Perivalvular Leak Research Articles

Sutureless versus transcatheter aortic valves in elderly patients with aortic stenosis at intermediate risk: A multi-institutional study

ObjectiveThis multi-institutional study compares the long-term outcome of elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis and an intermediate risk profile undergoing sutureless versus transcatheter aortic valve implantation. MethodsFrom 2008 to 2015, 967 elderly patients (>75 years) with intermediate risk (Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 4%-8%) and isolated aortic stenosis were included in the study (sutureless valve = 481; transcatheter aortic valve implantation = 486). After propensity score matching, 2 matched groups of 291 patients were obtained. Transcatheter valves implanted in patients were the CoreValve (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minn), Edwards SAPIEN-XT (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, Calif), and Acurate-TA (Symetis, Lausanne, Switzerland). Primary end points included all-cause death at 30 days and 5 years. Secondary end points included early and 5-year incidence of composite adverse events (major adverse cardiovascular events: all-cause death, stroke, pacemaker implant, myocardial infarction, paravalvular leak ≥II, and reoperation). ResultsAfter matching, there were no substantial differences between groups. The 30-day mortality was significantly lower in the sutureless valve group (sutureless valve = 1.7% vs transcatheter aortic valve implantation = 5.5%; P = .024) and the rate of permanent pacemaker implantation (sutureless valve = 5.5% vs transcatheter aortic valve implantation = 10.7%, P = .032). Stroke/transient ischemic attack cumulative incidence at 5 years was 1.4% in the sutureless valve group and 5.3% in the transcatheter aortic valve implantation group (P = .010). The incidence of perivalvular leak grade II or greater was 1.3% in the sutureless valve group and 9.8% in the transcatheter aortic valve implantation group (P < .001). At 60 months follow-up, the all-cause death rate was lower in the sutureless valve group than in the transcatheter aortic valve implantation group (sutureless valve = 16.1% ± 4.1% vs transcatheter aortic valve implantation = 28.9% ± 5.3%, P = .006), and the major adverse cardiovascular event rate was lower in the sutureless valve group (sutureless valve = 23.5% ± 4.1% vs transcatheter aortic valve implantation = 39.0% ± 5.6%, P = .002). Multivariable Cox regression identified transcatheter aortic valve implantation as an independent predictor for 5-year mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (hazard ratio, 1.86; confidence interval, 1.09-3.18; P = .022) (hazard ratio, 1.73; confidence interval, 1.13-2.73; P = .010). ConclusionsSutureless valves improved the outcomes of aortic stenosis in elderly patients with an intermediate risk profile when compared with transcatheter aortic valve implantation. The use of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in this subset population should be evaluated in further controlled randomized trials with sutureless valve use in a comparative cohort.

One-year outcome with a bovine pericardial valve.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a novel surgical bovine pericardial valve for aortic and mitral valve replacements.MethodsBetween March 2016 and October 2017, 197 patients (mean age, 66.9 ± 4.9 years; 40.6% were women) underwent aortic valve replacement and mitral valve replacement and were implanted with the Cingular bovine pericardial valve (Shanghai Cingular Biotech Corporation, Shanghai, China) in a prospective, multicenter, single-arm trial in China. A total of 161 aortic and 49 mitral prostheses were implanted. Patients were followed up to 1 year. The primary end point was the 1-year overall rate of valve-related complications, including thromboembolic event, valve thrombosis, major hemorrhage event, major perivalvular leak, and prosthetic valve endocarditis.ResultsThe 1-year overall rate of valve-related complications was 0.5% (95% confidence interval, 0.1%-3.7%). The 1-year survival was 96.4%. The mean gradient and effective orifice area for aortic prostheses at 1 year postoperatively were 12.8 ± 4.4 mm Hg and 1.9 ± 0.3 cm2, respectively. Particularly, the mean gradients and effective orifice area for 19 mm and 21 mm sizes of aortic prostheses at 1 year were 17.0 ± 3.8 mm Hg and 1.6 ± 0.2 cm2, 13.1 ± 4.0 mm Hg and 1.8 ± 0.1 cm2, respectively. Patient–prosthesis mismatch occurred in only 1.3% patients for aortic valve implantation at 1 month. No structural valve deterioration and no endocarditis occurred.ConclusionsThe Cingular bovine pericardial valve was safe and effective for surgical aortic and mitral valve replacement. The 1-year rate of valve-related complications was very low. Early hemodynamic performance was excellent even for the small aortic root.

P1251 Percutaneous closure of two mitral perivalvular leaks: when the imaging guides the hands during threatening complications

Abstract With the contemporary development of structural interventional cardiology the prevalence of perivalvular leaks (PVL) is expected to grow. Advanced multimodality imaging is necessary for the guidance of transcatheter closure of PVL. We describe the case of a 57 year-old woman who underwent transcatheter mitral PVL closure. Past clinical history included a lymphoma treated with chemio and radiotherapy. Six months before she underwent a surgical replacement of the aortic and mitral valves with two mechanical prosthesis for severe aortic and mitral stenosis. Because of the calcium burden in both the annuluses, undersized mitral valve prosthesis was implanted leading to the presence of two moderate mitral PVL. The patient subsequently required hospitalization for acute HF and hemolytic anemia and received multiple blood transfusions. TEE confirmed the presence of a large antero-lateral PVL and a small medial PVL (3D VCA 0,32 cm2 and 0,2 cm2 respectively, associated with reverse flow in the pulmonary veins) with an extension of 33% of the circumference of the prosthesis. The regurgitation was considered severe and a percutaneous closure was planned with 3D-TEE and fluoroscopy image fusion guidance. Under general anesthesia a transeptal puncture was performed and the medial leak was closed with two vascular plugs (6mm each). During the deployment of the plugs an intermittent blockage of the medial disk of the prosthesis was noticed, which resolved completely after the removal of the wires previously positioned for the engagement of the leak. The lateral leak was then engaged and a second plug (10mm) was advanced causing a discontinuous interference with the two disks. The direct interference with the lateral disk caused a blockage in the closing position (leading to moderate stenosis, medium gradient 7mmHg) and in the opening position (leading to a massive regurgitation). The medial disk was intermittently blocked in the closing position due to the bulky effect of the devices provoking a traction and displacement of the prosthesis towards the medial region of the valve. To avoid this interference the plug was released with a marked atrial protrusion. Notably, after the removal of the wires no malfunctioning of the disks was noticed and the mild residual shunts appeared further decreased. The procedure was considered successful and at follow-up no residual leak was found. The percutaneous closure of PVL is a safe and effective intervention. Multimodality imaging is essential for the diagnosis, planning and procedural guidance. The knowledge of possible complications is warranted for the achievement of an optimal result. This case clearly show the possibility of interference with the prosthesis and overestimation of residual leaks. Abstract P1251 Figure. PVL closure:procedure and complications

The mid-term outcomes of minimally invasive plasty for severe tricuspid regurgitation after cardiac surgery

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of minimally invasive surgery in patients with late severe tricuspid regurgitation after cardiac surgery, and to evaluate the role of leaflets augmentation technique in tricuspid valvuloplasty. Methods: From January 2015 to June 2019, 85 patients undergoing tricuspid valve repair procedure with minimally invasive approach at Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong provincial People's Hospital were enrolled. There were 22 males and 63 females, aging of (53.6±12.4) years (range: 15 to 75 years). The interval between the prior and current operations was (16.0±7.3) years (range: 0.2 to 35.0 years). The diameter of right atrium and right ventricle was (77.3±17.2) mm and (61.0±8.4) mm, respectively. Tricuspid regurgitation was severe or extremely severe, the tricuspid regurgitation area was (19.0±10.3) cm(2). All patients underwent minimally invasive tricuspid valvuloplasty or tricuspid valve replacement on beating-heart with totally endoscopic technique and port-access approach through right chest wall. The operations included tricuspid valve replacement and tricuspid valvuloplasty, the technique of tricuspid valvuloplasty including leaflets augmentation with patch, ring implantation, chordae tendineaes reconstruction, release of papillary muscle, edge to edge method, etc. Postoperative hospitalization days, the time of ICU stay, blood transfusion rate, ventilator time and the results of echocardiography were recorded. Follow-up was completed regularly by WeChat, telephone and outpatient visit. Results: Sixty-five patients underwent tricuspid valve repair, and 20 patients underwent tricuspid valve replacement because of prosthetic failure and plasty failure. Five patients died during hospitalization, with mortality rate 5.9%. One patient was transferred to local hospital for anti-infection treatment, the other 79 patients were discharged from hospital in well condition and followed-up. The postoperative hospitalization time was 7.0 (5.5) days (M(Q(R))) days, the mean ventilator time was 18.0 (16.2) hours, and the mean ICU stay time was 68.0 (75.5) hours. There were 35 patients without blood conduction transfusion, the transfusion rate was only 58.9% (50/85). Four cases of severe, 9 cases of moderate and 67 cases of mild to zero tricuspid regurgitation were examined before being discharged, with tricuspid regurgitation area of (2.8±3.5) cm(2) (range: 0 to 19.1 cm(2)). The follow-up time was 1 to 38 months. Two patients died during follow-up, one patient died from infective endocarditis and mitral perivalvular leakage, the other one died of intractable right heart failure. One patient was implanted with permanent pacemaker due to Ⅲ atrioventricular block. Valvular re-replacement was performed in 2 patients who were re-admitted for the artificial valve infection and mechanical valve obstruction. No re-operation of tricuspid valve. Conclusions: Totally endoscopic minimally invasive technique provided satisfactory surgical outcomes for critically sick patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation following cardiac surgery. The application of leaflets augmentation technique achieved ideal repair effect for previously unrepairable lesions.

Minimally invasive treatment of multiple valve disease: A modified approach through a right lateral minithoracotomy.

Today there is little experience with minimally invasive treatment of multiple valve disease and no standard techniques have been provided yet. We report our early experience with combined aortic and mitral valve surgery with or without tricuspid surgery through a right lateral minithoracotomy (RmT), describing the technical aspects of our approach. From April 2017 to April 2019 thirty patients with mitro-aortic valve disease or with triple valve pathology underwent surgery through a 3 to 4 cm lateral RmT into the third intercostal space. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established through femoral vessels cannulation. Surgery on the mitral valve (MV) was performed first and sutures put into the mitral annulus. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) was performed next. Then, the selected ring or prosthetic valve was implanted in a mitral position throughout previously placed sutures. Finally, if required, tricuspid valve surgery was performed. In combined with AVR, MV replacement was performed in 20 patients (66%), and MV repair in 10 patients (34%). Concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty was performed in five patients (17%). There was no conversion to full sternotomy. Postoperatively, one patient died. Postoperative echocardiography showed no perivalvular leakage in aortic or in the mitral position. No residual mitral regurgitation was observed in patients who underwent MV repair. Minimally invasive surgery of double and triple valve disease is feasible. Our approach through a lateral RmT allows optimal visualization of the aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves, simplifies the surgical procedure and allows excellent results also in complex MV repair procedures.

Concomitant Annular Enlargement in Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement.

Aortic root enlargement may be necessary to implant adequately sized valves to avoid patient-prosthetic mismatch. Our objective was to assess the feasibility of annular enlargement during aortic valve replacement via a right anterior minithoracotomy. Twelve consecutive patients undergoing elective minimally invasive aortic valve replacement requiring annular enlargement over a 2-year period were retrospectively reviewed. A right anterior minithoracotomy was performed in all patients. Cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic crossclamp times, hospital length of stay, postoperative complications, rate of reoperation, echocardiographic data, and mortality were analyzed. Mean age was 66 years ± 14. Mean body mass index was 34 ± 7.8 kg/m2. All patients had normal preoperative ejection fractions. Indications for aortic valve replacement were severe (3/12, 25%) or critical (9/12, 75%) aortic stenosis due to degenerative aortic valve disease (10/12, 83%) and congenitally bicuspid aortic valve (2/12, 17%). Cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic crossclamp times were 144.7 ± 14.7 minutes and 111.7 ± 10.6 minutes, respectively. The median postoperative length of stay was 4 days. Peak and mean aortic valve gradients on postreplacement intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography were 14.5 ± 9.4 mmHg and 7.2 ± 4.2 mmHg, respectively, with no perivalvular leak on intraoperative or follow-up transthoracic echocardiogram. Postoperative transthoracic echocardiography had peak and mean aortic valve gradients of 12.1 ± 6.9 mmHg and 6.3 ± 3.7 mmHg, respectively. There were no postoperative mortalities. Freedom from reoperation was 100%. Annular enlargement performed during minimally invasive aortic valve replacement is feasible. Basic minimally invasive skills are recommended prior to instituting these more advanced techniques.

TAVI in LVAD Patients with Aortic Insufficiency

Purpose Development of aortic insufficiency (AI) following durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is common, and is associated with a worse prognosis. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become a mainstay therapy for high- and intermediate-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis , with an off-label use for severe AI. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and durability of TAVI in LVAD patients with severe AI. Methods We evaluated all LVAD patients within our database that underwent TAVI for aortic insufficiency between 4/2014-9/2018. Clinical and echocardiographic data were collected before and after TAVI procedure. Aortic regurgitant fraction (RF) was calculated using outflow graft velocities. Results 6 patients underwent 8 attempted TAVI procedures. Mean age was 68 ±7 years, 33% were female, 33% received LVAD as bridge-to-transplant, and 66% as destination therapy. Average time from LVAD to TAVI was 32 ±25 months. Implanted valves included Edwards Sapien 3 (4), Medtronic CoreValve (3), and Medtronic Evolut R (1). Following TAVI procedure, 5 patients (83%) survived over a mean follow-up of 11 ±16 months, and 1 patient died of peri-procedural complications following device deployment. 1 procedure was aborted due to vascular complications, and this patient subsequently underwent TAVI 28 days later. 1 patient underwent 2 separate TAVI procedures 1.8 years apart. Median length of hospitalization was 7.5 days (IQR 6.3-15.5). Procedural success was achieved in 75% of attempts, with significant improvement in RF from 44.8% (IQR 37.6-63.6) pre-procedurally to 27.3% (IQR 8.5-30.0, p=0.041) immediately post-TAVI. This remained unchanged on 1-month echocardiographic follow-up with RF of 26.1% (IQR 10.6-29.9, p=0.72). Qualitative trace or mild peri-valvular leak was noted on all surviving patients at 1-month follow-up. Conclusion TAVI is a clinically reasonable therapy for treating LVAD induced AI. Longer follow-up is needed to assess the durability and long-term efficacy of this procedure.

Intravenous Iron Versus Placebo in the Management of Postoperative Functional Iron Deficiency Anemia in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Valvular Surgery: A Prospective, Single-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial

To compare the efficacy of intravenous iron versus placebo to correct postoperative functional iron deficiency anemia in patients undergoing cardiac valvular surgery. A prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled study. National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases and a university hospital. The study comprised 150 patients with postoperative functional iron deficiency anemia after cardiac valvular surgery. The patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to either the treatment (intravenous iron) group or the control (placebo) group. The hemoglobin and ferritin concentrations and postoperative adverse events were collected and compared between the 2 groups. The hemoglobin concentration and the proportion of patients who had their anemia corrected or achieved hemoglobin increments of >20 g/L in the intravenous iron group were significantly higher than that in the placebo group at postoperative day 14 (p = 0.023, p = 0.037, and p = 0.001), whereas there was no statistical difference at postoperative day 7. The ferritin concentration was substantially higher at postoperative day 7 and postoperative day 14 in the intravenous iron group compared with the placebo group (both p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in rates of death, blood tranfusion, antibiotic upgrade, ventilator time >24 hours, postoperative hospital stay >10 days, poor wound healing, and perivalvular leakage between the 2 groups. Intravenous iron could significantly increase the hemoglobin level in patients with postoperative functional iron deficiency anemia at postoperative day 14. However, there is no difference in blood transfusion requirements or postoperative adverse outcomes between the 2 groups.

The usefulness of cardiac CT in the diagnosis of perivalvular complications in patients with infective endocarditis

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to compare the usefulness of cardiac CT to transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal (TEE) echocardiography in the diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) and perivalvular complications using surgical inspection as the gold standard.Material and methodsFifty-three consecutive patients (42 men, mean age 58.3 ± 12.5) with IE requiring surgical procedures were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent preoperative TTE, TEE, and CT. The presence of vegetations, perivalvular abscess/pseudoaneurysm, leaflet perforation, inflammatory infiltration, and prosthesis dehiscence was assessed.ResultsWe analyzed 71 affected valves (58 native, 13 prosthetic). Intraoperative assessment revealed 11 abscesses/pseudoaneurysms. Sensitivity and specificity of echocardiography (TTE + TEE) and CT were 63%, 90% and 81%, 90%, respectively. The combination of CT and echocardiography allowed diagnosing all abscesses/pseudoaneurysms. Inflammatory infiltration was found intraoperatively in 15 patients. Sensitivity and specificity of TEE and CT were 53%, 94% and 46%, 100%, respectively. Intraoperative assessment revealed leaflet perforation in 16 patients. Sensitivity and specificity of TEE and CT were 75%, 79% and 43%, 89%. The sensitivity of the combination of TTE + TEE + CT was 81%. Perivalvular leakage was found in eight patients with a prosthetic valve. Sensitivity and specificity of echocardiography and CT were 100%, 100% and 88%, 100%, respectively. TEE showed higher sensitivity (97%) than CT (89%) in the diagnosis of vegetations.ConclusionsThe combination of TTE, TEE, and CT increased the sensitivity for the detection of valvular and perivalvular complications of IE.Key Points• CT is a useful modality in the diagnosis of IE and its local complications in addition to echocardiography.• For the detection of abscesses and pseudoaneurysms, CT is superior to echocardiography. Combining these two modalities can increase the sensitivity of diagnosing abscess/pseudoaneurysm up to 100%.• Adding CT to TEE increases the sensitivity for detection of inflammatory infiltrate. CT is not superior to echocardiography in diagnosing vegetations, valvular leaflet perforations, and perivalvular leaks, but it can be a useful tool when echocardiography is indeterminate.

Bovine three-portion pericardial patch for reconstruction of the aorto-mitral curtain in infective endocarditis

BackgroundSurgery for infective endocarditis involving the aorto-mitral curtain (AMC) is challenging and requires extensive incisions and complex reconstruction procedures. However, in patients with preserved aortic annulus, reconstruction of the AMC is possible using a simple technique with limited incisions.Case presentationA handmade bovine three-portion pericardial patch was used to reconstruct the AMC in a patient with severe endocarditis requiring double valve replacement; the technique allowed for steady anchorage of prosthetic valves without additional incisions other than conventional aortotomy and atriotomy. Postoperative echocardiography revealed normal cardiac function and no significant perivalvular leakage. The patient displayed complete recovery and was discharged on postoperative day 33. The patient was symptom-free at his 1-year follow-up and displayed normal laboratory and echocardiographic findings.ConclusionThe bovine three-portion pericardial patch is useful for reconstructing the AMC in patients with infective endocarditis accompanied by preserved aortic annulus.

Aortic Valve Replacement for Patients with Heyde Syndrome: A Literature Review.

Objective To explore the characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with Heyde syndrome (HS) who undergo aortic valve replacement (AVR). Methods Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Ovid, WANFANG, VIP and CNKI were searched to identify all case reports of HS patients undergoing AVR surgery, using different combinations of search terms "Heyde syndrome", "gastrointestinal bleeding", "aortic stenosis", and "surgery". Three authors independently extracted the clinical data including the patients' characteristics, aortic stenosis severity, gastrointestinal bleeding sites, surgical treatments and prognosis. Results Finally, 46 case reports with 55 patients aging from 46 to 87 years, were determined eligible and included. Of them, 1 patient had mild aortic stenosis, 1 had moderate aortic stenosis, 42 had severe aortic stenosis, and 11 were not mentioned. Gastrointestinal bleeding was detected in colon (n=8), jejunum (n=6), ileum (n=4), cecum (n=3), duodenal (n=3) and multiple sites (n=8). No specific bleeding site was identified in 23 patients. Preoperative hemoglobin level ranged from 43 to 117 g/L. All but one of 16 patients showed decreased level of high molecule weight von Willebrand factor. Of the 55 patients, 43 underwent AVR, and 12 received transcatheter AVR. Aortic valves of 14 cases were replaced by mechanical valves, and 33 cases by biological valves. All patients recovered well during the follow-up, except 5 patients. One patient who had perivalvular leakage and gastrointestinal bleeding after AVR underwent the second AVR. Two patients had recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding. Two patients died of life-threatening acute subdural hematoma and multiple organ failure, respectively. Conclusions HS is a rare syndrome characterized by aortic stenosis and gastrointestinal bleeding. AVR is an effective treatment for HS.

Initial results from the off-label use of the SAPIEN S3 valve for percutaneous transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement: A multi-institutional experience.

To describe a multi-center experience of percutaneous transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) using the Edwards Sapien S3 Valve. Off-label use of the Sapien S3 valve can allow for TPVR in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) and large diameter dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). The initial experience at five centers with the SAPIEN S3 valve for TPVR is presented with a focus on procedural techniques, success, complications, and efficacy. A retrospective review was performed of all patients with CHD and dysfunctional RVOT who underwent TPVR using Sapien S3 valve. Imaging data, procedural elements, and clinical follow-up data were collected to evaluate acute and short-term results. A total of 50 patients underwent percutaneous placement of the Sapien S3 in the pulmonary position. Of these, 38 were placed into "native RVOTs", measuring 24-32 mm in diameter, as assessed by compliant balloon sizing. In all cases, the valve was implanted after introduction and there were no cases of valve embolization. On follow up (range 1-9 months, median 3 months), no patients had significant obstruction or regurgitation through or around the valve requiring intervention. There were no procedural deaths. Major complications included severe aortic compression (n = 1) and tricuspid valve (TV) injury related to valve placement (n = 2) and prestenting (n = 1). TPVR in patients with large diameter dysfunctional RVOTs can be effectively performed with the Sapien S3. All procedures were technically successful with no embolizations, no perivalvular leaks, and excellent short-term valve function. Tricuspid valve injury from implantation of an uncovered valve was a serious procedural complication.

RF43 LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF SUTURELESS VERSUS TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE IN ELDERLY PATIENT WITH AORTIC STENOSIS AT INTERMEDIATE RISK: THE EUROPEAN MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL STUDY

Background and Aim: This multi-institutional European study compares the long-term outcome of elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis at intermediate risk profile undergoing sutureless (SV) versus Transcatheter (TAVR) aortic valve implant. Methods: From 2008 to 2015, 967 elderly patients (&gt;75 years old) at intermediate risk (STS score 4%-8%) and isolated aortic stenosis entered the study (SV = 481/TAVR = 486). After full matching Propensity Score, two matched groups of 470 (G1) and 468 (G2) patients were obtained. Primary endpoints included all-causedeath at 30-days and at 5-years. Secondary endpoints included early and 5-years incidence of composite adverse events (MACCEs: all-cause death, stroke, PM implant, MI, paravalvular leak ≥ 2 + , re-operation). Results: After matching there were no difference in major variables between groups. The 30-days mortality was significantly lower in SV group (G1 = 1.7% vs G2 = 6.2%;p = 0.006) as well as permanent PM implantation (G1 = 5.5% vs G2 = 11.7%,p = 0.004). Stroke/TIA cumulative incidence at five years was 1.7% (G1) and 4.8% (G2)(p = 0.020). Incidence of perivalvular leak ≥ grade II was in 0.85% in G1 and 7.4% in G2 (p &lt; 0.001). At mean follow-up of 60 months, overall mortality and the incidence of MACCEs were significantly better in patients undergoing SV (G1 = 14.4 ± 2.7% vs G2 = 30.7 ± 3.3% p &lt; 0.001) (G1 = 20.9 ± 4.9% vs G2 = 43.3 ± 5.1%,p &lt; 0.001). Multivariable Cox Regression identified TAVR as independent predictor for mortality and MACCEs at 5-years (HR = 2.1,CI = 1.12-4.17,p = 0.002) (HR 2.9, CI:1.6-4.3, p &lt; 0,001). Conclusion: Sutureless rapid deployment valves improved the outcomes of aortic stenosis elderly patients at intermediate risk profile. The use of TAVR in this subset population should be evaluated in further controlled randomized trial having sutureless valve as comparative cohort.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement on an Aortic Mechanical Valve

A 71-year-old woman with a history of rheumatic heart valve disease and prior aortic and mitral mechanical valve replacement (Carbomedics #21 and #29, CarboMedics Inc., Austin, Texas, respectively), was referred for transcatheter closure of a mitral perivalvular leak due to New York Heart

Use of Transcatheter Valves for Open Surgical Mitral Valve Replacement. Australian Experience

Mitral valve procedures remain a surgical challenge in the presence of extensive annular calcification, which presents a formidable technical challenge. Aggressive debridement is limited by risk of serious complications and the technical complexity of pericardial patch reconstruction of the debrided area. An open surgical approach with a transcatheter valve allows the valve to be placed under direct visualisation to facilitate positioning and to evaluate the likelihood of both perivalvular leakage and atrioventricular disruption. The open approach has the additional advantage of performing concomitant surgeries like other valve procedures, arrhythmias surgeries and coronary bypass. We present our experience with open surgical mitral valve replacement (MVR) using transcatheter valve in different patients requiring varied procedures. These patients were not suitable for MVR using standard prosthetic valve and techniques. They were also not suitable for percutaneous MVR because of heavily calcified anterior mitral leaflet and the other concomitant procedures required. Open MVR with a transcatheter balloon-expandable valve can avoid the need for technically challenging and high-risk decalcification of mitral annulus. These novel techniques using transcatheter valves can be successful in complex cases where standard prosthetic valves are impossible to implant in a heavily calcified mitral annulus.

Parasternal long axis view to assess valve position and perivalvular leak by transthoracic echocardiography

Parasternal long axis view to assess valve position and perivalvular leak by transthoracic echocardiography

Apical four chamber view to assess valve position and perivalvular leak by transthoracic echocardiography

Apical four chamber view to assess valve position and perivalvular leak by transthoracic echocardiography

One-year outcomes after rapid-deployment aortic valve replacement

ObjectiveThe goals of rapid-deployment aortic valve replacement include facilitation of minimally invasive surgery and reduced aortic crossclamp time. We report the short-term outcomes of a series of 493 patients undergoing rapid-deployment aortic valve replacement with the EDWARDS INTUITY valve system (Edwards Lifesciences, LLC, Irvine, Calif). MethodsAssessing Standard oF Care and Clinical Outcomes UsiNg the EDWARDS INTUITY VAlve SysTem in a European multI-center, Active, pOst-market surveillaNce Study was a prospective, multicenter (n = 26) European registry designed to evaluate the safety and performance of the valve system. During rapid-deployment aortic valve replacement, device technical success and crossclamp time were assessed. Procedural outcomes, hemodynamic performance, and various adverse events and clinical outcomes were evaluated up to 2 years. ResultsBetween 2012 and 2014, 493 of 517 enrolled patients successfully received implants with the study valve (95.4% technical success). Mean crossclamp times for 163 full sternotomies, 128 mini-upper sternotomies, and 36 right anterior thoracotomies isolated aortic valve replacements were 47.3, 52.0, and 73.3 minutes, respectively. Mean follow-up was 1.8 years, with 870 total patient-years of follow-up. Mean effective orifice area increased from 0.72 (baseline) to 1.88 cm2, and mean pressure gradient decreased from 47.6 to 9.6 mm Hg (1 year). Mean effective orifice area index increased (0.39-1.01 cm2/m2), and 28 of 287 patients (9.8%) exhibited severe prosthesis–patient mismatch at 1 year. After 1 year, 68.1% and 21.7% of patients were in New York Heart Association class I and II, respectively. Freedom from death, major bleeding, major perivalvular leak, reoperation, and device explant at 1 year were 0.935, 0.939, 0.976, 0.975, and 0.983, respectively. ConclusionsThese results demonstrate commendable safety and performance of the test valve system over the short term in a broad European setting.

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms with concomitant aortic insufficiency: how should the aortic valve be managed?†

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms (SVAs) are rare and are often complicated by aortic insufficiency (AI). Treating AI is important for achieving good long-term results in patients with SVA. Here, we have summarized our experience with the surgical management of patients with SVA with concomitant AI. Patients who were diagnosed with SVA and underwent surgical treatment between January 2008 and May 2016 were included. Clinical characteristics, including age, gender, SVA anatomy and concurrent anomalies, were analysed. The surgical strategies, intraoperative results and early and late outcomes were evaluated. A total of 178 patients (age 37.4 ± 13.1 years, 114 men) were identified. Eighty-seven (48.9%) patients had at least 2+ AI preoperatively. Patients with AI had a significant higher incidence of right coronary SVA with concomitant ventricular septal defects (80.5% vs 54.9%, P < 0.001). Concurrent aortic valve surgery was performed in 70 patients with 63 valve replacements and 7 valve repairs. The other 17 patients underwent SVA repair only. The mean follow-up time was 44.4 ± 33.8 months. During the follow-up, no patients who underwent valve replacement experienced perivalvular leakage, whereas 7 patients who underwent aortic valve repair had trivial-to-mild AI and 3 of the 17 patients who underwent SVA repair only presented with moderate AI. Various surgical techniques can be utilized to manage concomitant AI without compromising short-term outcomes. Valve replacement yields good long-term results. According to our experience, valve repair, especially valve-sparing procedures performed by experienced surgeons, could be an acceptable option when managing concomitant AI in young patients.

Aortic Aneurysm in Takayasu Arteritis

BackgroundAortic aneurysm (AA) is a severe complication of Takayasu arteritis (TA). This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, clinical and imaging features, management and long-term outcomes of AA in patients with TA. Materials and MethodsA retrospective study was performed of TA patients with AA admitted to Fuwai Hospital from 1996-2015. Baseline clinical data and follow-up data of TA patients with AA were collected and analyzed. ResultsThirty-nine (4.2%) of 934 patients with TA were identified with AA that was related to vasculitis. The mean age at disease onset was 31 ± 10 years, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.79:1. The ascending aorta was the most common site of the aneurysmal lesion (18, 33.3%), and the most frequent manifestations associated with AA were chest tightness (12, 30.8%) and shortness of breath (12, 30.8%), which were usually concomitant with aortic valve insufficiency. Involvement of multiple sites in AA was found in 8 patients (20.5%), and multiple AAs were found in 5 patients (12.8%). No significant difference was observed in clinical and imaging findings between sexes. Of 25 patients (64.1%) with a median 72-month follow-up, 1 patient suffered from heart failure owing to perivalvular leakage, and 1 patient died, possibly related to severe complications of the operation. ConclusionsThe prevalence of AA is relatively low in Chinese patients with TA. AA seems to develop more frequently in male patients with TA. Management should consider location and size of AA, complexity of vessel lesions and disease status. Long-term follow-up is indispensable.