Andrzej Szyszka

3D heart model printing for preparation of percutaneous structural interventions: description of the technology and case report

BACKGROUND Structural heart disease, including valvular disease as well as congenital defects, causes important alterations in heart anatomy. As a result, individualised planning for both surgical and percutaneous procedures is crucial for procedural optimisation. Three dimensional (3D) rapid prototyping techniques are being utilised to aid operators in planning structural heart procedures. AIM We intend to provide a description of 3D printing as a clinically applicable heart modelling technology for the planning of percutaneous structural heart procedures as well as to report our first clinical use of a 3D printed patient-specific heart model in preparation for a percutaneous mitral annuloplasty using the Mitralign percutaneous annuloplasty system. METHODS Retrospectively gated, contrast enhanced, multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) scans were obtained. MSCT DICOM data was analysed using software that creates 3D surface files of the blood volume of specific regions of interest in the heart. The surface files are rendered using a software package that creates a solid model that can be printed using commercially available stereolithography machines. RESULTS The technique of direct percutaneous mitral annuloplasty requires advancement of a guiding catheter through the aorta, into the left ventricle, and requires the positioning of the tip of the catheter between the papillary muscles in close proximity to the mitral annulus. The 3D heart model was used to create a procedural plan to optimise potential device implantation. The size of the deflectable guiding catheter was selected on the basis of the patients heart model. Target locations for annulus crossing wires were evaluated pre-procedurally using the individual patients 3D heart model. In addition, the ability to position the Bident Catheter at the appropriate locations under the mitral annulus as well as the manoeuvrability between the papillary muscles were analysed on the heart model, enabling safe completion of the procedure, which resulted in a significant reduction in mitral regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS 3D printing is a helpful tool in individualised planning for percutaneous structural interventions. Future studies are warranted to assess its role in preparing for percutaneous and surgical heart procedures.

Percutaneous direct mitral annuloplasty using the Mitralign Bident™ system: description of the method and a case report

BACKGROUND Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is known to contribute to a poor prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF). Current guidelines do not recommend cardiac surgery in patients with FMR and impaired ejection fraction due to the high procedural risk. Percutaneous techniques aimed at mitral valve repair may constitute an alternative to currently used routine medical treatment. AIM To provide a description of a novel percutaneous suture-based technique of direct mitral annuloplasty using the Mitralign Bident system, as well as report our first case successfully treated with this method. METHODS A deflectable guiding catheter is advanced via the femoral route across the aortic valve to the posterior wall of the ventricle. A nested deflectable catheter is advanced through the guide toward the mitral annulus that allows the advancement of an insulated radiofrequency wire to cross the annulus. The wire is directed across the annulus in a target area that is 2-5 mm from the base of the leaflet into the annulus, as assessed by real-time 3D transoesophageal echocardiography. After placement of the first wire, another wire is positioned using a duel lumen bident delivery catheter, which provides a predetermined separation between wires (i.e. 14, 17 or 21 mm). Each wire provides a guide rail for implantation of sutured pledget implants within the annulus. Two pairs of pledgets are implanted, one pair in each of the P1 and P3 scallop regions of the posterior mitral annulus. A dedicated plication lock device is used to provide a means for plication of the annulus within each pair of the pledgets, and to retain the plication by delivering a suture locking implant. The plications result in improved leaflet coaptation and a reduction of the regurgitant orifice area. RESULTS A 60-year-old female with diagnosed dilated cardiomyopathy, concomitant FMR class III and congestive HF was successfully treated with the Mitralign Bident system. Two pairs of pledgets were implanted resulting in an improvement of transoesophageal echocardiographic parameters, including proximal isovelocity surface area radius (0.7 cm to 0.4 cm), effective regurgitant orfice area (0.3 cm² to 0.1 cm²) and mitral regurgitant volume (49 mL to 10 mL). CONCLUSIONS Percutaneous mitral annuloplasty with the Mitralign Bident system is feasible. Future clinical trials are needed to assess its safety and efficacy.

Evaluation of Exercise Capacity with Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing and Type B Natriuretic Peptide Concentrations in Adult Patients with Patent Atrial Septal Defect

Adults with patent atrial septal defect (ASD) usually find their exercise capacity satisfactory, and therefore hesitate to accept proposed surgical treatment of the heart disease. The aim of our study was to evaluate both the exercise capacity, using the cardio-pulmonary stress test, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in asymptomatic adults with ASD. Thirty-six patients with patent secundum type ASD (aged mean 44.7 ± 8.2 years) were studied. The control group consisted of 25 healthy subjects at the mean age of 45.6 ± 6.1 years. Echocardiography and CPST were performed and BNP levels measured in all subjects. Oxygen uptake (VO2 max) was lower in ASD patients than in controls (22.1 ± 5.6 vs. 30.0 ± 6.8 ml/kg/min, p = 0.00001); the VE/VO2 slope was elevated in ASD patients compared with healthy subjects (31.3 ± 6.6 vs. 26.9 ± 3.3, p = 0.001), and exceeded 34 in 5 patients. VO2 max showed a negative correlation with the pulmonary to systemic flow ratio Qp:Qs (r = –0.46, p = 0.004), and a positive correlation was found between the VE/VO2 slope and Qp:Qs (r = 0.32, p = 0.05). BNP levels were higher in the ASD group than in the controls (60.6 ± 49.9 vs. 32.6 ± 24.5 pg/ml, p = 0.02). BNP correlated positively with RV diameter and Qp:Qs (r = 0.38 and 0.39 respectively, p = 0.03) and negatively with maximum VO2 (r = –0.5, p = 0.004) and VO2% (r = –0.32, p = 0.07). Conclusions: Although most adult patients with ASD perceive their exercise capacity as satisfactory, objective assessment reveals that in fact it is significantly decreased. BNP levels are increased comparing to healthy individuals. Decreased exercise capacity and increased BNP levels seem to result from right ventricular volume overload.

Role of echocardiography in monitoring of cardiac toxicity of cancer pharmacotherapy. Expert consensus statement of the Polish Clinical Forum for Cardiovascular Imaging

Recent oncology development results in significant reduction of morbidity and mortality of several kinds of cancer. Such great achievements are at the cost of frequent cardiotoxicity, which predominantly is manifested as cardiomyopathy, cardiac dysfunction and heart failure (HF). Cardiotoxicity may manifest early - during treatment or late - after treatment completion. There are type 1 - anthracycline-related and type 2 - trastuzumab-related cardiotoxicity. Early detection of cardiotoxicity is crucial for preventing late heart dysfunction and HF. Baseline echocardiographic assessment should be performed in every patient before initiation of cancer treatment and serial monitoring of cardiac safety by means of echocardiography is recommended. The most widely used for this purpose is left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) calculated by Simpsons method with 2 dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. LVEF has numerous limitations, among which significant inter- and intraobserver variability, late decrease of LVEF with its often irreversibility are the most important. Noncontrast 3 dimesional echocardiography is the most reproducible technique for LVEF measurement. Newer echocardiographic technique - myocardial strain imaging has the potential to detect early subclinical cardiac dysfunction due to cardiotoxicity and may be used for the prediction of LV dysfunction. The role of other echocardiographic parameters, particularly of LV diastolic function has not been exactly defined in literature. The decision on discontinuation or modification of cancer therapy should be based on 2 improper, separate measurements of particular echocardiographic parameter or better more than 1 improper parameter should be taken into account. After completion of cancer treatment, echocardiography follow-up is recommended to detect late cardiotoxicity.

B-type natriuretic peptide in patients after percutaneous trans-coronary-sinus mitral annuloplasty

BACKGROUND AND AIM Functional mitral regurgitation (MR) remains a significant clinical problem. Surgical valve repair carries a high procedural risk. Thus, percutaneous techniques are under development. One of the most advanced devices for percutaneous mitral annuloplasty (PTMA) is the Carillon™ device. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a marker of haemodynamic status in heart failure patients. So far, its usefulness in patients after PTMA is unknown. METHODS Thirteen consecutive patients after successful implantation of the Carillon™ device were enrolled. PTMA was achieved through the coronary sinus in order to improve leaflet coaptation. Before PTMA, immediately after, and at one month follow-up, transthoracic echocardiography was performed. Furthermore, plasma BNP levels, the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and the Naughton treadmill exercise test were evaluated before PTMA and after one month. RESULTS In patients after successful PTMA, significant improvement in echocardiographic parameters was maintained at one-month follow-up: vena contracta (0.31 ± 0.03 vs. 0.64 ± 0.03 cm, p < 0.05), effective regurgitant orifice area (0.2 ± 0.02 vs. 0.32 ± 0.05 cm², p < 0.05), MR jet area/left atrial area (32.33 ± 1.98 vs. 47.06 ± 2.3%,p < 0.05) and regurgitant volume (27.84 ± 2.17 vs. 45.25 ± 7.47 mL, p < 0.05). Both the duration of the exercise test (4.3 ± 0.45 vs. 3.12 ± 0.18 min, p < 0.05) and 6MWT (320 ± 29.63 vs. 295.2 ± 13.4 m, p < 0.05) improved. Furthermore, improvement of the NYHA class was observed. Despite that, mean BNP levels remained unchanged (405.3 ± 133.9 vs. 596.5 ± 245.2 pg/mL, p = 0.191; after and before the procedure, respectively). In some patients with device located above the annulus level, an increase in BNP leve ls was observed. CONCLUSIONS BNP seems to be useless for the assessment of patients after PTMA. This may be related to mechanical stress on the annulus and atrial wall caused by the device itself.

Transesophageal echocardiography in adults — guidelines of the Working Group on Echocardiography of the Polish Cardiac Society

This document presents current Polish guidelines on the clinical use of transthoracic echocardiography, including stress examinations, in adult patients. The examinations with pocket-size imaging devices are also discussed. The authors present recommendations regarding indications and contraindications, staff and equipment requirements, patient preparation and information, examination protocol, reporting and reimbursement.

The bipolar ablation of refractory typical atrial flutter with CARTO 3 Confidense system

The typical atrial flutter is a reentrant arrhythmia with critical isthmus between tricuspid valve and inferior vena cava. The main target of ablation is to create a bidirectional block in the cavotricuspid isthmus. There are several anatomical variants which can create the obstacle to achieve successful ablation, namely the long isthmus, its shape (straight, convex, or pouch like), prominent Eustachian ridge or overdeveloped Chiari’s network. The bipolar ablation can result in higher transmurality than unipolar ablation, however there are only a few published cases and there are no dedicated systems. We report on the 59 year old female with incessant atrial flutter with rapid ventricular response who developed cardiomyopathy. She previously underwent three unsuccessful RF ablations in two different EP centers. Long applications up to 50 W with the use of 8 mm and irrigated tip electrodes were only transiently successful. At this stage the patient was qualified for RF bipolar ablation. As it is off-labelled use of standard RF generator and ablation electrodes the procedure obtained an individual permission from Local Ethics Committee and patient provided a written informed consent before procedure. Ablation was performed under general anaesthesia as previous ablations were painful. The 10 pole electrodes were positioned in the coronary sinus and the lateral part of right atrium. The high density map has been created using THERMOCOOLR SMARTTOUCH Catheter connected to CARTO 3 system with Confidense module (Biosense-Webster, Inc.). The entrainment pacing and propagation map confirmed cavotricuspid isthmus involvement in the flutter. The isthmus was meticulously visualized and measured. The slow conduction through the middle part was identified (Figure 1A). Initially, standard 180 s linear application (40 W) was delivered without success. Thereafter the THERMOCOOLR SMARTTOUCH Catheter was positioned on the middle part of the isthmus. The 7F 4 mm Celsius electrode (Biosense-Webster, Inc.) was introduced to the right atrium and connected to the LabSystem Pro (Boston Scientific) and Stockert generator in order to record the most distal atrial potential of the isthmus and impedance. This was to avoid going to deeply into IVC and performing ablation in the vein. After checking the position of electrodes on fluoroscopy in two projections, Celsius electrode was connected with indifferent electrode receptacle of the RF generator using a custom-made connector (Figure 1B). 40 W application was started resulting in flutter interruption in 10 s with bidirectional block. The application was continued for 90 s slowly dragging the active electrode to reach the other side of the isthmus precisely monitoring the impedance which decreased from 147 to 141 X. After 30 min after ablation there was bidirectional block with line of double potentials. The patient was discharged and followed for 3 months without recurrence of atrial flutter.

Percutaneous Trans‐Coronary Venous Mitral Annuloplasty in Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation: Analysis of Poznan Carillon Registry Data

OBJECTIVES The purpose of our study is to verify, whether percutaneous mitral annuloplasty results in reverse remodeling in patients with functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) and impaired ejection fraction (EF) and to investigate which echo parameters may help in prediction of the efficacy of the procedure. BACKGROUND FMR exacerbates left ventricular (LV) dilatation and contributes to both LV remodeling and heart failure. METHODS We analyzed baseline and 1 month follow-up data in 22 consecutive patients with FMR, who underwent successful percutaneous trans-coronary venous mitral annuloplasty with the Carillon device. RESULTS Significant reduction of FMR echo parameters, including vena contracta (VC), effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA), and regurgitant volume (RV) were observed and maintained throughout 1 month follow up and did not correlate with baseline annular, LV or with the left atrial diameters. Baseline mitral tenting area correlated negatively with the relative improvement (% difference) of EROA (r = -0.5898) and RV (r = -0.4363), but not with VC (r = 0.1341). In addition, increased EF as well as a significant reduction in left ventricular diameters were noted. The increase in EF negatively correlated with the change in EROA (r = -0.50058), PISA (r = -0.5327), and RV (r = -0.5457). Baseline mitral tenting area significantly correlated with the 1 month change in EF (r = 0.5946) and stroke volume (r = 0.6913). CONCLUSIONS The improvement of FMR after treatment with the Carillon device is associated with LV reverse remodeling and an increase in systolic performance, that correlates with the reduction in mitral regurgitation, being not dependent on baseline heart diameters. Mitral tenting area seems to be an important parameter in prediction of benefit from percutaneous mitral annuloplasty.

Bipolar irrigated radiofrequency ablation of resistant ventricular tachycardia with a septal intramural origin: the initial experience and a description of the method

Bipolar radiofrequency (RF) ablation is effective in treatment of ventricular tachycardia originating from thick interventricular septum. The RF generator and CARTO system can be used to precisely and safely perform ablation. Standard ablation catheter can be used with indifferent ablation electrode connected to the electrode receptacle in RF generator with custom‐made cable.

Polish Stress Echocardiography Registry (Pol-STRESS registry) — a multicentre study. Stress echocardiography in Poland: numbers, settings, results, and complications

BACKGROUND Stress echocardiography (SE) is widely used in Europe. No collective data have been available on the use of SE in Poland until now. AIM To evaluate the number of SE investigations performed in Poland, their settings, complications, and results. METHODS In this retrospective survey, referral cardiology centres in Poland were asked to fill in a questionnaire regarding SE examinations performed from May 1, 2014 to May 1, 2015. RESULTS The study included data from 17 university hospitals and large community hospitals, which performed 4611 SE exa-minations, including 4408 tests in patients investigated for coronary artery disease (CAD) and 203 tests to evaluate valvular heart disease (VHD). To evaluate CAD, all centres performed dobutamine SE (100%), 10 centres performed pacing SE (58.8%), while cycle ergometer SE and treadmill SE were performed by six (35.3%) and five (29.4%) centres, respectively. Dipyridamole SE was performed in one centre. All evaluated centres (100%) performed SE to evaluate low-flow/low-gradient aortic stenosis, eight (47%) performed SE to evaluate asymptomatic aortic stenosis, and also eight (47%) performed SE to evaluate mitral regurgitation. The mean number of examinations per year was 271 per centre. Most centres performed more than 100 examinations per year (11 centres, 64.7%). We did not identify any cardiac death during SE examination in any of the centres. Myocardial infarction occurred in three (0.07%) patients. Non-sustained ventricular tachycardia occurred in 52 (1.1%) SE examinations. The rates of minor complications were low. SE to evaluate CAD was more commonly performed in the hospital settings using cycle ergometer (72.6%), treadmill (87.6%), and low-dose dobutamine (68.0%), while a dipyridamole test was more frequently employed in ambulatory patients (77.6%). No significant differences between the rates of examina-tions performed in the ambulatory and hospital settings were found for high-dose dobutamine and pacing SE. Examinations to evaluate VHD were significantly more frequently performed in the hospital settings. SE examinations accounted for more than one third of all stress tests performed in the surveyed centres over the study period. CONCLUSIONS Stress echocardiography is a safe diagnostic method, and major complications are very rare. Despite European recommendations, SE examinations to evaluate CAD are performed less frequently than electrocardiographic exercise tests, although they already comprise a significant proportion of all stress tests. It seems reasonable to promote SE further for the evaluation of both CAD and VHD.