Preoperative Mitral Regurgitation Research Articles

Restrictive mitral valve annuloplasty for chronic ischaemic mitral regurgitation: outcomes of flexible versus semi-rigid rings.

Restrictive mitral annuloplasty is the mainstay of surgical correction of chronic ischaemic mitral regurgitation (CIMR). Long-term data on the various types of annuloplasty rings is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of restrictive mitral annuloplasty in patients with CIMR, comparing the use of flexible versus semi-rigid annuloplasty rings. A retrospective review was conducted for 133 patients with CIMR who underwent restrictive mitral annuloplasty at our institution between 1999 and 2015. Patient demographics and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Mean age was 61.9±9.2 years and 103 patients (77.4%) were male. All patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, with a mean of 3.3±0.8 grafts. Flexible rings was implanted in 39 patients (29.3%, group F) and semi-rigid rings in 94 (70.7%, group R). Preoperative New York Heart Association class was III/IV in 104 patients (78.2%). Mean preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction was 28.8%±10.2%. Preoperative mitral regurgitation was moderate in 51 patients (38.3%) and severe in 82 (61.7%). In-hospital mortality occurred in 11 patients (8.3%). Overall survival at 1, 5 and 10 years were, respectively, 86.4%, 69.7% and 45.9%. At 10 years, overall survival (group F 53.1%, group R 40.0%, P=0.330) and freedom from moderate to severe MR (group F 53.1%, group R 53.8%, P=0.725) did not differ significantly. Freedom from hospitalization for heart failure was 59.3%. Left ventricular reverse remodelling, defined as a reduction of left ventricular end-systolic volume index >15%, occurred more commonly in Group R (51.1%) compared to Group F (23.1%), P=0.003. Restrictive mitral annuloplasty was associated with an operative mortality of 8.3%. Heart failure symptoms and significant MR recur in approximately 40% of patients after 10 years. Survival remained suboptimal and was not influenced by the type of annuloplasty ring.

Mitral regurgitation severity predicts one-year therapeutic benefit of Tendyne transcatheter mitral valve implantation.

Longitudinal outcomes of transcatheter therapies for secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) have been variable. This study examined predictors of one-year outcome following transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) with the Tendyne device. The first 100 consecutive patients with moderate-severe or severe MR enrolled in the Tendyne CE Mark trial were examined. Multivariable analyses assessed the impact of preoperative clinical and echocardiographic characteristics on one-year freedom from death or heart failure hospitalisation (HFH). All 100 patients underwent Tendyne TMVI without operative mortality. Univariate analysis was performed on implanted subjects, followed by multivariate analysis in those with complete predictive variable data. Patient characteristics: 76.5% male, 60.8% NYHA Class III/IV, age 75.6±7.5 years and Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality of 8.5±6.1%. Increased left ventricular end-diastolic dimension was associated with one-year Tendyne benefit following univariate analysis (OR 0.35, p=0.010). Following multivariable adjustment, only severe MR, defined as a composite of effective regurgitant orifice area ≥0.3 cm2 or regurgitant volume ≥45 ml, was associated with freedom from death or HFH at one year (OR 0.16, p=0.032). Preoperative severe MR was predictive of improved one-year outcome following Tendyne TMVI. These results may inform therapy selection for the management of secondary MR and left ventricular dilatation.

Impact of recurrent mitral regurgitation after mitral valve repair for functional mitral regurgitation: long-term analysis of competing outcomes.

Recurrent mitral regurgitation (MR) has been reported after mitral valve repair for functional MR. However, the impact of recurrent MR on long-term survival remains poorly defined. In the present study, mortality-adjusted recurrent MR rates, the clinical impact of recurrent MR and its determinants were studied in patients after mitral valve repair with revascularization for functional MR in the setting of ischaemic heart disease. Long-term clinical and echocardiographic outcome was evaluated in 261 consecutive patients after restrictive mitral annuloplasty and revascularization for moderate to severe functional MR, between 2000 and 2014. The cumulative incidence of recurrent MR ≥ Grade 2, assessed by competing risk analysis, was 9.6 ± 1.8% at 1-year, 20.3 ± 2.5% at 5-year, and 27.6 ± 2.9% at 10-year follow-up. Cumulative survival was 85.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 81.0-90.0] at 1-year, 67.3% (95% CI 61.1-72.6%) at 5-year, and 46.1% (95% CI 39.4-52.6%) at 10-year follow-up. Age, preoperative New York Heart Association Class III or IV, a history of renal failure, and recurrence of MR expressed as a time-dependent variable [HR 3.28 (1.87-5.75), P < 0.001], were independently associated with an increased mortality risk. Female gender, a history of ST-elevation myocardial infarction, a preoperative QRS duration ≥120 ms, a higher preoperative MR grade, and a higher indexed left ventricular end-systolic volume were independently associated with an increased likelihood of recurrent MR. Mitral valve repair for functional ischaemic MR resulted in a low incidence of recurrent MR with favourable clinical outcome up to 10 years after surgery. Presence of recurrent MR at any moment after surgery proved to be independently associated with an increased risk for mortality.

Epidemiology of acute kidney injury among paediatric patients after repair of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a prevalent complication after the surgical repair of paediatric cardiac defects and is associated with poor outcomes. Insufficient renal perfusion secondary to severe myocardial dysfunction in neonates is most likely an independent risk factor in patients undergoing repair for anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA). We retrospectively investigated the epidemiology and outcomes of children with ALCAPA who developed AKI after repair. Eighty-nine children underwent left coronary reimplantation. The paediatric-modified risk, injury, failure, loss and end-stage (p-RIFLE) criteria were used to diagnose AKI. The incidence of AKI was 67.4% (60/89) in our study. Among the patient cohort with AKI, 23 (38.3%) were diagnosed with acute kidney injury/failure (I/F) (20 with acute kidney injury and 3 with acute kidney failure). Poor cardiac function (left ventricular ejection fraction < 35%) prior to surgery was a significant contributing factor associated with the onset of AKI [odds ratio (OR) 5.55, 95% confidential interval (CI) 1.39-22.13; P = 0.015], while a longer duration from diagnosis to surgical repair (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-1.00; P = 0.049) and a higher preoperative albumin level (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.70-0.99; P = 0.041) were found to lower the risk of AKI. Neither the severity of preoperative mitral regurgitation nor mitral annuloplasty was associated with the onset of AKI. After reimplantation, there was 1 death in the no-AKI group and 2 deaths in the AKI/F group (P = 0.356); the remaining patients survived until hospital discharge. The median follow-up time was 46.5 months (34.0-63.25). During follow-up, patients in the AKI cohort were seen more often by specialists and reassessed more often by echocardiography. Paediatric AKI after ALCAPA repair occurs at a relatively higher incidence than that suggested by previous reports and is linked to poor clinical outcomes. Preoperative cardiac dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction < 35%) is strongly associated with AKI. The beneficial effect of delaying surgery seen in some of our cases warrants further investigation, as it is not concordant with standard teaching regarding the timing of surgery for ALCAPA.

Right ventricular function and residual mitral regurgitation after left ventricular assist device implantation determines the incidence of right heart failure

BackgroundThe effect of significant mitral regurgitation (MR) on outcomes after continuous flow left ventricular assist device (cfLVAD) implantation remains unclear. MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from 159 patients with preoperative severe MR who underwent cfLVAD implantation (2003-2017). Two-step cluster analysis using the log-likelihood distance for post-cfLVAD implantation parameters, which included right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, MR severity, and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) severity. Post-cfLVAD implantation echocardiographic parameters were obtained within the first month. ResultsCluster analysis resulted in 3 groups. Group 1 (n = 67) had mild or less MR with moderate-severe RV dysfunction (RVD). Group 2 (n = 43) had moderate-severe MR with moderate-severe RVD. Group 3 (n = 49) had moderate MR with mild RVD. Group 2 had the largest proportion with Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support score of 1 (30.2%) and 2 (41.9%). They were more likely to undergo temporary mechanical circulatory support (18.6%) and tricuspid valve procedure (62.8%). Group 2 had the highest rate of stroke (30.2%; P = .02), hemolysis (39.5%; P = .01), device thrombosis (30%; P = .01), and worst survival (46.5%; P = .01). Survival at 5 years for groups 1, 2, and 3 were 56.0%, 17.6%, and 55.8%. Regression analysis of the entire population showed that greater MR severity after cfLVAD was associated with RV failure (P < .05; odds ratio, 1.6) and RV assist device use (P = .09; odds ratio, 1.6). After excluding tricuspid valve repairs, MR severity had a positive correlation with TR severity (R = 0.33; P < .01). ConclusionsAfter cfLVAD implantation, moderate-severe MR and RVD predicted RV failure. Patients with preoperative moderate-severe MR and TR coupled with moderate-severe RVD might benefit the most from mitral and tricuspid valve intervention.

Chordal replacement versus quadrangular resection in degenerative posterior mitral leaflet repair.

As an alternative to quadrangular resection (QR), little is known of the potential of chordal replacement (CR) for treating posterior mitral leaflet (PML) prolapse when comparing these two techniques. This study aimed to assess mid- to long-term outcomes of CR versus QR for isolated degenerative PML (idPML) repair. We reviewed 112 consecutive patients using CR or QR for idPML repair from 4/2010 to 12/2015. Outcomes were compared before and after propensity score matching. CR was more used through the minimally invasive approach (CR 59.4% vs. QR 9.4%, P<0.001). At discharge mitral regurgitation (MR) was successfully rectified to a mild or less degree in both groups (CR P<0.001, QR P<0.001; between groups: P=0.337). Group CR showed much shorter postoperative time (CR 9.9±4.0 vs. QR 14.0±8.3 days, P<0.004) and higher event-free survival rate between matched patients [56 months, CR 85.7% vs. QR 30.8%, P (log-rank) =0.017], however QR showed better freedom from above-mild recurrent MR (MR ≥2.5+) during follow-up [60 months, CR 50.2% vs. QR 96.3%, P (log-rank) =0.061]. Cox regression analysis might suggest that CR technique was a risk factor for recurrent MR [CR over QR, hazard ratio (HR) 2.149; 95% CI: 0.974-4.744; P=0.058; adjusted for surgical approach, gender, age, preoperative MR and ejection factor (EF)]. CR is more often used with the minimally invasive approach with less complications and shorter hospital stay. Nonetheless, CR is associated with recurrent MR development over time. Retaining of MV competence after CR demands attention and further investigation.

Invited Commentary

Invited Commentary

10-Year Outcomes After Left Ventricular Reconstruction: Rethinking the Impact of Mitral Regurgitation

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction due to a post-infarction anteroseptal aneurysm carries a poor prognosis. Patients with refractory heart failure may be considered for advanced surgery, including left ventricular assist device implantation, heart transplantation and left ventricular reconstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes after anintegrated approach of left ventricular reconstruction with concomitant procedures (mitral/tricuspid valve repair, coronary revascularization), and assess risk factors for event-free survival, focusing on left ventricular geometry/function and presence of functional mitral regurgitation (MR). A total of 159 consecutive heart failure patients who underwent left ventricular reconstruction between 2002 and 2011 were included. Mid-term echocardiographic and long-term clinical outcomes were evaluated. Preoperative risk factors were correlated to event-free survival (freedom from mortality, left ventricular assist device implantation, and heart transplantation). Mid-term echocardiography demonstrated decreased indexed left ventricular end-systolic volumes (89 ± 42 mL/m2 preoperatively; 51 ± 18 at mid-term, p < 0.001), and absence of MR ≥ grade 2. Event-free survival was 83% ± 3% at 1-year, 68% ± 4% at 5-year, and 46% ± 4% at 10-year follow-up. Preoperative wall motion score index (WMSI; hazard ratio [HR] 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7-5.8, p < 0.001) and presence of MR ≥ grade 2 (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.1, p= 0.014) were independently associated with adverse event-free survival. Event-free survival is favorable in patients with WMSI < 2.5 and significantly worse when WMSI is ≥ 2.5. In both groups, the presence of preoperative MR ≥ grade 2 negatively affects event-free survival, despite successful correction of MR. Risk stratification by preoperative WMSI and MR grade supports the Heart team in choosing the optimal surgical strategy for patients with refractory heart failure.

Subaortic Stenosis Resection in Children: Emphasis on Recurrence and the Fate of the Aortic Valve.

Recurrence after surgical resection of discrete subvalvar aortic stenosis in children often requires repeat operation. Risk factors for recurrence are poorly understood. We sought to determine potential risk factors for recurrence and postoperative comorbidities in the long term. Retrospective chart review was performed on all pediatric patients who underwent surgical resection of discrete subaortic stenosis at our institution. Demographics, perioperative findings, and clinical data were analyzed for predisposing factors. From 1991 to 2015, a total of 104 patients underwent primary surgical resection of discrete subaortic stenosis. There were no postoperative deaths. Three (2.9%) patients required pacemaker implantation. Nine (8.4%) patients required repeat resection for recurrence of subaortic membrane over a median follow-up of 8.5 years (interquartile range: 5.9-13.5 years). Actuarial freedom from repeat resection was 100%, 94%, and 82% at one, five, and ten years, respectively. Repeat resection occurred more frequently in patients with genetic disease (37.5% vs 10.7%; P = .033) and preoperative mitral regurgitation (MR; 25% vs 1.2%; P < .001). Postoperative aortic insufficiency (AI) that was moderate or worse was associated with older age at the time of first resection (relative risk [RR]: 1.54, P < .05), moderate or severe preoperative AI (RR: 1.84, P = .002), and repeat resection of subaortic stenosis (RR: 1.90, P < .001). The majority of children who undergo surgical resection of subaortic stenosis will not experience recurrence in childhood and those who do require repeat resection may have a higher incidence of genetic disease and preoperative MR. Postoperative AI is associated with repeat resection, older age at the time of surgery, and degree of preoperative AI.

Outcomes after Transcatheter and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Intermediate Risk Patients with Preoperative Mitral Regurgitation: Analysis of PARTNER II Randomized Cohort

ABSTRACTBackground: Preoperative mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients undergoing transcatheter (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) has been studied in high-risk cohorts. This study examines the outcomes of preoperative MR (≥ moderate) in a larger, intermediate-risk cohort.Methods: The Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves (PARTNER) 2A Trial randomized 2032 intermediate-risk patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis to TAVR or SAVR. An ad-hoc analysis was performed on 1738 patients with baseline MR echocardiographic data. Patients were analyzed according to the degree of preoperative MR (≥ moderate versus ≤ mild).Results: At baseline, ≥ moderate MR was reported in 300 patients (17%). At 30 days, ≥ moderate MR had improved in 47% to ≤ mild. Thirty-day mortality was higher in SAVR patients with ≥ moderate MR (8.0 versus 3.5%; p = 0.01), but this difference was not seen in TAVR (2.7 vs. 3.1%; p = 0.78). At 2-years, the combined outcome of death (20.5 vs. 16.3%; p = 0.07), stroke (12.9 vs. 9.0%; p = 0.06), and rehospitalization (22.0 versus 17.4%; p = 0.06) was higher in the ≥ moderate MR (40.4 vs. 32.6%; p = 0.009), and similar between SAVR and TAVR (39.8 vs. 41.0%; p = 0.89).Conclusions: Significant MR is prevalent in patients with severe AS and affects clinical outcomes after both TAVR and SAVR. SAVR patients with MR have high early risk, but the increased risk of death/stroke/rehospitalization becomes similar in both groups over time. Improvement in MR is common, especially in patients with lower ejection fraction and larger left-ventricular dimensions.

Impact of right ventricular volume and function evaluated using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging on outcomes after surgical ventricular reconstruction.

This study aimed to evaluate whether cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived right ventricular (RV) assessment can facilitate risk stratification among patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy who underwent surgical ventricular reconstruction (SVR). We retrospectively analysed 53 patients who underwent SVR. The patients were preoperatively evaluated using cardiac MRI. Cine-MRI was acquired for left ventricular (LV) and RV volume. Gadolinium-enhanced MRI was performed to evaluate LV scarring. The mid-term (median, 58 months) risk factors of all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac events were analysed. A significant reduction in LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume index and an increase in LV ejection fraction were observed early after SVR. RV end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVI) and RV end-systolic volume index (RVESVI) decreased after SVR (preoperative versus postoperative: RVEDVI, 71 ± 24 vs 62 ± 17 ml/m2, P = 0.006; RVESVI, 44 ± 26 vs 37 ± 16 ml/m2, P = 0.033), but RV ejection fraction did not change (preoperative versus postoperative: RV ejection fraction 40.8±14.6 vs 42.0±11.0%, P = 0.067). At follow-up, 25 deaths and 31 major adverse cardiac events occurred. After adjustment for age, creatinine level and preoperative mitral regurgitation grade, the Cox-hazard model indicated that RVEDVI [P = 0.006, hazard ratio (HR) 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.05] and RVESVI [P = 0.007, HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.04] were significant predictors for all-cause mortality. As for major adverse cardiac events, RVEDVI (P = 0.007, HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05), RVESVI (P = 0.002, HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.04) and RV ejection fraction (P = 0.018, HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.94-0.99) were significant. RV parameters were more sensitive than LV parameters for predicting worse outcomes following SVR. Preoperative assessment of RV volume and function using cardiac MRI may improve the risk stratification of SVR.

Impact of mitral valve intervention with left ventricular assist device implantation on postoperative outcomes and morphologic change.

Although mitral regurgitation (MR) is prevalent in patients with end-stage heart failure, the impact of mitral valve (MV) surgery on outcomes after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation and morphologic changes of MV remains unclear. We retrospectively reviewed 74 patients who underwent LVAD implantation as a bridge to transplant. Of these, 11 (15%) underwent MV repair concomitant with or prior to LVAD implantation, while 27 patients with preoperative significant (moderate or greater) MR did not undergo concomitant MV surgery. The mean interval between LVAD implantation and the last echocardiographic examination was 913days. Irrespective of MV surgery, significant LV reverse remodeling including decreased LV and left atrial dimension and improved MR severity was observed in all patients except for patients with prior MV surgery. Histopathological examination of explanted hearts removed at heart transplantation (n = 69) or autopsy (n = 5) revealed that the MV annulus was still dilated (mean perimeter 11.7cm) in the patients with preoperative significant MR and no concomitant MV surgery. Concomitant MV surgery at the time of LVAD implantation for significant MR might not be always necessary for bridge to transplant or destination therapy cases. However, it might be required in patients having potential for cardiac recovery or patients with severe pulmonary hypertension and depressed right ventricle.

Invited Commentary

As our collective experience with mechanical circulatory support as a treatment for advanced heart failure grows, we have an improved understanding of the physiologic impact of continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy. Dr Goodwin and colleagues [1Goodwin M. Nemeh H.W. Borgi J. Paone G. Morgan J.A. Resolution of mitral regurgitation with left ventricular assist device support.Ann Thorac Surg. 2017; 104: 811-819Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (32) Google Scholar] report on their evaluation of the impact of preoperative mitral regurgitation on postoperative outcomes after LVAD implantation. Unsurprisingly, they find that preoperative mitral regurgitation, regardless of severity, does not affect postoperative patient outcomes. Furthermore, LVAD implantation results in reverse remodeling of the left ventricle and durable improvement in mitral regurgitation. These findings confirm those of Dr Stulak and colleagues [2Stulak J.M. Tchantchaleishvili V. Haglund N.A. et al.Uncorrected pre-operative mitral valve regurgitation is not associated with adverse outcomes after continuous-flow left ventricular assist device implantation.J Heart Lung Transplant. 2015; 34: 718-723Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (51) Google Scholar], who previously reported that uncorrected mitral regurgitation had no impact on post-LVAD outcomes. Whereas the majority of patients undergoing LVAD implantation have secondary mitral regurgitation, the cause of mitral valve dysfunction becomes irrelevant once ventricular function has deteriorated to the point of requiring mechanical circulatory support. LVAD therapy directly unloads the left ventricle and actively reduces left-ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) [3Soucy K.G. Bartoli C.R. Phillips D. et al.Continuous-flow left ventricular assist device support improves myocardial supply:demand in chronic heart failure.Ann Biomed Eng. 2017; 45: 1475-1486Crossref PubMed Scopus (9) Google Scholar]. The improvement in heart failure symptoms, respiratory symptoms in particular, is in large part due to this reduction in LVEDP and improvement in mitral regurgitation. This physiologic finding should not be construed as an indication for mitral valve procedures in the context of durable LVAD implantation. The care of patients with advanced heart failure requiring LVAD therapy is complex and fraught with risks. Advocating additional procedures for marginal gain in hemodynamic parameters may not yield significant improvements in patient outcomes. We may be best served to remember Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s maxim: “Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing more to take away.” Resolution of Mitral Regurgitation With Left Ventricular Assist Device SupportThe Annals of Thoracic SurgeryVol. 104Issue 3PreviewCardiac valve disease is common in patients with end-stage heart failure undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation (LVAD). The aim of this study was to determine if preoperative mitral regurgitation (MR) affects outcomes and hemodynamics in patients after LVAD implantation. Full-Text PDF

Impact of concomitant mitral valve repair for severe mitral regurgitation at the time of continuous-flow left ventricular assist device insertion.

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is common in patients with end-stage heart failure. We assessed the effect of performing concomitant mitral valve repair during continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) implantation in patients with severe preoperative MR. We performed a single-centre, retrospective review of all patients who underwent CF-LVAD implantation between December 1999 and December 2013 (n = 469). Patients with severe preoperative MR (n = 78) were identified and then stratified according to whether they underwent concomitant valve repair. Univariate and survival analyses were performed, and multivariable regression was used to determine predictors of survival. Of the 78 patients with severe MR, 21 underwent valve repair at the time of CF-LVAD implantation (repair group) and 57 did not (non-repair group). A comparison of the 2 groups showed significant differences between groups: INTERMACS I 16.985 vs 9.52%, (P = 0.039), cardiopulmonary bypass time 82.09 vs 109.4 min (P = 0.0042) and the use of HeartMate II 63.16 vs 100% (P = 0.001). Survival analysis suggested trends towards improved survival and a lower incidence of heart failure-related readmissions in the repair group. Multivariable regression analysis showed no significant independent predictors of survival (mitral valve repair: odds ratio 0.4, 95% confidence interval 0.8-1.5; P = 0.2). Despite the lack of statistical significance, trends towards improved survival and a lower incidence of heart failure events suggest that mitral valve repair may be beneficial in patients undergoing CF-LVAD implantation. Given the known relationship between severe MR and mortality, further study is encouraged to confirm the value of mitral valve repair in these patients.

Resolution of Mitral Regurgitation With Left Ventricular Assist Device Support

Cardiac valve disease is common in patients with end-stage heart failure undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation (LVAD). The aim of this study was to determine if preoperative mitral regurgitation (MR) affects outcomes and hemodynamics in patients after LVAD implantation. From March 2006 through May 2015, 238 consecutive patients underwent LVAD implantation. Patient cohorts included less than moderate to severe MR (< moderate-severe, n= 195) and greater than or equal to moderate to severe MR (≥ moderate-severe, n= 43). Demographics, operative characteristics, postoperative outcomes, hemodynamic and echocardiographic data, and resolution of MR were compared at 30 and 180 days post-LVAD. Significant hemodynamic improvements were seen in central venous pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, cardiac index, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, irrespective of preoperative MR severity. Significant resolution of MR occurred across both cohorts, with only 4 of 168 (2.4%) patients with ≥ moderate-severe MR at 180 days post-LVAD. There were no differences in complications or survival between MR severity cohorts postoperatively. LVAD implantation unloads the left ventricle to promote left ventricle reverse remodeling and correct functional MR across all severity levels. The resolution of MR is sustained at 180 days post-LVAD. These results coupled with no survival difference with uncorrected MR between < moderate-severe MR and ≥ moderate-severe MR makes concomitant mitral valve repair or replacement at the time of LVAD implantation unnecessary.

Mitral Regurgitation Grading in the Operating Room: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Comparing Preoperative and Intraoperative Assessments During Cardiac Surgery

To assess differences in mitral regurgitation (MR) grade between the preoperative and the intraoperative evaluations. Systematic review and meta-analysis of 6 observational studies found from MEDLINE and EMBASE. Cardiac surgery. One hundred thirty-seven patients. Comparison between the preoperative MR assessment and the intraoperative evaluation conducted under general anesthesia (GA), with or without "hemodynamic matching" (HM) (artificial increase of afterload). The primary outcome was the difference between the preoperative and intraoperative MR grade under "GA-only" or "after-HM." Secondary analyses addressed differences according to effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA), regurgitant volume (RVol), color-jet area, and vena contracta width. Risk of MR underestimation was found under "GA-only" (SMD: 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31-0.79, p < 0.00001), but not "after-HM" (SMD: -0.16; 95% CI, -0.46 to 0.13, p = 0.27). Under "GA-only", EROA had a trend toward underestimation (p = 0.07), RVol was reliable (p = 0.17), while reliance on color-jet area and vena contracta width incur risk of underestimation (both p = 0.003). After HM, EROA accurately reflected preoperative MR (p = 0.68) while RVol had a trend toward overestimation (p = 0.05). The overall reported incidence of misdiagnoses was slightly more common under "GA-only" (mean 48%, 39% underestimation, 9% overestimation; range: 32%-57%) than "after-HM" (mean 41%, 12% underestimation, 29% overestimation; range: 33%-50%). Only the minority of misdiagnoses were clinically relevant: underestimation was around 10% (both approaches), but 18% had clinically significant overestimation "after-HM" as compared with 3% under GA-only. Intraoperative assessment under "GA-only" significantly underestimated MR. A more accurate intraoperative evaluation can be obtained with afterload manipulation, although HM strategy carries high risk of clinically significant overestimation.

Surgical Transapical Approach for Prosthetic Mitral Paravalvular Leak Closure: Early Results.

The objective is to demonstrate safety and early clinical results of surgical transapical closure of paravalvular leaks (PVLs) following mitral valve replacement in significant regurgitation. Between March 2014 and February 2015, 12 patients (mean age 52.1 ± 6.0 years, 66.6% male) with severe symptomatic mitral PVLs (n = 13) underwent surgical transapical closure procedure through left mini-thoracotomy. All patients were in NYHA functional class III-IV and median logistic EuroSCORE was 24.2 ± 6.4% (range, 13.5-34.6%). Indications were heart failure (n = 10) and symptomatic hemolysis (n = 2) due to severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Amplatzer Vascular Plug-III devices (n = 9) were used for smaller and regular defects; whereas Atrial Septal Defect closure devices (n = 4) were used for larger defects. Technical success was achieved in 10 (83.3%) patients. One (8.5%) patient with 2 + MR was treated medically. A patient with residual 4 + MR underwent re-operation. There was no procedure-related complication including mortality, device migration, embolization, or cardiac laceration. Mean procedure and fluoroscopy times were 166.4 ± 39.5 (range, 90-210) and 25.7 ± 17.3 (range, 16-64) minutes, respectively. The mean intensive care and hospital stays were 2.1 ± 1.3 and 10.3 ± 6.5 days, respectively. Clinical efficacy was achieved in 9 (75%) of 12 patients at early follow-up of 8.5 ± 2.1 months. NYHA status was class II in two patients, and no hemolytic anemia was diagnosed. Echocardiographic studies revealed a significant reduction of preoperative MR (3-4+) to less than 1+ MR after operations (P < 0.05). Surgical transapical approach to PVL closure is a safe and effective procedure following mitral valve replacement. Early results show that this procedure can be an alternative to re-operation for high-risk patients. Further studies are needed to prove its effectiveness in the long term.

Transaortic Edge-to-Edge Repair for Functional Mitral Regurgitation During Aortic Valve Replacement: A 13-Year Experience.

The study evaluated the feasibility of a transaortic edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (Alfieri stitch) for moderate or greater (≥2+) functional mitral regurgitation (MR) in high-risk patients undergoing aortic valve replacement. We retrospectively evaluated 40 consecutive patients who underwent aortic valve replacement combined with a transaortic edge-to-edge mitral valve repair for 2+ or greater functional MR, between February 2002 and April 2015. The MR was graded semiquantitatively as 0 (trace/none), mild (1+), moderate (2+), or moderate to severe (3-4+). Thirty-two patients had aortic stenosis, and eight had aortic regurgitation. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age was 77.5 ± 5 years, 34 (85%) were male, and the mean ± SD EuroSCORE II was 14.3% ± 12.9. At a median follow-up of 1 month (interquartile range, 0.75-10), there were significant improvements in preoperative versus postoperative median MR grade (3+ vs 1+, P < 0.001), mean left ventricular ejection fraction (34% vs 41%, P = 0.018), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (54 vs 49 mm, P = 0.005), and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (49 vs 35 mm Hg, P < 0.001). Persistent 3 to 4+ MR occurred in two patients (5%). In 12 patients with at least 6-month follow-up (mean ± SD, 18 ± 11 months), a sustained improvement in all echocardiographic parameters was observed, with persistent 3 to 4+ MR occurring in one patient (8.3%). Actuarial survival at 1, 3, and 4.5 years was 82% ± 6, 71% ± 8, and 65% ± 10, respectively. A transaortic edge-to-edge repair for 2+ or greater functional MR can be safely performed during aortic valve replacement and is associated with improvements in MR grade, left ventricular remodeling, and pulmonary hemodynamics.

Surgically Corrected Mitral Regurgitation During Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation Is Associated With Low Recurrence Rate and Improved Midterm Survival

Indications for concomitant intervention for mitral regurgitation (MR) during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation remain controversial. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of the surgical correction of MR during LVAD implantation. From July 2008 to December 2014, 164 patients with significant preoperative MR underwent LVAD (HeartMate II; Thoratec, Pleasanton, CA) implantation. The MR resolved after LVAD implantation in 110 of 164 patients (67.1%) with either surgical or spontaneous correction. The cohort (n= 110) without significant postoperative MR was divided into two groups: a spontaneous correction group (n= 54, MR spontaneously resolved after LVAD implantation); and a surgical correction group (n= 56, MR surgically corrected). Patients who received aortic valve procedures (n= 17) were excluded from this study. Patient demographics, perioperative outcomes including bleeding, prolonged intubation, and stroke, and inhospital mortality did not differ in the two groups except for significantly longer cardiopulmonary bypass time in the surgical correction group (spontaneous correction 123 minutes [interquartile range (IQR): 107 to 150] versus surgical correction 177 minutes [IQR: 132 to 198], p < 0.001). During follow-up, pulmonary wedge pressure (spontaneous correction 17 mm Hg [IQR: 12 to 23 mm Hg] versus surgical correction 12 mm Hg [IQR: 4 to 17 mm Hg], p= 0.015) and pulmonary vascular resistance (spontaneous correction 2.0 Wood units [IQR: 1.5 to 2.4] versus surgical correction 1.7 Wood units [IQR: 0.8 to 2.1], p= 0.047) were significantly improved in the surgical correction group compared with the spontaneous correction group. Overall survival rate and freedom from recurrent MR were significantly better in the surgical correction group compared with the spontaneous correction group (1-year survival, spontaneous correction 59.4% ± 6.9% versus surgical correction 69.6% ± 6.4%, log rank p= 0.030; 1-year freedom from recurrent MR, spontaneous correction 76.2% ± 7.5% versus surgical correction 95.0% ± 3.5%, log rank p=0.028). The LVAD patients with surgically corrected MR had improved midterm hemodynamics and survival compared with spontaneously resolved MR, along with low recurrence of MR. Aggressive surgical mitral valve intervention during LVAD implantation may be recommended.

Successful fast track protocol implementation for patients undergoing transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

BackgroundThe aim of the current study is to report our experience with fast-track treatment of patients undergoing transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TA-TAVI) and to determine perioperative predictors for fast-track protocol failure.MethodsBeing one of the pioneering centers to start performing TA-TAVI back in 2005, we routinely included patients undergoing this procedure into our fast-track management program since 2008. Between January 2008 and June 2013, 207 consecutive high-risk patients (mean age 79 ± 7 years, mean Log. EuroSCORE 24 ± 10) who underwent TA-TAVI accordingly to our institutional fast-track approach were prospectively collected and analyzed. Uni- and multivariate analysis were performed to identify independent pre- and perioperative predictors of fast-track protocol failure, defined as inability to discharge the patient from the intensive care unit (ICU) on the day of surgery or as readmission to the ICU 48 h after the initial discharge.ResultsFast-track management was successful in 83 % of the patients. 30-day mortality was 8 %. Fast-track protocol failure (17 %) was associated with an outcome worsening compared to the remaining patients (mortality: 40 % vs. 2 % and mean hospital stay: 19 ± 12 vs. 10 ± 9 days; P = .002). Independent predictors of fast-track protocol failure were age ≥85 years (OR 3.1; CI 95 % 1.89–6.21), ejection fraction (EF) ≤30 % (OR 2.6; CI 95 % 1.99–7.52), moderate to severe preoperative mitral valve regurgitation (OR 2.7; CI 95 % 1.27–6.43) and fluoroscopy time ≥12 min (OR 2.9; CI 95 % 1.28–7.46).ConclusionsFast-track patient management following TA-TAVI is safe and reproducible in the majority of patients. Besides patient-related preoperative risk factors (age ≥85 years, EF ≤30 % and moderate to severe preoperative mitral valve regurgitation) a technically challenging intraoperative course as evidenced in a prolonged fluoroscopy time are independent predictors of fast-track protocol failure which is associated with high loss of patient outcome.