Ana Isabel Azevedo

Simultaneous transapical implantation of an inverted transcatheter aortic valve-in-ring in the mitral position and transcatheter aortic valve replacement: first-in-human report.

Cardiology, Gaia/Espinho Hospital Centre, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal; and the yDepartment of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Gaia/Espinho Hospital Centre, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. Manuscript received September 20, 2013; revised manuscript received September 28, 2013, accepted October 1, 2013. Journal of the American College of Cardiology Vol. 63, No. 12, 2014 2014 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation ISSN 0735-1097/

The Effect of Exercise Training on Diastolic and Systolic Function After Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Randomized Study.

36.00 Published by Elsevier Inc. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2013.10.090

Persistent Type I Endoleak after Endovascular Treatment with Chimney Technique

AbstractAfter acute myocardial infarction (AMI), diastolic dysfunction is frequent and an important determinant of adverse outcome. However, few interventions have proven to be effective in improving diastolic function. We aimed to determine the effect of exercise training on diastolic and systolic function after AMI.One month after AMI, 188 patients were prospectively randomized (1:1) to an 8-week supervised program of endurance and resistance exercise training (n = 86; 55.9 ± 10.8 years) versus standard of care (n = 89; 55.4 ± 10.3 years). All patients were submitted to detailed echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise test, at baseline and immediately after the study. Diastolic function was evaluated by the determination of tissue-Doppler derived early diastolic velocities (E′ velocity at the septal and lateral sides of mitral annulus) and by the E/E′ (ratio between the E wave velocity from mitral inflow and the E’ velocity) as recommended in the consensus document for diastolic function assessment.At the end of the study, there was no significant change in E′ septal velocity or E/E′ septal ratio in the exercise group. We observed a small, although nonsignificant, improvement in E′ lateral (mean change 0.1 ± 2.0 cm/s; P = 0.40) and E/E′ lateral ratio (mean change of −0.3 ± 2.5; P = 0.24), while patients in the control group had a nonsignificant reduction in E′ lateral (mean change −0.4 ± 1.9 cm/s; P = 0.09) and an increase in E/E′ lateral ratio (mean change + 0.3 ± 3.3; P = 0.34). No relevant changes occurred in other diastolic parameters. The exercise-training program also did not improve systolic function (either tissue Doppler systolic velocities or ejection fraction).Exercise capacity improved only in the exercise-training group, with an increase of 1.6 mL/kg/min in pVO2 (P = 0.001) and of 1.9 mL/kg/min in VO2 at anaerobic threshold (P < 0.001).After AMI, an 8-week endurance plus resistance exercise-training program did not significantly improve diastolic or systolic function, although it was associated with an improvement in exercise capacity parameters.

Original ArticleDisability-adjusted life years lost due to ischemic heart disease in mainland Portugal, 2013Anos de vida saudável perdidos devido a doença isquémica do coração em Portugal continental em 2013

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is increasingly used in the treatment of acute type B aortic dissection. Type Ia endoleaks are a common complication of the procedure, but its clinical significance and the best treatment strategy remain poorly defined. We present a case of a type Ia endoleak following TEVAR in the treatment of acute type B aortic dissection. Chimney technique approach was used in an attempt to seal the endoleak. Although technical success was suboptimal, the patient remained clinically stable and event free. Data regarding the natural course and management of type Ia endoleaks following TEVAR for aortic dissection are sparse. Future research is required to establish the clinical and technical determinants of the need to treat these endoleaks and the best treatment strategy.

Lead Extraction of Cardiac Rhythm Devices: A Report of a Single-Center Experience

Introduction and Objectives Estimates of the burden of ischemic heart disease (IHD), including geographic differences, should support health policy decisions. We set out to estimate the burden of IHD in mainland Portugal in 2013 by calculating disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and to compare this burden between five regions.

Transcatheter Valve-in-Valve Repositioning of CoreValve® Evolut™ Rin Aortic Prosthesis

Introduction and objectives The rate of implanted cardiac electronic devices is increasing as is the need to manage long-term complications. Lead removal is becoming an effective approach to treat such complications. We present our experience in lead removal using different approaches, analyzing the predictors of the use of mechanical extractors/surgical removal. Methods Retrospective analysis of lead extractions in a series of 76 consecutive patients (mean age 70.4 ± 13.8 years, 73.7% men) between January 2009 and November 2015. Results One hundred thirty-five leads from permanent pacemakers (single chamber 19.7%; dual-chamber 61.8%), implantable cardioverter defibrillators (5.3%), and cardiac resynchronization devices (CRT-P 2.6%; CRT-D 7.9%) were removed, 72.5 ± 73.2 months after implantation. A total of 45.9% were ventricular leads, 40.0% atrial leads, 8.9% defibrillator leads, and 5.2% leads in the coronary sinus; 64.4% had passive fixation. The most common indications for removal were pocket infection (77.8%), infective endocarditis (9.6%), and lead dislodgement (3.7%). A total of 76.3% of the leads were explanted, 20.0% were extracted, and 3.7% were surgically removed. Extraction of the entire lead was achieved in 96.3% of the procedures. After logistic regression (age adjusted), time since implantation was the sole predictor of the need of mechanical extractors/surgical removal. All patients were discharged without major complications. There were no deaths at 30 days. Conclusion Our experience in lead removal was effective and safe. Performing these procedures by experienced electrophysiologists with an adequate cardiothoracic surgery team on standby to cope with any complications is required. Referral of high-risk patients to a high-volume center is recommended to optimize clinical success and minimize procedural complications.

Looking into and beyond the heart

A 41-year-old man with history of surgical replacement of the aortic valve with a 21mm-Mitroflow bioprosthesis (1A), presented with functional class IV heart failure. Transesophageal echocardiography confirmed severe bioprosthesis obstruction (1B). We implanted a 23mm-CoreValve® Evolut™ R (Medtronic, Minneapolis, USA) in the aortic bioprosthesis, by transfemoral approach. The valve was recaptured and repositioned during deployment (1C-E). Immediate (1F), one (1G) and three-month (1H) transthoracic echocardiography confirmed significant reduction in transaortic gradients. The patient remained in functional class I. Our experience in repositioning the valve during a valve-in-valve procedure demonstrates the usefulness of this resource in such challenging procedures.

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia: a rare cause of recurrent syncope.

An 89-year-old man presented with intermittent chest and epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting of one day’s duration. His previous medical history included coronary artery disease and severe aortic valve stenosis, treated by transcatheter aortic valve implantation (26 mm Edwards) 14 months before. After the procedure, he suffered complete atrioventricular block, and a dual chamber pacemaker was implanted. Physical examination revealed low-grade fever (37.6 ◦C) and an aortic systolic murmur; no pain

Epicardial adipose tissue volume assessed by computed tomography and coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is an inherited arrhythmia characterized by adrenergically induced polymorphic or bidirectional ventricular tachycardia (VT). Although a rare disease, its recognition is important because of its high mortality rate when left untreated. We report an index case of a 32-year-old woman who presented with recurrent syncope. The diagnosis was confirmed by exercise-induced polymorphic ventricular premature beats and episodes of non-sustained VT, in the absence of structural heart abnormalities. She remained event free with beta-blocker therapy. CPVT is a potentially life-threatening disease and should be considered in the case of recurrent syncope, in young individuals. Diagnosis is based on clinical history and exercise testing, which is the gold standard. Therapy is mandatory in all diagnosed individuals. Exercise testing in first-degree relatives is recommended, even in the case of a mutation-negative index patient.