Valve Repair Procedures Research Articles

Transapical off-pump mitral valve repair with NeoChord™ implantation: An early single-center Portuguese experience.

Transapical off-pump NeoChord DS1000™ implantation is a minimally invasive surgical mitral valve repair (MVr) procedure to treat degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR), which is performed using the NeoChord DS1000™ system with two and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic guidance on a beating heart. It has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in carefully selected patients. The authors aim to analyze short-term clinical and echocardiographic results after mitral valve repair using the NeoChord™ system. All patients that underwent transapical off-pump mitral valve repair with NeoChord™ implantation at our center, between December 2017 and December 2019, were included. The procedure was performed by left minithoracotomy, under general anesthesia. All patients presented severe primary MR due to flail/prolapse of one leaflet (anterior or posterior). Eighteen patients were included in the analysis, the mean age was 65±15 years, 72% were male. The mean EuroSCORE II was 1.9±1.6. All patients had New York Heart Association (NYHA) class ≥ II. Mean effective regurgitant orifice area was 1.0±0.4 cm2, with a mean regurgitant volume 146±42 mL, and a mean leaflet-to-annulus index of 1.29±0.14. MR was due to leaflet prolapse in 50% (N=9), and flail leaflet in 50% (N=9). Anatomic type A (isolated P2 defect) was the predominant form in 66.5% (N=12). Successful repair, defined by none, trace or mild mitral regurgitation, by implantation of two to four neochordae, was achieved in all 18 patients. No major complications arose intra-procedurally. The median follow-up was 194 days. NYHA class was ≤II in 94.5% patients at six-month follow-up, which represented a significant improvement in symptomatic status (p=0.002). At follow-up, 72% of patients (N=13) had grade ≤2 MR. There was a significant reduction in mean indexed left atrium volume (63±7 mL/m2 vs. 45±6 mL/m2, p=0.038), mean indexed left ventricular end-diastolic volume (87±7 mL/m2 vs. 79±9 ml/m2, p=0.001), and pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (44±4 vs. 31±8 mmHg, p=0.002). The re-intervention rate was 11.1% (N=2, both patients underwent reintervention, either a re-do NeoChord™ or conventional MV repair on-pump surgery). No major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events were registered. In selected patients, minimally invasive MVr using the NeoChord™ system is safe, effective and reproducible. Early clinical and echocardiographic results suggest a significant symptomatic improvement, sustained MR grade decrease, and favorable left cardiac chamber remodeling, with low re-intervention rates. These results warrant further confirmation in larger cohorts, on longer period of follow-up.

Paravalvular Leak After Mitral Valve Replacement or Another Source for a Regurgitant Jet?

A 73-YEAR-OLD man (height: 169 cm, weight: 55kg), with a history of mitral valve repair, tricuspid annuloplasty, and Maze procedure, presented to the authors' emergency department with an 8-day history of profound fatigue. Multiple blood cultures grew Streptococcus dysgalactiae. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) showed vegetations on the anterior mitral valve leaflet and mild-to-moderate mitral regurgitation. He was started on intravenous antibiotics (ampicillin and clindamycin) for a diagnosis of infectious endocarditis, but he did not improve. Magnetic resonance imaging indicated acute cerebral infarction during the patient's hospital course. Repeat TEE showed worsening mitral regurgitation and enlarging mitral valve vegetations. As a result, the patient was taken to the operating room for redo mitral valve replacement, maze procedure, and left atrial appendage (LAA) ligation. Intraoperative TEE confirmed the presence of vegetations on both the anterior leaflet and annuloplasty ring. The native mitral valve was excised and replaced with a 31-mm bioprosthesis. LAA ligation also was performed. After weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, a modified midesophageal long-axis view with color Doppler imaging demonstrated abnormal blood flow near the bioprosthetic valve (Fig 1; Video 1). What is the diagnosis?

C10. An ultra-rare case of Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome with severe aortic regurgitation due to bicuspid aortic valve in a 9-year-old girl

Abstract Background Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is an ultra-rare autosomal dominant that result in progressive premature aging syndrome. Cardiovascular diseases become the main cause of mortality including myocardial infarction, interstitial myocardial fibrosis, hypertension and calcification of the mitral and aortic valves. However, the relationship between HGPS and bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) has not been documented yet. Case Summary A 9-year-old girl with HGPS presented to the outpatient clinic with a complaint of shortness of breath since 5 years ago, especially when she did moderate physical activity. Chest pain and palpitation were denied. Her physical examination revealed short stature, thin, wrinkled skin, craniofacial disproportion with alopecia, shrunken facies and prominent scalp veins. There was failure to thrive and diastolic murmur grade 2/4 is heard on the aortic area. Laboratory test showed leukocytosis. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed severe aortic regurgitation due to calcified bicuspid aortic valve and mild mitral regurgitation. She was managed by conservative therapy because her parents were still considering the aortic valve repair procedure. Discussion The HGPS patient with severe aortic regurgitation due to BAV should be managed to reduce cardiovascular complications. Aortic valve repair is an interesting alternative to replacement managing aortic regurgitation due to BAV in young adults. Recently, advanced science about BAV disease and refinement of surgical techniques improved standardization of BAV repair procedure.

C10. An ultra-rare case of Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome with severe aortic regurgitation due to bicuspid aortic valve in a 9-year-old girl

Abstract Background Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is an ultra-rare autosomal dominant that result in progressive premature aging syndrome. Cardiovascular diseases become the main cause of mortality including myocardial infarction, interstitial myocardial fibrosis, hypertension and calcification of the mitral and aortic valves. However, the relationship between HGPS and bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) has not been documented yet. Case Summary A 9-year-old girl with HGPS presented to the outpatient clinic with a complaint of shortness of breath since 5 years ago, especially when she did moderate physical activity. Chest pain and palpitation were denied. Her physical examination revealed short stature, thin, wrinkled skin, craniofacial disproportion with alopecia, shrunken facies and prominent scalp veins. There was failure to thrive and diastolic murmur grade 2/4 is heard on the aortic area. Laboratory test showed leukocytosis. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed severe aortic regurgitation due to calcified bicuspid aortic valve and mild mitral regurgitation. She was managed by conservative therapy because her parents were still considering the aortic valve repair procedure. Discussion The HGPS patient with severe aortic regurgitation due to BAV should be managed to reduce cardiovascular complications. Aortic valve repair is an interesting alternative to replacement managing aortic regurgitation due to BAV in young adults. Recently, advanced science about BAV disease and refinement of surgical techniques improved standardization of BAV repair procedure.

Transapical off-pump mitral valve repair with NeoChord™ implantation: An early single-center Portuguese experience

IntroductionTransapical off-pump NeoChord DS1000™ implantation is a minimally invasive surgical mitral valve repair (MVr) procedure to treat degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR), which is performed using the NeoChord DS1000™ system with two and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic guidance on a beating heart. It has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in carefully selected patients. ObjectiveThe authors aim to analyze short-term clinical and echocardiographic results after mitral valve repair using the NeoChord™ system. MethodsAll patients that underwent transapical off-pump mitral valve repair with NeoChord™ implantation at our center, between December 2017 and December 2019, were included. The procedure was performed by left minithoracotomy, under general anesthesia. All patients presented severe primary MR due to flail/prolapse of one leaflet (anterior or posterior). ResultsEighteen patients were included in the analysis, the mean age was 65±15 years, 72% were male. The mean EuroSCORE II was 1.9±1.6. All patients had New York Heart Association (NYHA) class ≥ II. Mean effective regurgitant orifice area was 1.0±0.4 cm2, with a mean regurgitant volume 146±42 mL, and a mean leaflet-to-annulus index of 1.29±0.14. MR was due to leaflet prolapse in 50% (N=9), and flail leaflet in 50% (N=9). Anatomic type A (isolated P2 defect) was the predominant form in 66.5% (N=12). Successful repair, defined by none, trace or mild mitral regurgitation, by implantation of two to four neochordae, was achieved in all 18 patients. No major complications arose intra-procedurally. The median follow-up was 194 days. NYHA class was ≤II in 94.5% patients at six-month follow-up, which represented a significant improvement in symptomatic status (p=0.002). At follow-up, 72% of patients (N=13) had grade ≤2 MR. There was a significant reduction in mean indexed left atrium volume (63±7 mL/m2 vs. 45±6 mL/m2, p=0.038), mean indexed left ventricular end-diastolic volume (87±7 mL/m2 vs. 79±9 ml/m2, p=0.001), and pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (44±4 vs. 31±8 mmHg, p=0.002). The re-intervention rate was 11.1% (N=2, both patients underwent reintervention, either a re-do NeoChord™ or conventional MV repair on-pump surgery). No major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events were registered. ConclusionsIn selected patients, minimally invasive MVr using the NeoChord™ system is safe, effective and reproducible. Early clinical and echocardiographic results suggest a significant symptomatic improvement, sustained MR grade decrease, and favorable left cardiac chamber remodeling, with low re-intervention rates. These results warrant further confirmation in larger cohorts, on longer period of follow-up.

Protocolo diagnóstico y tratamiento de la valvulopatía aórtica

The transthoracic echocardiogram is the essential diagnostic tool in aortic valve disease, and often requires a multimodal approach for a complete assessment. The treatment of choice for aortic stenosis is surgical valve replacement, indicated in the presence of symptoms or left ventricular dysfunction resulting from the stenosis. There have been major advances in recent years in the field of percutaneous intervention, and therefore the treatment paradigm and prognosis of these patients has changed substantially. On other hand, aortic regurgitation should be treated in the presence of symptoms, left ventricular dilatation or dysfunction resulting from aortic regurgitation or significant aortic dilatation. Surgery is the treatment of choice, prioritising valve repair procedures over replacement when technically feasible.

Transapical mitral valve repair procedures: Primetime for microinvasive mitral valve surgery.

Nowadays micro-invasive-procedures (off-pump, beating-heart) for mitral valve repair (MVRe) are abruptly expanding with the potential to be adopted as a valuable alternative to surgery. In the present manuscript, the authors review the available technologies intended to treat mitral regurgitation (MR) through transapical approach, including annuloplasty and chordal-repair options. To date, Valcare Amend is the only transapical MV ring to have been implanted in patients. The device allows for stabilization of the annulus through a complete semirigid d-shaped ring. The first-in-human successful procedure was performed in 2016 by our Group and subsequent clinical experience included a total of 14 implanted patients. Currently, the technology is under clinical trial evaluation to validate the efficacy and safety profile of the device. Beating-heart chordal implantation via transapical approach is a current feasible, safe and reproducible option. Neochord DS1000 is the most widely used technology in the field, with a solid procedural experience and good results in well-selected patients. Its clinical use has been validated in Europe since 2012, while it is still under clinical investigation in the United States. Harpoon MVRe system is a novel technology, recently CE-mark approved for clinical use. Transapical micro-invasive technologies are current viable therapies to treat MR in selected patients. Although there are still several limitations that preclude an extensive use of such procedures, their results are promising in well-selected patients. Embracing transcatheter MVRe therapies should guide the cardiac surgeon through the new revolution of micro-invasive MV tailored repair.

Trends, Predictors and In-Hospital Outcomes of the Next Day Discharge Approach After Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair

Early discharge strategies are associated with lower cost and resource utilization during hospitalization, as such we sought to evaluate trends, predictors and outcomes of the next day discharge (NDD) approach after transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) procedures with the MitraClip device. The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried between 2013 and 2018 for patients undergoing TMVR using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 9 procedure code '3597' and ICD-10 procedure code '02UG3JZ'. Patients undergoing TMVR were stratified into two groups, determined by hospital length of stay (LOS) [≤1 day, NDD versus >1-day, non-NDD]. Overall, 22,035 patients underwent TMVR with 35.7% (n=7,870) belonging to the NDD group (mean age 78.1 ± 9.7 years, women 45%). From 2013 to 2018, the proportion of patients being discharged using the NDD approach trended upward from 18.3% to 46.0%. Amongst demographic and social factors, female sex, black race, and low median household income were predictive of non-NDD (p <0.05 for all). Amongst clinical factors, anemia, iron deficiency anemia, major depressive disorder, thrombocytopenia, obesity and end stage renal disease were some predictors of non-NDD (p <0.05 for all). In the non-NDD group there was a downward trend of pooled post-procedure complications, post procedure cardiogenic shock, vascular complications, acute kidney injury, mechanical circulatory support use, acute respiratory distress and postoperative ischemic stroke and (p for trend <0.001 for all). Despite the overall downward trend, complications began increasing in 2017-18. In conclusion, these trends may reflect improving operator experience, advancement in vascular access device closures and techniques, and prioritization of decreasing length of stay. Ideally, the feasibility and safety of this approach should be confirmed in larger-sized multicenter, randomized trials.

Patient-specific preprocedural planning for tricuspid valve repair and replacement procedures.

Despite the prevalence of tricuspid valve regurgitation disorders, isolated interventions on tricuspid valves were previously infrequent due to high mortality rates and lack of advanced clinical imaging technology. Due to advancements in cardiovascular imaging and interventional technologies tricuspid valve repairs and replacement interventions became increasingly more attainable. Noninvasive clinical imaging of the tricuspid valve can be challenging, providing anincomplete assessment of unique tricuspid anatomy. 3D printing technology represents an additional tool for more comprehensive preprocedural planning of tricuspid interventions and observation of tricuspid valve geometry. Patient-specific 3D printed replicas of tricuspid valve apparatus are especially useful in highly complicated cases, where physiological tricuspid replicas allow benchtop observation of individual patient's anatomy, device implantation in physiological tricuspid valves and interactions of devices with native tricuspid tissue, frequently leading to optimization or change in operational strategy. Comprehensive use of clinical imaging including echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance along with 3D printed modeling is key to successful tricuspid repair and replacements. Patient-specific 3D printed models of tricuspid anatomy can facilitate preprocedural planning, educate patients and clinicians, and improve device design, leading to the overall improvement of patients' outcomes and care.

A Heart Surgery Simulator With an Integrated Supervision System for Self-Learning the Key Steps and Pitfalls of the Mitral Valve Repair: Initial Investigation.

Over the years, surgical education has dramatically improved and has become increasingly innovative. Almost all educational programs in surgery now rely on sophisticated training boxes and simulators that enable surgical instruments to be handled and surgical procedures to be trained in a safe environment. However, simulators need constant feedback from supervising senior surgeons, who only have limited teaching time available. We describe a cardiac surgery simulator with an integrated supervision system for self-learning how to repair a mitral valve. We developed a mitral surgery simulator with integrated sensors to generate, record, and display quantitative data on trainee performance in relation with the mitral valve repair procedure. A team of experienced cardiac surgeons defined critical areas of the model and an algorithm to identify inconsistent movements, in terms of error types and out-of-bound actions. The device provided real-time feedback on the accuracy of the stitches placed. Four experienced cardiac surgeons and 3 advanced cardiac-surgery used the simulator and were asked to evaluate specific parameters of the system on a scale ranging from 1 to 10. All surgeons completed a P2 resection, followed by implanting a 32-mm mitral ring. The simulator detected 2 stitches that were placed in dangerous zones and another stitch that was placed in an inappropriate position. Users scored the real tissue feeling and interactivity of the model 9.5/10. This heart-surgery simulator offers a real-life model for learning about and training in mitral valve surgery, which could potentially replace the experienced surgeon's teaching role.

Long-term results of triple valve repair in rheumatic heart disease.

The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical outcomes of triple valve repair for rheumatic heart disease in terms of both early results and long-term benefits. Between January 2008 and December 2016, all the patients who underwent triple valve repair for rheumatic heart disease were included in this study. Thirty-eight patients underwent triple valve repair procedure for rheumatic heart disease at our institute. Mean age was 33 years; 60.5% were females. Techniques used to achieve mitral valve repair were: commisurotomy (n = 26), prosthetic ring annuloplasty (n = 9), posterior teflon annuloplasty (n = 23), leaflet shaving (n = 14), implantation of neochordae (n = 5) and pericardial patch augmentation of mitral valve leaflets (n = 6). For aortic valve repair, the techniques used were: commisurotomy (n = 23), leaflet shaving (n = 16), pericardial patch augmentation (n = 3), subcommisural plication (n = 10), free margin plication (n = 2) and free margin resuspension (n = 1). Tricuspid valve repair was performed using modified Devega's technique (n = 32), commisurotomy (n = 9) and posterior annular plication (bicuspidization) (n = 5). The operative mortality was 0%. There was no primary repair failure. Estimated survival at the end of 1 year, 5 years and 10 years was 100%, 91.6% and 65.8%, respectively. Overall freedom from reintervention at 1, 5 and 10 years was 100%, 96.4% and 61.4, respectively. Triple valve repair provided satisfactory early and long-term results in this challenging subset of patients and can be considered as an acceptable option for significant triple valve disease due to the absence of anticoagulation-related events.

Centre procedural volume and adverse in-hospital outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous transvenous edge-to-edge mitral valve repair using MitraClip® in Germany.

The number of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) procedures has increased substantially during the last years. A better understanding of the relationship between hospital volume of transcatheter transvenous mitral valve repairs using MitraClip® and patient outcomes may provide information for future policy decisions to improve patient management. We analysed patient characteristics and in-hospital outcomes for all TMVr procedures using MitraClip® performed in Germany from 2011 to 2017. Hospitals were stratified according to centre volumes and patients were compared for baseline characteristics and adverse in-hospital events. Overall, 24 709 inpatients were treated during the observational period. Patients treated in centres with a volume of ≤10 procedures annually developed more often pulmonary embolism (odds ratio 2.22, 95% confidence interval 1.19-4.13; P=0.012) compared to those treated in centres with a volume of >10 procedures annually, whereas no association of centre volume (≤10 or >10) was found with in-hospital mortality (P=0.728). Although patients treated in centres with an annual volume >25 TMVr procedures had higher numbers of comorbidities compared to those treated in centres with an annual volume of ≤25 TMVr procedures, in-hospital mortality did not differ (3.6% vs. 3.5%, P=0.485). Similarly, when centre volumes were stratified for ≤50 vs. >50 procedural volumes, no association with in-hospital mortality was recorded (P=0.792). A lower rate of mitral valve surgery after MitraClip® was observed over time, particularly in high-volume centres. Annual numbers of MitraClip® implantations increased from 2011 to 2017 in Germany, whereas in-hospital mortality remained stable. Although patients treated in high-volume centres had a more unfavourable risk profile, in-hospital mortality was comparable to that of low-volume centres.

Double-leaflet Technique for Mitral Regurgitation With Small or Tethered Posterior Leaflet

Small leaflets make mitral valve repair procedures challenging. Our double-leaflet technique creates a new autologous pericardial leaflet attached to the papillary muscle, annuloplasty ring, and neighboring scallops above the small or tethered posterior leaflet. This simple additional technique provides deep coaptation after mitral valve repair for both degenerative and functional mitral regurgitation with the small or tethered posterior leaflet.

Narrative review of the contemporary surgical treatment of unicuspid aortic valve disease.

Unicuspid aortic valve disease (UAVD) is a frequent and long-lasting challenge for adult congenital heart disease centers. UAVD patients become usually symptomatic in their twenties or thirties and require a surgical treatment plan which should respect their complete lifespan combined with an adequate quality of life. Unfortunately, all current surgical strategies of congenital aortic valve disease bear some important limitations: (I) Aortic valve replacement using bioprosthetic valves is associated with early structural degeneration and leads frequently to re-operations. (II) Mechanical valves are commonly associated with lifelong risk of severe bleeding due to oral anticoagulation. (III) Using a pulmonary autograft (i.e., Ross procedure) for aortic valve replacement is associated with excellent long-term results in non-elderly patients. However, failure of pulmonary autograft or pulmonary homograft may require re-operations. (IV) Aortic valve repair or Ozaki procedure is only performed in a few heart centers worldwide and is associated with a limited reproducibility and early patch degeneration, suture dehiscence or increased risk of endocarditis. In contrast to degenerative tricuspid aortic valve disease, UAVD remains relatively understudied and reports on UAVD treatment are rare and usually limited to retrospective single-center observations. For this review, we searched PubMed for papers in the English language by using the search words unicuspid aortic valve, congenital aortic valve, Ross procedure, Ozaki procedure, aortic valve repair, mechanical/bioprosthetic aortic replacement, homograft. We read the abstracts of relevant titles to confirm their relevance, and the full papers were then extracted. References from extracted papers were checked for additional relevant reports. This review summarizes current surgical treatment strategies for UAVD including aortic valve replacement using bioprosthetic or mechanical valves, homografts, pulmonary autografts (i.e., Ross procedure) and aortic valve repair techniques for UAV. Furthermore, Ozaki procedure will be discussed.

Comparison of flexible, open with semi-rigid, closed annuloplasty-rings for mitral valve repair

BackgroundMitral regurgitation is a frequent valvular disease, with an increasing prevalence. We analysed the long-term outcomes of mitral valve repair procedures conducted over the last 10 years in our clinic using almost exclusively two different annuloplasty ring types.MethodsA single-centre, retrospective analysis of mitral valve surgeries conducted between January 2005 and December 2015 for patients undergoing first-line mitral valve repair with either open (Cosgrove) or closed (CE Physio / Physio II) annuloplasty (OA or CA, respectively) rings.ResultsIn total, 1120 patient documentations were available of which 528 underwent OA and 592 patients CA. The median age of patients was 64.0 years and 41.1% were female. The majority of these patients underwent the procedure because of degenerative valve disease. Rates of successful repair were about 90%, 72 h procedural mortality was 0.6% and the rate of re-intervention was 0.6% within the first 30 days. Functional (mitral regurgitation, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic and systolic diameter and New York Heart Association class) as well as hard outcomes were comparable. 77.7 and 74.4% of patients were alive at the 10-year follow-up in the OA and CA groups, respectively. Upon multivariable adjustment, the hazard ratio was 0.926 (95% CI: 0.642–1.3135; p = 0.681).ConclusionsThe functional outcome and survival rates up to 10 years after mitral valve repair were comparable using open and closed annuloplasty rings. Whether this means these rings are interchangeable or a carefully selection of the best-for-the-patient devices will be subject of future investigations.

Progression of Tricuspid Regurgitation After Surgery for Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation

BackgroundWhether to repair nonsevere tricuspid regurgitation (TR) during surgery for ischemic mitral valve regurgitation (IMR) remains uncertain. ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to investigate the incidence, predictors, and clinical significance of TR progression and presence of ≥moderate TR after IMR surgery. MethodsPatients (n = 492) with untreated nonsevere TR within 2 prospectively randomized IMR trials were included. Key outcomes were TR progression (either progression by ≥2 grades, surgery for TR, or severe TR at 2 years) and presence of ≥moderate TR at 2 years. ResultsPatients’ mean age was 66 ± 10 years (67% male), and TR distribution was 60% ≤trace, 31% mild, and 9% moderate. Among 2-year survivors, TR progression occurred in 20 (6%) of 325 patients. Baseline tricuspid annular diameter (TAD) was not predictive of TR progression. At 2 years, 37 (11%) of 323 patients had ≥moderate TR. Baseline TR grade, indexed TAD, and surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation were independent predictors of ≥moderate TR. However, TAD alone had poor discrimination (area under the curve, ≤0.65). Presence of ≥moderate TR at 2 years was higher in patients with MR recurrence (20% vs. 9%; p = 0.02) and a permanent pacemaker/defibrillator (19% vs. 9%; p = 0.01). Clinical event rates (composite of ≥1 New York Heart Association functional class increase, heart failure hospitalization, mitral valve surgery, and stroke) were higher in patients with TR progression (55% vs. 23%; p = 0.003) and ≥moderate TR at 2 years (38% vs. 22%; p = 0.04). ConclusionsAfter IMR surgery, progression of unrepaired nonsevere TR is uncommon. Baseline TAD is not predictive of TR progression and is poorly discriminative of ≥moderate TR at 2 years. TR progression and presence of ≥moderate TR are associated with clinical events. (Comparing the Effectiveness of a Mitral Valve Repair Procedure in Combination With Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting [CABG] Versus CABG Alone in People With Moderate Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation, NCT00806988; Comparing the Effectiveness of Repairing Versus Replacing the Heart’s Mitral Valve in People With Severe Chronic Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation, NCT00807040)

Feasibility of Same-Day Discharge Approach After Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair Procedures.

Early discharge strategies are increasingly adopted after percutaneous cardiac interventions. However, there is a paucity of data on early discharge after transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVRep) procedures. In this report, we aimed to present our data on same-day discharge after MitraClip (Abbott Structural) procedures. A total of 82 patients who underwent TMVRep and were discharged the same day were included in the study. Patients who underwent the procedure with moderate conscious anesthesia, and without periprocedural complications and a stable early course post procedure, were considered candidates for same-day discharge. A next-day follow-up exam at the cardiology clinic was scheduled for all patients for removal of the groin access figure-of-eight subcutaneous sutures and for echocardiographic examination. Thirty-nine patients had primary mitral regurgitation (MR), while 43 patients had secondary MR. A mean of 1.4 ± 0.4 clips were implanted per patient (range, 1 to 2 clips). Postprocedural MR grade was 1+ or lower in 64 patients (63.6%) and 2+ in 38 patients (36.4%). All patients were evaluated in the office clinic the next day, and had no major complications. Same-day discharge approach can be safely performed in selected patients after TMVRep procedures. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed.

BEATING HEART MITRAL VALVE REPLACEMENT. EXPERIENCE AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Objective: To study the early outcomes of mitral valve surgery performed with a beating heart and cardiopulmonary bypass.&#x0D; Study Design: Prospective descriptive study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Cardiac Surgery department, Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology, Rawalpindi, from Aug 2017 to Aug 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: Consecutive patients requiring mitral valve surgery were included in the study. Those requiring multiple procedures, redo procedures and emergency procedures were excluded from the study. Data was collected on preformed proformas and perioperative variables were recorded. Patients were followed till discharge or 30 days after the surgery. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.0 was used to analyse the data.&#x0D; Results: A total of 27 patients were included in the study, 21 (77.78%) female and 6 (22.2%) male patients. The mean age of the patients was 30.89 ± 10.8 years. Of the cohort, 4 (14.8%) had mitral stenosis, 16 (59.3%) had mitral regurgitation and mixed disease (both mitral stenosis and mitral regurgitation) was present in 7 (25.9%). The median pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was 34 mmHg. All the patients received mechanical mitral valve prosthesis, 27 (100%). A modified Devaga’s procedure for tricuspid valve repair was done in 4 (14.8%) patients. Most of the patients required only mild inotropic support, 22 (81.4%). Median intensive care unit stay was 24 hours with a mean of 33 ± 16 hours. All the patients were alive at the end of the early follow up.&#x0D; Conclusion: Beating heart mitral valve surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass is a feasible technique. It has acceptable early outcome in terms of mortality and major morbidity indicators.

Neo-aortic Valve Repair and Ross Procedure After the Arterial Switch Operation

Neo-aortic valve regurgitation is common in adolescents and young adults who have undergone the arterial switch operation in infancy. The incidence of significant neo-aortic valve regurgitation increases as these patients age. Neo-aortic valve repair and the Ross procedure are good surgical options in such patients. Herein we describe these surgical techniques. Neo-aortic valve regurgitation is common in adolescents and young adults who have undergone the arterial switch operation in infancy. The incidence of significant neo-aortic valve regurgitation increases as these patients age. Neo-aortic valve repair and the Ross procedure are good surgical options in such patients. Herein we describe these surgical techniques.

Comparison of bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve repair.

OBJECTIVESThe aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) and bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) repair. METHODSWe assessed mortality, freedom from reoperation and the rate of aortic valve regurgitation recurrence. Mortality in both groups was compared with expected survival, and risk factors for reoperation were identified.RESULTSFrom January 2010 to April 2020, a total of 368 elective aortic valve repair procedures were performed, including 223 (60.6%) in patients with TAV. The perioperative mortality was 0.7% in the BAV group and 3.6% in the TAV group (P = 0.079). Estimated survival at 5 years in the BAV versus TAV group was 97 ± 3% vs 80 ± 6%, respectively (P < 0.001). Freedom from reoperation at 5 years in the TAV versus BAV group was 96 ± 3% vs 93 ± 4%, respectively (P = 0.28). Grade 2 or more aortic valve regurgitation was noted in 9.9% of BAV patients and 11% of TAV patients (P = 0.66). Reoperation was predicted by cusp perforation [hazard ratio 15.86 (4.44–56.61); P < 0.001], the use of pericardial patch [hazard ratio 8.58 (1.96–37.53); P = 0.004] and aortic valve annulus diameter >27.5 mm [hazard ratio 3.07 (0.99–9.58); P = 0.053].CONCLUSIONSBAV repair is as durable as TAV repair. BAV is not a predictor of a higher rate of reoperations. BAV repair yields survival comparable to expected. Cusp perforation, aortic valve annulus diameter >27.5 mm and the use of pericardial patch adversely impact long-term outcome of aortic valve repair.