Severe Aortic Stenosis Research Articles

Abstract 4119619: Congruency of Stated Aortic Stenosis Severity and Reported Doppler Exam Values in a Large Health Care System Based on ACC/ASE Guidelines

Background: Peak aortic valve Doppler velocity, mean aortic valve gradient, and Doppler estimated aortic valve area are key measures recommended for assessing aortic stenosis severity. Discordance often occurs among these measures, posing diagnostic challenges. Failure to accurately diagnose severe aortic stenosis is critical. This study focuses on the discordance between reported aortic valve area (AVA) and stenosis severity, comparing guidelines from the ASE and ACC seen in Table 1. Goals: Assess the incidence of discordance between reported AVA and severity of aortic stenosis and compare how the differing guideline recommendations of the ASE versus ACC for defining severe AS by AVA would affect reporting severity in a large clinical practice. Methods: A query of all transthoracic echocardiograms obtained in patients 18 years of age and above was performed in a large multi-hospital healthcare system between Jan 1 and Jun 30 of 2023. This group was then filtered to include only exams in which the reported aortic valve area was 1 cm2 or less, excluding all cases with prosthetic aortic valves. This group was then further filtered to contain only those patients in whom the physician did NOT report severe aortic stenosis. Results: Between Jan and June 2023, 16,675 subjects ages 18-95 (avg 74) underwent transthoracic echocardiograms in our healthcare system, with 190 (1.1%) reported as having an AVA ≤ 1 cm2. Of those exams, 63 (33% of those with AVA ≤ 1) were not reported as having severe aortic stenosis. Of those 63 exams, 35 (56%) had a reported SVI < 35 ml/m2 compatible with a low flow state. However, only 1 of those 35 cases mentioned flow-status in labeling the stenosis severity in the report. Based on the ASE Doppler AVA definition of severe AS (< 1.0 cm2 (≤ 0.94 )) vs ACC (≤ 1 cm2 (≤1.04), the AV Doppler and SVI data contained in the reports should have led to the grading of the aortic valve as being ”Severe” or “Moderate” aortic stenosis as described in Table 2. Conclusion: Discordance in labeling severe aortic stenosis relates to differing AVA criteria. Cases are often termed "moderate to severe" under ACC criteria. The majority (56%) of cases failing to describe severe AS despite meeting AVA criteria were in low flow states, suggesting this phenomenon is not well understood in clinical practice. Various factors contribute to these findings, warranting further investigation.

Abstract 4136704: Comparison of Early Clinical Outcomes with Balloon-Expanding Valves Versus Self-Expanding Valves in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an effective percutaneous intervention in patients with severe aortic stenosis, particularly in those with contraindications for surgical repair. Currently, two types of aortic valves are used in clinical practice: balloon-expanding valves (BEV) and self-expanding valves (SEV). The current data comparing early (30-day) clinical outcomes of BEV to SEV in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR are inconsistent. Methods: A systematic literature search spanning PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus databases was conducted to retrieve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing balloon-expanding valves to self-expanding valves in patients undergoing TAVR. The DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was used to pool the odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: This meta-analysis included five RCTs with 2190 severe aortic stenosis patients (1097 in the BEV group and 3621 in the SEV group). BEV-TAVR was associated with a significantly lower risk of 30-day new permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation [OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.48, 0.93; p=0.02] and 30-day re-hospitalization for heart failure [OR: 0.20; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.96; p=0.04] compared to SEV-TAVR. The risks of 30-day mortality, 30-day cardiac mortality, 30-day all-cause stroke, 30-day myocardial infarction, 30-day life-threatening bleeding, 30-day vascular complications, 30-day acute kidney injury, and 30-day repeat procedures for valve-related dysfunction were comparable between the two groups. Conclusion: TAVR in patients with severe aortic stenosis using BEV is advantageous over SEV in terms of 30-day new PPM implantation and 30-day rehospitalization for heart failure, with comparable risks for other outcomes. These findings underscore the safety and efficacy of newer generation valves, including Sapien 3 and EvolutPro, in TAVR. The choice of prosthetic aortic valve is dependent on individual anatomy and operator preference. Further RCTs are warranted to evaluate other newer-generation valves with varying severities of aortic stenosis.

Abstract 4124369: Mid-term Outcomes of Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Low to Moderate Risk Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis: A Meta-analysis of Randomised Clinical Trials

Background: Several clinical trials have demonstrated non-inferiority of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) compared with surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and low to intermediate surgical risk. However, mid-term results are still contentious. Question: Is TAVR superior to SAVR in the mid-term in terms of mortality outcomes or adverse cardiovascular events? Methods: We searched Embase, Pubmed and Cochrane databases for RCTs that compared TAVR with SAVR in patients with symptomatic severe AS with a follow-up of at least 4 years. Outcomes of interest were all-cause mortality and disabling stroke. Results: We included six RCTs involving 6,444 patients with severe AS, of whom 3,282 (50.9%) underwent TAVR. There was no difference in mortality from all causes (RR 1.08; 95%CI 0.94-1.25; p=0.30; I 2 =45%) and disabling stroke (RR 0.95; 95%CI 0.75-1.21; p=0.67; I 2 =9%) between groups. In the subgroup analysis, 5-year mortality (RR 1.28; 95%CI 1.10-1.49; I 2 =0%) was higher in the TAVI group. The new pacemaker implantation rate was higher in the TAVI group (RR 2.22; 95%CI 1.42-3.45; p=0.0004 ; I 2 =91%). However, new atrial fibrillation rate was higher in the SAVR group (RR 0.42; 95%CI 0.37-0.49; p=0.00001; I 2 =62%). Conclusion: Mid-term mortality and disabling stroke of patients with severe AS treated with TAVR or SAVR were similar.

Abstract 4135270: Clinical and Procedural Outcomes after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement vs Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Severe Aortic Stenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Introduction: A growing body of evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has demonstrated the superiority of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) over surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) irrespective of surgical risk in patients with severe aortic stenosis (SAS). Given the rise in TAVR procedures, analyzing trends in outcomes over time is critical to aid clinical decision-making. Hence, we pooled RCT data for a robust assessment of clinical and procedural outcomes in SAS patients undergoing TAVR and SAVR. Methods: PUBMED and SCOPUS were queried until April 2024. Trials were classified into high and low-risk groups based on surgical risk. The outcomes were analyzed at 30 days (short-term), 1 year (mid-term), and 5 years (long-term). Estimates were calculated as random effects risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: 10 RCTs with a total of 10,252 patients were included. There was no significant association between TAVR and SAVR in reducing all-cause mortality at 30 days (RR: 0.84 [0.64, 1.10]; Figure 1a). While TAVR was associated with a significantly lower all-cause mortality at 1 year (RR: 0.82 [0.68-0.97]; Figure 1b), it was linked with a significantly higher all-cause mortality at 5 years (RR: 1.14 [1.07-1.21]; Figure 1c). Myocardial infarction and stroke were similar in both groups up to 5 years. TAVR was associated with a lower risk of acute kidney injury for up to 1 year and atrial fibrillation for up to 5 years but a higher risk of new permanent pacemaker implantation and aortic valve re-intervention for up to 5 years. In low-risk patients, TAVR showed no significant differences from SAVR for all-cause mortality at 30 days and 5 years, but it was significant at 1 year. In high-surgical-risk patients, all-cause mortality was comparable between TAVR AND SAVR at 30 days and 1 year, with a higher rate observed with TAVR at 5 years. Conclusion: Compared with SAVR, TAVR was superior in reducing all-cause mortality at 1 year in low-risk patients and inferior in reducing all-cause mortality at 5 years in high-risk patients. A thorough evaluation of anatomical, clinical, and procedural factors is crucial to tailor the optimal intervention for each patient.

Abstract 4119146: Pulmonary Artery Enlargement Predicts Mortality in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Background: Pulmonary hypertension is associated with extensive remodeling of the pulmonary tree, with key finding the enlargement of the pulmonary artery (PA). Although the independent predictive value of the pulmonary hypertension in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis has been clearly demonstrated, data about the potential predictive value of the pre-interventional PA enlargement on mortality are scarce. Research questions: The aim of the present study was to assess the prognostic significance of the pre-interventional PA enlargement, assessed by cardiac CT scan, in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study and recruited 337 patients with aortic stenosis, who underwent a right heart catheterization and a cardiac CT scan before the transcatheter aortic valve replacement. The cohort was divided in two groups according to the presence of an enlarged PA (PA e ), (main PA axial diameter ≥ 29 mm for males and ≥ 27 mm for females, n=192, mean age 83±6 years, 41% males) or not (PA n ), ( n=145, mean age 84±6 years, 46% males). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 1 year. Results: Globally, a strong correlation between invasive mean PA pressure and main PA axial diameter was noted (Pearson r=0.393, p<0 .001). Compared to the PA n group, patients with enlarged PA exhibited higher 1 year mortality rates (hazard ratio 2.51, 95% CI: 1.1-6.04, p=0.027). The prognostic significance was even stronger after indexing the PA to the ascending aorta diameter (hazard ratio 3.82, 95% CI: 1.86-7.87, p<0.001, figure 1). Conclusions: Pre interventional PA enlargement, is strongly associated with 1-year all-cause mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve. This may pave the way for a more precise non-invasive risk stratification in patients with severe aortic stenosis.

Abstract 4138268: The Use of Mavacamten for Management of Post TAVR Obstruction: A Novel Approach to Treatment

Background: Treatment of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction involves a combination of negative inotropic agents. However, these therapies have limitations which may result in insufficient control of symptoms, leading to more invasive options such as surgical septal myectomy or septal alcohol ablation. Mavacamten, a cardiac myosin inhibitor, is currently approved for the treatment of patients with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We present a case of a patient treated with mavacamten in addition to β-blockers (BB) for management of post-TAVR LVOT obstruction. Case: A 76 year old female with a past medical history of hypertension, severe aortic stenosis, and coronary artery disease underwent a Medtronic Evolut TAVR in March 2022. Her TTE post TAVR showed LVOT peak gradient greater than 100 mm Hg, LVEF 75% and severe eccentric mitral regurgitation secondary to systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve (MV). After multidisciplinary discussion, the patient was discharged on maximally tolerated BB therapy. Follow up TTE showed persistent obstruction and gradients, so diltiazem was added to her regimen. Her subsequent TTE showed a peak LVOT > 100 mmHg at rest, and severe MR. Given persistent findings, she was started on mavacamten, continued on metoprolol, and tapered off of diltiazem. Her TTE two months after initiation of mavacamten revealed resolution of LVOT gradients, reduction of MR to mild and normal LV and TAVR function. She tolerated the therapy well and endorsed ongoing symptomatic improvement on subsequent follow up. Discussion: With the increasing use of TAVR therapy, there has been a corresponding rise in cases of post-TAVR obstruction that must be managed. As demonstrated by this case, management with BB therapy alone may be suboptimal. Although mavacamten is currently approved in patients with HCM, the obstruction in post-TAVR patients is functionally similar. Thus, this medication was trialed as a supplemental treatment in this patient and yielded positive results. This case highlights the potential benefit of extending use of mavacamten alongside β-blocker therapy for this patient population and suggests the need for future studies.

Abstract 4137869: Ross Procedure for Correction of Congenitally Unicuspid Aortic Valve: A Paradigm Shift?

Case 1: A 54-yr-old man reported exertional dyspnea for 3 months, with a systolic murmur on exam. TTE noted severe aortic stenosis, moderate insufficiency and possible bicuspid valve morphology. Coronary angiogram showed no obstructive disease. CT chest showed a 5-cm ascending aortic aneurysm. CT surgery evaluation was sought, and patient had a Ross procedure with aortic hemiarch repair. Intra-operative TEE confirmed a congenitally unicommissural, unicuspid aortic valve (UAV). A 7-month follow-up TTE showed a normal aortic and pulmonic prosthetic gradient. Case 2: A 46-yr-old lady reported progressive exercise intolerance, with a systolic murmur and faint S2 noted on exam. TTE showed severe aortic stenosis. MR angiogram showed a unicuspid valve and a mildly dilated aortic root. The patient was evaluated by CT surgery and underwent Ross procedure. TTE 4 years later showed a normal aortic and a moderately elevated pulmonic prosthetic gradient. Patient continues to exercise without limitations. Discussion: UAV is a rare entity with an incidence of 0.02%. It has a bimodal distribution, in infants and adults, with the unicommissural type more common in adults. Due to rapid progression of valvular disease, the mean age at diagnosis is 42 years. Concurrent aortic dilatation is present in 48% patients. Management of UAV is a matter of ongoing investigation. Classically, young patients with aortic valve disease underwent mechanical AVR. Ross procedure was under-utilized due to concerns about the surgical complexity and potential need for re-operation of the aortic and pulmonic grafts. However, recent studies show promising results. Patients with UAV have lower reoperation rates after a Ross procedure compared to a repair alone. Furthermore, a Ross procedure confers mortality benefit over mechanical AVR with no significant difference in immediate perioperative complications and mortality, although, this needs further investigation in a UAV cohort. Our cases support the feasibility of a Ross procedure for UAV, in providing a durable solution while avoiding anticoagulation in young patients. As Ross procedure is performed in limited centers, patients with UAV should be referred to such centers for definitive management.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Geographic and Socioeconomic Vulnerabilities.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an established treatment for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). It remains unclear whether disparities exist in rural or socially vulnerable populations undergoing TAVR. This study assessed whether outcomes differ based on geographic location or vulnerability of patients undergoing TAVR. Patients undergoing TAVR at a single institution from August 2012 to June 2023 were studied (n = 1565). Zip codes determined Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and measured distance to our facility. Outcomes defined by the Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 (VARC-3) included stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA)/delirium, pacemaker implantation, new atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter, and myocardial infarction (MI). Average time between preoperative coronary angiogram (CATH)/computed tomography angiography (CTA) and TAVR was calculated. Kaplan-Meier curves estimated survival probability. The average time between CATH and TAVR in patients living furthest away was ∼9 days more than patients living closest to the implant site. The average number of days between CATH and TAVR for low and high SVI were 71 and 78 days, respectively. The average number of days between CTA and TAVR for low and high SVI were 40 and 39 days, respectively. Further distances traveled were associated with longer wait times between preoperative workup and TAVR. Patients with longer waits between CATH and TAVR had no differences in medium-term survival probability but had decreased long-term survival probability compared to patients with rapid pre-procedural evaluation. Although geographic and socioeconomic vulnerability can disadvantage patients, our study demonstrates that patients undergoing TAVR can have timely care and similar outcomes.

Abstract 4122134: Relationships between aortic valve area planimetry on four-dimensional cardiac computed tomography and survival following transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Background: Aortic valve area planimetry (AVA CT ) is feasible on four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) for grading aortic stenosis severity, with superior spatial but inferior temporal resolution to echocardiography, however its prognostic utility is not well-established. We evaluated the prognostic value of AVA CT in patients with significant aortic valve stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods: We studied 1035 native aortic valve stenosis patients (age 79.0±9.0 years, 429 (41.5%) women) undergoing TAVR during 2019-2020. AVA CT and indexed to body surface area (AVAi CT ) were retrospectively measured on contrast-enhanced 4D-CT at peak systole, and standard statistical analyses performed to evaluate its associations with all-cause mortality during follow-up. Results: Mean AVA CT and AVAi CT were 1.02±0.21 cm 2 and 0.53±0.12 cm 2 /m 2 respectively, with 240 (23.2%) deaths during mean follow-up of 2.1±0.9 years. Areas under curves and optimal thresholds for identifying severe aortic stenosis (defined as AVA<1.0 cm 2 on echocardiography) were 0.78 and <1.10 cm 2 for AVA CT and 0.83 and <0.65 cm 2 /m 2 for AVAi CT . AVA CT and AVAi CT below these thresholds representing severe aortic stenosis were independently associated all-cause mortality during follow-up, with hazards ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 1.84 (1.34-2.53) and 2.38 (1.48-3.81) respectively in multivariable analyses. The Figure illustrates Kaplan-Meier survival curves for the cohort based on A) AVA CT and B) AVAi CT thresholds. Conclusion: Optimal thresholds of AVA CT (<1.10 cm 2 ) and AVAi CT (<0.65 cm 2 /m 2 ) were independently associated with worse survival in patients undergoing TAVR, indicating that AVA CT and AVAi CT as potentially useful additional imaging biomarkers in the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of aortic stenosis patients.

Abstract 4134483: How succesfully can we presribe the 'four pillars' of medications for patients with heart failure with reduced LV systolic function?

Introduction: European, American and UK guidelines all endorse the prescription of the 'four pillars' of treatment (ACE/ARBs, b-blockers, MRAs and SGLT2 inhibitors) for heart failure with reduced LV systolic function (HFrEF). Many doctors believe that it is difficult to initiate and maintain patients on all these medications. We have studied 162 consecutive patients referred to our service as outpatients from primary care, subsequently diagnosed as having HFrEF, and our ability to establish them on these medications. Methods: Patients referred with potential heart failure (signs, symptoms and raised BNP) were identified as having HFrEF by echocardiography using British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) criteria. Patients attended regular outpatient appointments with a consultant cardiologist and specialist heart failure nurse and were prescribed and uptitrated all appropriate medications with any contraindications and intolerances noted. Results: Table 1 shows the number of patients sucessfully established on maximally tolerated doses of each class of medication. Reasons for not prescibing or discontinuing were: CKD 6, severe aortic stenosis 5, asthma 3, symptomatic bradycardia 5, hypotension 3, type1 diabetes 2, syncope 1, Raynauds 1, patient choice 8 and 6 patients died before all appropriate medications could be initiated. In 10 cases no clinical reason could be identified. It can be seen that a high proportion of patients were successfully established on each individual class of medication and more than two thirds of patients were able to be maintained on all four classes of therapy. Table 2 shows the breakdown of prescribing success according to the severity of LV dysfunction. It can be seen that prescribing success appears to be higher in those with the more severe LV dysfunction. Conclusions: 1. The majority of patients can be established and maintained on appropriate polypharmacy for the treatment of LV systolic dysfunction. 2. The severity of LV systolic dysfunction is not a negative predictor of success in prescribing.

Abstract 4138487: A Novel Technique in Managing Equipment Entrapment: A Complicated Case of Aortic Valvuloplasty Balloon Rupture and Detachment

Introduction: A 79-year-old male patient with a history of surgical AVR presented with severe bioprosthetic aortic stenosis requiring valve-in-valve TAVR. The plan was to place an Evolut CoreValve after intentionally fracturing the basal ring of his surgical valve. Through an 18F sheath, a 25mm x 4.5cm True balloon was advanced to the surgical valve over a Lunderquist wire. However, the balloon ruptured immediately after fracturing the valve ring. Decision making: Efforts were made to remove the ruptured True balloon while maintaining the position of the wire, but attempts to withdraw it through the 18F sheath were unsuccessful due to resistance at the distal tip of the sheath. Subsequently, the proximal portion of the balloon catheter was partially detached and removed. An exchange was made to a 22F Gore DrySeal sheath, but again, efforts to withdraw the ruptured balloon were unsuccessful (Figure 1). Various snares were employed, but all attempts to manipulate the balloon into the sheath were ineffective. The ruptured balloon remained in the abdominal aorta and eventually detached from the hypotube. The 22F sheath was then exchanged for a 20F Inari Protrieve sheath. Two Supracore wires were then inserted through the sheath, with one designated for snare delivery and the other for maintaining vessel access. A Tulip snare was guided over one Supracore wire to the descending thoracic aorta, where the snare was opened and the Lunderquist wire was captured at the junction between the stiff and soft parts of the wire (Figure 2). The snared wire and ruptured balloon were retracted into the exposed Nitinol cone of the Inari sheath, successfully engulfing the balloon and compressing it (Figure 3). The sheath, wire, balloon, and snare were then removed as a unit while the wire access was maintained. A new 22F Gore DrySeal sheath was inserted. Inspection confirmed the complete removal of all components of the ruptured True balloon and the catheter. The procedure concluded with the successful deployment of a 29mm Evolut pro CoreValve. The patient made an uneventful recovery and was discharged home the following day. Conclusion: The Inari Protrieve sheath proved valuable in this case of complicated intravascular equipment entrapment. The soft, funnel-shaped nitinol cone aided in capturing and compressing the bulky ruptured balloon, obviating the need for a surgical cutdown.

Abstract 4140136: Aortic Valve Calcification Density Performs Better Compared to Absolute Aortic Valve Calcification in Aortic Stenosis Risk Stratification

Aortic valve calcification (AVC) scores can be used to stratify aortic stenosis (AS) severity. Current practice guidelines recommend use of absolute AVC scores without considering body surface area or aortic annulus size. We investigated whether size variation in aortic annular area should be considered in identifying optimal AVC cutoffs for patients with severe AS. This was a retrospective analysis of AS patients that underwent AVC assessment during 2018-2023. Outcomes were composite of valve intervention or all-cause mortality. AVC density was defined by dividing AVC by echo-derived left ventricular tract area. Receiver operator curve analysis determined optimal AVC density scores. Absolute AVC cutoffs of >1200AU for females and >2000AU for males were used to identify severe AS. The study included 749 patients (mean age 78 years, 46% female). Median CT-annulus area was larger for males compared with females (532mm 2 [Q1, Q3: 479, 582] vs. 413mm 2 [370, 458], p<0.001). There was a strong association of absolute AVC with CT-annulus area for both males and females (Spearman coefficient: 0.87 and 0.83, p<0.01 each) respectively (Figure 1). The optimal AVC density cutoffs for males and females were 427 and 326, respectively (accuracy 76%, sensitivity 83%, specificity 51%). Composite outcomes were better differentiated with AVC density (males: HR 2.48, 95% CI: 1.82-3.37, p<0.001; females: HR 2.37 (1.71-3.28), p<0.001) compared with absolute AVC scores (males: HR 1.81 (1.43-2.30), p<0.001; females: HR 2.11 (1.62-2.74), p<0.001) (Figure 2). AVC is strongly associated with CT-annulus area and risk stratification is improved with the use of AVC density compared with absolute AVC. This may be especially helpful in patients with extremes of annulus area sizes.

Abstract 4136136: Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain: An Imaging Marker Associated with Improved Survival in Paradoxical Low-Flow, Low-Gradient Severe Aortic Stenosis

Background: The optimal clinical management and timing of intervention are less well defined in paradoxical low-flow, low-gradient severe aortic stenosis (PLFLG AS). Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) has been shown to predict outcomes in high flow severe AS, but there is lack of data in patients with PLFLG AS. Given the exaggerated LV hypertrophy and remodeling pattern in PLFLG AS, LV-GLS may be a mechanistic imaging marker for worse outcomes. Hypothesis: In patients with PLFLG AS, LV-GLS is associated with adverse clinical outcomes by detecting subclinical myocardial fibrosis resulting from myocardial remodeling due to LV pressure overload. Methods: We examined patients with PLFLG AS defined as AVA <1cm 2 , mean gradient <40mmHg and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50%, with low-flow state defined as transvalvular flow rate (Q) ≤210 ml/sec. Exclusion criteria included moderate or greater mitral or aortic regurgitation and presence of atrial fibrillation at the time of echocardiogram. LV strain analysis was performed using 2D-strain imaging software (TomTec, Chicago, IL). Clinical outcome data were obtained via the electronic health record. The primary outcome was defined as all-cause mortality. Patients were stratified by LV-GLS above and below the median value. Results: A total of 198 patients were included in the analysis, with a median LV-GLS of -12.3% [IQR: (-9.8,-16.3)]. Over a median follow-up time of 1.2 years, 130 deaths (65.6%) were identified. Patients with less negative LV-GLS (n=101) had worse survival than those with more negative LV-GLS (n=97; 22 vs 38%; p=0.02) (Fig 1). After multivariable adjustment for potential confounders (stroke volume index, aortic valve mean gradient, relative wall thickness, age, sex, heart failure, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and diabetes), less negative LV-GLS was independently associated with adverse outcomes (HR 1.56; 95% CI (1.03-2.38); p=0.04). Conclusions: In patients with PLFLG AS as defined by a transvalvular flow rate (Q) ≤210 ml/sec, reduced LV-GLS is associated with increased all-cause mortality. LV-GLS may serve as an imaging marker to help guide clinical decision making in PLFLG AS.

Abstract 4124532: A Meta-Analysis on the Effect of Chronic Total Occlusion of Coronary Arteries on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Background and Aims: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has revolutionized the management of severe aortic stenosis, particularly prevalent in elderly patients. These patients often present with coexisting coronary artery disease (CAD) due to shared risk factors. There is evidence suggesting that underlying CAD may result in poorer outcomes for patients undergoing TAVR. Chronic total occlusion (CTO), representing a severe manifestation of CAD, could therefore be hypothesized to worsen prognosis in TAVR patients, although data supporting this hypothesis are limited. Our meta-analysis aims to consolidate all available data concerning patients undergoing TAVR with concurrent CTO. Methods: We conducted a thorough literature search across major bibliographic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS, from their inception until May 15, 2024, to identify studies comparing outcomes of TAVR in patients with and without CTO. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the random-effects model via Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software. The primary outcome assessed was in-hospital mortality, with several secondary endpoints also evaluated. Statistical significance was determined at p<0.05. Results: Eight studies, encompassing a total of 540,910 patients undergoing TAVR (11,679 with CTO; 529,231 without CTO), were included in this meta-analysis. TAVR in patients with CTO was associated with significantly increased odds of in-hospital mortality (OR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.49; p=0.011; I 2 =0%) and acute myocardial infarction (periprocedural) (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.48, 1.91; p<0.001; I 2 =0%). However, no significant difference was observed in all-cause mortality (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 0.71, 1.96; p=0.525; I 2 =59.37%), acute kidney injury (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 0.94, 1.85; p=0.11; I 2 =72.12%), and stroke (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.89, 1.28; p=0.509; I 2 =0%) (see Figures 1 and 2). Conclusion: CTO emerges as a substantial risk factor for patients undergoing TAVR, elevating the risk of in-hospital mortality and acute myocardial infarction. Considering a heart team's multidisciplinary approach in patients with underlying CTO may be advisable during TAVR, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the benefits versus risks of revascularization prior to TAVR.

Abstract 4113301: A Rare Cause of Recurrent Heart Failure Exacerbations After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Ventricular Septal Defect and Significant Paravalvular Leak

Introduction: Ventricular septal defects (VSD) have been reported in <1% of cases following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). A retrospective record review of VSD cases occurring after all TAVRs performed between January 2012 and September 2020 at one urban US tertiary hospital showed 0.37% incidence of these complications, mostly with small and restrictive VSD. Case Description: An 80-year-old woman with history of hypertension, HFpEF, and TAVR 8 months prior for severe aortic stenosis (AS) at an outside hospital presented with worsening dyspnea and peripheral edema over the past month. Blood pressure was 148/53mmHg, heartrate 83bpm, oxygen saturation 98% and auscultation revealed a harsh holosystolic murmur 4/6 loudest at left sternal border and bibasilar rales. Chest X-ray showed pulmonary edema and bilateral pleural effusions. NT-proBNP was 17,000pg/ml and troponin-I was negative. Echocardiogram showed EF55-60%, a membranous VSD, severe pulmonary hypertension, and moderate paravalvular leak (PVL). Coronary angiogram showed non-obstructive disease. Right heart catheterization confirmed significant left to right shunting. Treatment/Outcomes: Cardiothoracic surgery was consulted for multidisciplinary evaluation, and joint recommendation was for surgical aortic valve replacement and VSD closure which was successfully performed. One month follow-up echocardiogram showed normal aortic valve gradient without PVL and normal right ventricular pressure. Discussion/Conclusion: Numerous potential risks such as severe and uneven calcification of the native valve, an elliptic aortic annulus, excessive valve sizing, or elevated valve placement can lead to VSD. A recurrent element in many of these instances involves direct trauma to the septum caused by the implanted valve, exacerbated by subsequent annulus dilation. The presence of PVL is common post-TAVR and is an established independent prognostic factor, while VSD post-TAVR is uncommon, but may be associated with low implantation position relative to the aortic annulus or post-implantation balloon dilatation. Rarely, worsening VSD may require operative management. In this case, the improvement of heart failure symptoms and echocardiogram parameters after transthoracic surgery confirmed successful repair.

Abstract 4116639: Efficacy of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for Severe Pure Native Aortic Valve Regurgitation: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is the preferred treatment option for patients with severe aortic regurgitation (AR). Recently, several patients with mixed aortic valve disease, comprising severe aortic stenosis (AS) and at least moderate AR, have been successfully treated with TAVR. However, the treatment of severe native aortic valve regurgitation (NAVR) without AS remains a matter of contention, and the efficacy of TAVR remains uncertain. Aims: The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and the incidence of device success. The secondary outcomes included incidence of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, major bleeding, acute kidney injury (AKI) ≥ stage 2, moderate-to-severe paravalvular leak (PVL), permanent pacemaker implantation (PPM), and post-procedural moderate-to-severe AR. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus and ClinicalTrials.gov for published articles from inception until 2nd April 2024 to evaluate clinical outcomes of TAVR in patients with NAVR. The statistical analysis was conducted using R-Studio 5.3.3. The rates of events with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and the heterogeneity was assessed using p-value and I 2 statistics. Results: A total of 23 published articles with 4,397 patients were included. All-cause mortality at 30 days was 12% (95% CI: 6% to 23%), while device success was 86% (95% CI: 81% to 92%). The incidence of complications such as MI (3%, 95% CI: 2% to 4%), stroke (3%, 95% CI: 2% to 3%), major bleeding (8%, 95% CI: 5% to 11%), AKI ≥ stage 2 (8%, 95% CI: 5% to 12%), and major vascular complications were relatively low (6%, 95% CI: 4% to 7%). PPM was required for 15% of patients (95% CI: 11% to 18%). PVL was observed in 10% of patients (95% CI: 2% to 41%) and post-procedural moderate-to-severe AR occurred in 9% of patients (95% CI: 4% to 20%). Conclusion: TAVR is a viable and reasonable option for a specific population with NAVR. Nevertheless, it is imperative to conduct larger studies with a longer duration of follow-up to obtain more robust evidence of the feasibility of TAVR in patients with NAVR. </div>

Abstract 4145834: Comparison of 30-Day Outcomes of TAVR vs. SAVR in Patients with Prior CABG: A Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Managing severe aortic stenosis in patients with a history of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is challenging. Traditionally, surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) was the standard treatment, but transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) offers a less invasive alternative. This meta-analysis compares the 30-day outcomes of TAVR versus SAVR in patients with prior CABG. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies comparing TAVR and SAVR in patients with prior CABG were included. The primary outcomes were 30-day (cardiovascular) CV mortality, all-cause mortality, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Chi-squared test and I-squared statistic. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Nine studies with a total of 8,487 patients were included for the 30-day outcomes. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for 30-day CV mortality was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.48-2.06), with no significant difference between TAVR and SAVR (p=0.99). For 30-day all-cause mortality, the pooled OR was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.51-1.10), also showing no significant difference between TAVR and SAVR (p=0.14). The pooled OR for 30-day myocardial infarction was 0.34 (95% CI: 0.09-1.27), indicating no significant difference between TAVR and SAVR (p=0.11). However, the pooled OR for 30-day stroke was 0.67 (95% CI: 0.50-0.90), showing a significantly lower incidence with TAVR compared to SAVR (p=0.007). Detailed results in Figure 1. Conclusion: In patients with a history of CABG, TAVR appears to have comparable 30-day outcomes to SAVR in terms of CV mortality, all-cause mortality, and myocardial infarction. However, TAVR is associated with a significantly lower incidence of 30-day stroke. These findings suggest that TAVR may be a safer option in the short term for this high-risk patient population. Further research is needed to confirm these results in larger, randomized controlled trials.

Abstract 4117772: Age-Related Differences in Aortic Valve Calcium Progression and the Risk for Aortic Stenosis: Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Background: Aortic valve calcium (AVC) is strongly associated with an increased risk for severe aortic stenosis (AS). The prevalence of AVC increases with age affecting 40-50% of individuals ≥80 years. The impact of age on the progression of AVC and its association with incident AS remains unknown. Methods: Our study included 6,810 participants (52.9% women) free of cardiovascular disease between ages 45 and 84 from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. AVC was measured using non-contrast cardiac CT at Visit 1. Progression was calculated as the change in AVC divided by years between CT scans with up to 10 years between scans. Long term incident AS was adjudicated using medical chart review and echocardiogram data from Visit 6 with a median follow up of 16 years. Multivariable adjusted 1) linear regression was used to examine AVC progression and 2) multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazards ratios (HR) were used to examine the association of AVC with incident AS. Results: The prevalence of AVC >0 was 4.9% among participants <65 and 23.2% for those ≥65 years old. Among participants with AVC >0, the median AVC was 34.1 (IQR 13-1,113) for participants <65 versus 69.0 (IQR 23-2,453) for participants ≥65. Participants <65 years and ≥65 years had no significant difference in median annualized AVC progression within the baseline AVC categories of 1-99 (10 versus 12 AU/year, p=0.303) and AVC >100 (50 versus 47 AU/year, p=0.846) ( Figure 1 ). Overall, linear regression models showed older age was associated with greater AVC progression (p=0.001), but after additional adjustment for baseline AVC, the association became non-significant (p=0.134). AVC >0 was associated with significantly increased risk of incident AS for both younger (HR 13.37; 95% CI 5.67-31.52) and older participants (HR 10.59, 95% CI 6.77-16.56). Conclusion: We observed a similar progression of AVC for younger versus older persons after adjusting for baseline AVC burden. Additionally, AVC >0 independently conferred at least a ten-fold higher risk for severe AS among both younger and older participants. These findings demonstrate that the AVC progression is primarily associated with baseline AVC burden and that AVC is a strong marker of risk for severe AS for both younger and older persons.

Abstract 4116340: The Effect of Periprocedural Statin Therapy on Mortality and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) stands as a notable alternative to surgery for severe aortic stenosis (AS). Despite the established benefits of statins in cardiovascular pathologies, their specific impact in patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR remains uncertain. Our study aims to assess whether perioperative statin use improves survival and outcomes post-TAVR. Methods: A search was conducted across various databases to retrieve studies comparing perioperative statin use versus no statin use in patients undergoing TAVR. The primary outcome of interest was all-cause mortality (ACM). Secondary outcomes included stroke, acute kidney injury (AKI), 30-day mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), cardiovascular complications, and in-hospital mortality. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software (v. 3) was used to pool odds ratio (OR) under a random-effects model, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Our analysis encompassing 20663 patients from 15 observational studies found that perioperative statin use was associated with a significant reduction in ACM (OR= 0.71, 95% CI: 0.61-0.83, I 2 = 50.3%, p<0.001). Although not statistically significant, perioperative statin use demonstrated a trend towards a decreased risk of stroke (OR= 0.90, 95% CI: 0.68-1.19, I 2 = 0%, p= 0.455), AKI (OR= 0.99, 95% CI: 0.75-1.31, I 2 = 49%, p= 0.968), and 30-day mortality (OR= 0.71, 95% CI: 0.46-1.10, I 2 = 0%, p= 0.126), and no difference was seen in the risk of MI (OR= 1.72, 95% CI: 0.73-4.04, I 2 = 0%, p= 0.214), cardiovascular complications (OR= 1.12, 95% CI: 0.91-1.37, I 2 = 0%, p= 0.297), and in-hospital mortality (OR= 0.42, 95% CI: 0.13-1.38, I 2 = 65.8%, p= 0.151) (Figure 1 and 2). Conclusion: Perioperative statin therapy reduces all-cause mortality in TAVR patients but shows limited impact on other outcomes. Further large-scale prospective studies and trials are necessary to corroborate our findings.

Three-Year Clinical and Hemodynamic Evaluation of the Hydra Self-Expanding Transcatheter Aortic Valve in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis.

The Hydra CE study revealed 1-year favorable efficacy of TAVR, showing a large effective orifice area (EOA), low gradient, and acceptable complication rates. We evaluated the 3-year clinical and hemodynamic outcomes of Hydra self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve (manufactured by Vascular Innovations Co Ltd, Nonthaburi, Thailand; a subsidiary of Sahajanand Medical Technologies Limited, India) in patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis at high or extremely high surgical risk. The Hydra CE study was a prospective, multicenter, single-arm study. A total of 157 patients were enrolled in the study, out of whom 54 patients from two centers (Lithuania and Poland) had provided consent for long-term follow-up at recruitment, with a planned 5-year follow-up period. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality, and patients were followed up for up to 3 years, with an assessment of clinical and echocardiographic outcomes. Among the 54 patients, the average age was 81.0 ± 4.1 years. The mean STS score was 3.2 ± 2.0%. At 3 years, all-cause mortality had occurred in 14.8% of patients, including 3.7% cardiovascular deaths and 1.9% device-related deaths. There was a progressive enhancement in EOA that is, 0.68 ± 0.15 cm2 at baseline to 1.97 ± 0.52 cm2 at 3 years (p < 0.001) as well as significant improvement in the mean aortic valve gradient that is, 53.4 ± 14.24 mmHg at baseline to 8.6 ± 2.80 mmHg at 3 years (p < 0.001). New permanent pacemaker implantation rates up to 3-year follow-up was 12.9%. The 3-year results of the Hydra CE study demonstrated consistent improvements in hemodynamics over time. The study also revealed favorable safety and efficacy trends, along with low occurrences of new permanent pacemaker implantations and paravalvular leaks.