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Abstract Background With the introduction of transcatheter aortic valve implantation, the role of surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in elderly patients has been called into question. We investigated the short-term outcomes of SAVR in the elderly population. Methods All patients aged ≥ 70 years who underwent isolated SAVR in our centre between 2008 and 2017 were included in the study. Survival at 30 days and 1 year were compared for patients aged 70–79 years (n = 809) versus patients aged ≥ 80 years (n = 322). Factors associated with poorer survival outcomes were identified using multivariable Cox regression analysis. Results Patients aged 70–79 years and patients aged ≥ 80 years had similar survival rates at 30 days (98.1% vs. 98.4%, p = 0.732) and 1 year (96.0% vs. 94.1%, p = 0.162) post-SAVR. This remained true after multivariable adjustment. Risk factors for 30 day all-cause mortality included insulin dependent diabetes (HR 6.17, 95% CI 1.32–28.92, p = 0.021) and increasing cardiopulmonary bypass time (HR 2.72, 95% CI 1.89–3.91, p

AimsPatients with severe aortic stenosis (AS), low transvalvular flow (LF) and low gradient (LG) with normal ejection fraction (EF)—are referred to as paradoxical LF-LG AS (PLF-LG). PLF-LG patients develop more advanced heart failure symptoms and have a worse prognosis than patients with normal EF and high-gradient AS (NEF-HG). Despite its clinical relevance, the mechanisms underlying PLF-LG are still poorly understood.MethodsLeft ventricular (LV) myocardial biopsies of PLF-LG (n = 5) and NEF-HG patients (n = 6), obtained during transcatheter aortic valve implantation, were analyzed by LC-MS/MS after sequential extraction of cellular and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins using a three-step extraction method. Proteomic data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD055391.Results73 cellular proteins were differentially abundant between the 2 groups. Among these, a network of proteins related to muscle contraction and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (e.g., cTnI, FKBP1A and CACNA2D1) was found in PLF-LG. Extracellularly, upregulated proteins in PLF-LG were related to ATP synthesis and oxidative phosphorylation (e.g., ATP5PF, COX5B and UQCRB). Interestingly, we observed a 1.3-fold increase in cyclophilin A (CyPA), proinflammatory cytokine, in the extracellular extracts of PLF-LG AS patients (p

Reverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling after aortic valve replacement (AVR), in patients with aortic stenosis, is well-documented as an important prognostic factor. With this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to characterize the response of the unloaded LV after AVR. We searched on MEDLINE/PubMed and Web of Science for studies reporting echocardiographic findings before and at least 1 month after AVR for the treatment of aortic stenosis. In total, 1,836 studies were identified and 1,098 were screened for inclusion. The main factors of interest were structural and dynamic measures of the LV and aortic valve. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis to compute standardized mean differences (SMD) between follow-up and baseline values for each outcome. Twenty-seven studies met the eligibility criteria, yielding 11,751 patients. AVR resulted in reduced mean aortic gradient (SMD: −38.23 mmHg, 95% CI: −39.88 to −36.58, I2=92%), LV mass (SMD: −37.24 g, 95% CI: −49.31 to −25.18, I2=96%), end-diastolic LV diameter (SMD: −1.78 mm, 95% CI: −2.80 to −0.76, I2=96%), end-diastolic LV volume (SMD: −1.6 ml, 95% CI: −6.68 to 3.51, I2=91%), increased effective aortic valve area (SMD: 1.10 cm2, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.20, I2=98%), and LV ejection fraction (SMD: 2.35%, 95% CI: 1.31 to 3.40%, I2=94.1%). Our results characterize the extent to which reverse remodeling is expected to occur after AVR. Notably, in our study, reverse remodeling was documented as soon as 1 month after AVR.

Objective:Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement and has become a popular treatment modality for inoperable or patients at high surgical risk with severe aortic stenosis. We aimed to evaluate our perioperative anaesthetic experiences with patients undergoing TAVI under sedation or general anaesthesia (GA).Methods:One hundred and fifty-nine patients who underwent TAVI procedures were enrolled. Effects on TAVI outcomes of sedation and GA were compared.Results:The duration of surgery and anaesthesia was significantly longer in patients who received GA. Insertion site complication and post-TAVI pacemaker implantation rates were similar between the groups, but the frequency of intraoperative complications (10% vs. 0.8%; P=0.015), intraoperative hypotension (35.3% vs. 70%; P < 0.001), and acute kidney injury (12.6% vs. 27.5%; P=0.028) was significantly higher in the GA group. Stroke occurred in seven patients, and all were in the sedation group.Conclusion:GA is related to increased procedure time and acute kidney injury; therefore, local anaesthesia and sedation may be the first option in patients undergoing TAVI.

Abstract Background To compare functional and health related quality of life outcomes post-transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with critical aortic stenosis (AS) across low to high-risk surgical candidates. These patient-centred factors will be compared between both groups in the short to medium term time frames and will aid in shared decision making between patients and healthcare workers. Materials and methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials which compared TAVI with SAVR and reported on quality of life (QoL) and functional scores. The scores used were the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), Euroqol-5DL (EQ5DL), the short form-36/12 (SF-36/12) and the NYHA. Results We identified eight trials with a total of 8898 participants. Both groups showed improvements from baseline at one month. At one month there was a statistically significant difference in standardised mean difference (SMD) in favour of TAVI for EQ5DL (SMD 0.37, 95% CI 0.26,0.49), KCCQ (SMD 0.53,95% CI 0.48, 0.58), SF physical summary (SMD 0.55, 95% CI 0.31 – 0.78) and SF mental summary (SMD 0.34, 95% CI 0.27 – 0.40). At one year there was no statistically significant difference between any of these QoL metrics. For NYHA, no significant difference in odds ratio of class III/IV was observed at one month between TAVI and SAVR (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.83, 1.07), however, TAVI was associated with reduced odds ratio of NYHA class I/II at one year (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78, 0.98). Conclusion Both groups were associated with improvements in QoL and functional outcomes with TAVI reporting more significant improvements in QoL at one-month post-procedures. No significant improvements between groups were seen at one year. This is the largest meta-analysis comparing post-operative health-related quality of life outcomes post SAVR and TAVI and has major implications in shared decision making for the treatment of aortic stenosis.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) was initially developed for adult patients, but there is a growing interest to expand this procedure to younger individuals with longer life expectancies. However, the gradual degradation of biological valve leaflets in transcatheter heart valves (THV) presents significant challenges for this extension. This study aimed to establish a multiphysics computational framework to analyze structural and flow measurements of TAVI and evaluate the integration of optical fiber and photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors for monitoring valve function. A two-way fluid–solid interaction (FSI) analysis was performed on an idealized aortic vessel before and after the virtual deployment of the SAPIEN 3 Ultra (S3) THV. Subsequently, an analytical analysis was conducted to estimate the PPG signal using computational flow predictions and to analyze the effect of different pressure gradients and distances between PPG sensors. Circumferential strain estimates from the embedded optical fiber in the FSI model were highest in the sinus of Valsalva; however, the optimal fiber positioning was found to be distal to the sino-tubular junction to minimize bending effects. The findings also demonstrated that positioning PPG sensors both upstream and downstream of the bioprosthesis can be used to effectively assess the pressure gradient across the valve. We concluded that computational modeling allows sensor design to quantify vessel wall strain and pressure gradients across valve leaflets, with the ultimate goal of developing low-cost monitoring systems for detecting valve deterioration.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) now represents the mainstay of treatment for severe aortic stenosis. Owing to its exceptional procedural efficacy and safety, TAVI has been extended to include patients at lower surgical risk, thus now encompassing a diverse patient population receiving this treatment. Yet, long-term outcomes also depend on optimal medical therapy for secondary vascular prevention, with antithrombotic therapy serving as the cornerstone. Leveraging data from multiple randomized controlled trials, the current guidelines generally recommend single antithrombotic therapy, with either single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) or oral anticoagulation (OAC) alone in those patients without or with atrial fibrillation, respectively. Yet, individualization of this pattern, as well as specific case uses, may be needed based on individual patient characteristics and concurrent procedures. This review aims to discuss the evidence supporting antithrombotic treatments in patients treated with TAVI, indications for a standardized treatment, as well as specific considerations for an individualized approach to treatment.

The chimney technique has been utilized to minimize the risk of coronary artery obstruction during valve-in-valve procedures. Here, we present a case involving an 89-year-old female patient with low coronary ostia, severe aortic regurgitation, and intractable heart decompensation caused by degenerated aortic bioprosthesis. The patient underwent a successful transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedure using the chimney technique in both coronary ostia.

AimsCardiac decompensation (CD) in patients with aortic stenosis is a “red flag” for future adverse events. We classified patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) into those with acute, prior, or no prior CD at the timepoint of TAVI and compared their clinical presentation, prognosis, and effects of the prescribed medication during follow-up.MethodsRetrospective analysis of patients of one center fulfilling the criteria of 30-day device success after transfemoral TAVI.ResultsFrom those patients with no CD (n = 1,985) ranging to those with prior CD (n = 497) and to those with acute CD (n = 87), we observed a stepwise increase in the proportion of patients in poor clinical condition, NYHA class III/IV, low psoas muscle area, fluid overload (rales, oedema, pleural effusion), reduced ejection fraction, renal insufficiency, and anemia. More diuretics but less renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (ACEI/ARB) were prescribed for patients with acute CD compared to other groups. Prior CD (hazard ratio and 95% CI 1.40; 1.02–1.91) and acute CD (1.72; 1.01–2.91), a reduced general condition (1.53; 1.06–2.20), fluid overload (1.54;1.14–2.08), atrial fibrillation (1.76; 1.32–2.33), and anemia (1.43;1.08–1.89) emerged as strong independent predictors of one-year mortality. In all three classes of CD, prescribing of ACEI/ARB was associated with a substantial improvement of survival.ConclusionsThe clinical presentation of (acute or prior) cardiac decompensation in patients with AS overlapped substantially with that of patients with classical signs of heart failure. Our results may support an early treatment strategy in patients with left ventricular dysfuntion before clinical signs of congestion are manifest. Moreover, these patients require intensive medical attention after TAVI.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a frequent complication associated with adverse outcomes and mortality. Various scores have been developed to predict this complication in the coronary setting. However, none have ever been tested in a large TAVI population. This study aimed to evaluate the power of four different scores in predicting AKI after TAVI. Methods: Overall, 1535 consecutive TAVI patients from the observational multicentric “Magna Graecia” TAVI registry were included in the analysis. Of the study population, 235 (15.31%) developed AKI early. The Mehran, William Beaumont Hospital, CR4EATME3AD3, and ACEF scores were calculated retrospectively. Results: The patients who developed TAVI-related AKI had significantly higher absolute values of all risk scores than those who did not. The receiver-operating characteristic analysis also showed a significant correlation between these four scores and AKI, but without a significant difference among all of them (p value = 0.176). Nevertheless, based on their area under the curve values (≤0.604 for all), none had adequate diagnostic accuracy in predicting TAVI-related AKI. Importantly, multivariate analysis identified myocardial revascularization close to the TAVI procedure and implantation of self-expanding prostheses, as well as atrial fibrillation, low-osmolar contrast media administration, corrected contrast medium volume, and any transfusion (p value

Thrombocytopenia is a common condition that recognizes an infinite number of possible causes, especially in specific settings like the one covered in this case report: the postoperative period of cardiac surgery. We report a case of an old male with multiple comorbidities who underwent a coronary angioplasty procedure and aortic valve replacement. He showed severe thrombocytopenia in the postoperative days. Differential diagnosis required a big effort, also for the experts in the field. Our goal was to aggressively treat the patient with prednisolone, platelets, and intravenous immunoglobulins to maximize the prognosis. Our patient developed no complications and was discharged successfully.

Abstract Background Aortic stenosis is a prevalent heart valvular disorder in Iran. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR) are two common procedures for treating the disease in the current clinical pathway. However, TAVI is an expensive procedure, and for Iran with severe limitations in financial resources, it is crucial to investigate the cost-effectiveness of the technology against other competing alternatives with the same purpose. This study aims to analyse the cost-effectiveness of TAVI vs SAVR in elderly patients who are at a higher risk of surgery. Methods This study is a decision economic evaluation modeling, with a lifetime horizon and a healthcare payer (health insurer) perspective. The utility values are from a previous study, transitional probabilities come from an established clinical trial called PARTNER-1, and the unit costs are from Iran’s national fee schedule for medical services. The probabilistic and one-way sensitivity analyses have been performed to mitigate the uncertainty. Results The incremental cost, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness ratio for the base case were: 368,180,101 Iranian Rial, (US$ 1,473), 0.37 QALY-per-patient, and, 995,081,354 Iranian Rial (US$ 3,980), respectively. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis yielded 981,765,302 I.R.I Rials (US$ 3,927) per patient for the ICER. The probability of being cost-effective at one and three times the country’s Gross Domestic Production (GDP) is 0.31 and 0.83, respectively. Conclusions TAVI does not seem a cost-effective procedure in comparison with SAVR at the current willingness to pay thresholds of the country. However, by increasing the WTP threshold to 3 times the GDP per capita the probability of being cost-effective will raise to 83%.

This review gives an overview of sex-based differences in aortic valve stenosis, spanning from pathophysiological mechanisms and disease progression, clinical presentation, presence of comorbidities, and diagnostic assessment, to treatment and outcomes. In particular, sex-related differences in the degree of aortic valve calcification, the response of the left ventricle to pressure overload, as well as in the referral to procedures, with women being less frequently referred for surgical aortic valve replacement and experiencing longer waiting times for transcatheter procedures, will be discussed. Sex-related differences are also particularly evident in outcomes of patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing surgical or transcatheter procedures. The apparent sex paradox seen in women undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation refers to the phenomenon of women experiencing higher rates of short-term mortality and bleeding events, but demonstrating improved long-term survival as compared to men. Women who undergo surgical aortic valve replacement have generally worse outcomes as compared to men, which is reflected by the inclusion of female sex in surgical risk calculation scores. Hence, a thorough understanding of sex-related differences in aortic valve stenosis is important to provide optimal and personalized patient care.

BackgroundAortic regurgitation is a major concern following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), as even low-grade regurgitation is associated with increased mortality. This is of particular concern to patients with pre-existing aortic disease who are at increased risk of TAVI valve slippage. Furthermore, conduction system disturbances after TAVI, namely left bundle branch block (LBBB), may have an additional detrimental effect on cardiac function.Case presentationThis report documents a successful treatment strategy in a frail patient with a bicuspid aortic valve and aortic disease after valve-sparing surgical repair in 1998, who subsequently developed aortic stenosis and underwent TAVI with an Evolut R self-expanding aortic valve. The progression of aortic disease, aortic root dilatation, and leaflet degeneration over the following years caused aortic regurgitation of the self-expanding aortic valve, resulting in left ventricular dilatation and heart failure along with LBBB and left ventricular (LV) mechanical dyssynchrony. Diagnostic workup of the patient showed persistence of the aneurysm distal to the graft with a dissection spanning the ascending aorta, arch, and terminating proximal to the aortic isthmus. After consideration by the cardiac team, a balloon-expandable valve was chosen for a valve-in-valve (ViV) procedure to provide sufficient radial force to expand the existing valve and correct the regurgitation. Due to the anatomy, a J-wire and pigtail catheter were successfully used for a safe approach and placement of the valve. Following the procedure, intermittent complete atrioventricular block was observed in addition to the pre-existing left bundle branch block, necessitating resynchronization pacing. Due to anatomical considerations, ease of placement, and the expected good level of resynchronization due to the proximal block, we opted for left bundle branch pacing, which showed improvement in left ventricular dyssynchrony and LV function at follow-up.ConclusionValve-in-valve implantation of a balloon-expandable Myval TAVI device to treat aortic regurgitation caused by slippage and right leaflet disfunction of slef valve is feasible in challenging anatomical scenarios. Left bundle branch pacing is a viable alternative to correct mechanical dyssynchrony in complex patients with LBBB and anatomical challenges necessitating resynchronization.

Abstract Background Severe symptomatic aortic stenosis is a common disorder in the elderly and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rate. Traditionally, surgical aortic valve replacement has been considered the most effective treatment for advanced disease. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been established as a valuable alternative treatment option for inoperable and high-risk patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. Pre-procedure ECG-gated CT aortography study is important in planning the procedure. The aim of the study was to correlate the aortic valve calcium score with the post-TAVI complications. Results Thirty patients who were candidates for TAVI procedure were enrolled for ECG-gated CT aortic valve calcium score and CT aortography. The calcium score was calculated. The patients were followed up both clinically and by echocardiography every 3 months for 1 year. Those who developed complications were enrolled for another CT study. Fourteen out of 30 patients (46.7%) presented with post-TAVI complications [9 cases (30%) presented with paravalvular leak (PVL) and 5 cases (16.7%) presented with major adverse cardiac events (MACE), while 16 cases (53.3%) had no complications]. There was a strong correlation between the calcium score and post-procedure complications. Conclusions The degree of aortic valve calcification can be considered as a predictor of post-TAVI complications: PVL and MACE.

Background: Surgical aortic valve replacement with a rapid deployment valve (RDV) is a relatively recent treatment option. The aim of this study was to compare the hemodynamic performance of balloon-expandable (BE)-RDVs and BE-transcatheter heart valves (THVs) in a high surgical risk and frail-elderly population. Methods: BE-THVs and BE-RDVs were implanted in 138 and 47 patients, respectively, all older than 75 years and with a Canadian Study of Health and Aging category of 5 or above. Echocardiographic assessment was performed at discharge and six months later. Results: At discharge, transprosthetic pressure gradients and indexed effective orifice area (iEOA) were similar in both cohorts. At six-month follow-up, BE-RDVs showed lower peak (14.69 vs. 20.86 mmHg; p

BackgroundWith technological advancements, the incidence of most transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)-related complications, with the exception of conduction disturbances, has decreased. Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is also no longer considered a contraindication to TAVI; however, the effect of BAV on postoperative conduction disturbances after TAVI is unknown.MethodsWe collected information on patients who met the indications for TAVI and successfully underwent TAVI at our center between January 2018 and January 2021. Patients with preoperative pacemaker implantation status or conduction disturbances (atrioventricular block, bundle branch block, and intraventricular block) were excluded. Based on imaging data, the patients were categorized into the BAV group and the tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) group. The incidence of new perioperative conduction disturbances was compared between the two groups.ResultsA total of 187 patients were included in this study, 64 (34.2%) of whom had BAV. The incidence of third-degree block in the BAV group was 1.6%, which was lower than that (13.0%) in the TAV group (P 0.05).ConclusionThe present study found that patients with BAV had a lower rate of third-degree conduction disturbances after TAVI than patients with TAV.

BackgroundParavalvular leak is one of the most common complications and is among the most important prognostic factors of short- and long-term mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Percutaneous valvular leak repair constitutes a first-line treatment for paravalvular leaks and is associated with high success rates and few serious complications nowadays. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case where placement of the device through the stenting of the bioprosthesis resulted in creating a new symptomatic stenosis that required surgery.Case summaryWe present a case of a patient with low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis treated with transfemoral implantation of a biological aortic prosthesis. One month after the procedure, the patient presented with acute pulmonary oedema and a paravalvular leak was discovered, which was corrected by percutaneous repair with a plug device. Five weeks after the valvular leak repair, the patient was readmitted for heart failure. At this time, a new aortic stenosis and paravalvular leak were diagnosed and the patient was referred for surgery. The new aortic mixed diseased was caused by the positioning of the plug device through the valve's metal stenting, which resulted in a paravalvular leak and pressed against the valve's leaflets, causing valvular stenosis. The patient was referred for surgical replacement and evolved well afterward.ConclusionThis case illustrates a rare complication of a complex procedure, and it highlights the need for multidisciplinary decisions and good cooperation between the cardiology and cardiac surgery teams to develop better criteria in the selection of the appropriate technique for managing paravalvular leaks after TAVI.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a procedure to treat severe aortic stenosis. There are several clinical concerns related to potential complications after the procedure, which demand the analysis of computerized tomography (CT) scans after TAVI to assess the implant’s result. This work introduces a novel, fully automatic method for the analysis of post-TAVI 4D-CT scans to characterize the prosthesis and its relationship with the patient’s anatomy. The method enables measurement extraction, including prosthesis volume, center of mass, cross-sectional area (CSA) along the prosthesis axis, and CSA difference between the aortic root and prosthesis, all the variables studied throughout the cardiac cycle. The method has been implemented and evaluated with a cohort of 13 patients with five different prosthesis models, successfully extracting all the measurements from each patient in an automatic way. For Allegra patients, the mean of the obtained inner volume values ranged from 10,798.20 mm3 to 18,172.35 mm3, and CSA in the maximum diameter plane varied from 396.35 mm2 to 485.34 mm2. The implantation of this new method could provide information of the important clinical value that would contribute to the improvement of TAVI, significantly reducing the time and effort invested by clinicians in the image interpretation process.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a less invasive alternative to open-heart surgery for treating severe aortic stenosis. Despite its benefits, the risk of procedural complications necessitates careful preoperative planning. Methods: This study proposes a fully automated deep learning-based method, TAVI-PREP, for pre-TAVI planning, focusing on measurements extracted from computed tomography (CT) scans. The algorithm was trained on the public MM-WHS dataset and a small subset of private data. It uses MeshDeformNet for 3D surface mesh generation and a 3D Residual U-Net for landmark detection. TAVI-PREP is designed to extract 22 different measurements from the aortic valvular complex. A total of 200 CT-scans were analyzed, and automatic measurements were compared to the ones made manually by an expert cardiologist. A second cardiologist analyzed 115 scans to evaluate inter-operator variability. Results: High Pearson correlation coefficients between the expert and the algorithm were obtained for most parameters (0.90–0.97), except for left and right coronary height (0.8 and 0.72, respectively). Similarly, the mean absolute relative error was within 5% for most measurements, except for left and right coronary height (11.6% and 16.5%, respectively). A greater consensus was observed among experts than when compared to the automatic approach, with TAVI-PREP showing no discernable bias towards either the lower or higher ends of the measurement spectrum. Conclusions: TAVI-PREP provides reliable and time-efficient measurements of the aortic valvular complex that could aid clinicians in the preprocedural planning of TAVI procedures.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become first-line treatment for older adults with severe aortic stenosis (AS), however, patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) have been traditionally excluded from randomised trials and guidelines. As familiarity and proficiency of TAVI operators have improved, case-series and observational data have demonstrated the feasibility of successful TAVI in bicuspid aortic valve aortic stenosis (BAV-AS), however, patients with BAV-AS have several distinct characteristics that influence the likelihood of TAVI success. This review aims to summarise the pathophysiology and classification of BAV, published safety data, anatomical challenges and procedural considerations essential for pre-procedural planning, patient selection and procedural success of TAVI in BAV.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an established choice for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis (AS) in patients who are deemed inoperable or at high surgical risk. There are limited data for the safety and effi cacy of the method in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), the most common congenital valve defect. Patients with BAV were excluded from randomized clinical trials (RCTs), comparing TAVI to surgery due to the heterogeneous anatomy of this nosological unit and concerns about unsatisfactory procedural and clinical outcomes after TAVI. With the improvement of the design of the new generations devices, with the growing technical experience of the teams and the progress in the imaging techniques, better results and fewer complications are observed, which could be a prerequisite for expanding the indications for TAVI in patients with BAV. This review presents TAVI treatment options for patients with BAV, the results of available registers in terms of safety and effi cacy of the procedure, and future perspectives.

Patients suffering from end-stage heart failure tend to have high mortality rates. With growing numbers of patients progressing into severe heart failure, the shortage of available donors is a growing concern, with less than 10% of patients undergoing cardiac transplantation (CTx). Fortunately, the use of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), a variant of mechanical circulatory support has been on the rise in recent years. The expansion of LVADs has led them to be incorporated into a variety of clinical settings, based on the goals of therapy for patients ailing from heart failure. However, with an increase in the use of LVADs, there are a host of complications that arise with it. One such complication is the development and progression of aortic regurgitation (AR) which is noted to adversely influence patient outcomes and compromise pump benefits leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The underlying mechanisms are likely multifactorial and involve the aortic root-aortic valve (AV) complex, as well as the LVAD device, patient, and other factors, all of them alter the physiological mechanics of the heart resulting in AV dysfunction. Thus, it is imperative to screen patients before LVAD implantation for AR, as moderate or greater AR requires a concurrent intervention at the time of LVADs implantation. No current strict guidelines were identified in the literature search on how to actively manage and limit the development and/or progression of AR, due to the limited information. However, some recommendations include medical management by targeting fluid overload and arterial blood pressure, along with adjusting the settings of the LVADs device itself. Surgical interventions are to be considered depending on patient factors, goals of care, and the underlying pathology. These interventions include the closure of the AV, replacement of the valve, and percutaneous approach via percutaneous occluding device or transcatheter aortic valve implantation. In the present review, we describe the interaction between AV and LVAD placement, in terms of patient management and prognosis. Also it is provided a comprehensive echocardiographic strategy for the precise assessment of AV regurgitation severity.

The global demand for cardiac transplants continues to rise, even with advancements in assistive devices. Currently, the estimated annual mortality rate stands at 3–5%, and patients often face a waiting time of approximately four years on transplant waiting lists. Consequently, many transplant centers have started to consider heart transplants from donors who may be deemed “less than ideal” or marginal. However, the decision to accept such donors must be highly individualized, taking into consideration the risks associated with remaining on the waiting list versus those posed by the transplantation procedure itself. A potential solution lies in the creation of two distinct recipient lists, matched with donor criteria, allowing marginal donors to provide the lifeline that selected patients require. This paper follows a two-step approach. Firstly, it offers an overview of the current state of affairs regarding the topic of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) patients. Secondly, it presents firsthand experience from our clinical center with a comprehensive case presentation of a patient in this unique medical context. The clinical case refers to a 62-year-old male patient, a smoker with a history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and a prior OHT a decade earlier, who presented with fatigue during minimal physical exertion. The Heart Team carefully reviewed the case, considering the patient’s immunosuppressed status and the heightened risk associated with a repeat intervention. In this instance, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) was deemed the appropriate treatment. The TAVI procedure yielded successful results, leading to improved clinical status and enhanced cardiac function. The inclusion of marginal donors has introduced novel challenges related to the utilization of previously diseased marginal organs. TAVI has already demonstrated its efficacy and versatility in treating high-risk patients, including heart transplant recipients. Consequently, it emerges as a vital tool in addressing the unique challenges posed by the inclusion of marginal donors.

AimsTo quantify extra-valvular cardiac damage associated with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS), a novel staging model was proposed. This study aimed to validate this model in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as well as to assess its prognostic impact.Methods and resultsBased on echocardiographic findings, the following stages were applied: isolated AS (stage 0), left ventricular (LV) damage (stage 1), left atrial or mitral valve damage (stage 2), pulmonary hypertension or tricuspid regurgitation (stage 3), or right ventricular dysfunction (stage 4). The primary endpoint was 2-year all-cause mortality. The distribution across stages was 0.8% at stage 0, 7.5% at stage 1, 63.3% at stage 2, 18.3% at stage 3, and 10.1% at stage 4. All-cause mortality increased at all stages 1–4 (12.1%, 18.2%, 26.6%, and 28.2%; p = 0.023). In the multivariate model, the stage of cardiac damage, age, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III/IV, peripheral artery disease, and previous pacemaker were independent predictors of the primary endpoint.ConclusionsPatients treated for severe AS show a high prevalence of extra-valvular cardiac damage. An increase in stage is associated with higher 2-year all-cause mortality. The application of this staging model may add value to current treatment algorithms.

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

BackgroundCoronary access after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with supra-annular self-expandable valves may be challenging or un-feasible. There is little data concerning coronary access following transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve implantation (ViV-TAVI) for degenerated surgical bioprosthesis.AimsTo evaluate the feasibility and challenge of coronary access after ViV-TAVI with the supra-annular self-expandable ACURATE neo valve.Materials and methodsSixteen patients underwent ViV-TAVI with the ACURATE neo valve. Post-procedural computed tomography (CT) was used to create 3D-printed life-sized patient-specific models for bench-testing of coronary cannulation. Primary endpoint was feasibility of diagnostic angiography and PCI. Secondary endpoints included incidence of challenging cannulation for both diagnostic catheters (DC) and guiding catheters (GC). The association between challenging cannulations with aortic and transcatheter/surgical valve geometry was evaluated using pre and post-procedural CT scans.ResultsDiagnostic angiography and PCI were feasible for 97 and 95% of models respectively. All non-feasible procedures occurred in ostia that underwent prophylactic “chimney” stenting. DC cannulation was challenging in 17% of models and was associated with a narrower SoV width (30 vs. 35 mm, p < 0.01), STJ width (28 vs. 32 mm, p < 0.05) and shorter STJ height (15 vs. 17 mm, p < 0.05). GC cannulation was challenging in 23% of models and was associated with narrower STJ width (28 vs. 32 mm, p < 0.05), smaller transcatheter-to-coronary distance (5 vs. 9.2 mm, p < 0.05) and a worse coronary-commissural overlap angle (14.3° vs. 25.6o, p < 0.01). Advanced techniques to achieve GC cannulation were required in 22/64 (34%) of cases.ConclusionIn this exploratory bench analysis, diagnostic angiography and PCI was feasible in almost all cases following ViV-TAVI with the ACURATE neo valve. Prophylactic coronary stenting, higher implantation, narrower aortic sinus dimensions and commissural misalignment were associated with an increased challenge of coronary cannulation.

BackgroundAtrioventricular (AV) conduction disturbances requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) are a common complication after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, a significant proportion of patients might recover AV conduction at follow-up.ObjectivesThe aim of our study was to evaluate the recovery of AV conduction by determination through Wenckebach point in patients with PPI and therefore identify patients who could benefit from device reprogramming to avoid unnecessary RV pacing.MethodsWe enrolled 43 patients that underwent PM implantation after TAVI at our Department from January 2018 to January 2021. PM interrogation was performed at follow-up and patients with native spontaneous rhythm were further assessed for AV conduction through WP determination.ResultsA total of 43 patients requiring a PM represented the final study population, divided in patients with severely impaired AV conduction (no spontaneous valid rhythm or WP < 100; 26) and patients with valid AV conduction (WP ≥ 100; 17). In the first group patients had a significantly higher number of intraprocedural atrioventricular block (AVB) (20 vs. 1, p < 0.005), showed a significant higher implantation depth in LVOT (7.7 ± 2.2 vs. 4.4 ± 1.1, p < 0.05) and lower ΔMSID (−0.28 ± 3 vs. −3.94 ± 2, p < 0.05).ConclusionAV conduction may recover in a significant proportion of patients. In our study, valve implantation depth in the LVOT and intraprocedural AV block are associated with severely impaired AV conduction. Regular PM interrogation and reprogramming are required to avoid unnecessary permanent right ventricular stimulation in patients with AV conduction recovery.

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-dose protamine in reducing access site-related complications during Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) as compared to full-dose protamine. Background: Access site-related complications represent an independent predictor of poor outcomes of TAVI. Data regarding heparin reversal with protamine and the dosage needed to prevent bleeding complications are scarce among patients undergoing TAVI. Methods: A total of 897 patients were retrospectively included in the study. Patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention within 4 weeks before or concomitantly with TAVI (n = 191) were given 0.5 mg protamine for each 100 units of unfractionated heparin. All other patients (n = 706) were considered as a control group and 1 mg protamine for each 100 units of heparin was administered. Results: The combined intra-hospital endpoint of death, life-threatening major bleeding, and major vascular complications were significantly more frequent in patients receiving low-dose protamine [29 (15.2%) vs. 50 (7.1%), p < 0.001]. After propensity matching (n = 130 for each group) for relevant clinical characteristics including anti-platelet therapy [19 (14.6%) vs. 6 (4.6%), p = 0.006], low-dose protamine predicted the combined endpoint (OR 3.54, 95%-CI 1.36–9.17, p = 0.009), and even in multivariable analysis, low-dose protamine continued to be a predictor of the combined endpoint in the matched model (OR 3.07, 95%-CI 1.17–8.08, p = 0.023) alongside baseline hemoglobin. Conclusions: In this propensity-matched retrospective analysis, a low-dose protamine regime is associated with a higher rate of major adverse events compared to a full-dose protamine regime following transfemoral TAVI.

ObjectivesPatients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) stenosis were excluded from the pivotal trials of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We compared the in-hospital and long-term outcomes between patients undergoing TAVI for bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) stenosis.MethodsWe performed a retrospective registry-based analysis on patients who underwent TAVI for BAV and TAV at five different centers between January 2009 and August 2017. The primary outcome was long-term all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, procedural complications, and valve performance.ResultsOf 1,451 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI, two propensity-matched cohorts consisting of 130 patients with BAV and 390 patients with TAV were analyzed. All-cause mortality was comparable in both groups up to 10 years following TAVI (HR 1.09, 95% CI: 0.77–1.51). Device success and in-hospital mortality were comparable between the groups (96 vs. 95%, p = 0.554 and 2.3 vs. 2.1%, p = 0.863, respectively). Incidence of procedural complications was similar in both groups, with a trend toward a higher rate of stroke in patients with BAV (5 vs. 2%, p = 0.078). Incidence of moderate or severe paravalvular leak (PVL) at discharge was comparable in both groups (2 vs. 2%, p = 0.846). Among patients with BAV, all-cause mortality was similar in self-expanding and balloon-expandable prostheses (HR 1.02, 95% CI: 0.52–1.99) and lower in new-generation devices compared to old-generation valves (HR 0.27, 95% CI 0.12–0.62).ConclusionPatients who had undergone TAVI for BAV had comparable mortality to patients with TAV up to 10 years after the procedure. The device success, in-hospital mortality, procedural complications, and PVL rate were comparable between the groups. The high rate of neurological complications (5%) in patients with BAV warrants further investigation.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an innovative and less invasive treatment for most of the population with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Now a days TAVI has been included as class I indication in ACC guidelines for patient subset >65 years of age. Few of the patients among these have chronic kidney disease and required regular dialysis for the same. Such patient could not tolerate high volume contrast injection during Pre TAVI aortic valve assessment. We present a case of post renal transplant, CKD stage IV patient with severe calcific aortic stenosis. We have done pre TAVI aortic valve assessment via 3D TEE (Trans esophageal echocardiography) only to avoid high volume contrast injection. 3D TEE assessment for aortic annulus, aortic annulus to left main coronary ostium height, aortic annulus to right coronary ostium height, aortic valve area. All such parameters were derived by 3D TEE and procedure was successful with no procedural complications, annular prosthesis mismatch and no paravalvular leakage.

BackgroundCardiac amyloidosis (CA) has been recently recognized as a condition frequently associated with aortic stenosis (AS). The aim of this study was to evaluate: the main characteristics of patients with AS with and without CA, the impact of CA on patients with AS mortality, and the effect of different treatment strategies on outcomes of patients with AS with concomitant CA.Materials and MethodsA detailed search related to CA in patients with AS and outcomes was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Seventeen studies enrolling 1,988 subjects (1,658 AS alone and 330 AS with CA) were included in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of main patients with AS characteristics with and without CA, difference in mortality, and treatment strategy.ResultsThe prevalence of CA resulted in a mean of 15.4% and it was even higher in patients with AS over 80 years old (18.2%). Patients with the dual diagnosis were more often males, had lower body mass index (BMI), were more prone to have low flow, low gradient with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction AS phenotype, had higher E/A and E/e', and greater interventricular septum hypertrophy. Lower Sokolow–Lyon index, higher QRS duration, higher prevalence of right bundle branch block, higher levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, and high-sensitivity troponin T were significantly associated with CA in patients with AS. Higher overall mortality in the 178 patients with AS + CA in comparison to 1,220 patients with AS alone was observed [odds ratio (OR) 2.25, p = 0.004]. Meta-regression analysis showed that younger age and diabetes were associated with overall mortality in patients with CS with CA (Z-value −3.0, p = 0.003 and Z-value 2.5, p = 0.013, respectively). Finally, patients who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) had a similar overall mortality risk, but lower than medication-treated only patients.ConclusionResults from our meta-analysis suggest that several specific clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic features can be considered “red flags” of CA in patients with AS. CA negatively affects the outcome of patients with AS. Patients with concomitant CA and AS benefit from SAVR or TAVI.

BackgroundThere is no evidence of hemodynamic performance during exercise in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). This study aimed to investigate the changes in kinematic hemodynamics during exercise and determine the impact of prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) on the hemodynamics of transcatheter heart valves using exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) in AS patients after TAVI.Methods and ResultsThis study enrolled 77 consecutive patients (mean age 82 ± 5 years, 50.6% male) who underwent ESE 3–6 months after TAVI with a balloon-expandable valve. The effective orifice area index at rest was significantly correlated with the mean pressure gradient (PG) during exercise (p

Abstract Background Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is increasingly used to treat patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) provides reliable and reproducible estimates for assessment of cardiac structure and function after TAVR. The goal of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to assess left ventricular (LV) volumes, mass and function by CMR after TAVR. Methods Using Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines, we searched PubMed and Embase for studies reporting CMR findings before and at least 1 month after TAVR. Main factors of interest were LV end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVi), LV end-systolic volume index (LVESVi), LV mass index (LVMi), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Standardized mean differences (SMD) were pooled by random effects meta-analytic techniques. Results Of 453 screened publications, 10 studies (published between 2012 and 2018) were included. A total of 305 patients completed pre- and post-TAVR follow-up CMR (mean age range 78.6–85.0 years, follow-up range 6–15 months). Random effects analysis showed TAVR resulted in reduced LVEDVi (SMD: -0.25, 95% CI: − 0.43 to − 0.07, P = 0.006), LVESVi (SMD: -0.24, 95% CI: − 0.44 to − 0.05, P = 0.01), LVMi (SMD: -0.82, 95% CI: − 1.0 to − 0.63, P 0.05 for all). The median reduction was 4 ml/m2 (IQR: 3.1 to 8.2) for LVEDVi, 5 ml/m2 (IQR: 3.0 to 6.0) for LVESVi, and 15.1 g/m2 (IQR: 11.8 to 18.3) for LVMi. The median increase for LVEF was 3.4% (IQR 1.0 to 4.6%). Conclusions CMR demonstrates reverse LV remodeling occurrs within 6–15 months after TAVR, with reductions in LVEDVi, LVESVi and LVMi, and increased LVEF.

Background: Machine learning models have been developed for numerous medical prognostic purposes. These models are commonly developed using data from single centers or regional registries. Including data from multiple centers improves robustness and accuracy of prognostic models. However, data sharing between multiple centers is complex, mainly because of regulations and patient privacy issues.Objective: We aim to overcome data sharing impediments by using distributed ML and local learning followed by model integration. We applied these techniques to develop 1-year TAVI mortality estimation models with data from two centers without sharing any data.Methods: A distributed ML technique and local learning followed by model integration was used to develop models to predict 1-year mortality after TAVI. We included two populations with 1,160 (Center A) and 631 (Center B) patients. Five traditional ML algorithms were implemented. The results were compared to models created individually on each center.Results: The combined learning techniques outperformed the mono-center models. For center A, the combined local XGBoost achieved an AUC of 0.67 (compared to a mono-center AUC of 0.65) and, for center B, a distributed neural network achieved an AUC of 0.68 (compared to a mono-center AUC of 0.64).Conclusion: This study shows that distributed ML and combined local models techniques, can overcome data sharing limitations and result in more accurate models for TAVI mortality estimation. We have shown improved prognostic accuracy for both centers and can also be used as an alternative to overcome the problem of limited amounts of data when creating prognostic models.

Background: Trends in mortality from aortic stenosis across European countries are not well-understood, especially given the significant growth in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in the last 10 years.Methods: Age-standardised death rates were extracted from the World Health Organisation Mortality Database, using the International Classification of Diseases 10th edition code for non-rheumatic aortic stenosis for those aged > 45 years between 2000 and 2017. The UK and countries from the European Union with at least 1,000,000 inhabitants and at least 50% available datapoints over the study period were included: a total of 23 countries. Trends were described using Joinpoint regression analysis.Results: No reductions in mortality were demonstrated across all countries 2000–2017. Large increases in mortality were found for Croatia, Poland and Slovakia for both sexes (>300% change). Mortality plateaued in Germany from 2008 in females and 2012 in males, whilst mortality in the Netherlands declined for both sexes from 2007. Mortality differences between the sexes were observed, with greater mortality for males than females across most countries.Conclusions: Mortality from aortic stenosis has increased across Europe from 2000 to 2017. There are, however, sizable differences in mortality trends between Eastern and Western European countries. The need for health resource planning strategies to specifically target AS, particularly given the expected increase with ageing populations, is highlighted.

We present the case of a severely symptomatic patient with a malfunctioning aortic bioprosthesis and severe multidistrict atherosclerosis that was addressed to our unit for transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation. The imaging and clinical assessment that led to the selection of the access route is discussed.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVI) has become a game changer in the management of severe aortic stenosis shifting the concept from inoperable or high-risk patients to intermediate or low surgical-risk individuals. Among devices available nowadays, there is no clear evidence that one device is better than the other or that one device is suitable for all patients. The selection of the optimal TAVI valve for every patient represents a challenging process for clinicians, given a large number of currently available devices. Consequently, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each valve and personalising the valve selection based on patient-specific clinical and anatomical characteristics is paramount. This review article aims to both analyse the available devices in the presence of specific clinical and anatomic features and offer guidance to select the most suitable valve for a given patient.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is currently an established therapy for elderly patients with symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis across all surgical risk categories. Access is an important aspect when planning for and performing TAVI. The superiority of a transfemoral (TF) approach compared to a transthoracic (transapical, direct aortic) approach has been demonstrated in several studies. Recently, the introduction of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) has made it possible to treat patients with calcified iliofemoral disease by TF approach. This article aimed to provide a comprehensive overview on the following aspects: (1) preprocedural planning for IVL-assisted TF-TAVI; (2) procedural aspects in IVL-assisted TF-TAVI; (3) outcomes of IVL-assisted TF-TAVI in an experienced TAVI center; and (4) literature review and discussion of this new emerging approach.

In spite of the noninferiority of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in high- and intermediate-risk patients, there are still obstacles that need to be overcome before the procedure is further expanded and clinically integrated. The lack of evidence on the long-term durability of the bioprostheses used for TAVR remains of particular concern. In addition, surgery may be preferred over TAVR in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) or with concomitant pathologies such as other valve diseases (mitral regurgitation/tricuspid regurgitation), aortopathy, and coronary artery disease. In this review, we discuss and summarize relevant data from clinical trials, current trends, and remaining obstacles, and provide our perspective on the indications for the expansion of TAVR.

Background: The predictive performance of the models FRANCE-2 and ACC-TAVI for early-mortality after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) can decline over time and can be enhanced by updating them on new populations. We aim to update and internally and temporally validate these models using a recent TAVI-cohort from the Netherlands Heart Registration (NHR). Methods: We used data of TAVI-patients treated in 2013–2017. For each original-model, the best update-method (model-intercept, model-recalibration, or model-revision) was selected by a closed-testing procedure. We internally validated both updated models with 1000 bootstrap samples. We also updated the models on the 2013–2016 dataset and temporally validated them on the 2017-dataset. Performance measures were the Area-Under ROC-curve (AU-ROC), Brier-score, and calibration graphs. Results: We included 6177 TAVI-patients, with 4.5% observed early-mortality. The selected update-method for FRANCE-2 was model-intercept-update. Internal validation showed an AU-ROC of 0.63 (95%CI 0.62–0.66) and Brier-score of 0.04 (0.04–0.05). Calibration graphs show that it overestimates early-mortality. In temporal-validation, the AU-ROC was 0.61 (0.53–0.67).The selected update-method for ACC-TAVI was model-revision. In internal-validation, the AU-ROC was 0.63 (0.63–0.66) and Brier-score was 0.04 (0.04–0.05). The updated ACC-TAVI calibrates well up to a probability of 20%, and subsequently underestimates early-mortality. In temporal-validation the AU-ROC was 0.65 (0.58–0.72). Conclusion: Internal-validation of the updated models FRANCE-2 and ACC-TAVI with data from the NHR demonstrated improved performance, which was better than in external-validation studies and comparable to the original studies. In temporal-validation, ACC-TAVI outperformed FRANCE-2 because it suffered less from changes over time.

Leaflet thrombosis has been suggested as the reason for the reduced leaflet motion in cases of hypoattenuated leaflet thickening of bioprosthetic aortic valves. This work aimed to estimate the risk of leaflet thrombosis in two post-valve-in-valve (ViV) configurations, using five different numerical approaches. Realistic ViV configurations were calculated by modelling the deployments of the latest version of transcatheter aortic valve devices (Medtronic Evolut PRO, Edwards SAPIEN 3) in the surgical Sorin Mitroflow. Computational fluid dynamics simulations of blood flow followed the dry models. Lagrangian and Eulerian measures of near-wall stagnation were implemented by particle and concentration tracking, respectively, to estimate the thrombogenicity and to predict the risk locations. Most of the numerical approaches indicate a higher leaflet thrombosis risk in the Edwards SAPIEN 3 device because of its intra-annular implantation. The Eulerian approaches estimated high-risk locations in agreement with the wall sheer stress (WSS) separation points. On the other hand, the Lagrangian approaches predicted high-risk locations at the proximal regions of the leaflets matching the low WSS magnitude regions of both transcatheter aortic valve implantation models and reported clinical and experimental data. The proposed methods can help optimizing future designs of transcatheter aortic valves with minimal thrombotic risks.

The effect of contrast media (CM), delivered prior to- and during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), on kidney function, following the procedure, is debatable. Consequently, the performance of CM-based, acute kidney injury (AKI) risk prediction models is also questionable. We retrospectively studied 210 patients that underwent TAVI. We recorded the dose of CM used prior and during TAVI, calculated the results of different AKI risk assessment models containing a CM module, and tested their association with AKI after the procedure. AKI was diagnosed in 38 patients (18.1%). The baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was lower in the AKI+ group compared to AKI− group (51 ± 19.3 versus 64.5 ± 19 mL/min/1.73 mr2, respectively). While the dose of CM delivered prior to TAVI, during TAVI or the cumulative amount of both did not differ between the groups, the results of all tested risk models were higher in AKI+ patients. However, by multivariable analysis, only eGFR had a consistent independent association with AKI. We suggest that the dose of CM delivered prior or during TAVI is not associated with AKI and that the predictive power of CM based AKI risk models is, in all probability, limited to eGFR alone.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become the treatment of choice for patients with severe aortic stenosis and high surgical risk. Angiography has been established as an essential tool in TAVI, as this modality provides real-time images required to support the intervention. The automatic interpretation and parameter extraction on such images can lead to significative improvements and new applications in the procedure that, in most cases, rely on a prior identification of the transcatheter heart valve (THV). In this paper, U-Net architecture is proposed for the automatic segmentation of THV on angiographies, studying the role of its hyperparameters in the quality of the segmentations. Several experiments have been conducted, testing the methodology using multiple configurations and evaluating the results on different types of frames captured during the procedure. The evaluation has been performed in terms of conventional classification metrics, complemented with two new metrics, specifically defined for this problem. Those new metrics provide a more appropriate assessment of the quality of the results, given the class imbalance in the dataset. From an analysis of the evaluation results, it can be concluded that the method provides appropriate segmentation results for this dataset.

Objective: A comparative study of manual and automated post processing software tools to measure CT parameters before Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI). Patients and methods: 51 patients were included; all admitted to the Cardiology Department with clinically established severe aortic stenosis, in whom TAVI was the treatment of choice. All patients underwent CT angiography (CTA) pre-TAVI. The CT images were post processed and the needed CT parameters were calculated using both manual and automated methods. The results were compared for statistical analysis. Results: Only 43 patients completed the study, with mean age 65 years old. The automated software provided accurate almost similar results as the manual method, especially for aortic annulus area and aortic circumference measurements (p-value = 1 and 0.548) and was accepted for left and right coronary artery ostium height (p-value = 0.191 and 0.635). However, there was a statistically significant difference for the minor diameter axis and mean annular diameter (p-value = 0.001 and 0.021). Conclusion: The automated software introduced rapid, accurate and reliable measurements for the aortic annulus in cases prepared for TAVI and can be used as a standard method. Also, it can be performed by junior staff with avoidable human errors.

Abstract Background In older patients with aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing TAVI, the potential role of prior CGA is not well established. To explore the value of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) for predicting mortality and/or hospitalisation within the first 3 months after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Methods An international, multi-centre, prospective registry (CGA-TAVI) was established to gather data on CGA results and medium-term outcomes in geriatric patients undergoing TAVI. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the predictive value of a multidimensional prognostic index (MPI); a short physical performance battery (SPPB); and the Silver Code, which was based on administrative data, for predicting death and/or hospitalisation in the first 3 months after TAVI (primary endpoint). Results A total of 71 TAVI patients (mean age 85.4 years; mean log EuroSCORE I 22.5%) were enrolled. Device success according to VARC criteria was 100%. After adjustment for selected baseline characteristics, a higher (poorer) MPI score (OR: 3.34; 95% CI: 1.39–8.02; p = 0.0068) and a lower (poorer) SPPB score (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.01–1.54; p = 0.0380) were found to be associated with an increased likelihood of the primary endpoint. The Silver Code did not show any predictive ability in this population. Conclusions Several aspects of the CGA have shown promise for being of use to physicians when predicting TAVI outcomes. While the MPI may be useful in clinical practice, the SPPB may be of particular value, being simple and quick to perform. Validation of these findings in a larger sample is warranted. Trial registration The trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov on November 7, 2013 ( NCT01991444 ).

Selecting patients with a high chance of endured benefit from transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is becoming relevant with changing indications and increasing number of TAVI being performed. The aim of our study was to investigate the association of the multidimensional prognostic index (MPI) based on a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) on survival. The TAVI Care & Cure program is a prospective, observational registry of patients referred for TAVI at the Erasmus MC University Medical Center. Consecutive patients who underwent a complete CGA and TAVI were included. CGA components were used to calculate the MPI score. The impact of the MPI score on survival was evaluated using Cox regression. Furthermore, 376 patients were included, 143 (38.0%) patients belonged to the MPI-1 group and 233 (61.9%) patients to the MPI-2–3 group. After 3 years, 14.9% of the patients in the MPI-1 group and 30.5% of the patients in the MPI-2–3 group died (p = 0.001). Patients in MPI-1 had increased chances of overall survival in comparison with patients in MPI group 2–3 Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.57, (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.33–0.98)). In this study we found that the MPI tool could be useful to assess frailty and to predict which patient will have a higher chance of enduring benefit from a TAVI procedure.

The superiority of transcatheter (TAVR) over surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for severe aortic stenosis (AS) has not been fully demonstrated in a real-world setting. This prospective study included 5706 AS patients who underwent SAVR from 2010 to 2012 and 2989 AS patients who underwent TAVR from 2017 to 2018 from the prospective multicenter observational studies OBSERVANT I and II. Early adverse events as well as all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), and hospital readmission due to heart failure at 1-year were investigated. Among 1008 propensity score matched pairs, TAVR was associated with significantly lower 30-day mortality (1.8 vs. 3.5%, p = 0.020), stroke (0.8 vs. 2.3%, p = 0.005), and acute kidney injury (0.6 vs. 8.2%, p < 0.001) compared to SAVR. Moderate-to-severe paravalvular regurgitation (5.9 vs. 2.0%, p < 0.001) and permanent pacemaker implantation (13.8 vs. 3.3%, p < 0.001) were more frequent after TAVR. At 1-year, TAVR was associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality (7.9 vs. 11.5%, p = 0.006), MACCE (12.0 vs. 15.8%, p = 0.011), readmission due to heart failure (10.8 vs. 15.9%, p < 0.001), and stroke (3.2 vs. 5.1%, p = 0.033) compared to SAVR. TAVR reduced 1-year mortality in the subgroups of patients aged 80 years or older (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.33–0.71), in females (HR 0.57, 0.38–0.85), and among patients with EuroSCORE II ≥ 4.0% (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.32–0.71). In a real-world setting, TAVR using new-generation devices was associated with lower rates of adverse events up to 1-year follow-up compared to SAVR.

Abstract Background Balloon predilatation of the aortic valve has been regarded as an essential step during the transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedure. However, recent evidence has suggested that aortic valvuloplasty may cause complications and that high success rates may be obtained without prior dilatation of the valve. We hypothesize that TAVI performed without predilatation of the aortic valve and using new-generation balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valves is associated with a better net clinical benefit than TAVI performed with predilatation. Methods/design The transcatheter aortic valve implantation without prior balloon dilatation (DIRECTAVI) trial is a randomized controlled open label trial that includes 240 patients randomized to TAVI performed with prior balloon valvuloplasty (control arm) or direct implantation of the valve (test arm). All patients with an indication for TAVI will be included excepting those requiring transapical access. The trial tests the hypothesis that the strategy of direct implantation of the new-generation balloon-expandable SAPIEN 3 valve is noninferior to current medical practice using predilatation of the valve. The primary endpoint assessing efficacy and safety of the procedure consists of immediate procedural success and secondary endpoints include complications at 30-day follow-up (VARC-2 criteria). A subgroup analysis evaluates neurological ischemic events with cerebral MRI imaging (25 patients in each strategy group) performed before and between 1 and 3 days after the procedure. Discussion This prospective randomized study is designed to assess the efficacy and safety of TAVI performed without prior dilatation of the aortic valve using new-generation balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valves. We aim to provide robust evidence of the advantages of this strategy to allow the interventional cardiologist to use it in everyday practice. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02729519 . Registered on 15 July 2016.