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The PASCAL system is a novel device for transcatheter mitral valve repair based on the edge-to-edge concept. The unique features of this device might have a relevant impact on the repair outcomes. There are few data on clinical outcomes in real-life registries. The aim of this study was to report the early Iberian experience (Spain and Portugal) of the PASCAL system.Procedural and 30-day outcomes were investigated in consecutive patients with symptomatic severe mitral regurgitation (MR) treated with the PASCAL system at 10 centers. Primary efficacy endpoints were technical success and degree of residual MR at discharge. The primary safety endpoint was the rate of major adverse events (MAE) at 30 days.We included 68 patients (age, 75 [68-81] years; 38% women; EuroSCORE II 4.5%). MR etiology was degenerative in 25%, functional in 65%, and mixed in 10%. A total of 71% of patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class≥III. Technical success was achieved in 96% and independent capture was used in 73% of procedures. In the treated population, MR at discharge was≤2+ in 100%, with no in-hospital deaths. At 30 days, the MAE rate was 5.9%, the all-cause mortality rate was 1.6%, 98% were in NYHA functional class≤II, and 95% had MR≤2+ (P.001).Transcatheter mitral valve repair with the PASCAL system was safe and effective, with high procedural success and low rates of MAE. At 30 days, MR was significantly reduced, with a significant improvement in functional status.

BACKGROUND Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) optimization is mandatory before transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (M-TEER) in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) and heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, the effect of M-TEER on GDMT is unknown. OBJECTIVES The authors sought to evaluate frequency, prognostic implications and predictors of GDMT uptitration after M-TEER in patients with SMR and HFrEF. METHODS This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the EuroSMR Registry. The primary events were all-cause death and the composite of all-cause death or HF hospitalization. RESULTS Among the 1,641 EuroSMR patients, 810 had full datasets regarding GDMT and were included in this study. GDMT uptitration occurred in 307 patients (38%) after M-TEER. Proportion of patients receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers/angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors, beta-blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists was 78%, 89%, and 62% before M-TEER and 84%, 91%, and 66% 6 months after M-TEER (all P < 0.001). Patients with GDMT uptitration had a lower risk of all-cause death (adjusted HR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.41-0.93; P = 0.020) and of all-cause death or HF hospitalization (adjusted HR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.38-0.76; P < 0.001) compared with those without. Degree of MR reduction between baseline and 6-month follow-up was an independent predictor of GDMT uptitration after M-TEER (adjusted OR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.08-2.71; P = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS GDMT uptitration after M-TEER occurred in a considerable proportion of patients with SMR and HFrEF and is independently associated with lower rates for mortality and HF hospitalizations. A greater decrease in MR was associated with increased likelihood for GDMT uptitration.

This abstract has been withdrawn. Please see: https://doi.org/10.1093/cvr/cvac183

This abstract has been withdrawn. Please see: https://doi.org/10.1093/cvr/cvac183

This abstract has been withdrawn. Please see: https://doi.org/10.1093/cvr/cvac183

To investigate the role of left atrial volume index (LAVi) in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TEER).Outcomes were evaluated in SMR patients of a European multicentre registry according to baseline LAVi. Main analysis was performed for all-cause mortality; residual mitral regurgitation (MR) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class improvement were analysed for patients available. A total of 1074 patients were included with a median LAVi (interquartile range) of 58 ml/mProcedural success and symptomatic benefit were high throughout the whole range of LAVi. The prognostic impact of left atrial enlargement was relevant in patients with less severe SMR and without pulmonary hypertension, reinforcing the need to identify patients in the early course of backward congestion to achieve good long-term outcome after TEER.

AIMS The diagnostic performance of the new Peguero-Lo Presti ECG criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has not been validated by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of Peguero-Lo Presti, Cornell and Sokolow--Lyon voltage criteria for LVH as defined by CMR in an all-comers European population. METHODS A total of 240 consecutive patients referred for CMR who had a concomitant electrocardiogram for review were evaluated. LVH group patients were defined according to the reference values for sex and age of left ventricular mass index (LVMi). A control group, adjusted by sex, was randomly selected from a population without LVH. We applied the ECG voltage criteria to both groups and evaluated their diagnostic accuracy. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were compared. RESULTS Two hundred and forty patients (mean age 63 years; 65% men) were divided into two groups (LVH n = 149; control n = 91). The main causes of LVH were hypertension (24.8%) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (21.5%). The remaining patients of this group had a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy (14.8%), valvular heart disease (7.4%) and infiltrative cardiomyopathy (2.0%). Overall, the sensitivity for LVH diagnosis of the Peguero-Lo Presti criteria outperformed both the Cornell (47 vs. 29%, P

BACKGROUND Body surface area (BSA) has been reported to be the stronger predictor for prognosis than body mass index in heart failure (HF) patients. The sex-specific association of BSA with mortality has been unclear. METHODS EuroSMR, a European multicenter registry, included patients who underwent edge-to-edge repair (TEER) for secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR). The outcome was two-year all-cause mortality. RESULTS The present cohort included 1594 HF patients (age, 74 ± 10 years; male, 66%). Association of calculated BSA with two-year all-cause mortality was evaluated. Patients were classified into three BSA groups: the lowest 10% (S), the highest 10% (L), and intermediate between S and L (M). Mean BSA was 1.87 ± 0.21 m2 (male, 1.94 ± 0.18 m2; female, 1.73 ± 0.18 m2). The association of BSA with the endpoint in females showed a U-shaped curve, indicating worse prognosis for both S and L. The association in males followed a linear regression, demonstrating better prognosis for L. Hazard ratio (HR) of L to S in males was 0.43 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.25-0.74; p = 0.002), whereas HR of L to M in females was 1.76 (95% CI, 1.11-2.78; p = 0.016) (p for interaction = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Sex-specific association patterns demonstrate the complex influence of anthropomorphic factors in HF patients scheduled for TEER. Further investigation beyond simple evaluation of weight and height is needed for better comprehension of the obesity paradox and better prediction of the results of transcatheter therapy in HF patients.

Among patients with severe functional mitral regurgitation (FMR), atrial functional mitral regurgitation (aFMR) represents an underrecognized entity. Data regarding outcomes after mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) in aFMR remain scarce.The objective of this study was to analyze the outcome of aFMR patients undergoing M-TEER.Using patients from the international EuroSMR (European Registry of Transcatheter Repair for Secondary Mitral Regurgitation) registry undergoing M-TEER for FMR, the authors analyzed baseline characteristics and 2-year outcomes in aFMR in comparison to non-aFMR and ventricular FMR. Additionally, the impact of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) (defined as right ventricular to pulmonary artery uncoupling) on outcome after M-TEER was assessed.Among 1,608 FMR patients treated by M-TEER, 126 (7.8%) were categorized as aFMR. All 126 aFMR patients had preserved left ventricular function without regional wall motion abnormalities, left arterial dilatation and Carpentier leaflet motion type I. Procedural success (defined as mitral regurgitation ≤2+ at discharge) was 87.2% (P 0.001) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class significantly improved during follow-up (NYHA functional class III/IV: 86.5% at baseline to 36.6% at follow-up; P 0.001). The estimated 2-year survival rate in aFMR patients was 70.4%. Two-year survival did not differ significantly between aFMR, non-aFMR, and ventricular FMR. Besides NYHA functional class IV, RVD was identified as a strong independent predictor for 2-year survival (HR: 2.82 [95% CI: 1.24-6.45]; P = 0.014).aFMR is a frequent cause of FMR and can be effectively treated with M-TEER to improve symptoms at follow-up. Advanced heart failure symptoms and RVD were identified as important risk factors for survival in aFMR patients.

Background The prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) is high among patients with severe aortic stenosis who undergo transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Indications for TAVR are now expanding to younger and lower risk patients. During their lifetime, these patients will be at risk of developing CAD and it is expected an increase in coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Aortic prosthesis, particularly if in supra-annular position, may pose important technical difficulties in coronary re-engagement after TAVR. Purpose To evaluate the feasibility to reengage the coronary ostia after TAVR, describe complications and compare technical differences between coronary procedures performed before and after TAVR. Methods Retrospective analysis of 714 patients submitted to TAVR from August 2007 to December 2019. Patients who needed coronary angiography after TAVR were selected. The primary endpoint was the rate of successful coronary ostia cannulation after TAVR, defined by the possibility to selectively cannulate and inject both coronary ostia. Secondary endpoint was complications associated with coronary catheterization after TAVR. Results Among 714 patients, 25 (3.5%) patients were submitted to a total of 28 coronary angiography after TAVR. 14 patients were male (56%), mean age 78.2±6.2 years and 9 (36%) had history of previous coronary revascularization. From the 28 coronary angiographies (balloon-expandable Edwards-Sapien n=11, 44%; self-expandable CoreValve n=10, 40%; Portico n=2, 8%; Symetis n=2, 8%), 25 (89%) met the primary endpoint. Only three was semiselective (Symetis, CoreValve Evolut R and CoreValve TAVR in TAVR), with impossibility to cannulate both coronary arteries, right coronary artery and left coronary artery, respectively. 13 (46%) patients had also indication for PCI and all were successfully performed (Edwards-Sapien n=4, 31%; CoreValve n=6, 46%; Portico n=2, 15%; Symetis n=1, 8%). The main indications for coronary angiography was chronic coronary syndrome (n=12, 43%) and acute coronary syndrome without ST segment elevation (n=7, 25%). Circumflex artery was the most frequently treated vessel (n=6), followed by left anterior descending artery (n=4), right coronary artery (n=3) and left main (n=2). There were no complications reported during or post-procedure. Comparing coronary angiographies before and after TAVR, there were no significant differences regarding arterial access site, catheter diameter, fluoroscopy time and quantity of contrast used in coronary angiography. Conclusion Although the need for coronary angiography was rare in patients after TAVR, selective diagnostic coronary angiographies were possible in 89% (25/28) and PCI was feasible in all patients in whom it was indicated, without any reported complications. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the great feasibility of performing coronary angiography after TAVR. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia / Espinho

BACKGROUND Although mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) achieves symptomatic benefit for a broad spectrum of patients with relevant secondary mitral regurgitation, conflicting data exist on its prognostic impact. OBJECTIVES Adapted enrollment criteria approaching those used in the COAPT (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart��Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation) and MITRA-FR (Percutaneous Repair or Medical Treatment for Secondary Mitral Regurgitation) trials were retrospectively applied to a European real-world registry to evaluate the influence of the respective criteria on outcomes. METHODS A total of 1,022 patients included in the EuroSMR (European Registry of Transcatheter Repair for Secondary Mitral Regurgitation) registry and treated with M-TEER (November 2008 to September 2019) were stratified into COAPT-eligible (n��=��353 [34.5%]) and COAPT-ineligible (n��=��669 [65.5%]) as well as MITRA-FR-eligible (n��=��408 [48.3%]) and MITRA-FR-ineligible (n��=��437 [51.7%]) groups. RESULTS Although the stratification of patients according to adapted MITRA-FR criteria led to comparable outcomes regarding all-cause mortality (P��=��0.19), the application of adapted COAPT enrollment criteria demonstrated lower mortality rates in COAPT-eligible compared with COAPT-ineligible patients (P��< 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified New York Heart Association functional class IV (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53-3.42; P��< 0.001), logarithmic N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (HR: 1.47; 95%��CI: 1.24-1.75; P��< 0.001), and right ventricular-to-pulmonary arterial coupling (HR: 0.10; 95%��CI: 0.02-0.57; P��=��0.009) as independent predictors of outcome. Yet improvement of functional outcome was demonstrated in a subset of patients irrespective of COAPT eligibility status. CONCLUSIONS In this real-world cohort of patients with secondary mitral regurgitation undergoing M-TEER, the retrospective application of adapted COAPT enrollment criteria successfully identified a specific phenotype demonstrating lower mortality rates. On the contrary, stratification according to adapted MITRA-FR criteria resulted in comparable outcomes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether fulfilling COAPT (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation) criteria identifies patients with better outcomes after MitraClip treatment for secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR).To date, COAPT is the only trial showing a prognostic benefit of MitraClip implantation compared with conservative management.Three hundred four patients with SMR undergoing MitraClip placement in addition to optimal medical therapy at 3 European centers were analyzed. A COAPT-like profile was defined as absence of all the following criteria: severe left ventricular impairment, moderate to severe right ventricular dysfunction, severe tricuspid regurgitation, severe pulmonary hypertension, and hemodynamic instability. Freedom from all-cause death and from a composite endpoint (cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization) were evaluated at 2- and 5-year follow-up.A COAPT-like profile was observed in 65% of the population. Compared with non-COAPT-like patients, those fulfilling COAPT criteria had greater survival free from all-cause death and from the composite endpoint at both 2 year (75% vs. 55% and 67% vs. 47%; p 0.001 for both) and 5-year (49% vs. 25% and 40% vs. 19%; p 0.001 for both) follow-up. Among the non-COAPT-like patients, similar outcomes were observed in those fulfilling 1 or ≥1 criterion. Left ventricular impairment had a late impact on outcomes, while right ventricular impairment, pulmonary hypertension, and hemodynamic instability had early effects. COAPT-like profile was an independent predictor of long-term outcomes, as well as administration of neurohormonal antagonists, European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II score, and previous heart failure hospitalization.A COAPT-like profile, including specific echocardiographic and clinical criteria, identifies patients with SMR who have a better prognosis after MitraClip implantation.

Percutaneous approach for valvular heart disease is accepted as a safe and feasible strategy to treat patients considered at high surgical risk with aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation. Additionally, the growing experience led to the increasing use of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in several indications, such as in pure aortic regurgitation. The authors present the case of a 72-year-old woman with prohibitive surgical risk due to several comorbidities, including a chronic arterial dissection from the right carotid artery to the femoral arteries bilaterally that presented with signs and symptoms of heart failure, having a transthoracic echocardiography that showed severe functional mitral and aortic regurgitation. Combined percutaneous intervention for multivalvular disease in this clinical scenario is challenging, and the reported experience is still scarce and limited to inoperable patients.

Introduction and Objectives: Paravalvular leak (PVL) is a possible complication after prosthetic valve implantation. PVL can cause significant symptoms of congestive heart failure and/or hemolysis. Medical therapy is palliative and reoperation has a high mortality rate. Percutaneous transcatheter closure is a promising alternative for symptomatic patients at high surgical risk. We aim to review the efficacy and safety of percutaneous PVL closure in a consecutive series of patients referred to our center. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical and technical procedural data of patients referred to our center for percutaneous PVL closure between January 2009 and November 2015. Results: Twenty procedures were performed in 18 patients under general anesthesia and under transesophageal echocardiographic and radiographic guidance. Fourteen mitral PVLs were successfully treated in 13 patients and one aortic PVL in one patient. Most (eight) of the PVLs closed were in mitral bioprostheses. Two patients underwent a second intervention, which was technically successful in one. Technical success was achieved in 15 (75%) of the procedures. At discharge, median NYHA functional class decreased by one and hemolytic anemia decreased from seven cases (38.9%) to two (11.1%). Two patients had minor bleeding at the femoral vascular access site. Survival rates at six, 12 and 24 months were 77.8%, 77.8% and 61.1%, respectively. Conclusions: In our experience, percutaneous PVL closure was overall effective and safe. The procedure is complex and a second intervention may be necessary. Percutaneous PVL closure may be a feasible alternative for selected symptomatic patients at high surgical risk refractory to medical therapy. Resumo: Introdução e objetivos: As regurgitações paravalvulares (RPV) constituem uma complicação da cirurgia de substituição valvular. Em alguns casos podem surgir sintomas de insuficiência cardíaca congestiva e/ou hemólise. A terapêutica médica é paliativa e a reoperação associa-se a elevada taxa de mortalidade. O encerramento percutâneo poderá ser uma alternativa para doentes com elevado risco cirúrgico. Pretendemos rever a eficácia e segurança do encerramento percutâneo de RPV numa série de doentes consecutivamente referenciados ao nosso centro. Métodos: Análise retrospetiva de dados clínicos e dos procedimentos efetuados em doentes referenciados para encerramento percutâneo de RPV, de janeiro de 2009 a novembro de 2015. Resultados: Vinte procedimentos foram efetuados em 18 doentes, sob anestesia geral, orientação radiológica e por ecocardiografia transesofágica. Foram tratadas 14 RPV mitrais com sucesso em 13 doentes e uma RPV aórtica. A maioria das RPV foram encerradas em biopróteses mitrais. Dois doentes foram submetidos a uma reintervenção, tecnicamente bem sucedida num deles. O sucesso técnico foi atingido em 15 (75%) dos procedimentos. À data de alta, a mediana de classe funcional NYHA diminuiu numa classe e a hemólise de sete (38,9%) para dois (11,1%) doentes. Dois doentes tiveram hemorragias minor nos locais dos acessos vasculares femorais. As taxas de sobrevivência aos seis, 12 e 24 meses foram 77,8, 77,8 e 61,1%, respetivamente. Conclusões: A nossa experiência foi globalmente eficaz e segura. O procedimento é complexo e uma reintervenção pode ser necessária. Esta técnica poderá constituir uma alternativa para doentes selecionados, sintomáticos, de elevado risco cirúrgico e refratários à terapêutica médica. Keywords: Percutaneous intervention, Perivalvular leak, Valve prosthesis, Aortic, Mitral, Palavras-chave: Intervenção percutânea, Regurgitação paravalvular, Prótese valvular, Aórtica, Mitral

Background High amounts of coronary artery calcium limit image quality and diagnostic accuracy of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography (CTA) regarding the assessment of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). CT myocardial perfusion imaging may represent an opportunity to overcome this limitation. Objective To explore the additive value of CT myocardial perfusion to CTA depending on the patient's calcium score and in comparison to the reference standard of invasive coronary angiography plus fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement. Methods Symptomatic patients with intermediate pretest probability of CAD were prospectively recruited and underwent both cardiac MDCT (64-slice scanner, retrospectively-gated stress–rest protocol) and invasive coronary angiography including FFR assessment. We defined hemodynamically significant CAD by the presence of occlusive or subocclusive (99%) stenosis, >50% stenosis in left main or FFR≤0.80. Stress CT myocardial perfusion imaging was performed in all patients in addition to CTA. The additive value of CT myocardial perfusion to rule in or rule out the presence of hemodynamically relevant stenosis on a per-patient basis was assessed and analyzed relative to the patient's calcium score. Results 95 patients were included in the analysis (62 ± 8.2 years, 68%males). Hemodynamically significant CAD was present in 42 patients. Sixty-four patients had a fully evaluable CTA examination. Per-patient, CTA alone had a sensitivity, specificity and AUC of 100%, 59% and 0.79 respectively (77% patients correctly classified). Adding CT myocardial perfusion to evaluate uninterpretable vessel territories in CTA in 66 patients with a calcium score>100 yielded a sensitivity of 88%, a specificity of 74% and an AUC of 0.81 (81% patients correctly classified), and in 52 patients with a calcium score>400 sensitivity was 91%, specificity 70%, and AUC 0.80 (82% patients correctly classified, p = 0.733 versus using perfusion imaging in all patients). Conclusions From a pragmatic standpoint, limiting the use of CT perfusion to individuals with a calcium score above 400 might be a feasible strategy to optimize the diagnostic accuracy of CT imaging for diagnosis of obstructive CAD.

The percutaneous MitraClip system is a catheter-based device designed to perform edge-to-edge mitral valve (MV) leaflet repair at the site of regurgitation. MitraClip implantation is an alternative procedure in patients at high surgical risk with symptomatic severe mitral regurgitation (MR) who are not candidates for MV repair/replacement due to their degree of comorbidity and associated high mortality risk. The procedure is guided by 3-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and fluoroscopy. A clip is positioned between the anterior and posterior leaflet to reduce valve regurgitation. Quantitatively, the reduction in MR is less than with surgical repair, but it significantly improves patients’ quality of life and functional capacity. Advantages are avoidance of sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass, beating-heart repair of the MV and reduction in post-operative duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) stay and need for blood transfusion.General anesthesia (GA) with orotracheal intubation is the most common approach in the literature because of the TEE probe and the need for the patient to be immobilized during the procedure. Since May 2014, of the 39 patients who have had MitraClip implantation in our hospital, only two were under deep sedation.We describe here the case of a MitraClip implantation performed under deep sedation with ketamine and propofol infusion in a patient unsuitable for surgical repair because of her comorbidities. Resumo: A implantação percutânea de MitraClip é feita através de um dispositivo tipo catéter concebido para reparar a zona central das duas cúspides da valva mitral insuficiente, como procedimento alternativo em doentes de alto risco cirúrgico, com uma insuficiência mitral severa sintomática, que não são adequados ou são recusados para reparação cirúrgica ou substituição valvular pelas suas comorbilidades e portanto elevada mortalidade. O procedimento é guiado por ecocardiografia transesofágica tridimensional e fluoroscopia. Um clip é posicionado entre o folheto anterior e posterior para reduzir a regurgitação valvular. A redução quantitativa da regurgitação é menor do que a da reparação cirúrgica, mas melhora significativamente a capacidade funcional dos doentes e a sua qualidade de vida. As vantagens são a evicção de esternotomia e do bypass cardiopulmonar, a reparação da válvula sem paragem cardiocirculatória, a redução do tempo de ventilação mecânica pós-operatória, do tempo de internamento em unidade de cuidados intensivos e da necessidade de transfusão sanguínea.No que diz respeito à abordagem anestésica, a anestesia geral com intubação orotraqueal é a mais frequentemente descrita na literatura, quer pelo uso do eco transesofágico quer pela necessidade de imobilização, durante o procedimento. Desde maio de 2014 até à data presente, 39 doentes foram submetidos à implantação de MitraClip na nossa instituição hospitalar, apenas dois dos quais sob sedação profunda.Descrevemos, neste manuscrito, um caso de implantação de MitraClip feita sob sedação profunda, com perfusão de ketamina e propofol, numa doente recusada para reparação cirúrgica pelas suas comorbilidades. Keywords: Mitral regurgitation, Percutaneous MitraClip implantation, General anesthesia, Sedation, Propofol, Ketamine, Transesophageal echocardiography, Palavras-chave: Insuficiência mitral, Implantação percutânea de MitraClip, Anestesia geral, Sedação, Propofol, Ketamina, Ecocardiografia transesofágica

© 2017 Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved., Introduction and Objectives: We aimed to compare access to new health technologies to treat coronary heart disease (CHD) in the health systems of Portugal and the US, characterizing the needs of the populations and the resources available. Methods: We reviewed data for 2000 and 2010 on epidemiologic profiles of CHD and on health care available to patients. Thirty health technologies (16 medical devices and 14 drugs) introduced during the period 1980-2015 were identified by interventional cardiologists. Approval and marketing dates were compared between countries. Results: Relative to the US, Portugal has lower risk profiles and less than halfthe hospitalizations per capita, but fewer centers per capita provide catheterization and cardiothoracic surgery services. More than 70% of drugs were available sooner in the US, whereas 12 out of 16 medical devices were approved earlier in Portugal. Nevertheless, at least five of these devices were adopted first or diffused fasterin the US. Mortality due to CHD and myocardial infarction (MI) was lower in Portugal (CHD: 72.8 vs. 168 and MI: 48.7 vs. 54.1 in Portugal and the US, respectively; age- and gender-adjusted deaths per 100 000 population, 2010); but only CHD deaths exhibited a statistically significant difference between the countries. Conclusions: Differences in regulatory mechanisms and price regulations have a significant impact on the types of health technologies available in the two countries. However, other factors may influence their adoption and diffusion, and this appears to have a greater impact on mortality, due to acute conditions., Introdução e objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo é comparar o acesso a novas tecnologias em saúde no tratamento da doença coronária (CHD), entre os sistemas de saúde de Portugal e dos Estados Unidos (US), caracterizando as necessidades das populações e disponibilidade de recursos. Métodos:Foram comparados dados (2000 e 2010) de Portugal e US para descrever perfis epidemiológicos e recursos disponíveis na prestação cuidados de saúde na CHD. Trinta tecnologias de saúde (16 dispositivos médicos e 14 medicamentos), introduzidas durante 1980-2015, foram identificadas por cardiologistas de intervenção e calcularam-se as diferenças entre as datas de autorização de introdução no mercado/comercialização nos dois países. Resultados: Relativamente aos US, Portugal apresenta perfis de risco mais baixos, menos hospitalizações per capita, menor número de centros per capita com valência para cateterismo coronário e cirurgia cardiotorácica. Mais de 70% dos medicamentos foram comercializados mais cedo nos US, enquanto 12 dos 16 dispositivos médicos obtiveram autorização para comercialização mais cedo em Portugal. Contudo, pelo menos cinco destes dispositivos foram adotados primeiro ou sofreram uma difusão mais rápida nos US. A mortalidade por CHD e enfarte agudo do miocárdio (EAM) foi inferior em Portugal (CHD: 72,8 [Portugal] versus 168 [US]; AMI: 48,7 [Portugal] versus 54,1 [US]; mortes por 100 000 habitantes, padronizada por idade e sexo, 2010), tendo-se apenas verificado uma diferença significativa entre os países na mortalidade por CHD. Conclusões: Diferenças nos mecanismos de regulação e controlo de preços têm um impacto significativo no tipo de tecnologias disponíveis nos dois países. Contudo, outros fatores influenciam a sua adoção e difusão, tendo um maior impacto na mortalidade em condições mais agudas., This work was supported by the Harvard Medical School - Portugal Program (HMSP-ICT/0013/2011). Armando Teixeira-Pinto was partially supported by National Health and Medical Research Council program grant 633003 to the Screening and Test Evaluation Program (STEP).

© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press in association with the International Society for Quality in Health Care. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com, Objective: To compare healthcare in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treatment between contrasting health systems using comparable representative data from Europe and USA. Design: Repeated cross-sectional retrospective cohort study. Setting: Acute care hospitals in Portugal and USA during 2000-2010. Participants: Adults discharged with AMI. Interventions: Coronary revascularizations procedures (percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery). Main Outcome Measures: In-hospital mortality and length of stay. Results: We identified 1 566 601 AMI hospitalizations. Relative to the USA, more hospitalizations in Portugal presented with elevated ST-segment, and fewer had documented comorbidities. Age-sex-adjusted AMI hospitalization rates decreased in USA but increased in Portugal. Crude procedure rates were generally lower in Portugal (PCI: 44% vs. 47%; CABG: 2% vs. 9%, 2010) but only CABG rates differed significantly after standardization. PCI use increased annually in both countries but CABG decreased only in the USA (USA: 0.95 [0.94, 0.95], Portugal: 1.04 [1.02, 1.07], odds ratios). Both countries observed annual decreases in risk-adjusted mortality (USA: 0.97 [0.965, 0.969]; Portugal: 0.99 [0.979, 0.991], hazard ratios). While between-hospital variability in procedure use was larger in USA, the risk of dying in a high relative to a low mortality hospital (hospitals in percentiles 95 and 5) was 2.65 in Portugal when in USA was only 1.03. Conclusions: Although in-hospital mortality due to an AMI improved in both countries, patient management in USA seems more effective and alarming disparities in quality of care across hospitals are more likely to exist in Portugal., This paper was funded by the Harvard Medical School—Portugal Program [HMSP-ICT/0013/2011]. Armando Teixeira-Pinto was partially supported by National Health and Medical Research Council through the Screening & Test Evaluation Program [grant number 633003]. Project Macro-to-Nano human sensing: towards integrated multimodal health monitoring and analytics (NanoSTIMA) [NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000016] is financed by the North Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE 2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, and through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Mitral regurgitation is a common valvular heart disease and its prevalence is expected to increase with population ageing. In the recent years we have witnessed the evolution of several transcatheter devices to correct mitral regurgitation in patients at high-risk for surgery. Most of the evidence of the safety and efficacy of this new therapy comes from MitraClip studies. However, new alternatives have emerged with promising results. The aim of this position paper is to review the current evidence regarding patient selection, expected results and timing for transcatheter mitral valve interventions from the perspective of three European interventional societies. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has shown lower mortality compared with open surgical repair (OSR). However, the risk of spinal cord ischaemia (SCI) remains similar than OSR. As a prophylactic measure to reduce the risk of SCI, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage has been widely used in OSR. In TEVAR, the utility of this adjunct is still controversial. We report a case of a 56-year-old man referred for TEVAR for a descending thoracic aneurysm that previously underwent an abdominal aneurysmectomy with aortobifemoral bypass graft. On the day before, a lumbar cerebrospinal drain was placed prophylactically. Forty-eight hours after the procedure, meningeal symptoms without neurological deficits developed. Clinical investigation revealed meningeal haemorrhage. Therapy with nimodipine was initiated with symptomatic relief. Evidence from randomized controlled trials supporting the role of CSF drainage in TEVAR is still lacking. We discuss the current recommendations, potential benefits and risks and cautions associated with CSF drainage in TEVAR.

Coronary artery aneurysms are uncommon but potentially hazardous entities found on a small percentage of coronary angiograms. The best management strategy remains to be determined; the coexistence of obstructive coronary artery disease is the main determinant of prognosis.We report the case of a middle-aged woman with mixed aneurysmal and obstructive coronary artery disease presenting as an acute myocardial infarction, probably due to atherosclerosis. The unusual severity and complexity of the angiographic presentation of this case, with involvement of all major coronary arteries, raises important issues in terms of the patient's treatment options. Resumo: Os aneurismas das artérias coronárias são entidades raras, presentes numa pequena percentagem das angiografias coronárias, embora associadas a complicações potencialmente graves. A melhor conduta no tratamento destas situações ainda não foi estabelecida e a coexistência de doença coronária obstrutiva é o principal determinante prognóstico.Reportamos o caso de uma mulher de meia-idade com doença coronária mista, obstrutiva e aneurismática, diagnosticada no contexto de enfarte agudo do miocárdio e de provável etiologia aterosclerótica. A gravidade e a complexidade incomuns da apresentação angiográfica do nosso caso, levantaram aos autores questões importantes no domínio da decisão terapêutica. Keywords: Coronary artery aneurysms, Atherosclerosis, Acute myocardial infarction, Palavras-chave: Aneurismas coronários, Aterosclerose, Enfarte agudo do miocárdio

Ischemic iatrogenic lesions can complicate surgical procedures on the mitral valve. One of the causative mechanisms is direct injury to or distortion of structures that lie in close proximity to the valve, such as the circumflex coronary artery. We report a case of iatrogenic circumflex coronary artery lesion after mitral replacement causing muscle wall dyskinesia, wall aneurism and papillary muscle rupture. We emphasize the role of post-operative echocardiography in the diagnosis of such complications by demonstrating a 25mm flail of a ruptured papillary muscle remaining sutured to the ring of the mitral prosthesis and moving freely inside the left ventricle intruding the aortic valve during systole.As lesões isquémicas iatrogénicas são complicações possíveis durante a abordagem cirúrgica da válvula mitral. Um dos mecanismos é a lesão direta e/ou distorção de estruturas próximas, como a artéria coronária circunflexa. Reportamos um caso de lesão iatrogénica da artéria coronária circunflexa após cirurgia de substituição valvular mitral, tendo como consequência discinesia e aneurisma da parede ventricular, bem como ruptura do músculo papilar. Salientamos o papel do ecocardiograma como ferramenta diagnóstica destas complicações demonstrando imagens interessantes como por exemplo o “flail” do músculo papilar, suturado ao anel da válvula protésica, que se move livremente dentro do ventrículo e em sístole se insinua através da válvula aórtica.

Resumo: O tratamento endovascular é utilizado num número cada vez maior de doentes, com diferentes tipos de patologias da aorta torácica. Atualmente, esta opção terapêutica deve ser considerada no tratamento dos aneurismas da aorta torácica, na dissecção aguda da aorta do tipo B complicada, nas lesões pós-traumáticas, nos hematomas intramurais e nas úlceras penetrantes da aorta.Neste artigo pretendemos discutir as indicações para a utilização desta técnica percutânea, partindo da apresentação de três casos clínicos, tratados no nosso centro, com diferentes patologias da aorta torácica: aneurisma degenerativo, dissecção aguda da aorta do tipo B, complicada e lesão pós-traumática da aorta.A discussão destes três casos clínicos ajudará a evidenciar que o tratamento endovascular é uma boa alternativa terapêutica em doentes selecionados com diferentes patologias da aorta torácica, associando-se a taxas de mortalidade relativamente baixas, a reduzida morbilidade e a curtos tempos de hospitalização. Serão ainda abordadas as mais recentes recomendações para a sua utilização, assim como as principais complicações e dificuldades associadas a este procedimento minimamente invasivo. Abstract: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a minimally invasive technique which is increasingly used in different thoracic aortic pathologies such as aortic aneurysm, complicated type B aortic dissection, aortic trauma, intramural hematoma and penetrating aortic ulcer.In this paper we discuss the main indications for endovascular stent-grafts in the treatment of thoracic aortic disease, based on three cases in which this procedure was used for three different conditions: degenerative aneurysm, complicated type B dissection and post-traumatic injury.These case reports add to the evidence that TEVAR is a safe and feasible therapeutic alternative in selected patients with thoracic aortic disease, improving aortic remodeling, with relatively low morbidity and mortality. The main complications and difficulties related to the procedure are also discussed. Palavras-chave: Procedimentos endovasculares, Aorta torácica, Stent, Aneurisma aorta, Dissecção da aorta, Keywords: Endovascular procedures, Aorta thoracic, Stent, Aortic aneurysm, Aneurysm dissecting