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We sought to assess the impact of diastolic dysfunction (DD) grade, as per the 2016 American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging guidelines, on survival of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We included consecutive patients with severe AS who underwent TAVI in our institution. DD grading was determined retrospectively according to the 2016 ASE DD guidelines and categorized to grade I-III and indeterminate grade I-II DD. Comparison of 1-year survival according to DD grade was performed by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and evaluation of DD at 1 year was performed in a subset of patients. Among 606 TAVI patients, 394 (65%) had sufficient data for DD grading. Seventy-seven (20%) had grade I DD, 191 (48%) had grade II, 60 (15%) had grade III, and 66 (17%) had an indeterminate grade between I and II. Baseline characteristics indicate higher rates of atrial fibrillation, brain natriuretic peptide level, pulmonary artery systolic pressure, and indexed left ventricular mass as DD grade increases (all p ≤0.01). In conclusion, comparison of 1-year survival revealed a higher rate of mortality in patients with grade III DD that remained statistically significant following adjustment in a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. DD grade after TAVI improved in patients with grades II and III. Severe AS patients with grade III DD have higher risk for 1-year mortality after TAVI compared with milder degrees of DD. Further research is warranted to explore a potential benefit for aortic valve therapy at an earlier stage of the disease process.

Mean Gradient (MG) elevation can be detected immediately after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) or secondarily during follow-up. Comparisons and interactions between these two parameters and their impact on outcomes have not previously been investigated. This study aimed to identify incidence, influence on prognosis, and parameters associated with immediate high post-procedural mean transvalvular gradient (PPMG) and delayed mean gradient increase (6 to 12 months after TAVI, DMGI) in the FRANCE 2 (French Aortic National CoreValve and Edwards 2) registry. The registry includes all consecutive symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis who have undergone TAVI. Three groups were analyzed: (1) PPMG &lt, 20 mmHg without DMGI &gt, 10 mmHg (control), (2) PPMG &lt, 20 mmHg with DMGI &gt, 10 mmHg (Group 1), and (3) PPMG ≥ 20 mmHg (Group 2). From January 2010 to January 2012, 4201 consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled in the registry. Controls comprised 2078 patients. In Group 1(n = 131 patients), DMGI exceeded 10 mmHg in 5.6%, and was not associated with greater 4-years mortality than in controls (32.6% vs. 40.1%, p = 0.27). In Group 2 (n = 144 patients), PPMG was at least 20 mmHg in 6.1% and was associated with higher 4-year mortality (48.7% versus 40.1%, p = 0.005). A total of two-thirds of the patients with PPMG ≥ 20 mmHg had MG &lt, 20 mmHg at 1 year, with mortality similar to the controls (39.2% vs. 40.1%, p = 0.73). Patients with PPMG &gt, 20 mmHg 1 year post-TAVI had higher 4-years mortality than the general population of the registry, unlike patients with MG normalization.

IntroductionIntervention on coronary bifurcations lesions (CBL) is challenging. While provisional side branch (PS) stenting is the recommended method in most cases, there is no consensus on the preferred 2-stent technique.Material and methodsWe performed a network meta-analysis including randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies comparing stenting techniques in CBL with reported clinical outcomes. A mixed treatment comparison model generation was performed to compare culotte, T and protrusion (TAP), crush and provisional techniques.ResultsWe included 14 RCT and 14 observational studies comprising 7,601 patients among whom 2,516 were treated with PS, 792 with TAP, 1,493 with culotte and 2,808 with crush. A Bayesian network meta-analysis showed a significant rate reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events (OR=0.73; 95%CI 0.52-0.99) and a trend for reduction in lesion revascularization (OR=0.72; 95%CI 0.48-1.11) and myocardial infarction (OR=0.62; 95%CI 0.3-1.08) with the crush technique, mainly driven by the double kissing (DK) crush, compared with all other stenting techniques. Other clinical outcomes, including mortality and stent thrombosis (ST) did not differ significantly between methods.ConclusionsThe crush technique, and especially DKcrush, is associated with improved outcomes compared to culotte, T and protrusion (TAP) and provisional techniques for CBL treatment. Further research is required to determine the optimal stenting technique for CBL.

Background Coronary bifurcations lesions (CBL) are account for 15–20% of all percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and constitute a major challenge for interventionists in terms of procedural success rate and long-term cardiac events. Based on data from multiple randomized trials and registries, current guidelines advocate the use of provisional side branch (SB) stenting strategy for the majority of CBL's. However, for true or complex CBL's (long side branches lesions, difficult side branches access or high risk of side branches compromise), which account for up to 25% of CBL's, this strategy may by unsafe and ineffective due to a potential risk of intraprocedural or long-term occlusion of a significant side branch and a two-stenting technique may be needed in order to achieve optimal results. Up to date, the optimal two- stenting technic for CBL remains in debate. Accordingly, our aim was to compare different stenting techniques in coronary bifurcation lesions. Methods We performed a MEDLINE search for randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies comparing stenting techniques in CBL's with reported clinical outcomes. Mixed treatment comparison model generation was performed to directly and indirectly compare culotte, T and protrusion (TAP), crush and provisional techniques Results A total of 13 RCT and 12 observational studies were identified including 6806 patients, among whom 1,201 were treated with cullotte, 2,731 with crush, 797 with TAP and 2077 with provisional stenting. The Bayesian hierarchical random-effects model demonstrated a significant reduction in target lesion revascularization (TLR) rate with crush techniques compared with provisional technique (OR 0.64 95% CI 0.42–0.97) along with a trend for reduction in major adverse cardiovascular (MACE) events (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.55–1.02). TAP and culotte techniques did not show similar results. Equality of other endpoints, including mortality, myocardial infarction and re-stenosis was found between all CBL's techniques (Figure 1). Discussion Our findings suggest improved outcomes with crush technique compared to other double stenting techniques in terms of TLR with a trend towards MACE reduction. Further research is required to determine the optimal stenting technique for coronary bifurcations lesions along with the utility of imaging and physiology in this complex subset. Figure 1. Comparison of double stentin techniques Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Despite the evidence of improved patients' outcome, fractional flow reserve (FFR) is underused in current everyday practice. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a novel automated artificial intelligence angiography-based FFR software (AutocathFFR) as a decision supporting tool for interventional cardiologists. AutocathFFR was performed on angiographic images of patients who underwent coronary angiography with a pressure wire FFR measurement. Sensitivity and specificity for detection of FFR cut-off of 0.8 were calculated. Thirty-one patients were included in the present study, with a mean age of 64 ± 10 years, 80% were males, 32% patients had diabetes, 39% had previous percutaneous coronary intervention. The left anterior descending artery was the target vessel in 80% of patients. Automatic lesion detection was successful in all of the lesions with FFR value of ≤0.8. The sensitivity of AutocathFFR for predicting a wire based FFR ≤0.8 was 88% and the specificity for FFR >0.8 was 93%, with a positive predictive value of 94% and negative predictive value of 87%, indicating an accuracy level of 90% and area under the curve of 0.91. AutocathFFR has excellent accuracy in prediction of wire based FFR and is a promising technology that may facilitate appropriate decision and treatment choices for coronary artery disease patients.

Summary Background Several studies have highlighted the relationship between weather patterns and the occurrence of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Aim To evaluate the statistical association between the occurrence of STEMI and meteorological variables over the preceding 7 days. Methods This was a retrospective study, using prespecified data from the ORBI (Breton Regional Observatory on Myocardial Infarction) registry, which includes all consecutive patients hospitalized for STEMI in the geographical area of Brest, France. Over a 7-year period, we compared the number of STEMIs per week with the mean values of meteorological variables over the preceding 7 days. Results Overall, 7517 patients with STEMI were recorded in the ORBI registry between January 2009 and January 2016. After exclusion of patients not living in the geographical area of interest, 742 patients were included. The weekly incidence of STEMI ranged from 0 to 7 (median 2, interquartile range 1–3). In the univariate analysis, air temperature (odds ratio [OR] 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.005–1.01 per 1 °C decrease; P = 0.03) and atmospheric pressure (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.06 per 1 hPa increase; P = 0.008) were associated with the weekly incidence of STEMI. In the multivariable analysis, air temperature (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.10 per 1 °C decrease; P = 0.01), atmospheric pressure (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.08 per 1 hPa increase; P 80% (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02–1.15 per 1 hour increase; P = 0.007) in the previous 7 days were associated with the occurrence of STEMI. Conclusions In this specific geographical area, occurrence of STEMI was statistically associated with a decrease in air temperature, an increase in atmospheric pressure and an increase in humidity over the preceding 7-day period.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of contractile reserve (CR) at baseline in patients with low-flow, low-gradient severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). BACKGROUND Patients with severe AS, left ventricular dysfunction, and low transaortic gradient are at high risk for mortality during surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Furthermore, patients without CR have been shown to have perioperative mortality comparable to that of patients treated medically for severe AS. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent TAVR with a diagnosis of low-gradient severe AS (mean transvalvular aortic gradient

Permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation remains common after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Invasive electrophysiology studies (EPSs) may reduce PPM implantation rates by identifying patients who do not require long-term pacing. At our institution, a new strategy in which patients with equivocal indications for pacing underwent EPSs to determine the need for PPM implantation was adopted. We compared baseline demographics, TAVI procedural details, and outcomes in patients without any conduction disturbance after TAVI, patients with new PPM implantation, and patients with EPS ± new PPM implantation. After exclusion for preexisting PPMs, of a total of 614 consecutive TAVI patients, 117 (19.1%) required new PPM implantation for unequivocal pacing indications, and 95 (15.5%) underwent EPSs. Of those patients who underwent EPSs, 28 (29.5%) required PPM implantation and 67 (70.5%) did not. The overall rate of new PPM implantation was higher for self-expanding versus balloon-expandable valves (34.0% vs 19.9%, p = 0.0011). PPM implantation increased intensive care and hospital length of stay compared with patients without any conduction disturbance (10.7 ± 8.3 vs 8.5 ± 6.4 days, p = 0.003). A negative EPS did not prolong length of stay. There were no significant differences in 30-day and 1-year mortality between groups. In conclusion, among TAVI patients with new-onset conduction disturbance, EPS is a safe strategy to identify those who require PPM implantation and those in whom PPMs can be avoided.

Objective Evaluation of invasive hemodynamic parameters as prognostic markers of mortality in patients undergoing TAVR. Background The value of invasive intraprocedural hemodynamic evaluation of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement is unclear. Methods Consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral TAVR and had complete prospectively collected intraprocedural invasive hemodynamic parameters were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with alternative access, planned general anesthesia, or baseline ≥ moderate Tricuspid Regurgitation were excluded. Pre- and post-valve implant parameters included heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, cardiac output and index, pulmonary arterial systolic and diastolic pressures, transaortic pressure gradient and right atrial pressure. The primary end points were the association of the intraprocedural hemodynamic changes with all-cause mortality at 30 days and 1 year. Extensive Receiver Operating Characteristic analyses yielded dichotomized threshold of hemodynamic values in association with the binary outcome of mortality. Results A total of 312 patients (52% male, mean age 83 years) were evaluated. A significant association with 30-day and 1-year mortality was found between intraprocedural post-valve implant cardiac index Conclusions In patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR, invasive monitoring can assess for hemodynamic prognostic markers of survival.

Patients at high bleeding risk (HBR) are at increased risk of bleeding following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) due to the need for longer dual antiplatelet duration. We sought to evaluate the likelihood of receiving DES during PCI in HBR populations and to characterize DES utilization trends over time. Consecutive patients who underwent PCI from April 2003 to September 2015 were identified. HBR is defined as patients fulfilling 1 or more of the HBR criteria: age ≥75 years, anticoagulation use at discharge, history of stroke, cancer in previous 3 years, glucocorticoid use, hemoglobin (Hgb) 3 , or creatinine clearance (CCr)

We aimed to evaluate the success rates of balloon valvuloplasty post-dilation (BVPD) and a second-valve deployment in reducing residual aortic regurgitation (AR) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and its impact on outcome. Residual AR immediately post-TAVI in patients with aortic stenosis is a common condition that adversely affects outcome. Patients who underwent TAVI who had more-than-mild residual AR were managed either with medical therapy, re-intervention with BVPD, or a second valve. The clinical impact of these strategies was evaluated, and the anatomical features of patients with successful and unsuccessful intervention were compared. Among 572 patients with TAVI, 110 (19%) had significant residual AR after initial device deployment. Sixty patients were treated by BVPD (n = 49) or second-device deployment (n = 11), whereas 50 patients were treated medically. Successful reduction in residual AR to mild and below was achieved in 56% of the intervention group. Eccentric and calcified annuli were present in patients in whom residual AR remained despite re-intervention (p = 0.004). Interventions to reduce residual AR were independently associated with improved survival compared with conservative medical therapy (hazard ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.94 to 0.21, p = 0.03). BVPD or a second valve were safe and were not associated with increased rate of periprocedural complications. In conclusion, both BVPD and a second-valve deployment to reduce residual AR post-TAVI are effective and safe. The success rates are inversely correlated with the annulus eccentricity and calcification. These measures should be encouraged to reduce acute residual AR as they are associated with improved long-term survival.

With steady growth in the use of drug-eluting stents (DES), the indications for bare metal stents (BMS) have significantly changed over the last decade. This study aims to describe trends in the use of BMS and the evolution of the population receiving them over the past 10 years and determine patient characteristics associated with using BMS. Consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at the Washington Hospital Center from January 2005 through March 2015 were included. Baseline characteristics and inhospital outcomes of patients who underwent PCI with BMS versus DES were compared during 2 different time periods: from 2005 to 2010 and from 2011 to 2015. Multivariable analyses were performed for each period of time to determine independent variables associated with the choice of BMS rather than DES; 20,321 patients who underwent PCI were included in the present study. The mean age was 65.0 ± 12.5 years, 65.2% were men, and 30.4% were black. BMS use peaked in 2007 (47%) but has fallen steadily since; BMS accounted for only 10% of stents used in 2015. Presentation with acute coronary syndrome or cardiogenic shock was more common in patients receiving a BMS; this was reflected in higher rates of inhospital mortality and major bleeding among patients receiving BMS versus DES. Covariables independently associated with receiving a BMS common to both time periods included black race, Hispanic ethnicity, cardiogenic shock or acute coronary syndrome, oral anticoagulation, current smoking, increasing age, lower hematocrit, and history of chronic renal insufficiency. In conclusion, there has been a precipitous decline in the use of BMS over the last decade. Newer stent technology that promises shorter duration of dual antiplatelet therapy is likely to lead to the extinction of BMS over the next decade.

Background Residual aortic regurgitation (AR) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with adverse outcome. We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of second CoreValve (CV) implantation to treat residual AR following the initial CV deployment. Methods and Results TAVR patients treated with a second CV due to moderate and above residual AR were compared to single device implantation. Valvular function parameters were compared at baseline, post procedure, and 30 days. Among 172 CV TAVR patients, 11 required a second device (6%) due to significant residual AR. The main differences between the groups were higher rates of low ejection fraction in patients with 2 CV implanted and higher annular diameter (27 [29–25] vs. 25 [26–24] mm, P = 0.03), requiring a larger device. Although two patients in the two CV group had high initial implantation, low implantation was similar between the groups. A second CV achieved adequate reduction in residual AR in six patients (55%), while an additional four patients had moderate residual AR. Only one remained with moderate to severe AR after 30 days follow-up. There were no cases of peri-procedural stroke or mortality. Conclusions Second implantation of self-expanding valve can successfully reduce residual significant AR following initial CV implantation and should be considered as therapeutic option for this population. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

We sought to determine whether balloon-expandable valve (BEV) and self-expanding valve (SEV) affect valve hemodynamics differently according to native aortic annulus size. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement can achieve superior prosthetic valve hemodynamics compared with surgical aortic valve replacement, particularly in patients with small aortic annulus. One hundred ninety-three consecutive transcatheter aortic valve replacement patients were grouped into tertiles defined by computed tomography derived aortic annulus systolic perimeter. The predischarge echocardiogram was analyzed for prosthetic valve hemodynamics. Tertile perimeter cutoffs were 73 and 80 mm. STS score decreased as annulus size increased (7.8% vs 7.6% vs 6.0%, p ≤0.05 for small, medium, and large annulus, respectively). In patients with small aortic annulus, SEV was associated with significantly higher dimensionless index (0.64 vs 0.53, p = 0.02) and lower peak velocity (1.8 vs 2.4 m/sec, p0.001) and a trend toward lower mean gradient (7.5 vs 10.0 mm Hg, p = 0.07) compared with BEV. These differences were attenuated and absent in patients with medium and large annulus, respectively. Few patients had moderate/severe paravalvular leak, with no association with valve type or annulus size. There was no difference in mortality between tertiles or valve type at 30 days or 1 year. There was no association between aortic annulus perimeter and 1-year mortality by univariate analysis (hazard ratio 1.00, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.05, p = 0.86) or multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 1.02, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.09, p = 0.60). In conclusion, SEV hemodynamics was superior to BEV in patients with small aortic annulus. This difference was diminished in patients with larger aortic annulus. This study highlights the importance of valve selection in patients with small aortic annulus.

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction was shown to be associated with adverse outcomes in a variety of cardiac patients and is considered a risk factor for adverse outcome according to the updated Valve Academic Research Consortium criteria.Our goal was to assess the impact of RV function at baseline on 1-year mortality among patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).All patients with severe AS treated with TAVR from May 2007 to March 2015 at our center were included in the present study, and baseline and procedural characteristics were recorded for each patient. The patients were categorized according to RV function at baseline as assessed by current guidelines, and a comparison of mortality rates up to 1 year was performed.Among 650 patients, 606 had adequate echocardiogram quality and 146 (24%) had RV dysfunction. There were significant differences between the 2 groups, as patients with RV dysfunction were younger (81±9 vs 84±7 years, P=.01) and were more likely to be male (65% vs 42%, P.001). In addition, patients with RV dysfunction had higher rates of prior myocardial infarction (26% vs 16%, P=.02) and atrial fibrillation (51% vs 39%, P=.02). Echocardiographic parameters demonstrated higher rates of left ventricular ejection fraction40% (40% vs 18%, P.001), tricuspid regurgitation above moderate (16% vs 9%, P=.04), and higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure (50±17 vs 44±16 mm Hg, P.001) among patients with severe AS and RV dysfunction compared with patients with normal RV function. Despite the unfavorable cardiac function, patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR have similar functional class (P=.22) and mortality rates at 1year (27% vs 23%, log-rank P=.45).Patients with severe AS and RV dysfunction have similar 1-year mortality and functional class after TAVR to patients with normal RV function. The presence of RV dysfunction does not correlate with outcome in patients with severe AS.

Remodeling after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been well characterized for the left ventricle (LV) but not for the other cardiac chambers. We aimed to describe conventional indices of cardiac remodeling and novel longitudinal strain (LS) in all 4 cardiac chambers post-TAVI and to explore gender remodeling disparities. Consecutive patients with significant aortic stenosis who underwent TAVI were included if echocardiograms in sinus rhythm before and 1-year postprocedure were available. Speckle tracking analysis was performed retrospectively to evaluate size and function of the 4 cardiac chambers. Baseline and 1-year data were compared. From a total of 612 patients who underwent TAVI, 213 were included in this study (82 ± 9 years old, 42% men). Although no significant size or function changes were seen for right cardiac chambers at follow-up, significant improvements were seen for ejection fraction (EF) and LS in both the LV and left atrium (LA) (p < 0.05 for both). The absolute percentage of LV and LA function improvement was higher for LS than for EF (p < 0.05). Women had smaller LV and right ventricular (RV) size, whereas parameters of LV and RV function were higher. All 1-year remodeling parameters were similar for men and women. Conventional LV remodeling parameters (LV mass) failed to improve 1 year after TAVI. However, novel strain-derived parameters of size and function showed remodeling of left chambers but not of RV or right atrium. The degree of LV and LA remodeling by LS is almost twice that of EF. Remodeling was similar for both genders.

Objective Comparison of transradial versus transfemoral access for complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with regard to both complications and long-term outcomes. Background Radial access has been shown to confer superior results in patients undergoing PCI, especially in patients with acute coronary syndromes. However, radial access has limitations of sheath and device size, which may increase procedure time and result in inferior outcomes. Methods Patients undergoing PCI for complex lesions, defined as type C according the ACC/AHA classification system, were included in this study. Propensity matching was performed to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics. Transradial patients were then compared to transfemoral patients in regard to procedural, in-hospital, and 6-month outcomes. Results Among 2142 patients with 2591 lesions treated, 1876 had femoral access and 267 had radial access. Radial access patients were more likely to be male (75% vs. 66%, P = 0.003) and less likely to present with acute myocardial infarction (27% vs. 42%, P

Aims The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of prior cardiovascular events (CVE) on outcome in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods and results Patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR between May 2007 and March 2015 were included and categorized to patients with and without prior stroke, defined as embolic, hemorrhagic stroke and transit ischemic attack. Baseline, procedural characteristics, in-hospital outcomes, and 1-month and 1-year mortality were compared in accordance with the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 consensus. A cohort of 662 consecutive patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR were included in the analysis. Of these, 120 patients had prior stroke, and 542 without. Transfemoral access was used in 78% (571), and pre-TAVR balloon aortic valvuloplasty was performed in 87% (574). Patients with prior stroke had a higher mean Society of Thoracic score compared to those without (10.1% versus 8.8%, respectively; p = 0.006) and higher rates of atherosclerotic disease involving the coronary, peripheral, and carotid arteries. Patients with prior stroke also had more occurrence of in-hospital minor stroke (3.3% versus 0.7%; p = 0.04). Nevertheless, similar mortality rates were recorded at 1, 6, and 12 months, and there were no significant differences in major stroke, bleeding, or post-procedure hospital stay between both groups. Conclusion Prior history of stroke infers a higher risk for in-hospital minor stroke, yet no impact on other outcomes post TAVR. Therefore, history of prior stroke should not be considered an exclusion criterion for TAVR in patients with severe AS.

The incidence of aortic regurgitation (AR) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in a self-expanding and a balloon-expandable system is controversial. This study aimed to examine the incidence and severity of post-TAVR AR with the CoreValve (CV) versus the Edwards XT Valve (XT). Baseline, procedural, and postprocedural inhospital outcomes were compared. The primary end point was the incidence of post-TAVR AR of any severity, assessed with a transthoracic echocardiogram, in the CV versus XT groups. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was completed to evaluate for correlates of the primary end point. The secondary end points included the change in severity of AR at 30-day and 1-year follow-up. A total of 223 consecutive patients (53% men, mean age 82 years) who had transfemoral TAVR with either a CV (n = 119) or XT (n = 104) were evaluated. The rates of post-TAVR AR in the groups were similar, and there was no evidence of more-than-moderate AR in either group. There were significant differences in the rates of intraprocedural balloon postdilation with the CV (17.1%) versus XT valve (5.8%; p = 0.009) and in the rates of intraprocedural implantation of a second valve-in-valve prosthesis with the CV (9.9%) versus XT valve (2.2%; p = 0.036). There were no significant differences in inhospital safety outcomes between the 2 groups. In conclusion, the incidence of post-TAVR AR is similar between the CV and the XT valve when performed by experienced operators using optimal intraprocedural strategies, as deemed appropriate, to mitigate the severity of AR.

AIMS The objective of this study was to describe and evaluate the adjunctive technique of Angio-Seal (AS) use to augment the dual Perclose ProGlide (PP) in achieving haemostasis in patients undergoing transfemoral percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). METHODS AND RESULTS All patients who underwent TAVR from May 2007 to January 2015 via a planned transfemoral percutaneous approach with a dual PP pre-close strategy were retrospectively analysed. This cohort was divided into two groups: dual PP versus dual PP with adjunctive AS (PP+AS) use based on the specific status of intraprocedural haemostasis. The baseline and procedural characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were prospectively collected and retrospectively compared. Overall, a total of 387 consecutive patients (55% male, mean age 83 years) with dual PP (n=179) vs. dual PP+AS (n=208) were evaluated. There were no statistically significant differences between the dual PP vs. dual PP+AS groups with regard to the in-hospital Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2) primary endpoints of major vascular complications (8.0% vs. 6.6%, p=0.592), minor vascular complications (18.4% vs. 13.7%, p=0.218), life-threatening or disabling bleeding (5.1% vs. 3.0%, p=0.291), major bleeding (1.7% vs. 1.5%, p=1.000), and minor bleeding (14.4% vs. 10.6%, p=0.271). CONCLUSIONS The adjunctive Angio-Seal technique to augment the dual PP pre-close strategy for patients undergoing percutaneous femoral closure following TAVR is feasible and safe and may be considered as a bail-out or an alternative strategy when the dual PP closure technique fails to obtain complete haemostasis.

The impact of the specific etiology of mitral regurgitation (MR) on outcomes in the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) population is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal changes in functional versus organic MR after TAVR in addition to their impact on survival. Consecutive patients who underwent TAVR from May 2007 to May 2015 who had baseline significant (moderate or greater) MR were included. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to evaluate the cohort at baseline, post-procedure, 30-day, 6-month, and 1-year follow-up. The primary outcomes included mortality at 30 days and 1 year. Longitudinal, mixed-model regression analyses were performed to assess the differences in the magnitude of longitudinal changes of MR, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, and New York Heart Association functional class. Seventy patients (44% men, mean 83 years) with moderate or greater MR at baseline (30 functional vs 40 organic) were included, with the functional group having a statistically significant mean younger age and higher rates of previous coronary artery bypass grafting. Kaplan-Meier cumulative mortality rates were similar: 30 days (10% vs 17.5%, unadjusted log-ranked p = 0.413) and 1 year (29.4% vs 23.2%, unadjusted log-ranked p = 0.746) in the functional versus organic MR groups, respectively. There were greater degrees of short- and long-term improvement in MR severity (slope difference p = 0.0008), LV ejection fraction (slope difference p = 0.0009), and New York Heart Association class (slope difference p = 0.0054) in the functional versus organic group. In conclusion, patients with significant functional versus organic MR who underwent TAVR have similar short- and long-term survival; nevertheless, those with a functional origin are more likely to have significant improvements in MR severity, LV-positive remodeling, and functional class. These findings may help strategize therapies for MR in patients with combined aortic and mitral valve disease who are undergoing TAVR.

Although metallic coronary stents significantly reduce angina pectoris compared with optimal medical therapy, angina after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains frequent. We, therefore, sought to compare the incidence of any angina during the 1 year after PCI among the spectrum of commercially available metallic stents. Metallic stent type was classified as bare metal stent, Cypher, Taxus Express, Xience V, Promus Element, and Resolute. The primary end point was patient-reported angina within 1 year of PCI. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the independent association of stent type with any angina at 1 year. Overall, 8,804 patients were queried in regard to angina symptoms; 32.3% experienced angina at some point in the first year after PCI. Major adverse cardiovascular events, a composite of all-cause mortality, target vessel revascularization, and Q-wave myocardial infarction, increased with angina severity: 6.8% for patients without angina, 10.0% for patients with class 1 or 2 angina, and 19.7% for patients with class 3 or 4 angina (p0.001 for trend). After multivariable adjustment, there was no significant association between stent type and angina at 1 year after PCI. Baseline Canadian Cardiovascular Society class 3 or 4 angina, history of coronary artery bypass grafting, and history of PCI were associated with a higher likelihood of angina at 1 year; increasing age, male gender, presentation with acute coronary syndrome, and higher stented length were associated with less angina. In conclusion, metallic stent type is not associated with the occurrence of angina at up to 1 year after PCI.

Background New oral anticoagulants (NOAC) and the Watchman device represent an alternative to warfarin for stroke prophylaxis in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. However, no studies compare these new treatments. We performed a network meta-analysis to indirectly compare Watchman and NOACs among AF patients. Methods We performed a MEDLINE search for studies comparing warfarin with NOACs (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban) or Watchman in AF patients with reported clinical outcomes. Mixed treatment comparison model generation was performed to directly and indirectly compare NOACs, warfarin and Watchman. Results 14 studies with 246,005 patients were included in the analysis, among which 124,823 were treated with warfarin, 120,450 were treated with NOACs and 732 had Watchman implanted. Mean age was 72±9years, 53% were male, and mean CHADS2 score was 2.1±1.6. Both NOACs and Watchman were superior to warfarin in hemorrhagic stroke prevention (OR=0.46 [0.30–0.82] and OR=0.21 [0.05–0.99], respectively). NOACs significantly reduced total stroke (OR=0.78 [0.58–0.96]) and major bleeding (OR=0.78 [0.65–0.91]) compared with warfarin. Indirect comparison between NOAC and Watchman revealed no significant differences in outcomes, though there was a trend toward higher rates of ischemic stroke with Watchman compared with NOAC (OR 2.60 [0.60–13.96]) with the opposite findings with hemorrhagic stroke (OR=0.44 [0.09–2.14]). Conclusions NOAC therapy was superior to warfarin for multiple outcomes while Watchman reduced hemorrhagic stroke. Further studies are needed to assess Watchman versus NOAC to optimize therapy for stroke prevention in AF patients.

Background Conflicting results have been reported regarding impact of body mass index (BMI) on outcome of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients. This study evaluates the impact of BMI on 1 year mortality in patients undergoing TAVR via the transfemoral (TF) access. Methods Aortic stenosis (AS) patients undergoing TAVR via a TF access between May 2007 and December 2014 were categorized to 4 groups by BMI: low ( 30). Baseline parameters were compared, and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were generated to assess outcome differences. Results Among 491 severe AS TAVR patients, 43 had low BMI, 148 had normal BMI, 162 were overweight, and 138 were obese. Obese patients were younger with lower Society of Thoracic Surgeons scores and higher rates of preserved ejection fraction and diabetes. There was a higher rate of women in the BMI extremes. Aortic valve area was higher among obese patients; however, the indexed area was inversely correlated with BMI. Vascular complications and transfusions were more common in the low-BMI group, while acute kidney injury was more common in obese patients. All-cause mortality at 1 year was higher in the low-BMI group (log-rank p = 0.003) with no significant difference among normal and above-normal BMI patients. In a multivariate model, BMI

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) was demonstrated to adversely affect outcome in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We compared predictors for AKI and associated outcomes according to various definitions among patients undergoing TAVI in a tertiary medical center. Methods Two-hundred and seventeen TAVI patients were evaluated for the occurrence of AKI according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO)/Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC-2) and Risk Injury Failure Loss End-Stage (RIFLE) definitions. Multivariate analysis was conducted to assess predictors of AKI. Cox hazard ratio was used to evaluate long-term mortality in this patient population. Results AKI occurred in 23 and 21% of patients (n = 49, n = 46) according to KDIGO/VARC-2 and RIFLE definitions, respectively, with an approximate 10% of disagreement between both systems. Predictors of AKI according to KDIGO/VARC-2 were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; OR = 2.66, P = 0.01), PVD (OR = 3.45, P = 0.02) and a lower baseline eGFR (OR = 1.03 per 1 mL/min/1.73 m2 decrease, P = 0.02). While BMI (OR = 1.12, P = 0.01), prior ischemic heart disease (OR = 2.35, P = 0.04) and COPD (OR = 2.18, P = 0.04) were associated with AKI as defined by the RIFLE definition. AKI defined by either classification was independently associated with long-term mortality (HR = 1.63, for the KDIGO/VARC-2 definition and HR = 1.60 for RIFLE definition, P = 0.04 for both models), with borderline superiority of the KDIGO/VARC-2 classification. Conclusions Different clinical characteristics predict the occurrence of AKI after TAVI when RIFLE and KDIGO/VARC-2 classifications are used. Both classification systems of AKI identify patients with increased risk for long-term mortality, with superiority of the KDIGO/VARC-2 definition, which should be used for AKI grading. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Left-sided cardiac remodeling in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) was associated with improved outcome; however, there are scarce data on remodeling process after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We sought to describe the remodeling process in patients with severe AS who underwent TAVI. Echocardiographic data were systematically collected at baseline, 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year, from a cohort of 333 patients who underwent TAVI. Patients were categorized according to left ventricular mass index (LVMi) and relative wall thickness (RWT) to the following geometries: (1) normal; (2) concentric remodeling; (3) concentric hypertrophy; and (4) eccentric hypertrophy. Reverse remodeling (partial or complete) was defined as normalization of LVMi and/or RWT and adverse remodeling as an increase in LVMi and/or RWT. The longitudinal change in LVMi and left atrial diameter index (LADi) was assessed using mixed models. Reverse LV remodeling at 1-year was observed in 24% of patients with available echo at follow-up, whereas 17% of patients had adverse remodeling at 1-year follow-up. This was especially noted in patients with normal geometry at baseline. Interestingly, LV reverse remodeling was not accompanied by a reduction in left atrial diameter. In conclusion, TAVI reverse ventricular remodeling and LV hypertrophy induced by aortic stenosis; however, this reversal is incomplete in most patients at 1-year and not followed by change in left atrial dimensions. Whether this favorable remodeling may impact clinical outcome needs to be further elucidated.

Risk assessment for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients is challenging, and surgical scores do not optimally correlate with outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between serum albumin and survival of patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR. Patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent TAVR were categorized into 2 groups according to low and normal preprocedural serum albumin (3.5 and ≥3.5 g/dl, respectively). The all-cause mortality rates at hospital discharge, at 30-day and 1-year follow-up were compared across the groups. Additionally, a Cox proportional-hazards model was generated to assess the independent effect of serum albumin at 1-year follow-up. Among 567 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR, 476 (84%) had documented preprocedural serum albumin measurements. Of these, 50% had low serum albumin levels, and 50% had normal serum albumin levels. Baseline and procedural characteristics, including age, gender, and transapical access, were similar among the groups. Prevalence of left ventricular ejection fraction40% was higher in patients with low albumin (29% vs 20%, p=0.02), and risk assessment according to Society of Thoracic Surgeons score tended to be higher in the low-albumin group (10±4.7 vs 9.4±4.4, p=0.09). Patients presenting with low albumin had higher in-hospital mortality (11% vs 5%), as well as at 30-day (12% vs 6%, p=0.01) and 1-year (29% vs 19%, p=0.02) follow-up. Serum albumin was independently associated with 1-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio per 0.1 g/dl decrease 1.64, 95% confidence interval 2.50 to 1.75, p=0.02), along with body mass index20 kg/m2 (hazard ratio 1.89, 95% confidence interval 3.33 to 1.75, p=0.03). In conclusion, preprocedural serum albumin level and low body mass index are independently associated with mortality in patients who undergo TAVR. Patients with severe aortic stenosis and low albumin levels should undergo careful evaluation before and after TAVR.

We aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of rotational atherectomy (RA) and orbital atherectomy (OA) during percutaneous coronary intervention in an all-comer population with severely calcified lesions. We included all patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with OA or RA in our institution from October 2013 until October 2016. Comparison of baseline and procedural characteristics, along with acute complication rates and postprocedural cardiac enzyme elevation, was performed. There were 191 RA and 57 OA patients. Other than creatinine clearance, which was lower in patients with OA (p = 0.01), there were no differences in baseline characteristics. OA was more frequent in left anterior descending artery lesions (p = 0.02), whereas RA was more common in right coronary artery lesions (p = 0.01). Intracoronary imaging rates were above 60% in both groups. There was a higher rate of coronary dissections with OA compared with RA (p = 0.003), but there was no difference in periprocedural events. Maximal troponin levels were similar in both groups. Residual stenosis measured by intravascular ultrasound in 29 patients revealed no significant differences between OA and RA (p = 0.58). In conclusion, RA and OA have similar safety and efficacy profiles in treating patients with calcified coronary lesions, and intracoronary imaging is highly beneficial in identifying coronary injury after atherectomy procedures.

The impact of frailty assessment on outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the individual effect of each frailty test and the utility of an additive frailty index score on short- and long-term survival following TAVR.Retrospective analysis of consecutive TAVR patients for whom a complete set of frailty tests was obtained: algorithm defined grip strength and 5-m walking tests, body mass index20 kg/mFrailty status, observed in 266 (53%) patients, was associated with both 30-day and 1-year mortality (6% vs. 2%, P=.016; 20% vs. 9%, P.001; within the respective frailty groups). As compared to 0-2 frailty criteria, a higher frailty index score was associated with increased risk of death at 1 year (OR 2.23; 95% CI 1.14-4.34; P=.019 and OR 3.30; 95% CI 1.36-8.00; P=.008 for 3 and 4-5 frailty criteria met, respectively). In Cox regression analysis, frailty status was correlated with 1-year mortality (HR=2.2; 95%CI 1.25-3.96; P=.007), and a higher frailty index was associated with increased mortality risk (HR=2.0; 95% CI 1.08-3.7; P=.027; and HR=3.07; 95% CI 1.4-6.7; P=.005; for any 3, and 4-5 frailty criteria, respectively).Frailty status and a higher frailty index score were associated with increased 1-year mortality risk following TAVR.

The Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 recommends cutoff levels of cardiac troponin of15 and of creatine kinase MB (CKMB) of5 of the upper limit of normal (ULN) as markers of periprocedural myocardial infarction. We aimed to evaluate the correlation of these cutoffs with the survival rate in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) through the femoral access. Patients who underwent TAVI were classified according to the postprocedural peak marker level of15 and5 ULN for troponin and CKMB, respectively. Baseline characteristics were compared, and the impact of these markers on a 1-year survival rate was assessed. Of 474 patients who underwent TAVI, 77% had a peak troponin level of15 ULN, whereas only 8% had a CKMB level of5 ULN. Factors associated with troponin and CKMB elevations differed except for the preserved ejection fraction, which was associated with the elevation of both markers. Patients with troponin elevations had higher rates of postprocedure conduction defects (p = 0.001), whereas patients with CKMB had higher rates of bleeding (p 0.001) and stroke (p = 0.03). A troponin elevation of15 ULN had no impact on the 1-year survival rate (p = 0.52); however, patients with a CKMB level of5 ULN had increased mortality (p = 0.008), which remained significant in the multivariate analysis (hazard ratio = 2.02, p = 0.035). Troponin level and CKMB had a good correlation (r = 0.7), and a troponin level of 75 ULN was linked with a CKMB level of5 ULN. In conclusion, cardiac markers differ in their peak levels above the ULN after TAVI. Careful attention should be taken for patients who underwent TAVI with a CKMB level of5 ULN, as this is the only biomarker independently associated with survival rate.

Contemporary heart failure (HF) therapies have not resulted in improved outcomes among patients with HF and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). We sought to evaluate the differential effect of LVEF on long-term mortality after hospitalization for acute decompensated HF in a real-world setting. All-cause mortality at 4 years after hospitalization for HF was assessed by LVEF (categorized as preserved [≥50%], mildly [40% to 49%], moderately [30% to 39%], and severely [30%] reduced) among 1,620 patients enrolled in the Heart Failure Survey in ISrael. Among the study patients, 30% had preserved LVEF and 20%, 25%, and 25%, had mild, moderate, and severe reductions in LVEF, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with preserved LVEF had a similar risk of long-term mortality as patients with mild or moderate reduction in LVEF (hazard ratio [HR] 0.92 [p = 0.40] and 1.01 [p = 0.90], respectively) while severely reduced LVEF conferred increased increase rate compared with preserved LVEF (HR 1.20, p = 0.04). Interaction term analysis showed that the risk associated with severely reduced LVEF was evident only among patients ≤75 years (HR 1.49, p = 0.003), whereas among older patients, there was no difference in the risk of long-term mortality between those with preserved versus severely reduced LVEF (HR 1.02 [p = 0.86]; p value for age-by-LVEF interaction = 0.03). In conclusion, patients hospitalized for HF who have preserved LVEF experience similar long-term mortality as patients with mild or moderate reductions in LVEF, whereas severely reduced LVEF remains an independent predictor of long-term mortality in this population. The differential effect of LVEF on long-term mortality is significantly attenuated in the older age group.

To compare early and late mortality of transfemoral (TF) and transapical (TA) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients and assess predictors for mortality.Studies have shown conflicting results regarding impact of access on outcome in severe aortic stenosis (AS) patients undergoing TAVR.AS patients undergoing TAVR between May 2007-December 2014 were included. Baseline demographic, clinical, and imaging parameters were compared according to access, and landmark analysis models were generated to assess outcomes and associated factors.Among 648 severe AS patients undergoing TAVR, TF was used in 516 and TA in 132. Baseline characteristics between groups demonstrated lower body mass index, higher STS score, and rate of peripheral vascular disease among TA patients. Procedural complications were more common in the TA group, especially major bleeding (15% vs. 6%, p0.001) and acute kidney injury1 (8% vs. 1.4%, p0.001). Landmark analysis demonstrated higher cumulative mortality rates at 30days among TA than TF patients (log-rank p0.001), with similar mortality after 30days and up to 1-year (13% in both log-rank p=0.64). In a multivariate model, TA was an independent predictor of early mortality (HR=4.55 95% CI [12.5-1.6], p=0.003) along with pulmonary artery systolic pressure60mmHg (HR=3.08 95% CI [7.37-1.29], p=0.01) and residual aortic regurgitation severity above mild (HR=3.99 95% CI [10.2-1.56], p=0.004).Patients undergoing TAVR via TA have higher adjusted early mortality and similar late mortality rates compared to TF, despite higher risk profile.

Background Pulmonary function tests to estimate force vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV 1 ) have increasingly been used in patients evaluated for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The impact of obstructive versus restrictive lung disease on mortality remains unclear. The authors sought to identify differences in survival in patients with 2 distinct pulmonary function patterns (obstruction vs. restriction). Methods The authors retrospectively analyzed all patients with abnormal FEV 1 (lower than 80% of predicted) detected on the pulmonary function tests prior to TAVI from May 2011 to November 2014. Patients were divided into a group with obstructive pattern (FEV 1 /FVC 1 /FVC>70% of predicted). Cox proportional hazards regression was used to explore the impact of FEV 1 on mortality. Results A total of 94 patients were included in this analysis. Forty-one percent (n=38) had obstructive pattern, and 59% (n=56) had restrictive pattern. FEV 1 values were similar between both groups (43±19 vs. 42±26, p=0.89). Both groups had similar rates of in-hospital, 30-day, and 1-year mortality. FEV 1 was not a correlate for 1-year mortality. Patients with pulmonary obstructive and restrictive patters had similar rates of mortality. Moreover, FEV 1 value is not a correlate for 1-year mortality. Conclusion In the current era, the pattern on pulmonary function tests and FEV 1 values should not influence the decision on whom to offer a transcatheter option for their severe valvular disease.

Right ventricular (RV) function was shown to be associated with adverse outcomes in a variety of cardiac patients and is considered a risk factor for adverse outcome according the updated Valve Academic Consortium Criteria. Our goal was to assess the impact of RV function at baseline on 1-year

Introduction Information regarding immediate response to novel P2Y12 inhibitors in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is scarce and has been associated with adequate reperfusion. Recent studies have shown that the onset of anti-platelet effects of novel P2Y12 inhibitors in patients with STEMI might be slower and more variable than in stable coronary syndrome. We aimed to assess the predictors and significance of immediate platelet response to prasugrel loading in STEMI. Methods Platelet aggregation (PA) was prospectively evaluated in STEMI patients upon prasugrel loading and at primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Early platelet responsiveness was defined as percent reduction of PA from baseline to PPCI, divided by the time lapse from loading to PPCI. High- and low-platelet responsiveness was defined as above and below the median value respectively. Results Fifty consecutive STEMI patients (age 58 ± 8, 90% male) underwent PPCI with a mean door-to-balloon time of 42 ± 15 min. Mean PA upon prasugrel loading and at PPCI was 76 ± 9% and 63 ± 19%, respectively. Older age and prior aspirin use were predictors of low platelet responsiveness to prasugrel [β = (− 0.33), p = 0.02 and β = (− 0.28), p = 0.04, respectively]. Fast compared with slow responders demonstrated more frequent early ST resolution (93% vs. 72%, p = 0.02) and lower peak troponin levels (76 ± 62 μg/L vs. 48 ± 28 μg/L, p = 0.05). Conclusions Immediate platelet responsiveness to prasugrel among STEMI patients is highly variable and inversely associated with older age and prior aspirin use. Fast compared with slow responders have improved reperfusion and infarct size markers.

Drug-eluting stents (DES) have significantly improved the rate of in-stent restenosis (ISR) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, ISR remains a therapeutic challenge, often leading to recurrent ISR. The aim of this study was to compare patients with a single DES ISR event to

The development of new percutaneous valves, increasing vascular access techniques, and broadening indications for percutaneous aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has increased the treatment options for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). The trends in referral patterns and reasons for exclusion

High bleed risk (HBR) population undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with Drug eluting stents (DES) treated with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) are at increased risk of bleeding. We sought to study the effect of HBR on the likelihood of receiving drug-eluting stent (DES). Patients

Atrial fibrillation (AF) patients are routinely prescribed oral anticoagulation (OAC), but it increases bleeding risk, especially in those with a high bleed risk (HBR). The impact of HBR criteria on transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) bleeding in the setting of OAC is unknown. We

Patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with Drug eluting stents (DES) are subject to prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) which can lead to increase in bleeding rate in high bleed risk (HBR) population. The aimof this study is to examine the effect of HBR on the

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is the current standard for nonoperable and high-risk surgical patients with aortic stenosis, including those of advanced age. However, the clinical profiles, procedural characteristics, and outcomes of nonagenarians undergoing TAVR have not been thoroughly reported.A total of 654 patients (n = 10790 years old and n = 54790 years) with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR were included in this analysis. Baseline characteristics, procedural variables, and in-hospital outcomes and complications at 30 days and 12 months were analyzed.Overall, of the patients included, 46% were high risk and 53% inoperable. Although nonagenarians had a higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons score of 9.2 ± 4 (12.1 ± 4 vs 8.6 ± 4, P.001), other factors were considerably lower in this group: diabetes (22% vs 36%, P = .008), hyperlipidemia (65% vs 83%, P.001), prior coronary artery bypass (13% vs 39%, P.001), and mean body mass index (24.5 ± 5 vs 28.1 ± 7 kg/m(2), P.001). The correlates for 1-year mortality in nonagenarians were as follows: ≥moderate aortic insufficiency post-TAVR (hazard ratio [HR] 5.07, 95% CI 1.17-22, P = .03), pacemaker implantation after TAVR (HR 6.87, 95% CI 2.32-20.3, P = .001), and peripheral vascular disease (HR 2.35, 95% CI 1.03-5.38, P = .042). Mortality at 30 days (12.1% vs 7.1%, P = .07) and at 1 year (25% vs 21%, P = .35) was similar between groups.Nonagenarians undergoing TAVR had a healthier clinical profile compared with younger patients. Age alone should not be a discriminatory factor when screening elderly patients with aortic stenosis because even the nonagenarians are doing well when compared with the younger elderly population. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement remains a viable option for the treatment of severe symptomatic aortic stenosis for the elderly regardless of their age.

The prevalence of concomitant significant mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) ranges from 2% to 33%. The impact of significant MR on post-TAVR outcomes remains controversial.The data from a cohort of patients with symptomatic severe AS undergoing TAVR at out institution were retrospectively analyzed. The last transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) before the index TAVR procedure was selected as the baseline assessment of the degree of MR. The total study cohort (N = 589) was divided into 2 groups: significant ≥moderate MR (n = 68) versus nonsignificantmoderate MR (n = 521) at baseline. The 2 groups were compared in regard to baseline, imaging, procedural, and postprocedural characteristics. In-hospital, 30-day, and 1-year outcomes were assessed. Multivariate Cox regression survival analyses were performed to test the independent effect of ≥moderate MR on mortality at short- and long-term follow-up periods.Patients with ≥moderate MR had a higher mortality rate versus patients withmoderate MR during the initial 30-day follow-up after TAVR (unadjusted log-rank P = .011, risk-adjusted P = .031, hazard ratio = 2.40, 95% CI 1.08-5.29). However, the mortality rates at 1-year follow-up postprocedure were similar between the 2 groups (unadjusted log-rank P = .553, risk-adjusted P = .331, hazard ratio = 0.70, 95% CI 0.35-1.43). Among the original ≥moderate group, 62.5% and 77.7% of patients had improved tomoderate MR at 30-day and 1-year follow-up, respectively.Moderate or greater MR in patients undergoing TAVR is associated with a higher 30-day but not 1-year mortality. A majority of the patients demonstrated significant improvement in MR following TAVR.

Broad research exposure has become a cornerstone of an academic hospital-based career in Europe [(1)][1]. One of the ways to acquire this type of experience is through a highly regarded international research fellowship. Living in a foreign country and meeting professionals from around the globe

High risk coronary plaque morphology is associated with positive remodeling and large necrotic core content. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between lipid core burden index (LCBI) as detected by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and remodeling index (RI) in de-novo coronary