To Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Research Articles

Remote monitoring and prioritisation for patients awaiting transcatheter aortic valve implantation safely mitigates longer waiting times

Abstract Background • The UK National Health Service (NHS) faces an unprecedented backlog of over 400,000 patients awaiting critical cardiac procedures, incurring thousands of excess deaths (1). • Longer waiting times to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) can increase rates of unplanned hospitalisation and death (2). • Remote patient monitoring (RPM) can improve cardiovascular clinical outcomes (3), but its effectiveness in detecting and managing TAVI waiting list deterioration is untested. Purpose 1. Measure the systemic increase in waiting time to TAVI 2. Determine if RPM and prioritisation: · Is acceptable to patients · Detects clinical deterioration · Mitigates the expected increase in adverse events associated with longer waiting times · Does not unfairly disadvantage patients who are not prioritised Methods • We performed an observational cohort study including all patients awaiting TAVI at one UK regional centre between 24th April and 15th November 2023. • Patients were supported to complete an online or telephone-based weekly symptom questionnaire. • Responses were monitored by non-specialist nurses staffing a 'hub', with rule-based escalation to the TAVI team, who could prioritise treatment (Figure 1). • A historical control cohort who did not receive RPM was identified, as sequential unselected patients on the TAVI waiting list in reverse order, from 24th April 2023 to 1st January 2023. This cohort was propensity score-matched to adjust for age, sex, ethnicity and comorbidities. • Waiting time was defined as the date difference between a patient being placed on the waiting list and TAVI completion. • We defined patient acceptability as >80% engagement with at least one symptom questionnaire. • Sensitivity was calculated as the percentage of escalations to the TAVI Consultant resulting in prioritisation. • Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed for the primary endpoint of adverse events, defined as emergency department presentation, unplanned hospitalisation or death. Results • The median waiting time to TAVI increased by one month (104 days versus 75 days, p<0.001). • There was 99% (200/202) engagement with RPM • Despite the increased waiting time, there was no significant difference in rate of adverse events between the propensity score-matched RPM and historical control groups (12.5% versus 13.7%, p=0.86) (Figure 2) • 87% (27/31) of escalations to the TAVI Consultant resulted in treatment prioritisation • There was a non-significant difference in median waiting time between prioritised and non-prioritised patients during the study period, but with no clinical consequence to the delay (97 versus 120 days, p=0.16). Conclusions • An RPM pathway can detect patient deterioration on TAVI waiting lists with high sensitivity • RPM-based prioritisation for patients awaiting TAVI can mitigate the increased risk of adverse events associated with longer waiting times, without unfairly disadvantaging non-prioritised patients.Figure 1.RPM pathwayFigure 2

Bacteremia after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a nationwide cohort study

Abstract Background Bacteremia and infective endocarditis (IE) are rare but severe complications to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, data on early bacteremia and microbiological etiological profile are scarce. Purpose The study aimed to investigate the incidence of bacteremia and IE within six months after TAVI. Methods Using Danish nationwide registries, we identified all patients who underwent TAVI from 2012 to 2021. These patients were matched 1:1 by age, sex, and index-year with individuals who underwent elective coronary angiography (CAG). The primary outcomes were bacteremia and IE within six months. Outcomes were compared with cumulative incidence functions and adjusted hazard ratios (HR). All patients were followed six months from the index date until the outcome of interest, death, emigration, or end of study (December 31st, 2021), whichever came first. Results We identified 5,990 patients undergoing first-time TAVI, of whom 56 % were men, and the median age was 81 years [IQR 77–85]. All patients were matched with controls undergoing CAG (56% men, median age 81 [IQR 77-85]). Patients undergoing TAVI had more comorbidities than controls. The six-month cumulative incidence of bacteremia was 4.2% [95% CI 3.7-4.7] and 2.6% [95% CI 2.2-3.0] after TAVI and CAG, respectively, corresponding to an adjusted HR of 1.57 (95% CI 1.27-1.96) (Figure 1). The common bacterial etiologies for bacteremia after TAVI were Streptococci (20%), Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (19%), and Enterococci (18%). After CAG, CoNS (22%) and Staphylococcus aureus (16%) were the most frequent. By six months, 1.1% [95% CI 0.9-1.4] and 0.2% [95% CI 0.1-0.3] developed IE after TAVI and CAG, respectively, with an adjusted HR of 20.01 (95% CI 5.97-67.48). Conclusion In this nationwide cohort study, the risks of bacteremia and infective endocarditis within six months post-TAVI were significantly higher than in the matched coronary angiography population. Bacteremia post-TAVI was characterized by significantly more Enterococci spp. These results could have implications in the selection of peri-procedural antibiotics, as commonly used antibiotic regimens do not cover Enterococci spp.Cumulative incidence of bacteremia

Progression of myocardial fibrosis is the major determinant of heart failure hospitalization in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Abstract Background Patient who are hospitalized for heart failure (HF) prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are associated with poor prognosis. In this study, we aimed to assess whether myocardial fibrosis (MF) in TAVI patients is strongly involved in prior heart failure hospitalization. Methods We performed a retrospective single-center study, including 93 patients who underwent cardiac biopsies before TAVI from December 2022 to December 2023. The extent of MF was assessed on Masson’s trichrome-stained tissue specimens, using a validated software "ImageJ". Results Prior hospitalization had significant association with BNP (HF hospitalization (+): 461.9[130.4-987.7] vs. HF hospitalization (-):125.3[78.2-228.6], p=0.0014) , aortic valve area index (AVAi) (0.43±0.02 vs. 0.51±0.01, p=0.002), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (54.4±2.8 vs. 67.2±1.6, p=0.0002), E/e’ (23.4±1.9 vs. 19.1±1.0, p=0.045), left atrial volume index (LAVI)(59.0±3.5 vs. 46.1±1.6, p=0.0013), global longitudinal strain (GLS) (13.2±1.0 vs. 15.7±0.5), and percent area of myocardial fibrosis(7.0[4.8-14.2] vs. 3.3[2.2-7.3], p=0.0002) Moreover, percent area of MF was the most reliable indicator (area under the curve: AUC= 0.75, p=0.0009) of prior heart failure hospitalization (figure 1) among HF parameters which include BNP (AUC=0.73, p<0.0001), AVAi (AUC=0.69, p=0.0024), LVEF(AUC=0.68,p=0.0005), E/e’ (AUC=0.63, p=0.051), LAVI (AUC=0.72, p=0.0022), GLS (AUC=0.65, p=0.035). Furthermore, the ROC curve analyses demonstrated that the best thresholds of LVEF and percent area of MF were 64.9% (60.9% sensitivity and 68.1% specificity) and 4.1% (91.7% sensitivity and 56.5% specificity) for heart failure hospitalization, respectively. When patients were divided into 4 groups according to LVEF 65% and percent area of myocardial fibrosis 4%, a stepwise increase in the proportion of heart failure hospitalization was found in the 4 groups (figure 2). Conclusions This study illustrates that extensive myocardial fibrosis was strongly associated with prior heart failure hospitalization in TAVI patients. Patients with advanced myocardial fibrosis due to aortic stenosis may benefit from earlier treatment with TAVI to prevent further progression of myocardial fibrosis.

Validation of quantitative aortic valve calcification assessment by photon-counting computed tomography from contrast-enhanced data sets using virtual non-contrast reconstructions

Abstract Background The spectral information of photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) permits the reconstruction of energy-selective images. Purpose We evaluated two methods for the reconstruction of virtual non-contrast-enhanced images from contrast-enhanced CT angiographic data sets regarding their ability to quantify aortic valve calcification. Results were validated by comparison to non-enhanced computed tomography. Methods A total of 100 subjects with severe aortic valve stenosis who underwent ECG-synchronized cardiac photon-counting CT for diagnostic workup prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) were included in the current analysis. A standard true non-contrast acquisition was performed for aortic valve calcium quantification in each subject. In addition, two virtual non-enhanced data sets were reconstructed from contrast-enhanced CT angiographic data: a calcium-specific image ("pure calcium scan", PCS) and a virtual non-contrast (VNC) scan by subtraction of iodine. The PCS algorithm separates calcium and iodine in spectral PCCT images, creating a non-calcium mask for denoised spectral input and preserving calcium contrast in final material decomposition. Iodine extraction is achieved by measurement of the iodine content and its differentiation from native soft tissue attenuation. The Agatston Score was assessed in each of the three image data sets using semi-automated software. Results The mean age of the subjects was 78 ± 7 years, 66% were male. Mean EUROSCORE II was 4 ± 4%, mean STS Score for morbidity and mortality was 16 ± 11%. In the true non-contrast scan used for validation, the mean Agatston Score was 3028 ± 1820. The mean Agatston Score obtained from the PCS data set was 3004 ± 2042 and did not differ significantly from true non—contrast image sets (p=0.716). In the VNC data sets, the mean Agatston score was 1726 ± 1288, significantly lower than in the true non-contrast and the PCS data sets (both <0.001). Both, PCS and VNC data showed a significant correlation with true non-contrast scans (correlation coefficient PCS: 0.978, VNC scan: 0.975, both p<0.001). Conclusion In conclusion, the current results show the possibility to reliably quantify the Agatston Score of larger cardiac calcifications in virtual non-contrast data sets – however, there is substantial influence of the algorithm that is used so that validation of new techniques is of key importance.

Effect of Balloon Predilation of a Stenotic Aortic Valve Prior to Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)

Effect of Balloon Predilation of a Stenotic Aortic Valve Prior to Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)

Heart failure hospitalization following surgical or transcatheter aortic valve implantation in low-risk aortic stenosis.

In low-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS), sutureless surgical aortic valve replacement (SU-SAVR) may be an alternative to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The risk of heart failure hospitalization (HFH) after aortic valve replacement (AVR) in this population is incompletely characterized. This study aims to investigate the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of HFH in patients undergoing SU-SAVR versus TAVI. Patients referred for AVR between 2013 and 2020 at two centres were consecutively included. The decision for SU-SAVR or TAVI was determined by a multidisciplinary Heart Team. Cox regression and competing risk analysis were conducted to assess adverse events. Of 594 patients (mean age 77.5±6.4, 59.8% male), 424 underwent SU-SAVR, while 170 underwent TAVI. Following a mean follow-up of 34.1±23.1months, HFH occurred in 112 (27.8%) SU-SAVR patients and in 8 (4.8%) TAVI patients (P<0.001). The SU-SAVR cohort exhibited higher all-cause mortality (138 [32.5%] patients compared with 30 [17.6%] in the TAVI cohort [P<0.001]). These differences remained significant after sensitivity analyses with 1:1 propensity score matching for baseline variables. SU-SAVR with HFH was associated with increased all-cause mortality (61.6% vs. 23.1%, P<0.001). Independent associates of HFH in SU-SAVR patients included diabetes, atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower glomerular filtration rate and lower left ventricular ejection fraction. SU-SAVR patients with HFH had a 12-month LVEF of 59.4±12.7. In low-risk AS, SU-SAVR is associated with a higher risk of HFH and all-cause mortality compared to TAVI. In patients with severe AS candidate to SU-SAVR or TAVI, TAVI may be the preferred intervention.

Leaflet modification before transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients at risk for coronary obstruction: the ShortCut study.

This trial sought to assess the safety and efficacy of ShortCut, the first dedicated leaflet modification device, prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients at risk for coronary artery obstruction. This pivotal prospective study enrolled patients with failed bioprosthetic aortic valves scheduled to undergo TAVI and were at risk for coronary artery obstruction. The primary safety endpoint was procedure-related mortality or stroke at discharge or 7 days, and the primary efficacy endpoint was per-patient leaflet splitting success. Independent angiographic, echocardiographic, and computed tomography core laboratories assessed all images. Safety events were adjudicated by a clinical events committee and data safety monitoring board. Sixty eligible patients were treated (77.0 ± 9.6 years, 70% female, 96.7% failed surgical bioprosthetic valves, 63.3% single splitting and 36.7% dual splitting) at 22 clinical sites. Successful leaflet splitting was achieved in all [100%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 94%-100.0%, P < .001] patients. Procedure time, including imaging confirmation of leaflet splitting, was 30.6 ± 17.9 min. Freedom from the primary safety endpoint was achieved in 59 [98.3%; 95% CI (91.1%-100%)] patients, with no mortality and one (1.7%) disabling stroke. At 30 days, freedom from coronary obstruction was 95% (95% CI 86.1%-99.0%). Within 90 days, freedom from mortality was 95% [95% CI (86.1%-99.0%)], without any cardiovascular deaths. Modification of failed bioprosthetic aortic valve leaflets using ShortCut was safe, achieved successful leaflet splitting in all patients, and was associated with favourable clinical outcomes in patients at risk for coronary obstruction undergoing TAVI.

Feasibility of Reduced Iodine Loads for Vascular Assessment Prior to Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) Using Spectral Detector CT.

Reduced iodine loads for computed tomography (CT)-based vascular assessment prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) may be feasible in conjunction with a spectral detector CT scanner. This prospective single-center study considered 100 consecutive patients clinically referred for pre-TAVI CT. They were examined on a dual-layer detector CT scanner to obtain an ECG-gated cardiac scan and a non-ECG-gated aortoiliofemoral scan. Either a standard contrast media (SCM) protocol using 80 mL Iohexol 350 mgI/mL (iodine load: 28 gI) or a body-mass-index adjusted reduced contrast media (RCM) protocol using 40-70 mL Iohexol 350 mgI/mL (iodine load: 14-24.5 gI) were employed. Conventional images and virtual monoenergetic images at 40-80 keV were reconstructed. A threshold of 250 HU was set for sufficient attenuation along the arterial access pathway. A qualitative assessment used a five-point Likert scale. Sufficient attenuation in the thoracic aorta was observed for all patients in both groups using conventional images. In the abdominal, iliac, and femoral segments, sufficient attenuation was observed for the majority of patients when using virtual monoenergetic images (SCM: 96-100% of patients, RCM: 88-94%) without statistical difference between both groups. Segments with attenuation measurements below the threshold remained qualitatively assessable as well. Likert scores were 'excellent' for virtual monoenergetic images 50 keV and 55 keV in both groups (RCM: 1.2-1.4, SCM: 1.2-1.3). With diagnostic image quality maintained, it can be concluded that reduced iodine loads of 14-24.5 gI are feasible for pre-TAVI vascular assessment on a spectral detector CT scanner.

Paradoxical prognostic impact of severe aortic stenosis following trans-catheter aortic valve implantation

BackgroundAortic valve replacement is recommended for patients with “very severe” aortic stenosis (AS), irrespective of symptomatic manifestation. Nonetheless, the prognostic ramifications of “very severe” AS, as opposed to “severe” AS, subsequent to trans-catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remain enigmatic. MethodsWe enrolled consecutive patients who received TAVI at our institute between May 2015 and April 2021. We scrutinized the impact of baseline “very severe” AS upon 3-year all-cause death or heart failure hospitalization following TAVI, in comparison to “severe” AS. ResultsA total of 239 patients (84.8 ± 5.4 years old, 58 men) were included. Baseline “very severe” AS was observed in 65 (27 %) patients, who exhibited more advanced hypertrophy and higher B-type natriuretic peptide levels compared to those with “severe” AS (p < 0.05 for both). Baseline “very severe” AS was paradoxically associated with higher freedom from the primary endpoint following TAVI compared to those with “severe” AS (p = 0.01). ConclusionsThe presence of baseline “very severe” AS was paradoxically associated with improved clinical outcomes subsequent to TAVI, in contrast to the cases of “severe” AS.

CT angiography prior to endovascular procedures: can artificial intelligence improve reporting?

CT angiography prior to endovascular aortic surgery is the standard non-invasive imaging method for evaluation of aortic dimensions and access sites. A detailed report is crucial to a proper planning. We assessed Artificial Intelligence (AI)-algorithm accuracy to measure vessels diameters at CT prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). CT scans of 50 patients were included. Two Radiologists with experience in vascular imaging together manually assessed diameters at nine landmark positions according to the American Heart Association guidelines: 450 values were obtained. We implemented TOST (Two One-Sided Test) to determine whether the measurements were equivalent to the values obtained from the AI algorithm. When the equivalence bound was a range of ± 2mm the test showed equivalence for every point; if the range was equal to ± 1mm the two measurements were not equivalent in 6 points out of 9 (p-value > 0.05), close to the aortic valve. The time for automatic evaluation (average 1min 47s) was significantly lower compared with manual measurements (5min 41s) (p < 0.01). In conclusion, our results indicate that AI-algorithms can measure aortic diameters at CT prior to endovascular surgery with high accuracy. AI-assisted reporting promises high efficiency, reduced inter-reader variabilities and time saving. In order to perform optimal TAVI procedure planning aortic root analysis could be improved, including annulus dimensions.

Higher Edmonton Frail Scale prior to transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation is related to longer hospital stay and mortality

BackgroundInternational guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease recommend frailty assessment prior to Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI), however there is no consensus how to assess frailty. We investigated whether frailty status assessed with the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS, range 0–17 points) relates to length of stay (LOS), short- and long-term mortality and adverse outcomes after TAVI. MethodsIn this study we included 357 patients between April 2016 till December 2018. EFS was assessed at baseline. Patients were classified into low (0–3), intermediate (4–7) or high frailty status (8‐17). LOS was defined as the number of days between admission and discharge. Mortality data were obtained up to four years after TAVI. Adverse events were defined by Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-2 criteria and collected <30 days after TAVI. ResultsPatients with higher frailty status had longer median LOS (days (IQR): low 5 (3), intermediate 6 (4) and high 7 (5), p < 0.001) and higher mortality: low vs intermediate vs high at 30 days 0.5%, 2.2%, 7.0% (p = 0.050), 1 year 3.7%, 10.0%, 15.2% (p = 0.052), 2 years 9.2%, 17.8%, 31.7% (p = 0.003), 3 years 17.2%, 24.0, 47.0% (p = 0.001) and 4 years 19.6%, 30.8%, 55.6% (p < 0.001). Frail patients received more often a pacemaker (2.6%, 6.6%, 13.5%, p = 0.048). ConclusionIn clinical practice, the EFS is a useful tool to screen for frailty in TAVI patients. This tool may possibly be expanded to determine benefit versus harm-risk in these patients and whether specific pre-procedurally interventions are needed in order to reduce mortality.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation in young patients: a propensity score-matched analysis

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the reasons for denial of surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in young multimorbid patients referred to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and to evaluate the 3-year mortality post-TAVI in comparison with a matched background population. Background Data on young multimorbid patients undergoing TAVI is limited, and their prognosis remains unclear. Methods Retrospective data were collected on all consecutive patients ≤65 years with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis treated with TAVI at 10 different centres in the period 2008 to 2018. Data on three-year vital status were collected. The TAVI population was compared with a 1:4 sex, age, and comorbidity-matched background population obtained from the Danish National Registries. Subgroup analyses included matching of specific comorbidities. Results The study population consisted of 459 TAVI patients and 1836 matched controls from the background population. The primary reasons for SAVR denial were prior cardiac surgery (35%), pulmonary disease (30%), frailty (23%), reduced left ventricular function (19%), renal failure (18%), malignancy/radiation (15%) and obesity (13%). Two-thirds (68%) had more than one reason for SAVR denial. The 3-year risk of mortality was 34% in the TAVI group compared with 3% in the pure sex and age-matched background population with a hazard ratio of 12.6 (CI: 6.2 – 25.6; P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Subgroup analyses will be performed for patients with chronic heart failure, chronic pulmonary disease, chronic dialysis, prior cardiac surgery, prior stroke, and prior Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Conclusion Multimorbid patients aged ≤65 years treated with TAVI in the 2008-2018 period showed satisfactory procedural outcomes. However, mid-term outcomes reveal a poor prognosis with a 3-year mortality of 34%, primarily due to their pre-existing comorbidities.Study Profile

Impact of same-admission percutaneous coronary intervention on periprocedural outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Background Current guidelines recommend percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) if significant coronary artery disease is present, but whether PCI should be done in the same admission as TAVI is not determined. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the National Inpatient Sample from 2016 to 2019 to compare TAVI with and without same-admission PCI and compare in-hospital outcomes after propensity score matching. Results Among 170,030 hospitalizations for TAVI, 4425 (2.6%) had same-admission PCI performed. After propensity score matching, 4425 hospitalizations were allocated to those with and without same-admission PCI. No difference in in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81–3.12) was observed between the two groups. However, TAVI with same-admission PCI was associated with higher odds of cardiac arrest (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.02–4.98), cardiogenic shock (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.29–3.79), and acute myocardial infarction (OR 3.23, 95% CI 2.11–4.93). It was also associated with longer length of stay and more expensive hospital cost. Conclusion TAVI with same-admission PCI was associated with higher odds of periprocedural complications and higher immediate cost. Our findings should be interpreted in the context of the same-admission PCI and TAVI cohort potentially being sicker and the isolated TAVI control group may or may not having obstructive coronary artery disease.

The impact of transcatheter aortic valve implantation planning and procedure on acute and chronic renal failure.

Severe aortic valve stenosis inhibits renal perfusion, thereby potentially worsening renal function, in particular in elderly patients most often assigned to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Pre-TAVI diagnostics and the procedure itself may adversely impact renal function, however renal perfusion and function may also improve post-procedure. This study aimed to clarify the impact of TAVI planning and procedure on kidney function METHODS: In this retrospective study, kidney function of patients who underwent transfemoral TAVI at a tertiary university hospital between 2016 and 2019 was analyzed. The present study investigated kidney function at baseline, after computed tomography (CT) was performed for evaluation of TAVI, after TAVI, at discharge and at follow-up. Among 366 patients, the prevalence of acute kidney injury (AKI) was 14.5% after TAVI. Independent predictors of AKI were arterial hypertension, baseline creatinine, AKI post CT and coronary intervention during pre-procedural diagnostics. At discharge and follow-up, 2.1% and 3.4%, respectively had sustained relevant impairment of kidney function (defined as creatinine/baseline creatinine > 1.5 or renal replacement therapy). Patients with known chronic kidney disease showed no higher rates of short- and long-term impairment, but higher rates of improvement of renal function after TAVI. In most cases TAVI does not worsen renal function. A sustained impairment after TAVI was found in only a few cases. This was independent of reduced baseline kidney function. Transfemoral TAVI can thus be planned and performed even in patients with higher stages of chronic kidney disease.

Rescue aortic valvuloplasty for severe aortic stenosis is simple and effective in severely hemodynamically compromised patients presenting to centers without on-site heart surgery or TAVI facilities.

Management of high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) is a challenging issue. The prognosis of patients with AS presentingwiththerapy-refractory pulmonaryedema (RPE)or cardiogenic shock (CS) remains poor. The purpose of this study was to assess the 30-day mortalityof rescue percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty (PBAV)in AS patients presentingwithRPEor CSina community-based hospital without on-site heart surgery. From January 2016 to February 2019,we identified consecutively admittedpatients with CS or RPE related tosevere ASwho underwent emergent PBAV. The primary end point was 30-day mortality. Secondary end points included procedural adverse events according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-2 criteria and predictive factors of the primary end point. We identified 51 patients with either CS (n = 22) or RPE (n = 29). All PBAV procedures were successful with a significant reduction in peak-to-peak gradient (median, [IQR] from 40 [27] mmHg to 15 [20] mmHg, p < 0.001). No procedural deaths occurred, while adverse events included stroke (4%), minor vascular complications (6%), minor (4%) and major bleedings (4%), and no life-threatening bleeding. Overall, 15 deaths (29%) were noted at 30days after PBAV, while 53% of the surviving patientswere successfully bridged to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). 30-day mortality was significantly higher in the CS group compared to the RPE (n = 10 (45%) vs n = 5 (7%), p = 0.029), and was significantly associated with the presence of acute kidney injury (OR 9.09, 95% CI 2.13-38.77, p = 0.003) and elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.0-1.12, p = 0.047). Rescue PBAV in patients with severe AS presenting withRPEor CSis a feasible and effective therapeutic option,even in a community-based hospital without on-site heart surgery. Rescue PBAVresultedin 30-day survival of more than 70%, with more than half of the surviving patientshaving been successfully bridged to TAVI.

Feasibility of using aortic annulus measurement from two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography for transcatheter aortic valve device sizing

Computed Tomography (CT) is the recommended imaging modality for aortic root measurement prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The device-sizing is based on the aortic annulus measurement. In the setting where CT is not available or cannot be performed, three-dimensional echocardiography or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is recommended. However, both modalities require expertise and are not widely available.

Rapid Assessment and Treatment In Decompensated Aortic Stenosis (ASTRID-AS study)- A Pilot Study.

Acute decompensated aortic stenosis (ADAS) is common and associated with higher mortality, acute kidney injury (AKI) and longer hospital length of stay (LoS) compared to electively treated stable AS. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a dedicated pathway that reduces time to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in ADAS, hypothesizing that LoS can be reduced without compromising patient safety. Using a prospective, open label, cluster design, patients from 5 referring centres were allocated to the ASessment and TReatment In Decompensated Aortic Stenosis (ASTRID-AS) pathway where the diagnosis, referral, investigations and treatment of ADAS were prioritised and expedited. 15 hospitals remained on the conventional pathway that followed the same process, albeit according to a waiting list. The primary efficacy endpoint was hospital LoS and the secondary safety endpoint, a composite of death or AKI at 30 days post-TAVI.58 conventional patients and 25 ASTRID-AS patients were included in this study. Time to TAVI in the conventional vs ASTRID-AS cohort was 22 (15-30) vs 10 (6-12) days; p<0.001, respectively. Length of hospital stay was 24 (18-33) vs 13 (8-18) days; p<0.001, respectively. 13.4 bed days were saved per patient using the ASTRID-AS pathway. Secondary safety endpoint occurred in 12 (20.7%) vs 1 (4.0%) patients; p=0.093, respectively. Procedural complications were similar between the two cohorts. A dedicated pathway for ADAS that shortens time to TAVI demonstrated reduced hospital LoS without compromising patient safety and a trend towards improving clinical outcomes.

Clinical Case 10—An unusual case of thrombocytopenia following transfemoral aortic valve implantation

Abstract Clinical Case: An 85-year-old female patient with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, chronic kidney disease and severe aortic stenosis was submitted to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). During procedure unfractionated heparin was administered. Intervention was performed without complications and she was discharged with platelet count of 116,000/μL. Fifteen days after (day 0), she was readmitted with dyspnea. Arterial blood gas showed hypoxemia and lactate levels of 5,8mmol/L. The ECG showed new-onset atrial fibrillation (AFib) with a rapid ventricular rate. Blood tests showed platelet count of 45,000/μL, D-dimers 2790ng/mL, worsening kidney function and high inflammation markers. An echocardiogram showed normofunctioning transcatheter aortic valve. Pulmonary embolism (PE) or respiratory infection with new-onset AFib were admitted. The patient started enoxaparin and an antibiotic. On day 4 the patient was oliguric needing dialysis. A CT Angiography was performed that excluded PE but showed several thrombus on the right atrium and appendix, right ventricle and on the abdominal aorta. Blood results showed hemolytic anemia. On day 8, the platelet count reached the nadir of 11 000/μL. At that time, differential diagnoses included thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and sepsis-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Laboratory evaluation showed a near-normal coagulation profile and a PF4+ antibody. Enoxaparin was stopped; fondaparinux and plasma therapy were started. Platelet count took weeks to reach previous levels. The patient was discharged with a DOAC. It is usual to have some degree of thrombocytopenia after TAVI. In this case we have a complex and challenging scenario, properly handled, and with a good outcome.

CT analysis of left ventricular function predicts short term survival in patients following transcatheter aortic valve implantation: 1-year outcome data

Abstract Introduction Contrast-enhanced cardiac CT routinely performed prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), allows assessment of cardiac morphology and function. We assessed left ventricular function in CT as a predictor of survival following TAVI. Methods 500 consecutive patients referred for CT assessment of aortic root anatomy prior to TAVI were screened for inclusion in this analysis. All CT data sets were acquired using a third-generation dual source system. For assessment of aortic root anatomy, acquisitions were acquired using ECG-gated retrospective spiral acquisition and multiphase reconstructions in 10% increments of the cardiac cycle were rendered (slice thickness 0.75, increment 0.4 mm). left ventricular endocardial contours were automatically traced by a dedicated software (syngo. via, Siemens Healthineers, Forchheim, Germany) throughout the cardiac cycle and manually adjusted if required. Global left ventricular function parameters (end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, stroke volume, cardiac output and ejection fraction) were derived by volumetric assessment. Results Out of 500 patients, 439 patients (mean age 80±6 years, 56% males, and Log EuroScore 23±14%) were included in this analysis (61 patients were excluded due to poor CT image quality or missing outcome data). Previous cardiac surgery had been performed in 15% of the patients, 50% had obstructive CAD with previous interventional or surgical revascularisation and 18% had a previous acute coronary syndrome. One-year survival was 83% (366/439 patients). Parameters of left ventricular function were as follows: mean LVEDV 172±56 ml, mean LVESV 78±62 ml, mean LV ejection fraction 59±18%, mean LV stroke volume index 51±22 ml/m2, mean LV cardiac output 6.6±3.3 L/min and LV cardiac index 3.5±1.7 l/min/m2. Cluster analysis of multiple LV-function surrogate parameters identified a group of patients with higher 1-year mortality, with LVEF identified as a predictor of 1-year survival with a cut-0ff of ≥37% associated with an OR 0f 0.52 (95% CI 0.27 to 0.98). Conclusion Assessment of left ventricular function using functional CT data sets is feasible and allows risk stratification of patients following TAVI. Among LV functional parameters, CT derived LV-ejection fraction with a cut-off ≥37% identifies patients with better short-term outcome. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

A quality-improvement project to enhance systemic arterial contrast opacification in CT for trans-catheter aortic valve implantation

To assess improvement in arterial opacification by optimising the contrast medium dosing protocol for computed tomography (CT) prior to trans-catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). A wide variation in arterial opacification was observed in the initial CT TAVI protocol (standard protocol). The practice was optimised by considering the time required for the examination and optimising contrast medium flux. This became the optimised protocol with a 30-second contrast medium bolus of iodine flux 15-19 mg iodine/kg body weight/second (mg/kg/s). Attenuation (mean HU) in (a) the ascending aorta (gated systolic acquisition) and (b) the ascending, descending thoracic (at carina), infra-renal abdominal aorta, and right common iliac artery (non-gated acquisition) was measured. Thirty-one sequential optimised examinations were compared to 31 prior standard protocol examinations. There was no difference between the standard and optimised groups regarding age, sex, weight, body mass index (BMI), or voltage. The mean bolus durations were 24.9±4.4 seconds for the standard and 30±0.3 seconds for the optimised protocols (p<0.001). Although there was no difference in the attenuation in the gated ascending aorta (p>0.99), there was improvement at all other anatomical points in the non-gated examinations of the optimised protocol (p<0.002). Optimising contrast medium flux and matching bolus duration to the CT technology dramatically improves the vascular access component of TAVI planning and provides a reliable method to achieve objectively enhanced arterial opacification. This work highlights how to obtain good arterial contrast medium opacification in haemodynamically fragile patients without excessive contrast medium volumes.