Transesophageal Echocardiography Measurements Research Articles

Impact of Leaflet-to-Annulus Index on Residual Regurgitation Following Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair of the Tricuspid Valve.

Background: The mismatch between tricuspid valve (TV) leaflet length and annulus dilation, assessed with the septal-lateral leaflet-to-annulus index (SL-LAI), predicts residual tricuspid regurgitation (TR) following tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge-repair (T-TEER). When posterior leaflet grasping is required, the anterior-posterior leaflet-to-annulus index (AP-LAI) may offer additional information. Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study included all patients referred for T-TEER with severe and symptomatic TR with high surgical risk from April 2021 to March 2024. Patients were categorized into 'optimal result' (<moderate TR) or 'suboptimal result' (≥moderate TR) groups. The SL-LAI and AP-LAI were calculated using pre-procedural transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) measurements. Results: Of the 25 patients, 12 had suboptimal post-procedural results, while 13 showed optimal outcomes. The optimal result group showed a higher prevalence of type IIIA-IIIB TV morphology (85% vs. 45%, p < 0.05), a wider SL annulus diameter (42.5 ± 5 vs. 37 ± 5 mm, p < 0.05), and a longer posterior leaflet length (28 ± 4 vs. 22 ± 5 mm, p < 0.01). The SL-LAI was lower in the optimal group (1 ± 0.2 vs. 1.2 ± 0.32, p < 0.05), while the AP-LAI was higher (0.7 ± 0.1 vs. 0.5 ± 0.2, p < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC for the AP-LAI was 0.769 (95% CI 0.51-0.93, p < 0.05) and Youden test identified the best cut-off value <0.5 (sensitivity 50% and specificity 100%) for a suboptimal result. The SL-LAI showed a very low AUC in predicting suboptimal results (0.245, 95% CI 0.08-0.47). Comparing the two ROC curves, we showed that AUC difference is significant with the AP-LAI showing the best association with the outcome (p = 0.01). Conclusions: The AP-LAI and SL-LAI can help in predicting post T-TEER results, ameliorating patients' outcomes and avoiding futile procedures.

Three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography measurements of ASD sizing parameters in comparison to balloon sizing method in percutaneous ASD closure

AbstractBackgroundBalloon sizing (BS) has been used for device size selection in percutaneous atrial septal defect (ASD) closure. Due to its limitations, alternative imaging techniques like three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D‐TEE) are valuable for guiding ASD device size selection during ASD closure procedures. The purpose of this study was to compare ASD sizing using measurements obtained from 3D–TEE to those utilizing the standard balloon sizing method.MethodsWe identified 53 patients with single secundum type ASD without PFO who underwent percutaneous closure at the Tehran Heart Center between 2019 and 2022. Balloon sizing was performed in all patients with the stop‐flow technique, and the choice of device size was determined based on the sizing derived from BS. 3D‐TEE imaging was performed before the intervention, and the ASD shape and quality of ASD rims were assessed.ResultsAmong the 53 patients who underwent single ASD device closure, multiple 3D TEE measurements significantly correlated with balloon sizing results. This included defect area, perimeter, and diameter obtained from 3D‐TEE images multi‐planar reconstruction. ASD perimeter detected by 3D TEE had the best correlation with BS results. When divided by the shape of ASD, there was no significant difference between our 3D‐images data and BS in round or oval‐shaped ASDs.ConclusionThe 3D‐TEE study is reliable for assessing ASD configurational characteristics in percutaneous device closure candidates. 3D‐TEE has the potential to accurately determine the appropriate device size and reduce complications, costs, and procedural duration. Further research is needed to validate these findings and establish the role of 3D‐TEE measurements in guiding the best treatment decisions for ASD closure.

Transesophageal echocardiographic measurement of coronary sinus blood flow to estimate the adequacy of revascularization in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft: a prospective observational study

Transesophageal echocardiographic measurement of coronary sinus blood flow to estimate the adequacy of revascularization in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft: a prospective observational study

An ex-vivo and in-vitro dynamic simulator for surgical and transcatheter mitral valve interventions

PurposeMinimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) and transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) are complex procedures used to treat mitral valve (MV) pathologies, but with limited training opportunities available. To enable training, a realistic hemodynamic environment is needed. In this work we aimed to develop and validate a simulator that enables investigation of MV pathologies and their repair by MIMVS and TEER in a hemodynamic setting.MethodsDifferent MVs were installed in the simulator, and pressure, flow, and transesophageal echocardiographic measurements were obtained. To confirm the simulator’s physiological range, we first installed a biological prosthetic, a mechanical prosthetic, and a competent excised porcine MV. Subsequently, we inserted two porcine MVs—one with induced chordae tendineae rupture and the other with a dilated annulus, along with a patient-specific silicone valve extracted from echocardiography with bi-leaflet prolapse. Finally, TEER and MIMVS procedures were conducted by experts to repair the MVs.ResultsSystolic pressures, cardiac outputs, and regurgitations volumes (RVol) with competent MVs were 119 ± 1 mmHg, 4.78 ± 0.16 l min−1, and 5 ± 3 ml respectively, and thus within the physiological range. In contrast, the pathological MVs displayed increased RVols. MIMVS and TEER resulted in a decrease in RVols and mitigated the severity of mitral regurgitation.ConclusionEx-vivo modelling of MV pathologies and repair procedures using the described simulator realistically replicated physiological in-vivo conditions. Furthermore, we showed the feasibility of performing MIMVS and TEER at the simulator, also at patient-specific level, thus providing new clinical perspectives in terms of training modalities and personalized planning.

Feasibility of contrast-free left atrial appendage closure with WATCHMAN FLX device for patients with chronic kidney disease.

Contrast media are generally necessary for transcatheter left atrial appendage closure (LAAC), however, it should be avoided in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of contrast-free LAAC with WATCHMAN FLX device for patients with CKD. Among 141 patients undergoing LAAC using the WATCHMAN FLX between May 2021 and March 2023, we performed LAAC without contrast media in 10 patients. Procedural and follow-up results were evaluated. The device size was selected based on the transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) measurements. The device shape was assessed by fluoroscopy, and the device position was adjusted by TEE images. The mean age was 78 ± 4.9years, CHADS2 score was 3.2 ± 1.1, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 28 ± 12mL/min/1.73m2. The procedure was completed without contrast media in ten patients. Partial recapture of the device was required in four patients, but the initially selected device was finally implanted in all patients. Mean procedure time was significantly shorter in the contrast-free LAAC than in the contrast-use LAAC (41.6 ± 14.1min vs 30.3 ± 7.6min, p = 0.01). Postprocedural eGFR did not change from baseline, and there were no adverse events during the hospital stay. Follow-up TEE or cardiac computed tomography performed within 3months after the procedure revealed no device-related thrombus or peri-device leak > 3mm, and oral antithrombotic therapy was discontinued in all patients. Our experience shows that contrast-free LAAC using the WATCHMAN FLX device was safe and feasible. Non-contrast LAAC is one of the therapeutic options for patients with severe CKD.

Aortic valve leaflets are asymmetric and correlated with the origin of coronary arteries.

Asymmetry of the aortic valve leaflets has been known since Leonardo Da Vinci, but the relationship between size and shape and origin of the coronary arteries has never been examined. Our aim was to evaluate this anatomy in a population of pediatric patients using a cross-sectional study design. Consecutive pediatric patients with trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE), with or without trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE), were included in our study. Exclusion criteria: (I) bicuspid aortic valve; (II) aortic valve stenosis; (III) hypoplasia of aortic valve annulus, or aortic root; (IV) truncal valve; (V) coronary artery atresia; (VI) previous surgery on aortic valve and/or coronary arteries. In pre-operative TTE and intra-operative TEE inter-commissural distance and length of aortic valve leaflets were measured in short axis view in the isovolumic phase of systole. Echocardiography investigations, anonymized and randomly coded, were independently reviewed by at least two readers. Echocardiography, angiography, cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and operative notes were reviewed to identify origin of coronary arteries. Two hundred sixty-one pediatric patients were identified, 93 excluded per our criteria, leaving 168 patients, age 2.6±4.3 years, weight 12.87±17.34 kg, 128 (76%) with normal and 40 (24%) with abnormal coronary arteries. In TTE and TEE measurements the non-coronary leaflet had larger area (P<0.001), while the right and left had equal areas, but different shape, with the left leaflet longer (P<0.001) and narrower (P=0.005) than the right. With the major source of blood flow from the right coronary sinus, the non-coronary leaflet was still the longest. However, there was no statically significant difference between the size and shape previously observed between the right and left leaflets. Our study showed asymmetry of size and shape among aortic valve leaflets, and a relationship with coronary artery origin. The complex aortic root anatomy must be approximated to optimize function of any surgical repair. These findings also may prove useful in the pre-operative definition of coronary artery anatomy and in the recognition of coronary artery anomalies.

Development of an in vitro platform for transesophageal echocardiographic and color Doppler hemodynamic assessments of left atrial appendage occlusion devices

Abstract Introduction Device-related thrombus (DRT) remains a significant complication after left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) and is associated with device position. Clinical prospective study of the influence of device position on DRT is cumbersome. Purpose To establish an in vitro bench test platform that allows visual, transesophageal echocardiographic and color Doppler hemodynamic assessments of left atrial appendage occlusion devices. Methods Based on a mock circulatory system, an in vitro platform was developed to create pathophysiological environment and left atrium wall motion under atrial fibrillation condition. Results LAAO devices could be visualized in the left atrium phantom model using transesophageal echocardiography and color Doppler measurement of local blood velocity at LAAO devices were proven to be capable. Deep implantations resulted in uncovered left upper pulmonary vein ridges. In comparison to ostium-fitted device positions, deep implantations were associated with reduced velocity of blood and the local velocity in the "cul-de-sac" remained lower than the critical threshold of 0.2 m/s. Conclusions An in vitro platform was developed that allows transesophageal echocardiographic and color Doppler hemodynamic assessments of left atrial appendage occlusion devices.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for left atrial appendage closure planning.

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) are currently utilized for left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) planning. During the recent global iodine contrast media shortage in 2022, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) was utilized for the first time for LAAC planning. This study sought to assess the utility of CMR versus TEE for LAAC planning. This single center retrospective study consisted of all patients who underwent preoperative CMR for LAAC with Watchman FLX or Amplatzer Amulet. Key measures were accuracy of LAA thrombus exclusion, ostial diameter, depth, lobe count, morphology, accuracy of predicted device size, and devices deployed per case. Bland-Altman Analysis was used to compare CMR versus TEE measurements of LAA ostial diameter and depth. 25 patients underwent preoperative CMR for LAAC planning. A total of 24 (96%) cases were successfully completed with 1.2±0.5 devices deployed per case. Among the 18 patients who underwent intraoperative TEE, there was no significant difference between CMR versus TEE in LAA thrombus exclusion (CMR 83%vs. TEE 100% cases, p=.229), lobe count (CMR 1.7±0.8vs. TEE 1.4±0.6, p=.177), morphology (p=.422), and accuracy of predicted device size (CMR 67%vs. TEE 72% cases, p=1.000). When comparing the difference between CMR and TEE measurements, Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated no significant difference in LAA ostial diameter (CMR-TEE bias 0.7mm, 95% CI [-1.1, 2.4], p=.420), but LAA depth was significantly larger with CMR versus TEE (CMR-TEE bias 7.4mm, 95% CI [1.6, 13.2], p=.015). CMR is a promising alternative for LAAC planning in cases where TEE or CCTA are contraindicated or unavailable.

Multimodal imaging assessment of mitral valve area after transcatheter mitral valve implantation: A three-dimensional echocardiographic and CT scan study

The assessment of mitral bioprosthetic area remains a technical challenge, and its calculation by the continuity equation using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) may be invalidated in several situations, especially after transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI). This study aims to develop a new technique to measure the mitral valve area after a TMVI using a multimodal three-dimensional echocardiographic and computed tomography (CT) approach. Among the patients hospitalized for TMVI at Bichat Hospital between June 2017 and February 2021, we selected 24 who had both a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and a cardiac CT after TMVI and before discharge. We performed two area measurements by planimetry: the geometric orifice area (GOA) corresponding to the area delimited by the edges of the open valve leaflets after alignment in the plane of the proximal coaptation point of the bioprosthesis leaflets; and the smallest valve area (SVA) defined by the smallest measurable area of the open prosthesis, at the free edges of the leaflets. In our cohort, the GOA was 1.73 ± 0.41 cm2 on 3D TEE and 1.75 ± 0.42 cm2 on CT. The SVA was 1.40 ± 0.31 cm2 on 3D TEE and 1.49 ± 0.37 cm2 on CT. There was a good agreement between the two techniques for GOA and SVA (ICC > 0.6, P < 0.01) and a good correlation between the two measurements on 3D TEE as well as on CT (Pearson 0.88 and 0.91 respectively, P < 0.001). Our work suggests a new approach to multimodal assessment of prosthetic mitral valve area after TMVI, using 3D TEE and CT scan. Further studies are needed to complete our results, especially to confirm the feasibility and reproducibility of the measurements. It would also be interesting to correlate these area measurements with the clinical prognosis of patients after TMVI. Agreement between 3D TEE and CT measurements (Fig. 1).

Normalizing arterial blood pressure in patients with aortic stenosis does not prevent grading discrepancies between pre-cardiopulmonary bypass transesophageal echocardiography and transthoracic echocardiography.

Aortic stenosis (AS) grading discrepancies exist between pre-cardiopulmonary (pre-CPB) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and preoperative transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Prior studies have not systematically controlled blood pressure. We hypothesized that normalizing arterial blood pressure during pre-CPB TEE for patients undergoing valve replacement for AS would result in equivalent grading measurements when compared to TTE. Single University Hospital. Prospective, Interventional. Thirty-five adult patients underwent procedures for valvular AS between February 2017 and December 2020 at Medical University of South Carolina. Study participants had a TTE within 90 days of their procedure that documented blood pressure, peak velocity (Vp), mean gradient (PGm), aortic valve area (AVA), and dimensionless index (DI). During pre-CPB TEE, if a patient's mean arterial pressure (MAP) fell more than 20% below their baseline blood pressure obtained during TTE, measurements were recorded as "out of range." Phenylephrine was administered to restore MAP to the baseline range and repeat TEE measurements were recorded as "in-range." Differences between imaging modalities and grading parameters were examined using a series of linear mixed models. P values were Bonferroni-adjusted to account for multiple comparisons. Significant discrepancies between TEE and TTE were observed for Vp, PGm, and DI despite blood pressure normalization across all subjects and for out-of-range measures and corrected measures. There were no statistically significant differences between TEE and TTE for AVA. Blood pressure normalization during pre-CPB TEE is not sufficient to avoid AS grading discrepancies with preoperative TTE.

The Use of Contrast May Improve Aortic Valve Assessment During Transesophageal Echocardiography

The Doppler profile that quantifies the degree of aortic stenosis is essential, as an inaccurate measurement can alter the surgical plan. The authors aimed to examine the level of agreement between the contrast and noncontrast methods of aortic valve sizing during intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). At a tertiary hospital. A total of 30 patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement for a stenotic valve. Perflutren lipid microsphere contrast injection. The authors reviewed Doppler studies of 30 consecutive patients undergoing aortic valve replacement in whom a contrast agent was given (perflutren lipid microsphere). They measured the peak and/or mean aortic valve gradients and velocity time integral readings through the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), and the aortic valve before and after administering the contrast agent. The aortic valve area was then calculated using both methods. Paired t tests and Bland-Altman analyses were used to examine the bias and the level of agreement between the 2 processes. By not using a contrast agent, the aortic valve area was overestimated by 0.26 cm2 compared to those measured by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) (p < 0.001). Using a contrast agent, TEE measurements were comparable to those obtained by TTE. Moreover, the peak and mean aortic valve gradients were underestimated by 19 and 11 mmHg, respectively (p value <0.001). Adding contrast did not affect the pulse-wave Doppler readings of the V1 velocity of the LVOT. This discrepancy is significant and could affect the decision to replace the aortic valve. When evaluating the aortic valve with TEE, the authors recommend using a contrast agent to improve the Doppler profile and to obtain a more accurate measurement of the aortic valve area.

Detection of left coronary ostial obstruction during transcatheter aortic valve replacement by coronary flow velocity measurement in the left main trunk by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography

BackgroundCoronary obstruction is a rare but catastrophic complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and occurs mostly at the left coronary artery (LCA) ostium. However, some patients do not show any clinical findings, and thus, its detection is sometimes difficult. The peak diastolic flow velocity in left main coronary artery (LM) was reportedly increased in significant stenosis lesions. We evaluated the effectiveness of measuring blood flow velocities in LM by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for the detection of LCA ostial obstruction during a TAVR procedure. MethodsA total of 1105 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR in Sendai Kousei Hospital between September 2014 and December 2020 were enrolled. The LM blood flow velocity was measured at pre- and post-valve implantation. ResultsAmong the 1105 patients, 9 had LCA ostial obstruction. The peak LM blood flow velocity at post-TAVR [0.90 (0.39–1.15) vs. 0.37 (0.28–0.50) m/s; p = 0.0046) was significantly higher in 9 patients who had LCA ostial obstruction, compared with the remaining 1096 patients who had not (controls), although no significant difference was observed before the TAVR procedures between the two groups. The post- to pre-TAVR LM flow velocity ratio [2.26 (1.31–3.42) vs. 1.06 (0.82–1.36); p = 0.0030] was also significantly higher in patients with LCA obstruction, compared to the controls. Furthermore, the post- to pre-TAVR LM blood flow velocity ratio was >2.0 in all six hemodynamically stable patients with LCA obstruction, whereas <2.0 in all three patients with LCA obstruction who showed hemodynamic collapse at post-TAVR procedure. ConclusionCoronary blood flow velocity in LM significantly increased in hemodynamically stable LCA obstruction patients. The intraprocedural TEE measurement of the LM flow velocities would be potentially useful to detect asymptomatic and hemodynamically stable LCA ostial obstruction.

Simplifying Mitral Valve Repair: A Guide to Neochordae Reconstruction.

Mitral valve reconstruction techniques using polytetrafluoroethylene sutures are associated with high repair rates and excellent durability but are dependent on accurate neochordae length estimates. Current strategies to determine the appropriate length of artificial neochordae commonly rely on nonphysiologic saline testing on the arrested heart, with erroneous lengths resulting in residual mitral regurgitation. We present a guide for reproducible and accurate neochordae reconstruction based upon transesophageal echocardiographic measurements, which simplifies mitral repair for most patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation and can be used in conventional or minimally invasive approaches.

Correlation between Doppler Echocardiography and Right Heart Catheterization Assessment of Systolic Pulmonary Artery Pressure in Patients with Mitral Regurgitation: A Prospective Observational Study.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is common in patients with left-side valvular diseases, especially with mitral regurgitation (MR). Measurement using pulmonal artery catheter (PAC) is the gold standard to asses pulmonary vascular pressures. During mitral valve surgery echocardiography is routinely used for valvular management and to evaluate pulmonary hemodynamic. The accuracy of echocardiographic measurements is controversial in the literature. We aimed to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of the noninvasive measurement for systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) using Doppler echocardiography compared to the invasive measurement using PAC in patients presenting with MR undergoing surgery. This prospective observational study evaluated 146 patients with MR undergoing cardiac surgery between 09/2020 and 10/2021. All patients underwent simultaneous SPAP assessment by PAC and transesophageal echocardiography at three different time points: before heart-lung-machine (HLM), after weaning from HLM and at the end of surgery. Mean patients' age was 61 11.5 years, and 51 (35%) patients were female. Most of patients presented with severe MR (n = 126; 86.3%) or endocarditis (n = 18; 12.3%). Patients underwent either isolated mitral valve surgery (n = 65; 44.5%) or mitral valve surgery combined with other surgeries (n = 81; 55.5%). Mean SPAP was underestimated by transesophageal echocardiographic measurement in comparison to PAC measurement before HLM (41.9 13.1 mmHg vs. 44.8 13.8 mmHg, p 0.001), after weaning from HLM (37.6 9.3 mmHg vs. 42.4 10.1 mmHg, p 0.001), and at the end of surgery (35.6 9.1 mmHg vs. 39.9 9.9 mmHg, p 0.001). This difference remained within the sub-analysis in patients presented with moderate or severe PH during all the time points. Bland-Altman analysis showed that transesophageal echocardiographic measurement underestimate SPAP in comparison to PAC as these two approaches are significantly different from one another. In patients presented with MR, transesophageal Doppler echocardiography could asses the presence of PH with high probability. This assessment is however underestimated and the use of PAC in those patients to diagnose, classify and monitor the therapy of PH remains recommended if required.

Intraoperative evaluation of renal resistive index with transesophageal echocardiography for the assessment of acute renal injury in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: A prospective observational study.

Background:Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after on pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery and is associated with a poor prognosis. Postoperative AKI is associated with morbidity, mortality, and increase in length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay and increases the financial burden. Identifying individuals at risk for developing AKI in postoperative period is extremely important to optimize outcomes. The aim of the study is to evaluate the association between the intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) derived renal resistive index (RRI) and AKI in patients undergoing on-pump CABG surgery.Methods:This prospective observational study was conducted in patients more than 18 years of age undergoing elective on pump CABG surgery between July 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019, at a tertiary care center. All preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters were recorded. TEE measurement was performed in hemodynamically stable patients before the sternum was opened. Postoperative AKI was diagnosed based on the serial measurement of serum creatinine and the monitoring of urine output.Results:A total of 115 patients were included in our study. Thirty-nine (33.91%) patients had RRI >0.7 while remaining seventy-six (66.08%) patients had RRI <0.7. AKI was diagnosed in 26% (30/115) patients. AKI rates were significantly higher in patients with RRI values exceeding 0.7 with 46.15% (18/39) compared to 15.75% (12/76) in RRI values of less than 0.7. Multivariate analysis revealed that AKI was associated with an increase in RRI and diabetes mellitus. The RRI assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC) to distinguish between non-AKI and AKI groups were 0.705 (95% CI: 0.588–0.826) for preoperative RRI. The most accurate cut-off value to distinguish non-AKI and AKI groups was a preoperative RRI of 0.68 with a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 67%.Conclusions:An increased intraoperative RRI is an independent predictor of AKI in the postoperative period in patients undergoing CABG surgery. The cutoff value of TEE-derived RRI in the intraoperative period should be >0.68 to predict AKI in the postoperative period.

Coaptation length predicts early- and intermediate-term durability following degenerative mitral repair.

The impact of coaptation length on recurrent mitral regurgitation following degenerative mitral repair is not fully understood. Between May 2008 and February 2021, 386 consecutive patients underwent mitral repair for degenerative mitral regurgitation at a single centre. We compared patients with a post-repair coaptation length >11 mm (long-coaptation group, n = 230) and ≤11 mm (short-coaptation group, n = 156). The coaptation length cutoff was selected based on published postoperative transesophageal echocardiographic measurement of mitral repair patients and healthy controls. Propensity score with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analyses were performed. The median duration of clinical follow-up was 41 months and follow-up was complete in the entire cohort. The long-coaptation patients underwent more neochord implantation (89% vs 65%, P < 0.001) and less leaflet resection (11% vs 29%, P < 0.001). Overall in-hospital/30-day mortality and mitral reintervention occurred in 3 (1%) and 4 (1%) patients, respectively, and freedom from recurrent mitral regurgitation was 98% at 1 year and 94% at 5 years. Freedom from recurrent mitral regurgitation moderate or greater was significantly higher in the long-coaptation patients (IPTW-adjusted difference in average time to recurrent mitral regurgitation: 31 months, 95% confidence interval 9-53, P = 0.006). However, there was no difference in intermediate-term survival between both groups (IPTW-adjusted difference in average time to death: 9.5 months, 95% confidence interval -27 to 46, P = 0.61). Stratified analysis and pairwise comparison of different coaptation intervals also appeared to support the protective effect of longer coaptation on repair durability. Longer coaptation length appears to be associated with improved intermediate-term durability after mitral repair.

Improving Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Device Size Determination by Three-Dimensional Printing-Based Preprocedural Simulation.

BackgroundThe two-dimensional (2D)-based left atrial appendage (LAA) occluder (LAAO) size determination by using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is limited by the structural complexity and wide anatomical variation of the LAA.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the accuracy of the LAAO size determination by implantation simulation by using a three-dimensional (3D)-printed model compared with the conventional method based on TEE.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients with anatomically and physiologically properly implanted the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug and Amulet LAAO devices between January 2014 and December 2018 by using the final size of the implanted devices as a standard for size prediction accuracy. The use of 3D-printed model simulations in device sizing was compared with the conventional TEE-based method.ResultsA total of 28 cases with the percutaneous LAA occlusion were reviewed. There was a minimal difference [−0.11 mm; 95% CI (−0.93, 0.72 mm); P = 0.359] between CT-based reconstructed 3D images and 3D-printed left atrium (LA) models. Device size prediction based on TEE measurements showed poor agreement (32.1%), with a mean difference of 2.3 ± 3.2 mm [95% CI (−4.4, 9.0)]. The LAAO sizing by implantation simulation with 3D-printed models showed excellent correlation with the actually implanted LAAO size (r = 0.927; bias = 0.7 ± 2.5). The agreement between the 3D-printed and the implanted size was 67.9%, with a mean difference of 0.6 mm [95% CI (−1.9, 3.2)].ConclusionThe use of 3D-printed LA models in the LAAO size determination showed improvement in comparison with conventional 2D TEE method.

A Comparative Study of Three Imaging Modalities for Size Selection of a Watchman Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device.

PurposeTo compare the results of computed tomography angiography (CTA), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) measurements and analyze their accuracy, correlation, and consistency in patients who have successfully undergone left atrial appendage closure (LAAC).Materials and MethodsA total of 157 non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients who underwent LAAC with Watchman devices were included in the study. The maximum diameter and depth of LAA were recorded using CTA, TEE, and DSA. Correlations and agreements were compared.ResultsThe LAAC procedure was performed successfully in all patients using the Watchman device. There was no significant difference between DSA and TEE measurements of the diameter of the LAA ostium. LAA ostium diameter obtained by CTA, however, was greater than that from DSA and TEE. Correlations were good between LAA ostium diameter measured by TEE, CTA, and DSA and Watchman device size. DSA measurements and actual device size showed the widest limits of agreement, followed by TEE; CTA measurements showed the narrowest limits of agreement. For LAA depth measurements, mean CTA measurements were higher than those of TEE and DSA. There was no significant difference in depth measurements among the three imaging modalities.ConclusionCTA, TEE, and DSA measurements exhibited good correlations with Watchman device size. The ostium diameter and depth of the LAA measured by CTA were greater than those measured by TEE and DSA. The relevance and concordance of CTA measurements were the strongest.

A discrepancy between CT angiography and transesophageal echocardiographic measurements of the annular size affect long-term survival following trans-catheter aortic valve replacement.

Introduction: Accurate measurement of the aortic valve annulus is critical for proper valve sizing for the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure. While computed tomography angiography (CTA) is the widely-accepted standard, two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional(3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is commonly performed to measure the size of the aortic valve and to verify appropriate seating of prostheses. Methods: Patients undergoing TAVR between 2013-2015 were examined. 2D- and 3D-TEEmeasurements were compared to CTA taken as standard. Patients were followed for at least one year. The presence and effect of discrepancy (defined as a difference of more than 10%) between CTA and TEE measurements on survival were examined. Results: One hundred eighty-five patients (70 men) were included. 2D- and 3D-TEE measurements underestimated the annulus size by -1.49 and -1.32 mm, respectively. Discrepancies > 10% between TEE and CTA methods in estimating the aortic annulus size were associated with a decrease in post implant survival. The peak pressure gradient across the aortic prosthesis measured one year after the implant was higher in patients with an initial discrepancy between 3D-TEE and CTA measurements. In a multivariate cox-regression model, the discrepancy between CTA and 2D-TEE readings and the smaller size of the aortic annular area were the predictors of long-term survival. Conclusion: Both 2D and 3D-TEE underestimate the aortic annulus measurements compared to CTA, with 2D-TEE being relatively more precise than 3D-TEE technology. The presence of a discrepancy between echocardiographic and CTA measurements of the aortic annulus is associated with a lower survival rate.

Normative Transesophageal Echocardiographic Values of Cardiac Structures in the Indian Population—Indian Normative TEE Measurements (INTEEM) Study

Information on normative reference values for cardiac structures is critical for the accurate application of echocardiography for guiding clinical decision-making. Many studies using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) have shown that Indians have smaller diameters of various cardiac structures. There are no normative studies for transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The authors observed dimensions of various cardiac structures in healthy Indian patients under general anesthesia using TEE and compared them with existing guidelines from non-Indian data. The Indian Normative TEE Measurements study was a multicenter, prospective observational study conducted in India. Operating rooms for noncardiac surgeries in tertiary care-level hospitals. Adult patients undergoing noncardiac surgery who were free from any cardiac, respiratory, and renal diseases and had no contraindications for TEE. After inducing general anesthesia and achieving stable hemodynamic conditions, a comprehensive TEE examination was performed and various measurements were made. For each of the 83 patients undergoing noncardiac surgery, 39 various measurements for left ventricle, right ventricle, both atria, and all valves were made. This included diameters and functional parameters. They were analyzed in a vendor-neutral software off-line. The absolute values of many of the measurements were higher in men, but when indexed to body surface area (BSA) they were similar in both sexes. The values were lower than most of the Western data but matched previous Indian studies using TTE. The authors present normative values of various echocardiographic parameters using TEE. Because of its variations, it is recommended to use India-specific data to make decisions in Indian patients. It may be prudent to use BSA-indexed values during decision-making.