L. McCormick

Subclinical Leaflet Thrombosis in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Detected by Multidetector Computed Tomography ― A Review of Current Evidence ―

Subclinical leaflet thrombosis (SLT) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been increasingly recognized. SLT has the hallmark features of hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), which may result in hypoattenuation affecting motion (HAM). The actual prevalence of this condition is uncertain, with limited observational registries. SLT has caught the attention of the cardiovascular community because of concerns regarding its clinical sequelae, specifically the potential increased incidence of cerebrovascular events. There are available, albeit sparse, data to suggest that when left untreated, SLT may lead to valve deterioration with potential hemodynamic compromise and potentially clinically overt prostheses thrombosis. Some clinicians have opted to treat patients with SLT with anticoagulation. Although anticoagulation may be a rational treatment option, little data exist on the safety and efficacy of this treatment. This is particularly important considering TAVR patients also have higher bleeding risk than the standard population. In this review, we aim to summarize the current evidence on SLT, explore its pathophysiological mechanism, discuss the current treatment options and future trials that may clarify the optimal antithrombotic strategies of SLT.

Simultaneous transcatheter aortic valve implantation and drive-by endovascular aortic aneurysm repair: a case of lotus valve retrieved and replaced due to an undersized valve after an endovascular aneurysm repair

A 79-year-old man with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was found to have an abdominal aortic aneurysm and worsening dyspnoea. Echocardiography demonstrated critical aortic stenosis. Simultaneous endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) was recommended due to high surgical risk. Procedural strategy was to perform balloon valvuloplasty (BAV), followed by EVAR then TAVR. The initial 25xa0mm Lotus valve adopted a barrel shape suggestive of an undersized valve and was thus replaced with a 27xa0mm valve. Post procedural echo revealed no regurgitation. We report here for the first time a successful simultaneous TAVR/EVAR using the fully retrievable Lotus Valve.

Novel bioabsorbable polymer and polymer-free metallic drug-eluting stents.

The introduction of drug-eluting stents (DES) significantly reduced angiographic restenosis and the clinical need for revascularization following percutaneous coronary intervention. However, concerns remain regarding the long-term safety and efficacy of DES. The use of durable polymers for drug elution that have limited biocompatibility is thought to contribute toward DES failure, by promoting an adverse local inflammatory response and vascular toxicity. Biodegradable polymer and polymer-free metallic stents represent two novel technological solutions to this challenging clinical problem. This review summarizes the available clinical evidence supporting the use of either biodegradable polymer or polymer-free DES platforms.