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Spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC) in the left atrium can occur with transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER), but the clinical significance is unknown.The authors examined the clinical association of the procedural appearance of SEC in 316 patients (median age, 82 years; interquartile range, 76-86 years; 43.4% women) undergoing TEER with the MitraClip for mitral regurgitation. Acute, 30-day, and 2-year clinical outcomes were analyzed.SEC was common, occurring following device implantation in 106 patients (34%). Although the occurrence of SEC was not related to clinical characteristics, such as atrial fibrillation, anticoagulant use, or left ventricular function, there was a strong relation to beneficial outcomes with TEER. The frequency of optimal reduction in mitral regurgitation was higher in patients who had SEC (99.1% vs 72.9%, P .001). Survival was greater, with a 2-year estimate for freedom from all-cause mortality of 88.4% versus 71.5% (log-rank P = .004). Importantly, the higher survival observed in patients with SEC was present without increased rates of procedural complications or stroke and remained significant in multivariate analyses that adjusted for baseline clinical and echocardiographic variables (P = .01).The occurrence of SEC in patients with TEER is associated with beneficial acute and intermediate-term outcomes.

Chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) causes left ventricular (LV) volume overload, which results in progressive LV remodeling negatively affecting outcomes. Whether cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) volumetric quantification can provide incremental risk stratification over standard clinical and echocardiographic evaluation in patients with chronic moderate or severe AR is unknown.To compare LV remodeling measurements by CMR and echocardiography between patients with and without heart failure symptoms and to verify the association of remodeling measurements of patients with chronic moderate or severe AR but no or minimal symptoms with clinical outcomes receiving medical management.This multicenter retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with at least moderate chronic native AR evaluated by 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography and CMR examination within 90 days from each other between January 2012 and February 2020 at Allina Health System. Data were analyzed from June 2021 to January 2022.Clinical evaluation and risk stratification by CMR.The end point was a composite of death, heart failure hospitalization, or progression of New York Heart Association functional class while receiving medical management, censoring patients at the time of aortic valve replacement (when performed) or at the end of follow-up.Of the 178 included patients, 119 (66.9%) were male, 158 (88.8%) presented with no or minimal symptoms (New York Heart Association class I or II), and the median (IQR) age was 58 (44-69) years. Compared with patients with no or minimal symptoms, symptomatic patients had greater LV end-systolic volume index (LVESVi) by CMR (median [IQR], 66 [46-85] mL/m2 vs 42 [30-58] mL/m2; P .001), while there were no significant differences by echocardiography (LVESVi: median [IQR], 38 [30-58] mL/m2 vs 27 [20-42] mL/m2; P = .07; LV end-systolic diameter index: median [IQR], 21 [17-25] mm/m2 vs 18 [15-22] mm/m2; P = .17). During the median (IQR) follow-up of 3.3 (1.6-5.8) years, 50 patients with no or minimal symptoms receiving medical management developed the composite end point, which, in multivariate analysis adjusted for age and EuroSCORE II, was independently associated with LVESVi of 45 mL/m2 or greater and aortic regurgitant fraction of 32% or greater, the latter adding incremental prognostic value to CMR volumetric assessment.In patients with chronic moderate or severe AR, patients presenting with heart failure symptoms have greater LVESVi by CMR than those with no or minimal symptoms. In patients with no or minimal symptoms, CMR quantification of LVESVi and AR severity may identify those at risk of death or incident heart failure and therefore should be considered in the clinical evaluation and decision-making of these patients.

Prediction of the clinical response to transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) remains a vexing challenge.This study sought to examine the relation between hemodynamic profiles and outcomes following mitral TEER.Among 378 patients (median age 82 years; 43.9% women), 3 hemodynamic profiles using residual left atrial pressure (LAP) and mitral regurgitation (MR) were defined: type I (optimal), grade ≤1 MR and mean LAP (mLAP) ≤15 mm Hg; type II (mixed), MR grade1 or mLAP15 mm Hg; and type III (poor), MR grade1 and mLAP15 mm Hg. The discrimination of these profiles for predicting outcomes was examined. A positive clinical response to TEER was defined as improvement in New York Heart Association functional class ≥I grade at 1 year without heart failure rehospitalization or death.There were 148 (39.0%) patients classified as optimal (type I), 187 (49.0%) patients as mixed (type II), and 43 (11.0%) patients as poor (type III). For all-cause mortality, survival at 1 year was 91.6%, 82.6%, and 67.9% for types I, II, and III, respectively (HR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.44-3.15; P 0.001). For the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality and rehospitalization for heart failure, event-free survival at 1 year was 84.1%, 70.7%, and 53.2% for types I, II, and III, respectively (HR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.41-2.65; P 0.001). Hemodynamic profiling was strongly associated with a positive response to TEER, occurring in 73.9%, 57.0%, 35.0%, for types I, II, and III, respectively (P 0.001).In patients undergoing mitral TEER, hemodynamic profiling is prognostic, with superior survival occurring among patients with optimal reduction in MR and normal postprocedural LAP.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is increasingly being performed in younger and lower surgical risk patients. Given the longer life expectancy of these patients, the bioprosthetic valve will eventually fail, and aortic valve reintervention may be necessary. Although currently rare, redo-TAVR will likely increase in the future as younger patients are expected to outlive their transcatheter bioprosthesis. This review provides a contemporary overview of the indications, procedural planning, implantation technique, and outcomes of TAVR in failed transcatheter bioprosthetic aortic valves.

The prevalence of mitral valve disease with mitral annular calcification (MAC) and its clinical outcomes remain uncertain. This study sought to evaluate the prevalence of significant mitral disease due to MAC, and the impact of intervention on the clinical outcomes in these patients. All patients who underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) between January 2014 and December 2015 in our health care system were reviewed and identified for having MAC with significant mitral valve disease (i.e., either≥moderate mitral regurgitation (MR) or mitral stenosis (MS)). The primary endpoints of the study were all-cause mortality and a composite outcome of mortality or heart failure hospitalization at 3-year follow-up. Of 41,136 patients who underwent TTE, MAC was identified in 2,855 (6.9%) patients, including 434 (1.1% of total) patients who had significant MR and/or MS (median age [IQR], 80 [73 to 87] years; 63% women). MAC predominately involved the posterior annulus (95%), with the majority having calcification of both trigones (55%), the leaflets (71%), and circumferential involvement (67%). During 3-year follow-up, 59 (14%) patients underwent surgical or transcatheter MV intervention. Patients who did not undergo mitral intervention had higher all-cause mortality (HR 2.80, 95% CI 1.60 to 4.92; p0.001) and a greater risk of the composite outcome (HR 1.43, 1.00 to 2.04; p = 0.05) than those treated. Survival at 3-year follow-up was markedly greater in those with mitral intervention (78% vs 50%; p0.001). This survival benefit remained after multivariable adjustment. In conclusion, MAC affects approximately % of patients who undergo echocardiography. Those with significant mitral valve disease due to any degree of MAC have poor survival, which may be ameliorated with transcatheter or surgical intervention.

Background Randomized clinical trials demonstrated transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) efficacy in improving outcome vs. medical management for functional mitral regurgitation, but limited randomized data are available for the treatment of degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR). We aimed to compare the outcome of older patients treated with TEER vs. unoperated DMR. Methods and results Registries including consecutive patients ≥65 years with symptomatic severe DMR treated with TEER (MitraSwiss and Minneapolis Heart Institute registries) or unoperated (MIDA registry) were analysed. Survival was compared overall and after matching for age, sex, EuroSCORE II, and ejection fraction. The study included 1187 patients (872 treated with TEER and 315 unoperated). During 24 ± 17 months of follow-up, 430 patients died, 18 ± 1% at 1 year and 50 ± 2% at 4 years. Patients undergoing TEER had similar age (82 ± 6 vs. 82 ± 7 years) and sex to unoperated patients, but higher surgical risk/comorbidity (EuroSCORE II 3.98 ± 4.28% vs. 2.77 ± 2.46%), more symptoms, and atrial fibrillation (P < 0.0001). Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair was associated with lower mortality accounting for age, sex, EuroSCORE II, New York Heart Association class, atrial fibrillation, and ejection fraction [hazard ratio (HR): 0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37–0.58; P < 0.0001]. After propensity matching (247 pairs of patients), TEER consistently showed better survival compared with unoperated patients (49 ± 6% vs. 37 ± 3% at 4 years, P < 0.0001) even in comprehensive multivariable analysis (HR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.40–0.91; P = 0.03). Procedural failure was infrequent but post-procedural mitral regurgitation, remaining moderate-to-severe in 66 (7.6%) patients, was associated with excess mortality vs. trivial residual regurgitation (30 ± 6% vs. 11 ± 1% at 1 year, P < 0.0001). Conclusion Amongst older patients with severe symptomatic DMR at high surgical risk, mitral TEER was associated with higher survival vs. unoperated patients. Successful control of mitral regurgitation was key to survival improvement with mitral TEER, which should be actively considered in patients deemed inoperable.

The purpose of this study was to characterize the anatomic relationship between the inferior vena cava (IVC) and tricuspid annulus (TA) and its potential impact on the performance of transcatheter TV interventions.Transcatheter tricuspid valve (TV) interventions are emerging as a therapeutic alternative for the treatment of severe, symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Progression of TR is associated with right heart dilatation. These anatomic changes may distort the IVC-TA relationship and impact successful implantation of transcatheter devices.Fifty patients who presented with symptomatic TR for consideration of transcatheter TV therapy with an available CT were included in the study. Comprehensive transesophageal echocardiogram and CT analyses were performed to assess the right-sided cardiac chambers, TA and IVC-TA relationship.The mean age of the study cohort was 78.4 ± 8.9 years. Torrential TR was present in 54% (n = 27). There was considerable variation in the short axis mid-IVC to mid-TA offset (SAXThe IVC-to-TA relationship exhibits significant variability in patients with symptomatic TR. CT analysis of the tricuspid anatomy, including the relationship to the surrounding structures and the IVC, is essential for planning transcatheter TV interventions. Further studies are needed to define whether the IVC-to-TA relationship is a predictor of technical success in the context of specific transcatheter delivery systems.

Transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) is rapidly emerging as a therapeutic option amongst patients with secondary tricuspid regurgitation. Historical data from surgical tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) studies may serve as a benchmark for the development of TTVR trials.The aim of the study was to investigate the early and late outcomes following isolated surgical TVR.Multiple electronic databases were searched to identify studies on isolated surgical TVR. The prespecified primary endpoint was operative mortality; secondary endpoints were early and late outcomes. Overall estimates of proportions and incidence rates with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random-effects models. Multiple sensitivity analyses accounting for baseline characteristics, country and the operative period were applied. Results: A total of 35 studies (5,316 patients) were included in this meta-analysis. The operative period ranged from 1974 to 2019. The overall rate of operative mortality was 12% (95% CI: 9-15), with higher mortality for patients who were operated on before 1995, who had prior cardiac surgeries, or who had liver disease. The most frequent clinical events were pacemaker implantation (10% [95% CI: 6-16]), bleeding (12% [95% CI: 8-17]), acute kidney injury (15% [95% CI: 9-24]) and respiratory complications (15% [95% CI: 12-20]). At follow-up analysis of the bioprosthetic TVR, there was an incidence rate per 100 person-years of 6 (95% CI: 2-13) for death and 8 (95% CI: 5-13) for recurrence of significant tricuspid regurgitation.This meta-analysis provides an overview of the historical clinical outcomes following isolated surgical TVR. These findings can support the development of future clinical trials in the tricuspid space by providing thresholds for clinical outcomes.

Background: Although transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) therapy continues to grow, there have been concerns about the occurrence of hypoattenuating leaflet thickening (HALT), which may affect prosthesis function or durability. This study aimed to examine prosthesis frame factors and correlate their extent to the frequency of HALT and clinical outcomes. Methods: We prospectively examined 565 patients with cardiac computed tomography screening for HALT at 30 days after balloon-expandable SAPIEN3 and self-expanding EVOLUT TAVR. Deformation of the TAVR prostheses, asymmetric prosthesis leaflet expansion, prosthesis sinus volumes, and commissural alignment were analyzed on the postprocedural computed tomography. For descriptive purposes, an index of prosthesis deformation was calculated, with values >1.00 representing relative midsegment underexpansion. A time-to-event model was performed to evaluate the association of HALT with the clinical outcome. Results: Overall, HALT was present in 21% of SAPIEN3 patients and in 16% of EVOLUT patients at 30 days after TAVR. The occurrence of HALT was directly associated with greater prosthesis frame deformation ( P P P P P =0.001), cardiac death (hazard ratio, 4.58 [95% CI, 1.81–11.6]; P =0.001), and a composite outcome of all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization (hazard ratio, 1.94 [95% CI, 1.14–3.30]; P =0.02) with adjustment for age, sex, and comorbidities. Conclusions: Nonuniform expansion of TAVR prostheses resulting in frame deformation, asymmetric leaflet, and smaller neosinus volume is related to occurrence of HALT in patients who undergo TAVR. These data may have implications for both prosthesis valve design and deployment techniques to improve clinical outcomes for these patients.

The utilization of bioprostheses for surgical heart valve replacement has been increasing across all age groups. For patients, the appeal of the bioprosthetic valve rests with the avoidance of anticoagulation, fewer thrombotic and hemorrhagic events, and the increasing availability of transcatheter valve-in-valve interventions -both in the aortic and mitral positions- allowing for lower morbidity reinterventions. While improvements in valve hemodynamics and long-term durability have made bioprostheses a reasonable choice for a growing number of patients, challenges do remain. With increasing usage of bioprostheses, especially in younger patients, there will be an increase in the projected number of failing bioprosthetic valves. This trend will bring even more emphasis to maximizing long-term durability, optimizing anticoagulation, and promoting patient-level decision making around prosthesis choice.

Background: Although transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) is effective and safe, there is a need for better prediction of optimal outcomes. We aimed to determine predictors of optimal reduction in mitral regurgitation (MR) and survival with TEER. Methods: We examined mitral anatomy and its change with TEER on outcomes in 183 patients (age, 82 [77–87] years; 53% women). Coaptation reserve was measured as the distance of continuous apposition of the A2 and P2 leaflet segments in 2-dimensional apical long-axis imaging at the site of the predominant jet of MR. Augmentation in coaptation was measured as the total amount of leaflet insertion. Addressable coaptation area was calculated using the physical boundaries of the TEER device. Results: Coaptation reserve, its augmentation, and addressable coaptation area were strong predictors of MR reduction (all P 2 , respectively. Receiver operating characteristic analyses determined the best values for optimal MR reduction as a coaptation reserve of >3.0 mm ( P 2 ( P P Conclusions: Coaptation reserve and its augmentation are simple, independent parameters that predict optimal MR reduction and better survival in patients undergoing TEER. These findings may have implications for patient selection and expanded use of the therapy.

Background: Hypoattenuated leaflet thickening (HALT), identified on functional cardiac computed tomography (CTA), can affect valve function and clinical outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of HALT on clinical outcomes in patients treated with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods: In July 2015, Minneapolis Heart Institute implemented prospective screening of HALT at 30-day post-TAVR with CTA. Patients with evidence of HALT were recommended to initiate anticoagulation for 3 to 6 months with warfarin. Echocardiographic, ischemic, and bleeding outcomes were compared between HALT+ and HALT− patients. Survival rates were compared between HALT+ and HALT− patients using log-rank test, with Cox regression analysis used to identify variables independently associated with long-term death landmarked at time of CTA. This analysis included patients treated from July 1, 2015 to October 31, 2019. Results: Of 856 patients undergoing TAVR during the study period, 638 (75%) underwent CTA post-TAVR (median time 31 [30–37] days). HALT+ was evident in 79 (12.3%). HALT+ patients were more likely prescribed warfarin at 1, 3, and 12 months (all P P =0.001). In Cox regression analysis, presence of HALT (hazard ratio, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.13–2.97]; P =0.014) remained independently associated with long-term mortality. Conclusions: In a large, real-world cohort of patients receiving TAVR followed by systematic screening with CTA 30-days post-procedure, HALT was found in 12% of patients and independently associated with long-term mortality. Findings of this nonrandomized, observational cohort study require independent validation.

The aim of this study was to determine clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, mechanisms of failure, and outcomes of mitral valve (MV) surgery after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER).Although100,000 mitral TEER procedures have been performed worldwide, longitudinal data on MV surgery after TEER are lacking.Data from the multicenter, international CUTTING-EDGE registry were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical and echocardiographic outcomes were evaluated. Median follow-up duration was 9.0 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.2-25.7 months) after MV surgery, and follow-up was 96.1% complete at 30 days and 81.1% complete at 1 year.From July 2009 to July 2020, 332 patients across 34 centers underwent MV surgery after TEER. The mean age was 73.8 ± 10.1 years, median Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk for MV repair at initial TEER was 4.0 (IQR: 2.3-7.3), and primary/mixed and secondary mitral regurgitation were present in 59.0% and 38.5%, respectively. The median interval from TEER to surgery was 3.5 months (IQR: 0.5-11.9 months), with overall median Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk of 4.8% for MV replacement (IQR: 2.8%-8.4%). The primary indication for surgery was recurrent mitral regurgitation (33.5%), and MV replacement and concomitant tricuspid surgery were performed in 92.5% and 42.2% of patients, respectively. The 30-day and 1-year mortality rates were 16.6% and 31.3%, respectively. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, the actuarial estimates of mortality were 24.1% at 1 year and 31.7% at 3 years after MV surgery.In this first report of the CUTTING-EDGE registry, the mortality and morbidity risks of MV surgery after TEER were not negligible, and only 10% of patients underwent MV repair. These registry data provide valuable insights for further research to improve these outcomes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical characteristics, mechanisms of failure, and outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) explantation.Surgical explantation following TAVR may be required for structural valve degeneration, paravalvular leak, infection, or other reasons. However, in-depth data on indications and outcomes are lacking.Data from a multicenter, international registry (EXPLANT-TAVR) of patients who underwent TAVR explantation were reviewed retrospectively. Explantations performed during the same admission as initial TAVR were excluded. Clinical and echocardiographic outcomes were evaluated. Median follow-up duration was 6.7 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.0-18.8 months) after TAVR explantation and was 97.7% complete at 30 days and 86.1% complete at 1 year.From November 2009 to September 2020, 269 patients across 42 centers with a mean age of 72.7 ± 10.4 years underwent TAVR explantation. About one quarter (25.9%) were deemed low surgical risk at index TAVR, and median Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk at TAVR explantation was 5.6% (IQR: 3.2%-9.6%). The median time to explantation was 11.5 months (IQR: 4.0-32.4 months). Balloon-expandable and self-expanding or mechanically expandable valves accounted for 50.9% and 49.1%, respectively. Indications for explantation included endocarditis (43.1%), structural valve degeneration (20.1%), paravalvular leak (18.2%), and prosthesis-patient mismatch (10.8%). Redo TAVR was not feasible because of unfavorable anatomy in 26.8% of patients. Urgent or emergency cases were performed in 53.1% of patients, aortic root replacement in 13.4%, and 54.6% had concomitant cardiac procedures. Overall survival at last follow-up was 76.1%. In-hospital, 30-day, and 1-year mortality rates were 11.9%, 13.1%, and 28.5%, respectively, and stroke rates were 5.9%, 8.6%, and 18.7%, respectively.The EXPLANT-TAVR registry reveals that surgical risks associated with TAVR explantation are not negligible and should be taken into consideration in the lifetime management of aortic stenosis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate 1-year outcomes of valve-in-mitral annular calcification (ViMAC) in the MITRAL (Mitral Implantation of Transcatheter Valves) trial.The MITRAL trial is the first prospective study evaluating the feasibility of ViMAC using balloon-expandable aortic transcatheter heart valves.A multicenter prospective study was conducted, enrolling high-risk surgical patients with severe mitral annular calcification and symptomatic severe mitral valve dysfunction at 13 U.S. sites.Between February 2015 and December 2017, 31 patients were enrolled (median age 74.5 years [interquartile range (IQR): 71.3 to 81.0 years], 71% women, median Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 6.3% [IQR: 5.0% to 8.8%], 87.1% in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV). Access was transatrial (48.4%), transseptal (48.4%), or transapical (3.2%). Technical success was 74.2%. Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) with hemodynamic compromise occurred in 3 patients (transatrial, n = 1; transseptal, n = 1; transapical, n = 1). After LVOTO occurred in the first 2 patients, pre-emptive alcohol septal ablation was implemented to decrease risk in high-risk patients. No intraprocedural deaths or conversions to open heart surgery occurred during the index procedures. All-cause mortality at 30 days was 16.7% (transatrial, 21.4%; transseptal, 6.7%; transapical, 100% [n = 1]; p = 0.33) and at 1 year was 34.5% (transatrial, 38.5%; transseptal, 26.7%; p = 0.69). At 1-year follow-up, 83.3% of patients were in New York Heart Association functional class I or II, the median mean mitral valve gradient was 6.1 mm Hg (IQR: 5.6 to 7.1 mm Hg), and all patients had ≤1+ mitral regurgitation.At 1 year, ViMAC was associated with symptom improvement and stable transcatheter heart valve performance. Pre-emptive alcohol septal ablation may prevent transcatheter mitral valve replacement-induced LVOTO in patients at risk. Thirty-day mortality of patients treated via transseptal access was lower than predicted by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons score. Further studies are needed to evaluate safety and efficacy of ViMAC.

The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of severe prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) in the TVT (Transcatheter Valve Therapy) Registry in patients undergoing supra-annular transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for de novo stenosis or failed surgical bioprostheses (transcatheter aortic valve [TAV]-in-surgical aortic valve [SAV]).Severe PPM has been associated with adverse outcomes following TAVR, yet the clinical outcome of severe PPM after supra-annular TAVR is largely unknown.Supra-annular TAVR was performed in patients enrolled in the TVT Registry with de novo stenosis (n = 42,174) or TAV-in-SAV (n = 5,446). Valve Academic Research Consortium-3 criteria were used to define severe PPM. The clinical impact of severe PPM on 1-year mortality and valve-related readmission was assessed using multivariate regression. A generalized linear mixed model was used to evaluate predictors of severe PPM.Severe PPM was found in 5.3% of patients undergoing de novo TAVR and 27.0% of patients undergoing TAV-in-SAV. The presence of severe PPM was not significantly associated with 1-year mortality or valve-related readmissions in both groups. Mean aortic gradients were higher in patients with severe PPM than in those without severe PPM at 1 month (9.7 ± 5.7 mm Hg vs. 7.3 ± 4.0 mm Hg; p 0.001) and 1 year (10.2 ± 6.4 mm Hg vs. 8.0 ± 4.3 mm Hg; p 0.001). Pre-procedural factors, including a 20-mm aortic annulus, were positive predictors of severe PPM in patients undergoing de novo TAVR (area under the curve = 0.795) and TAV-in-SAV (area under the curve = 0.764).Severe PPM after supra-annular TAVR was not associated with increased 1-year mortality or valve-related readmissions. Longer-term follow-up is needed to determine if higher residual gradients in patients with severe PPM predict long-term outcomes. (STS/ACC Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry [TVT Registry]; NCT01737528).

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of initial deployment orientation of SAPIEN 3, Evolut, and ACURATE-neo transcatheter heart valves on their final orientation and neocommissural overlap with coronary arteries. Background: Coronary artery access and redo transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) following initial TAVR may be influenced by transcatheter heart valve orientation. In this study the impact of transcatheter heart valve deployment orientation on commissural alignment was evaluated. Methods: Pre-TAVR computed tomography and procedural fluoroscopy were analyzed in 828 patients who underwent TAVR (483 SAPIEN 3, 245 Evolut, and 100 ACURATE-neo valves) from March 2016 to September 2019 at 5 centers. Coplanar fluoroscopic views were coregistered to pre-TAVR computed tomography to determine commissural alignment. Severe overlap between neocommissural posts and coronary arteries was defined as 0° to 20° apart. The SAPIEN 3 had 1 commissural post crimped at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock. The Evolut “Hat” marker and ACURATE-neo commissural post at deployment were classified as center back (CB), inner curve (IC), outer curve (OC), or center front (CF) and matched with final orientation. Results: Initial SAPIEN 3 crimped orientation had no impact on commissural alignment. Evolut “Hat” at OC or CF at initial deployment had less severe overlap than IC or CB (p < 0.001) against the left main (15.7% vs. 66.0%) and right coronary (7.1% vs. 51.1%) arteries. Tracking Evolut “Hat” at OC of the descending aorta (n = 107) improved OC at deployment from 70.2% to 91.6% (p = 0.002) and reduced coronary artery overlap by 36% to 60% (p < 0.05). ACURATE-neo commissural post at CB or IC during deployment had less coronary artery overlap compared to CF or OC (p < 0.001), with intentional alignment successful in 5 of 7 cases. Conclusions: This is the first systematic evaluation of commissural alignment in TAVR. More than 30% to 50% of cases had overlap with 1 or both coronary arteries. Initial SAPIEN 3 orientation had no impact on alignment, but specific initial orientations of Evolut and ACURATE improved alignment. Optimizing valve alignment to avoid coronary artery overlap will be important in coronary artery access and redo TAVR.

An increased use of bioprosthetic heart valves has stimulated an interest in possible transcatheter options for bioprosthetic valve failure given the high operative risk. The encouraging results of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in high-risk surgical candidates with native disease have led to the development of the transcatheter valve-in-valve (VIV) procedures for failed bioprostheses. VIV procedures are unique in many ways, and there is an increased need for multimodality imaging in a team-based approach. The echocardiographic approach to VIV procedures has not previously been described. In this review, we summarize key echocardiographic requirements for optimal patient selection, procedural guidance, and immediate post-procedural assessment for VIV procedures.

The goal of this study was to provide a measurement of the true internal diameter (ID) of various surgical heart valves (SHV) to facilitate the valve-in-valve (VIV) procedure. During a VIV procedure, it is important to choose the right of the transcatheter heart valve (THV). Most users use the stent ID of an SHV to select the appropriate THV size. Echocardiography and computed tomography measurements are not yet standardized for measuring the ID of a variety of SHVs. Hence, we measured the true ID of SHV to assess the effect of valve design on the stent ID. Thirteen types of stented and 3 types of stentless valves were evaluated. True ID measurements were obtained using calipers and Hegar dilators. These were compared with the stent ID measurements. Fluoroscopy was used to confirm the impact of SHV designs on the true ID. Caliper measurements were found to be inaccurate and are hence not recommended. Hegar dilator measurements revealed a trend of reduction in stent ID. Porcine valves were most affected by their design, with reduction in the stent ID by at least 2 mm; pericardial valves with leaflets sutured inside the stent had the stent ID reduced by at least 1 mm, and SHV with leaflets sutured outside the stent had no effect on stent ID. In the majority of SHV designs, there is a reduction in the stent ID as a result of leaflet tissue. This is important in borderline sizes to avoid problems associated with oversizing and also to confirm suitability for the VIV procedure in the smaller label sizes of SHV.