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Background: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic first wave, reductions in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) invasive care, ranging from 23% to 76%, have been reported from various countries. Whether this change had any impact on coronary angiography (CA) volume or on mechanical support device use for STEMI and post-STEMI mechanical complications in Canada is unknown. Methods: We administered a Canada-wide survey to all cardiac catheterization laboratory directors, seeking the volume of CA use for STEMI performed during the period from March 1 2020 to May 31, 2020 (pandemic period), and during 2 control periods (March 1, 2019 to May 31, 2019 and March 1, 2018 to May 31, 2018). The number of left ventricular support devices used, as well as the number of ventricular septal defects and papillary muscle rupture cases diagnosed, was also recorded. We also assessed whether the number of COVID-19 cases recorded in each province was associated with STEMI-related CA volume. Results: A total of 41 of 42 Canadian catheterization laboratories (98%) provided data. There was a modest but statistically significant 16% reduction (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.84; 95% confidence interval 0.80-0.87) in CA for STEMI during the first wave of the pandemic, compared to control periods. IRR was not associated with provincial COVID-19 caseload. We observed a 26% reduction (IRR 0.74; 95% confidence interval 0.61-0.89) in the use of intra-aortic balloon pump use for STEMI. Use of an Impella pump and mechanical complications from STEMI were exceedingly rare. Conclusions: We observed a modest 16% decrease in use of CA for STEMI during the pandemic first wave in Canada, lower than the level reported in other countries. Provincial COVID-19 caseload did not influence this reduction. Résumé: Introduction: Après la première vague de la pandémie de COVID-19, de nombreux pays ont déclaré une réduction de 23 % à 76 % des soins invasifs de l'infarctus du myocarde avec élévation du segment ST (STEMI). On ignore si ce changement a entraîné des répercussions sur le volume d'angiographies coronariennes (AC) ou sur l'utilisation des dispositifs d'assistance mécanique lors de STEMI et des complications mécaniques post-STEMI au Canada. Méthodes: Nous avons réalisé un sondage pancanadien auprès de tous les directeurs de laboratoire de cathétérisme cardiaque pour obtenir le volume d'utilisation des AC lors des STEMI réalisées durant la période du 1er mars 2020 au 31 mai 2020 (période de pandémie) et durant 2 périodes témoins (1er mars 2019 au 31 mai 2019 et 1er mars 2018 au 31 mai 2018). Le nombre de dispositifs d'assistance ventriculaire gauche utilisés et le nombre de cas de communications interventriculaires et de ruptures du muscle papillaire diagnostiqués ont également été enregistrés. Nous avons aussi évalué si le nombre de cas de COVID-19 enregistrés dans chaque province était associé au volume d'AC liées aux STEMI. Résultats: Au total, 41 des 42 laboratoires canadiens de cathétérisme (98 %) ont fourni des données. Lors de la comparaison de la première vague de la pandémie aux périodes témoins, nous avons noté une réduction modeste, mais significative, sur le plan statistique de 16 % (ratio du taux d'incidence [RTI] 0,84; intervalle de confiance à 95 % 0,80-0,87) des AC lors de STEMI. Le RTI n’était pas associé au nombre provincial de cas de COVID-19. Nous avons observé une réduction de 26 % (RTI 0,74; intervalle de confiance à 95 % 0,61-0,89) de l'utilisation de pompes à ballonnet intra-aortique lors de STEMI. L'utilisation d'une pompe Impella et les complications mécaniques après les STEMI étaient extrêmement rares. Conclusions: Nous avons observé une diminution modeste de 16 % de l'utilisation des AC lors de STEMI durant la première vague de la pandémie au Canada, soit une diminution plus faible que ce que les autres pays ont signalé. Le nombre provincial de cas de COVID-19 n'a pas influencé cette réduction.

OBJECTIVES We aimed to evaluate the effect of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) approaches on mortality and identify effect modifiers and predictors for mortality. BACKGROUND Alternative access routes to transfemoral (TF) TAVI include the surgical intra-thoracic direct-aortic (DA) and transapical (TA) approach. TA TAVI has been associated with a higher mortality rate. We hypothesized that this is related to effect modifiers, in particular the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). METHODS This multicentre study derived its data from prospective registries. To adjust for confounders, we used propensity-score based, stabilized inverse probability weighted Cox regression models. RESULTS In total, 5,910 patients underwent TAVI via TF (N = 4,072), DA (N = 524), and TA (N = 1,314) access. Compared to TF, 30-day mortality was increased among DA (HR 1.87, 95%CI 1.26-2.78, p = .002) and TA (HR 3.34, 95%CI 2.28-4.89, p

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the concordance between transcatheter aortic valve implantation angles generated by the “double S-curve” and “cusp-overlap” techniques. Background The “double S-curve” and “cusp-overlap” methods aim to define optimal fluoroscopic projections for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with a self-expandable device. Methods The study included 100 consecutive patients undergoing TAVR with self-expanding device planned by multidetector computed tomography. TAVR was performed using the double S-curve model, as a view in which both the aortic valve annulus and delivery catheter planes are displayed perpendicularly on fluoroscopy. Optimal projection according to the cusp-overlap technique was retrospectively generated by overlapping the right and left cups on the multidetector computed tomography annular plane. The angular difference between methods was assessed in spherical 3 dimensions and on the left and right anterior oblique (RAO) and cranial and caudal (CAU) axes. Results The double S-curve and cusp-overlap methods provided views located in the same quadrant, mostly the RAO and CAU, in 92% of patients with a median 3-dimensional angular difference of 10.0° (interquartile range: 5.5° to 17.9°). The 3-dimensional deviation between the average angulation obtained by each method was not statistically significant (1.49°; p = 0.349). No significant differences in average coordinates were noted between the double S-curve and cusp-overlap methods (RAO: 14.7 ± 15.2 vs. 12.9 ± 12.5; p = 0.36; and CAU: 27.0 ± 9.4 vs. 26.9 ± 10.4; p = 0.90). TAVR using the double S-curve was associated with 98% device success, low complication rate, and absence of moderate-to-severe paravalvular leak. Conclusions The double S-curve and cusp-overlap methods provide comparable TAVR projections, mostly RAO and CAU. TAVR using the double S-curve model is associated with a high rate of device success and low rate of procedural complications.

Vasoplegia is a common complication of cardiac surgery but its causal relationship with preoperative use of renin angiotensin system (RAS) blockers [angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB)] is still debated.To update and summarize data on the effect of preoperative use of RAS blockers on incident vasoplegia.All published studies from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science providing relevant data through January 13, 2021 were identified. A random-effects meta-analysis method was used to pool estimates, and post-cardiac surgery shock was differentiated from vasoplegia.Ten studies reporting on a pooled population of 15672 patients (none looking at ARBs exclusively) were included in the meta-analysis. All were case-control studies. Use of ACEIs was associated with an increased risk of vasoplegia [pooled adjusted odds ratio (Aor) of 2.06, 95%CI: 1.45-2.93] and increased inotropic/vasopressor support requirement (pooled aOR 1.19, 95%CI: 1.10-1.29). Post-cardiac surgery shock was increased in the presence of left ventricular dysfunction (pooled aOR 2.32, 95%CI: 1.60-3.36;Preoperative continuation of ACEIs is associated with an increased need for inotropic support postoperatively and with an increased risk of vasoplegia in observational studies but not in RCTs. The absence of a consensus definition of vasoplegia should lead to the use of perioperative cardiovascular monitoring when designing RCTs to better understand this discrepancy.

Introduction: Chronic use of ACE-i has been presented as a risk factor of post operative vasoplegia after cardiac surgery. However, a recent meta analysis of studies in the general cardiac surgery population identified renal failure as the only pre-operative risk factor for vasoplegia. We sought to systematically review the relationship of chronic ACE-i and vasoplegia in patients undergoing CABG /valve surgery. Hypothesis: Studies on vasoplegia after CABG / valve surgery were extracted by a research librarian (registered review CRD42017072923) before bias and quality of studies were assessed. We adjudicated vasoplegia as MAP < 60 mmHg and use of at least one non dopaminergic vasoactive drug up to 4 hours post operatively. Otherwise, studies reported vasoplegia as MAP < 60 mmHg, CI > 2.5 l/min/m2 and SVR < 600 dynes/sec/cm2 in the CSICU. We pooled the incidence of vasoplegia then completed a meta-analysis with random effect model using RevMan and Stata. Methods: Of the 2337 articles obtained (1940 non relevant, 22 reviews, 5 duplicates and 5 editorials), we pre-selected 365 abstracts and summarized data from 8,818 patients out of 7 articles selected after full text review. Results: All but one study looked at patients with LVEF > 40%. The pooled incidence of vasoplegia was 11.2% (95% CI 4.7-28.2). The OR of vasoplegia in patients on chronic ACE-i was 1.74 (95% CI: 1.47-2.06). We could not investigate the importance of pre-existing renal failure on the risk of post operative vasoplegia in patients on ACE-i. Accounting for substantial heterogeneity, the Egger test was in favour of small-study effects due to the number of cases of vasoplegia and the size of the cohorts studied (p=0.073). Conclusions: The risk of vasoplegia seems to be higher in patients on ACE-i undergoing CABG/valve surgery in this population. Two RCT's (161 patients) did not prove the benefit of temporary discontinuation of RAS blockade on the incidence of distributive shock during the first days after surgery. Because ACE-i are frequently prescribed in patients awaiting CABG, our work calls for larger and more elaborated studies to reduce the risk of vasoplegia.

The purpose of this study was to assess the concordance between transcatheter aortic valve implantation angles generated by the "double S-curve" and "cusp-overlap" techniques.The "double S-curve" and "cusp-overlap" methods aim to define optimal fluoroscopic projections for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with a self-expandable device.The study included 100 consecutive patients undergoing TAVR with self-expanding device planned by multidetector computed tomography. TAVR was performed using the double S-curve model, as a view in which both the aortic valve annulus and delivery catheter planes are displayed perpendicularly on fluoroscopy. Optimal projection according to the cusp-overlap technique was retrospectively generated by overlapping the right and left cups on the multidetector computed tomography annular plane. The angular difference between methods was assessed in spherical 3 dimensions and on the left and right anterior oblique (RAO) and cranial and caudal (CAU) axes.The double S-curve and cusp-overlap methods provided views located in the same quadrant, mostly the RAO and CAU, in 92% of patients with a median 3-dimensional angular difference of 10.0° (interquartile range: 5.5° to 17.9°). The 3-dimensional deviation between the average angulation obtained by each method was not statistically significant (1.49°; p = 0.349). No significant differences in average coordinates were noted between the double S-curve and cusp-overlap methods (RAO: 14.7 ± 15.2 vs. 12.9 ± 12.5; p = 0.36; and CAU: 27.0 ± 9.4 vs. 26.9 ± 10.4; p = 0.90). TAVR using the double S-curve was associated with 98% device success, low complication rate, and absence of moderate-to-severe paravalvular leak.The double S-curve and cusp-overlap methods provide comparable TAVR projections, mostly RAO and CAU. TAVR using the double S-curve model is associated with a high rate of device success and low rate of procedural complications.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to define the optimal fluoroscopic viewing angles of both coronary ostia and important coronary bifurcations by using 3-dimensional multislice computed tomographic data. BACKGROUND Optimal fluoroscopic projections are crucial for coronary imaging and interventions. Historically, coronary fluoroscopic viewing angles were derived empirically from experienced operators. METHODS In this analysis, 100 consecutive patients who underwent computed tomographic coronary angiography (CTCA) for suspected coronary artery disease were studied. A CTCA-based method is described to define optimal viewing angles of both coronary ostia and important coronary bifurcations to guide percutaneous coronary interventions. RESULTS The average optimal viewing angle for ostial left main stenting was left anterior oblique (LAO) 37°, cranial (CRA) 22° (95% confidence interval [CI]: LAO 33° to 40°, CRA 19° to 25°) and for ostial right coronary stenting was LAO 79°, CRA 41° (95% CI: LAO 74° to 84°, CRA 37° to 45°). Estimated mean optimal viewing angles for bifurcation stenting were as follows: left main: LAO 0°, caudal (CAU) 49° (95% CI: right anterior oblique [RAO] 8° to LAO 8°, CAU 43° to 54°); left anterior descending with first diagonal branch: LAO 11°, CRA 71° (95% CI: RAO 6° to LAO 27°, CRA 66° to 77°); left circumflex bifurcation with first marginal branch: LAO 24°, CAU 33° (95% CI: LAO 15° to 33°, CAU 25° to 41°); and posterior descending artery and posterolateral branch: LAO 44°, CRA 34° (95% CI: LAO 35° to 52°, CRA 27° to 41°). CONCLUSIONS CTCA can suggest optimal fluoroscopic viewing angles of coronary artery ostia and bifurcations. As the frequency of use of diagnostic CTCA increases in the future, it has the potential to provide additional information for planning and guiding percutaneous coronary intervention procedures.

Objectives The aim of this study was to develop a new scoring system based on thoracic aortic calcification (TAC) to predict 1-year cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Background A calcified aorta is often associated with poor prognosis after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). A risk score encompassing aortic calcification may be valuable in identifying poor TAVR responders. Methods The C4CAPRI (4 Cities for Assessing CAlcification PRognostic Impact) multicenter study included a training cohort (1,425 patients treated using TAVR between 2010 and 2014) and a contemporary test cohort (311 patients treated in 2015). TAC was measured by computed tomography pre-TAVR. CAPRI risk scores were based on the linear predictors of Cox models including TAC in addition to comorbidities and demographic, atherosclerotic disease and cardiac function factors. CAPRI scores were constructed and tested in 2 independent cohorts. Results Cardiovascular and all-cause mortality at 1 year was 13.0% and 17.9%, respectively, in the training cohort and 8.2% and 11.8% in the test cohort. The inclusion of TAC in the model improved prediction: 1-cm3 increase in TAC was associated with a 6% increase in cardiovascular mortality and a 4% increase in all-cause mortality. The predicted and observed survival probabilities were highly correlated (slopes >0.9 for both cardiovascular and all-cause mortality). The model’s predictive power was fair (AUC 68% [95% confidence interval [CI]: 64% to 72%]) for both cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. The model performed similarly in the training and test cohorts. Conclusions The CAPRI score, which combines the TAC variable with classical prognostic factors, is predictive of 1-year cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Its predictive performance was confirmed in an independent contemporary cohort. CAPRI scores are highly relevant to current practice and strengthen the evidence base for decision making in valvular interventions. Its routine use may help prevent futile procedures.

OBJECTIVES This study sought to compare outcomes of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in a catheterization laboratory (cath lab) to those undergoing TAVR in a hybrid operating room (OR). BACKGROUND TAVR can be performed in a cath lab or in a hybrid OR. Comparisons between these locations are scarce. METHODS All TAVRs performed in 48 centers across France between January 2013 and December 2015 were prospectively included in the FRANCE TAVI (French Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) registry. The primary endpoint of this study was all-cause mortality at 1 year. Secondary endpoints consisted of 30-day complications and 3-year mortality. All analyses were adjusted for baseline and procedural characteristics. RESULTS A total of 12,121 patients were included in this study, 62% of which underwent TAVR in a cath lab versus 38% in a hybrid OR. Mean age was 82.9 +/- 7.2 years, 48.9% of patients were men, and mean Logistic EuroScore was 17.9% +/- 12.3%. Both procedure locations showed similar, below 2% rates of intraprocedural complications. After adjusting for baseline and procedural characteristics, major bleeding and infections were significantly higher in the hybrid OR group (bleeding, 6.3% vs. 4.8%; infection, 6.1% vs. 3.5%; p < 0.05). Adjusted mortality rates at 1 and 3 years did not differ significantly between groups (for cath lab vs. hybrid OR, respectively 1 year 16.2% vs. 15.8%; p = 0.91; 3 years 38.4% vs. 36.4%; p = 0.49). CONCLUSIONS Midterm mortality after TAVR was similar between the cath lab and the hybrid OR. These findings support the performance of TAVR in either location, which has important implications on health care organization and costs. (c) 2018 Published by Elsevier on behalf of the American College of Cardiology Foundation.

Performing transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions requires a thorough knowledge of right-heart imaging. Integration of chamber views across the spectrum of imaging modalities (i.e., multislice computed tomography, fluoroscopy, and echocardiography) can facilitate transcatheter interventions on the right heart. Optimal fluoroscopic viewing angles for guiding interventional procedures can be obtained using pre-procedural multislice computed tomography scans. The present paper describes fluoroscopic viewing angles necessary to appreciate right-heart chamber anatomy and their relationship to echocardiography using multislice computed tomography.

Background Aortic valve calcification patterns were associated with short- and long-term outcomes in previous small observational datasets of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The specific impact of multi detector-row computed tomography (MDCT) findings on outcomes in women has not been reported. We sought to describe the associations between MDCT characteristics and clinical outcomes in a registry of 547 women undergoing TAVI. Methods WIN-TAVI is the first all-female registry to study the safety and effectiveness of TAVI in women (n = 1019). Thirteen sites participated in the MDCT sub-study and contributed pre-TAVI MDCT studies in 547 consecutive subjects. All MDCT data were analyzed in an independent core lab blinded to clinical outcomes. Key measurements included number of valve leaflets, aortic annulus area and perimeter, left and right coronary artery height, aortic cusp calcium volume, commissural calcification and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) calcification. Calcium volume of the aortic valvular complex was quantified using a threshold relative to patient-specific contrast attenuation in the arterial blood pool. We examined univariate and multivariate associations between ECG-gated contrast MDCT characteristics and 1-year mortality or stroke, new pacemaker implantation and new onset atrial fibrillation (AF). Results The CT sub-study sample had a mean age of 82.8 ± 6.3 years, mean logistic EuroSCORE of 17.8 ± 11.3%, and mean STS score of 8.2 ± 7.4%. Transfemoral access was used in 89.6% of patients. After multivariate adjustment, moderate or severe LVOT calcification was an independent predictor of 1-year mortality or stroke (HR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.11–3.30; p = 0.02). Calcium volume in the right coronary cusp was an independent predictor of new pacemaker (HR = 1.18 per 100 m3 increment; p = 0.04), whereas calcium volume of the non-coronary cusp had a protective effect (HR = 0.78 per 100 mm3 increment; p = 0.004). Severe calcification of the non-coronary/right-coronary commissure was an independent predictor of new AF (HR = 5.1; p = 0.008). Conclusion Computed tomography provides important prognostic information in women undergoing TAVI. Moderate or severe LVOT calcification is associated to an almost two-fold increased risk of mortality or stroke at one year. Different calcification patterns of the aortic valve may predict diverse rhythm abnormalities.

Aims: Life-threatening complications occur during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) which can require emergent cardiac surgery (ECS). Risks and outcomes of patients needing ECS during or immediately after TAVI are still unclear. Methods and results: Incidence, risk factors, management, and outcomes of patients requiring ECS during transfemoral (TF)-TAVI were analysed from a contemporary real-world multicentre registry. Between 2013 and 2016, 27 760 patients underwent TF-TAVI in 79 centres. Of these, 212 (0.76%) patients required ECS (age 82.4 ± 6.3 years, 67.5% females, logistic EuroSCORE: 17.1%, STS-score 5.8%). The risk of ECS declined from 2013 (1.07%) to 2014 (0.70%) but remained stable since. Annual TF-TAVI numbers have more than doubled from 2013 to 2016. Leading causes for ECS were left ventricular perforation by the guidewire (28.3%) and annular rupture (21.2%). Immediate procedural mortality ( 85 years [odds ratio (OR) 1.87, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) (1.02–3.45), P = 0.044], annular rupture [OR 1.96, 95% CI (0.94–4.10), P = 0.060], and immediate ECS [OR 3.12, 95% CI (1.07–9.11), P = 0.037]. One year of survival of the 114 patients surviving the in-hospital period was only 40.4%. Conclusion: Between 2014 and 2016, the need for ECS remained stable around 0.7%. Left ventricular guidewire perforation and annular rupture were the most frequent causes, accounting for almost half of ECS cases. Half of the patients could be salvaged by ECS—nevertheless, 1 year of all-cause mortality was high even in those ECS patients surviving the in-hospital period.

TAVR is thought to change the volumes, characteristics, and outcomes of patients with aortic stenosis undergoing SAVR. We sought to investigate the impact of increasing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) volumes on surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) volumes and to assess the evolution in baseline demographics and its impact on 30-day clinical outcomes across TAVR and SAVR patients.From June 2007 through September 2015, 3543 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent TAVR (n=1407) or SAVR (n=2136) in a single center were subcategorized into nine cohorts defined by procedure year. These cohorts were examined for differences in volumes, baseline demographics, and 30-day mortality.We observed a reduction in SAVR compared to TAVR volumes over time: from 79% in 2007 to 48% in 2015 (P0.001). The mean STS score of the TAVR patients decreased significantly from 6.8 in 2007 to 4.3 in 2015 (P0.001). Concurrently, the crude 30-day mortality for TAVR improved from 11% in 2007 to 3% in 2015 (P0.001). The overall 30-day mortality was similar between TAVR and SAVR after adjusting for the independent predictors of mortality (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=0.758; P=0.2).In a high-volume surgical center, we observed a significant decrease in patients undergoing SAVR compared to TAVR. We show an important shift toward the selection of lower surgical risk patients for TAVR. Overall 30-day mortality was similar between TAVR and SAVR after adjusting for baseline characteristics.

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of transcatheter heart valves (THV) for the treatment of noncalcific pure native aortic valve regurgitation (NAVR) and failing bioprosthetic surgical heart valves (SHVs) with pure severe aortic regurgitation (AR). Background Limited data are available about the “off-label” use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) to treat pure severe AR. Methods The study population consisted of patients with pure severe AR treated by TAVR at 18 different centers. Study endpoints were device success, early safety, and clinical efficacy at 30 days, as defined by Valve Academic Research Consortium 2 criteria. Results A total of 146 patients were included, 78 patients in the NAVR group and 68 patients in the failing SHV group. In the NAVR group, device success, early safety, and clinical efficacy were 72%, 66%, and 61%, respectively. Device success and clinical efficacy were significantly better with newer generation THVs compared with old-generation THVs (85% vs. 54% and 75% vs. 46%, respectively, p 8%, major vascular or access complication, and moderate to severe AR. In the failing SHV group, device success, early safety, and clinical efficacy were 71%, 90%, and 77%, respectively. Conclusions TAVR for pure NAVR remains a challenging condition, with old-generation THVs being associated with THV embolization and migration and significant paravalvular regurgitation. Newer generation THVs show more promising outcomes. For those patients with severe AR due to failing SHVs, TAVR is a valuable therapeutic option.

OBJECTIVES This report demonstrates the application and feasibility of novel 3D-MDCT real-time fusion technology with fluoroscopy, for left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion procedures. BACKGROUND A successful LAA occlusion procedure relies on multiple imaging modalities, including TEE or 3D-MDCT, and fluoroscopy. Effectively integrating these imaging modalities may improve implantation safety and success. To our knowledge this technique has not been previously described for LAA occlusions. METHODS This observational study compared clinical and procedural parameters for procedures performed with or without fusion integration. All patients had a pre-procedural 3D-MDCT for LAA measurements, along with 3D analyses of LAA morphology and surrounding structures. Using the image fusion software (Valve ASSIST 2, GE Healthcare, UK), landmarks were identified on fluoroscopy, and MDCT LAA anatomy outlines were then projected onto the real-time fluoroscopy image during the procedure, to guide all steps of the intervention. RESULTS A total of 57 patients underwent LAA occlusion, with 16 performed using fusion software. In comparison to the pre-fusion group, reductions in contrast volume (21.0 ± 11.7 vs. 95.9 ± 80.5 ml, P

Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair is a viable alternative to surgery in patients with severe mitral regurgitation and high surgical risk. Yet the specific group of patients who would optimally benefit from this therapy remains to be determined. Selection of patients for transcatheter strategy is currently based on surgical prognostic scores and technical feasibility. Meanwhile, various clinical, anatomic, and procedural factors have been recently recognized as predictors of adverse outcomes following transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair, including device failure, recurrent mitral regurgitation, and mortality. Integration of these prognostic factors in the decision-making process of the heart team might improve patient management and outcomes. Herein, the authors review the different factors related to symptomatic status, comorbidity, serum biomarkers, echocardiographic findings, and procedural technique that have been identified as independent predictors of adverse outcome following transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair and discuss their potential application in everyday clinical practice.

International audience; Background: Conflicting results have been reported regarding sex differences in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but their potential influence on clinical outcomes after chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) PCI remains unknown. We aimed to identify sex-related differences in long-term clinical outcomes after CTO PCI.Methods and results: All consecutive patients undergoing CTO PCI between 2004 and 2012 were included in a prospective registry. Baseline, procedural characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared according to sex. Out of 1343 patients, 194 were female (14.4%). Women were older (68.5 ± 9.9 vs 62.3 ± 10.8 years, p < 0.001), more frequently diabetic (33.5% vs 26.4%, p = 0.026) and hypertensive (70.1% vs 57.4%, p < 0,001), whereas males were more frequently smokers (28.5% vs 15.5%, p < 0.001). J-CTO score was similar between both sexes (1.59 ± 0.91 vs 1.51 ± 0.88). The procedural success rate was also similar in men and women (74.0% vs 77.3%, respectively). At 8 years' follow-up, successful CTO PCI was associated with reduced mortality in women (14.8% vs 36.2%, p = 0.003) and men (18.5% vs 29.1%, p < 0.001). In successful CTO PCI cases, no sex-related differences were observed in terms of major adverse cardiac events.Conclusions: Our study suggests an equal benefit of CTO interventions with a marked reduction in mortality after successful CTO PCI in women and men alike.

Background Biomarkers were advocated as prognostic factors in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve intervention, with contradictory results concerning prognostic impact of troponin. Our aim was to assess the prognostic impact of preprocedural and postprocedural troponin in transcatheter aortic valve intervention. Methods and Results Preprocedural and postprocedural high‐sensitivity troponin levels were measured in all patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve intervention. Primary end point was 1‐year mortality. This study included 1390 patients, with a mean age of 83.4±6.8 years. Patients were divided into 3 tertiles according to preprocedural troponin values: tertile 1: 0.001 to 0.023 μg/L; tertile 2: 0.024 to 1.80 μg/L; and T3: 1.81 to 12.1 μg/L. One‐year mortality was higher in patients in tertile 2 (hazard ratio, 2.1; P =0.001) and T3 (hazard ratio, 1.8; P =0.009) compared with those in tertile 1. Myocardial injury was predictive of 1‐year mortality (hazard ratio, 1.7; P =0.01). This effect may be stronger in the tertile 1 subgroup (hazard ratio, 5.1; P =0.03 [ P value for interaction: 0.18]). Conclusions Elevated preprocedural troponin and myocardial injury are associated with 1‐year mortality after transcatheter aortic valve intervention.

Background Despite previously described feasibility, direct transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with the Edwards SAPIEN S3 device (S3-THV) (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA) has not been compared with either a systematic or a selective predilation approach. Methods Patients undergoing predilation were divided into a systematic group (regardless of anatomic features) and a selective group (in the context of high valvular calcium burden). Both groups were matched in a 2:1 fashion to patients who underwent direct TAVI. Outcomes were assessed according to Valve Academic Research Consortium 2 (VARC-2) criteria. Results Two hundred eighty-one patients underwent TAVI with the S3-THV in our centre. Of these patients, 58 underwent predilation before device implantation (systematic, n = 26; selective, n = 32). Procedural success was achieved in all patients. Patients in the selective predilation group had severe valve calcification volume—more than double that of the systematic group (445 ± 306 mm 3 vs 970 ± 578 mm 3 , respectively; P There was a trend for less dilation after the procedure in the systematic group compared with the selective group (4% vs 19%, respectively ; P = 0.09). Device malposition necessitating a second device to be implanted occurred in 3 cases of direct TAVI (5%) and in none of the patients undergoing predilation (P = not significant). Thirty-day and 1-year mortality rates were similar between the patients who underwent direct TAVI and their predilation counterparts. Conclusions In patients with a moderate aortic valve calcification burden, direct TAVI appears to be feasible and safe. In those with high calcium burden, predilation should be considered after taking into account individual risk profiles.

AIMS Despite technical advancements, long-term outcomes after chronic total occlusion (CTO) recanalisation remain a subject of debate, especially in diabetic patients. The aim of this study, therefore, was to assess the very long-term clinical outcome of diabetic vs. non-diabetic patients in a large cohort from a high-volume CTO PCI centre according to whether or not CTO recanalisation had been successfully achieved. METHODS AND RESULTS Between 2004 and 2012, 1,320 consecutive patients underwent PCI for CTO, 27.4% (362/1320) of whom were diabetics. We compared cardiac death, target lesion revascularisation (TLR), myocardial infarction (MI) and combined major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with successful versus failed PCI (median follow-up 4.2 years). The PCI success rate was 75% (990/1,320 patients), with no significant differences between diabetics and non-diabetics (69.8% vs. 75%, respectively, p=0.07). Successful recanalisation was associated with lower cardiac death rates (13.2% vs. 17.2%, respectively, p

Aims: The use of multiple geographical sites for randomised cardiovascular trials may lead to important heterogeneity in treatment effects. This study aimed to determine whether treatment effects from different geographical recruitment regions impacted significantly on five-year MACCE rates in the SYNTAX trial. Methods and results: Five-year SYNTAX results (n=1,800) were analysed for geographical variability by site and country for the effect of treatment (CABG vs. PCI) on MACCE rates. Fixed, random, and linear mixed models were used to test clinical covariate effects, such as diabetes, lesion characteristics, and procedural factors. Comparing five-year MACCE rates, the pooled odds ratio (OR) between study sites was 0.58 (95% CI: 0.47-0.71), and countries 0.59 (95% CI: 0.45-0.73). By homogeneity testing, no individual site (X2=93.8, p=0.051) or country differences (X2=25.7, p=0.080) were observed. For random effects models, the intraclass correlation was minimal (ICC site=5.1%, ICC country=1.5%, p

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become a well-established intervention with reproducible and excellent early and mid-term outcomes. A minimalist approach to TAVI is already the standard of care in many experienced centers. In this report, we share our experience and opinions on how we can further simplify the TAVI procedure in hope to establish the best possible outcomes.

La cardiomyopathie hypertrophique est la maladie cardiaque genetique la plus courante. Deux tiers des patients developperont des symptomes causes par l’obstruction dynamique de la chambre de chasse du ventricule gauche, au repos ou uniquement a l’effort. Chez ces patients atteints de cardiomyopathie hypertrophique obstructive (CMO) et restant symptomatiques malgre un traitement medical optimal, la « reduction septale » doit etre discutee. Alors que la myomectomie chirurgicale a ete consideree comme le gold standard jusqu’a la fin des annees 1990, l’alcoolisation septale (AS) a pris une place progressivement croissante, notamment en Europe. Dans cette revue, nous decrivons les indications et contre-indications de l’AS, ainsi que les considerations techniques liees a la procedure. Une emphase particuliere est mise sur les modalites d’imagerie necessaires a la selection des patients (echocardiographie, imagerie par resonance magnetique) et au bon deroulement de la procedure (echocardiographie). Nous decrivons ensuite les soins post-proceduraux et les complications pouvant survenir. Enfin, une revue de la litterature recente decrivant les resultats a long terme de l’AS est presentee. On retiendra que lorsqu’elle est effectuee par une equipe experimentee, l’AS est associee a un taux de succes eleve et un risque de complication faible. L’amelioration de la qualite de vie qu’elle procure est quasi constante et l’esperance de vie apres la procedure semble comparable a celle de la population generale du meme âge.

Background Although the trans-radial approach (TR) has been applied to various subsets of patients in percutaneous coronary intervention, the feasibility, efficacy, acute procedural and long-term outcomes of TR versus trans-femoral approach (TF) for alcohol septal ablation (ASA) have not yet been determined. Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the short and long-term outcomes of ASA with the TR approach compared to the TF approach. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 240 patients who underwent an ASA procedure at our institution from November 1999 to November 2015. The TR approach was performed in 172 cases and the TF approach in the remaining 68 cases. Results The use of TR approach progressively increased from 62% in 1999–2005 to 91% in 2011–2015 (p=0.0001). The TF and TR group had similar age, baseline NYHA class (NYHA 3 or 4) and mean left ventricular outflow tract peak gradient before ASA. Total contrast used (TR: 73.2±47.2ml; TF: 88.7±49.3ml, p=0.11), total radiation Air kerma area product (TR: 43.7±48.0Gycm −2 ; TF: 55.9±48.2Gycm −2 ; p=0.39) and peak left ventricular outflow tract gradient immediately after ASA (TR: 19.1±19.6mmHg; TF: 20.4±18.0mmHg, p=0.63) were similar in both groups. Procedural success was 91.9% and 91.2% in the TR and TF groups, respectively (p=0.53). At 30days, there was 2 intra-hospital death (1 in TF and 1 in TR), 1 major stroke in the TF group and 1 coronary artery dissection in the TR group. Vascular complications were less frequent in the TR group (0.58% vs. 7.3%; p=0.002). The mean length of follow-up was 4.56±4.34years (IQR 0.69–8.2; median 2.92years; maximum: 15.5years). By Kaplan–Meier estimate, the observed survival in the overall cohort was comparable to the expected survival for a sex and age-matched comparable general French population at 10years (86.9 vs. 83.6%, p=0.88). Survival was similar between the TR and TF group (92.1% vs. 89.7% at 6years, respectively; p=0.71). Conclusions Alcohol septal ablation from the radial approach can be performed with similar acute and long-term success, but with lower vascular complications compared to the femoral approach.

BACKGROUND Whether the efficacy and safety of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) are uniform between sexes is unclear. We sought to compare clinical outcomes between short- (≤6 months) versus long-term (≥1 year) DAPT after drug-eluting stent (DES) placement in women and men. METHODS AND RESULTS We pooled individual patient data from 6 randomized trials of DAPT (EXCELLENT, OPTIMIZE, PRODIGY, RESET, SECURITY, ITALIC PLUS). The primary outcome was 1-year risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). The main secondary outcome was 1-year risk of any bleeding. Out of the 11,473 randomized patients included in the pooled dataset, 3,454 (30%) were females. At 1-year follow-up, women had higher risk of MACE (3.6% vs. 2.8%; P = 0.01) but similar risk of bleeding (1.9% vs. 1.6%; P = 0.16) as compared with men. Compared with long-term DAPT, short-term DAPT was associated with similar rates of MACE in both women (HR 0.88; 95% CI 0.62-1.25) and men (HR 1.25; 95% CI 0.95-1.6; P interaction = 0.08)]. At 1-year follow-up, short-term DAPT was associated with lower rates of bleeding as compared with long-term DAPT in both women (HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.51-1.37) and men (HR 0.58; 95% CI 0.40-0.84; P-interaction = 0.25). The presence of MVD was associated with higher MACE rates in the short-term DAPT group in women (HR: 1.16; CI 0.60-2.23) and men (HR: 2.29; CI 1.22-4.29; P interaction = 0.25). CONCLUSIONS Short-term DAPT is associated with similar rates of MACE but lower risk of bleeding when as compared with prolonged DAPT. There was no significant difference between sexes in the population studied. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a known complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We report a case of a 90-year-old man with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis who underwent elective TAVR. The procedure was complicated by severe functional MR from left ventricular stunning and dilatation caused by hypotension throughout the procedure. An Impella CP (Abiomed, Inc, Danvers, MA) was inserted to unload the left ventricle and decrease its size with subsequent improvement in MR severity, which was sustained after Impella CP removal. In conclusion, we present the first case of successful management of post-TAVR severe functional MR with an Impella CP.

To compare planned and achieved device position in patients undergoing left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). It is unclear how devices used for LAAO position themselves compared to what is planned. All patients undergoing LAAO at our institution had pre- and post-procedural multi detector-row computed tomography (MDCT) at 3 months (N = 52). Using dedicated software, both datasets were fused to superimpose the left atria in all planes. The effective device position was traced on the post-procedural MDCT and then imported in the pre-procedural dataset to allow comparisons. Planned and effective landing zones were compared with respect to size, location and orientation. The device’s final position was in a significantly larger landing zone than planned (452 ± 174 vs. 351 ± 112 mm2 for effective and planned landing zones, respectively, paired t-test: p

Aims This study sought to analyse multislice computed tomography (MSCT) data of patients with tricuspid regurgitation and to report the variability of fluoroscopic viewing angles for several right-sided heart structures, as well as chamber views of the right heart in order to determine the optimal fluoroscopic viewing angles of six right-sided heart structures and right-heart chamber views. Methods and results The MSCT data of 44 patients with mild to severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) were retrospectively analysed. For each patient, we determined the optimal fluoroscopic viewing angles of the annulus/orifice en face view of the tricuspid valve, atrial septum, superior vena cava (SVC), inferior vena cava (IVC), coronary sinus (CS) and pulmonary valve. In this TR patient cohort, the average fluoroscopic viewing angle for the en face view of the tricuspid valve annulus was LAO 54-CAUD 15; RAO 10-CAUD 66 for the SVC orifice; LAO 27-CRA 59 for the IVC orifice; RAO 28-CRA 19 for the CS orifice; RAO 33-CAUD 33 for the atrial septum and LAO 13-CAUD 52 for the pulmonary valve annulus. The average viewing angle for right-heart chamber views was LAO 55-CAUD 15 for the one-chamber view; RAO 59-CAUD 54 for the two-chamber view; RAO 27-CRA 19 for the three-chamber view and LAO 5-CRA 60 for the four-chamber view. Conclusions MSCT can provide patient-specific fluoroscopic viewing angles of right-sided heart structures. This information may facilitate transcatheter right-heart interventions.

Objective This study sought to assess the potential benefits of the transradial approach (TRA) as an alternative vascular access to the classical contralateral femoral approach for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Background Vascular and bleeding complications in TAVR have gradually decreased owing to operator experience and downsizing of the delivery system. However, about 1/4 of vascular access site complications are related to the transfemoral (TF) secondary access. Methods We compared the outcomes at 30 days according to VARC-2 after TAVR of a prospective cohort of 217 consecutive patients undergoing right or left TRA as the second vascular access (TRA-TF TAVR) and a retrospective cohort of 194 consecutive patients undergoing TF approach as a second vascular access (TF-TF TAVR). Results Baseline clinical characteristics and risk scores were well matched in both groups. Procedural success rate was 99.7%. Fluoro time was significantly lower in the TF-TF TAVR group (16.9 ± 7.2 vs. 19.1 ± 7.8 min, P = 0.003); however, there was no significant difference in x-ray exposure, procedure time or amount of contrast used. In the TRA-TF TAVR group, there were no complications related to the TRA access and there were less vascular and bleeding complications (18.0% vs. 9.7%, P = 0.014; 17.0% vs. 9.2%, P = 0.026, respectively), although blood transfusion requirement or hospitalization duration stay were similar in both groups. Conclusions TRA approach as alternative secondary vascular access in TAVR is safe and feasible and is associated with a significant decrease in vascular and bleeding complications. Further, large-scale studies are warranted to confirm the potential benefit of this approach.

The development of transcatheter valve therapeutic modalities has reignited interest in the anatomy of the valvular complexes. Indeed, this knowledge is crucial for individuals who are involved in transcatheter valve therapies. The importance of anatomy for procedure indications, contraindications, performance, and device development are tremendous and cannot be overemphasized. Comprehension of the anatomy is the first step toward successful transcatheter valve therapy. This knowledge should be coupled with the ability to view and understand the valvular complex using different imaging modalities. The ability to have a three-dimensional understanding of the valvular component and its relation to the other cardiac structures is key in performing transcatheter valve procedures. This chapter discusses the aortic valve and the mitral valve complexes and reviews a novel way of understanding left-sided heart valve anatomy using multiple imaging modalities.

This study sought to compare outcomes of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in a catheterization laboratory (cath lab) to those undergoing TAVR in a hybrid operating room (OR).TAVR can be performed in a cath lab or in a hybrid OR. Comparisons between these locations are scarce.All TAVRs performed in 48 centers across France between January 2013 and December 2015 were prospectively included in the FRANCE TAVI (French Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) registry. The primary endpoint of this study was all-cause mortality at 1 year. Secondary endpoints consisted of 30-day complications and 3-year mortality. All analyses were adjusted for baseline and procedural characteristics.A total of 12,121 patients were included in this study, 62% of which underwent TAVR in a cath lab versus 38% in a hybrid OR. Mean age was 82.9 ± 7.2 years, 48.9% of patients were men, and mean Logistic EuroScore was 17.9% ± 12.3%. Both procedure locations showed similar, below 2% rates of intraprocedural complications. After adjusting for baseline and procedural characteristics, major bleeding and infections were significantly higher in the hybrid OR group (bleeding, 6.3% vs. 4.8%; infection, 6.1% vs. 3.5%; p 0.05). Adjusted mortality rates at 1 and 3 years did not differ significantly between groups (for cath lab vs. hybrid OR, respectively: 1 year: 16.2% vs. 15.8%; p = 0.91; 3 years: 38.4% vs. 36.4%; p = 0.49).Midterm mortality after TAVR was similar between the cath lab and the hybrid OR. These findings support the performance of TAVR in either location, which has important implications on health care organization and costs.

The optimal treatment for coronary bifurcation lesions is still the subject of debate. Balloon angioplasty for this type of lesion used to be associated with significant risk of acute complications compounded by a high risk of recurrent stenosis. With the advent of bare-metal stents, the first controversies arose as to whether one or several stents should be used to treat these lesions. The outcome of various nonrandomized studies demonstrated the benefit of implementing a single-stent strategy, whereby a stent is implanted in the main branch across the side branch. Drug-eluting stents allowed considerable reduction in the risk of restenosis and repeat interventions while encouraging the development of numerous complex techniques permitting complete bifurcation coverage. However, the results of large randomized studies, for which 5-year data is now available, confirmed the absence of benefits for complex strategies compared with provisional side-branch stenting, when both approaches are possible. Today, the provisional side branch stenting approach is considered the gold standard. This chapter explains when and how to perform this technique and how to resolve common difficulties. It also describes when and how to use a two-stent approach.

Aims: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation for a failing surgical bioprosthesis (TAV-in-SAV) has become an alternative for patients at high risk for redo surgical aortic valve replacement (redo-SAVR). Comparisons between these approaches are non-existent. This study aimed to compare clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of patients undergoing TAV-in-SAV versus redo-SAVR after accounting for baseline differences by propensity score matching. Methods and results: Patients from seven centres in Europe and Canada who had undergone either TAV-in-SAV (n=79) or redo-SAVR (n=126) were identified. Significant independent predictors used for propensity scoring were age, NYHA functional class, number of prior cardiac surgeries, urgent procedure, pulmonary hypertension, and COPD grade. Using a calliper range of +/- 0.05, a total of 78 well-matched patient pairs were found. All-cause mortality was similar between groups at 30 days (6.4% redo-SAVR vs. 3.9% TAV-in-SAV; p=0.49) and one year (13.1% redo-SAVR vs. 12.3% TAV-in-SAV; p=0.80). Both groups also showed similar incidences of stroke (0% redo-SAVR vs. 1.3% TAV-in-SAV; p=1.0) and new pacemaker implantation (10.3% redo-SAVR vs. 10.3% TAV-in-SAV; p=1.0). The incidence of acute kidney injury requiring dialysis was numerically lower in the TAV-in-SAV group (11.5% redo-SAVR vs. 3.8% TAV-in-SAV; p=0.13). The TAV-in-SAV group had a significantly shorter median total hospital stay (12 days redo-SAVR vs. 9 days TAV-in-SAV; p=0.001). Conclusions: Patients with aortic bioprosthesis failure treated with either redo-SAVR or TAV-in-SAV have similar 30-day and one-year clinical outcomes.