Transfemoral Aortic Valve Replacement Research Articles

Value of basal HV Interval prior TAVR as predictor of permanent pacemaker implantation

Abstract Background/Introduction Transfemoral aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an effective and safe treatment for severe aortic stenosis (SAoS) even in low risk patients (1,2). As population ages, the volume of TAVR procedure increases and although improvements in technology and technique, new onset persistent disturbances in the electrocardiogram (ECG) are present up to 34,8% of patients at hospital discharge(3) and the secondary need of permanent pacemaker implantation (PPM) remains high, being of 4-24% with balloon-expanding valves (BEV) and 14.7-26.7% with self-expanding valves (SEV)(3). According to ESC guidelines, an electrophyisiologic study (EPS) centered in HV interval measure with a cutoff of ≥70ms is a useful tool to assess the risk of progression to high auriculoventricular block (HAVB) in specific groups with persistent ECG abnormalities to consider PPM(4-5), but this only applies in post TAVR scenario. Measuring HV interval at the intervention day prior procedure could help optimize and assess risk for PPM post TAVR. Purpose To measure basal HV interval prior TAVR and correlate it to risk of PPM implantation before discharge and 30 days after discharge. Methods Single-center prospective cohort study, patients with SAoS scheduled for TAVR, sinus rhythm at intervention day, without PPM or history of PPM indication were included. At time of TAVR, a tetrapolar catheter was placed at the septal aspect of tricuspid valve. A mobile polygraph was used to measure ECG parameters and HV interval before TAVR. Then, tetrapolar catheter was advanced to ventricle to perform rapid stimulation as part of habitual valve implantation protocol. After procedure, a rhythm monitorization for >48-72 hrs, was made to decide, PPM, HV interval measure or clinical daily ECG vigilance with posterior discharge was performed. A 30-day post discharge follow up was expected. Results 38 patients were enrolled, median age 83.5 ± 5.5 years, 23 females (60,5%). 37 patients had SEV implanted and 1 patient had BEV implanted. Median HV interval was 54.4ms. 18 patients (47.4%) had a mild abnormal HV interval, of whom 11 had a narrow QRS. Post TAVR procedure, 15 patients (39.5%) persisted with "de novo" LBB at discharge. 5 women and 7 men, had PPM implanted before discharge. 1 woman was implanted 6 days after discharge due to HAVB (66ms HV interval prior TAVR). In a multivariate analysis including sex, age, PR, QRS and HV interval >55ms, the RR (IC 95% 1.9-70.3) risk of PPM was 13.42 folds higher (p=0.008). At a bivariate quantitative HV analysis, a higher HV period persisted significantly related to PPM outcome (p=0.001). Conclusions In our study population, a pre-existing mild to moderate prolongation of HV interval prior TAVR substantially elevates the risk of requiring PPM before discharge. 61.1% of these basal mild prolongation HV interval patients had a narrow QRS prior TAVR.HV measure prior TAVR in narrow QRSTable 1

Transcatheter transfemoral aortic valve replacement in a patient with acromegaly and severe left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy. Case report

Main causes of secondary hypertrophic cardiomyopathy include acromegalic cardiomyopathy. Heart damage in patients with the acromegaly is mediated both by the direct action of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1, and increased deposition of collagen and lymphomononuclear cells in the myocardium, which leads to architectural changes, disturbances in fluid and electrolyte balance, severe left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy, diastolic and systolic left ventricular dysfunction and chronic heart failure. This article presents the world's first described observation demonstrating the possibility of successful transfemoral aortic valve repair to a comorbid patient with severe aortic stenosis according to the potential risks caused by the active form of the acromegaly.

The association between different anesthetic techniques and outcomes in patients undergoing transfemoral aortic valve replacement.

There is an increasing number of patients undergoing transfemoral aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with sedation. There is limited data assessing the efficacy and safety of the different types of sedative drugs. The objective was to compare two sedation techniques with regard to the need for vasoactive support, respiratory support, rate of conversion to general anesthesia (GA), common perioperative morbidities, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and in-hospital mortality. A retrospective chart review study conducted among patients who underwent TAVR at a specialized cardiac center between January 2016 and December 2019. Data collection included patient diagnosis, preoperative comorbidities, intraoperative outcomes, and postoperative outcomes. A total of 289 patients received local anesthesia; 210 received propofol infusion and 79 received a mixed propofol-ketamine infusion (Ketofol). The average age was 75.5 ± 8.9 years and 58.1% of the patients were females. Comparing propofol and ketofol groups, 31.2% and 34.2% of the patients required drug support, 7.6% and 6.3% required conversion to GA, 46.7% and 59.5% required respiratory support, respectively. These intraoperative outcomes were not significantly different between groups, P = 0.540, P = 0.707, and P = 0.105, respectively. In-hospital 30-day mortality in propofol and ketofol groups were 1.9% and 3.8%, respectively, P = 0.396. In both groups, the median post-procedure coronary care unit stay was 26 hours while post-procedure hospital stay was 3 days. There were no significant differences in perioperative or postoperative outcomes in TAVR patients receiving either propofol or ketofol. Propofol infusion, either alone or with ketamine, is reliable and safe, with minimal side effects.

Association between Neuron-Specific Enolase, Memory Function, and Postoperative Delirium after Transfemoral Aortic Valve Replacement.

Although transfemoral aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a safe treatment for elderly patients with severe aortic valve stenosis, postoperative microembolism has been described. In this secondary endpoint analysis of the POST-TAVR trial, we aimed to investigate whether changes in neuron-specific enolase (NSE)-a biomarker of neuronal damage-are associated with changes in memory function or postoperative delirium (POD). This was a prospective single-center study enrolling patients undergoing elective TAVR. Serum NSE was measured before and 24 h after TAVR. POD was diagnosed using CAM-ICU testing. Memory function was assessed before TAVR and before hospital discharge using the "Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease" (CERAD) word list and the digit span task (DST) implemented in "∆elta-App". Subjects' median age was 82 years (25th to 75th percentile: 77.5-85.0), 42.6% of subjects were women. CERAD scores significantly increased from pre- to post-TAVR, with p < 0.001. POD occurred in 4.4% (6/135) of subjects at median 2 days after TAVR. After TAVR, NSE increased from a median of 1.85 ng/mL (1.30-2.53) to 2.37 ng/mL (1.69-3.07), p < 0.001. The median increase in NSE was 40.4% (13.1-138.0) in patients with POD versus 17.3% (3.3-43.4) in those without POD (p = 0.17). Memory function improved after TAVR, likely due to learning effects, with no association to change in NSE. Patients with POD appear to have significantly higher postoperative levels of NSE compared to patients without POD after TAVR. This finding suggests that neuronal damage, as indicated by NSE elevation, may not significantly impair assessed memory function after TAVR.

Percutaneous Management of Aortic Root Rupture After Balloon-Expandable TAVR

This article presents a case of aortic root rupture after transfemoral aortic valve replacement, successfully treated by a percutaneous approach, with a good evolution of the patient both during hospitalization and in the long term, being asymptomatic at the cardiovascular level after 18 months of follow-up. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)

App-based assessment of memory functions in patients after transfemoral aortic valve replacement.

Transfemoral aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is the standard treatment for elderly patients with aortic valve stenosis. Although safe and well-established, there is a risk of intraprocedural hemodynamic instability and silent cerebral embolism, which can lead to a decline in neurocognitive function and dementia. In clinical practice, comprehensive cognitive testing is difficult to perform. AI-assisted digital applications may help to optimize diagnosis and monitoring. Neurocognitive function was assessed by validated psychometric tests using "∆elta -App", which uses artificial intelligence and computational linguistic methods for extraction and analysis. Memory function was assessed using the 'Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease' (CERAD) word list and digit span task (DST) before TAVR and before hospital discharge. The study is registered in the German Register of Clinical Trials (https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00020813). From October 2020 until March 2022, 141 patients were enrolled at University Hospital Heart Centre Brandenburg. Mean age was 81 ± 6 years, 42.6% were women. Time between the pre- and post-interventional test was on average 6 ± 3 days. Memory function before TAVR was found to be below average in relation to age and educational level. The pre-post TAVR comparison showed significant improvements in the wordlist repeat, P < 0.001 and wordlist recall test of CERAD, P < 0.001. There were no changes in the digital span test. Despite impaired preoperative memory function before TAVR, no global negative effect on memory function after TVAR was detected. The improvements shown in the word list test should be interpreted as usual learning effects in this task.

Commissural misalignment independently predicts leaflet thrombosis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become a minimally invasive alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement. Hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening (HALT)-a marker of subclinical leaflet thrombosis commonly detected by cardiac computed tomography (CT) after TAVI-may influence valve durability and function. The purpose of this study was to compare commissural alignment of the native and prosthetic aortic valves in cardiac CT in subjects with and without HALT and thereby identify commissural misalignment as potential predictor for leaflet thrombosis after TAVI. In 170 subjects, 85 with and 85 without HALT in post-TAVI CT, commissural orientation of the prosthesis was determined comparing native and prosthetic aortic valve orientation in cardiac CT by measuring the commissural angle relative to the right coronary ostium in the aortic valve plane. For the prosthetic valve, any deviation ≤ 15° compared to the native valve was classified as "aligned"; 16-30° as "mild", 31-45° as "moderate" and ≥ 45° as "severe" misalignment. Among subjects with HALT, median angular deviation was higher (36°, IQR 31°) than in the control group (29°, IQR 29°, p = 0.042). "Severe" misalignment was more frequent in subjects who developed HALT (n = 31, 37%) compared to the control group (n = 17, 20%, p = 0.013). In logistic regression analysis, more severe deviation (p = 0.015, OR = 1.02 per 1° deviation) and "severe" misalignment (p = 0.018, OR = 2.2) represented independent predictors for the occurrence of HALT after TAVI. Subclinical leaflet thrombosis after TAVI is associated with commissural misalignment. Potential clinical advantages of obtaining commissural alignment remain to be systematically assessed.

Candida endocarditis in a transcatheter aortic valve.

A 74-year-old male presented to the emergency room with fever and lethargy. His past medical history includes severe aortic stenosis status post transfemoral aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with #34 Evolute valve 10 months prior, and coronary artery disease. One month prior to presentation, he started developing symptoms of dry cough, night sweat, intermittent fever, and generalized weakness. Laboratory data significant for pancytopenia: white blood cell count 2.3 K/µL, hemoglobin 10.7 g/dL, platelet 75 K/µL. Blood culture drawn on admission positive for pan-sensitive Candida Parapsilosius; it remained positive on five sets of repeat cultures. Transesophageal echo showed preserved left ventricular systolic function, a 2-cm echodensity on the left ventricular side of the bioprosthesis with severe functional aortic stenosis, para-aortic abscess, and small to moderate pericardial effusion. Patient underwent successful re-do aortic valve replacement with #25 Inspiris valve, explant of TAVR valve, and repair of aortic wall abscess with pericardial patch on hospital day #7. Culture of the excised Evolute valve was positive for C. Parapsilosius. Patient was treated with intravenous micafungin 150 mg for 42 days and lifelong suppression with oral fluconazole. Pancytopenia was thought to be as a result of the candida infection. Hospital course was complicated by multiple small bilateral cortical and subcortical infarcts, consistent with thromboembolic phenomenon. Patient was discharged to rehabilitation facility on hospital day #21. At the time of writing this case, patient is 2-month post-hospital discharge and has been discharged home. Fungal endocarditis of the TAVR valve is an extremely rare entity. We describe a successfully treated case with surgical interventions.

Quantification of physical activity with prospective activity tracking after transfemoral aortic valve replacement

BackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a well-established, safe and effective therapy for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS). The aim of this study was to objectively quantify improvement of physical activity after TAVR, with consideration of different low-gradient AS subtypes. Methods and resultsAll patients undergoing TAVR for severe AS were screened. Participants received a wearable activity tracker (Fitbit®) at hospital discharge following TAVR and 6 months thereafter. The difference of median daily steps was defined as surrogate outcome for physical activity. For analysis, patients were grouped into high-gradient (HG) AS (dPmean ≥40 mmHg), classical low-flow low-gradient (LFLG) AS (dPmean <40 mmHg, EF <50%), paradoxical LFLG-AS (dPmean <40 mmHg, EF ≥50%, SVi ≤35 ml/m2) and normal-flow low-gradient (NFLG) AS (dPmean <40 mmHg, EF ≥50%, SVi >35 ml/m2) according to mean transvalvular pressure gradient (dPmean), stroke volume index (SVi) and left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Results and conclusionsThe analysis is based on 230 patients. The median daily step count was 4409 [IQR 2581–7487] after hospital discharge and 5326 [IQR 3045–8668] 6 months thereafter. Median difference of daily steps was ∆529 [IQR -702-2152]). Patients with HG-AS and paradoxical LFLG-AS showed a significant improvement of daily steps (∆951 [IQR -378-2323], p <0.001 and (∆1392 [IQR -609-4444], p = 0.02, respectively). Patients with classical LFLG-AS showed no statistically relevant improvement of daily steps (∆192 [IQR -687-770], p = 0.79). Patients with NFLG-AS showed a numerical decline in daily steps without statistical significance (∆-300 [IQR -1334-1406], p = 0.67).This first prospective study of this sample size shows significant improvement of physical activity after TAVR with an objective and reproducible method. This was mainly driven by an improvement in patients with HG-AS and paradoxical LFLG-AS.

Role of Changing Procedural Characteristics Versus Changing Risk Profile in Age-Based Trends of Outcomes in Patients With Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement From 2012 to 2018: A Nationwide Analysis.

Background The trends in outcomes in patients who undergo transcatheter aortic valve replacement are well described in the literature. Some of these trends are driven by the decreasing risk profile of patients because of changing indications for transcatheter aortic valve replacement. We aimed to evaluate these trends in different age groups and quantify how much of these trends are driven by changes in procedural characteristics. Methods and Results Using the National Inpatient Sample from 2012 to 2018, we identified 204 230 adult patients who underwent transfemoral aortic valve replacement. The study's primary objective was to evaluate the changes in age-based trends in in-hospital mortality driven by changes in procedural characteristics over time. The secondary objectives were to evaluate similar trends in cardiac and noncardiac complications and resource use. Univariate and multivariate linear and logistic regression were used to obtain effect sizes. From 2012 to 2018, in-hospital mortality decreased from 1.8% to 0.79% in the age group 18 to 64 years, from 3.8% to 1.6% in the age group 65 to 80 years, and from 5.3% to 1.5% in the age group >80 years (P trend<0.01 for all age groups); these trends remained statistically significant on adjusted analysis except in patients aged 18 to 64 years. The other outcomes also showed variable trends over time. Length of stay, cost, and early discharge rates improved even after adjusting for comorbidities, which is likely attributable to improvement in procedural characteristics. Conclusions The changes in outcomes related to transcatheter aortic valve replacement are partly driven by changing patient risk profiles over time, but procedural characteristics have likely contributed to these trends in all age groups.

PO-687-06 A CASE OF DIFFICULT LEADLESS PACEMAKER IMPLANTATION DUE TO PACEMAKER DELIVERY SYSTEM FAILURE

The Micra leadless pacing system (Medtronic) is an effective alternative to transvenous pacemaker in selected patients and can be safely implanted in > 99% cases. The tether in the delivery system serves as an important connection between the device and the delivery catheter, allowing multiple recaptures to be performed. Failure of the delivery system resulting in inability to deploy is extremely rare. We describe a case of difficult Micra implantation due to leadless pacemaker delivery system failure. N/A An 88-year-old male with complete heart block post transfemoral aortic valve replacement underwent placement of single chamber leadless pacemaker placement (Micra) using standard techniques. Under local anesthesia, access was obtained in the right femoral vein using ultrasound guidance and a 23 French long sheath was inserted and advanced into the right atrium under fluoroscopy. A Micra leadless pacing system was introduced and placed under fluoroscopic visualization into the right ventricular septum. Gentle manual tension on the tether demonstrated good contact with the myocardium. The tether was cut but significant resistance was felt when attempting to remove it. Despite multiple attempts the tether could not be safely removed, and it was decided to extract the Micra system. Unfortunately, despite multiple attempts by applying significant tension on the tether, the delivery catheter would not align with the pacing capsule for safe extraction. At this time it was decided to remove the delivery system leaving the pacing capsule with the tether in place. A 0 Vicryl suture was placed and using a double knot it was secured on a 035 wire and the suture was pulled through a large curve steerable Agilis sheath. Next, the Vicryl and the tether were knotted together and Agilis sheath was advanced to provide additional support and avoid trauma to any internal structure during extraction. Using Agilis as a rail, the Micra was extracted. Gross visual inspection revealed no clear knot on the tether. After the extraction, a new Micra system was placed using standard techniques. It is important to be aware of failure of the components of the leadless pacemaker delivery system and the techniques to safely extract it.

Transfemoral aortic valve replacement in a nonagenarian with aortic stenosis and cardiac amyloidosis: case report

BackgroundCardiac amyloidosis (CA) is diagnosed with increasing frequency in the elderly population with severe aortic stenosis (AS), especially with the low-flow, low- gradient phenotype. Prognosis is poor with no treatment.Case presentationThe patient is a 94-year-old active male who presented with a stroke that fully resolved. He was found to have low-flow, low-gradient severe AS, along with concomitant CA. Gradients across the aortic valve worsened with the dobutamine challenge test. He underwent successful transfemoral aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and did well postoperatively, where he remained in the hospital for only one day. Treatment of his CA with Tafamidis was recommended; however, the patient declined due to its cost and personal preference.ConclusionTo our knowledge, we report on one of the oldest patients to undergo TAVR for low-flow, low-gradient AS with concurrent CA (AS-CA). It might be prudent to screen elderly patients with AS for CA, as prognosis is worse with medical management alone. TAVR has overall improved survival in patients with AS-CA and is considered the procedure of choice, as these patients are typically older and at higher risk for surgical intervention.

Alternative access in high-risk patients in the era of transfemoral aortic valve replacement

Background We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of transapical and transaortic transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in high-risk patients who were not suitable for transfemoral access and had a logistic EuroSCORE-I ≥ 25% and Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score >6%. ‘STS/ACC TAVR In-Hospital Mortality Risk App’ was evaluated. Material and methods Between January 2016 and May 2020, 126 patients at very high risk for aortic valve replacement underwent transapical (n = 121) or transaortic (n = 5) transcatheter aortic valve replacement. TAVR was performed using SAPIEN 3™ or ACURATE TA™ prosthesis. Results The logistic EuroSCORE-I was 40.6 ± 14.0%, the STS-score 7.9 ± 4.6%, and STS/ACC-score 8.4 ± 3.4%. Valve implantation was successful in all patients. Operative, in-hospital and 30-days mortality, were 0, 7.9, and 13.5%, respectively. Survival was 72% at one year and 48% at four years. Expected/observed in-hospital mortality was 1.0 for the STS-score and 1.06 for the STS/ACC-score. Renal failure, low ejection fraction, and postoperative acute kidney injury, hemorrhage, and vascular complications were identified as independent predictors for 30-day mortality. Conclusions Transapical and transaortic TAVR in high-risk patients unsuitable for transfemoral access is still a reasonable alternative in these patients. STS and STS/ACC-score appear to be highly accurate in predicting in-hospital mortality in high-risk patients undergoing TAVR.

Quantification of physical activity with activity tracking after transfemoral aortic valve replacement (TAVR)

Abstract Background and hypothesis TAVR is a well-established, safe and effective therapy for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS), but improvement of physical activity after TAVR is difficult to assess objectively. The aim of this study was to quantify improvement of physical activity with Activity Tracking after TAVR with special focus on the different low-gradient subtypes of AS. Methods All patients who underwent TAVR for severe AS in our center between 01/2019 and 12/2019 were screened. Participants received an Activity Tracker for 7 days at two times: after hospital discharge following TAVR procedure and 6 months thereafter. The difference of mean daily steps was defined as study endpoint. Results The analysis is based on 230 patients. The median age was 79.7 years with 53.7% male participants. The median aortic valve area (AVA) was 0.75 cm2 and median mean pressure gradient was 38.7 mmHg (Table 1). The median amount of daily steps was 4409 [IQR 2581–7487] steps/day after hospital discharge and 5326 [IQR 3045–8668] steps/day 6 months thereafter. On a patient base, median difference of steps per day was Δ 529 [IQR −702–2152]). Whenever possible, patients were categorized into different subgroups of AS. Patients with high-gradient (HG) AS showed significant improvement in difference of daily steps at 6 months-FUP (Δ 951 [IQR −378–2.323], p&amp;lt;0.001), as well as patients with paradox low-flow-low-gradient (LFLG) AS (Δ 1392 [IQR −609–4444], p=0.02). Patients with classical LFLG AS also showed an improvement of daily steps at 6-months-FUP but without statistical significance (Δ 192 [IQR −687–770], p=0.79). Patients with a normal-flow-low-gradient (NFLG) AS have no significant difference in daily steps after 6-months and show a tendency of decline in daily steps at 6-months-FUP (Δ −300 [IQR −1334–1406], p=0.67) (Figure 1). Conclusions This is the first study of this sample size to evaluate physical activity after TAVR with an objective and reproducible method. Overall, physical activity improved significantly 6 months after TAVR and daily steps per day increased in all subtypes of AS besides NFLG AS, where a tendency of decline in daily steps without statistical significance was shown. However the increase in daily steps did not reach statistical significance in classical LFLG AS patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Table 1Figure 1

Percutaneous puncture of an aorto‐bifemoral bypass graft and successful closure with MANTA® device in transfemoral TAVR

Transfemoral aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become a standard therapeutic option for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. Special anatomies can pose distinct challenges for vascular access and later closure of the access site, for example, in preoperated patients. Here, we elucidate a case of transfemoral TAVR with vascular access by direct puncture of an aorto-bifemoral bypass graft and illustrate the feasibility of vascular closure by an anchored collagen-plug vascular closure device (Teleflex MANTA® ).

Impact of Preprocedural Aortic Valve Calcification on Conduction Disturbances after Transfemoral Aortic Valve Replacement

Aim: The present study analyzes in depth the impact of different calcification patterns on disturbances of the conduction system in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients. Methods and Results: A total of 169 preprocedural TAVR multislice computed tomography scans from consecutive transfemoral (TF) TAVRs performed between 2014 and 2017 using either Edwards SAPIEN or Medtronic Evolut R valves were retrospectively evaluated. The volume, distribution, and orientation of annular and valvular aortic valve calcification were measured and their impact on postoperative conduction disturbances was determined using linear and logistic regression analyses. The total volume of calcification and distribution at the aortic annulus or valve did not influence the conduction system. Oval calcification of the left aortic cusp was independently associated with an elevated risk for an increase in atrioventricular block degree (+0.6, p = 0.03). Moreover, orthogonal calcifications at the level of the aortic annulus were associated with an increased risk for QRS prolongation (+26 ms, p = 0.004) and an increased risk for permanent pacemaker implantation (OR 4.3, p = 0.03) after TF TAVR. This was more pronounced in patients undergoing TF TAVR using a balloon-expandable Edwards SAPIEN 3 valve (QRS +38.195 ms, p < 0.001; OR permanent pacemaker 15.48, p = 0.013). Conclusion: Orthogonal annular calcification confers an increased risk for conduction disturbances after TAVR. This is even more pronounced after implantation of balloon-expandable valves.

Surgical vs transfemoral aortic valve replacement in low-risk patients: An updated meta-analysis of trial and registry data.

Transfemoral aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been studied extensively in patients with improving safety and efficacy in high to intermediate-risk patients with aortic stenosis. TAVR has been now approved for patients with low surgical risk. The purpose of this study is to integrate the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCT) and large registry data comparing TAVR to surgical aortic valve repair (SAVR). Seven studies (three RCTs, one post hoc study of a RCT, and three registries) were included. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) of outcomes of interest (overall mortality, 30-day mortality, cardiovascular death, stroke, pacemaker implantation [PPMI], myocardial infarction, moderate-severe paravalvular leak [PVL], and re-intervention) were compared using a random-effects model. The pooled analysis included 24 819 patients (TAVR, 8227 and SAVR, 16 592). 2,952 (11.9%) patients were from RCTs and 21 867 (88.1%) were registry patients. Thirty-day mortality was lower in TAVR (logIRR, -0.43; 95% CI. -0.61 to -0.25; P < .001), whereas the rate of moderate-severe PVL (logIRR, 1.44; 95% CI, 0.58-2.3; P < .001) and PPMI (logIRR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.02-1.24; P < .001) were higher. There were no significant differences in the rates of overall mortality, reintervention, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke between SAVR and TAVR. Early mortality is higher in SAVR while rates of PVL and PPMI are substantially higher in TAVR. There is no significant advantage with TAVR for overall survival, cardiovascular death, stroke, MI, and re-intervention rates.

A logistic regression analysis comparing minimalistic approach and intubation anaesthesia in patients undergoing transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

AimsPatients with postoperative delirium (POD) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are ventilated and hospitalized longer and suffer increased in-hospital mortality. This study hypothesized that a minimalistic approach with conscious sedation during transfemoral aortic valve replacement (TF-AVR) protects against delirium, time of mechanical ventilation, and increased length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU) compared to intubation anaesthesia.Methods and results308 patients which underwent TF-AVR in our centre between 01/2013 and 08/2017 were retrospectively evaluated regarding postoperative delirium, time of mechanical ventilation, and days in ICU. TF-AVR was performed with intubation anaesthesia in 245 patients and with conscious sedation in 63. The operative risk estimated by the logEUROScore was similar in both groups (intubation: 13.28 +/-9.06%, conscious sedation: 12.24 +/-6.77%, p = 0.395). In the conscious sedation group procedure duration was shorter (0.61 +/-0.91h vs. 1.75 +/-0.96h, p<0.001). The risk for intraprocedural complications was not influenced by the anaesthesia method (OR conscious sedation instead of intubation 1.66, p = 0.117), but days on ICU (-2.21 days, p<0.0001) and minutes of mechanical ventilation (-531.2 min, p < 0.0001) were reduced. Furthermore, the risk of POD was decreased when TF-AVR was performed under conscious sedation (6.35% vs. 18.18%, OR 0.29, p = 0.021).ConclusionsTime of mechanical ventilation, risk of POD, and days on ICU were substantially reduced in patients who underwent TF-AVR under conscious sedation. Our data suggest that TF-AVR with conscious sedation is safe with a beneficial postoperative course in clinical practice, and should be considered the favoured approach.

Meta-analysis of right ventricular function in patients with aortic stenosis after transfemoral aortic valve replacement or surgical aortic valve replacement.

Background:Right ventricular function (RVF) is an independent predictor of prognosis for patients undergoing aortic valve replacement: transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). The effect of transfemoral aortic valve replacement (TF-TAVR) on RVF is uncertain. We aimed to perform a meta-analysis of the effect of TF-TAVR on RVF in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and compare the effect of TF-TAVR with SAVR.Methods:We searched relevant studies from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library databases, and Web of Science. Furthermore, two reviewers (Wang AQ and Cao YS) extracted all relevant data, which were then double checked by another two reviewers (Zhang M and Qi GM). We used the forest plot to present results. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was the primary outcome.Results:This meta-analysis included 11 studies. There were 353 patients who underwent TF-TAVR, and 358 patients who were subjected to SAVR. There was no significant difference in TAPSE at 1 week and 6 months as well as right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) at <2 weeks and 6 months after TF-TAVR. For the SAVR group, TAPSE at 1 week and 3 months as well as fractional area change (FAC) at 3 months post procedure were significantly aggravated, while RVEF did not change significantly. Moreover, TAPSE post-TF-TAVR was significantly improved as compared with post-SAVR. The △TAPSE, the difference between TAPSE post-procedure and TAPSE prior to procedure, was also significantly better in the TF-TAVR group than in the SAVR group.Conclusion:RVF was maintained post TF-TAVR. For SAVR, discrepancy in the measured parameters exists, as reduced TAPSE indicates compromised longitudinal RVF, while insignificant changes in RVEF implicate maintained RVF post procedure. Collectively, our study suggests that the baseline RV dysfunction and the effect of TF-TAVR versus SAVR on longitudinal RVF may influence the selection of aortic valve intervention.

1335Tricuspid anular dilatation is associated with higher mortality in patients undergoing TAVR

Abstract Background Tricuspid annular dilatation is an increasingly recognized entity associated with poor outcomes in patients with valvular heart disease, which led to upvaluation of tricuspid annuloplasty in current European and U.S. guidelines on valvular heart disease. Purpose To investigate the prognostic role of tricuspid annular dilatation measured in multi-slice CT (MDCT) datasets in patients undergoing transfemoral aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods All consecutive patients with available MDCT data undergoing TAVR at our institution between 2013 und 2016 were included. Maximal septal-lateral diameter was obtained from 3-dimensional MDCT datasets. Receiver-operating curves (ROC) analysis was performed to obtain an ideal cut-off for septal-lateral dilatation in systolic and diastolic heart phase. All-cause mortality served as endpoint. Results The study included 1137 patients, of whom 299 died within a mean follow-up period of 1.8±1 years. Mean patient's age was 80.6 years and 51.5% were women. TAVR was performed via transfemoral approach in all patients and balloon-expandable prosthesis were used in 69.4% of patients. ROC analysis revealed a cut-off of 45.7 mm for diastolic MDCT scans (n=859) and 36.1 mm for systolic MDCT scans (n=278). Patients above this threshold experienced a significantly higher mortality within the follow-up period (s. attached Figure, hazard ratio 1.63 with 95% CI 1.39 and 1.92, p&lt;0.001). Tricuspid annular dilatation had no impact on procedural outcomes including device failure (2.4 vs. 2.9%, p=0.7), need for permanent pacemaker implantation (17.6 vs. 21.3%, 0.16, acute myocardial infarction (0.3 vs. 1.2%, p=0.18) and acute stroke (1.8 vs. 1.1%, p=0.28) defined according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2) criteria. Conclusion Tricuspid annular dilatation assessed with MDCT in patients undergoing TAVR is associated with 63% higher all-cause mortality. Future studies will have to determine whether interventional tricuspid annuloplasty techniques can reduce mortality in this group of patients.