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Background: Limited data exist on the risk profile and prognosis of young patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This study sheds light on the burden of cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes in this population., Methods: The Houston Methodist Young ACS-PCI registry is a retrospective analysis of young adults (18 to 50 years) undergoing PCI for ACS between 2010 and 2022. Outcomes of interest were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke) at one year., Results: Among 629 patients (median age, 46 years, 23.5% women, and 65.3% White adults), 69.2% had Non-ST-Segment Elevation MI. A total of 22.7% had prior MI, 26.2% prior PCI, and 9.2% had prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The prevalence of active smoking, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes was 69.4%, 82.2%, 80.4%, and 39.6%, respectively. Age-adjusted diabetes rates increased over time, while dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity rates remained unchanged. The femoral artery was the most common arterial access (85.2%), 72.7% had one vessel disease, 44.3% had the left anterior descending artery as the culprit vessel, and 78.5% of patients received one stent. At a median of 3.8 years, all-cause mortality was 28 deaths per 1000 person-years. At one year, 11.4% experienced MACE; racial and ethnic minority (Black, Hispanic, and Others), dialysis, prior MI, and stent diameter were independent predictors of MACE., Conclusions: The study highlights a notable burden of cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular outcomes in young adults with ACS undergoing PCI, underscoring the need for strategies to enhance risk assessment and guide interventions among young adults., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this article., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The prognostic significance of intraprocedural pulsed-wave Doppler analysis of pulmonary venous flow (PVF) during mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) remains understudied. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of systolic dominant-PVF (SD-PVF) morphology post-TEER., Methods: In a retrospective analysis from December 2019 to December 2022, patients undergoing mitral TEER were categorized into SD-PVF and systolic blunting (SB)-PVF groups based on post-TEER morphology. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization at 1 year. We investigated the association of PVF morphology post-TEER with the primary endpoint at 1 year using Cox regression and compared the prognostic accuracy of PVF variables through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis., Results: Among 187 patients (mean age 76.4 ± 10.5 years, 51.3% primary etiology), residual mitral regurgitation (MR) ≤mild was observed in 147 (82.4%) patients and 105 (56.2%) had SD-PVF post-TEER. Patients with SD-PVF had a lower incidence of >2+ residual MR after clip deployment, at 30 days (2.1% vs. 13.1%; p = 0.005) and at 1 year (1.4% vs. 9%; p = 0.08). SD-PVF post-TEER was independently associated with the primary endpoint (HR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.39-0.87; p = 0.009). ROC curve analysis of the prognostic accuracy of SD-PVF demonstrated an AUC of 0.64 (95% CI = 0.54-0.73), comparable to other quantitative measures of PVF., Conclusion: Assessing PVF morphology after clip deployment offers a simple prognostic tool for patients undergoing mitral TEER. Multicenter cohorts will be necessary to further investigate its prognostic value., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: The impact of mitral annular calcification (MAC) on the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (MTEER) remains unclear. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of MTEER among patients with moderate to severe MAC compared to those with mild or no MAC., Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases through March 31st, 2024, comparing clinical outcomes of MTEER among patients with moderate/severe (MAC+) versus no/mild MAC (MAC-). We assessed pooled estimates for procedural success, all-cause mortality, residual mitral regurgitation (MR) ≤ moderate, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III/IV status at one year., Results: Among five studies (2533 patients; mean age 76.4 ± 10.9 years, 39.8 % women), MAC+ patients were predominantly women (55.7 % vs 37.5 %, p < 0.001), older (87.9 ± 11.1 vs. 75.9 ± 9.1 years; mean difference (MD) = 3.99, p = 0.011) and had higher STS scores (7.7 ± 6.7 % vs. 4.9 ± 4.6 %; MD = 1.34, p < 0.001). MAC+ patients had comparable procedural success rates, residual MR < moderate, and NYHA III/IV at 1 year. However, all-cause mortality at 1 year was higher for MAC+ patients (Relative Risk = 1.56, 95 % CI = 1.06-2.29)., Conclusions: MTEER is a safe and feasible option for carefully selected patients with MAC and significant MR, offering durable MR reduction and functional status improvement. Significantly higher one-year mortality associated with MAC despite significant MR reduction suggests an increased risk unrelated to valvular dysfunction and highlights the need for further investigation into identifying patients who benefit the most from MTEER., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Sachin S. Goel reports a relationship with Abbott that includes: speaking and lecture fees. Michael J. Reardon reports a relationship with Abbott that includes: consulting or advisory. Neil Kleiman reports a relationship with Abbott that includes: funding grants. Dr. Reardon discloses consultancy roles with Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott, and W L Gore & Associates. Dr. Atkins is a consultant for W L Gore & Associates. Dr. Kleiman is a local principal investigator for trials sponsored by Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Abbott, and Edwards Lifesciences. Dr. Goel is a consultant for Medtronic, JC Medical, and W L Gore & Associates and is also on the Speakers Bureau for Abbott Structural Heart. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for high surgical risk patients with severe native aortic regurgitation (AR) presents unique challenges. Dedicated devices such as the JenaValve (JenaValve Technology) and J-Valve (JC Medical Inc) show promising results in addressing these challenges., Objectives: This study compares the safety and efficacy of dedicated vs off-label devices among high surgical risk patients with pure native AR., Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through July 11, 2024, for studies on TAVR among patients with pure severe native AR. The primary endpoint was 30-day all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints were device success, residual AR ≥ moderate, valve embolization/migration, pacemaker implantation, reintervention, and all-cause mortality at 1 year. Summary estimates were constructed using a random effects model., Results: A total of 34 studies encompassing 2,162 patients (mean age 75.4 ± 0.2, 42.8% women) were included in the meta-analysis. Patients undergoing TAVR with dedicated devices had a lower all-cause 30-day mortality rate (3% vs 9%; P < 0.01) and higher device success (93% vs 82%; P < 0.01) compared with off-label devices. The risk of AR ≥ moderate (2% vs 5%; P = 0.03), valve embolization/migration (2% vs 8%; P < 0.01), pacemaker implantation (11% vs 20%; P < 0.01), and reintervention (4% vs 10%; P < 0.01) at 30 days and all-cause mortality at 1 year (6% vs 24%; P < 0.01) were lower in the dedicated device group., Conclusions: Dedicated TAVR devices for native AR show superior device success and reduced mortality, residual AR, and reintervention rates compared with off-label devices. These findings support the use of dedicated devices as a safer alternative for high-risk patients., Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures Dr Atkins is a consultant for W. L. Gore & Associates. Dr Reardon is a consultant for Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott, and W. L. Gore & Associates. Dr Kleiman is a local principal investigator for trials sponsored by Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Abbott, and Edwards Lifesciences. Dr Goel is a consultant for Medtronic, JC Medical, Boston Scientific, and W. L. Gore & Associates; and also serves on the Speakers Bureau for Abbott Structural Heart. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Magnesium administration is a common practice in cardiovascular surgeries utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). However, concerns persist regarding the risk of hypermagnesemia, particularly in patients with kidney dysfunction. This study aims to determine the incidence of postoperative hypermagnesemia in CPB-assisted cardiovascular surgeries and identify the associated risk factors., Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary medical center. Data from adult patients undergoing open-heart surgery utilizing CPB between 2018 and 2020 were analyzed. Sociodemographic, perioperative, and clinical variables were collected from electronic medical records. Logistic regression was utilized to identify independent risk factors for hypermagnesemia., Results: Of 278 patients analyzed, 53.2% developed postoperative hypermagnesemia (Mg ≥2.5 mg/dL). Mild hypermagnesemia (Mg 2.5-3.9 mg/dL) was most common, with no significant impact on clinical outcomes observed. Patients with hypermagnesemia were older, with higher comorbidity burdens and lower baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Cardioplegic solutions with higher magnesium content and lower baseline eGFR were independently associated with hypermagnesemia (OR 64.3; 95% CI 12.9-501.1 and OR 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.5 respectively). Notably, ultrafiltration on CPB was associated with low risk of hypermagnesemia (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.1-1.0, P value 0.048)., Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of mindful magnesium supplementation strategies in those with advanced kidney disease. Future large-scale prospective multicenter studies should validate these findings and explore the extended effects of hypermagnesemia on clinical outcomes in patients with advanced CKD undergoing CPB surgeries., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the American Society of Nephrology.)

Background: There is conflicting evidence regarding the effect of residual transmitral mean pressure gradient (TMPG) after mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER). Different TMPG cutoffs have been employed in prior studies with varying results., Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between residual TMPG and M-TEER outcomes., Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing M-TEER at our institution between 2014 and 2022 were included and divided based on quartiles of predischarge TMPG. Outcomes were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models. We performed subgroup analyses according to mitral regurgitation (MR) mechanism. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization., Results: We included 283 patients (age 76.7 ± 10.8 years, 42.8% women, 78.4% Caucasian, and baseline TMPG 2.4 ± 1.3 mm Hg). Higher baseline TMPG was a predictor of increased TMPG after M-TEER (coefficient 0.60 [95% CI: 0.40-0.70]; P  < 0.001). In comparison with predischarge TMPG quartiles 1 to 3, those in quartile 4 (7.0 ± 1.1 mm Hg) had an increased risk of 3-year all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization (adjHR: 1.53 [95% CI: 1.03-2.26]; P  = 0.034), as well as all-cause mortality alone (adjusted HR [adjHR]: 1.68 [95% CI: 1.09-2.60]; P  = 0.020). Among patients with primary MR, similar findings were seen for the composite endpoint (adjHR: 2.08 [95% CI: 1.15-3.77]; P  = 0.016), and all-cause mortality (adjHR: 2.70 [95% CI: 1.40-5.19]; P  = 0.003). However, this association did not reach statistical significance in secondary MR., Conclusions: In this single-center study, higher residual TMPG after M-TEER was associated with worse outcomes at intermediate- to long-term follow-up. The effect was mainly driven by increased mortality especially in patients with primary MR. Operators should strive to lower residual TMPG before the conclusion of the procedure., Competing Interests: Dr Atkins is a consultant for WL Gore & Associates. Dr Reardon is a consultant for Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott, and WL Gore & Associates. Dr Kleiman is a local principal investigator in trials sponsored by 10.13039/100008497Boston Scientific, 10.13039/100004374Medtronic, 10.13039/100000046Abbott, and 10.13039/100006520Edwards Lifesciences. Dr Goel is a consultant for Medtronic, WL Gore & Associates, and JC Medical; and is on the Speakers Bureau for Abbott Structural Heart. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Background: Increased left atrial pressure (LAP) has been associated with adverse outcomes after mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER). We sought to evaluate outcomes based on differences in postprocedural LAP measured after the final clip deployment., Methods: We included consecutive patients who underwent M-TEER at our institution between 2014 and 2022 with LAP monitoring. Patients were stratified into 3 groups according to tertiles of post-TEER mean LAP. Outcomes were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards models., Results: We included 273 patients (mean age, 76.8±10.8 years; 42.5% women; 78.4% White). The mean post-TEER LAP was 8.7±1.7 mm Hg in tertile 1 (n=85), 14.4±1.6 mm Hg in tertile 2 (n=95), and 21.9±3.8 mm Hg in tertile 3 (n=93). In comparison with tertile 1, both tertiles 2 and 3 were associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization at 2 years (adjusted hazard ratio [adjHR], 2.27 [95% CI, 1.25-4.12] and adjHR, 3.00 [95% CI, 1.59-5.64], respectively). Among patients with primary mitral regurgitation, higher LAP was associated with increased risk of 2-year all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization (tertile 2 versus 1: adjHR, 3.00 [95% CI, 1.37-6.56]; tertile 3 versus 1: adjHR, 5.52 [95% CI, 2.04-14.95]). However, in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation, neither being in tertile 2 (adjHR, 1.53 [95% CI, 0.55-4.24]) nor tertile 3 (adjHR, 2.18 [95% CI, 0.82-5.77]) were associated with the composite outcome compared with tertile 1. Any degree of LAP reduction following M-TEER was associated with lower mortality or heart failure hospitalization compared with no LAP reduction (adjHR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.39-0.88])., Conclusions: Elevated LAP after M-TEER was associated with increased 2-year risk of mortality or heart failure hospitalization. Exploration of reasons for elevated LAP after M-TEER and ways to lower it warrant further investigation., Competing Interests: Dr Atkins is a consultant for W. L. Gore & Associates; Dr Reardon is a consultant for Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott, and W. L. Gore & Associates; Dr Kleiman is a local principal investigator in trials sponsored by Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Abbott, and Edwards Lifesciences; Dr Goel is a consultant for Medtronic, W. L. Gore & Associates, and JC Medical and is on the Speakers Bureau for Abbott Structural Heart. The other authors report no conflicts.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) and atrial septal defects (ASDs) are two types of interatrial communications with unique clinical presentations and management strategies. The PFO is a normal part of fetal development that typically closes shortly after birth but may persist in as many as 25% to 30% of adults. The communication between atria may result in paradoxic embolism and embolic stroke. On the other hand, ASDs (anatomically defined as secundum, primum, sinus venosus, and coronary sinus in order of prevalence) typically result in right heart volume overload and are often associated with other congenital defects. The diagnostic methods, treatment options including surgical and percutaneous approaches, and potential complications are described. Both conditions underline the significance of precise diagnosis and appropriate management to mitigate risks and ensure optimal patient outcomes., Competing Interests: Disclosure C.H. Lin is a proctor for Abbott., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose of Review: This review explores the epidemiology, clinical traits, and diagnosis of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement-Associated Infective Endocarditis (TAVR-IE) and mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair infective endocarditis (TEER-IE), focusing on a multimodal imaging approach. It addresses the rising prevalence of TAVR and TEER, emphasizing the need to understand long-term complications and clinical consequences, which poses significant challenges despite advancements in valve technology., Recent Findings: Studies report a variable incidence of TAVR-IE and TEER-IE influenced by diverse patient risk profiles and procedural factors. Younger age, male gender, and certain comorbidities emerge as patient-related risk factors. Procedure-related factors include intervention location, valve type, and technical aspects. Microbiologically, Staphylococcus aureus, Viridans Group Streptococcus, and Enterococcus are frequently encountered pathogens. TAVR-IE and TEER-IE diagnosis involves a multimodal imaging approach due to limitations in echocardiography. Blood cultures and imaging aid identification, with Fluorescence in situ hybridization is showing promise. Treatment encompasses medical management with antibiotics and, when necessary, surgical intervention. The management approach requires a multidisciplinary "Endocarditis Team." This review underscores the need for continued research to refine risk prediction, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and optimize management strategies for TAVR-IE, considering the evolving landscape of transcatheter interventions., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) and secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) are associated with adverse outcomes after mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair. We aim to study the prognostic value of invasively measured right ventricular afterload in patients undergoing mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair., Methods and Results: We identified patients who underwent right heart catheterization ≤1 month before transcatheter edge-to-edge repair. The end points were all-cause mortality and a composite of mortality and heart failure hospitalization at 2 years. Using the receiver operating characteristic curve-derived threshold of 0.6 for pulmonary effective arterial elastance ([Ea], pulmonary artery systolic pressure/stroke volume), patients were stratified into 3 profiles based on PH severity (low elastance [HE]: Ea <0.6/mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP)) <35; High Elastance with No/Mild PH (HE-): Ea ≥0.6/mPAP <35; and HE with Moderate/Severe PH (HE+): Ea ≥0.6/mPAP ≥35) and MR pathogenesis (Primary MR [PMR])/low elastance, PMR/HE, and secondary MR). The association between this classification and clinical outcomes was examined using Cox regression. Among 114 patients included, 50.9% had PMR. Mean±SD age was 74.7±10.6 years. Patients with Ea ≥0.6 were more likely to have diabetes, atrial fibrillation, New York Heart Association III/IV status, and secondary MR (all P <0.05). Overall, 2-year cumulative survival was 71.1% and was lower in patients with secondary MR and mPAP ≥35. Compared with patients with low elastance, cumulative 2-year event-free survival was significantly lower in HE- and HE+ patients (85.5% versus 50.4% versus 41.0%, respectively, P =0.001). Also, cumulative 2-year event-free survival was significantly higher in patients with PMR/low elastance when compared with PMR/HE and patients with secondary mitral regurgitation (85.5% versus 55.5% versus 46.1%, respectively, P =0.005)., Conclusions: Assessment of the preprocedural cardiopulmonary profile based on mPAP, MR pathogenesis, and Ea guides patient selection by identifying hemodynamic features that indicate likely benefit from mitral-transcatheter edge-to-edge repair in PH or lack thereof.

Background: Prior studies investigating the impact of residual mitral regurgitation (MR), tricuspid regurgitation (TR), and elevated predischarge transmitral mean pressure gradient (TMPG) on outcomes after mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) have assessed each parameter in isolation. We sought to examine the prognostic value of combining predischarge MR, TR, and TMPG to study long-term outcomes after TEER., Methods and Results: We reviewed the records of 291 patients who underwent successful mitral TEER at our institution between March 2014 and June 2022. Using well-established outcomes-related cutoffs for predischarge MR (≥moderate), TR (≥moderate), and TMPG (≥5 mm Hg), 3 echo profiles were developed based on the number of risk factors present (optimal: 0 risk factors, mixed: 1 risk factor, poor: ≥2 risk factors). Discrimination of the profiles for predicting the primary composite end point of all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization at 2 years was examined using Cox regression. Overall, mean age was 76.7±10.6 years, 43.3% were women, and 53% had primary MR. Two-year event-free survival was 61%. Predischarge TR≥moderate, MR≥moderate, and TMPG≥5 mm Hg were risk factors associated with the primary end point. Compared with the optimal profile, there was an incremental risk in 2-year event-rate with each worsening profile (optimal as reference; mixed profile: hazard ratio (HR), 2.87 [95% CI, 1.71-5.17], P <0.001; poor profile: HR, 3.76 [95% CI, 1.84-6.53], P <0.001). Echocardiographic profile was statistically associated with the 2-year mortality end point (optimal as reference; mixed profile: HR, 3.55 [95% CI, 1.81-5.96], P <0.001; poor profile: HR, 3.39 [95% CI, 2.56-7.33], P =0.02)., Conclusions: The echocardiographic profile integrating predischarge TR, MR, and TMPG presents a novel prognostic stratification tool for patients undergoing mitral TEER.

Competing Interests: Michael J Reardon is a consultant for Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott, W L Gore & Associates. Neal S Kleiman is a local principal investigator in trials sponsored by Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Abbott, and Edwards Lifesciences. Sachin S Goel is a consultant for Medtronic, W L Gore & Associates, and on the Speakers Bureau for Abbott Structural Heart. The other authors had no conflicts to declare.

Introduction: Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is a diverse disease. Therapeutic options include hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. The optimal treatment sequence for patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive), HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer remains unknown., Methods: This was a retrospective and prospective study. The data was collected from the medical records of patients in a tertiary healthcare center in Lebanon between the years 2016 and 2019, and patients were followed up for a 3-year duration. The main aim was to identify oncologists' preferences in the choice and sequence of treatment for newly diagnosed and/or recurrent cases of HR-positive, HER2-negative MBC., Results: A total of 51 patients were included. 24 patients received chemotherapy, while 27 received endocrine therapy as first-line treatment after a diagnosis of MBC, with a median overall survival (OS) of 13 months and a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 12 months after first-line treatment with chemotherapy, compared to 27 months and 18 months with endocrine therapy. A higher percentage of patients have received chemotherapy in the first-line setting compared to the data reported in the literature, with the choice being multifactorial., Conclusion: Factors to consider in MBC management include the choice of first-line treatment, the optimal sequence of treatment, and the combination of available treatment options., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Al Mahmasani, Amhaz, Abou Zeidane, Chamseddine, Hatab, Sabbagh, Charafeddine and Assi.)

Background The clinical significance of mitral annular calcification (MAC) in patients undergoing mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair is not well understood. There is limited evidence regarding the feasibility, durability of repair, and the prognostic value of MAC in this population. We sought to examine the prognostic value of MAC, its severity, and its impact on procedural success and durability of mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair. Methods and Results We reviewed the records of 280 patients with moderate-severe or severe mitral regurgitation who underwent mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair with MitraClip from March 2014 to March 2022. The primary end point was cumulative survival at 1 year. Independent factors associated with the primary end point were identified using multivariable Cox regression. Among 280 patients included in the final analysis, 249 had none/mild MAC, and 31 had moderate/severe MAC. Median follow-up was 23.1 months (interquartile range: 11.1-40.4). Procedural success was comparable in the MAC and non-MAC groups (92.6% versus 91.4%, P =0.79) with similar rates of residual mitral regurgitation ≤2 at 1 year (86.7% versus 93.2%, P =0.55). Moderate/severe MAC was associated with less improvement in New York Heart Association III/IV at 30 days when compared with none/mild MAC (45.8% versus 14.3%, P =0.001). The moderate/severe MAC group had lower cumulative 1-year survival (56.8% versus 80.0%, hazard ratio [HR], 1.98 [95% CI, 1.27-3.10], P =0.002). Moderate/severe MAC and Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality for mitral valve repair were independently associated with the primary end point (HR, 2.20 [1.10-4.41], P =0.02; and HR, 1.014 [1.006-1.078], P =0.02, respectively). Conclusions Mitral TEER is a safe and feasible intervention in selected patients with significant MAC and associated with similar mitral regurgitation reduction at 1 year compared with patients with none/mild MAC. Patients with moderate/severe MAC had a high 1-year mortality and less improvement in their symptoms after TEER.

Background: Transcatheter treatment of patients with native aortic valve regurgitation (AR) has been limited by anatomical factors. No transcatheter device has received U.S. regulatory approval for the treatment of patients with AR., Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the compassionate-use experience in North America with a dedicated transcatheter device (J-Valve)., Methods: A multicenter, observational registry was assembled of compassionate-use cases of J-Valve implantation for the treatment of patients with severe symptomatic AR and elevated surgical risk in North America. The J-Valve consists of a self-expanding Nitinol frame, bovine pericardial leaflets, and a valve-locating feature. The available size matrix (5 sizes) can treat a wide range of anatomies (minimum and maximum annular perimeters 57-104 mm)., Results: A total of 27 patients (median age 81 years [IQR: 72-85 years], 81% at high surgical risk, 96% in NYHA functional class III or IV) with native valve AR were treated with the J-Valve during the study period (2018-2022). Procedural success (J-Valve delivered to the intended location without the need for surgical conversion or a second transcatheter heart valve) was 81% (22 of 27 cases) in the overall experience and 100% in the last 15 cases. Two cases required conversion to surgery in the early experience, leading to changes in valve design. At 30 days, there was 1 death, 1 stroke, and 3 new pacemakers (13%), and 88% of patients were in NYHA functional class I or II. No patient had residual AR of moderate or greater degree at 30 days., Conclusions: The J-Valve appears to provide a safe and effective alternative to surgery in patients with pure AR and elevated or prohibitive surgical risk., Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures This study was supported by a JC Medical grant to the data coordinating center at the Lindner Center for Research and Education. Dr Garcia has received institutional grant support from Edwards Lifesciences, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and Abbott Vascular; serves as a proctor and steering committee member for Edwards Lifesciences; and serves on advisory boards for Boston Scientific and Medtronic. Dr Kereiakes is a consultant for JC Medical and JenaValve; and is a member of the ALIGN-AR trial steering committee. Dr Ye is a consultant for Edwards Lifesciences and JC Medical. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: Dr Reardon is a consultant for Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott, W L Gore & Associates. Dr Atkins is a consultant for W L Gore & Associates. Dr Kleiman is a local principal investigator in trials sponsored by Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Abbott, and Edwards Lifesciences. Dr Goel is a consultant for Medtronic, W L Gore & Associates, and on the Speakers Bureau for Abbott Structural Heart. The other authors had no conflicts to declare.

Hepatitis C is a hepatotropic virus that causes progressive liver inflammation, eventually leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma if left untreated. All infected patients can achieve a cure if treated early. Unfortunately, many patients remain asymptomatic and tend to present late with hepatic complications. Given the economic and health burdens of chronic hepatitis C infection, the World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed a strategy to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030. This article describes the epidemiology of hepatitis C in Lebanon and highlights the challenges hindering its elimination. An extensive search was conducted using PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, and the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health-Epidemiologic Surveillance Unit website. Obtained data were analyzed and discussed in light of the current WHO recommendations. It was found that Lebanon has a low prevalence of hepatitis C. Incidence is higher among males and Mount Lebanon residents. A wide variety of hepatitis C genotypes exists among various risk groups, with genotype 1 being the most predominant. In Lebanon, many barriers prevent successful hepatitis C elimination, including the absence of a comprehensive screening policy, stigma, neglect among high-risk groups, economic collapse, and a lack of proper care and surveillance among the refugees. Appropriate screening schemes and early linkage to care among the general and high-risk populations are essential for successful hepatitis C elimination in Lebanon.

Background: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are frequently used in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) to assist premature and critically ill neonates. Massive pleural effusions, pericardial effusions, and cardiac tamponade secondary to PICC are extremely uncommon but have potentially fatal consequences., Objective: This study investigates the incidence of tamponade, large pleural, and pericardial effusions secondary to peripherally inserted central catheters in a neonatal intensive care unit at a tertiary care center over a 10-year period. It explores possible etiologies behind such complications and suggests preventative measures., Study Design: Retrospective analysis of neonates who were admitted to the NICU at the AUBMC between January 2010 and January 2020, and who required insertion of PICC. Neonates who developed tamponade, large pleural, or pericardial effusions secondary to PICC insertion were investigated., Results: Four neonates developed significant life-threatening effusions. Urgent pericardiocentesis and chest tube placement were required in two and one patients, respectively. No fatalities were encountered., Conclusion: The abrupt onset of hemodynamic instability without an obvious cause in any neonate with PICC in situ should raise suspicion of pleural or pericardial effusions. Timely diagnosis through bedside ultrasound, and prompt aggressive intervention are critical., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Zareef, Anka, Hatab, El Rassi, Yunis, Bitar and Arabi.)

Objective: Recently, severe period poverty has had a dramatic spread throughout Lebanon as a result of several crises: the COVID-19 pandemic, the Beirut explosion, and the economic collapse. Period poverty is the lack of access to menstrual hygiene materials, comfortable environments, and adequate education about menstrual health. Due to the great implications of period poverty on Lebanese women's health, our study aims to explore stakeholder's perspective on the Lebanese public health policy regarding menstrual health, the evolving challenges it faces in the context of the current economic collapse, and to suggest recommendations for solutions., Methods: Our study is qualitative in nature, where data collection was done via online semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from the public and private sectors of the Lebanese healthcare system in addition to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and physicians. Data were then analyzed based on themes and subthemes that emerged from the interviews., Results: Nine stakeholders were interviewed: five from NGOs, two obstetrics and gynecology physicians, and two public sector representatives. The challenges to menstrual health were subcategorized into previously existing and new ones. The consequences of poor menstrual health were tackled on the mental, physical, and social levels. Stakeholders suggested both short-term and long-term recommendations. Short-term recommendations included decreasing the monetary burden by subsidizing menstrual products or via a coupon system. Long-term recommendations included proper education on multiple levels, cooperation between key players in the private and public sectors, and encouragement of local production to ensure future sustainability., Conclusion: Menstrual health is a neglected public health issue in Lebanon, causing detrimental effects on girls and women residing in the country. Proper planning and collaboration between the private and public sectors are required to address this human rights issue., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Elhage Hassan, Doumat, Daher, Al Tannir, Hassan, Chidiac, Hariri, Hatab, Abou Daher, Ezzedin and Fouad.)