Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Recipients Research Articles

Direct vs. staged TAVI in the acute management of decompensated severe aortic stenosis

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Background Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as a preferred treatment for severe aortic stenosis across a spectrum of surgical risks, potentially diminishing the role of balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) as a transient solution or a bridge to definitive intervention. With advancements in TAVI technology and expertise, patients even in unstable conditions are increasingly receiving direct, definitive TAVI, avoiding the risks associated with staged, multiple procedures. Aims The study set out to assess whether immediate TAVI is safer and more effective than BAV followed by elective aortic valve replacement (AVR) in acute severe aortic stenosis. Methods Conducted as a retrospective analysis at a single center, this study encompassed a cohort of consecutive patients who received either urgent or emergency BAV, as bridge to AVR, or TAVI to manage decompensated severe aortic stenosis from May 2012 to May 2023. The primary outcomes were mortality rates at both 30 days and one year following the procedures. Results In this cohort, 258 cases of urgent or emergent percutaneous aortic valvuloplasty were evaluated. BAV was performed in 47 patients, whereas 211 received direct TAVI. A significantly higher proportion of the BAV group (36%) was treated due to cardiogenic shock as the primary indication, compared with just 11% in the TAVI group (p< 0.001). Demographic parameters and comorbid condition profiles were equivalently balanced across both groups. The median age was 81 years (interquartile range: 74-85, p= 0.40), and males constituted 56% of the patient population (p= 0.72). Most patients (65%) presented with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and nearly half (49%) were diagnosed with obstructive coronary artery disease. The reduction in peak aortic valve gradient was significantly more pronounced in the TAVI group (-56±25 mmHg) compared to the BAV group (-27±19 mmHg, p< 0.001). TAVI recipients also had a higher incidence of VARC-2 minor and major bleeding events (26% versus. 6% for BAV, p<0.001), and a greater occurrence of advanced atrioventricular block necessitating temporary pacing (19% vs. 9% for BAV, p= 0.02). Thirty-day survival rates favored the TAVI group (93%) over BAV (86%). This trend persisted at the one-year mark, with survival rates of 84% for TAVI and 70% for BAV. Furthermore, the one-year hazard ratio for mortality among patients undergoing BAV was 2.01 (95% confidence interval: 1.34–3.01, p< 0.001). Conclusion The data from this retrospective analysis indicate that for patients with decompensated severe aortic stenosis, immediate TAVI may confer a mortality benefit over BAV followed by elective procedures. Despite a higher rate of procedural complications, the direct TAVI approach was associated with better survival rates at both 30 days and one year. These outcomes suggest a potential reevaluation of treatment strategies in acute settings may be warranted.

New-onset atrial fibrillation detected by ambulatory ECG monitoring after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Little is known about the occurrence of subclinical new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We aimed to evaluate the incidence, predictors, and clinical impact of subclinical NOAF after TAVI. This was a multicentre study, including patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and no previous atrial fibrillation undergoing TAVI, with continuous ambulatory electrocardiogram (AECG) monitoring after TAVI. A total of 700 patients (79±8 years, 49% female, Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 2.9% [1.9-4.0]) undergoing transarterial TAVI were included (85% balloon-expandable valves). AECG was started 1 (0-1) day after TAVI (monitoring time: 14<span class="eij_ref" contenteditable="false" data-id="26797">12</span><span class="eij_ref" contenteditable="false" data-id="18749">13</span><span class="eij_ref" contenteditable="false" data-id="26798">14</span> days). NOAF was detected in 49 patients (7%), with a median duration of 185 (43-421) minutes (atrial fibrillation burden of 0.7% [0.3-2.8]). Anticoagulation was started in 25 NOAF patients (51%). No differences were found in baseline or procedural characteristics, except for a higher AS severity in the NOAF group (peak gradient: no NOAF: 71.9±23.5 mmHg vs NOAF: 85.2±23.8 mmHg; p=0.024; mean gradient: no NOAF: 44.4±14.7 mmHg vs NOAF: 53.8±16.8 mmHg; p=0.004). In the multivariable analysis, the baseline mean transaortic gradient was associated with a higher risk of NOAF after TAVI (odds ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.06 for each mmHg; p=0.006). There were no differences between groups in all-cause mortality (no NOAF: 4.7% vs NOAF: 0%; p=0.122), stroke (no NOAF: 1.4% vs NOAF: 2.0%; p=0.723), or bleeding (no NOAF: 1.9% vs NOAF: 4.1%; p=0.288) from the 30-day to 1-year follow-up. NOAF detected with AECG occurred in 7% of TAVI recipients and was associated with a higher AS severity. NOAF detection determined the start of anticoagulation therapy in about half of the patients, and it was not associated with an increased risk of clinical events at 1-year follow-up.

Impact of early changes in cardiac damage following transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

The staging classification of aortic stenosis (AS) which characterises the extent of cardiac damage has been validated in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Short-term changes in cardiac damage after TAVI and their association with long-term prognosis remain unknown. This study aims to investigate the early evolution of cardiac damage after TAVI and the association of residual cardiac damage with clinical outcomes in TAVI recipients. AS patients undergoing TAVI were consecutively enrolled and classified into five stages of cardiac damage (0-4). Early change in cardiac damage was defined as any change of stage at 30 days (Δcardiac damage between baseline pre-TAVI and 30 days post-TAVI). Within 30 days post-TAVI, the baseline cardiac damage stage had changed in 22.2% of 644 TAVI recipients, accompanied by improvements in the degree of dyspnoea and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Two-year mortality was associated with residual cardiac damage within 30 days post-TAVI (hazard ratio [HR] 2.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.07-4.25; p<0.001). Compared to unchanged cardiac damage post-TAVI, further cardiac damage within 30 days was associated with a higher crude risk of 2-year mortality (HR 22.04, 95% CI: 9.87-49.20; p<0.001). Cardiac deterioration within 30 days post-TAVI was an independent risk factor for 2-year mortality (HR 19.564, 95% CI: 8.047-47.565; p<0.001). This investigation provided insight into the early evolution of cardiac damage in TAVI recipients and confirmed the predictive value of both residual and early changes in cardiac damage post-TAVI. Cardiac deterioration within 30 days is associated with poor clinical prognosis.

Incidence and management of atrioventricular conduction disorders in new-onset left bundle branch block after TAVI: A prospective multicenter study

New-onset left bundle branch block (LBBB) is one of the most frequent complications after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and is associated with delayed high degree atrioventricular (AV) block. The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence of AV block in such a population and to assess the performance and safety of a risk stratification algorithm on the basis of electrophysiology study (EPS) followed by implantation of a pacemaker or implantable loop recorder (ILR). This was a prospective open-label study with 12-month follow-up. From June 8, 2015, to November 8, 2018, 183 TAVI recipients (mean age 82.3 ± 5.9 years) were included at 10 centers. New-onset LBBB after TAVI persisting for >24 hours was assessed by electrophysiology study during initial hospitalization. High-risk patients (His-ventricle interval ≥70 ms) were implanted with a dual-chamber pacemaker recording AV conduction disturbance episodes. Patients at lower risk were implanted with an ILR with automatic remote monitoring. A high-grade AV conduction disorder was identified in 56 patients (30.6%) at 12 months. Four subjects were symptomatic, all in the ILR group. No complications were associated with the stratification procedure. Patients with His-ventricle interval ≥70 ms displayed more high-grade AV conduction disorders (53.2% [25 of 47] vs 22.8% [31 of 136]; P < .001). In a multivariate analysis, His-ventricle interval ≥70 ms was independently associated with the occurrence of a high-grade conduction disorder (subdistribution hazard ratio 2.4; 95% confidence interval 1.2-4.8; P = .010). New-onset LBBB after TAVI was associated with high rates of high-grade AV conduction disturbances. The stratification algorithm provided safe and valuable aid to management decisions and reliable guidance on pacemaker implantation.

1987. One-Year Mortality and Reoperation Among Patients with Infective Endocarditis After Transcatheter or Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement

Abstract Background Treatment of severe aortic valve stenosis with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) was initially developed for older patients at high surgical risk. However, with improving technology and experience, indications for TAVI have expanded to include younger patients and those at moderate surgical risk, leading to increasing use of TAVI as an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). As a result, post-TAVI infective endocarditis (IE) is increasingly common. Data on post-TAVI IE in comparison to post-SAVR IE outcomes are limited. Methods Using data from the TriNetX Research Network, we identified (1) a cohort of patients who underwent TAVI between 1/1/2016 and 12/31/2020 (CPT procedure code 1021150) and developed IE (captured with ICD-10 codes I33, I38, or I39) after the procedure; and (2) a propensity score-matched cohort of patients who underwent SAVR (CPT procedure codes 1006141, excluding any associated transcatheter procedures) and developed IE. Both cohorts were required to have at least 1 week follow-up, i.e., deaths within 7 days of IE were excluded. We matched the cohorts for demographics and clinically relevant background characteristics. We used Kaplan-Meier estimates for 1-year mortality and aortic valve reoperation and Cox proportional hazards models to compare event rates. Results We identified 616 patients with post-TAVI IE and 616 matched patients with post-SAVR IE. The baseline characteristics of the cohorts were well balanced, as indicated by standardized mean differences &amp;lt; 0.1, Table 1. The Kaplan-Meier 1-year mortality between 7 days and 1 year (as deaths before 7 days were excluded) was 20.9% in the TAVI cohort (117 events) vs. 13.0% in the SAVR cohort (72 events), HR 1.66 (95%CI 1.24-2.22; P=0.001), Figure 1. Reoperation for the aortic valve by 1 year was uncommon in both groups, with 12 and 10 events in the TAVI and SAVR groups, respectively (2.0% vs. 1.4%; HR 1.49, 95%CI 0.61-3.65; P=0.56). Baseline Patient Characteristics After Matching Figure 1 One-year survival post infective endocarditis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI IE) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR IE). Deaths within 7 days of infective endocarditis diagnosis were excluded. Conclusion In this comparative, propensity-matched cohort study, 1-year mortality after an episode of IE was significantly higher among TAVI recipients vs their SAVR counterparts. Repeat aortic valve procedures were uncommon in both groups. Prospective studies are needed to elucidate the causes of excess mortality among TAVI recipients. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Abstract 14994: One-Year Mortality and Reoperation Among Patients With Infective Endocarditis After Transcatheter or Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement

Background: With improving technology and experience, indications for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have expanded to include younger patients and those at moderate surgical risk, leading to increasing use of TAVI as an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). As a result, post-TAVI infective endocarditis (IE) is increasingly common. Data on post-TAVI IE in comparison to post-SAVR IE outcomes are limited. Methods: Using data from the TriNetX Research Network, we identified (1) a cohort of patients who underwent TAVI between 1/1/2016 and 12/31/2020 (CPT procedure code 1021150) and developed IE (captured with ICD-10 codes I33, I38, or I39) after the procedure; and (2) a propensity score-matched cohort of patients who underwent SAVR (CPT procedure codes 1006141, excluding any associated transcatheter procedures) and developed IE. Both cohorts were required to have at least 1 week follow-up, i.e., deaths within 7 days of IE were excluded. We matched the cohorts for demographics and clinically relevant background characteristics. Results: We identified 713 patients with post-TAVI IE and 713 matched patients with post-SAVR IE. The baseline characteristics were well balanced, as indicated by standardized mean differences &lt;0.1, Table 1. The Kaplan-Meier 1-year mortality between 7 days and 1 year (as deaths before 7 days were excluded) was 18.4% in the TAVI cohort (131 events) vs. 11.4% in the SAVR cohort (81 events), HR 1.62 (95%CI 1.23-2.14; P=0.001). Aortic valve reoperation was uncommon in both groups, with 13 and 10 events in the TAVI and SAVR groups, respectively (1.8% vs. 1.4%; HR 1.43, 95%CI 0.61-3.34; P=0.41). Conclusions: In this comparative, propensity-matched cohort study, 1-year mortality after an episode of IE was higher among TAVI recipients vs. their SAVR counterparts. Repeat aortic valve procedures were uncommon in both groups. Prospective studies are needed to elucidate the causes of excess mortality among TAVI recipients.

Stroke prevention during and after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: From cerebral protection devices to antithrombotic management.

Since its conception, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has undergone important improvements both in the implantation technique and in transcatheter devices, allowing an enthusiastic adoption of this therapeutic approach in a wide population of patients previously without a surgical option and managed conservatively. Nowadays, patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis are typically managed with TAVI, regardless of their risk to surgery, improving the prognosis of patients and thus achieving an exponential global expansion of its use. However, thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications remain a latent concern in TAVI recipients. Both complications can appear simultaneously in the periprocedural period or during the follow-up, and when minor, they resolved without apparent sequelae, but in a relevant percentage of cases, they are devastating, overshadowing the benefit achieved with TAVI. Our review outlines the etiology and incidence of thromboembolic complications associated with TAVI, the main current strategies for their prevention, and the implications of its pharmacological management at the follow-up in a TAVI population, mostly frail and predisposed to bleeding complications.

Life expectancy and early to mid-term dysfunction of transcatheter aortic prostheses: incidence, modes, correlates, and outcome

Abstract Backgrounds Bioprosthetic valve dysfunction (BVD) is a major concern regarding transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in low-risk patients. Aims To assess incidence, determinants, modes, and outcome of early to mid-term BVD after TAVI in relation with life expectancy. Methods Consecutive TAVI recipients (2007–2020) with a post-interventional follow-up ≥1-year were prospectively included. BVD components and bioprosthetic valve failure (BVF) were assessed according to updated Valve-Academic-Research-Consortium-3 criteria. Echocardiographic and laboratory follow-up was performed prior to discharge, at 3- and 12-months, and yearly thereafter. BVD/BVF and all-cause death served as endpoints. Average life expectancy was calculated from National Open Health Data and patients were stratified according to tertiles (1st: &amp;lt;6.85y, 2nd: 6.85–9.7y, 3rd: &amp;gt;9.7y). Results Of 1047 patients (81.6±6.8 y/o, 52.7% female, EuroSCORE II 4.5±2.5), ≥2 follow-ups were available from 622 (serial echo cohort). After a median echo follow-up of 12.2 months, incidence rates of BVD and BVF were 8.4% [95% confidence interval 6.7–10.3], and 3.5% [2.5–4.9] per valve-year, respectively, without differences between life expectancy tertiles (Figure 1). BVD incidence was double within the first year of implant (9.9% [7.7–12.6] per valve-year; mostly non-structural VD) vs. beyond (4.8% [3.1–7.2] per valve-year; structural and non-structural VD). Valve-in-valve procedure, and stenosis severity (both p&amp;lt;0.05), but not age/life expectancy (p&amp;gt;0.5) predisposed for BVD. After 4.4±3.0 years, mortality was 36.7%. Time-dependent BVD/BVF were independently associated with outcome for patients in the first (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 1.72 [1.06–2.88]/ 2.97 [1.72–6.22]) and second (AHR 1.96 [1.02–3.73]/ 2.31 [1.00–5.30]), but not the third tertile of life expectancy (AHR 1.42 [0.66–3.12]/ 1.84 [0.71–4.79]; Figure 1). Conclusions In this large prospective observational cohort, early to mid-term BVD after TAVI occurred at the same rate across the spectrum of life expectancy and was not prognostic among those with the longest life expectancy. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Incidence, causes, correlates, and outcome of bioprosthetic valve dysfunction and failure following transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Bioprosthetic valve dysfunction (BVD) is a major concern regarding transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) durability. We aimed to assess incidence, correlates, causes, and outcome of early to mid-term BVD after TAVI in relation to patient's life expectancy. Consecutive TAVI recipients (2007-20) with a follow-up ≥1 year were prospectively included. BVD and bioprosthetic valve failure (BVF) were assessed according to Valve-Academic-Research-Consortium-3. BVD/BVF and all-cause death served as endpoints. Average life expectancy was calculated from National Open Health Data and patients were stratified according to tertiles (1st: <6.85 years, 2nd: 6.85-9.7 years, 3rd: >9.7 years). Of 1047 patients (81.6 ± 6.8 years old, EuroSCORE II 4.5 ± 2.5), ≥2 follow ups were available from 622 (serial echo cohort). After a median echo follow up of 12.2 months, incidence rates of BVD/BVF were 8.4% (95% confidence interval 6.7-10.3), and 3.5% (2.5-4.9) per valve-year, respectively, without differences between life expectancy tertiles. The incidence of BVD was two-fold higher within the first year of implant (9.9% per valve-year) vs. beyond (4.8% per valve-year). Valve-in-valve procedure and residual stenosis, but not age/life expectancy predisposed for BVD. BVD/BVF were independently associated with outcome for patients in the first [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 1.72 (1.06-2.88)/2.97 (1.72-6.22)] and second [AHR 1.96 (1.02-3.73)/2.31 (1.00-5.30)], but not the third tertile of life expectancy (P = n.s.). In this large prospective observational cohort, early to mid-term BVD after TAVI occurred at the same rate across the spectrum of life expectancy and was associated with increased mortality in patients with short but not in those with the longest life expectancy.

Prognostic value of right ventricle to pulmonary artery coupling in transcatheter aortic valve implantation recipients

To investigate the impact of the right ventricle to pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling on the outcome of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve intervention (TAVI), and to describe changes in right ventricular function, pulmonary hypertension, and their ratio after TAVI. Three hundred and seventy-seven patients from the Italian ClinicalService Project, who underwent TAVI between February 2011 and August 2020, were included. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/pulmonary artery systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP) ratio was retrospectively calculated as a surrogate of RV-PA coupling. The population was stratified according to TAPSE/PASP using a cut-off of 0.36 mm/mmHg derived from a receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The primary end point was 6-month all-cause death. Compared with patients with a TAPSE/PASP ratio ≥0.36 mm/mmHg (81%), those with TAPSE/PASP ratio <0.36 mm/mmHg (19%) had more comorbidities and were more symptomatic.Moreover, they were more likely to receive general anesthesia and an old generation device. Device success was similar between the two groups. A TAPSE/PASP ratio <0.36 mm/mmHg was associated with a higher risk of all-cause death at 6-months (17.3% versus 5.3%; adjusted HR 2.66; P = 0.041). The prognostic impact of the TAPSE/PASP ratio was stronger than the impact of TAPSE and PASP as separate parameters and was independent of the surgical risk score. Both TAPSE, PASP, and their ratio improved from baseline to 1 month and 6 months after TAVI. A TAPSE/PASP ratio <0.36 mm/mmHg is strongly associated with an increased risk of mortality after TAVI. Providing a left ventricle unloading, TAVI is associated with improvement of both TAPSE, PASP, and their ratio.

Conduction Disturbance, Pacemaker Rates, and Hospital Length of Stay Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation with the Sapien 3 Valve

BackgroundIn the absence of randomized data, an expert panel recently proposed an algorithm for conduction disturbance management in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) recipients. However, external validations of its recommendations are limited. MethodsWe retrospectively identified 808 patients without a pre-existing pacing device who underwent transfemoral TAVI with the Sapien 3 valve at our institution in 2018-2019. Patients were grouped based on pre-existing conduction disturbance and immediate post-TAVI electrocardiogram. Timing of temporary pacemaker (TPM) removal and hospital discharge were compared with those of the expert panel recommendations to evaluate the associated risk of TPM reinsertion and permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation. ResultsIn most group 1 patients (no electrocardiogram changes without pre-existing right bundle branch block), the timing of TPM removal and discharge were concordant with those of the expert panel recommendations, with low TPM reinsertion (0.8%) and postdischarge PPM (0.8%) rates. In the majority of group 5 patients (procedural high-degree/complete atrioventricular block), TPM was maintained, followed by PPM implantation, compatible with the expert panel recommendations. In contrast, in groups 2-4 (pre-existing/new conduction disturbances), earlier TPM removal than recommended by the expert panel (mostly, immediately after procedure) was feasible in 97.5%-100% of patients, with a low TPM reinsertion rate (0.0%-1.8%); earlier discharge was also feasible in 50.0%-65.5%, with a low 30-day postdischarge PPM rate (0.0%-2.8%) and no 30-day death. ConclusionsEarly TPM removal and discharge after TAVI appear safe and feasible in the majority of cases. These data may provide a framework for an early, streamlined hospital discharge plan for TAVI recipients, optimizing both cost savings and patient safety.

Evaluation of the 2021 European Society of Cardiology guidelines in pre-existing right bundle branch block patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation with a balloon-expandable valve.

AimsThe 2021 European Society of Cardiology guidelines recommend early pacemaker implantation in pre-existing right bundle branch block (RBBB) patients who develop PR prolongation or QRS axis change after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We aimed to evaluate this recommendation in TAVI recipients with a balloon-expandable valve (BEV).Methods and resultsWe retrospectively reviewed 188 pre-existing RBBB patients without pre-existing permanent pacemaker (PPM) who underwent TAVI with a BEV at our institution in 2015–19. Patients who developed high-degree atrioventricular block (HAVB) during TAVI or within 24 h post-TAVI were excluded. Eligible patients were divided according to the guideline-directed criteria (ΔPR interval ≥20 ms and/or QRS axis change). Patients who met the criteria (n = 102, 54.3%), compared with those who did not (n = 86), had a higher prevalence of baseline right axis deviation and were more likely to have received a larger valve with greater oversizing. The 30-day delayed HAVB rate did not differ significantly between the groups (3.9% vs. 4.7%, P = 1.00; odds ratio = 0.84, 95% confidence interval = 0.20–3.45). There was also no significant difference in terms of death (5.0% vs. 8.4% at 1 year; overall log-rank P = 0.94) or a composite of death or PPM implantation (14.8% vs. 16.6% at 1 year; overall log-rank P = 0.94) during follow-up post-TAVI. The majority of PR prolongations (79.4%) and QRS axis changes (52.0%) regressed within the following 24 h.ConclusionThe present data did not demonstrate an association of significant changes in PR interval or QRS axis with heightened delayed HAVB risk in BEV recipients with pre-existing RBBB. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Early Resolution of New-Onset Left Bundle Branch Block After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation With the SAPIEN 3 Valve

New-onset left bundle branch block (LBBB) is common after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) but can resolve in the post-TAVI period. We sought to examine the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of early resolution of new-onset LBBB among TAVI recipients with a SAPIEN 3 (S3) valve. Among 1,203 S3-TAVI recipients without a pre-existing pacemaker or wide QRS complex at our institution between 2016 and 2019, we identified 143 patients who developed new-onset LBBB during TAVI and divided them according to the resolution or persistence of LBBB by the next day post-TAVI to compare high-degree atrioventricular block (HAVB) and permanent pacemaker (PPM) rates. Patients with resolved LBBB (n=74, 52%), compared with those with persistent LBBB, were more often women and had a shorter QRS duration at baseline and post-TAVI, with a smaller S3 size and a shallower implantation depth. A multivariable logistic regression model demonstrated significant associations of post-TAVI QRS duration (per 10 ms increase, odds ratio=0.60 [95% confidence interval=0.44 to 0.82]) and implantation depth (per 1-mm-depth-increase, 0.77 [0.61 to 0.97]) with a lower likelihood of LBBB resolution. No patient with resolved LBBB developed HAVB within 30 days post-TAVI. Meanwhile, 8 patients (11.6%) with persistent LBBB developed HAVB. The 2-year PPM rate was significantly higher after persistent LBBB than after resolved LBBB (30.3% vs 4.5%, log-rank p <0.001), mainly driven by higher 30-day PPM rate (18.8% vs 0.0%). In conclusion, about half of new-onset LBBBs that occurred during S3-TAVI resolved by the next day post-TAVI without HAVB. In contrast, new-onset persistent LBBB may need follow-up with ambulatory monitoring within 30 days because of the HAVB risk.

55. Infective Endocarditis After Surgical or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

BackgroundInfective endocarditis (IE) can complicate both surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with significant morbidity and mortality despite differing pathogenesis. In the presence of limited data from direct comparison studies and recent expansion of TAVI to younger and lower- risk patients, we compared the incidence and timing of IE in TAVI versus SAVR.MethodsUsing data from the TriNetX electronic health records network, we identified (1) a cohort of patients who underwent TAVI between January 2016 and December 2020 (CPT procedure code 1021150) and (2) a propensity score-matched cohort of patients who underwent SAVR (CPT procedure codes 1035167 or 1029693, without any associated transcatheter procedure). We examined the incidence of IE (captured with ICD-10 codes I33, I38, or I39) over a 5-year follow up period and matched the cohorts for demographic data and clinically relevant background history. We used Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards models to compare incidence between matched cohorts.ResultsWe identified 6,302 patients with TAVI and 6,302 matched patients with SAVR. The baseline characteristics of the cohorts were well balanced, Table 1. All standardized mean differences were < 0.05, indicating adequate matching between cohorts. The Kaplan-Meier mortality at 5 years was 38.0% in the TAVI vs. 22.0% in the SAVR cohort (log-rank P < 0.001). There were 290 cases with IE in the TAVI and 604 cases in the SAVR cohort. The corresponding 5-year event rates were 10.0% vs. 16.9% (log-rank P < 0.001), respectively, Figure 1. The risk ratio of TAVI vs. SAVR related IE over the entire 5-year period was 0.48 (95%CI 0.42 — 0.55; P < 0.001). However, the relative risk for IE was non-proportional between groups over the 5-year period, with an early pronounced incidence among SAVR relative to TAVI patients and gradual convergence of the hazard rates over time, Figure 2. Figure 1. Cumulative 5-Year Incidence (Kaplan-Meier Estimates) of Infective Endocarditis Among Matched Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) vs. Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR) Recipients Figure 2. Risk of Infective Endocarditis in SAVR vs. TAVI Recipients Over Time ConclusionIn this comparative study, the risk for IE was lower among TAVI vs. SAVR recipients, primarily due to the higher risk of IE during the early post-SAVR period. With increasing uptake of TAVI procedures, a better understanding of the temporal occurrence and pathophysiology of IE and application of effective treatment strategies in these patients is required.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Temporal trends of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in a high-volume academic center over 10 years.

Indications for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have gradually expanded since its introduction. The aim was to analyze temporal trends in TAVI characteristics based on the experience of a high-volume academic center over the period of 10 years. Five hundred and six consecutive (n = 506) patients with 1-year follow-up were divided into early (G1, years 2010-2013, n = 130), intermediate (G2, 2014-2016, n = 164) and recent (G3, 2017-2019, n = 212) experience groups. Patient's age remained constant over time (mean [SD]; G1 = 79.1 [7.1] years vs G2 = 79.1 [7.1] years vs G3 = 79.7 [6.6] years, P = 0.73) but surgical risk in G3 was lower (log Euroscore, median [IQR]: G1 = 14.0 [8.4-20.2] vs G2 = 12.0 [7.0-22.2] vs G3 = 5.1 [3.5-8.5]; P <0.001). Major/life-threatening bleeding (G1 = 26.9% vs G2 = 12.8% vs G3 = 9.4%; P <0.001), major vascular complications (G1 = 15.4% vs G2 = 8.5% vs G3 = 5.7%; P = 0.02) and moderate/severe paravalvular leak (G1 = 16.2% vs G2 = 11% vs G3 = 7.5%; P = 0.046) were decreasing with time. There was a significant drop in all-cause 1-year mortality in G3 (G1 = 20% vs G2 = 17.7% vs G3 = 9.1%; log rank = 0.01). The age of TAVI recipients remained unchanged over the last decade. Decreasing surgical risk coupled with improvements in procedural technique and care resulted in fewer periprocedural complications and better 1-year survival.

Electrophysiological Study-Guided Permanent Pacemaker Implantation in Patients With Conduction Disturbances Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Conduction disturbances remain common following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Aside from high-degree atrioventricular block (HAVB), their optimal management remains elusive. Invasive electrophysiological studies (EPS) may help stratify patients at low or high risk of HAVB allowing for an early discharge or permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation among patients with conduction disturbances. We evaluated the safety and diagnostic performances of an EPS-guided PPM implantation strategy among TAVI recipients with conduction disturbances not representing absolute indications for PPM. All patients who underwent TAVI at a single expert center from June 2017 to July 2020 who underwent an EPS during the index hospitalization were included in the present study. False negative outcomes were defined as patients discharged without PPM implantation who required PPM for HAVB within 6 months of the initial EPS. False positive outcomes were defined as patients discharged with a PPM with a ventricular pacing percentage <1% at follow-up. A total of 78 patients were included (median age 83.5, 39% female), among whom 35 patients (45%) received a PPM following EPS. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the EPS-guided PPM implantation strategy were 100%, 89.6%, 81.5%, and 100%, respectively. Six patients suffered a mechanical HAVB during EPS and received a PPM. These 6 patients showed PPM dependency at follow-up. In conclusion, an EPS-guided PPM implantation strategy for managing post-TAVI conduction disturbances appears effective to identify patients who can be safely discharged without PPM implantation.

Measurement and prognosis of frail patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesOur objectives were to review the literature to identify frailty instruments in use for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) recipients and synthesise prognostic data from these studies, in order to...

Anesthesia for transcatheter aortic valve implantation in a patient with restenosed bioprosthetic aortic valve with hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is coming up as an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement. This is especially helpful in patients with aortic stenosis who who are high risk for open heart surgery owing to advanced age or presence of multiple comorbidities. Local anesthesia and general anesthesia are both valid alternatives; however, depending on the patient type and cardiac function, local anesthesia with conscious sedation (LACS) appears to be a safe alternative with some added advantages. Owing to the frail constituency of typical transcatheter aortic valve implantation recipients, this transition from general anesthesia to LACS is certainly an improvement; however, even mild to moderate sedation added to local anesthesia can have deleterious effects like postoperative cognitive dysfunction, respiratory depression, delirium, and agitation on the surgical table, making the procedure even more difficult. We report one such patient who was of advanced age along with multiple comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and severe chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis and was done successfully under LACS.

Long-Term Electrocardiographic Changes and Clinical Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Recipients Without New Postprocedural Conduction Disturbances

The objective of this study was to determine the long-term (>1 year) electrocardiographic (ECG) and clinical outcomes of patients without significant changes in their electrocardiogram after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI; including patients with pre-existing ECG abnormalities). Among 772 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI in our institution, 397 patients (51%) without new ECG changes were included. TAVI patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of pre-existing ECG-conduction disturbances (ECG-CD: 140 patients, non-ECG-CD: 257 patients). Clinical follow-up (median: 35 [22 to 57] months) was complete in all patients but 5 (1.2%), and ECG data were available in 291 patients (84.3% of patients at risk) at a median of 29 (20 to 50) months. In the non-ECG-CD group, most patients (79.8%) remained without significant ECG changes at follow-up, and 16.9% developed first-degree atrioventricular block and/or bundle branch block over time. The rate of permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation at follow-up was 3.5% (1.1%/year) in the non-ECG-CD group versus 15.7% (5.5%/year) in the ECG-CD group (p <0.001). The presence of pre-existing CD was an independent predictor of PPM at follow-up (hazard ratio [HR] 4.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.15 to 10.16, p <0.001). The ECG-CD group exhibited a higher risk of heart failure hospitalization (non-ECG-CD: 25%, ECG-CD: 29%, log-rank p = 0.01), but not mortality (non-ECG-CD: 50%, ECG-CD: 46%, log-rank p = 0.60) at 5-year follow-up. In conclusion, the ECG remained unchanged in most TAVI recipients without new postprocedural CD. Pre-existing ECG-CD was associated with an increased risk of PPM and heart failure hospitalization at long-term follow-up. These results provide reassuring data in the era of TAVI expanding toward candidates with a longer life expectancy, and highlight the importance of a closer follow-up of those patients with pre-existing ECG-CDs.

Effect of Aortic Regurgitation by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has demonstrated a high accuracy for evaluating the severity of aortic regurgitation (AR). However, scarce data exist on the impact of AR as evaluated by CMR on clinical outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of AR as determined by CMR on clinical outcomes (mortality, heart failure [HF] hospitalization) post-TAVI. A total of 448 TAVI recipients from 2 centers (mean age: 80 ± 7 years, mean STS: 5.8 ± 5.4%) who survived the periprocedural period with no pacemaker implantation were included. A newer generation transcatheter valve system was used in 213 patients (48%). The CMR examination was performed at a median of 12 (IQR: 7 to 21) days post-TAVI. After a mean follow-up of 24 ± 19 months, a total of 94 patients (21%) had died and 72 patients (16%) had at least 1 hospitalization because of decompensated HF. The aortic regurgitation fraction (RF) as determined by CMR was an independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio[HR]:1.06 for each increase of 10%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01 to 1.12, p = 0.03) and HF hospitalization (HR:1.15 for each increase of 10%, 95% CI:1.02 to 1.30, p = 0.02). The rate of moderate-severe CMR-AR defined as a RF ≥30% was 3%, and this was associated with an increased risk of mortality (HR: 2.63, 95% CI: 2.30 to 2.99, p <0.001) and HF hospitalization (HR: 2.96, 95% CI: 1.62 to 5.42, p ˂0.001). A stepwise increase in the risk of mortality and HF hospitalization was observed with an increase in AR severity, with a peak increase among patients with RF ≥30%. In conclusion, our results showed the clinical usefulness of evaluating AR severity by CMR post-TAVI. CMR would be particularly helpful in doubtful cases or those with discordances between echocardiography and clinical data.