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Objective Transcarotid access for transcatheter aortic valve replacement is emerging as an alternative to more traditional nonfemoral access options such as transapical or transaortic; however, comparative data are limited. The purpose of the study was to analyze outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement using transcatheter compared with transthoracic (transapical/transaortic) access. Methods The Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American College of Cardiology Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry was queried for patients who underwent transcarotid, transapical, or transaortic transcatheter aortic valve replacement with the SAPIEN 3 (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, Calif) transcatheter heart valve between June 2015 and July 2019. Thirty-day unadjusted outcomes were evaluated, and propensity score matching and logistic regression were used to compare transcatheter access with transthoracic access. Results In the propensity-matched analysis, 667 transcarotid transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedures were compared with 1334 transthoracic procedures. Transcarotid transcatheter aortic valve replacement was associated with lower mortality (4.2% vs 7.7%, P = .004), less new-onset atrial fibrillation (2.2% vs 12.1%, P Conclusions Transcatheter aortic valve replacement using transcarotid access is associated with lower 30-day mortality, less atrial fibrillation, shorter intensive care unit and overall length of stay, fewer readmissions, greater improvement in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire scores, and no significant difference in stroke or major vascular complications compared with transthoracic access.

Background Undertreatment of heart valve disease creates unnecessary patient risk. Poorly integrated healthcare data systems are unequipped to solve this problem. A software program using a rules-based algorithm to search the electronic health record for heart valve disease among patients treated by healthcare systems in the United States may provide a solution. Methods A software interface allowed concurrent access to picture archiving communication systems, the electronic health record, and other sources. The software platform was created to programmatically run a rules engine to search structured and unstructured data for identification of moderate or severe heart valve disease using guideline-reported values. Incidence and progression of disease as well as compliance with a care pathway were assessed. Results In 2 health institutions in the United States 60,145 patients had 77,215 echocardiograms. Moderate or severe aortic stenosis (AS) was identified at a rate of 9.1% of patients (5474 and 6910 echocardiograms) in this population. The precision and accuracy of the algorithm for the detection of moderate or severe AS was 92.9% and 98.6%, respectively. Thirty-five percent of patients (441/1265) with moderate stenosis and a subsequent echocardiogram progressed to severe stenosis (mean interval, 358 days). In 1 sample 70.3% of moderate AS patients lacked a 6-month echocardiogram or appointment. The platform enabled 100% accountability for all patients with severe AS. Conclusions A rules-based software program enhances detection of heart valve disease and can be used to measures disease progression and care pathway compliance.

BACKGROUND As the complication of infective endocarditis (IE), embolic events are associated with increased mortality and morbidity. However, there are no reliable indicators to predict embolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a biomarker to identify IE patients at high risk of embolism. METHODS We conducted a prospective observational study of IE patients from January 2018 to December 2020. Plasma NGAL levels were measured in 88 IE patients (37 patients with embolic events and 51 patients without embolic events), 91 noninfectious heart valve disease patients, and 20 healthy blood donors by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Native valve tissue was obtained from 16 IE patients and 16 noninfectious heart valve disease patients. Western blot and immunohistochemical staining were performed to detect NGAL and matrix metalloproteinase-9. RESULTS Higher levels of NGAL were observed in IE patients than in noninfectious heart valve disease patients (P < .001) or healthy blood donors (P < .01). In addition, NGAL levels were higher in IE patients with embolic events compared with patients not having embolic events (P < .001). Receiver-operating characteristics analysis demonstrated that NGAL acted as a potential embolic events predictor with the cutoff value of 166.78 ng/mL. The IE patients with higher NGAL levels had significantly more severe native valve morphologic changes. The NGAL was colocalized with matrix metalloproteinase-9, and their expression in the valves of IE patients was higher than in those of noninfectious heart valve disease patients. CONCLUSIONS Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin is a potential predictor of embolic events in IE. That may be attributed to its potency of increasing the proteolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9, which leads to valve morphologic impairment.

Calcified aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most prevalent valve disease in the elderly. Targeted pharmacological therapies are limited since the underlying mechanisms of CAVD are not well understood. Appropriate 3D in vitro models could potentially improve our knowledge of the disease. Here, we developed a 3D in vitro aortic heart valve model that resembles the morphology of the valvular extracellular matrix and mimics the mechanical and physiological behavior of the native aortic valve fibrosa and spongiosa. We employed cryogenic electrospinning to engineer a bi-layered cryogenic electrospun scaffold (BCES) with defined morphologies that allowed valvular endothelial cell (VEC) adherence and valvular interstitial cell (VIC) ingrowth into the scaffold. Using a self-designed cell culture insert allowed us to establish the valvular co-culture simultaneously by seeding VICs on one side and VECs on the other side of the electrospun scaffold. Proof-of-principle calcification studies were successfully performed using an established osteogenic culture protocol and the here designed 3D in vitro aortic heart valve model. Statement of Significance : Three-dimensional (3D) electrospun scaffolds are widely used for soft tissue engineering since they mimic the morphology of the native extracellular matrix. Several studies have shown that cells behave more naturally on 3D materials than on the commonly used stiff two-dimensional (2D) cell culture substrates, which have no biological properties. As appropriate 3D models for the study of aortic valve diseases are limited, we developed a novel bi-layered 3D in vitro test system by using the versatile technique of cryogenic electrospinning in combination with the influence of different solvents to mimic the morphology, mechanical, and cellular distribution of a native aortic heart valve leaflet. This 3D in vitro model can be used to study valve biology and heart valve-impacting diseases such as calcification to elucidate therapeutic targets.

Aims This review aims to provide an update of available methods for imaging calcification activity and potential therapeutic options. Data Synthesis: Aortic valve calcification represents the most common heart valve condition requiring treatment among adults in Western societies. No medical therapies are proven to be effective in treating symptoms or reducing disease progression. Therefore, surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement remains the only available treatment option. Elevated circulating concentrations of lipoprotein(a) is strongly associated with degenerative aortic stenosis. This relationship was first observed in prospective observational studies, and the causal relationship was confirmed in genetic studies. Conclusions: new therapeutic targets have been identified and new imaging techniques could be used to test the effectiveness of new agents and further clarify the pathophysiology of AVS. No therapy that specifically lowers Lp (a) levels has been approved for clinical use.

Aim of this retrospective, multicenter study was to evaluate early and mid-term clinical and hemodynamic results of patients who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) with Intuity rapid-deployment bioprostheses (RDB) (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA). We analyzed data from the Italian Registry of Intuity Valve (INTU-ITA registry) that is a national, real-world and independent from the industry registry. Preoperative variables were defined according to EuroSCORE and postoperative outcomes according to Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC). Survival distribution was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier approach. A Cox-Proportional Hazard Model was employed to assess the effect of the covariates on patients’ survival. The registry included 1687 patients from 23 centers (June 2012-September 2019). Aortic cross clamp time for isolated SAVR was 55 minutes (IQR: 45–70 minute). Postoperative pace-maker rate was 6.3%. At discharge transaortic peak and mean gradients were: 18 mm Hg (IQR: 14–23 mm Hg) and 10 mmHg (IQR: 8–13 mm Hg), respectively. Indexed effective orifice area was 1.10 cm2/m2 (IQR: 0.91–1.31 cm2/m2) and the incidence of severe patient-prosthesis mismatch was 0.6%. Hemodynamic data for all valve sizes remained stable during follow-up. Thirty-day overall mortality was 1.8% (30 patients), and at follow-up it was 5.3% (89 patients). Kaplan-Meier overall survival was 95.5% (94.3–96.7%); 90.7% (88.3–93.1%); 86.4% (82.6–90.4%) at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Serum creatinine (HR: 1.36; 95%CI: 1.04–1.81; p = 0.0397) and cross-clamp time (HR: 1.01; 95%CI: 1.002–1.017; p = 0.0077) were identified as independent predictors of mortality. According to our data from the INTU-ITA registry, SAVR with RDB provides good early clinical and hemodynamic results that are confirmed at follow-up.

The benefit of avoiding lifelong anticoagulation therapy in patients with bioprosthetic heart valve implantation may potentially be offset by atrial fibrillation (AF); however, clinical impact of surgical AF ablation in such patients remains controversial. We enrolled 426 patients (aged 72.0 ± 7.8 years) with AF who underwent left-side valve replacement with bioprostheses between 2001 and 2018. Of these, 297 underwent concomitant surgical ablation (ablation group) and 129 underwent valve replacement alone (non-ablation group). Clinical outcomes were compared, and mortality was considered as a competing risk factor against valve-related complications. Inverse-probability weighting (IPTW) was adopted to reduce selection bias. The ablation group had lower baseline risk profiles than the non-ablation group. In crude analysis, early mortality rates were 3.4% and 7.0% in the ablation and non-ablation groups, respectively (P = 0.104). During follow-up (1521.9 patient-years), the ablation group showed lower AF-recurrence (P0.001) and anticoagulant medication rate (P = 0.021), and lower overall mortality risk (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR], 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42-0.94), but higher risk of permanent pacemaker implantation (SHR, 4.67; 95% CI, 1.36-16.05). No significant difference in the risk of stroke (SHR, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.55-2.95) was observed between the groups. After baseline IPTW-adjustment, findings of the clinical outcomes were analogous to those from crude analyses. In patients undergoing bioprosthetic valve replacement, the addition of surgical ablation was associated with improved rhythm outcomes and survival but at the expense of a higher risk of pacemaker implantation. The underlying mechanism of improved survival by AF ablation needs further investigation.

Papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) is a cardiac tumor that is mainly found on the heart valve and the endocardium of the atria and ventricles. Symptoms such as stroke and myocardial infarction are usually caused by embolization of either the tumor itself or associated thrombus. PFE is known to originate mainly from the left side of the heart, and these cases are—in principle—candidates for surgical resection. On the other hand, cases in which PFE originates from the right side of the heart are rare and reports are limited; thus, the surgical indication is unclear. We herein report a case of symptomatic PFE originating from the tricuspid valve of the heart. In this case, contrast enhanced computed tomography did not show pulmonary embolism; however, lung perfusion scintigraphy showed multiple perfusion defects. The patient was treated by anticoagulant therapy followed by surgical resection. Thereafter, the symptoms disappeared and the multiple perfusion defects improved on lung perfusion scintigraphy, demonstrating the efficacy of the anticoagulant therapy and surgical resection for PFE in the right side of the heart. Learning objective Papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) originating from the tricuspid valve of the heart is rare and reports on this topic are limited. Thus, the surgical indication is unclear. In the present case, lung perfusion scintigraphy indicated pulmonary embolism due to PFE, while contrast enhanced computed tomography did not. Anticoagulant therapy and subsequent surgical resection were considered effective for PFE in the right side of the heart.

Infective endocarditis (IE), a heart valve infection primarily caused by bacteria such as streptococci or staphylococci, causes significant morbidity and mortality. Despite the long-term use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials, the infection is often difficult to manage. The latest diagnostic modalities for IE are discussed in this study. Blood culture use in pathogen identification can lead to loss of precious time as well as generation of false negative reports. The first steps in diagnosis are blood cultures and echocardiography, but molecular techniques can be extremely useful and may be used for an accurate and early diagnosis.

Introduction. To analyse the clinical and epidemiological characteristics and mortality-related factors of patients admitted to a secondary hospital with Infective Endocarditis (IE). Methods. Observational study of a cohort of patients who have been diagnosed with IE in a secondary hospital and evaluated in accordance with a pre-established protocol. Results. A total of 101 cases were evaluated (years 2000-2017), with an average age of 64 years and a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. 76% of the cases had an age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index of >6, with 21% having had a dental procedure and 36% with a history of heart valve disease. The most common microorganism was methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (36%), with bacterial focus of unknown origin in 54%. The diagnostic delay time was 12 days in patients who were transferred, compared to 8 days in patients who were not transferred (p=0.07); the median surgery indication delay time was 5 days (IQR 13.5). The in-hospital mortality rate was 34.6% and the prognostic factors independently associated with mortality were: cerebrovascular events (OR 98.7%, 95% CI, 70.9–164.4); heart failure (OR 27.3, 95% CI, 10.2–149.1); and unsuitable antibiotic treatment (OR 7.2, 95% CI, 1.5–10.5). The mortality rate of the patients who were transferred and who therefore underwent surgery was 20% (5/25). Conclusions. The onset of cerebrovascular events, heart failure and unsuitable antibiotic treatment are independently and significantly associated with in-hospital mortality. The mortality rate was higher than the published average (35%); the diagnostic delay was greater in patients for whom surgery was indicated.

Cardiac arrhythmias are common clinical cardiovascular diseases. Arrhythmias are abnormalities in the frequency, rhythm, site of origin, conduction velocity, or sequence of excitation of the cardiac impulses. Arrhythmia mechanisms include foldback, altered autonomic rhythm, and triggering mechanisms. It can cause palpitations, dizziness, black dawn, syncope, and angina pectoris and can worsen a preexisting cardiac disease, reduce the quality of life, and increase mortality. Also, by making it one of the constant challenges for the clinical cardiovascular physician, we can get more information. The study included 94 patients with atrial fibers, including 56 men and 38 women aged 57, 46, 11, and 68 years. There are 80 patients with nonatrial fibers, including 44 men and 36 women aged 56, 10, and 83 years. Those who can perform a normal coronary angiography and exclude congenital heart disease, heart valve disease, and other cardiovascular diseases. In both groups, a 256-layer spiral CT examination was performed. A pulmonary vein scanning protocol was applied to the patients with atrial fibrillation, and this can perform normal coronary angiography and exclude those with cardiovascular diseases such as congenital heart disease and valvular heart disease. The purpose of this study is to investigate the anatomical changes of the left atrium and its adjacent structures by applying the 256 nm spiral CT imaging to visualize the left atrium and its adjacent structures and by applying the MPR technology, VR technology, and simulation endoscope techniques.

Background The ACURATE neo™ is a novel, second-generation self-expanding supra-annular transcatheter heart valve (THV). The objective of this multi-centre registry is to assess the safety, clinical utility, and impact of 'learning-curve-experience' (LCE) on transcatheter aortic valve replacement outcomes in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland. Methods We prospectively collected data from seven ACURATE neo™ THV implanting centres (n = 484) between February 2016 and November 2020. We compared mortality rates and outcomes in the LCE group (n = 120) compared to next successive 120 cases. Results The mean age of the cohort was 81.9(SD: 6.1) years and the majority were in the moderate risk category (EuroSCORE-II):3.3(SD: 3). The 97.5% of cases were performed under local anesthetic. The valve was successfully deployed in 98.8% of cases. The survival rate at 30 days was 97.9%. The incidence of stroke was 2.5%. Life threatening bleeding occurred in 0.6% of cases and vascular access complications occurred in 21 (4.3%) patients. Implantation-related conduction abnormalities occurred in 8.3% but only 5.6% required a PPM. The successful valve deployment occurred in 96% of the patients in the LCE group compared to 100% in the other group (p = 0.04; OR-2[CI 1.7-2.3]). The mortality rates at 30 days (1.7% vs. 1.7%) and 1 year (1.9% vs. 2.7%) were comparable between the two groups. Conclusions This study represents the largest published UK and Ireland real-world experience of the ACURATE neo™ valve. The procedural success rates and safety outcomes were excellent and endorse its utility in clinical practice. The LCE appears to have an impact on the successful valve deployment but without translating into short-term or long-term outcomes.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to share the experiences gained from emergency and semi-emergency cases of open heart surgery performed during the COVID-19 outbreak in Necmettin. Erbakan University Meram Medical Faculty Hospital, which was defined as a pandemic hospital by Turkish Ministry of Health and provided third degree health services. Materials and Methods: A total of 54 patients were retrospectively analyzed between 23 March and 22 May 2020, who were diagnosed to have aortic dissection, coronary artery disease, and heart valve diseases. Results: Thirty-two CABG, 12 valve surgery, 6 aortic surgery, 4 CABG + valve surgeries were performed. During the postoperative follow-up of I I patients, who were suspicious of COVID-19, 8 of them displayed respiratory problems and partial oxygen depletion and required continuous positive airway pressure. The hospitalization duration of COVID-19-suspicious patients were approximately 5 days longer than that of normal patients. In one of the patient, who was treated positive for COVID-19, acute coronary syndrome developed and CABG was performed following the treatment. Conclusion: During the pandemic period, acute cardiac diseases needing urgent surgery could be misdiagnosed because of similar symptoms with COVID-19 and the health care practitioners concentrated with the COVID-19 primarily. On the other hand, pandemic fear could cause delayed admission to the hospital and increased postoperative mortality and morbidity. When a COVID-19 positive or -suspicious patient undergo open-heart surgery, problems resulting from both COVID-19 infection and cardiopulmonary bypass-associated systemic effects could arise. The combination of these two cases could worsen the complications.

Highlights • Activated platelets are associated with AS. • Platelets are a player in bioprosthetic valve dysfunction. • Randomized trials have assessed clinical outcomes with various antiplatelet/anticoagulation strategies in patients undergoing TAVR., Summary Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common heart valve disease requiring surgery in developed countries, with a rising global burden associated with aging populations. The predominant cause of AS is believed to be driven by calcific degeneration of the aortic valve and a growing body of evidence suggests that platelets play a major role in this disease pathophysiology. Furthermore, platelets are a player in bioprosthetic valve dysfunction caused by their role in leaflet thrombosis and thickening. This review presents the molecular function of platelets in the context of recent and rapidly evolving understanding the role of platelets in AS, both of the native aortic valve and bioprosthetic valves, where there remain concerns about the effects of subclinical leaflet thrombosis on long-term prosthesis durability. This review also presents the role of antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapies on modulating the impact of platelets on native and bioprosthetic aortic valves, highlighting the need for further studies to determine whether these therapies are protective and may increase the life span of surgical and transcatheter aortic valve implants. By linking molecular mechanisms through which platelets drive disease of native and bioprosthetic aortic valves with studies evaluating the clinical impact of antiplatelet and antithrombotic therapies, we aim to bridge the gaps between our basic science understanding of platelet biology and their role in patients with AS and ensuing preventive and therapeutic implications., Central Illustration

Background In order to obtain the smaller delivery diameter, porcine pericardium had been used as a substitute material of bovine pericardium for the leaflet materials of transcatheter heart valve (THV). However, the differences between them had not been fully studied. Therefore, this study compared the microstructure, biochemical and mechanical properties of two materials and hydrodynamics of THV made by the two materials in detail. Methods In this study, firstly, the microstructure of pericardium was analyzed by staining and scanning electron microscope; secondly, the biochemical properties of pericardium after different processes were compared by heat shrinkage temperature test, free amino and carboxyl concentration test, enzyme degradation test, subcutaneous implantation calcification analysis in rats; finally, the mechanical properties were evaluated by uniaxial tensile test before and after the pericardium being crimped, and then, the hydrodynamics of THV was studied according to the ISO5840 standard. Results Compared with bovine pericardium, after the same process, porcine pericardium showed a looser and tinier fiber bundle, a similar free carboxyl concentration, a lower resistance to enzyme degradation, a significantly lower calcification, bearing capacity and damage after being crimped, a better hydrodynamic and adaption with lower cardiac output and deformation of implantation position. Meanwhile the dehydration process of pericardium almost had preserved all the biochemical advantages of two materials. Conclusion In this study, porcine and bovine pericardium showed some significant differences in biochemical, mechanical properties and hydrodynamics. According to the results, it was presumed that the thinner porcine pericardium might be more suitable for THV of right heart system. Meanwhile, more attention should be taken for the calcification of THV made by the bovine pericardium.

Background Aortic cross-clamp utilized during cardiac surgery facilitates motionless and bloodless surgical field. However, the duration of clamp time has an inverse effect on early post-operative recovery period. In this study, we sought to examine the predictors of aortic clamp duration and intensive care unit length of stay. Results Six hundred and nine adult patients presented for elective cardiac surgery between December 2019 and December 2020 were enrolled. The age of patients ranged from 18 to 82 years (mean 55.62 years, SD ± 12.3 years). Male/female ratio is 4.6:1. Most patients (87.2%) were planned for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and 78 patients (12.8%) for single heart valve procedure. Operative time (OT) ranged from 120 to 402 min and averaged 259.4 min (SD ± 45.9 min). ACC time ranged from 15 to 159 min and averaged 50.56 min (SD ± 19.4 min). Factors associated with significantly longer ACCT were: smoking (OR = 1.89 (95% CI 1.3–2.74), p value = 0.01), respiratory disease (OR = 0.48 (95% CI 0.24–0.96), p value = 0.039), obesity (OR = 1.76 (95% CI 1.18–2.63), p value = 0.005) and AVR (OR = 2.11 (95% CI 1.17–3.83), p value = 0.013). Low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) was observed in 19.2% of patients. Longer than average ACCT was associated with increased use of inotropes (p value p value p value p value Conclusion Aortic cross-clamping is a crucial method in cardiac surgery to achieve motionless field; however, prolongation of this method had an incremental risks for the development of low cardiac output syndrome, increased first 24 h post-operative blood loss and longer stay in the intensive care unit.

Studies conducted in developed nations have shown that increase in life expectancy has brought with it a rise in the incidence and treatment of degenerative aortic and mitral heart valve diseases. Current standards recommend valve replacement among even some asymptomatic patients. In this research, we examine the epidemiology of valvular heart disease and rate of valve replacement in Taiwan, where life expectancy now stands at 80.69 years. Patients were enrolled based on claims from a widely used national database and categorized into cohorts defined by type of valve disease and, further, by valve replacements and type of valve (mechanical, porcine, or bovine). Data, including disease type, age, and gender, were analyzed to determine annual and cumulative incidence rates and prosthetic usage from 2000 to 2017. Results showed that across the cohorts, the cumulative incidence rate in 2017 was 3.59%, and in the aortic valve cohort, the percentage of surgical valve replacement for those ≥60 years was 6.99%. Compared with other developed nations, this demonstrates that incidence rates are slightly higher, yet surgical replacements are less than half that of other developed nations. This under-treatment of patients with valvular heart disease presents an important public health challenge in Taiwan.

Performing transcatheter aortic valve implantation with high implantation technique, i.e. with an aorto-ventricular ratio 60/40, reduces the need of permanent pacemaker implantation. Valve calcification and prosthesis oversizing are predictors of permanent pacemaker implantation, but there are no available data on their role when transcatheter aortic valve implantation is performed with an aorto-ventricular ratio 60/40. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of leaflets/annulus calcification and prosthesis oversizing on the incidence of permanent pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation with a high implantation technique. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation was performed in 48 patients implanting a balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valve with an aorto-ventricular ratio 60/40. Calcium burden was assessed by preprocedural multidetector computed tomography. An invasive electrophysiological study was performed before and after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Five patients (10.4%) needed permanent pacemaker implantation. At univariate analysis, baseline right bundle branch block and postprocedural PR, QRS and His-ventricular interval elongation significantly predicted permanent pacemaker implantation (p 0.05). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis showed a correlation between transcatheter heart valve oversizing and permanent pacemaker implantation need, with the best cut-off being 17% (AUC = 0.72, p = 0.033). Linear regression analysis demonstrated that QRS complex elongation was related to total, left and non-coronary leaflet calcification (p 0.05). This study demonstrates that, when transcatheter aortic valve implantation is performed using a balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valve deployed with an aorto-ventricular ratio 60/40, the presence of leaflets/annulus calcification or the need to oversize the prosthesis correlate with the occurrence of pathological cardiac conduction delays.

Culture-negative infective endocarditis (IE) accounts for 7–31% of all cases. Metagenomics has contributed to improving the aetiological diagnosis of IE patients undergoing valve surgery. We assessed the impact of 16S ribosomal DNA gene polymerase chain reaction (16S rDNA PCR) in the aetiological diagnosis of culture-negative IE. Between January 2016 and January 2020, clinical data from culture-negative IE patients were reviewed retrospectively. Identification of bacteria was performed using 16S rDNA PCR in heart valve specimens. 36 out of 313 patients (12%) with culture-negative IE had their valve tissue specimens submitted for 16S rDNA PCR. 16S rDNA PCR detected and identified bacterial nucleic acid in heart valve tissue significantly more frequently compared to valve culture alone 25(70%) vs 5(12%); p

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) remains challenging in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) because of unfavorable anatomy. New-generation balloon-expandable valve (BEV) appears to be a valid alternative to surgery, especially in some Asian countries with a higher prevalence of BAV. This tutorial review summarizes current thinking about how to plan and implant BEV in BAVs using versatile techniques. First, the authors depict the main morphological characteristics of BAVs and their effects on the TAVR procedure. Next, the authors provide preprocedural analysis on sizing, obtaining the optimal deployment projection, and how to simplify valve-crossing. Finally, the authors provide step-by-step guidance on how to deploy the BEVs with evolved iterations in terms of specific anatomies, calcified annulus, and giant annulus.

Horizontal aorta (HA) is an anatomical feature that can pose significant technical challenges for the successful positioning of the bioprosthetic valve during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Physiological range of aortic angle (AA) is unknown; hence there is no cutoff AA for classifying HA. Moreover, patient characteristics predicting HA are under-investigated.This was a retrospective analysis of prospective collected data from 16 heart valve centers in Europe. The study utilized a common dataset with a priori agreed-upon definitions and variables. Eligible patients underwent TAVR between 2014 and 2020 and had multidetector computed tomographic imaging data available for determining the AA. The analysis described the distribution of AA and potential predictors of HA. Inter-center variability was also explored.For 4022 patients analyzed, the mean AA ± standard deviation was 49.4° ± 9.4° (median 49°, inter-quartile range [IQR] 12°, range 18-90°). There was no significant difference in mean AA between men and women (49.4° ± 9.1° vs. 49.6° ± 9.3°, respectively; p = 0.53); therefore, 49.4° was accepted as the cutoff value for HA in subsequent analyses. Covariates significantly associated with HA included age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.04, p0.001), body mass index (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.05-1.08, p0.01), previous cardiac surgery (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.45-0.75, p0.001), and porcelain aorta (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.52-0.85, p = 0.001). Some inter-center variability was observed.We defined 49.4° as the mean AA, and also associated predictors of HA in a large case series of patients with severe aortic stenosis candidates for TAVR.

LaszczakKatarzyna,MoqbilSara,NiedobylskiSylwiusz,WarchołKonrad. Cardiovascular comorbidities in acromegaly.Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2021;11(8):283-290. eISSN 2391-8306. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2021.11.08.030 https://apcz.umk.pl/czasopisma/index.php/JEHS/article/view/JEHS.2021.11.08.030 https://zenodo.org/record/5231536 The journal has had 5 points in Ministry of Science and Higher Education parametric evaluation. § 8. 2) and § 12. 1. 2) 22.02.2019. © The Authors 2021; This article is published with open access at Licensee Open Journal Systems of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland Open Access. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author (s) and source are credited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non commercial license Share alike. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper. Received: 02.08.2021. Revised: 15.08.2021. Accepted: 21.08.2021. Cardiovascular comorbidities in acromegaly Katarzyna Laszczak, Sara Moqbil, Sylwiusz Niedobylski, Konrad Warchoł Katarzyna Laszczak (1);0000-0002-5084-0273 Sara Moqbil (1); 0000-0003-1230-1444 Sylwiusz Niedobyski (1);0000-0001-7266-623X Konrad Warchoł (1);0000-0001-9467-680X Student Scientific Society at the Department of Endocrinology, Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 4 in Lublin, ul. Jaczewskiego 8 20-954 Lublin Abstract Introduction and purpose:Acromegaly is a rare disease which occurs with the frequency of 0.2-1.1 cases per 100000 patients per year. The main cause is the excess level of growth hormone (GH) which stimulates the liver to the insulin-like growth factor type 1 (IGF-1) secretion. IGF-1 leads to the tissues overgrowth. In addition, acromegalic patients suffer from many comorbidities, such as: cardiovascular, endocrinological, neoplastic and musculoskeletal complications. The main aim of this review is the update of the latest information concerning cardiovascular comorbidities in patients with acromegaly. State of knowledge: Studies revealed that 80% of acromegalic patients will develop cardiovascular comorbidities. Complications such as: hypertension, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, heart valve disease, atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease as well as myocardial infarction were the most widely described. They are responsible for 44% of deaths in the first decade of the acromegaly and 23% in the second one. Conclusions: Because of the delayed diagnosis of acromegaly in most patients, most comorbidities are discovered in advanced stages leading to the decrease in patients’ life span. Adequate knowledge about potential complications is necessary to increase patients’ quality of lives. Key words: acromegaly, cardiovascular comorbidities, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, heart valve disease

ObjectivesThe balloon-expandable Sapien-3 valve demonstrated superior results in terms of residual aortic regurgitation when compared with self-expandable devices. We aimed to compare for the first-time early outcomes of Sapien-3 transcatheter heart valve (THV) with the balloon-expandable Myval device.MethodsConsecutive real-world patients from nine European institutions with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis treated either with Sapien-3 or Myval THV devices after June 2018 were compared. Early clinical outcomes were prospectively gathered and blinded analysis of 30-day echocardiography was conducted. Matching for the following variables was performed: age, body surface area, Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk score, left ventricular function, mean gradient, transfemoral approach, aortic valvular calcium, aortic annulus mean diameter, area and eccentricity index.ResultsA total of 416 patients treated either with the Sapien-3 (n=286, 68.7%) or with Myval THV (n=130, 31.3%) were included and 103 pairs compared after matching. Baseline characteristics were similar. Procedural success rate (Sapien-3: 94.2%; Myval: 93.2%, p=0.219), 30-day mortality (Sapien-3: 2.9%; Myval: 0.97%, p=0.625), clinical efficacy (12.6 vs 4.9%, p=0.057) and early safety (12.6 vs 4.9%, p=0.096) were comparable. There was a lower need for new permanent pacemaker (15.5 vs 5.8% p=0.020) with Myval. No significant differences were found in terms of ≥moderate aortic regurgitation (1% for Sapien-3, 0% for Myval, p=0.314), but mean gradients were higher following Sapien-3 than after Myval (pConclusionsThe new Myval balloon-expandable THV was favourable in terms of safety, with low rate of permanent pacemaker and with favourable residual gradients and paravalvular leak rate according to blinded echocardiographic analysis.

Background Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is one of the most common heart valve diseases in diabetes and may increase left ventricular (LV) preload and aggravate myocardial stiffness. This study aimed to investigate the aggravation of FMR on the deterioration of LV strain in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and explore the independent indicators of LV peak strain (PS). Materials and methods In total, 157 T2DM patients (59 patients with and 98 without FMR) and 52 age- and sex-matched healthy control volunteers were included and underwent cardiac magnetic resonance examination. T2DM with FMR patients were divided into T2DM patients with mild (n = 21), moderate (n = 19) and severe (n = 19) regurgitation. LV function and global strain parameters were compared among groups. Multivariate analysis was used to identify the independent indicators of LV PS. Results The T2DM with FMR had lower LV strain parameters in radial, circumferential and longitudinal direction than both the normal and the T2DM without FMR (all P P Conclusion FMR may aggravate the deterioration of LV stiffness in T2DM patients, resulting in decline of LV strain and function. The regurgitation degree and months with diabetes were independently correlated with LV global PS in T2DM with FMR.

We aimed to describe a case of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) as a first presenting sign of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) with heart valve aseptic vegetations known as Libman-Sacks endocarditis. A 39-year-old man was referred for left eye decreased visual acuity and pain, upon examination left eye high intraocular pressure; rubeosis iridis of both eyes (BE); and prominent retinal ischemia. Clinical and fluorescein angiography findings established the diagnosis of left eye NVG with vaso-occlusive disease in BE. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head showed widespread ischemic lesions and hemorrhagic foci. The transesophageal echocardiogram showed 2 big mitral valve lesions consistent with the diagnosis of Libman-Sacks endocarditis. Laboratory and clinical diagnosis of CAPS and suspected SLE was confirmed, and treatment with anticoagulants and IV steroids was initiated. This case demonstrates that severe vaso-occlusive retinopathy with severe brain ischemia should raise the suspicion of systemic autoimmune pro-coagulative diseases with heart valve aseptic vegetations.

Background. Mitral valve disease surgery is an evolving field with multiple possible interventions. There is an increasing body of evidence regarding the optimal strategy in secondary mitral regurgitation where the pathology lies within the ventricle. We conducted a systematic review to identify the benefits and limitations of each surgical option. Methods. A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify pertinent randomized controlled trials (RCTs), propensity-matched observational series, and meta-analyses which were considered initially and followed by unmatched observational series using the MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Results. We identified 6 different strategies for treating secondary mitral valve regurgitation: mitral valve replacement, restrictive mitral annuloplasty, surgical revascularization (with and without mitral annuloplasty), subvalvular procedures (papillary muscle approximation, papillary muscle relocation, ring and string procedure), and procedures directly targeting the mitral valve (edge-to-edge repair and anterior leaflet enlargement) alongside transcatheter heart valve therapy. We also highlighted the role of left ventricular assist devices in the management of this condition. The benefits and limitations of each intervention are highlighted. Conclusion. There is currently no unanimous and shared strategy for the optimal treatment of patients with secondary IMR. The management of patients with secondary mitral regurgitation must be entrusted to a multidisciplinary Heart Team to ensure ideal intervention and patient matching for the best outcomes.

Highlights. The morphology and elemental composition of calcium deposits formed in the tissues of epoxytreated aortic and mitral bioprostheses do not differ from those in the mineralized matrix of stenotic human aortic valve leaflets. Despite similar elemental composition of mineral deposits in the KemCor and UniLine bioprostheses, the morphology of these calcifications differs between bioprosthetic heart valve substitutes and, apparently, is associated with the specific structure of the fibrous matrix of the biological tissues that are used for their manufacturing.Aim. To analyze the morphology and elemental composition of mineral deposits formed in epoxy-treated aortic and mitral bioprosthetic heart valves made from xenoaortic or xenopericardial material and to compare the obtained findings with the data on calcified human aortic valve.Methods. Leaflets of the mitral and aortic bioprosthetic heart valves KemCor and UniLine (NeoKor, L Russia, Kemerovo) that were explanted due to their failure, as well as leaflets of the calcified native aortic valve were evaluated. The morphology of calcifications was studied by scanning electron microscopy using an S-3400N microscope (Hitachi, Japan). The elemental composition of calcium deposits was studied by electron probe microanalysis using Hitachi S-3400N microscope with energy dispersive spectrometer Bruker XFlash 4010 (Bruker, Germany).Results. Large calcifications located at the internal layers of samples were surrounded by collagen fibers commonly with evident signs of the onset of mineralization. Calcium deposits in the native aortic valve and xenoartic bioprostheses KemCor were located mainly at the spongy layer and had a loose structure, while dense lamellar deposits were found at the leaflets of pericardial bioprostheses UniLine. The elemental composition of calcium deposits showed the presence of Ca, P, O, Mg, and Na in the mineralized regions and the presence of S in the regions of low electron density. The calcium to phosphorus ratio (Ca:P) in the calcifications of the aortic valve leaflets was 1.81 (1.79-1.84; min - 1.48; max - 2.05), whereas the Ca:P ratios in the UniLine and KemCor bioprostheses were 1.78 (1.75-1.86; min - 1.52; max - 2.03) and 1.82 (1.81-1.88; min - 1.71; max - 2.06), respectively. There were no significant differences in the Ca:P ratios between calcifications in the study groups (p>0.05).Conclusion. Calcium deposits detected in epoxy-treated bioprostheses and human aortic valve appeared to be formed under dystrophic calcification. The morphology of calcifications in bioprostheses depended on the type of biological tissue. None correlations between the morphological structure of calcifications and the implantation position were found in bioprosthetic leaflets. The elemental composition of mineral deposits was similar in all study samples.

OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of the Allegra transcatheter heart valve (THV) for the treatment of severe aortic valve stenosis in a large patient population treated under real-world conditions. BACKGROUND The Allegra is a novel self-expanding THV with supra-annular bovine leaflets. The valve is available in three different sizes (23, 27, and 31 mm), all are delivered through an 18F sheath. METHODS Consecutive patients undergoing TAVR with the Allegra THV were enrolled in a multicenter-registry. Data were collected throughout initial hospital-stay and at 30-day follow-up. Clinical endpoints were defined according to the updated definitions of the Valve-Academic-Research-Consortium. RESULTS This registry included 255 patients (mean age 83 ± 6 years, 48% women) from four European centers. Median European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II score (EuroSCORE II) was 3.3% (IQR 1.9-5.8%). Acute device success was 95.7%. The remaining 11 patients had either moderate paravalvular regurgitation immediately after the procedure (7 patients) or the device could not be optimal positioned requiring implantation of a second THV (4 patients). Major vascular complications and major/life-threatening bleedings occurred in 10 (3.9%) and 12 (4.7%) patients, respectively. At 30 day follow-up, mean effective orifice area was 2.2 ± 0.5 cm2 , mean gradient was 6.9 ± 3.8 mmHg, 7 (3.3%) patients had more than mild paravalvular leakage, 3 patients (1.2%) had died, 6 patients (2.4%) had a stroke and 30 (12.8%) patients had required implantation of a new permanent pacemaker. CONCLUSIONS Transfemoral implantation of the Allegra THV resulted in favorable clinical and echocardiographic outcomes during hospitalization and short-term follow up.

Background In China, where Rheumatic heart disease is still prevalent, two thirds of valve replacements are in mitral position. Before a valve replacement operation is conducted, most patients have reached Class III/IV heart function under the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification system. As the background to this disease is quite different to that of degenerated cases, which are more prevalent in Western countries, the development of an artificial heart valve that is suitable for local patients is very significant for China. In this medium long-term clinical follow-up study, a data analysis was conducted of domestic heart valve production for mitral replacement. Methods A total of 288 patients who underwent mitral valve replacements from 2005 to 2015 at 2 cardiac surgery centres (i.e., The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, and The First People's Hospital of Yulin) were evaluated. All implanted bioprostheses were BalMedic® bovine pericardial bioprosthetic valves, which had been granted marketing approval by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) in 2003. Double valve cases that involved both aortic and mitral replacements were not included in the study. On average, patients were aged 54.5±10.8 (range, 11 to 77 years) before the procedure. The mean follow-up period was 7.2±2.6 years. The study examined the overall survival (OS) curve, and different age group results. To gain further insights into the functions of the valves, the OS curve and the age group results for the reoperation-free and structural valve deterioration (SVD)-free rates are also presented. Results The 10-year OS rate was 65.6%, the 10-year reoperation-free rate was 76.3%, and the 10-year SVD-free rate was 58.0%. In relation to the age group results, younger patients had higher survival rates, while older patients had higher reoperation-free rates and SVD-free rates. Conclusions In relation to the medium long-term clinical follow-up results, the durability performance of the BalMedic® bovine pericardial valve in the mitral position was satisfactory, especially among patients whose heart function was worse than that of Western sufferers. Survival rate, reoperation-free rate and SVD-free rate were used for the comprehensive analysis.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is approved for all patient risk profiles and is an option for all patients irrespective of age. However, patients enrolled in the low- and intermediate-risk trials were in their 70s, and those in the high-risk trials were in their 80s. TAVR has never been systematically tested in young (

OBJECTIVE: Although recent advances in pulmonary valve replacement have enabled excellent hemodynamics, infective endocarditis remains a serious complication, particularly for implanted bovine jugular vein (BJV) conduits. METHODS: We investigated contributions by platelets and plasma fibrinogen to endocarditis initiation on various grafts used for valve replacement. Thus, adherence of Staphylococcus aureus and platelets to 5 graft tissues was studied quantitatively in perfusion chambers, assisted by microscopic analysis. We also evaluated standard antiplatelet therapy to prevent onset of S aureus endocarditis. RESULTS: Of all tissues, bovine pericardium (BP) showed the greatest fibrinogen binding. Perfusion of all plasma-precoated tissues identified BP and BJVwall with the greatest affinity for S aureus. Perfusions of anticoagulated human blood over all tissues also triggered more platelet adhesion to BP and BJVwall as single platelets. Several controls confirmed that both S aureus and platelets were recruited on immobilized fibrinogen. In addition, perfusions (and controls) over plasma-coated tissues with whole blood, spiked with S aureus, revealed that bacteria exclusively bound to adhered platelets. Both the platelet adhesion and platelet-mediated S aureus recruitment required platelet αIIbβ3 and coated or soluble fibrinogen, respectively, interactions abrogated by the αIIbβ3-antagonist eptifibatide. Also, standard antiplatelet therapy (aspirin/ticagrelor) reduced the adherence of S aureus in blood to BJV 3-fold. CONCLUSIONS: Binding of plasma fibrinogen to especially BJV grafts enables adhesion of single platelets via αIIbβ3. S aureus then attaches from blood to (activated) bound platelet αIIbβ3 via plasma fibrinogen. Dual antiplatelet therapy appears a realistic approach to prevent endocarditis and its associated mortality. ispartof: Journal Of Thoracic And Cardiovascular Surgery vol:161 issue:6 pages:E457-E472 ispartof: location:United States status: published

Mitral valve disease is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity throughout the world. Many different mitral valve pathologies feature fibrotic remodeling, often accompanied by an inflammatory state. Mitral valve fibrosis is mediated by valvular interstitial cells (VICs), which reside in the valve leaflets and often differentiate into myofibroblast-like cells during disease conditions. In this study, we investigated the effects of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) on mitral VICs, since these pro-inflammatory cytokines have been shown to exert pleiotropic effects on various cell types in other fibrotic disorders. Using biomimetic three-dimensional culture systems, we demonstrated that TNF-α and IL-1β suppress myofibroblast differentiation in mitral VICs, as evidenced by gene and protein expression of alpha smooth muscle actin and smooth muscle 22 alpha. Addition of TNF-α and IL-1β also inhibited mitral VIC-mediated contraction of collagen gels. Furthermore, inhibition of NF-κB, which is downstream of TNF-α and IL-1β, reversed these effects. These results reveal targetable pathways for potential development of pharmaceutical treatments for alleviating fibrosis during mitral valve disease. Statement of significance Mitral valve disease is a common cardiovascular condition that is often accompanied by fibrotic tissue remodeling. Valvular interstitial cells (VICs), the fibroblast-like cells that reside in heart valve leaflets, are thought to drive fibrosis during valve disease by differentiating into activated myofibroblasts. However, the signaling pathways that regulate this process in the mitral valve are not fully understood. In the present study, we cultured mitral VICs in collagen and poly(ethylene glycol) scaffolds designed to mimic the heart valve microenvironment and treated the cell-seeded scaffolds with cytokines. Using these 3D culture models, we found that the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β downregulate myofibroblast and fibrosis markers in mitral VICs via the canonical NF-κB signaling pathway.

The transcatheter tricuspid valve-in-valve implantation has not yet been clarified, and several case series have documented results in patients with tricuspid bioprosthetic valve degeneration who underwent transcatheter implantation of Edwards SAPIEN XT and SAPIEN 3 (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA) and Medtronic (Minneapolis, MN) valves. Here, we present the case of a patient with severe bioprosthetic tricuspid valve stenosis who was successfully treated with the transfemoral route through the 29-mm novel balloon expandable Myval transcatheter heart valve (Meril Life Sciences Pvt Ltd, Vapi, Gujarat, India) system.

Pulmonary hypertension during cardiac surgery is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Inhaled nitric oxide serves as a selective pulmonary vasodilator and has other potential extrapulmonary protective roles. Its effects on pulmonary hypertension and organ functions after adult valve surgeries were evaluated. From April 2017 to March 2000, 30 patients received inhaled nitric oxide therapy for pulmonary hypertension during weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass in valvular surgery (iNO group). The group was compared with a control group of 65 patients who developed pulmonary hypertension during weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass in valvular surgery and received conventional therapy from April 2014 to March 2017. Intraoperative hemodynamic changes and postoperative Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score were evaluated. The inhalation of nitric oxide lowered the pulmonary-to-systemic pressure ratio (Pp/Ps) (p

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess 1-year clinical outcomes among high-risk patients with failed surgical mitral bioprostheses who underwent transseptal mitral valve-in-valve (MViV) with the SAPIEN 3 aortic transcatheter heart valve (THV) in the MITRAL (Mitral Implantation of Transcatheter Valves) trial. Background The MITRAL trial is the first prospective study evaluating transseptal MViV with the SAPIEN 3 aortic THV in high-risk patients with failed surgical mitral bioprostheses. Methods High-risk patients with symptomatic moderate to severe or severe mitral regurgitation (MR) or severe mitral stenosis due to failed surgical mitral bioprostheses were prospectively enrolled. The primary safety endpoint was technical success. The primary THV performance endpoint was absence of MR grade ≥2+ or mean mitral valve gradient ≥10 mm Hg (30 days and 1 year). Secondary endpoints included procedural success and all-cause mortality (30 days and 1 year). Results Thirty patients were enrolled between July 2016 and October 2017 (median age 77.5 years [interquartile range (IQR): 70.3 to 82.8 years], 63.3% women, median Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 9.4% [IQR: 5.8% to 12.0%], 80% in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV). The technical success rate was 100%. The primary performance endpoint in survivors was achieved in 96.6% (28 of 29) at 30 days and 82.8% (24 of 29) at 1 year. Thirty-day all-cause mortality was 3.3% and was unchanged at 1 year. The only death was due to airway obstruction after swallowing several pills simultaneously 29 days post-MViV. At 1-year follow-up, 89.3% of patients were in New York Heart Association functional class I or II, the median mean mitral valve gradient was 6.6 mm Hg (interquartile range: 5.5 to 8.9 mm Hg), and all patients had MR grade ≤1+. Conclusions Transseptal MViV in high-risk patients was associated with 100% technical success, low procedural complication rates, and very low mortality at 1 year. The vast majority of patients experienced significant symptom alleviation, and THV performance remained stable at 1 year.

Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis, formerly known as marantic endocarditis, is a very rare complication of advanced malignancy and other hypercoagulable states in which sterile, fibrin vegetations develop on heart valve leaflets. The most common malignancies associated with this entity are lung, pancreatic and gastric cancer. It has also been described as a presentation of COVID-19, which is known to be frequently complicated with coagulopathy and thromboembolic events. We report the case of a 62 year-old female patient newly diagnosed with stage IV gastric cancer and acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, presenting with confusion and homonymous hemianopsia in the setting of multiple acute ischemic strokes complicating a nonbacterial thrombotic mitral endocarditis. Herein, we discuss the underlying pathophysiology and make the hypothesis that SARS-CoV-2 infection could have participated in the pathogenesis of nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis in our patient suffering from a gastric cancer.

AIMS The aim of this study was to report the predictors and clinical impact of transcatheter heart valve (THV) thrombosis in patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI). METHODS AND RESULTS We included 130 patients who consecutively underwent TMVI. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) and/or computed tomography (CT) were performed in 91.7% of patients at discharge, in 73.3% at three months and in 72% beyond three months. THV thrombosis was defined as the presence of at least one thickened leaflet with restricted motion confirmed by TOE or contrast CT and classified as immediate, early, or late according to the timing of diagnosis. THV thrombosis was observed in 16 (12.3%) patients: immediate in 43.7%, early in 37.5% and late in 18.8%. Most of these thromboses were subclinical (93.7%) and non-obstructive (87.5%). No thromboembolic event occurred. After optimisation of antithrombotic treatment, THV thromboses resolved in all but one patient. Predictors were shock for immediate (p

Objectives The authors report 1-year outcomes of high-risk patients with failed surgical annuloplasty rings undergoing transseptal mitral valve–in–ring (MViR) with the SAPIEN 3 aortic transcatheter heart valve (THV). Background The MITRAL (Mitral Implantation of Transcatheter Valves) trial is the first prospective study evaluating transseptal MViR with the SAPIEN 3 aortic THV in high-risk patients with failed surgical annuloplasty rings. Methods Prospective enrollment of high-risk patients with symptomatic moderate to severe or severe mitral regurgitation (MR) or severe mitral stenosis and failed annuloplasty rings at 13 U.S. sites. The primary safety endpoint was technical success. The primary THV performance endpoint was absence of MR grade ≥2+ or mean mitral valve gradient ≥10 mm Hg (30 days and 1 year). Secondary endpoints included procedural success and all-cause mortality (30 days and 1 year). Results Thirty patients were enrolled between January 2016 and October 2017 (median age 71.5 years [interquartile range: 67.0 to 76.8 years], 36.7% women, median Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 7.6% [interquartile range: 5.1% to 11.8%], 76.7% in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV). Technical success was 66.7% (driven primarily by need for a second valve in 6 patients). There was no intraprocedural mortality or conversion to surgery. The primary performance endpoint was achieved in 85.7% of survivors at 30 days (24 of 28) and 89.5% of patients alive at 1 year with echocardiographic data available (17 of 19). All-cause mortality at 30 days was 6.7% and at 1 year was 23.3%. Among survivors at 1-year follow-up, 84.2% were in New York Heart Association functional class I or II, the median mean mitral valve gradient was 6.0 mm Hg (interquartile range: 4.7 to 7.3 mm Hg), and all had ≤1+ MR. Conclusions Transseptal MViR was associated with a 30-day mortality rate lower than predicted by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons score. At 1 year, transseptal MViR was associated with symptom improvement and stable THV performance.

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common heart valve malformation, and it may be associated with the development of long-term complications, such as aortic stenosis (AS) secondary to valvular calcification and aortic insufficiency (AI), with or without ascending aortic aneurysm (AAA). This study was performed at the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Timişoara, Romania, from 2015 through 2018 and included a total of 105 patients with BAV. Out of the 105 BAV patients, 14 displayed AAA, alongside either AS or AI, and were selected undergo aortic valve replacement (AVR) alongside surgical replacement or aortoplasty of the ascending aorta, and the elastic fiber loss in the ascending aortic wall was evaluated for each patient. Two surgical interventions used alongside AVR in BAV patients with AAA and AS or AI were compared in this study: reduction ascending aortoplasty (RAA) and ascending aorta replacement (AAR). Postoperative follow-ups have shown RAA is useful short-term but that, in contrast to AAR, it leads to aortic redilatation over time. These results can contribute to a major future meta-analysis with the goal of improving the current clinical practice guidelines for BAV aortopathy.

The growing burden of valvular heart disease in Western countries represents a challenge for the daily clinical practice, especially in the light of the ever-increasing number of therapeutic options. The Euro Heart Survey showed that, among elderly subjects with severe, symptomatic valve dysfunction, surgery is denied for 33% of patients with aortic stenosis and for 50% of patients with mitral regurgitation. Current management (from diagnosis to follow-up) is often fragmented in multiple-sometimes unnecessary-steps. Such a "patchy" approach may translate into a suboptimal management, especially in the geriatric population. New healthcare models exist that can coordinate care, reduce fragmentation, limit costs and, ultimately, improve outcomes: the clinical pathways.

Background Rapid deployment aortic valve replacement (RDAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have emerged as increasingly used alternatives to conventional aortic valve replacement to treat patients at higher surgical risk. Therefore, in this single-center study, we retrospectively compared clinical outcomes and hemodynamic performance of two self-expanding biological prostheses, the sutureless and rapid deployment valve (RDV) Perceval-S (PER) and the transcatheter heart valve (THV) ACURATE neo/TF (NEO) in a 1:1 propensity-score-matching (PSM) patient cohort. Methods A total of 332 consecutive patients with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis underwent either singular RDAVR with PER (119) or TAVI with NEO (213) at our institutions between 2012 and 2017. To compare the unequal patient groups, a 1:1 PSM for preoperative data and comorbidities was conducted. Afterward, 59 patient pairs were compared with regard to relevant hemodynamic parameter, relevant paravalvular leak (PVL), permanent postoperative pacemaker (PPM) implantation rate, and clinical postoperative outcomes. Results Postoperative clinical short-term outcomes presented with slightly higher rates for 30-day all-cause mortality (PER = 5.1% vs. NEO = 1.7%, p = 0.619) and major adverse cardiocerebral event in PER due to cerebrovascular events (transient ischemic attack [TIA]-PER = 3.4% vs. TIA-NEO = 1.7%, p = 0.496 and Stroke-PER = 1.7% vs. Stroke-NEO = 0.0%, p = 1). Moreover, we show comparable PPM rates (PER = 10.2% vs. NEO = 8.5%, p = 0.752). However, higher numbers of PVL (mild—PER = 0.0% vs. NEO = 55.9%, p = 0.001; moderate or higher—PER = 0.0% vs. NEO = 6.8%, p = 0.119) after TAVI with NEO were observed. Conclusion Both self-expanding bioprostheses, the RDV-PER and THV-NEO provide a feasible option in elderly and patients with elevated perioperative risk. However, the discussed PER collective showed more postoperative short-term complications with regard to 30-day all-cause mortality and cerebrovascular events, whereas the NEO showed higher rates of PVL.

Background: Rheumatic mitral stenosis is the most common valvular abnormalities found in developing countries. Mortality risk in those populations was poorly investigated. In addition, hemodynamic, morphological, and mechanical factors that influence or predict outcome of rheumatic mitral stenosis have not been identified. Aims: To determine predictive factors affecting outcome in rheumatic mitral stenosis patients. Method: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the National General Hospital Dr. Sardjito, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The study recruited patients from the Valvular Heart Disease Registry from May 2014 to November 2020. New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification, invasive or surgical treatment, and incidence of death were recorded. The baseline rhythm from electrocardiography (ECG) was categorized as sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Based on the findings of trans thoracal echocardiography (TTE), subjects who had moderate to severe pure rheumatic mitral stenosis (or followed by mitral regurgitation and / or less significant tricuspid regurgitation as a natural history) and subjects with rheumatic mitral stenosis with a combination of other heart valve problems (of which severity more significantly) classified as groups I and II. The mitral valve area (MVA), mitral valve gradient (MVG), left atrial diameter (LA), and mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) were then analyzed. Results: A total of 477 patients (mean age 44.08 ± 10.93 years; 71.5% female) were enrolled in this study. There were 61 deaths during the median follow up of 393 days of which 35 deaths occurred in group I and 26 deaths occurred in group II. Kaplan Meier curve shows the 1 year survival rate is higher in group I than group II which is 92.5% and 92%, respectively. Bivariate followed by multivariate analysis showed MVG and mPAP were predictive risk factors for mortality in group I with p = 0.020 and p = 0.021. MVG parameter values evaluated from echocardiography with a cut-off of more than 10 mmHg and mPAP parameters with a cut-off of more than 50 mmHg were independent predictive risk factors for mortality. Thus, patients were at higher risk of death if MVG > 10 mmHg and mPAP > 50 mmHg Conclusion: One year survival rate in group I was higher than group II. MVG and mPAP were risk factors for predicting mortality in group I.

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients are usually excluded from transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) as this valve anatomy likely leads to oval expansion. This study presents a numerical study of TAVI using both self-expanding and balloon expandable transcatheter heart valve (THV) in bicuspid patients with severe stenosis. The simulation framework included a patient-specific anatomy of the aortic root, calcifications and BAV leaflets extracted from medical imaging analysis as well as a realistic crimping and deployment of the THV. Tissue stress analysis highlighted local maxima in the contact area between the inner aortic lumen and the THV stent frame. Flow analysis based on the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) technique displayed the area at risk of paravalvular leakage (PVL). These findings provide insights on the TAVI in BAV and thus represents a further step towards the use of in-silico for the virtual planning of TAVI, aiming at improving not only the efficacy of the implantation but also the exploration of borderline anatomy as the case of TAVI in BAVs.

Little is known about the presentation of structural valve degeneration complicating transcatheter heart valves (THVs). We report a case of acute heart failure, secondary to leaflet prolapse, in a previously well 77-year-old man, 7.5 years after successful transcatheter aortic valve replacement with a 26-mm balloon-expandable Sapien XT (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA) THV. This case highlights that structural valve degeneration complicating THVs might lead to acute presentation with little warning from previous echocardiograms. Calcification might be absent on imaging. Redo transcatheter aortic valve replacement is feasible and appears safe. Post deployment optimization with a highly noncompliant balloon might improve full expansion of the newly implanted THV and improve valve performance.

Background In low surgical risk patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis, the PARTNER 3 (Safety and Effectiveness of the SAPIEN 3 Transcatheter Heart Valve in Low Risk Patients With Aortic Stenosis) trial demonstrated superiority of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) versus surgery for the primary endpoint of death, stroke, or re-hospitalization at 1 year. Objectives This study determined both clinical and echocardiographic outcomes between 1 and 2 years in the PARTNER 3 trial. Methods This study randomly assigned 1,000 patients (1:1) to transfemoral TAVR with the SAPIEN 3 valve versus surgery (mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score: 1.9%; mean age: 73 years) with clinical and echocardiography follow-up at 30 days and at 1 and 2 years. This study assessed 2-year rates of the primary endpoint and several secondary endpoints (clinical, echocardiography, and quality-of-life measures) in this as-treated analysis. Results Primary endpoint follow-up at 2 years was available in 96.5% of patients. The 2-year primary endpoint was significantly reduced after TAVR versus surgery (11.5% vs. 17.4%; hazard ratio: 0.63; 95% confidence interval: 0.45 to 0.88; p = 0.007). Differences in death and stroke favoring TAVR at 1 year were not statistically significant at 2 years (death: TAVR 2.4% vs. surgery 3.2%; p = 0.47; stroke: TAVR 2.4% vs. surgery 3.6%; p = 0.28). Valve thrombosis at 2 years was increased after TAVR (2.6%; 13 events) compared with surgery (0.7%; 3 events; p = 0.02). Disease-specific health status continued to be better after TAVR versus surgery through 2 years. Echocardiographic findings, including hemodynamic valve deterioration and bioprosthetic valve failure, were similar for TAVR and surgery at 2 years. Conclusions At 2 years, the primary endpoint remained significantly lower with TAVR versus surgery, but initial differences in death and stroke favoring TAVR were diminished and patients who underwent TAVR had increased valve thrombosis. (Safety and Effectiveness of the SAPIEN 3 Transcatheter Heart Valve in Low Risk Patients With Aortic Stenosis [PARTNER 3]; NCT02675114 )

There are limited data to guide the most effective anticoagulation strategy in patients with a bioprosthetic heart valve and concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF). The use of vitamin-K antagonists (...

Heart valve disease accounts for one‐third of all heart diseases and the prevalence is increasing due to an ageing population, population growth and advances in treatment methods.1 Heart valve diseases are mostly degenerative in nature and treatment of advanced heart valve disease includes surgery, either percutaneous or surgical valve replacement or repair. The changing disease pattern and expected increase in healthcare burden, and the large number of acute hospitalisations after valve surgery require a well‐established after‐care including cardiac rehabilitation. Issues after valve surgery also include physical and psychological issues. Physical inactivity is a problem for heart valve surgery patients, who may experience presurgical dyspnoea and physical incapacity, immobilisation during hospitalisation, and potential postsurgical complications and restrictions due to healing of the sternum. Open heart surgery is a stressful life event and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is likely to be negatively affected, along with mental health; patients may require support for depressive symptoms and anxiety. Although such problems may also occur after percutaneous procedures, recent studies suggest that after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), patients have much better HRQoL within 2 weeks of the procedure. Several attempts have been investigated to emphasise these issues and both European Society of Cardiology/European Association for Cardio‐Thoracic Surgery (ESC/EACTS) guidelines suggest cardiac rehabilitation after heart valve surgery.2 3 One trial has shown that individualised follow‐up programmes reduce readmissions after heart valve surgery. A meta‐analysis published in 2017 including six trials showed that participation in exercise training after TAVR can increase exercise capacity within the first year after the procedure.4 This is supported by a systematic review and meta‐analysis published in 2019 reporting that exercise‐based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves exercise capacity of post‐TAVR and post‐surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) patients in the short term.5 Current European guidelines recommend that rehabilitation after heart …

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an established treatment for severe aortic stenosis (AS); however, the transcatheter heart valve (THV) implantation depth (ID) is associated with co...

Implantation of a second transcatheter heart valve (THV) into a primary THV is a bail-out situation, but may be necessary. An 85-year-old woman was referred with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS). Echocardiography showed a moderately calcified AS. Computed tomography resulted in an average annular diameter of 22.3 mm and an area of 371 mm2 , leading to M-sized ACURATE NEO implantation. Deployment of the upper valve part was uneventful. During lower valve part deployment, the valve dived into the left ventricle outflow tract with the stabilization arches above the annular plane. With the SAFARI guidewire in place, a second M-sized ACURATE NEO was implanted higher inside the first displaced valve. Deployment was straightforward, with no aortic leak, no mitral regurgitation and the patient had normal hemodynamic parameters. Follow-up was uneventful. Positioning a second ACURATE NEO into a failing primary ACURATE NEO is feasible and safe, with favorable short and longer-term outcome.