Gökmen R. Turan

Residual mitral valve regurgitation after percutaneous mitral valve repair with the mitraclip® system is a risk factor for adverse one-year outcome

We undertook this study to investigate the mid‐term clinical results after MitraClip® implantation and the impact of post‐repair mitral valve (MV) function and anatomy on survival and outcome composite endpoint in high‐risk patients.

Predictive factors for pacemaker requirement after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

BackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been established as a treatment option for inoperable patients with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis. However, patients suffer frequently from conduction disturbances after TAVI.MethodsBaseline, procedural as well as surface and intracardiac ECG parameters were evaluated for patients treated with TAVI and a comparison between patients requiring pacemaker with those not suffering from relevant conduction disorders were done.ResultsTAVI was successfully in all patients (n=45). Baseline surface and intracardiac ECG recording revealed longer PQ (197.1±51.2 msec versus 154.1±32.1 msec; p<0.001), longer AH (153.6±43.4 msec versus 116.1±31.2 msec; p<0.001) and HV interval (81.7±17.8 msec versus 56.8±8.5 msec; p<0.001) in patients with need for a pacemaker (n=23) versus control group (n=22); furthermore, 7-day follow-up analysis showed a higher prevalence of new left bundle branch block (LBBB) (87.0% versus 31.9%; p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that only new LBBB, QRS duration >120 msec and a PQ interval >200 msec immediately (within 60 minutes) after implantation of the aortic valve were predictors for high-grade (type II second-degree and third-degree) AV block. Other clinical parameters as well as baseline electrocardiographic parameters had no impact on critical conduction delay.ConclusionCardiac conduction disturbances are common after TAVI. The need for pacing after TAVI is predictable by surface ECG evaluation immediately (within 60 minutes) after the procedure.

Early and mid-term outcomes of percutaneous mitral valve repair with the MitraClip®: comparative analysis of different EuroSCORE strata

AIMS Compare mid-term outcomes after MitraClip® implantation for severe mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients categorised in different logistic EuroSCORE (LES) groups. METHODS AND RESULTS MitraClip was implanted in 85 patients (78 ± 6 years, 48 men [56.5%]) with severe symptomatic MR. Baseline characteristics, perioperative results, mid-term survival, major adverse cerebrovascular and cardiac events (MACCE), and re-hospitalisation were compared in patients with LES <20% (n=30) and ≥ 20% (n=55). Overall LES was 24 ± 12 (range 2.5-56.3) and STS-score 12 ± 7 (range 1.2-31.2). Overall procedural success rate was 96.5% with an in-hospital mortality rate of 3.5%. Echocardiographic and clinical follow-up confirmed similar mean transmitral pressure gradient (p=0.13), MR degree (p=0.48), and NYHA Class (p=0.93). Estimated six-month survival and freedom from composite endpoint was 80.7%/77.1% in LES ≥ 20% and 90.8/86.6% in LES<20% group, respectively (p= 0.014; p=0.018). Multivariate analysis determined LES ≥ 20% (OR=8.1; 95% CI 1.002-65.186), mean transmitral gradient after intervention (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.267-5.131) and residual MR (OR=5.1; 95% CI 1.464-17.946) as predictors for overall mortality. CONCLUSIONS LES is a good predictor of perioperative results, and follow-up adverse outcomes after MitraClip implantation are significantly influenced by the preoperative risk profile. The presence of residual MR immediately after MitraClip therapy can exacerbate the occurrence of MACCE.

Percutaneous mitral valve repair with the mitraclip® system

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes using standard clipping (SC) (one to two clips) or multiple clipping (MC) (more than two clips). Background: MitraClip® implantation using MC has been proposed to treat severe mitral regurgitation (MR) in high‐risk patients. Methods and Results: A tailored strategy was used implanting as many clips as required to eliminate MR. A total of 85 consecutive patients [78 ± 6 years, 48 men (56.5%) ] with MR (grade 3+ or 4+) were included. EuroSCORE was 24 ± 12 (2.5–56.3) and STS‐score 12 ± 7 (1.2–31.2). SC was used in 61 (71.8%) and MC in 24 (28.2%) patients. Patients in MC group had larger mitral valve (MV) annuli (P = 0.025), MV orifice areas (MVOA) (P = 0.01), and MR degree (P = 0.005). Successful clip placement was achieved in 82 patients (96.5%). At discharge, no patient had grade 4+ MR. MR 3+ presented in 4 patients (7.0%) in the SC group and in 1 (4.5%) in the MC group (P = 0.72). There were 3 (3.5%) in‐hospital deaths. Follow up (211 ± 173 days, range 4–652) echocardiography confirmed similar MVOA (P = 0.83) and MV gradients (P = 0.54) in the both groups. At linear regression there was no independent correlation between clips number and postoperative MVOA/gradient. One‐year survival was 71.1% without difference between groups (P = 0.74). Conclusion: Although the hemodynamic and anatomical basis of MR may differ, every procedure should aim at eliminating MR. In some patients this goal can be achieved using MC with minimized risk of MV stenosis if preoperative anatomy/mechanism of MV regurgitation are adequately assessed.

Morbidity and mortality of nonagenarians undergoing CoreValve implantation

BackgroundNonagenarians are mostly denied from different therapeutic strategies due to high comorbidity index and risk-benefit calculation. We present the results of nonagenarians with high comorbidity index not eligible for conventional aortic valve surgery undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with the CoreValve system.MethodsOur retrospective analysis include baseline parameters, procedural characteristics, morbidity, mortality as well as twelve-lead surface ECG and echocardiographic parameters which were revealed preinterventionally, at hospital discharge and at 30-day follow-up. Clinical follow-up was performed 6 months after TAVI.ResultsOut of 158 patients 11 nonagenarians with a mean age of 92.6 ± 1.3 years suffering from severe aortic valve stenosis and elevated comorbidity index (logistic EuroSCORE of 32.0 ± 9.5%, STS score 25.3 ± 9.7%) underwent TAVI between January 2008 and January 2011 using the third-generation percutaneous self-expanding CoreValve prosthesis. Baseline transthoracic echocardiography reported a mean aortic valve area (AVA) of 0.6 ± 0.2 cm2 with a mean and peak pressure gradient of 60.2 ± 13.1mmHg and 91.0 ± 27.4mmHg, respectively. The 30-day follow up all cause and cardiovascular mortality was 27.3% and 9.1%, respectively. One major stroke (9.1%), 2 pulmonary embolisms (18.2%), 1 periprocedural (9.1%) and 1 (9.1%) spontaneous myocardial infarction occured. Life-threatening or disabling bleeding occurred in 2 cases (18.2%), and minor bleeding in 7 cases (63.6%). Mean severity of heart failure according to NYHA functional class improved from 3.2 ± 0.8 to 1.36 ± 0.5 while mean AVA increased from 0.6 ± 0.2cm2 to 1.8 ± 0.2cm2. At 6-months follow-up 8 patients (72.7%) were alive without any additional myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, bleeding, or stroke as compared to 30-day follow-up.ConclusionOur case series demonstrate that even with elevated comorbidity index, clinical endpoints and valve-associated results are relatively favorable in nonagenarians treated with CoreValve.

Percutaneous mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system: perioperative and 1-year follow-up results using standard or multiple clipping strategy.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes using standard clipping (SC) (one to two clips) or multiple clipping (MC) (more than two clips). Background: MitraClip® implantation using MC has been proposed to treat severe mitral regurgitation (MR) in high‐risk patients. Methods and Results: A tailored strategy was used implanting as many clips as required to eliminate MR. A total of 85 consecutive patients [78 ± 6 years, 48 men (56.5%) ] with MR (grade 3+ or 4+) were included. EuroSCORE was 24 ± 12 (2.5–56.3) and STS‐score 12 ± 7 (1.2–31.2). SC was used in 61 (71.8%) and MC in 24 (28.2%) patients. Patients in MC group had larger mitral valve (MV) annuli (P = 0.025), MV orifice areas (MVOA) (P = 0.01), and MR degree (P = 0.005). Successful clip placement was achieved in 82 patients (96.5%). At discharge, no patient had grade 4+ MR. MR 3+ presented in 4 patients (7.0%) in the SC group and in 1 (4.5%) in the MC group (P = 0.72). There were 3 (3.5%) in‐hospital deaths. Follow up (211 ± 173 days, range 4–652) echocardiography confirmed similar MVOA (P = 0.83) and MV gradients (P = 0.54) in the both groups. At linear regression there was no independent correlation between clips number and postoperative MVOA/gradient. One‐year survival was 71.1% without difference between groups (P = 0.74). Conclusion: Although the hemodynamic and anatomical basis of MR may differ, every procedure should aim at eliminating MR. In some patients this goal can be achieved using MC with minimized risk of MV stenosis if preoperative anatomy/mechanism of MV regurgitation are adequately assessed.

Percutaneous vs Surgical Repair of Mitral Valve Regurgitation: Single Institution Early and Midterm Outcomes

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to compare outcomes of surgical repair (SR) vs MitraClip (MC) implantation for severe mitral regurgitation (MR). METHODS A retrospective analysis of patients treated within a single institution was performed. Patients had EuroSCORE [European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation] < 20%, left ventricular ejection fraction ≥45%, and grade 3+/4+ MR. RESULTS Fifty patients (24 [48%] MC group, 26 [52%] SR group) with EuroSCORE 7.9 ± 5.6 were included. The MC group included 24 (48%) and the SR group 26 (52%) patients. Patients in the MC group had a significantly more complex comorbid profile (P < 0.001). Successful MC placement was in 22 patients (91.7%) and SR in 26 (100%). At discharge, no patient had grade 3+/4+ MR. There were no in hospital or 30-day deaths. At follow-up (mean 526 ± 398 days), further mitral valve surgery was necessary in 1 (3.8%) patient in the SR group and in 2 (8.3%) patients in the MC group (P = 0.26). One-year freedom from composite end point (death, stroke, myocardial infarction, major bleeding, cardiac rehospitalization) was 75.5% (SR 83% vs MC 67%; P = 0.18). Degree of residual MR Degree of residual MR immediately after the procedure was equally distributed in both groups (P = 0.13) and the sole independent determinant for composite outcome (odds ratio, 16.9; P = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS MC in nonsurgical candidates and SR in surgical patients showed similar perioperative and follow-up outcomes at an institution experienced with both techniques. Neither MC nor SR were independently related to outcome whenever similar degrees of acute correction with minimal residual MR were achieved. However, these findings should be interpreted within the selection biases and the numerical limitations of the present study.

Renal Sympathetic Denervation in Patients with Aortic Dissection

BACKGROUND We report on feasibility, safety, and mid-term outcomes of renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) in hypertensive patients after endovascular treatment for aortic dissection. METHODS Six patients were subjected to RSD after receiving endovascular treatment for complicated aortic dissection. Between April 2011 and May 2012, RSD procedure was applied for persistent hypertension despite maximized antihypertensive drug therapy using the Symplicity® catheter system. Endovascular aortic treatment was performed for malperfusion or rapid expansion by virtue of a stent-graft system (Valiant®, n = 5) or an open cell stent (Smart®; n = 1). RESULTS Systolic blood pressure (BP) was 189.8 ± 32.2 mmHg and diastolic BP 96.2 ± 11.1 mmHg at baseline on 24 hours readings; after RSD, a successful reduction to 129.5 ± 11.8 mmHg (P = 0.004) for systolic and to 77.7 ± 10.7 (P = 0.004) for diastolic BP at 3-month follow-up was documented on ambulatory 24-hour BP readings with sustained reduction at 1-year follow-up (127.2 ± 11.8 mmHg [P = 0.002] and 77.7 ± 7.7 [P = 0.011]). CONCLUSION RSD using the Symplicity® catheter system is feasible and safe in hypertensive patients previously subjected to endovascular repair for complicated aortic dissection.

Mitral valve repair using multiple MitraClips®: a dobutamine stress echocardiography evaluation.

AIMS The haemodynamic effect of mitral valve (MV) repair using multiple MitraClips® (MC) has not been investigated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the stress performance of MV repair with MC. METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty consecutive patients (77±7 years, 13 men [65%]) after implantation of >2 MitraClips® were subsequently evaluated with dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE). After MC implantation, mean transmitral pressure gradient (TPG) (3.3±0.8 mmHg vs. 4.0±0.6 mmHg; p<0.001) and mitral valve orifice area (2.9±0.3 cm2 vs. 3.9±0.4 cm2; p<0.001) were significantly increased during DSE showing a physiological behaviour effect of the MV. LVEF (41±18% vs. 46±21%; p<0.001) and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (42±11 mmHg vs. 44±12 mmHg; p=0.014) increased significantly. The degree of MR was stable during stress (p=0.68). At linear regression, only baseline peak TPG was related to stress mean TPG (p<0.001; Beta 0.816; 95% CI: 0.368-0.918). CONCLUSIONS MV repair using MitraClips® should be performed with the aim of maximal reduction of MR degree. MV repair using MC may not lead to pathological degrees of MV stenosis. Although the TPG is significantly increased during stress, it never reaches pathological levels and is always accompanied by a significant increase in MVOA. The degree of residual MR remains unchanged during maximal pharmacological stress.

Combined use of rapid pacing and adenosine facilitates catheter based correction of severe bileaflet prolapse with the MitraClip system.

The results of the Endovascular Valve Edge-to-Edge Repair Study (EVEREST) II trial have demonstrated that percutaneous mitral valve repair using the MitraClip in high-risk patients was associated favourable outcomes. However, commonly accepted contraindications for the standard MitraClip procedure include extensively prolapsed valves and flail leaflets. We report on the management of a patient not amenable to standard interventional procedure.