres with multidisciplinary teams (91.8%), including (47.2%) or not including (44.6%) a geriatrician. A total of 38.9% of respondents reported to be part of a multidisciplinary heart team. Geriatricians were less frequently involved (37%) than cardiologists (89.6%) and surgeons (53.4%) in pre-procedural TAVI management. Cardiologists were more frequently involved (85.5%) than geriatricians (33.7%) and surgeons (26.9%) in post-procedural management. Geriatricians' involvement in AS management and multidisciplinary heart teams remains scarce. More efforts should be devoted to implement geriatricians' role in AS decision-making.

Impact of aortic root surgery during transcatheter aortic valve explant

BackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) explantation is currently the fastest-growing cardiac surgery procedure. Issues surrounding TAVR explantation and subsequent surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), specifically aortic root surgery, merit further investigation. MethodsA retrospective review of an institutional database identified cases of SAVR after TAVR, with or without concomitant aortic root operations, performed between January 1, 2014, and July 1, 2023, identifying 26 patients. Conventional statistical methods were used to compare groups. ResultsThe mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality for aortic valve replacement was 11.1 ± 6.0% in our cohort. Eight of 26 patients (30.8%) had undergone prior cardiac surgery. Concomitant aortic root enlargement or replacement was required in 12 of the 26 patients (46.2%). The time from TAVR to removal was longer for those requiring root operations compared to those who did not (mean, 783 ± 908 days vs 492 ± 486 days; P = .046). There was a trend toward more frequent infective endocarditis in patients requiring root operations (46.2% [n = 5/12] vs 21.4% [n = 3/14]; P = .155). The 30-day mortality was 19.2% (n = 5/26), with an observed-to-expected ratio of 1.72. Mortality was not significantly different between the 2 groups. ConclusionsTAVR explant remains a high-risk procedure, although adding aortic root enlargement/replacement does not appear to amplify the short-term mortality risk when performed at an experienced institution. These results are important when considering lifetime management of aortic stenosis, particularly in low-risk patients likely to require multiple interventions.

Differences in life expectancy within and between countries: implications for domestic TAVI guidelines in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

The advent of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has caused a paradigm shift in the management of aortic stenosis away from traditional surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). However, uncertainty remains about the long-term (>10 year) durability of TAVI valves, especially in younger patients. This viewpoint collates life expectancy data from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to propose sex-specific age-based recommendations for choice of SAVR versus TAVI in their respective general populations and among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia and both Māori and Pacific peoples living in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Non-invasive assessment of left ventricular filling pressure in aortic stenosis.

The assessment of left ventricular (LV) filling pressure (FP) is important for the management of aortic stenosis (AS) patients. Although, it is often restricted for predict LV FP in AS because of mitral annular calcification and a certain left ventricular hypertrophy. Thus, we tested the predictive ability of the algorithm for elevated LV FP in AS patients and also applied a recently-proposed echocardiographic scoring system of LV FP, visually assessed time difference between the mitral valve and tricuspid valve opening (VMT) score. We enrolled consecutive 116 patients with at least moderate AS in sinus rhythm who underwent right heart catheterization and echocardiography within 7 days. Mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) was measured as invasive parameter of LV FP. LV diastolic dysfunction (DD) was graded according to the ASE/EACVI guidelines. The VMT score was defined as follows: time sequence of opening of mitral and tricuspid valves was scored to 0-2 (0: tricuspid valve first, 1: simultaneous, 2: mitral valve first). When the inferior vena cava was dilated, one point was added and VMT score was finally calculated as 0-3. Of the 116 patients, 29 patients showed elevated PAWP. Ninety patients (93%) and 67 patients (63%) showed increased values for left atrium volume index (LAVI) and E/e', respectively when the cut-off values recommended by the guidelines were applied and thus the algorism predicted elevated PAWP with a low specificity and positive predictive value (PPV). VMT≥2 predicted elevated PAWP with a sensitivity of 59%, specificity of 90%, PPV of 59%, and negative predictive value of 89%. An alternative algorithm that applied tricuspid regurgitation velocity and VMT scores was tested, and its predictive ability was markedly improved. VMT score was applicable for AS patients. Alternative use of VMT score improved diagnostic accuracy of guideline-recommended algorism.

Artificial Intelligence in the Screening, Diagnosis, and Management of Aortic Stenosis.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into clinical management of aortic stenosis (AS) has redefined our approach to the assessment and management of this heterogenous valvular heart disease (VHD). While the large-scale early detection of valvular conditions is limited by socioeconomic constraints, AI offers a cost-effective alternative solution for screening by utilizing conventional tools, including electrocardiograms and community-level auscultations, thereby facilitating early detection, prevention, and treatment of AS. Furthermore, AI sheds light on the varied nature of AS, once considered a uniform condition, allowing for more nuanced, data-driven risk assessments and treatment plans. This presents an opportunity to re-evaluate the complexity of AS and to refine treatment using data-driven risk stratification beyond traditional guidelines. AI can be used to support treatment decisions including device selection, procedural techniques, and follow-up surveillance of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in a reproducible manner. While recognizing notable AI achievements, it is important to remember that AI applications in AS still require collaboration with human expertise due to potential limitations such as its susceptibility to bias, and the critical nature of healthcare. This synergy underpins our optimistic view of AI's promising role in the AS clinical pathway.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Current Status and Future Indications.

In the past two decades, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has transformed the management of aortic stenosis and has become the standard of care regardless of surgical risk levels. Advances in transcatheter valve design across newer generations, improved imaging, greater operator expertise, and technical enhancements have collectively contributed to increased safety and a decline in procedural complications over this timeframe. The application of TAVR has progressively expanded to include younger patients with lower risks, who have longer life expectancies. This article offers an up-to-date review of the latest innovations in transcatheter delivery systems, devices, and its possible future indications.

Aortic stenosis management: current evolution and future challenges.

Aortic stenosis management: current evolution and future challenges.

EE7 Optimizing Aortic Stenosis Management: Evaluating the Clinical and Economic Impact of Transcatheter and Surgical Valve Replacement in Taiwan

EE7 Optimizing Aortic Stenosis Management: Evaluating the Clinical and Economic Impact of Transcatheter and Surgical Valve Replacement in Taiwan

Bioprosthetic Valves for Lifetime Management of Aortic Stenosis: Pearls and Pitfalls.

This review explores the use of bioprosthetic valves for the lifetime management of patients with aortic stenosis, considering recent advancements in surgical (SAV) and transcatheter bioprostheses (TAV). We examine the strengths and challenges of each approach and their long-term implications. We highlight differences among surgical bioprostheses regarding durability and consider novel surgical valves such as the Inspiris Resilia, Intuity rapid deployment, and Perceval sutureless bioprostheses. The impact of hemodynamics on the performance and durability of these prostheses is discussed, as well as the benefits and considerations of aortic root enlargement during Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR). Alternative surgical methods like the Ross procedure and the Ozaki technique are also considered. Addressing bioprosthesis failure, we compare TAV-in-SAV with redo SAVR. Challenges with TAVR, such as TAV explantation and considerations for coronary circulation, are outlined. Finally, we explore the potential challenges and limitations of several clinical strategies, including the TAVR-first approach, in the context of aortic stenosis lifetime management. This concise review provides a snapshot of the current landscape in aortic bioprostheses for physicians and surgeons.

Transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement in patients with aortic stenosis: molecular pathways and correlation with clinical and echocardiographic parameters

Abstract Background Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has reformed the management of aortic stenosis (AS), being firstly approved in high-risk patients and becoming progressively a therapeutic alternative to surgery (surgical aortic valve replacement, SAVR) for all the risk categories. Several data pointed out the role of inflammation, oxidative stress, and pathological remodeling in AS natural history. The aim of our study is to investigate the molecular pathways involved in the AS pathophysiology and in the early response to AV replacement in patients subjected to percutaneous or surgical approach. Secondary aims are to evaluate the variation in clinical and echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular (LV) function before and after procedure. Methods We enrolled 36 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of severe AS and preserved ejection fraction (17 SAVR patients and 19 TAVR patients). Biological samples, clinical and echocardiographic evaluation were gained before (T0) and 72 hours after the procedure (T1). We performed 3 gene expression arrays on pooled cDNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the 2 study groups. Results SAVR patients were significantly younger (p=0.0003) and with a lower STS score (p=0.0004). After the procedure, SAVR showed a longer ICU stay (p=0.0019) and a more frequent need of inotropes/vasopressors (p=0.006). Gene expression analysis revealed a reduction of the pro-apoptotic gene CASP3 (n=13; median, IQR: 1.01, 0..89-1.62 for T0 vs 0.68, 0.58-0.85 for T1; p=0.019) and of the transcription factor MEF2C (n=13; 1.00, 0.57-1.31 for T0 vs 0.56, 0.42-0.87 for T1; p=0.028) in TAVR patients, together with significantly increased levels of the antioxidant molecule GPX1 (n=14; 1.04, 0..71-1.34 for T0 vs 1.37, 1.23-1.85 for T1;p=0.030). In SAVR patients, our data showed increased post-procedural levels of GPX1 (n=6; 0.99, 0.49-1.23 for T0 vs 1.81, 1.27-2.00 for T1; p=0.028), and of the oxidative markers CAT (n=10; 0.40, 0.27-0.69 for T0 vs 1.17, 0.59-2.06 for T1; p=0.022,) and NOX2 (n=8; 0.41, 0.31-0.63 for T0 vs 1.04, 0.73-1.54 for T1; p=0.012) (Fig.1). TAVR patients displayed a direct correlation between the gene expression of molecules involved in apoptosis (CASP3), myocardial remodeling (GTF2I, MEF2C) and oxidative stress (MPO, CAT, TXNIP) and indexed left ventricular volumes (Fig.2A), while SAVR patients showed an inverse correlation with LVEF for GTF2I, MEF2C, CAT and MPO gene expression levels (Fig.2B). Conclusions By demonstrating 1) a significant post-procedural downregulation in the expression of genes involved in oxidative stress pathways for TAVR patients if compared with SAVR patients, and 2) a significant correlation of the basal levels of genes involved in apoptosis, myocardial remodeling, and oxidative stress with post-procedural ventricular volumes and LVEF, our study provides a biological rationale to support the percutaneous approach for AS patients, independently from their class of risk.Figure 1Figure 2

Abstract 18205: Ethnicity and Aortic Stenosis: Presentation, Management and Outcomes

Background: Ethnic disparities exist in the diagnosis and management of aortic stenosis (AS), including decreased rates of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in Black patients. We sought to identify if disparities persist in the setting of universal healthcare and whether they are affected by social deprivation. Methods: A validated natural language processing pipeline was applied to the electronic health records of >1M patients at King’s College Hospital (UK) to identify 6214 patients with AS (4.5% Asian, 7.6% Black, 87.9% White self-reported ethnicity). All analyses are adjusted for age and social deprivation. Results: Black and Asian patients had more comorbidities (P<0.05), while Black patients had more cardiac symptoms compared to White patients (P<0.05). Mean time from first report of breathlessness to AS diagnosis was 2.61 years for Asian patients, 2.93 years for Black patients, and 2.09 years for White patients (P<0.05). For those with severe AS, TAVI was performed in 14.3% of Asian patients, 14.3% of Black patients, and 20.2% of White patients. The mean time from severe AS diagnosis to TAVI was 0.41 years for Asian patients, 0.88 years for Black patients, and 0.52 years for White patients (P= NS). Surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) was performed in 12.5% of Asian patients, 15.5% of Black patients, and 15.4% of White patients. The mean time to AVR was longer for Black patients (1.07 years) compared to Asian (0.19 years) and White patients (0.35 years, P<0.05). The mortality benefit of TAVI or AVR interventions was similar between race and ethnicity groups in a Cox multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Ethnicity-based differences exist in the presentation, diagnosis and management of AS, despite correction for social deprivation. Further, Black patients with severe AS are less likely to receive TAVI intervention, and wait significantly longer for AVR, despite similar efficacy. These data should stimulate strategies to address inequity.

Challenges and Future Directions in Redo Aortic Valve Reintervention After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Failure.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is increasingly being performed in younger and lower surgical risk patients. Reintervention for failed transcatheter heart valves will likely increase in the future as younger patients are expected to outlive the initial bioprosthesis. While redo-TAVR has emerged as an attractive and less invasive alternative to surgical explantation (TAVR-explant) to treat transcatheter heart valve failure, it may not be feasible in all patients due to the risk of coronary obstruction and impaired coronary access. Conversely, TAVR-explant can be offered to most patients who are surgical candidates, but the reported outcomes have shown high mortality and morbidity. This review provides the latest evidence, current challenges, and future directions on redo-TAVR and TAVR-explant for transcatheter heart valve failure, to guide aortic valve reintervention and facilitate patients' lifetime management of aortic stenosis.