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Background: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is recommended for secondary prevention of cryptogenic stroke. However, data on long-term results are limited. We aimed to evaluate safety and efficacy of transcatheter PFO closure and predict neurologic recurrence., Methods: Data from patients undergoing PFO closure between 2010 and 2015 were collected to assess the combined endpoint of transient ischemic attack (TIA), stroke, or death from stroke at short- and long-term follow-up., Results: 330 patients were included, mean age was 49 (±12) years, and 55.5% were male. Before PFO closure, 86% experienced a stroke and 19% multiple neurological events. Procedure-related complications occurred in 2.4% of patients. Over a median follow-up of 10 years, the combined endpoint occurred in 3.6%, with a recurrence rate of 0.38 per 100 patient-years. Freedom from the combined endpoint at 5 and 10 years was 97.5% and 96.2%, respectively. New-onset atrial fibrillation was detected in 3%. The Risk of Paradoxical Embolism (RoPE) score (adjHR: 0.68; p  = 0.032), the PFO-Associated Stroke Causal Likelihood (PASCAL) classification system (adjHR: 0.37; p  = 0.042), and a history of prior neurological events (adjHR: 9.94; p  < 0.001) were independent predictors of future recurrent neurologic events. Age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors did not influence outcomes., Conclusion: In this real-world cohort, transcatheter PFO closure was associated with low long-term recurrence of neurologic events, especially cryptogenic strokes. The RoPE score, the PASCAL score, and history of previous neurological events were predictive of recurrent events. This study supports the safety and efficacy of PFO closure for secondary prevention of cryptogenic strokes, and underscores the importance of patient selection., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Introduction: Minimally invasive mitral valve repair/replacement has emerged as a widely accepted surgical approach for managing mitral valve disorders. Continuous technological progress has contributed to the refinement of this procedure, leading to improved safety, decreased surgical trauma, and faster recovery times. Despite these advancements, there remains a scarcity of data concerning minimally invasive complex mitral valve repair surgeries when combined with additional procedures., Methods: Between November 2008 and December 2022, 153 patients underwent an operation using a minimally invasive technique. All patients underwent mitral valve surgery for severe mitral valve insufficiency/stenosis in combination with at least one additional procedure for tricuspid valve repair ( n  = 52, 34%), patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect closure ( n  = 34, 22.2%), left atrial appendage occlusion ( n  = 25, 16.3%), or electrophysiological procedure ( n  = 101, 66.0%). Two concomitant procedures were conducted in 98 patients (64.1%), three concomitant procedures in 49 patients (32%), and four concomitant procedures in 6 patients (3.9%)., Results: Surgical success was achieved in 99.3% of the patients ( n  = 152), one patient required a revision of the mitral valve repair on the first postoperative day due to systolic anterior motion phenomenon. Mitral valve repair was performed in 136 patients (88.9%), while 15 patients (9.8%) received a mitral valve replacement as per a preoperative decision due to severe mitral valve stenosis, and two patients (1.3%) underwent other mitral valve procedures. Therapeutic success in treating atrial fibrillation was achieved in 86 patients (85.1%) of the 101 who received an additional maze-procedure. The 30-day mortality rate was 0.7%, with one patient succumbing to respiratory failure. Neurological complications occurred in 7 patients (4.6%). Freedom from reoperation was calculated as 98% at 5-year follow-up and 96.5% at 10-year follow-up., Conclusion: Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery, even when performed alongside concomitant procedures, stands out as a reproducible and safe technique with outstanding outcomes. It is imperative to advance towards the next frontier in minimally invasive surgery, encouraging experienced surgeons to undertake more complex procedures using minimally invasive approaches. These results help envision extending the boundaries of minimally invasive surgery by performing complex mitral valve procedures and associated interventions entirely through endoscopic means in suitable patients., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2024 Stelzmueller, Zilberszac, Rosenhek, Hutschala, Kappel, Lassnig, Laufer, Zimpfer and Wisser.)

Aims: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a common congenital condition that is frequently associated with aortic stenosis (AS) and aortic regurgitation (AR), as well as aortic aneurysms, but specific outcome data are scarce. The present study sought to assess outcomes in a large cohort of consecutive patients with BAV., Methods and Results: A total of 581 consecutive patients (median age 29 years, 157 female) with BAV were included in the study and followed prospectively in a heart valve clinic follow-up programme. The overall survival rate after 10 years was 94.5%. During follow-up, 158 patients developed an indication for surgery. Event-free survival rates were 97%, 94%, 87%, and 73% at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, event rates were independently predicted by AS [subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) 2.3 per degree of severity], AR (SHR 1.5 per degree of severity), baseline aortic dilatation ≥ 40 mm (SHR 1.9), and age (SHR 1.3) (P < 0.001)., Conclusion: BAV disease is associated with a high rate of cardiac events, but state-of-the-art care results in good survival with low rates of infective endocarditis, aortic dissection, and sudden death. Incremental degrees of AS and regurgitation, the presence of aortic dilatation, and age are predictive of cardiac events., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: None declared, (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology.)

Aims: Despite general agreement on the benefits of the Heart Team approach for patients with cardiac diseases, few data are available on its real impact on the decision-making process. The aim of the study is to define the evolution over time of the level of agreement with the systematic discussion of patients in the Heart Team and to evaluate the adherence to the Heart Team recommendations and the impact of the Heart Team on the clinical outcome of the patients., Methods: In 2015--2016, an experienced cardiac surgeon and a cardiologist independently reviewed clinical data of a series of 100 patients (Group 1, G1) and subsequently for each patient recommended treatment (surgical, percutaneous, hybrid or medical therapy) or further diagnostic investigations. The next day, each case was discussed by the Hospital Heart Team. The Heart Team recommendation, the subsequent treatment received by the patient and the in-hospital outcome were recorded. The same study procedure was repeated in 2017 in a second (G2) and in 2018 in a third (G3) group, both of them including 100 patients., Results: Complete agreement in treatment selection by the cardiac surgeon, cardiologist and the Heart Team was observed in 43% of cases in G1 and in 70% and 68% in G2 and G3, respectively (G1 vs. G2: P  < 0.001, G1 vs. G3: P  = 0.01, G2 vs. G3: P  = 0.30). Agreement was less frequent in patients with a higher risk profile and in patients with aortic valve stenosis. The Heart Team decision was implemented in 95% of cases with a 30-day mortality of 0.67%., Conclusion: Agreement in treatment selection among the cardiac surgeon, cardiologist and Heart Team appears to be low in the initial experience. Subsequently, it seems to steadily increase over time up to a limit, when it reaches a plateau of stable results. Heart Team clinical cases discussion, based on both guidelines and multidisciplinary experience, represents a key step in defining the best patient treatment pathway, potentially improving the decision-making process and clinical results., (Copyright © 2023 Italian Federation of Cardiology - I.F.C. All rights reserved.)

Aims: Secondary tricuspid regurgitation (sTR) is the most frequent valvular heart disease and has a significant impact on mortality. A high burden of comorbidities often worsens the already dismal prognosis of sTR, while tricuspid interventions remain underused and initiated too late. The aim was to examine the most powerful predictors of all-cause mortality in moderate and severe sTR using machine learning techniques and to provide a streamlined approach to risk-stratification using readily available clinical, echocardiographic and laboratory parameters., Methods and Results: This large-scale, long-term observational study included 3359 moderate and 1509 severe sTR patients encompassing the entire heart failure spectrum (preserved, mid-range and reduced ejection fraction). A random survival forest was applied to investigate the most important predictors and group patients according to their number of adverse features.The identified predictors and thresholds, that were associated with significantly worse mortality were lower glomerular filtration rate (<60 mL/min/1.73m2), higher NT-proBNP, increased high sensitivity C-reactive protein, serum albumin < 40 g/L and hemoglobin < 13 g/dL. Additionally, grouping patients according to the number of adverse features yielded important prognostic information, as patients with 4 or 5 adverse features had a fourfold risk increase in moderate sTR [4.81(3.56-6.50) HR 95%CI, P < 0.001] and fivefold risk increase in severe sTR [5.33 (3.28-8.66) HR 95%CI, P < 0.001]., Conclusion: This study presents a streamlined, machine learning-derived and internally validated approach to risk-stratification in patients with moderate and severe sTR, that adds important prognostic information to aid clinical-decision-making., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: None declared., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology.)

Patients with severe asymptomatic primary mitral regurgitation (MR) can be safely managed with an active surveillance strategy. Left atrial (LA) size is affected by MR severity, left ventricular function and is also associated with the risk of atrial fibrillation and may be an integrative parameter for risk stratification. The present study sought to determine the predictive value of LA size in a large series of asymptomatic patients with severe MR. 280 consecutive patients (88 female, median age 58 years) with severe primary MR and no guideline-based indications for surgery were included in a follow-up program until criteria for mitral surgery were reached. Event-free survival was determined and potential predictors of outcome were assessed. Survival free of any indication for surgery was 78% at 2 years, 52% at 6 years, 35% at 10 years and 19% at 15 years, respectively. Left atrial (LA) diameter was the strongest independent echocardiographic predictor of event-free survival with incremental predictive value for the thresholds of 50, 60 and 70 mm, respectively. In a multivariable analysis that encompassed age at baseline, previous history of atrial fibrillation, left ventricular end systolic diameter), LA diameter, sPAP > 50 mmHg and year of inclusion, LA diameter was the strongest independent echocardiographic predictor of event-free survival (adjusted HR = 1.039, p < 0.001). LA size is a simple and reproducible predictor of outcome in asymptomatic severe primary MR. In particular, it may help to identify patients who may benefit from early elective valve surgery in heart valve centers of excellence., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: Secondary mitral regurgitation (sMR) in the setting of heart failure (HF) has considerable impact on quality of life, HF rehospitalizations, and mortality. Identification of high-risk cohorts is essential to understand disease trajectories and for risk stratification., Objectives: This study aimed to provide a structured decision tree-like approach to risk stratification in patients with severe sMR and HF., Methods: This observational study included 1,317 patients with severe sMR from the entire HF spectrum. Clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory data were extracted for all patients. The primary end point was all-cause mortality. Survival tree analysis, a supervised learning technique, was applied to identify patient subgroups at risk of mortality and further stratified by HF subtype (preserved, mildly reduced, and reduced ejection fraction)., Results: Using supervised learning (survival tree method), 8 distinct subgroups were identified that differed significantly in long-term survival. Subgroup 7, characterized by younger age (≤66 years), higher hemoglobin (>12.7 g/dL), and higher albumin levels (>40.6 g/L) had the best survival. In contrast, subgroup 5 displayed a 20-fold risk of mortality (hazard ratio: 20.38 [95% CI: 10.78-38.52]); P  < 0.001 and had older age (>68 years), low serum albumin (≤40.6 g/L), and higher NT-proBNP levels (≥9,750 pg/mL). Unique subgroups were further identified for each type of HF subtypes., Conclusions: Supervised machine learning reveals heterogeneity in the sMR risk spectrum, highlighting the clinical variability in the population. A decision tree-like model can help identify differences in outcomes among subgroups and can help provide tailored risk stratification., Competing Interests: This work was supported by a grant of the 10.13039/501100002428Austrian Science Fund (FWF – identification number: KLI-818B). The authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose.PERSPECTIVESCOMPETENCY IN PATIENT CARE AND PROCEDURAL SKILLS: In patients with severe sMR and HF, a heterogenous risk spectrum was identified by supervised learning techniques. Patients with younger age, better renal function, and higher hemoglobin values had the most favorable survival, whereas older patients with low serum albumin and higher NT-proBNP values experience a 20-fold risk increase in mortality. TRANSLATIONAL OUTLOOK: Further studies are needed to refine the therapeutic management for sMR in every HF subtype, taking into account the complex underlying heterogeneity in this population., (© 2022 The Authors.)

Background: Dual pathology of severe aortic stenosis (AS) and transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR) is increasingly recognized. Evolution of symptoms, biomarkers, and myocardial mechanics in AS-ATTR following valve replacement is unknown. We aimed to characterize reverse remodeling in AS-ATTR and compared with lone AS., Methods: Consecutive patients referred for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) underwent ATTR screening by blinded 99mTc-DPD bone scintigraphy (Perugini Grade-0 negative, 1-3 increasingly positive) before intervention. ATTR was diagnosed by DPD and absence of monoclonal protein. Reverse remodeling was assessed by comprehensive evaluation before TAVR and at 1 year., Results: One hundred twenty patients (81.8±6.3 years, 51.7% male, 95 lone AS, 25 AS-ATTR) with complete follow-up were studied. At 12 months (interquartile range, 7-17) after TAVR, both groups experienced significant symptomatic improvement by New York Heart Association functional class (both P <0.001). Yet, AS-ATTR remained more symptomatic (New York Heart Association ≥III: 36.0% versus 13.8; P =0.01) with higher residual NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide) levels ( P <0.001). Remodeling by echocardiography showed left ventricular mass regression only for lone AS ( P =0.002) but not AS-ATTR ( P =0.5). Global longitudinal strains improved similarly in both groups. Conversely, improvement of regional longitudinal strain showed a base-to-apex gradient in AS-ATTR, whereas all but apical segments improved in lone AS. This led to the development of an apical sparing pattern in AS-ATTR only after TAVR., Conclusions: Patterns of reverse remodeling differ from lone AS to AS-ATTR, with both groups experiencing symptomatic improvement by TAVR. After AS treatment, AS-ATTR transfers into a lone ATTR cardiomyopathy phenotype.

Background: Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) is the recommended initial treatment for secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR), however, supported by only little comprehensive evidence. This study, therefore, sought to assess the effect of GDMT titration on SMR and to identify specific substance combinations able to reduce SMR severity., Methods and Results: We included 261 patients who completed two visits with an echocardiographic exam available within 1 month at each visit. After comprehensively defining GDMT titration as well as SMR reduction, logistic regression analysis was applied in order to assess the effects of overall GDMT titration and specific substance combinations on SMR severity. SMR severity improved by at least 1° in 39.3% of patients with subsequent titration of GDMT and was accompanied by reverse remodelling and clinical improvement. The effects of GDMT titration were significantly associated with SMR reduction (adj. odds ratio 2.91, 95% confidence interval 1.34-6.32, P = 0.007). Moreover, angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitor (ARNi) as well as the combined dosage effects of (i) renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) and mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonists (MRA), (ii) beta-blockers (BB) and MRA, as well as (iii) RASi, BB, and MRA were all significantly associated with SMR improvement (P < 0.044 for all)., Conclusion: The present study provides comprehensive evidence for the effectiveness of contemporary GDMT to specifically improve SMR. Our data indicate that GDMT titration conveys a three-fold increased chance of reducing SMR severity. Moreover, the dosage effects of ARNi, as well as the combination of RASi and MRA, BB and MRA, and all three substances in the aggregate are able to significantly improve SMR., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The clinical relevance of as well as the optimal treatment strategy for coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for severe aortic stenosis (AS) are unclear. Current data are conflicting, and mainly derived from high-risk patients. We aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of complete revascularization prior to TAVR for severe AS in low- and intermediate-risk patients. We enrolled 449 patients at low (STS score < 4%) and intermediate risk (STS score 4-8%) undergoing TAVR for severe AS and investigated the influence of recent (<3 months) and prior (>3 months) complete revascularization on clinical outcome. Primary study endpoint was all-cause mortality. Overall, 58% of patients had no or non-significant CAD; 18% had a history of complete revascularization prior to TAVR and 24% had complete revascularization shortly before TAVR. Two-year all-cause mortality was not different between patients with recent revascularization prior to TAVR and patients with no or non-significant CAD (13.7% vs. 14.2%, p = 0.905). Cox regression did not reveal an effect on all-cause mortality for recent revascularization. The present analysis reassures that percutaneous complete revascularization prior to TAVR procedures is neutral in terms of all-cause mortality in patients at low and intermediate surgical risk.

Aim: Peak oxygen uptake (peakVO 2 ) is one of the strongest predictors of survival in patients with valvular heart disease. The purpose of this study was to determine whether endurance training improves peakVO 2 and endurance capacity in patients with moderate-severe aortic and mitral valve disease. Methods: 30 patients with moderate-severe valvular heart disease were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of endurance training (TG) ( n = 16) or standard care (SC) ( n = 14). PeakVO 2 and maximum working capacity (Watt max ) were assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing, as well as submaximal endurance test at 80% of peakVO 2 at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results: There was a significant improvement in peakVO 2 from 27.2 ± 5.9 ml/kg to 30.4 ± 6.3 ml/kg ( P < 0.001) in TG compared to the SC (peakVO 2 from 24.6 ± 4.4 to 24.7 ± 3.8) and in the Watt max from 151.8 ± 41.0 Watt to 171.2 ± 49.7 Watt in the TG compared to the SC (152.9 ± 35.6 Watt to 149.2 ± 28.4 Watt). The endurance capacity increased significantly from 17.0 ± 9.4 min to 32.8 ± 16.8 min ( p = 0.003) in the TG compared to the SC (11.7 ± 6.2 min to 11.2 ± 7.6 min). The heart rate during the endurance test decreased in the TG from 154 ± 14 b/min to 142 ± 20 b/min for the same workload. No changes could be seen in the SC. Conclusion: Endurance training in patients with moderate to severe valvular heart disease increased significantly the peakVO 2 as well as the endurance capacity., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Vonbank, Haubenberger, Rosenhek, Schneider, Aschauer, Idzko and Gabriel.)

Comprehensive information on the characteristics of surgical heart valves (SHVs) is essential for optimal valve selection. Such information is also important in assessing SHV function after valve replacement. Despite the existing regulatory framework for SHV sizing and labelling, this information is challenging to obtain in a uniform manner for various SHVs. To ensure that clinicians are adequately informed, the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) set up a Task Force comprised of cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, engineers, regulatory bodies, representatives of the International Organization for Standardization and major valve manufacturers. Previously, the EACTS-STS-AATS Valve Labelling Task Force identified the most important problems around SHV sizing and labelling. This Expert Consensus Document formulates recommendations for providing SHV physical dimensions, intended implant position and hemodynamic performance in a transparent, uniform manner. Furthermore, the Task Force advocates for the introduction and use of a standardized chart to assess the probability of prosthesis-patient mismatch and calls valve manufacturers to provide essential information required for SHV choice on standardized Valve Charts, uniformly for all SHV models., (Copyright © 2020 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Comprehensive information on the characteristics of surgical heart valves (SHVs) is essential for optimal valve selection. Such information is also important in assessing SHV function after valve replacement. Despite the existing regulatory framework for SHV sizing and labelling, this information is challenging to obtain in a uniform manner for various SHVs. To ensure that clinicians are adequately informed, the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) set up a Task Force comprised of cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, engineers, regulatory bodies, representatives of the International Organization for Standardization and major valve manufacturers. Previously, the EACTS-STS-AATS Valve Labelling Task Force identified the most important problems around SHV sizing and labelling. This Expert Consensus Document formulates recommendations for providing SHV physical dimensions, intended implant position and haemodynamic performance in a transparent, uniform manner. Furthermore, the Task Force advocates for the introduction and use of a standardized chart to assess the probability of prosthesis-patient mismatch and calls valve manufacturers to provide essential information required for SHV choice on standardized Valve Charts, uniformly for all SHV models., (This article has been co-published with permission in the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, The Annals of Thoracic Surgery and The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. The articles are identical except for minor stylistic and spelling differences in keeping with each journal's style. Either citation can be used when citing this article. © 2020 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons and American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Oxford University Press.)

Objective: Aortic valve disease is more and more common in western countries. While percutaneous approaches should be preferred in older adults, previous reports have shown good outcomes after surgery. Moreover, advantages of minimally invasive approaches may be valuable for octogenarians. We sought to compare outcomes of conventional aortic valve replacement (CAVR) versus minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MIAVR) in octogenarians., Methods: We retrospectively collected data of 75 consecutive octogenarians who underwent primary, elective, isolated aortic valve surgery through conventional approach (41 patients, group CAVR) or partial upper sternotomy (34 patients, group MIAVR)., Results: Mean age was 81.9 ± 0.9 and 82.3 ± 1.1 years in CAVR and MIAVR patients, respectively ( P = 0.09). MIAVR patients had lower 24-hour chest drain output (353.4 ± 207.1 vs 501.7 ± 229.9 mL, P < 0.01), shorter mechanical ventilation (9.6 ± 2.4 vs 11.3 ± 2.3 hours, P < 0.01), lower need for blood transfusions (35.3% vs 63.4%, P = 0.02), and shorter hospital stay (6.8 ± 1.6 vs 8.3 ± 4.3 days, P < 0.01). Thirty-day mortality was zero in both groups. Survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 89.9%, 80%, and 47%, respectively, in the CAVR group, and 93.2%, 82.4%, and 61.8% in the MIAVR group, with no statistically significant differences (log-rank test, P = 0.35)., Conclusions: Aortic valve surgery in older patients provided excellent results, as long as appropriate candidates were selected. MIAVR was associated with shorter mechanical ventilation, reduced blood transfusions, and reduced hospitalization length, without affecting perioperative complications or mid-term survival.

Comprehensive information on the characteristics of surgical heart valves (SHVs) is essential for optimal valve selection. Such information is also important in assessing SHV function after valve replacement. Despite the existing regulatory framework for SHV sizing and labelling, this information is challenging to obtain in a uniform manner for various SHVs. To ensure that clinicians are adequately informed, the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) set up a Task Force comprised of cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, engineers, regulatory bodies, representatives of the International Organization for Standardization and major valve manufacturers. Previously, the EACTS-STS-AATS Valve Labelling Task Force identified the most important problems around SHV sizing and labelling. This Expert Consensus Document formulates recommendations for providing SHV physical dimensions, intended implant position and hemodynamic performance in a transparent, uniform manner. Furthermore, the Task Force advocates for the introduction and use of a standardized chart to assess the probability of prosthesis-patient mismatch and calls valve manufacturers to provide essential information required for SHV choice on standardized Valve Charts, uniformly for all SHV models., (Copyright © 2021 Jointly between The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

: Tricuspid valve regurgitation is usually progressive and associated with reduced long-term survival. International guidelines recommend surgery in cases of isolated severe regurgitation associated with symptoms or progressive worsening of right ventricular function. In addition, several percutaneous strategies have been reported with promising results in the last decade. The aim of the present review is to summarize the current state of the art in the management of isolated functional or degenerative tricuspid valve insufficiency, from the preoperative assessment to the results of both surgical and transcatheter approaches and explore future directions.

Long and mid-term data in Low-Flow Low-Gradient Aortic Stenosis (LFLG-AS) are scarce. The present study sought to identify predictors of outcome in a sizeable cohort of patients with LFLG-AS. 76 consecutive patients with LFLG-AS (defined by a mean gradient <40 mmHg, an aortic valve area ≤1 cm 2 and an ejection fraction ≤50%) were prospectively enrolled and followed at regular intervals. Events defined as aortic valve replacement (AVR) and death were assessed and overall survival was determined. 44 patients underwent AVR (10 transcatheter and 34 surgical) whilst intervention was not performed in 32 patients, including 9 patients that died during a median waiting time of 4 months. Survival was significantly better after AVR with survival rates of 91.8% (CI 71.1-97.9%), 83.0% (CI 60.7-93.3%) and 56.3% (CI 32.1-74.8%) at 1,2 and 5 years as compared to 84.3% (CI 66.2-93.1%), 52.9% (CI 33.7-69.0%) and 30.3% (CI 14.6-47.5%), respectively, for patients managed conservatively (p = 0.017). The presence of right ventricular dysfunction (HR 3.47 [1.70-7.09]) and significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) (HR 2.23 [1.13-4.39]) independently predicted overall mortality while the presence of significant TR (HR 3.40[1.38-8.35]) and higher aortic jet velocity (HR 0.91[0.82-1.00]) were independent predictors of mortality and survival after AVR. AVR is associated with improved long-term survival in patients with LFLG-AS. Treatment delays are associated with excessive mortality, warranting urgent treatment in eligible patients. Right ventricular involvement characterized by the presence of TR and/or right ventricular dysfunction, identifies patients at high risk of mortality under both conservative management and after AVR.

Background: Valvular heart disease (VHD) is an important cause of mortality and morbidity and has been subject to important changes in management. The VHD II survey was designed by the EURObservational Research Programme of the European Society of Cardiology to analyze actual management of VHD and to compare practice with guidelines., Methods: Patients with severe native VHD or previous valvular intervention were enrolled prospectively across 28 countries over a 3-month period in 2017. Indications for intervention were considered concordant if the intervention was performed or scheduled in symptomatic patients, corresponding to Class I recommendations specified in the 2012 European Society of Cardiology and in the 2014 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology VHD guidelines., Results: A total of 7247 patients (4483 hospitalized, 2764 outpatients) were included in 222 centers. Median age was 71 years (interquartile range, 62-80 years); 1917 patients (26.5%) were ≥80 years; and 3416 were female (47.1%). Severe native VHD was present in 5219 patients (72.0%): aortic stenosis in 2152 (41.2% of native VHD), aortic regurgitation in 279 (5.3%), mitral stenosis in 234 (4.5%), mitral regurgitation in 1114 (21.3%; primary in 746 and secondary in 368), multiple left-sided VHD in 1297 (24.9%), and right-sided VHD in 143 (2.7%). Two thousand twenty-eight patients (28.0%) had undergone previous valvular intervention. Intervention was performed in 37.0% and scheduled in 26.8% of patients with native VHD. The decision for intervention was concordant with Class I recommendations in symptomatic patients with severe single left-sided native VHD in 79.4% (95% CI, 77.1-81.6) for aortic stenosis, 77.6% (95% CI, 69.9-84.0) for aortic regurgitation, 68.5% (95% CI, 60.8-75.4) for mitral stenosis, and 71.0% (95% CI, 66.4-75.3) for primary mitral regurgitation. Valvular interventions were performed in 2150 patients during the survey; of them, 47.8% of patients with single left-sided native VHD were in New York Heart Association class III or IV. Transcatheter procedures were performed in 38.7% of patients with aortic stenosis and 16.7% of those with mitral regurgitation., Conclusions: Despite good concordance between Class I recommendations and practice in patients with aortic VHD, the suboptimal number in mitral VHD and late referral for valvular interventions suggest the need to improve further guideline implementation.

Objective: Despite conflicting evidence available, minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MIAVR) is increasingly used as an alternative to full sternotomy. We sought to compare early outcomes of aortic valve replacement through a full sternotomy (conventional aortic valve replacement [CAVR]) and upper ministernotomy (MIAVR)., Methods: We analyzed 297 patients having undergone primary, elective, isolated MIAVR or CAVR between January 2014 and June 2018. Following propensity score matching, 120 patients remained in each group., Results: MIAVR required longer bypass (93 ± 26 vs 81 ± 24 minutes, P < 0.01) and operative times (214 ± 39 vs 182 ± 37 minutes, P < 0.01). However, aortic cross-clamp times were comparable (57 ± 17 vs 54 ± 14 minutes for MIAVR and CAVR, respectively, P = 0.14). MIAVR had less 24-hour blood loss (253 ± 204 vs 323 ± 296 mL, P = 0.03), less red blood cells transfusions [1.4 packs (1.1 o 1.9) vs 2.1 packs (1.8 to 2.7), P = 0.01], and shorter assisted ventilation time (7.1 ± 3.3 vs 9.7 ± 3.8 hours, P < 0.01) when compared to CAVR. These results led to significantly shorter intensive care unit and hospital stays for MIAVR patients (2.5 ± 1.3 vs 3.4 ± 1.1 days, P < 0.01 and 6.9 ± 4.1 vs 8.2 ± 4.8 days, P = 0.03, respectively). Thirty-day mortality and clinical outcomes did not differ significantly among groups., Conclusions: MIAVR through upper ministernotomy was shown to be as safe and reliable as CAVR. Patient recovery time was improved by shortening mechanical ventilation and reducing blood loss and transfusions. These results may be significant for high-risk patients undergoing aortic valve surgery.

Intraoperative surgical prosthetic heart valve (SHV) choice is a key determinant of successful surgery and positive postoperative outcomes. Currently, many controversies exist around the sizing and labeling of SHVs rendering the comparison of different valves difficult. To explore solutions, an expert Valve Labelling Task Force was jointly initiated by the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS). The EACTS-STS-AATS Valve Labelling Task Force, comprising cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, engineers, regulators and representatives from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and major valve manufacturers, held its first in-person meeting in February 2018 in Paris, France. This article was derived from the meeting's discussions. The Task Force identified the following areas for improvement and clarification: reporting of physical dimensions and characteristics of SHVs determining and labeling of SHV size, in vivo and in vitro testing, and reporting of SHV hemodynamic performance and thrombogenicity. Furthermore, a thorough understanding of the regulatory background and the role of the applicable ISO standards, together with close cooperation between all stakeholders (including regulatory and standard- setting bodies), is necessary to improve the current situation. Cardiac surgeons should be provided with appropriate information to allow for optimal SHV choice. This first article from the EACTS-STS-AATS Valve Labelling Task Force summarizes the background of SHV sizing and labeling and identifies the most important elements where further standardization is necessary., (Copyright © 2019 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, The American Association for Thoracic Surgery, and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Intraoperative surgical prosthetic heart valve (SHV) choice is a key determinant of successful surgery and positive postoperative outcomes. Currently, many controversies exist around the sizing and labelling of SHVs rendering the comparison of different valves difficult. To explore solutions, an expert Valve Labelling Task Force was jointly initiated by the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS). The EACTS-STS-AATS Valve Labelling Task Force, comprising cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, engineers, regulators and representatives from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and major valve manufacturers, held its first in-person meeting in February 2018 in Paris, France. This article was derived from the meeting's discussions. The Task Force identified the following areas for improvement and clarification: reporting of physical dimensions and characteristics of SHVs determining and labelling of SHV size, in vivo and in vitro testing and reporting of SHV hemodynamic performance and thrombogenicity. Furthermore, a thorough understanding of the regulatory background and the role of the applicable ISO standards, together with close cooperation between all stakeholders (including regulatory and standard-setting bodies), is necessary to improve the current situation. Cardiac surgeons should be provided with appropriate information to allow for optimal SHV choice. This first article from the EACTS-STS-AATS Valve Labelling Task Force summarizes the background of SHV sizing and labelling and identifies the most important elements where further standardization is necessary., (Copyright © 2019 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, The American Association for Thoracic Surgery, and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Intraoperative surgical prosthetic heart valve (SHV) choice is a key determinant of successful surgery and positive postoperative outcomes. Currently, many controversies exist around the sizing and labelling of SHVs rendering the comparison of different valves difficult. To explore solutions, an expert Valve Labelling Task Force was jointly initiated by the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS). The EACTS-STS-AATS Valve Labelling Task Force, comprising cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, engineers, regulators and representatives from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and major valve manufacturers, held its first in-person meeting in February 2018 in Paris, France. This article was derived from the meeting's discussions. The Task Force identified the following areas for improvement and clarification: reporting of physical dimensions and characteristics of SHVs determining and labelling of SHV size, in vivo and in vitro testing and reporting of SHV haemodynamic performance and thrombogenicity. Furthermore, a thorough understanding of the regulatory background and the role of the applicable ISO standards, together with close cooperation between all stakeholders (including regulatory and standard-setting bodies), is necessary to improve the current situation. Cardiac surgeons should be provided with appropriate information to allow for optimal SHV choice. This first article from the EACTS-STS-AATS Valve Labelling Task Force summarizes the background of SHV sizing and labelling and identifies the most important elements where further standardization is necessary., (This article has been co-published with permission in the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, The Annals of Thoracic Surgery and The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. The articles are identical except for minor stylistic and spelling differences in keeping with each journal’s style. Either citation can be used when citing this article. © 2019 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Oxford University Press and Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Prognostic tools for decision-making whether to continue advanced life support or limit life sustaining interventions in In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (IHCA), remain scarce and inconclusive. In this regard it seems intuitive that the presence of aortic stenosis (AS) impacts on both central and peripheral perfusion during resuscitative attempts and might worsen outcome. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prognostic value of AS on outcome after IHCA., Methods: Out of 11,641 patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome, a total of 151 patients were identified that received a standardized echocardiographic diagnostic immediately prior to an IHCA. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to elucidate the prognostic impact of AS on outcome., Results: Within the entire study population, a total of 51 individuals with AS (mild: n = 19 [12.5%]; moderate: n = 11 [7.2%]; severe: n = 21 [13.8%]) were identified. We observed that 81% of patients with severe AS did not survive until hospital discharge. Additionally, the presence of AS showed a strong and independent inverse association with return of spontaneous circulation (adjusted odds ratio [OR] of 0.10 [95%CI:0.03-0.36], p < 0.001), survival (adj. OR of 0.14 [95%CI: 0.04-0.48]; p = 0.002) and favourable neurological outcome (OR of 0.16 [95%CI: 0.06-0.49]; p = 0.001). The observed prognostic impact remained stable irrespective of AS severity., Conclusion: AS proved to be a strong and independent predictor for mortality and poor outcome after IHCA. Therefore, the presence of AS mirrors an easily available predictive tool for risk stratification and decision-making., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The Edwards INTUITY Valve System is a balloon-expandable bioprosthesis, inspired from the Edwards Magna valve and transcatheter technology, with a subvalvular stent frame to enable rapid deployment. We report a single-centre experience of aortic valve replacement with this novel bioprosthesis., Methods: Five hundred consecutive patients, of whom 45.6% were female with a mean age of 73.5 [standard deviation (SD) 7.9 years], with severe aortic stenosis who received a rapid deployment aortic valve between May 2010 and July 2017 were included in a prospective and ongoing database. The median follow-up time was 12 months, and the total accumulated follow-up time was 818 patient years. Preoperative characteristics, operative parameters, survival, valve-related adverse events and valve haemodynamics were assessed., Results: Thirty-day mortality was 0.8% (4/500), and overall survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was 94%, 89% and 81%, respectively. A minimally invasive surgical approach was chosen in 236 patients (47%), of which 122 (24%) were operated on through an anterior right thoracotomy. Cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times for isolated aortic valve replacement were 53 (SD 17) and 89 (SD 29) min for full sternotomy as well as 75 (SD 23) and 110 (SD 31) min for minimally invasive surgery approaches (P < 0.001). Mean gradients at discharge, 1, 3 and 5 years were 13 (SD 5), 11 (SD 4), 12 (SD 5) and 11 (SD 3) mmHg, respectively. New pacemaker implantation was necessary in 8.6% of patients. A single case (0.2%) of structural degeneration was registered after 6 years. Valve explantation for non-structural dysfunction or endocarditis occurred in 9 patients (1.8%)., Conclusions: This rapid deployment aortic valve has shown excellent results concerning haemodynamic performance, durability and safety. Implantation requires specific training, and the rate of pacemaker implantation remains a matter of concern. This novel valve also facilitates minimally invasive approaches and may be beneficial in complex combined procedures., (© The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.)

Importance: The natural history and the management of patients with asymptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) have not been fully examined in the current era., Objective: To determine the clinical outcomes of patients with asymptomatic AS using data from the Heart Valve Clinic International Database., Design, Setting, and Participants: This registry was assembled by merging data from prospectively gathered institutional databases from 10 heart valve clinics in Europe, Canada, and the United States. Asymptomatic patients with an aortic valve area of 1.5 cm2 or less and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) greater than 50% at entry were considered for the present analysis. Data were collected from January 2001 to December 2014, and data were analyzed from January 2017 to July 2018., Main Outcomes and Measures: Natural history, need for aortic valve replacement (AVR), and survival of asymptomatic patients with moderate or severe AS at entry followed up in a heart valve clinic. Indications for AVR were based on current guideline recommendations., Results: Of the 1375 patients included in this analysis, 834 (60.7%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 71 (13) years. A total of 861 patients (62.6%) had severe AS (aortic valve area less than 1.0 cm2). The mean (SD) overall survival during medical management (mean [SD] follow up, 27 [24] months) was 93% (1%), 86% (2%), and 75% (4%) at 2, 4, and 8 years, respectively. A total of 104 patients (7.6%) died under observation, including 57 patients (54.8%) from cardiovascular causes. The crude rate of sudden death was 0.65% over the duration of the study. A total of 542 patients (39.4%) underwent AVR, including 388 patients (71.6%) with severe AS at study entry and 154 (28.4%) with moderate AS at entry who progressed to severe AS. Those with severe AS at entry who underwent AVR did so at a mean (SD) of 14.4 (16.6) months and a median of 8.7 months. The mean (SD) 2-year and 4-year AVR-free survival rates for asymptomatic patients with severe AS at baseline were 54% (2%) and 32% (3%), respectively. In those undergoing AVR, the 30-day postprocedural mortality was 0.9%. In patients with severe AS at entry, peak aortic jet velocity (greater than 5 m/s) and LVEF (less than 60%) were associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality without AVR; these factors were also associated with postprocedural mortality in those patients with severe AS at baseline who underwent AVR (surgical AVR in 310 patients; transcatheter AVR in 78 patients)., Conclusions and Relevance: In patients with asymptomatic AS followed up in heart valve centers, the risk of sudden death is low, and rates of overall survival are similar to those reported from previous series. Patients with severe AS at baseline and peak aortic jet velocity of 5.0 m/s or greater or LVEF less than 60% have increased risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality even after AVR. The potential benefit of early intervention should be considered in these high-risk patients.

Objectives: This study sought to assess the long-term outcome of active surveillance in these patients., Background: The optimal timing of mitral valve surgery in asymptomatic primary mitral regurgitation (MR) remains controversial., Methods: Between 1997 and 2015, 280 consecutive patients with severe asymptomatic primary MR were enrolled in our heart valve clinic follow-up program. They were prospectively followed up every 6 months clinical and echocardiographical examinations until surgical criteria were reached. Event-free survival and overall survival as compared with the age- and gender-matched general population were assessed., Results: During a median potential follow-up of 93.4 (quartiles 55.3 to 152.9) months, 161 patients developed an indication for surgery and 13 patients died. Event-free survival rates were 78.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 73.2% to 83.2%) at 2 years, 52.2% (95% CI: 46.3% to 59.0%) at 6 years, 35.5% (95% CI: 29.3% to 43.1%) at 10 years, and 18.7% (95% CI: 12.3% to 28.5%) at 15 years. Overall survival rate was 99.6% (95% CI: 98.9% to 100%) at 2 years, 94.6% (95% CI: 91.7% to 97.6%) at 6 years, 85.6% (95% CI: 80.3% to 91.2%) at 10 years, and 74.5% (95% CI: 66.6% to 83.4%) at 15 years. Overall survival of patients managed according to an active surveillance strategy was comparable with the expected cumulative survival and early survival rates were even better in the study population (standardized mortality ratio: 0.667; 95% CI: 0.463 to 0.963; p = 0.013)., Conclusions: Patients with severe asymptomatic primary MR may remain free of indications for surgery for extensive periods of time. In such patients, active surveillance performed in experienced centers is associated with a favorable prognosis, resulting in timely referral to surgery, excellent long-term survival, and good surgical outcomes., (Copyright © 2018 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aims: Although concomitant mitral regurgitation (MR) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) are frequently present in patients with aortic stenosis (AS), outcome data are scarce and treatment strategies are controversial. The aim of the present study was to assess the presentation and outcome of patients with AS and coexisting MR and TR., Methods and Results: Eighty-nine consecutive patients with severe AS and at least moderate MR (72 functional and 17 degenerative) were included and followed. Seventy-five patients were symptomatic at presentation. Sixty of these had severe symptoms (New York Heart Association class ≥3). Nine additional patients had an indication for valve procedures during follow-up. However, 35 patients were managed conservatively. Isolated aortic valve intervention was performed in 29 patients (22 valve replacement and 7 transcatheter aortic valve replacement) and concomitant mitral valve surgery in 20 patients. For the assessment of outcome, overall survival (i.e. time from study entry to death from any cause) was assessed: adjusted survival was significantly higher for patients undergoing any valve procedure as compared with patients managed conservatively (P = 0.032). Surgical treatment of severe concomitant MR was associated with improved survival in an unadjusted population but did not reach statistical significance after propensity adjustment. 14 of 36 patients who had concomittant moderate-to-severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) underwent surgery of which 7 (50 %) died within 3 months postoperatively. On the other hand, only 1 of 35 (3%) with no or mild TR undergoing surgery died within 3 months post-operatively (P < 0.001)., Conclusion: Presence of MR in patients with severe AS characterizes a high-risk population. Timely aortic valve intervention confers a survival benefit and concomitant mitral valve surgery should be considered according to operative risk. The additional presence of significant TR is associated with dismal outcomes, regardless of the treatment strategy.

Aims: To assess the knowledge and application of European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines in the management of mitral regurgitation (MR)., Methods and Results: A mixed-methods educational needs assessment was performed. Following a qualitative phase (interviews), an online survey was undertaken using three case scenarios (asymptomatic severe primary MR, symptomatic severe primary MR in the elderly, and severe secondary MR) in 115 primary care physicians (PCPs), and 439 cardiologists or cardiac surgeons from seven European countries. Systematic cardiac auscultation was performed by only 54% of clinicians in asymptomatic patients. Cardiologists appropriately interpreted echocardiographic assessment of mechanism and quantification of primary MR (≥75%), but only 44% recognized secondary MR as severe. In asymptomatic severe primary MR with an indication for surgery, 27% of PCPs did not refer the patient to a cardiologist and medical therapy was overused by 19% of cardiologists. In the elderly patient with severe symptomatic primary MR, 72% of cardiologists considered mitral intervention (transcatheter edge-to-edge valve repair in 72%). In severe symptomatic secondary MR, optimization of medical therapy was advised by only 51% of PCPs and 33% of cardiologists, and surgery considered in 30% of cases (transcatheter edge-to-edge repair in 64%)., Conclusion: Systematic auscultation is underused by PCPs for the early detection of MR. Medical therapy is overused in primary MR and underused in secondary MR. Indications for interventions are appropriate in most patients with primary MR, but are unexpectedly frequent for secondary MR. These gaps identify important targets for future educational programs.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement has emerged as valuable treatment modality for patients with severe aortic stenosis and an unacceptable risk/benefit ratio for open heart surgery, but particularities specific to TAVR and a rapidly growing number of available TAVR prosthesis make post-procedural assessment of valve function challenging. Aim of the present analysis was to collect and pool all available data currently in the literature regarding normal doppler values for transcatheter prosthetic heart valves and to provide a comprehensive overview. A PRISMA checklist-guided systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective observational studies or national and device specific registries or randomized clinical trials was conducted. Studies were identified by searching PUBMED, SCOPUS, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and LILACs from January 2000 to March 2017. Out of 240 abstracts, 155 studies reporting echocardiographic parameter for twelve different valves prosthesis in a total of 27,159 patients were in included in this meta-analysis. The means and standard deviations of peak velocity, peak gradient, mean gradient and effective orifice were extracted and pooled from the included studies. The pooled means and standard deviations for all available TAVR prosthesis were classified according to implanted valve size and time since implantation. The present study firstly describes a pooled analysis of normal values for all available TAVR prosthesis in order to empower treating physicians with a reliable tool to perform follow-up echocardiographic assessment in TAVR patients and to safely identify patients with prostheses dysfunction.

Bioprostheses are prone to structural valve degeneration, resulting in limited long-term durability. A significant challenge when comparing the durability of different types of bioprostheses is the lack of a standardized terminology for the definition of a degenerated valve. This issue becomes especially important when we try to compare the degeneration rate of surgically inserted and transcatheter bioprosthetic valves. This document, by the VIVID (Valve-in-Valve International Data), proposes practical and standardized definitions of valve degeneration and provides recommendations for the timing of clinical and imaging follow-up assessments accordingly. Its goal is to improve the quality of research and clinical care for patients with deteriorated bioprostheses by providing objective and strict criteria that can be utilized in future clinical trials. We hope that the adoption of these criteria by both the cardiological and surgical communities will lead to improved comparability and interpretation of durability analyses., (© 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.)

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a very frequent manifestation of valvular heart disease. It may be due to the primary involvement of the valve or secondary to pulmonary hypertension or to the left-sided heart valve disease (most commonly rheumatic and involving the mitral valve). The pathophysiology of secondary TR is complex and is intrinsically connected to the anatomy and function of the right ventricle. A systematic multimodality approach to diagnosis and assessment (based not only on the severity of the TR but also on the assessment of annular size, RV function and degree of pulmonary hypertension) is, therefore, essential. Once considered non-important, treatment of secondary TR is currently viewed as an essential concomitant procedure at the time of mitral (and, less frequently, aortic valve) surgery. Although the indications for surgical management of severe TR are now generally accepted (Class I), controversy persists concerning the role of intervention for moderate TR. However, there is a trend for intervention in this setting, especially at the time of surgery for left-sided heart valve disease and/or in patients with significant tricuspid annular dilatation (Class IIa). Currently, surgery remains the best approach for the interventional treatment of TR. Percutaneous tricuspid valve intervention (both repair and replacement) is still in its infancy but may become a reliable option in future, especially for high-risk patients with isolated primary TR or with secondary TR related to advanced left-sided heart valve disease., (© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background and Aim of the Study: Management of patients with aortic regurgitation (AR) and severe impairment of left ventricular (LV) function characterized by an ejection fraction (EF) ≤35% is challenging. Conflicting results regarding perioperative and long-term survival of these patients have been reported. The study aim was to compare in-hospital outcomes and long-term survival of patients with AR and severe LV dysfunction versus moderate dysfunction (35% 70 years and NYHA class III/IV symptoms were predictive of survival., Conclusions: In-hospital and long-term survival was similar in patients with severe LV dysfunction and with preserved or moderately reduced LV function. Positive reverse LV remodelling and improved LV function was evident at the two-year echocardiographic follow up in these patients, who should not be denied aortic valve surgery.

Heart valve disease is common and a major indication for imaging. Echocardiography is the first-line imaging technique for diagnosis, assessment, and serial surveillance. However, other modalities, notably cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography, are used if echocardiographic imaging is suboptimal or to obtain complementary information, particularly to aid risk assessment in individual patients. This review is a summary of current evidence for state-of-the-art clinical practice to inform appropriateness criteria for heart valve disease. It is divided according to common clinical scenarios: detection of valve disease, assessment of the valve and other cardiac structures, risk assessment, screening, and intervention., (Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2017. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background Transcatheter aortic valve implantation and rapid-deployment aortic valve replacement represent two emerging therapies for patients with intermediate surgical risk and severe aortic stenosis. However, head-to-head comparisons between such novel therapies are lacking. Methods Severe aortic stenosis patients with intermediate surgical risk treated with rapid-deployment valve replacement at our institution were identified and compared with a propensity-matched population of patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Postoperative echocardiographic findings, in-hospital and midterm clinical outcomes were compared. Results We identified 60 patients who received transcatheter ( n = 30) or rapid-deployment ( n = 30) valve replacement. On postoperative echocardiography, freedom from paravalvular regurgitation was higher in the rapid-deployment valve group ( p < 0.001), while postoperative mean transprosthetic gradient was lower in the transcatheter valve group ( p = 0.03). Permanent pacemaker implantation was required more frequently in transcatheter valve patients ( p = 0.01). Postoperative atrial fibrillation was more common in the rapid-deployment valve group ( p = 0.03). Hospital mortality was similarly low in both groups ( p = 0.33). At midterm follow-up, mortality was comparable ( p = 0.42) but the rapid-deployment valve group still had a lower degree of paravalvular regurgitation. Conclusions Transcatheter and rapid-deployment valve replacement are promising treatment options for patients with intermediate surgical risk. These two techniques are associated with specific patterns of prosthesis function and postoperative complications. Further evaluation of the clinical impact of these therapies in this patient population is needed.

Aims: We sought to assess the efficacy of a heart valve clinic (HVC) follow-up programme for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS)., Methods and Results: Three hundred and eighty-eight consecutive patients with AS (age 71 ± 10 years; aortic-jet velocity 5.1 ± 0.6 m/s) and an indication for aortic valve replacement (AVR) were included. Of these, 290 patients presented with an indication for surgery at their first visit at the HVC and 98 asymptomatic patients who had been enrolled in an HVC monitoring programme developed indications for surgery during follow-up. Time to symptom detection was significantly longer in patients that presented with symptoms at baseline (352 ± 471 days) than in patients followed in the HVC (76 ± 75 days, P < 0.001). Despite being educated to recognize and promptly report new symptoms, 77 of the 98 patients in the HVC programme waited until the next scheduled consultation to report them. Severe symptom onset (NYHA or CCS Class ≥III) was present in 61% of patients being symptomatic at the initial visit and in 34% of patients in the HVC programme (P < 0.001)., Conclusion: Delays in referral and symptom reporting as well as symptom denial are common in patients with AS. These findings support the concept of risk stratification to identify patients who may benefit from elective surgery. A structured HVC programme results in the detection of symptoms at an earlier and less severe stage and thus in an optimized timing of surgery., (Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2016. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Objectives: This study sought to assess the natural history and optimal timing of surgery in elderly patients with severe asymptomatic aortic stenosis (AS)., Background: AS is increasingly diagnosed in an aging population, and large numbers of elderly patients are undergoing aortic valve procedures. However, the average age of patients represented in most natural history studies on AS is between 60 and 70 years., Methods: A total of 103 consecutive patients >70 years of age (51 female; mean age 77 ± 5 years) with asymptomatic severe AS (peak aortic jet velocity [AV-Vel] 4.7 ± 0.6 m/s) were prospectively followed., Results: During follow-up, 91 events occurred, including an indication for aortic valve replacement in 82 patients and cardiac deaths in 9, respectively. Event-free survival was 73%, 43%, 23%, and 16% at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years, respectively. Physical mobility was impaired in 29% of the patients, and symptom onset was severe (New York Heart Association functional class ≥III) in 43% of those who developed symptoms. Patients with AV-Vel ≥5.0 m/s had event-free survival rates of 21% and 6% at 2 and 4 years, respectively, compared with 57% and 23% for patients with AV-Vel <5.0 m/s (p < 0.001). Seventy-one patients underwent aortic valve replacement, and post-operative survival was 89% and 77% after 1 and 3 years, respectively., Conclusions: In elderly patients with severe but asymptomatic AS, mild symptoms may be difficult to detect, particularly when mobility is impaired and severe symptom onset is common, warranting close clinical follow-up. Furthermore, a very high event rate can be expected, and cardiac deaths are not infrequent. Thus, elective aortic valve procedures may be considered in selected elderly patients at low procedural risk., (Copyright © 2017 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Previously we have shown that epicardial shock-wave therapy improves left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in a rat model of myocardial infarction. In the present experiments we aimed to address the safety and efficacy of epicardial shock-wave therapy in a preclinical large animal model and to further evaluate mechanisms of action of this novel therapy. Four weeks after left anterior descending (LAD) artery ligation in pigs, the animals underwent re-thoracotomy with (shock-wave group, n = 6) or without (control group, n = 5) epicardial shock waves (300 impulses at 0.38 mJ/mm 2 ) applied to the infarcted anterior wall. Efficacy endpoints were improvement of LVEF and induction of angiogenesis 6 weeks after shock-wave therapy. Safety endpoints were haemodynamic stability during treatment and myocardial damage. Four weeks after LAD ligation, LVEF decreased in both the shock-wave (43 ± 3%, p < 0.001) and control (41 ± 4%, p = 0.012) groups. LVEF markedly improved in shock-wave animals 6 weeks after treatment (62 ± 9%, p = 0.006); no improvement was observed in controls (41 ± 4%, p = 0.36), yielding a significant difference. Quantitative histology revealed significant angiogenesis 6 weeks after treatment (controls 2 ± 0.4 arterioles/high-power field vs treatment group 9 ± 3; p = 0.004). No acute or chronic adverse effects were observed. As a potential mechanism of action in vitro experiments showed stimulation of VEGF receptors after shock-wave treatment in human coronary artery endothelial cells. Epicardial shock-wave treatment in a large animal model of ischaemic heart failure exerted a positive effect on LVEF improvement and did not show any adverse effects. Angiogenesis was induced by stimulation of VEGF receptors. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., (Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Objectives: Sutureless and rapid-deployment valves were recently introduced into clinical practice. The Edwards INTUITY valve system is a combination of the Edwards Magna pericardial valve and a subvalvular stent-frame to enable rapid deployment. We performed a parallel cohort study for comparison of the two valve types., Methods: All patients receiving either an Edwards Magna Ease valve or an Edwards INTUITY valve system due to aortic stenosis from May 2010 until July 2014 were included. Patients undergoing bypass surgery, an additional valve procedure, atrial ablation surgery or replacement of the ascending aorta were excluded. Preoperative characteristics, operative specifications, survival, valve-related adverse events and transvalvulvar gradients were compared., Results: One hundred sixteen patients underwent rapid-deployment aortic valve replacement [mean age 75 years (SD: 8); 62% female] and 132 patients underwent conventional aortic valve replacement [70 years (SD: 9); 31% female; P < 0.001]. Conventional valve patients were taller and heavier. The mean EuroSCORE II was 3.1% (SD: 2.7) and 4.4% (SD: 6.0) for rapid-deployment and conventional valve patients, respectively (P = 0.085). The mean implanted valve size was higher in the conventional group [23.2 mm (SD: 2.0) vs 22.5 mm (SD: 2.2); P = 0.007], but postoperative transvalvular mean gradients were comparable [15 mmHg (SD: 6) vs 14 mmHg (SD: 5); P = 0.457]. A subgroup analysis of the most common valve sizes (21 and 23 mm; implanted in 63% of patients) revealed significantly reduced mean postoperative transvalvular gradients in the rapid-deployment group [14 mmHg (SD: 4) vs 16 mmHg (SD: 5); P = 0.025]. A significantly higher percentage received minimally invasive procedures in the rapid-deployment group (59 vs 39%; P < 0.001). The 1- and 3-year survival rate was 96 and 90% in the rapid-deployment group and 95 and 89% in the conventional group (P = 0.521), respectively. Valve-related pacemaker implantations were more common in the rapid-deployment group (9 vs 2%; P = 0.014) and postoperative stroke was more common in the conventional group (1.6 vs 0% per patient year; P = 0.044)., Conclusions: We conclude that this rapid-deployment valve probably facilitates minimally invasive surgery. Furthermore, a subgroup analysis showed reduced transvalvular gradients in smaller valve sizes compared with the conventionally implanted valve of the same type. The favourable haemodynamic profile and the potentially different spectrum of valve-related adverse events should be addressed in further clinical trials., (© The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Prosthetic heart valve (PHV) dysfunction is rare but potentially life-threatening. Although often challenging, establishing the exact cause of PHV dysfunction is essential to determine the appropriate treatment strategy. In clinical practice, a comprehensive approach that integrates several parameters of valve morphology and function assessed with 2D/3D transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography is a key to appropriately detect and quantitate PHV dysfunction. Cinefluoroscopy, multidetector computed tomography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and to a lesser extent, nuclear imaging are complementary tools for the diagnosis and management of PHV complications. The present document provides recommendations for the use of multimodality imaging in the assessment of PHVs., (Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2016. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)