Transapical Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Research Articles

Intravascular Ultrasound-Guided Contrast-Free Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Porcine Feasibility Study.

Patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) frequently present with chronic kidney disease and are therefore particularly susceptible to nephrotoxic influences like iodinated contrast media. Acute kidney injury after TAVI is a severe complication that independently predicts short- and long-term mortality. The present study investigates the feasibility of a contrast-free approach by using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in conjunction with fluoroscopy. Six domestic pigs (60 ± 5 kg) were anesthetized and underwent transapical implantation of a balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valve. In the control group (n = 3), the procedures were guided by fluoroscopy/angiography. In the study group (n = 3), the procedures were guided by IVUS for preimplantation evaluation, intra-procedural guidance, and post-implantation evaluation, in conjunction with fluoroscopy without contrast. The procedures were evaluated by IVUS, fluoroscopy, aortic root angiography, and explantation and dissection of the hearts. Relevant anatomical landmarks for correct implantation were assessed by IVUS. The following annulus measurements were obtained: area (359.67 ± 29.58 mm2), perimeter (68.28 ± 2.63 mm), maximum diameter (22.20 ± 1.22 mm), minimum diameter (20.43 ± 1.12 mm), mean diameter (21.32 ± 0.70 mm), ellipticity index (1.09 ± 0.10), and area-derived diameter (21.39 ± 0.87 mm). IVUS-guided valve deployment resulted in correct expansion within the aortic annulus without signs of paravalvular leak, compromised mitral valve, or coronary obstruction. IVUS-guided post-implantation assessment confirmed circular expansion (25.88 ± 0.30 mm) of the valves. IVUS-guided, contrast-free transapical TAVI is feasible in a porcine model.

Transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with aortic diseases.

Patients scheduled for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) treatment frequently present with concomitant aortic diseases, in which case they are usually considered to be at high interventional risk and, in particular, unable to undergo the transfemoral TAVI approach. Since the establishment of the 'transfemoral first' strategy for TAVI, there has been an evidence gap with regard to the outcomes of such patients. We aimed to evaluate the mid-term outcomes after transapical TAVI in patients with diverse aortic diseases. Fifty-five consecutive elderly patients (78.4 years; standard deviation: 8.6 years) at intermediate surgical risk with severe aortic stenosis and aortic diseases (porcelain aorta 36%, ascending aneurysm 15%, descending aneurysm 26%, type-B dissection 4%, aortic thrombus 7%, Leriche syndrome 4%, aortic kinking 11%, aortic ulcer 2%, previous aortic operation 20%, aortic elongation/tortuosity 4%) underwent transapical TAVI treatment between January 2011 and November 2019 at our institution. We used the second-and third-generation self- and balloon-expanding valves. The follow-up time was 92.6 patient-years. The Society of Thoracic Surgery-Predicted Risk of Mortality score was 7% (standard deviation: 4%). The 30-day mortality and all-stroke rates were 6% and 4%, respectively. The median survival time was 24.9 months (95% confidence interval 17.6-32.3). The median time of freedom from a composite of death and cardio-cerebral adverse events was 24.3 months (95% confidence interval 11.9-36.8). The rate of moderate/severe paravalvular leakage was 2%. The pacemaker rate was 10%. No early or late aortic syndrome occurred. Transapical TAVI is a safe method and shows very promising early and mid-term outcomes, without early/late aortic syndrome, in patients with aortic diseases for whom transfemoral TAVI as the first-line transcatheter method might be contraindicated or not feasible.

Seven-year survival after transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation for intermediate and high surgical risk or inoperable patients

Seven-year survival after transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation for intermediate and high surgical risk or inoperable patients

The effect of transcatheter aortic valve implantation approaches on mortality.

We aimed to evaluate the effect of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) approaches on mortality and identify effect modifiers and predictors for mortality. Alternative access routes to transfemoral (TF) TAVI include the surgical intra-thoracic direct-aortic (DA) and transapical (TA) approach. TA TAVI has been associated with a higher mortality rate. We hypothesized that this is related to effect modifiers, in particular the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). This multicentre study derived its data from prospective registries. To adjust for confounders, we used propensity-score based, stabilized inverse probability weighted Cox regression models. In total, 5,910 patients underwent TAVI via TF (N= 4,072), DA (N= 524), and TA (N= 1,314) access. Compared to TF, 30-day mortality was increased among DA (HR 1.87, 95%CI 1.26-2.78, p= .002) and TA (HR 3.34, 95%CI 2.28-4.89, p< .001) cases. Compared to TF, 5-year mortality was increased among TA cases (HR 1.50, 95%CI 1.24-1.83, p< .001). None of the variables showed a significant interaction between the approaches and mortality. An impaired LVEF (≤35%) increased mortality in all approaches. The surgical intra-thoracic TA and DA TAVI are both associated with a higher 30-day mortality than TF TAVI. TA TAVI is associated with a higher 5-year mortality than TF TAVI. The DA approach may therefore have some advantages over the TA approach when TF access is not feasible.

Midterm outcomes of transaortic and transapical TAVI in patients with unsuitable vascular anatomy for femoral access: A propensity score inverse probability weight study.

Transaortic (TAo) and transapical (TA) implantation can be used in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) when the transfemoral (TF) approach is precluded. We compare the safety and efficacy of these alternative techniques. From October 2007 to February 2016, TAo and TA patients' data were collected. Propensity score inverse probability of treatment weight (IPTW) method was employed to minimize the impact of no-randomization bias. From our single-center non-TF-TAVI registry, 282 patients were included: 235 (83.3%) underwent TAo and 47 (16.7%) TA. Differences in baseline characteristics were statistically significant in age, sex, risk profile according to logistic-EuroSCORE, and previous cardiac surgery. No difference in hospital morbidity and mortality, but lower stroke-rate in TAo (1.27% vs. 8.5% p < .01) was observed. This was confirmed at logistic regression after IPTW adjustment (odds ratio [OR]: 0.16, 95% CI 0.03-0.71, p = .01), together with reduced risk of the paravalvular leak (PVL) (OR: 0.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02-0.81, p = .02). Kaplan-Meier estimates did not demonstrate differences in long-term mortality among access routes (logrank test p = .13). At the IPTW-Cox regression model, long-term mortality was related to New York Heart Association III-IV (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.15-7.40, p = .026), chronic renal failure (HR: 3.25; 95% CI: 1.02-10.32 p = .046), previous transient ischemic attack/stroke (HR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.25-4.20 p = .007). Sapien-3 device resulted to be a protective factor, reducing long-term mortality (HR: 0.18, 95% CI 0.04- 0.90 p = .03). TAo is safe and feasible in case of contraindication to femoral approach demonstrating comparable midterm outcomes to TA, thus representing a central access alternative, to increase the overall safety of high-risk TAVI procedures.

Twelve-month outcomes of transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis.

IntroductionTransapical access (TA) transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) (TA-TAVI) represents one of the possible routes in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) who are not suitable for transfemoral access.AimTo assess early- and mid-term clinical outcomes after TA-TAVI.Material and methodsPatients with severe symptomatic AS undergoing TA-TAVI from November 2008 to December 2019 were enrolled. Clinical and procedural characteristics as well as clinical outcomes including all-cause mortality during 12-month follow-up were assessed.ResultsSixty-one consecutive patients underwent TA-TAVI for native AS. Patients were elderly with median age of 80.0 (76.0–84.0) years; 55.7% were males. Median baseline EuroSCORE I and STS scores were 18.2% (11.6–27.7) and 4.8% (3.3–8.2), respectively. The procedural success rate was 96.7%. In-hospital, 30-day and 12-month mortality rates were 9.8%; 18.0% and 24.6%, respectively. The main periprocedural and in-hospital complications were bleeding complications (14.8%). The following factors were associated with 12-month mortality: previous cerebrovascular event (CVE), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), aortic valve area (AVA), right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and serum level of N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (RR for CVE 3.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15–8.76: p = 0.026; RR for AVA per 0.1 cm2 1.28, 95% CI: 1.03–1.55: p = 0.024; RR for GFR per 1 ml/min 0.96: 95% CI: 0.94–0.99: p = 0.007; RR for NT-proBNP per 1000 pg/ml 1.07: 95% CI: 1.01–1.17: p = 0.033; RR for RVSP per 1 mm Hg 1.07: 95% CI 1.02–1.16: p = 0.011).ConclusionsTransapical TAVI in high-risk patients provides good hemodynamic results with acceptable outcomes.

Outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantations in high-volume or low-volume centres in Germany

ObjectiveTranscatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is the most common aortic valve replacement in Germany. Since 2015, to ensure high-quality procedures, hospitals in Germany and other countries that meet the minimum...

One-Year Costs Associated with Hospitalizations Due to Aortic Stenosis in Canada

BackgroundThere is a lack of data on the burden of patients hospitalized with aortic stenosis (AS) in Canada. The primary study objective was to document the index and 1-year costs of hospitalized patients with AS in Canada. Secondary objectives were to explore results by treatment modality and Canadian provinces. MethodsHospitalized patients with a most responsible diagnosis (MRD) of AS during fiscal year 2014/2015 were identified using Canadian administrative databases. Costs were calculated for the index admission and for up to 1 year. For our secondary analyses, patients were classified according to the intervention received: surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), SAVR with coronary artery bypass graft, or transfemoral or transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Hospitalized AS patients who did not undergo SAVR or transcatheter aortic valve implantation were classified as the untreated group. The data were also analyzed by Canadian provinces. ResultsDuring fiscal year 2014/15, a total of 7217 Canadians were hospitalized with an MRD of AS. The mean (standard deviation) age of our population was 74.2 (11.5) years, and 39% were female. The 1-year hospital costs associated with an MRD of AS in Canada were calculated at $393 million. Our secondary analyses suggest that patient demographics (mean age ranging from 69 to 82 years) and outcomes (median length of stay ranging from 6 to 12 days) differ among treatment modalities and Canadian provinces. ConclusionsAS hospitalizations result in a significant cost burden in Canada. Future research is needed to better understand variation among treatment modalities and Canadian provinces.

Concomitant surgery for aortic valve and lung cancer patients in an elder

BackgroundThe treatment strategy for aortic valve and lung cancer patients includes concomitant or two-stage procedures. Conventional simultaneous operations are usually performed under the median sternotomy.Case presentationA 72-year-old man was admitted to our hospital after experiencing chest tightness after activity for two months. Aortic valve regurgitation had been confirmed when squamous cell carcinoma of the lung was discovered. The therapeutic strategy for these patients is controversial. Considering the potential risk of tumour metastasis and the risk of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), we recommended concomitant transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and a lobectomy. A trans-apical TAVI with left-sided intercostal thoracotomy was successfully performed, followed by an immediate video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy and selective lymph node dissection.ConclusionsWe suggest that a one-stage surgery of pulmonary resection following TAVI is an acceptable and safe choice after careful evaluation and should be performed as soon as possible in response to lung cancer in elderly patients with aortic valve disease.

経カテーテル大動脈弁留置術（心尖部アプローチ）後に発症した左室仮性瘤を経カテーテル的に治療した症例の麻酔経験

経カテーテル大動脈弁留置術（心尖部アプローチ）後に発症した左室仮性瘤を経カテーテル的に治療した症例の麻酔経験

Extubation in the Operating Room After Transapical Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Safely Improves Time-Related Outcomes and Lowers Costs: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

The experience of safe extubation in the operating room (OR) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedure remains not well established. The authors conducted this study to assess the effect of OR extubation in comparison with extubation in the intensive care unit (ICU) on the outcomes and cost in patients undergoing transapical-TAVI. A propensity score-matched analysis. A single major urban teaching and university hospital. A total of 266 patients undergoing transapical TAVI under general anesthesia between June 2015 and March 2020. Propensity matching on pre- and intraoperative variables was used to identify 99 patients undergoing extubation in the OR versus 72 undergoing extubation in the ICU for outcome analysis. After matching, extubation in the OR showed significant reductions of length of stay (LOS) in ICU (38.8 ± 17.4 v 58.0 ± 70.0 h, difference -19.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] -35.7 to -2.7, p = 0.009) and postoperative LOS in hospital (7.1 ± 3.9 v 10.1 ± 4.6 d, difference -3.0, 95% CI -4.3 to -1.7, p < 0.0001) compared with ICU extubation, but did not significantly affect the composite incidence of any postoperative complications (46.5% [46 of 99] v 52.8% [38 of 72], difference -6.3%, 95% CI -21.5 to 8.9, p = 0.415). Also, extubation in the OR led to significant reduction of total hospital cost compared with extubation in the ICU (¥303.5 ± 17.3 v ¥329.9 ± 52.3 thousand, difference -26.2, 95% CI -38.8 to -13.7, p < 0.0001). The current study provided evidence that extubation in the OR could be performed safely without increases in morbidity, mortality, or reintubation rate and could provide cost-effective outcome benefits in patients undergoing transapical-TAVI.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Readmissions in the Current Era (from the National Readmission Database)

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become the mainstream treatment for severe aortic stenosis. Despite improvement in device iteration and operator experience rigorous outcome data outside the scope of clinical trials is lacking. Nationwide readmission database 2016 and 2017 was utilized to identify the study population. International Classification of Disease,10th edition codes were used to identify TAVI admissions. Outcomes of interest were the 90-day readmission pattern and in hospital complications of the TAVI procedure. A total of 73,784 TAVI related index admissions were identified in the Nationwide Readmission Database in 2016 to 2017. Forty four percent of patients undergoing TAVI in that timeframe were discharged within 48 hours of their procedure. 16,343 patients (22.2%) were readmitted within 90 days after discharge. Major cardiac co-morbidities like heart failure were prevalent more often in the group of patients that were readmitted within 90 days. Noncardiac causes however accounted for two thirds of these readmissions. The median time to 90-day readmission was 31 days. Multivariate analysis showed that nonagenarians, patients undergoing transapical TAVI, and patients with a higher comorbidity burden were more likely to be readmitted within 90 days. In conclusion, almost half of TAVI patients in the US are discharged within 48 hours after their procedure and 20% of all TAVI patients are readmitted within 90 days. Most readmissions are due to noncardiac causes.

Kidney dysfunction and short term all-cause mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been associated with worse outcomes. However, the impact on outcome of AKI in TAVI-patients is not well established. MethodsInoperable patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing TAVI in 2010-2018 were enrolled in this study. AKI and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were defined according to KDIGO guidelines. Patients were divided in two groups according to post-procedural AKI development. The primary endpoint was 30-day all-cause mortality across the two groups. ResultsA total of 373 patients (mean age 82.3 ± 6) were analyzed. Compared to non-AKI patients, those who developed AKI, were treated more frequently with trans-apical TAVI (66% vs 35%, p<0.01), with greater amount of contrast medium (200.6 vs 170.4 ml, p=0.02) and in presence of clinically significant peripheral artery disease (PAD, 33% vs 21%, p=0.04). Trans-apical access (OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.76-5.60, p<0.01) was associated with a 3-fold risk of AKI. After adjustment for age, Society of Thoracic Surgery risk score (STS), PAD, access type, EF and contrast medium amount, patients with AKI presented an increased risk of 30-day all-cause mortality (HR=1.25, 95%CI 1.09-1.69, p=0.008). Patients with CKD IV and V, who developed AKI, presented a 9-fold 30-day mortality risk (HR=9.71, 95% CI 2.40-39.2, p=0.001). ConclusionIn our analysis, AKI was a strong predictor of 30-day all-cause mortality. Particularly, patients with severe CKD with AKI showed the highest 30-day mortality risk. Thus, this group of patients might benefit from closer monitoring and specific kidney protection therapies.

Transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation for predominant aortic regurgitation with a self-expandable valve.

BackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become the gold standard for high-risk severe aortic stenosis. However, the experience of treating aortic regurgitation (AR) with this technology is still limited. Previously, we have demonstrated excellent 1-year outcomes of transapical TAVI with J-ValveTM (JieCheng Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China) in treating predominant AR, while the mid-term outcomes up to 4 years have never been reported.MethodsTransapical TAVI with J-ValveTM to treat predominant AR was performed in 47 patients in Zhongshan Hospital from May 2014 through October 2018. Procedural and clinical outcomes with follow-up up to 4 years were analyzed using Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 criteria (VARC-2).ResultsAll patients (age 73.7±7.9 years) were considered to be prohibitive or high-risk for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) (logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation, 21.1% to 44.4%; mean, 24.3%±5.1%) after evaluated by a multidisciplinary heart team. Transapical implantations were successful in all patients. The clinical outcomes of the entire cohort in the latest follow-up (371 to 1,968 days, median 574 days) included all-cause mortality (6.4%), disabling stroke (2.3%), new permanent pacemaker (6.8%) and valve-related re-intervention (0). Paravalvular leak (PVL) was rate as none or trace in 37 of 44 and mild in 7 of 44 patients at the latest follow-up. Mean transvalvular gradient was favorable after valve implantation during follow-up at 9.3±2.5 mmHg.ConclusionsThis study revealed that, transapical TAVI with J-ValveTM for treating AR has encouraging mid-term outcomes, and the advantages at one year demonstrated in previous study can be maintained through 4 years.

892 TAVI in TAVI- A Single Centre Experience

The use of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for severe aortic stenosis is well established in clinical practice. However, there is a paucity in the literature of the procedural feasibility of repeat TAVI for late valve degeneration. Here we discuss three cases of patients who underwent TAVI in TAVI procedures. A 81 year old female who had a transapical balloon-expandable TAVI inserted 9 years prior presented with NYHA class 3 symptoms and recurrent admissions with decompensated heart failure. Echocardiography showed severe mixed aortic valve degeneration, and she subsequently underwent successful transfemoral valve in valve (ViV) TAVI. On 6 month follow-up she has NYHA class 1-2 symptoms with normal aortic valve hemodynamics. A 85 year old male with a self-expanding TAVI three years prior presented with recurrent decompensated heart failure. Echocardiography revealed severe transvalvular aortic regurgitation. He underwent a BASILICA (bioprosthetic or native aortic scallop to prevent iatrogenic coronary artery obstruction) and successful ViV-TAVI with a balloon expandable prosthesis, with favourable echocardiographic and symptomatic outcomes at 6 month follow-up. A 76 year old female with a previous TAVI procedure 8 years prior presented with NYHA class III symptoms and declining exercise tolerance, with echocardiography demonstrating severe aortic stenosis (mean gradient 87mmHg). Anticoagulation with warfarin was trialled for 3 months with no improvement, and she subsequently underwent ViV-TAVI with improvement in symptoms and favourable post implantation valve hemodynamics. These cases demonstrates procedural safety with improvement in patient symptoms and favourable post implantation hemodynamics, suggesting repeat TAVI is a feasible treatment option.

P3722Platelet reactivity changes following transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Abstract Introduction Although recent studies described changes in platelet reactivity (PR) in days following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), precise time course and duration of these changes have not been fully investigated. Purpose To investigate PR changes during and after TAVI. Methods Study included 42 consecutive patients with severe and symptomatic aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI procedure in our institution. Patients' clinical characteristics were collected from medical records. All patients who did not have chronic dual antiplatelet therapy received loading dose of aspirin and clopidogrel (300 mg) one day before the procedure followed by their standard maintenance doses for next three months. PR was measured in six time points: just before induction of anaesthesia (T1), after heparin administration (T2), at the end of procedure (T3), and on 3rd, 6th and 30th postoperative day (T4–6). PR was measured using impedance aggregometer (Multiplate® analyzer, Roche, Munich, Germany) in response to three platelet aggregation agonists: arachidonic acid (ASPItest), ADP (ADPtest) and thrombin receptor activating peptide-6 (TRAPtest). Results Mean patient age was 82.1 years with majority of patients being male 57.1% (N=24). Mean valve area and mean transvalvular gradient prior to procedure were 0.71±0.21 cm2 and 49.1±18.7 mmHg, respectively. All patients underwent successful TAVI procedure using either self-expandable (N=25, 59.5%) or balloon-expandable valve. Two patients (4.7%) underwent transapical TAVI, while transfemoral approach was used in all other patients. Mean postimplantation gradient was 10.2±7.1 mmHg. Mean PR on T1 was 24.3±23.1 U for ASPItest, 41.6±26.5 U for ADPtest and 90.1±33.3 U for TRAPtest. There was no significant difference in PR on T2. However, on T3, ignificant reduction of PR in all 3 tests was observed (ASPI 9.4±10.1 U (p=0.001), ADP 23.1±15.0 U (p&lt;0.001) and TRAP 64.5±27.3 U (p&lt;0.001)). Lowest PR values for all tests were reached on T4, after which incline in PR has been observed. On T5, value of ASPItest reached levels not significantly different to those on T1 (15.1±17.2 U, p=0.13), while ADPtest and TRAPtest remained significantly lower (27.3±18.5 U, p=0.007 and 68.6±33.2 U, p=0.003, respectively). All PR values returned to initial levels on T6 (figure 1). Conclusions Our results show that successful TAVI procedure induces transient decrease in PR regardless of the platelet activation pathway. These findings add new knowledge in understanding complexed relations in intravascular milieu following TAVI. Further research on a larger number of patients is needed to confirm and asses clinical significance of these results. Acknowledgement/Funding Croatian Science Foundation

P1852The clinical experience of J valve transapical transcatheter aortic valve replacement system in high-risk patients with severe pure aortic regurgitation

Abstract Objective Patients with severe pure aortic regurgitation (PAR) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is still under controversial. J valve™, a China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) certified device, has specific positioning and anchoring system, which makes this device indicated in PAR patients. We aim to introduce the clinical experience of J valve in the treatment of PAR in high risk patients. Methods A total of 53 severe PAR patients (STS score 6,3±1.8, mean age, 76.4±5.2 years) who underwent TAVI using J valve™ in our Hospital from June 2017 to December 2018 were retrospectively enrolled. All patients underwent echocardiography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography to evaluate their baseline and follow-up characteristics. The 30 days outcomes were reported according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC) definitions. Results All patients underwent transapical TAVI, and J valve was in implanted successfully in 51 patients (96,2%). J valve was dislodged in two patients, one patient was successful implanted with another J valve and the dislodged valve placed in descending aorta. The other patient was converted to urgent surgery for aortic valve replacement. One patient was converted to surgery due to severe aortic regurgitation after J-valve placement. The 30 days mortality was 9.2% (n=5), 1 patient died of acute heart failure and 2 patients died of infection. During the hospitalization, none of the patients had stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) and periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI). There were 5 (n=14.3%) patients presenting with bleeding complications (BARC 4 definition of major bleeding). 1 (2.9%). Pacemaker implantation was performed in 2 (5.7%) patients. Paravalvular regurgitation was none or trace in 90.7% (n=49), mild to moderate in 5.6% (n=3), and moderate to severe 1.8% (n=1) after the procedure. Mean intensive care unit stay was 29.30±15.30 h. Working illustration of J valve Conclusion TAVI by J valve™ can be an alternative option for high risk patients with PAR, but more evidences are still needed to further prove its safety and feasibility.

Interdisciplinary consensus on indications for transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TF-TAVI) : Joint Consensus Document of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Leitende Kardiologische Krankenhausärzte e.V. (ALKK) and cooperating Cardiac Surgery Departments.

Indications for TF-TAVI (transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation) are rapidly changing according to increasing evidence from randomized controlled trials. Present trials document the non-inferiority or even superiority of TF-TAVI in intermediate-risk patients (STS-Score 4-8%) as well as in low-risk patients (STS-Score < 4%). However, risk scores exhibit limitations and, as a single criterion, are unable to establish an appropriate indication of TF-TAVI vs transapical TAVI vs SAVR (surgical aortic valve replacement). The ESC (European Society of Cardiology)/EACTS (European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery) guidelines 2017 and the German DGK (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kardiologie)/DGTHG (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Thorax-, Herz- und Gefäßchirurgie) commentary 2018 offer a framework for the selection of the best therapeutic method, but the individual decision is left to the discretion of the heart teams. An interdisciplinary TAVI consensus group of interventional cardiologists of the ALKK (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Leitende Kardiologische Krankenhausärzte e.V.) and cardiac surgeons has developed a detailed consensus on the indications for TF-TAVI to provide an up-to-date, evidence-based, comprehensive decision matrix for daily practice. The matrix of indication criteria includes age, risk scores, contraindications against SAVR (e.g., porcelain aorta), cardiovascular criteria pro TAVI, additional criteria pro TAVI (e.g., frailty, comorbidities, organ dysfunction), contraindications against TAVI (e.g., endocarditis) and cardiovascular criteria pro SAVR (e.g., bicuspid valve anatomy). This interdisciplinary consensus may provide orientation to heart teams for individual TAVI-indication decisions. Future adaptations according to evolving medical evidence are to be expected. Interdisciplinary consensus on indications for transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TF-TAVI).

Mid-Term Outcomes after Transapical and Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation for Aortic Stenosis and Porcelain Aorta with a Systematic Review of Transfemoral versus Transapical Approach.

We have aimed to analyze early and mid-term outcomes of patients undergoing transapical/transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TA-/TF-TAVI) for aortic stenosis and porcelain aorta (PAo) in our institution. Additionally, we postulated that the TA approach may be associated with a more favorable neurological outcome than the TF approach; hence, a systematic literature review was conducted. Between 2011 and 2017, 15 patients with PAo underwent TA-TAVI and 4 patients with PAo TF-TAVI at our institution. The assessment of PAo was done either intraoperatively after aborted sternotomy or via computed tomography for elective TAVI. We conducted mid-term follow-up. Furthermore, a systematic review was performed to compare the mortality and neurological outcomes of TF and TA-TAVI approaches. TA/TF-TAVIs were performed with 100% device success, without paravalvular leakage ≥ 2 and without procedural death. The 30-day mortality/stroke rates were 6.6%/0% in TA-TAVI and 0%/25% in TF-TAVI, respectively. The 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year survival rates were in TA/TF-TAVI 93%/75%, 82%/66.6%, and 50%/0%, respectively.The pooled results derived from the literature review were as follows: The prevalence of PAo in the TAVI population is 9.74%; the mean logistic EuroSCORE is 41.9% in TA-TAVI versus 16.2% in TF-TAVI; the mean 30-day mortality is 5.9% in TA-TAVI versus 6.3% in TF-TAVI, and the mean stroke is 0.8% in TA-TAVI versus 9% in TF-TAVI. TA-TAVI shows promising early and mid-term outcomes in patients with PAo. TF-TAVI performed in patients with PAo is likely to be associated with higher rates of stroke than TA-TAVI.

Pulsatile sterile abscess in the left breast following transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a case report.

BackgroundOver the last decade, transcatheter treatment of degenerative aortic valve stenosis has been established as an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement. Late complications of transcatheter treatment of aortic stenosis (AS) are infrequent.Case summaryWe report an 87-year-old woman treated successfully with 23 mm Sapien 3 transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation for severe AS. She presented 4 months later with a pulsatile mass in the left breast. After exclusion of other diagnoses, the mass was attributed to a sterile abscess communicating with the pericardial cavity due to post-operative chest infection and pleural effusion. Multimodality imaging helped to define the anatomy of the abscess and the mechanism of the pulsation.DiscussionThis is the first report of a pulsatile sterile abscess occurring as a complication of transapical aortic valve implantation. Multimodality imaging confirmed that the pulsation was due to extension of the abscess into the pericardial cavity, excluded direct communication with the left ventricle, and facilitated successful non-surgical management.