Transvalvular Pressure Research Articles

High-molecular-weight von Willebrand Factor multimer ratio differentiates true-severe from pseudo-severe classical low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis.

Upon high wall shear stress, high-molecular-weight (HMW) von Willebrand Factor (VWF) multimers are degraded, thus, HMW VWF multimer deficiency mirrors haemodynamics at the site of aortic stenosis (AS). The aim of the present study was to analyse the role of HMW VWF multimer ratio for subcategorization of classical low-flow, low-gradient (LF/LG) AS. Eighty-three patients with classical LF/LG AS were prospectively recruited and HMW VWF multimer pattern was analysed using a densitometric quantification of western blot bands. Patients were subclassified into true-severe (TS) and pseudo-severe (PS) classical LF/LG AS based on dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE). Positive and negative predictive values (PPV/NPV) of HMW VWF multimer ratio for diagnosis of the TS subtype were calculated. HMW VWF multimer ratio in TS classical LF/LG AS was significantly decreased compared to PS classical LF/LG AS (0.86 ± 0.27 vs. 1.06 ± 0.09, P < 0.001). HMW VWF multimer deficiency occurred exclusively in the TS subtype with an optimal PPV of 1.000 and NPV of 0.379. HMW VWF multimer ratio showed a strong correlation with mean transvalvular pressure gradients during DSE (r = -0.616; P < 0.001). HMW VWF multimer ratio measured at baseline was higher compared to levels measured after DSE (0.87 ± 0.27 vs. 0.84 ± 0.31; P = 0.031) indicating DSE-induced increased proteolysis. HMW VWF multimer ratio represents a valuable biomarker for classical LF/LG AS subclassification and mirrors haemodynamics during DSE. HMW VWF multimer ratio identifies the TS subtype without the use of other imaging techniques.

Results of correction of aortic valve defects using small‑diameter «BioLAB» xenopericardial prosthesis in old patients

A prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) describes a state in which the valve prosthesis implanted during surgery is too small in relation to the patient’s body size. This leads to high transvalvular pressure gradients. We investigate direct results and dependence of transvalvular pressure gradients on body mass index and surface area in patients after correction of aortic valve defects using small-diameter BioLAB prosthesis. Material and methods . From January 2011 to August 2018, 65 small-diameter (18, 20) BioLAB scaffold xenopericardial prostheses were implanted in aortic position at the Department of Emergency Surgery for Acquired Heart Defects, Bakulev National Medical Research Center of Cardiovascular Surgery. The average age of the patients was 75.4 ± 4.1 (65–86 years). The average patient body mass index was 25.74 ± 5.11 kg/m2 (19.57–39.54). The average body surface area was 1.79 ± 0.15 (1.54–2.18). Results . Isolated aortic valve replacement was performed in 38 (58%) patients, the rest of the surgeries were combined with other techniques. There were no reoperations due to early prosthetic endocarditis or prosthetic dysfunction in hospital. Hospital mortality was 6% (4 patients). Correlation dependence of peak pressure prosthesis gradient on body surface area and body mass index was 10% and 8%, respectively. Conclusions . This study confirmed the safety and effectiveness of using small-diameter BioLAB scaffold xenopericardial prostheses in aortic valve position.

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty for Aortic Stenosis.

Percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty (PBAV), which is used to treat symptomatic aortic stenosis, requires ionizing radiation and contrast agent for imaging guidance. The aim of the study is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of ultrasound-guided PBAV in patients with aortic stenosis. This case series included 30 patients (14 males; mean age, 61.5 ± 4.5 years) with moderate/severe aortic stenosis treated with ultrasound-guided PBAV at the Ultrasound Department, Fuwai Hospital, Beijing, China, between January 2016 and July 2019. Cardiac function (New York Heart Association grade) was assessed before PBAV and 1 month after the procedure. Aortic peak jet velocity, aortic valve orifice area (AVA), mean transvalvular pressure gradient (MTPG), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) were determined before and immediately after PBAV using Doppler echocardiography. Preprocedural cardiac function was grade I in 3 cases, grade II in 9 cases, grade III in 10 cases, and grade IV in 8 cases. Postprocedural cardiac function was grade I in 22 cases, grade II in 4 cases, and grade III in 4 cases, suggesting that cardiac function was improved by PBAV. Ultrasound-guided PBAV resulted in significant improvements (P < 0.05) in aortic peak jet velocity (3.68 ± 0.811 m/s vs. 4.79 ± 0.63 m/s), MTPG (33.77 ± 13.85 mmHg vs. 54.54 ± 13.81 mmHg), AVA (1.96 ± 0.25 cm2 vs. 0.98 ± 0.12 cm2), LVEDD (51.90 ± 3.21 mm vs. 65.60 ± 6.81 mm), LVEF (63.46 ± 11.29% vs. 56.31 ± 11.04%), and LVESD (35.50 2.62 mm vs. 45.20 ± 2.42 mm). Ultrasound-guided PBAV is feasible and achieves good short-term effects in patients with aortic stenosis.

DOPPLER VERSUS CATHETER TRANSVALVULAR PRESSURE GRADIENTS IN SELF-EXPANDING VERSUS BALLOON EXPANDABLE TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVES, AN IN VITRO STUDY

Because of pressure recovery (PR) phenomenon, transvalvular pressure gradients (TPGs) measured by Doppler are generally higher than those measured by catheterization. Recent studies suggest that the extent of PR and thus of the Doppler-catheter TPG difference may be more important in balloon-

Right Ventricular Growth and Function After Balloon Valvuloplasty for Critical Pulmonary Valve Stenosis in Infants and Neonates.

Little data are published about right ventricular (RV) growth and function in infants and neonates after balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) for critical valvular pulmonary stenosis (PS). We aimed to assess the RV growth and function during 1year after BPV for critical valvular PS in neonates and infants. A total of 41 infants and neonates with isolatedcriticalvalvular PSwho underwent BPV from August 2016 to Sep 2018 were enrolled in the study. Complete Echocardiographic examination was performed to all infants before, 1week, 1month, 3months, 6months, and 1year after BPV. The RV systolic pressure and transvalvular pulmonary pressure gradient significantly decreased 1week after BPV and continue to decrease more slowly during the period of follow-up. During follow-up, RV end-diastolic dimension increased significantly, whereas RV anterior wall thickness significantly decreased. The mean diameters of pulmonary valve annulus and tricuspid valve annulus significantly increased after BPV over the period of follow-up. RV systolic and diastolic dysfunction improved significantly as reported by reduced RV Tei index and tricuspid annular systolic velocity and increased RV E/A ratio. RV growth and function were significantly improved after BPV for critical PS in infants and neonates and catch-up growth of right ventricular structures occurred after 6months of BPV.

Efficacy of transcatheter pulmonary valve perforation by micro-guidewire and balloon dilation in neonates with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter perforation of pulmonary valve by micro-guidewire and balloon dilation in the treatment of neonatal pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS). Methods: The retrospective study included 21 neonates (14 males and 7 females) with PA-IVS who underwent transcatheter micro-guidewire pulmonary valve perforation and balloon dilation in Xinhua Hospital from January 2012 to December 2018. All patients underwent the pulmonary valve perforation by micro-guidewire through the Simmons catheter. During the follow-up period at 1, 3, 6, 12 months postoperatively and annually thereafter, the operative efficacy and the development of the right ventricle (RV) were evaluated by echocardiography. Statistical analyses were performed using t test. Results: A total of 21 neonates with PA-IVS were enrolled, and 13 cases were diagnosed prenatally. The median age of surgery was 6 days, the weight was (3.2±0.5) kg. The balloon/valve ratio was 1.19±0.12, and the RV pressure measured by catheter was (121±33) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) . The immediate postoperative RV pressure was (47±13) mmHg. The median follow-up time was 30 months. All the cases enrolled achieved biventricular circulation without death and serious complications. According to the last follow-up data including 16 cases who were followed up for 1 year or longer, the pulmonary artery transvalvular pressure was (29±15) mmHg. The postoperation ratio of right to left ventricular transverse diameter was significantly higher than that before operation (0.86+0.10 vs. 0.73+0.13, t=-2.96, P=0.006). Compared with preoperative data, the postoperation pulmonary valvular diameter Z-score was significantly higher (-1.41±0.89 vs. -2.83±1.06, t=-3.65, P=0.001) and the tricuspid valvular diameter Z-score was significantly higher (-0.52±0.29 vs. -1.34±0.81, t=-3.55, P=0.001). Conclusion: Transcatheter perforation of pulmonary valve by micro-guidewire and balloon dilation is a safe and effective initial therapy for neonatal PA-IVS.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement with Self-Expandable ACURATE neo as Compared to Balloon-Expandable SAPIEN 3 in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis: Meta-Analysis of Randomized and Propensity-Matched Studies.

Frequent occurrence of paravalvular leak (PVL) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) was the main concern with earlier-generation devices. Current meta-analysis compared outcomes of TAVR with next-generation devices: ACURATE neo and SAPIEN 3. In random-effects meta-analysis, the pooled incidence rates of procedural, clinical and functional outcomes according to VARC-2 definitions were assessed. One randomized controlled trial and five observational studies including 2818 patients (ACURATE neo n = 1256 vs. SAPIEN 3 n = 1562) met inclusion criteria. ACURATE neo was associated with a 3.7-fold increase of moderate-to-severe PVL (RR (risk ratio): 3.70 (2.04–6.70); P < 0.0001), which was indirectly related to higher observed 30-day mortality with ACURATE valve (RR: 1.77 (1.03–3.04); P = 0.04). Major vascular complications, acute kidney injury, periprocedural myocardial infarction, stroke and serious bleeding events were similar between devices. ACURATE neo demonstrated lower transvalvular pressure gradients both at discharge (P < 0.00001) and at 30 days (P < 0.00001), along with lower risk of patient–prosthesis mismatch (RR: 0.29 (0.10–0.87); P = 0.03) and pacemaker implantation (RR: 0.64 (0.50–0.81); P = 0.0002), but no differences were observed regarding composite endpoints early safety and device success. In conclusion, ACURATE neo, as compared with SAPIEN 3, was associated with higher rates of moderate-to-severe PVL, which were indirectly linked with increased observed 30-day all-cause mortality.

In Vitro Durability and Stability Testing of a Novel Polymeric Transcatheter Aortic Valve.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as an effective therapy for the unmet clinical need of inoperable patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Current clinically used tissue TAVR valves suffer from limited durability that hampers TAVR's rapid expansion to younger, lower risk patients. Polymeric TAVR valves optimized for hemodynamic performance, hemocompatibility, extended durability, and resistance to calcific degeneration offer a viable solution to this challenge. We present extensive in vitro durability and stability testing of a novel polymeric TAVR valve (PolyNova valve) using 1) accelerated wear testing (AWT, ISO 5840); 2) calcification susceptibility (in the AWT)-compared with clinically used tissue valves; and 3) extended crimping stability (valves crimped to 16 Fr for 8 days). Hydrodynamic testing was performed every 50M cycles. The valves were also evaluated visually for structural integrity and by scanning electron microscopy for evaluation of surface damage in the micro-scale. Calcium and phosphorus deposition was evaluated using micro-computed tomography (μCT) and inductive coupled plasma spectroscopy. The valves passed 400M cycles in the AWT without failure. The effective orifice area kept stable at 1.8 cm with a desired gradual decrease in transvalvular pressure gradient and regurgitation (10.4 mm Hg and 6.9%, respectively). Calcium and phosphorus deposition was significantly lower in the polymeric valve: down by a factor of 85 and 16, respectively-as compared to a tissue valve. Following the extended crimping testing, no tears nor surface damage were evident. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of a polymeric TAVR valve to be a viable alternative to tissue-based TAVR valves.

In vitro Assessment of the Impacts of Leaflet Design on the Hemodynamic Characteristics of ePTFE Pulmonary Prosthetic Valves.

Prosthetic pulmonary valves are widely used in the management procedures of various congenital heart diseases, including the surgical pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) and right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction (RVOT). The discouraging long-term outcomes of standard prostheses, including homografts and bioprosthetic, constrained their indications. Recent developments in the expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) pulmonary prosthetic valves provide promising alternatives. In this study, the hemodynamic characteristics of bileaflet and trileaflet ePTFE valve designs were experimentally evaluated. The in vitro tests were performed under the right ventricle (RV) flow conditions by using an in vitro RV circulatory system and particle image velocimetry (PIV). The leaflet kinetics, trans-valvular pressure gradients, effective orifice areas, regurgitant fractions, energy losses, velocity fields, and Reynolds shear stress (RSS) in both prostheses were evaluated. The opening of the bileaflet and trileaflet valve takes 0.060 and 0.088 s, respectively. The closing of the former takes 0.140 s, in contrast to 0.176 s of the latter. The trans-valvular pressure is 6.8 mmHg in the bileaflet valve vs. 7.9 mmHg in the trileaflet valve. The effective orifice area is 1.83 cm2 in the bileaflet valve and 1.72 cm2 in the trileaflet valve. The regurgitant fraction and energy loss of bileaflet are 7.13% and 82 mJ, which are 7.84% and 101.64 mJ in its bileaflet counterpart. The maximum RSS of 48.0 and 49.2 Pa occur at the systole peak in the bileaflet and trileaflet valve, respectively. A higher average RSS level is found in the bileaflet valve. The results from this preliminary study indicate that the current bileaflet prosthetic valve design is capable of providing a better overall hemodynamic performance than the trileaflet design.

Relationship between Invasive and Echocardiographic Transvalvular Gradients after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

IntroductionLower transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) pressure gradients have been reported after implantation of self-expanding valves compared with balloon-expandable valves; however, there is a paucity of data on the relationship between invasively measured transvalvular pressure gradients and Doppler-derived measurements.MethodsFrom September 2013 to September 2018, patients with native aortic valve stenosis who had both intraoperative invasive and postoperative echocardiography transvalvular pressure gradients were included for analysis. We used parametric and nonparametric statistics to compare aortic gradients within and between groups.ResultsOf 171 patients, 152 (88.9%) patients had TAVR with a balloon-expandable valve and 19 (11.1%) with a self-expanding valve. Among all patients, the invasive aortic gradient was 7.8 ± 3.2 mmHg and the Doppler-derived aortic gradient was 11.0 ± 4.5 mmHg (p < 0.001). Among those who received a balloon-expandable valve, the invasive aortic gradient was 7.5 ± 3 mmHg and the Doppler aortic gradient was 11.4 ± 4.5 mmHg (p < 0.001). In contrast, among patients who received a self-expanding valve, the invasive aortic gradient was 10.3 ± 3.4 mmHg and the Doppler aortic gradient was 8.5 ± 4.6 mmHg (p = 0.18).ConclusionsBalloon-expandable valves were associated with lower invasive measurements versus post-TAVR Doppler gradients, while results were inconclusive regarding self-expanding valves.

4D Flow MRI hemodynamic benchmarking of surgical bioprosthetic valves

PurposeWe exploited 4-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging (4D Flow), combined with a standardized in vitro setting, to establish a comprehensive benchmark for the systematic hemodynamic comparison of surgical aortic bioprosthetic valves (BPVs). Materials and methods4D Flow analysis was performed on two small sizes of three commercialized pericardial BPVs (Trifecta™ GT, Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT Magna and Crown PRT®). Each BPV was tested over a clinically pertinent range of continuous flow rates within an in vitro MRI-compatible system, equipped with pressure transducers. In-house 4D Flow post-processing of the post-valvular velocity field included the quantification of BPV effective orifice area (EOA), transvalvular pressure gradients (TPG), kinetic energy and viscous energy dissipation. ResultsThe 4D Flow technique effectively captured the 3-dimensional flow pattern of each device. Trifecta exhibited the lowest range of velocity and kinetic energy, maximized EOA (p < 0.0001) and minimized TPGs (p ≤ 0.015) if compared with Magna and Crown, these reporting minor EOA difference s (p ≥ 0.042) and similar TPGs (p ≥ 0.25). 4D Flow TPGs estimations strongly correlated against ground-truth data from pressure transducers; viscous energy dissipation proved to be inversely proportional to the fluid jet penetration. ConclusionThe proposed 4D Flow analysis pinpointed consistent hemodynamic differences among BPVs, highlighting the not negligible effect of device size on the fluidynamic outcomes. The efficacy of non-invasive 4D Flow MRI protocol could shed light on how standardize the comparison among devices in relation to their actual hemodynamic performances and improve current criteria for their selection.

Transthoracic echocardiography-guided percutaneous intervention for treatment of atrial septal defect complicated with pulmonary valvular stenosis in children

Clinical data of 23 children with atrial septal defect and pulmonary valvular stenosis admitted in Dalian Children′s Hospital during March 2015 to March 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Twenty patients were treated with percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect through femoral vein first, then transthoracic echocardiography-guided balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty was performed; while 3 patients had no balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty after percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect. Patients were followed up by transthoracic echocardiography and all were doing well. The transvalvular pressure fell under 35 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) [(19.5±1.9)mmHg] in all patients, which was significantly lower than that before treatment [(62.0±7.8 mmHg)] (t=28.92, P<0.01). During follow-up, no residual shunt of atrial septal defect was found; and mild pulmonary regurgitation occurred in 3 cases. The study indicates that combined percutaneous treatment with transthoracic echocardiography guidance is effective and safe for children with atrial septal defect and pulmonary valvular stenosis. The pulmonary artery stenosis of some patients can be alleviated, after closuring of the atrial septal defect. Key words: Pulmonary valvular stenosis; Heart septal defect, atrial; Child; Transthoracic echocardiography

In vitro study of trileaflet polytetrafluoroethylene conduit and its valve-in-valve transformation.

Handmade trileaflet expanded polytetrafluoroethylene valved conduit developed using the flip-over method has been tailored for pulmonary valve reconstruction with satisfactory outcomes. We investigated the in vitro performance of the valve design in a mock circulatory system with various conduit sizes. In our study, the design was transformed into a transcatheter stent graft system which could fit in original valved conduits in a valve-in-valve fashion. Five different sizes of valved polytetrafluoroethylene vascular grafts (16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 mm) were mounted onto a mock circulatory system with a prism window for direct leaflets motion observation. Transvalvular pressure gradients were recorded using pressure transducers. Mean and instant flows were determined via a rotameter and a flowmeter. Similar flip-over trileaflet valve design was then carried out in 3 available stent graft sizes (23, 26 and 28.5 mm, Gore aortic extender), which were deployed inside the valved conduits. Peak pressure gradient across 5 different sized graft valves, in their appropriate flow setting (2.0, 2.5 and 5.0 l/min), ranged from 4.7 to 13.2 mmHg. No significant valve regurgitation was noted (regurgitant fraction: 1.6-4.9%) in all valve sizes and combinations. Three sizes of the trileaflet-valved stent grafts were implanted in the 4 sizes of valved conduits except for the 16-mm conduit. Peak pressure gradient increase after valved-stent graft-in-valved-conduit setting was <10 mmHg in all 4 conduits. The study showed excellent in vitro performance of trileaflet polytetrafluoroethylene valved conduits. Its valved stent graft transformation provided data which may serve as a reference for transcatheter valve-in-valve research in the future.

615 Symptomatic status and outcomes in a real-world severe aortic stenosis population

Abstract Introduction Aortic stenosis (AS) is one of the most common valvular heart diseases and is now frequently diagnosed in asymptomatic patients (AP). Symptomatic patients (SP) have a higher risk of adverse events, in contrast with AP. The current guidelines recommend aortic valve replacement (AVR) for SP with severe AS (SAS), with a very poor prognosis for those conservatively managed. Purpose To evaluate the baseline characteristics, therapeutic strategies and the long-term outcomes of SP and AP with SAS in a real­-world setting. Methods Retrospective cohort study of AP and SP with SAS (mean transvalvular pressure gradient (MG) &amp;gt; =40 mmHg or a peak transvalvular velocity (PTV) &amp;gt; =4.0 m/s), who were examined in our echo lab between January 2014 and December 2016. Follow-up was 2.6 ± 1.0 years. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization. Results 212 patients (pts) with SAS were included (age 76.1 ± 9.1years, 31.6% men; aortic valve area 0.69 ± 0.21cm2; PTV 4.5 ± 0.4m/s; MG 48.5 ± 11.6mmHg; left ventricular ejection fraction 58.8 ± 12.2%). 154 pts (72.6%) had symptoms related to aortic stenosis. The SP had higher PTV (4.6 ± 0.5 vs 4.3 ± 0.4m/s, p &amp;lt; 0.0001) and MG (50.4 ± 12.2 vs 43.5 ± 7.8mmHg, p &amp;lt; 0.0001), less peripheral artery disease (2.6% vs 12.1%, p = 0.011), more chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (13.0% vs 1.8%, p = 0.016) and arterial hypertension (74.0% vs 56.0%, p = 0.016). AVR (surgical n = 99, transcatheter n = 13) was performed in 47.6% (n = 101) SP and 19.0% (n = 11) AP (p &amp;lt; 0.0001), while the remainder with a formal indication (n = 70, 33.0%) were managed conservatively. Twelve AP (36.2%) did not undergo AVR, although they had indication (4 refused, 4 due to comorbidities and 4 died). The AVR was not performed in the SP group mostly due to comorbidities (n = 23, 14.9%) and refusal (n = 22, 14.3%). Forty-four pts (20.8%) had at least one event of the primary outcome and there were no differences in the SP and AP groups (n = 36, 23.4% in SP vs n = 8, 13.4% in AP, p = 0.125). However, SP and AP who underwent to AVR had fewer events (Figure 1). Pts with at least one event were mainly female (54.5%, p = 0.026), hadn’t performed AVR (84.1% vs 15.9%, p &amp;lt; 0.0001), had a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (58.4 ± 21.2 vs 66.3 ± 21.4mL/min/1.73m2, p = 0.03), higher systolic pulmonary artery pressure (45.4 ± 17.3 vs 37.8 ± 14.9mmHg, p = 0.016) and lower TAPSE (20.2 ± 4.9 vs 22.4 ± 4.2mm, p = 0.012). In the multivariate analysis, only the AVR was predictive of the outcome (HR 0.079, CI 0.028-0.227, p &amp;lt; 0.0001). Conclusion In a real-world experience, SAS has a high rate of adverse events. Few differences were observed between SP and AP. The AVR had a significant impact in the outcome, regardless of symptoms, thus implying that selected AP may as well benefit from this intervention. Nonetheless, in a real-world setting, more than one-third of the pts with a formal indication for intervention was conservatively treated. Abstract 615 Figure 1 Survival of SAS pts.

Early results of the Resilia Inspiris aortic valve in the old age patients - a retrospective comparison with the Carpentier Edwards Magna Ease.

Introduction: The Inspiris Resilia aortic valve® (INSPIRIS) is a pericardial bio-prosthesis with a new sterilization procedure that shows promising results in terms of reduced calcification. Methods: The 30-day mortality and morbidity were analyzed, comparing the INSPIRIS implanted between May 2017 and the end of January 2019, with its "predecessor", the Carpentier-Edwards Perimound Magna Ease (ME). Echocardiography was performed one-week after surgery. 125consecutively operated patients were included (59 INSPIRIS, 66 ME). Results: One patient in the ME group died and one patient in the INSPIRIS group had a complicated postoperative course due to right heart failure. Two patients (one INSPIRIS, one ME patient) suffered a perioperative stroke. The hemodynamic evaluation shows an effective reduction of mean transvalvular pressure gradients after surgery in both groups. INSPIRIS tended to have lower trans-prosthetic pressure gradients (9 mm Hg, Interquartile range [IQR] 11-7 mm Hg versus 12 mm Hg, IQR 15-9 mmHg; P = 0.001), reduced trans-prosthetic blood flow acceleration (209 cm/s, IQR 220-190 cm/s versus227 cm/s, IQR 263-191 cm/s; P = 0.003) and increased permeability indices (57%, IQR 67%- 47% versus42%, IQR 48%-38%; P8%; P < 0.001). Conclusion: There are only few clinical data available from INSPIRIS, and the present analysis confirms good results initial postoperatively with a tendency towards possibly improved hemodynamics compared to ME.

P863 Large pericardial effusion two months after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: case report of a post-cardiac injury syndrome

Abstract We present a case of a 87-year-old female with a symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (aortic valve area 0.9 cm2, mean transvalvular pressure gradient 44 mmHg). She was refused to surgical aortic valve replacement due to marked aortic root calcification. A transcatheter aortic valve (ACCURATE neo™ 27) was electively implanted. In immediate post-procedure, the patient presented an episode of hypotension, rapidly reverted with supportive treatment. A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) showed a circumferential mild pericardial effusion (PE) without prosthetic valve disfunction and with preserved biventricular systolic function. Due to paroxysmal episodes of atrial fibrillation, it was decided to withdraw anti-aggregation and to start anticoagulation. Four days after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) the patient presented newer intraventricular and atrioventricular conduction disturbance (left bundle branch block and type-I second-degree atrioventricular block). A definitive pacemaker was implanted without complications. PE maintained stable and seven days after TAVI the patient was discharged from hospital. Two months after TAVI, the patient was admitted to Intensive care unit (ICU) with increasing asthenia, dyspnea and pleuritic thoracic pain over the preceding two weeks. Laboratory workup exhibited elevation of inflammatory markers (leukocytosis and C-reactive protein). A TTE was performed and showed a large circumferential PE (29 mm) with signs of hemodynamic impact (swinging heart, inferior vena cava dilation with &amp;lt;50% inspiratory collapse, right atrial collapse &amp;gt;1/3 of cardiac cycle, proto-diastolic right ventricular collapse and mitral respiratory flow variation &amp;gt;25%). The patient started treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin 1000mg every 8h plus colchicine 0.5mg twice daily) and pericardiocentesis was initially postponed. In spite of clinical and echocardiographic improvement, she maintained elevated inflammatory markers and a moderate PE. Prednisolone 30mg daily was added to initial therapy and serial evaluations showed a pronounced reduction of PE as well as of inflammatory markers. Two weeks after admission to ICU the patient was discharged with a residual PE measuring less than 5mm. The previous recent cardiac intervention and the effective response to anti-inflammatory treatment suggest a post-cardiac injury syndrome. This case report wants to show that post-cardiac injury syndrome is a diagnosis that should be keep in mind after TAVI. Abstract P863 Figure. TTE showing large pericardial effusion

P761 Clinical manifestation of bicuspid aortic valve in single center registry

Abstract INTRODUCTION Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a congenital cardiac defect which may contribute to aortic stenosis (AS) and regurgitation (AR), aortopathy, endocarditis or in some group of patients remains without echocardiographic deviations. Prognosis of BAV population is hardly predictable. Nevertheless, the population of BAV requires regular medical control. PURPOSE The aim of our study was to assess the BAV appearance and characteristics in the Single Center Registry. METHODS All patients with recognition of BAV admitted to First Department of Cardiology at Medical University of Gdansk in years 2012-2018 were enrolled to analysis. Echocardiographic data were collected. Anthropometrics and comorbidities were recorded. Patents were categorized depending on BAV phenotype: coronary cusps fusion (Type 1), right-noncoronary cusps fusion (Type 2), left-noncornary cusps fusion (Type 3) and BAV without raphe (True Type). RESULTS 323 (25,7% female) patients were enrolled into the Registry. Average age of studied group was 55 ± 16.0. 190 (58.8%) patients were characterized by Type 1 BAV, 75 (23.2%) by Type 2 and 8 (2.4%) by Type 3. There were only 3 patients with True Type. In 14.5% of patients we were unable to clearly identify BAV phenotype. For the further analysis there were included Type 1 and Type 2 groups due to low prevalence of other types. Patients with Type 2 were slightly younger (51.3 ± 16.2 years vs 57.5 ± 13.4 years in Type 1 group; p &amp;lt; 0.01). The aortopathy appeared in 221 patients (68.4% of studied group). Type 1 was associated with larger diameter of aortic root comparing with Type 2 (40.7 ± 6.0 mm vs 38.7 ± 10.6 mm, respectively; p &amp;lt; 0.001), without significant difference in ascending aorta diameter (42.3 ± 7.1 mm in Type 1 and 40.9 ± 6.7 mm in Type 2; p = 0.19). In contrary, Type 2 was correlating with the higher prevalence of severe AR (16% vs 5.7% in Type 1; p &amp;lt; 0.01). Prevalence of AS was similar in both groups (48.4% in Type 1 and 37.85 in Type 2; p = 0.1). In the subgroup with severe AS (75 patients), there was no significant differences in the hemodynamic profile of AS between Type 1 and Type 2 group (respectively; peak transvalvular velocity- 4.5 ± 0.5 m/s2 vs 4.3 ± 0.6 m/s2, p = 0.2; mean transvalvular pressure- 54.2 ± 13.6 mmHg vs 46.6 ± 13.8 mmHg, p = 0.08; aortic valve area- 0.7 ± 0.1 cm2 vs 0.8 ± 0.1 cm2, p = 0.5). 4.3% of studied group were hospitalized due to endocarditis. Average age in that subgroup was 42.3 ± 12.0 years. There was no correlation between BAV phenotype and endocarditis prevalence. CONCLUSION Despite higher prevalence of severe AR in patients with Type 2 BAV, Type 1 is more predisposing to aortic root abnormalities. That discrepancy may confirm complex pathophysiology of BAV complications. Prevalence of AS and hemodynamic profile of severe AS does not present correlation with the type of BAV phenotype.

P200 The impact of left venticule ejection fraction on long-term outcome in patients with high- and low-gradient severe aortic stenosis - data from ASRegistry

Abstract Background Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common primary valve disease leading to surgery or catheter intervention with a growing prevalence due to the ageing population. Severe aortic stenosis with reduced transaortic flow and gradient although it is a common finding still remains diagnostic challenge. Purpose The aim of study was to analyse the outcomes of patients with high- and low-gradient aortic stenosis depending on the ejection fraction. Methods 621 patients hospitalized in the First Department of Cardiology, with severe aortic stenosis defined as aortic valve area &amp;lt;1cm2 were enrolled to the Aortic Stenosis Registry (ASRegistry). The high-gradient aortic stenosis (HG-AS) [mean transvalvular pressure gradient (PGmean) ≥40mmHg and peak transvalvular velocity (Vmax) ≥ 4 m/s] and low-gradient aortic stenosis (LG-AS) [mean transvalvular pressure gradient (PGmean) &amp;lt;40mmHg and peak transvalvular velocity (Vmax) &amp;lt;4 m/s] were observed in 54%(n = 340) and 45% (n = 281) patients, respectively. In the subgroup of HG-AS were 80% (n = 275) and in the subgroup of LG-AS were 61%(n = 174) of patients with preserved left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF &amp;gt; 50%). The patients were observed for a period of 6 years (2012-2018). The primary end-point, all-cause mortality, was obtained from Nation Health Registry. Results Patients with LG-AS had a significantly higher risk of mortality compared to patients with HG-AS: 35% (n = 101) vs 26% (n = 87), p &amp;lt; 0,05. Mortality in both group with HG-AS and LG-AS was significantly higher in the subgroup with diminished left ventricle dysfunction than in the subgroup with preserved ejection fraction: HG-AS: 44%(n = 29) vs 21%(n = 58), p &amp;lt; 0,05 and LG-AS: 53%(n = 57) vs 25%(n = 44), p &amp;lt; 0,05. The highest mortality rates was observed in the LG-AS group with left ventricule dysfunction, p &amp;lt; 0,001. Conclusions The study shows the negative impact of left ventricle dysfunction in both groups of patients: high- and low-gradient severe aortic stenosis. The worst prognosis is in patients with LG-AS and low LVEF.

Initial experience with the Perceval S sutureless aortic valve.

IntroductionSurgical treatment of the aortic valve represents the gold standard, and thus aortic valve replacement (AVR) is one of the most commonly performed cardiac operations.AimTo evaluate the early outcome of aortic valve replacement with the Perceval S sutureless aortic bioprosthesis.Material and methodsThis was a retrospective analysis of 24 patients (mean age: 71 ±5 years), who underwent aortic valve replacement with a Perceval S valve. Concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was performed in 9 patients. Patients were evaluated preoperatively, at hospital discharge, and once during follow-up.ResultsA total of 15 of 24 patients underwent isolated sutureless aortic valve replacement (mean aortic cross-clamp time: 60 ±14 minutes; mean bypass time: 90 ±23 minutes). Coronary bypass grafting was performed in 9 patients (mean aortic cross-clamp time: 78 ±23 minutes; mean bypass time: 111 ±31 minutes). Hospital mortality was nil. Mean and peak transvalvular pressure gradients were 10 ±2 mm Hg and 21 ±3 mm Hg at follow-up, respectively. Moderate or severe aortic regurgitation did not develop in any patients during the follow-up period. No valve thrombosis, thromboembolic events, or structural valve deterioration were observed.ConclusionsIn our experience with sutureless aortic valve replacement, the surgical procedure is shown to be safe. The early haemodynamic performance seems favourable. By shortening the aortic cross-clamp and bypass times we can notice advantages, especially in high-risk patients. Minimally invasive access seems to be facilitated. Larger studies are needed to confirm our data and determine the long-term durability of the Perceval S sutureless bioprosthesis.

Aortic Valvular Disease in Elderly Subjects with Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Impact of Lipid-Lowering Therapy.

Hypercholesterolemia and statins are risk factors for aortic stenosis (AS) and vascular calcification, respectively. Whether heterozygous subjects with familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) treated with statins are at risk of AS is unknown. We study the prevalence of AS, aortic valve calcification (AoVC), and aortic sclerosis (ASc) in elderly subjects with HeFH in a prolonged statin treatment. Case-control study, cases were adults ≥65 years of age with a genetic diagnosis of HeFH, LDLc >220 mg/dl, and statin treatment ≥5 years. Controls were relatives of HeFH patients, with LDLc <190 mg/dl. Participants underwent a cardiac ultrasound for aortic valve analysis. We studied 205 subjects, 112 HeFH and 93 controls, with mean age 71.8(6.5) years and 70.0(7.3) years, respectively. HeHF, with respect to controls, presented greater gradients of aortic transvalvular pressure, 7.4(7.3) mmHg versus 5.0(2.8) mmHg, and maximum aortic velocity, 1.7(0.7) m/s versus 1.5(0.4) m/s, and lower aortic valve opening area, 2.0(0.7) cm2 versus 2.4(0.6) cm2 (all p < 0.05). AoVC and ASc were also more prevalent in HeFH (p < 0.05 between groups). Moderate/severe AS prevalence was higher among HeFH: 7.1% versus 1.1% (age- and sex-adjusted odds ratio (OR) 8.33, p = 0.03). Independent risk factors for aortic valve disease in HeFH were age and LDLc before treatment. The number of years under statin treatment was not associated with any aortic valve measurement. Subjects ≥65 years with HeFH in prolonged statin treatment show more aortic valvular disease and higher frequency of AS than controls. Life-long elevated LDLc exposure, rather than time of exposure to statins, explains this higher risk.