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Background: There is conflicting evidence regarding the effect of residual transmitral mean pressure gradient (TMPG) after mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER). Different TMPG cutoffs have been employed in prior studies with varying results. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between residual TMPG and M-TEER outcomes. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing M-TEER at our institution between 2014 and 2022 were included and divided based on quartiles of predischarge TMPG. Outcomes were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models. We performed subgroup analyses according to mitral regurgitation (MR) mechanism. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization. Results: We included 283 patients (age 76.7 ± 10.8 years, 42.8% women, 78.4% Caucasian, and baseline TMPG 2.4 ± 1.3 mm Hg). Higher baseline TMPG was a predictor of increased TMPG after M-TEER (coefficient 0.60 [95% CI: 0.40-0.70]; P

Purpose: The role of preoperative stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in pancreatic cancer is controversial, and questions regarding the optimal dose and radiation treatment field remain. To better inform future investigations of SBRT dose and radiation fields, we evaluated the patterns of failure in patients with borderline resectable/locally advanced pancreatic cancer (BR/LAPC) after preoperative chemotherapy and SBRT in patients who underwent surgical resection. Methods and Materials: We performed a single-institution retrospective review of consecutive patients treated from September 2017 to January 2022 with BR/LAPC. Patients who underwent preoperative chemotherapy and SBRT followed by surgical resection were reviewed. SBRT was delivered to a dose of 33 Gy in 5 fractions. Kaplan–Meier overall survival and progression-free survival estimates were calculated. Results: In total, 18 patients (12 BRPC, 6 LAPC) were included. Median age was 69 years (range 41-84 years). Median follow-up was 30 months (range 13-59 months). Seventeen patients (94%) had a R0 resection and 13 (72%) underwent vascular reconstruction. Median overall survival and progression-free survival was 42 months (range 13-59 months) and 23 months (range 1-45 months), respectively. In total, 61% (11/18) patients experienced progression at any point during follow-up. Of the patients who experienced recurrence, 27% (3/11) experienced local progression as component of their first recurrence, whereas 100% (11/11) experienced distant progression as a component of their first recurrence. When examining all recurrences that occurred at any point in follow-up, 28% (5/18) of patients experienced local or locoregional recurrence and 61% (11/18) experienced distant progression. Conclusions: Local control and margin negative resection rates were excellent with preoperative chemotherapy and nondose-escalated SBRT in surgically resected patients with BR/LAPC. Distant recurrence was the predominant site of failure with lower incidences of isolated locoregional recurrences. Additional research is needed to determine the ideal treatment volume and patients who may benefit from dose escalation.

Surgical repair of a subclavian artery mycotic aneurysm is dependent on aneurysm-specific characteristics and anatomic exposures could require sternotomy, thoracotomy, or supraclavicular incisions. Alternatively, a median claviculectomy can be used. We successfully performed a subclavian artery to axillary artery bypass with median claviculectomy in a 23-year-old man with multiple comorbidities. Postoperative Doppler ultrasound showed a patent left axillary artery with a palpable left radial artery, and the patient demonstrated full left shoulder range of motion without any significant deformities. This case suggests that a median claviculectomy can produce satisfactory outcomes in patients with subclavian artery mycotic aneurysms.

A 59-year-old male patient with history of rheumatic heart disease with 3 previous surgical aortic valve replacements with the last one being homograft followed by transcatheter aortic valve implantation in failed homograft presented with severe aortic regurgitation and cardiogenic shock requiring urgent TAV-in-TAV-in homograft. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has been reported secondary to aeroallergen sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) and food allergen oral immunotherapy. Gastrointestinal symptoms with food allergen SLIT are uncommon, with no prior reports of cases of food allergen SLIT inducing EoE. Here we report a patient who developed EoE secondary to food and aeroallergen SLIT therapy that resolved with SLIT cessation.

We describe a 78-year-old woman with a large ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair under intraoperative image fusion guidance and real-time transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring. TCD monitoring revealed a total of 419 microembolic signals throughout the procedure, with the majority occurring as the first stent graft crossed the ascending aorta. Two days later, she underwent endovascular repair of a graft type IA endoleak. We highlight the role of image fusion guidance and TCD monitoring in enabling successful thoracic endovascular aortic repair in an elderly woman and in identifying procedural areas of improvement to minimize stroke risk.

Purpose: There is a paucity of data analyzing the anatomic locations and dose volume metrics achieved for surgically transposed ovaries in patients desiring fertility or hormonal preservation receiving pelvic radiation therapy (RT), which were examined herein. Methods and Materials: This is a retrospective study including women who underwent ovarian transposition before pelvic RT between 2010 to 2020. The craniocaudal (CC) distance of the ovary centroid to the (1) plane of the sacral promontory, (2) iliac crest, and (3) the nearest distance between the ovary edge and RT planning target volume (PTV) were measured (cm). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and cut-point analysis estimating ovary location outside the PTV was performed. Results: Thirty-one ovaries were analyzed from 18 patients. Thirteen (72.2%) were treated with intensity modulated RT, and 5 (27.8%) were treated with 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy. Most ovaries were located above the sacral promontory (64.5%, n = 20), below the iliac crest (96.8%, n = 30), and outside the PTV (64.5%, n = 20). The median distance from the ovaries to the sacral promontory, iliac crest, and PTV was 0.8 cm (interquartile range [IQR], −0.83 to 1.59 cm), −3.22 cm (IQR, −5.12 to −1.84 cm), and 0.9 cm (IQR, −1.0 to 1.9 cm), respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and cut-point analysis demonstrated that distance from the iliac crest predicted an ovary to be outside the PTV with an optimal cut-point of −3.0 cm (C-index = 0.82). The median mean and maximum (Dmax) ovary doses were 15.5 Gy (IQR, 9.6-20.2 Gy) and 32.2 Gy (IQR 24.8-46.5 Gy), respectively. Conclusions: Despite most transposed ovaries being located outside the PTV, nearly all remained below the iliac crest and received RT doses associated with a high risk of ovarian failure. These findings deepen our understanding of the spatial relationship between transposed ovaries and dose to inform surgical and pre-RT planning and suggest that more aggressive ovary-sparing strategies are warranted.

Purpose: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a rapid growth in the use of telehealth/telemedicine that will likely be sustained in the postpandemic setting. Mobile health applications (apps) can be used as part of the telehealth encounter to monitor patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and enhance patient-provider communication. Methods and Materials: A systematic review was performed of mobile health apps with symptom trackers. We searched the iOS App Store and Android Google Play using the words cancer, oncology, and symptom tracker. Apps were included if they incorporated a symptom tracking function that could allow patients with cancer to record symptoms and PROs. Apps were evaluated using the mobile apps rating scale, which includes engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information, and app subjective quality. Results: The initial search yielded 1189 apps, with 101 apps eligible after title and description screening. A total of 41 apps met eligibility criteria and were included in this study. The majority of apps (73%, n = 30) were general health/pain symptom trackers, and 27% (n = 11) were cancer-specific. The app quality mean scores assessed using the mobile apps rating scale ranged from 2.43 to 4.23 (out of 5.00). Only 1 app has been trialed for usability among patients with cancer. Conclusions: Although various symptom tracking apps are available, cancer-specific apps remain limited. Future collaboration between oncologists, app developers, and patients to optimize PRO assessment and integration with telehealth/telemedicine encounters to increase symptom recognition and enhance patient-provider communication is urgently needed.

ABSTRACT: Objective: Ectopic thyroid tissue (ETT) is a rare entity resulting from thyroid gland dysembryogenesis. We present a case of ETT confirmed by histopathology that was misdiagnosed clinically as a carotid body tumor. Methods: A 34-year-old female with a history of thyroidectomy for a goiter presented with 1 year of worsening tachycardia (heart rate ranging from 82 to 111 beats per minute), anxiety, hot flashes, and intolerance to heat. For further evaluation, we obtained imaging of her neck, including a thyroid ultrasound, a computed tomography (CT) scan, and an octreotide scan. We also performed laboratory studies including fractionated 24-hour urine meta-nephrines and thyroid function tests. Results: Her thyroid ultrasound showed a mass at the right carotid bifurcation, which was confirmed on CT as well as on an octreotide scan. Her free thyroxine was 0.6 ng/dL (normal, 0.7 to 1.5 ng/dL) and her thyroid-stimulating hormone was 4.51 mIU/L (normal, 0.45 to 4.5 mIU/L). Her fractionated 24-hour total urine metanephrines were 1,502 mcg/24-hour (normal, 149 to 535 mcg/24-hour). She underwent resection of a vascular mass from the carotid bifurcation. Histologic examination revealed ETT with dilated follicles filled with colloid with no evidence of paraganglioma/carotid body tumor. Conclusion: The somatostatin receptor is typically present in paragangliomas; however, there are reports of octreotide uptake within thyroid goiters. It has been demonstrated that psychoactive medications can increase urine metanephrines. Given the patient's psychiatric history and that no other tumors were identified on imaging, it was felt that the elevated urine normetanephrine in this case was most likely due to psychoactive medication use. This case demonstrates the preoperative imaging findings and postoperative pathologic confirmation of an unusual presentation of ETT.

Designed to treat degenerative aneurysms of the thoracic and abdominal aorta, endovascular stent-grafts have been increasingly employed as an off-label emergency treatment for blunt traumatic aortic injury (BTAI). In this review we explore the controversies associated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for BTAI. Early versus delayed treatment of aortic injuries is controversial, and stent-graft repair has further confused the issue of timing the repair. The diagnosis and management of minimal aortic injuries remains elusive. We analyze the available literature pertaining to BTAI, including the recent multicenter prospective trial from the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma. The strengths and weaknesses of the stent-grafts currently available for use in the US are examined to provide insight into which graft may be best suited for BTAI at the present time. Also of importance, we offer recommendations regarding clinical situations in which TEVAR should not be the first line therapy for BTAI. We conclude with a discussion of upcoming trials and new devices that will shape the future of endovascular treatment of BTAI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prognostic significance of intraprocedural pulsed-wave Doppler analysis of pulmonary venous flow (PVF) during mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) remains understudied. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of systolic dominant-PVF (SD-PVF) morphology post-TEER., Methods: In a retrospective analysis from December 2019 to December 2022, patients undergoing mitral TEER were categorized into SD-PVF and systolic blunting (SB)-PVF groups based on post-TEER morphology. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization at 1 year. We investigated the association of PVF morphology post-TEER with the primary endpoint at 1 year using Cox regression and compared the prognostic accuracy of PVF variables through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis., Results: Among 187 patients (mean age 76.4 ± 10.5 years, 51.3% primary etiology), residual mitral regurgitation (MR) ≤mild was observed in 147 (82.4%) patients and 105 (56.2%) had SD-PVF post-TEER. Patients with SD-PVF had a lower incidence of >2+ residual MR after clip deployment, at 30 days (2.1% vs. 13.1%; p = 0.005) and at 1 year (1.4% vs. 9%; p = 0.08). SD-PVF post-TEER was independently associated with the primary endpoint (HR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.39-0.87; p = 0.009). ROC curve analysis of the prognostic accuracy of SD-PVF demonstrated an AUC of 0.64 (95% CI = 0.54-0.73), comparable to other quantitative measures of PVF., Conclusion: Assessing PVF morphology after clip deployment offers a simple prognostic tool for patients undergoing mitral TEER. Multicenter cohorts will be necessary to further investigate its prognostic value., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: The impact of mitral annular calcification (MAC) on the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (MTEER) remains unclear. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of MTEER among patients with moderate to severe MAC compared to those with mild or no MAC., Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases through March 31st, 2024, comparing clinical outcomes of MTEER among patients with moderate/severe (MAC+) versus no/mild MAC (MAC-). We assessed pooled estimates for procedural success, all-cause mortality, residual mitral regurgitation (MR) ≤ moderate, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III/IV status at one year., Results: Among five studies (2533 patients; mean age 76.4 ± 10.9 years, 39.8 % women), MAC+ patients were predominantly women (55.7 % vs 37.5 %, p < 0.001), older (87.9 ± 11.1 vs. 75.9 ± 9.1 years; mean difference (MD) = 3.99, p = 0.011) and had higher STS scores (7.7 ± 6.7 % vs. 4.9 ± 4.6 %; MD = 1.34, p < 0.001). MAC+ patients had comparable procedural success rates, residual MR < moderate, and NYHA III/IV at 1 year. However, all-cause mortality at 1 year was higher for MAC+ patients (Relative Risk = 1.56, 95 % CI = 1.06-2.29)., Conclusions: MTEER is a safe and feasible option for carefully selected patients with MAC and significant MR, offering durable MR reduction and functional status improvement. Significantly higher one-year mortality associated with MAC despite significant MR reduction suggests an increased risk unrelated to valvular dysfunction and highlights the need for further investigation into identifying patients who benefit the most from MTEER., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Sachin S. Goel reports a relationship with Abbott that includes: speaking and lecture fees. Michael J. Reardon reports a relationship with Abbott that includes: consulting or advisory. Neil Kleiman reports a relationship with Abbott that includes: funding grants. Dr. Reardon discloses consultancy roles with Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott, and W L Gore & Associates. Dr. Atkins is a consultant for W L Gore & Associates. Dr. Kleiman is a local principal investigator for trials sponsored by Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Abbott, and Edwards Lifesciences. Dr. Goel is a consultant for Medtronic, JC Medical, and W L Gore & Associates and is also on the Speakers Bureau for Abbott Structural Heart. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for high surgical risk patients with severe native aortic regurgitation (AR) presents unique challenges. Dedicated devices such as the JenaValve (JenaValve Technology) and J-Valve (JC Medical Inc) show promising results in addressing these challenges., Objectives: This study compares the safety and efficacy of dedicated vs off-label devices among high surgical risk patients with pure native AR., Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through July 11, 2024, for studies on TAVR among patients with pure severe native AR. The primary endpoint was 30-day all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints were device success, residual AR ≥ moderate, valve embolization/migration, pacemaker implantation, reintervention, and all-cause mortality at 1 year. Summary estimates were constructed using a random effects model., Results: A total of 34 studies encompassing 2,162 patients (mean age 75.4 ± 0.2, 42.8% women) were included in the meta-analysis. Patients undergoing TAVR with dedicated devices had a lower all-cause 30-day mortality rate (3% vs 9%; P < 0.01) and higher device success (93% vs 82%; P < 0.01) compared with off-label devices. The risk of AR ≥ moderate (2% vs 5%; P = 0.03), valve embolization/migration (2% vs 8%; P < 0.01), pacemaker implantation (11% vs 20%; P < 0.01), and reintervention (4% vs 10%; P < 0.01) at 30 days and all-cause mortality at 1 year (6% vs 24%; P < 0.01) were lower in the dedicated device group., Conclusions: Dedicated TAVR devices for native AR show superior device success and reduced mortality, residual AR, and reintervention rates compared with off-label devices. These findings support the use of dedicated devices as a safer alternative for high-risk patients., Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures Dr Atkins is a consultant for W. L. Gore & Associates. Dr Reardon is a consultant for Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott, and W. L. Gore & Associates. Dr Kleiman is a local principal investigator for trials sponsored by Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Abbott, and Edwards Lifesciences. Dr Goel is a consultant for Medtronic, JC Medical, Boston Scientific, and W. L. Gore & Associates; and also serves on the Speakers Bureau for Abbott Structural Heart. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: There is conflicting evidence regarding the effect of residual transmitral mean pressure gradient (TMPG) after mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER). Different TMPG cutoffs have been employed in prior studies with varying results., Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between residual TMPG and M-TEER outcomes., Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing M-TEER at our institution between 2014 and 2022 were included and divided based on quartiles of predischarge TMPG. Outcomes were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models. We performed subgroup analyses according to mitral regurgitation (MR) mechanism. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization., Results: We included 283 patients (age 76.7 ± 10.8 years, 42.8% women, 78.4% Caucasian, and baseline TMPG 2.4 ± 1.3 mm Hg). Higher baseline TMPG was a predictor of increased TMPG after M-TEER (coefficient 0.60 [95% CI: 0.40-0.70]; P  < 0.001). In comparison with predischarge TMPG quartiles 1 to 3, those in quartile 4 (7.0 ± 1.1 mm Hg) had an increased risk of 3-year all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization (adjHR: 1.53 [95% CI: 1.03-2.26]; P  = 0.034), as well as all-cause mortality alone (adjusted HR [adjHR]: 1.68 [95% CI: 1.09-2.60]; P  = 0.020). Among patients with primary MR, similar findings were seen for the composite endpoint (adjHR: 2.08 [95% CI: 1.15-3.77]; P  = 0.016), and all-cause mortality (adjHR: 2.70 [95% CI: 1.40-5.19]; P  = 0.003). However, this association did not reach statistical significance in secondary MR., Conclusions: In this single-center study, higher residual TMPG after M-TEER was associated with worse outcomes at intermediate- to long-term follow-up. The effect was mainly driven by increased mortality especially in patients with primary MR. Operators should strive to lower residual TMPG before the conclusion of the procedure., Competing Interests: Dr Atkins is a consultant for WL Gore & Associates. Dr Reardon is a consultant for Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott, and WL Gore & Associates. Dr Kleiman is a local principal investigator in trials sponsored by 10.13039/100008497Boston Scientific, 10.13039/100004374Medtronic, 10.13039/100000046Abbott, and 10.13039/100006520Edwards Lifesciences. Dr Goel is a consultant for Medtronic, WL Gore & Associates, and JC Medical; and is on the Speakers Bureau for Abbott Structural Heart. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Background: Increased left atrial pressure (LAP) has been associated with adverse outcomes after mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER). We sought to evaluate outcomes based on differences in postprocedural LAP measured after the final clip deployment., Methods: We included consecutive patients who underwent M-TEER at our institution between 2014 and 2022 with LAP monitoring. Patients were stratified into 3 groups according to tertiles of post-TEER mean LAP. Outcomes were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards models., Results: We included 273 patients (mean age, 76.8±10.8 years; 42.5% women; 78.4% White). The mean post-TEER LAP was 8.7±1.7 mm Hg in tertile 1 (n=85), 14.4±1.6 mm Hg in tertile 2 (n=95), and 21.9±3.8 mm Hg in tertile 3 (n=93). In comparison with tertile 1, both tertiles 2 and 3 were associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization at 2 years (adjusted hazard ratio [adjHR], 2.27 [95% CI, 1.25-4.12] and adjHR, 3.00 [95% CI, 1.59-5.64], respectively). Among patients with primary mitral regurgitation, higher LAP was associated with increased risk of 2-year all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization (tertile 2 versus 1: adjHR, 3.00 [95% CI, 1.37-6.56]; tertile 3 versus 1: adjHR, 5.52 [95% CI, 2.04-14.95]). However, in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation, neither being in tertile 2 (adjHR, 1.53 [95% CI, 0.55-4.24]) nor tertile 3 (adjHR, 2.18 [95% CI, 0.82-5.77]) were associated with the composite outcome compared with tertile 1. Any degree of LAP reduction following M-TEER was associated with lower mortality or heart failure hospitalization compared with no LAP reduction (adjHR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.39-0.88])., Conclusions: Elevated LAP after M-TEER was associated with increased 2-year risk of mortality or heart failure hospitalization. Exploration of reasons for elevated LAP after M-TEER and ways to lower it warrant further investigation., Competing Interests: Dr Atkins is a consultant for W. L. Gore & Associates; Dr Reardon is a consultant for Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott, and W. L. Gore & Associates; Dr Kleiman is a local principal investigator in trials sponsored by Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Abbott, and Edwards Lifesciences; Dr Goel is a consultant for Medtronic, W. L. Gore & Associates, and JC Medical and is on the Speakers Bureau for Abbott Structural Heart. The other authors report no conflicts.

Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Two families of randomized trials comparing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) to surgery for both the Balloon Expandable Valve and the Supra Annular Self-Expanding Valve have been completed to include all surgical risk levels. The result of these trials has led to the approval of TAVR for symptomatic severe aortic stenosis without using risk level as the sole criterion. We have seen an explosion of TAVR in the US to over 98,000 commercial cases in 2022. We have also seen a rapid increase in the use of TAVR in patients less than 65 years of age. With these increases, it is important to ask if they are being driven largely by the data or just the desire for TAVR by both patients and their physicians. Heart team input is a class I indication when deciding between TAVR and surgery. For surgical members of the heart team to appropriately counsel patients, a full understanding of what the TAVR surgery trials tell us as well as what they do not is essential. In this article we will explore those questions., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: M.J.R. served as national PI for the Medtronic SURTAVI and Evolut low risk trials. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare., (2024 Annals of Cardiothoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) and secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) are associated with adverse outcomes after mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair. We aim to study the prognostic value of invasively measured right ventricular afterload in patients undergoing mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair., Methods and Results: We identified patients who underwent right heart catheterization ≤1 month before transcatheter edge-to-edge repair. The end points were all-cause mortality and a composite of mortality and heart failure hospitalization at 2 years. Using the receiver operating characteristic curve-derived threshold of 0.6 for pulmonary effective arterial elastance ([Ea], pulmonary artery systolic pressure/stroke volume), patients were stratified into 3 profiles based on PH severity (low elastance [HE]: Ea <0.6/mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP)) <35; High Elastance with No/Mild PH (HE-): Ea ≥0.6/mPAP <35; and HE with Moderate/Severe PH (HE+): Ea ≥0.6/mPAP ≥35) and MR pathogenesis (Primary MR [PMR])/low elastance, PMR/HE, and secondary MR). The association between this classification and clinical outcomes was examined using Cox regression. Among 114 patients included, 50.9% had PMR. Mean±SD age was 74.7±10.6 years. Patients with Ea ≥0.6 were more likely to have diabetes, atrial fibrillation, New York Heart Association III/IV status, and secondary MR (all P <0.05). Overall, 2-year cumulative survival was 71.1% and was lower in patients with secondary MR and mPAP ≥35. Compared with patients with low elastance, cumulative 2-year event-free survival was significantly lower in HE- and HE+ patients (85.5% versus 50.4% versus 41.0%, respectively, P =0.001). Also, cumulative 2-year event-free survival was significantly higher in patients with PMR/low elastance when compared with PMR/HE and patients with secondary mitral regurgitation (85.5% versus 55.5% versus 46.1%, respectively, P =0.005)., Conclusions: Assessment of the preprocedural cardiopulmonary profile based on mPAP, MR pathogenesis, and Ea guides patient selection by identifying hemodynamic features that indicate likely benefit from mitral-transcatheter edge-to-edge repair in PH or lack thereof.

Capillary-driven heat pipes are an effective thermal solution for compacting electronic cooling systems. We advance such a heat pipe thermal solution with ultralightweighting for mobile applications. In our advancement, the envelope that encapsulates the phase-change process of a working fluid is fabricated via electroless plating being ∼40 μm thick. Furthermore, the wick structure that transports condensate to a heat source via capillarity is also electroless-plated onto the envelope's inner surfaces, creating a 100-μm-thick, microporous layer. This wick structure is sequentially superhydrophilized by blackening that forms a nanotexture on the microporous wick layer. An effective density of our prototype ultralight heat pipes (uHPs), as a measure of lightweighting, indicates, on average, a remarkable 73% weight reduction of commercial counterparts with sintered copper powder wick in similar exterior dimensions (e.g., ∼2.7 g, compared to ∼10.0 g) while providing equivalent heat spreading. Furthermore, the uHP operates at a 25% lower evaporator temperature, due to additional heat rejection to the surroundings through the ultrathin-walled envelope and wick.

Background: Prior studies investigating the impact of residual mitral regurgitation (MR), tricuspid regurgitation (TR), and elevated predischarge transmitral mean pressure gradient (TMPG) on outcomes after mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) have assessed each parameter in isolation. We sought to examine the prognostic value of combining predischarge MR, TR, and TMPG to study long-term outcomes after TEER., Methods and Results: We reviewed the records of 291 patients who underwent successful mitral TEER at our institution between March 2014 and June 2022. Using well-established outcomes-related cutoffs for predischarge MR (≥moderate), TR (≥moderate), and TMPG (≥5 mm Hg), 3 echo profiles were developed based on the number of risk factors present (optimal: 0 risk factors, mixed: 1 risk factor, poor: ≥2 risk factors). Discrimination of the profiles for predicting the primary composite end point of all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization at 2 years was examined using Cox regression. Overall, mean age was 76.7±10.6 years, 43.3% were women, and 53% had primary MR. Two-year event-free survival was 61%. Predischarge TR≥moderate, MR≥moderate, and TMPG≥5 mm Hg were risk factors associated with the primary end point. Compared with the optimal profile, there was an incremental risk in 2-year event-rate with each worsening profile (optimal as reference; mixed profile: hazard ratio (HR), 2.87 [95% CI, 1.71-5.17], P <0.001; poor profile: HR, 3.76 [95% CI, 1.84-6.53], P <0.001). Echocardiographic profile was statistically associated with the 2-year mortality end point (optimal as reference; mixed profile: HR, 3.55 [95% CI, 1.81-5.96], P <0.001; poor profile: HR, 3.39 [95% CI, 2.56-7.33], P =0.02)., Conclusions: The echocardiographic profile integrating predischarge TR, MR, and TMPG presents a novel prognostic stratification tool for patients undergoing mitral TEER.

Purpose: Patients with complicated ascending aortic pathology, including patients with acute type A aortic dissection may be at extreme risk for open repair. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), infrequently used for the ascending aorta, may be considered an alternative in this setting. We describe early results for emergency and compassionate (E&C) use of a novel endograft, specifically designed for use to treat pathology of the ascending aorta., Materials and Methods: This case series evaluated 19 patients (mean age, 68.84±13.12 years; 57.9% female) treated with ascending TEVAR for acute and chronic acute (4), subacute (1), or chronic (1) aortic dissection or pseudoaneurysm (13). Six of the 19 patients (31.5%) were treated under compassionate use and 13 patients (68.4%) were treated under the emergency use exemption. Ten patients (52.6%) received additional devices to extend treatment into the arch and descending aorta., Results: Device delivery was achieved in all patients (100%). Thirty-day mortality and stroke occurred in 3 patients (15.8%) and in 1 patient (5.3%), respectively. In 1 patient (5.3%), with an Unanticipated Adverse Device Event, the aorta ruptured when the endograft eroded into the adventitial portion of dissection site at the posterior aspect of the ascending wall. Devices were explanted in 2 patients (10.5%), 353 and 610 days after the index procedure, respectively. Six patients had endoleaks (31.6%), including type I (n=2, 10.5%), type II endoleaks (n=3, 15.8%), and indeterminate endoleak (n=1, 5.3%)., Conclusions: Delivery and deployment of a novel ascending thoracic stent graft with or without an additional branched arch extension is feasible in patients with complex anatomy and pathology, including acute aortic dissection and pseudoaneurysm. Additional experience with this novel device will further refine the patient population most suitable for endovascular ascending aortic repair for these pathologies., Clinical Impact: This study describes a novel stent graft specifically designed for treatment of ascending aortic pathology, including acute type A dissection. The patients described in this series constituted a group outside the formal US FDA sponsored clinical trial, and were those accepted as part of an emergency and compassionate use basis., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: W.L. Gore is the co-patent holder for different device and consultant.

Background The clinical significance of mitral annular calcification (MAC) in patients undergoing mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair is not well understood. There is limited evidence regarding the feasibility, durability of repair, and the prognostic value of MAC in this population. We sought to examine the prognostic value of MAC, its severity, and its impact on procedural success and durability of mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair. Methods and Results We reviewed the records of 280 patients with moderate-severe or severe mitral regurgitation who underwent mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair with MitraClip from March 2014 to March 2022. The primary end point was cumulative survival at 1 year. Independent factors associated with the primary end point were identified using multivariable Cox regression. Among 280 patients included in the final analysis, 249 had none/mild MAC, and 31 had moderate/severe MAC. Median follow-up was 23.1 months (interquartile range: 11.1-40.4). Procedural success was comparable in the MAC and non-MAC groups (92.6% versus 91.4%, P =0.79) with similar rates of residual mitral regurgitation ≤2 at 1 year (86.7% versus 93.2%, P =0.55). Moderate/severe MAC was associated with less improvement in New York Heart Association III/IV at 30 days when compared with none/mild MAC (45.8% versus 14.3%, P =0.001). The moderate/severe MAC group had lower cumulative 1-year survival (56.8% versus 80.0%, hazard ratio [HR], 1.98 [95% CI, 1.27-3.10], P =0.002). Moderate/severe MAC and Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality for mitral valve repair were independently associated with the primary end point (HR, 2.20 [1.10-4.41], P =0.02; and HR, 1.014 [1.006-1.078], P =0.02, respectively). Conclusions Mitral TEER is a safe and feasible intervention in selected patients with significant MAC and associated with similar mitral regurgitation reduction at 1 year compared with patients with none/mild MAC. Patients with moderate/severe MAC had a high 1-year mortality and less improvement in their symptoms after TEER.

Background: Driven by the ability to avoid thrombolytics and provide a one stop procedure with immediate hemodynamic improvement, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) devices for the treatment of intermediate-to-high risk pulmonary embolism (PE). This study investigated the incidence and outcomes of cardiovascular collapse during MT procedures and demonstrates the role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in salvaging patients., Methods: This single-center retrospective review included patients with PE undergoing MT with the FlowTriever device between 2017 and 2022. Patients presenting periprocedural cardiac arrest were identified and their perioperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes were evaluated., Results: A total of 151 patients with a mean age of 64 ± 14 years who presented with intermediate-to-high risk PE received LBAT procedures during the study period. The simplified PE severity score was ≥1 in 83% of cases and the average RV/LV ratio was 1.6 ± 0.5, with and elevated troponin in 84%. Technical success was achieved in 98.7% and a significant decrease in pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) was observed (37 mm Hg vs 56 mm Hg; P < .0001). Intraoperative cardiac arrest occurred in nine patients (6%). These patients were more likely to present PASP of ≥70 mm Hg (84% vs 14%; P < .001), were more hypotensive upon admission (systolic of 94 ± 14 mm Hg vs 119 ± 23 mm Hg; P = .004), presented lower oxygen saturation levels (87 ± 6% vs 92 ± 6%; P = .023) and were more likely to present with a history of recent surgery (67% vs 18%; P = .004). Four patients were rescued successfully with ECMO and their residual PE was subsequently removed before discharge by surgical embolectomy in two of the four cases and repeat MT in the other two. All five patients (3%) who did not receive ECMO support expired intraoperatively. The overall 30-day mortality was 8% with no death occurring in patients who were salvaged with ECMO., Conclusions: Large-bore aspiration thrombectomy for acute PE is associated with favorable technical outcomes, but the concern for acute cardiac decompensation is non-negligible in patients presenting with high-risk features and a PASP of ≥70 mm Hg. ECMO can help to salvage some of these patients and should be considered in the treatment algorithms of patients deemed at high risk., (Copyright © 2023 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Operative mortality for type A aortic dissection is still 10-20% at centers of excellence. Additionally, 10-20% are not considered as viable candidates for open surgical repair and not offered life-saving emergency surgery. ARISE is a multicenter investigation evaluating the novel GORE® Ascending Stent Graft (ASG; Flagstaff, AZ)., Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess early feasibility of using these investigational devices to treat ascending aortic dissection., Methods: This a prospective, multicenter, non-randomized, single-arm study that enrolls patients at high surgical risk with appropriate anatomical requirements based on computed tomography imaging at 7 of 9 US sites. Devices are delivered transfemorally under fluoroscopic guidance. Primary endpoint is all-cause mortality at 30 days. Secondary endpoints include major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) at 30 days, 6 months, and 12 months., Results: Nineteen patients were enrolled with a mean age of 75.7 years (range 47-91) and 11 (57.9%) were female. Ten (52.6%) had DeBakey type I disease, and the rest were type II. Sixteen (84.2%) of the patients were acute. Patients were treated with safe access, (7/19 (36.8%) percutaneous, 10/19 (52.6%) transfemoral, 2/19 (10.5%) iliac conduit), delivery, and deployment completed in all cases. Median procedure time was 154 mins (range 52-392) and median contrast used was 111 mL (range 75-200). MACCE at 30 days occurred in 5 patients including mortality 3/19 (15.8%), disabling stroke in 1/19 (5.3%), and myocardial infarction in 1/19 (5.3%)., Conclusion: Results from the ARISE early feasibility study of a specific ascending stent graft device to treat ascending aortic dissection are promising.

Background: The latest-generation Evolut FX TAVR system (Medtronic) offers several potential design improvements over its predecessors, but early reported experience has been limited., Objectives: This study sought to report our multicenter, limited market release, first-in-human experience of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with the Evolut FX system and compare it with a single-center PRO+ (Medtronic) experience., Methods: From June 27 to September 16, 2022, 226 consecutive patients from 9 US centers underwent transfemoral TAVR with the Evolut FX system for native aortic stenosis (89.4%) or prosthetic valve degeneration (10.6%). Commissural alignment was defined as 0° to 30° between native and FX commissures. Patient, anatomical, and procedural characteristics were retrospectively reviewed, and 30-day clinical and echocardiographic outcomes per Valve Academic Research Consortium-3 definitions were reported., Results: Of 226 patients, 34.1% were low risk, 4% had a bicuspid valve, and 11.5% had a horizontal root (≥60°). Direct Inline sheath (Medtronic) was used in 67.6% and Lunderquist stiff wire (Cook Medical) in 35.4% of cases. Optimal hat marker orientation during deployment was achieved in 98.4%, with commissural alignment in 96.5%. At 30 days, 14.3% mild, 0.9% moderate, and no severe paravalvular leak were observed. Compared with the Evolut PRO+ experience from 1 center, FX had a more symmetrical implantation with shallower depth at the left coronary cusp (P < 0.001), fewer device recaptures (26.1% vs 39.5%; P = 0.004), and improved commissural alignment (96.5% vs 80.2%; P < 0.001)., Conclusions: The Evolut FX system demonstrated favorable 30-day outcomes with a significant improvement over PRO+ in achieving commissural alignment, fewer device recaptures, and more symmetrical implantation. These features may benefit younger patients undergoing TAVR with the supra-annular, self-expanding valve, where lifetime management would be important., Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures Dr Attizzani is a consultant for Medtronic and Abbott Vascular; and serves as a proctor and is on the advisory board for Medtronic. Dr Chetcuti has received personal fees from Medtronic for proctoring and consulting; institutional grants from Edwards Lifesciences, Boston Scientific, and Jena during the conduct of the study; and serves on advisory boards for JenaValve without remuneration. Dr Fukuhara is a consultant for Medtronic, Terumo Aortic, and Artivion. Dr Grossman is a physician proctor for Medtronic; and receives research support from Medtronic, Edwards Lifesciences, Abbott, Cardiovascular Systems, Inc., and Boston Scientific. Dr Goel is a consultant for Medtronic and W. L. Gore & Associates; and is on the Speakers Bureau for Abbott Structural Heart. Dr Kleiman is a local principal investigator in trials sponsored by Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Abbott, and Edwards Lifesciences. Dr Puri is a speaker and proctor for Medtronic; is a consultant for Medtronic, Centerline Biomedical, Boston Scientific, Abbott, Philips, Products & Features, Shockwave Medical, VDyne, VahatiCor, Advanced Nanotherapies, NuevoSono, TherOx, GE Healthcare, BioVentrix, and Protembis; and has equity interest in Centerline Biomedical, VahatiCor, and NuevoSono. Dr Byrne is a physician proctor for Abbott Structural Heart and Medtronic; a consultant for Medtronic and Abiomed; and has received speakers honoraria from Abbott Structural Heart and Abiomed. Dr Grubb is a physician proctor for Medtronic and Edwards Lifesciences; and has served as a consultant for Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Ancora, HLT, BioVentrics, 4C Medical, W.L. Gore, and Abbott Vascular. Dr Herrmann has received institutional research funding from Boston Scientific, Abbott Structural Heart, Edwards Lifesciences, and Medtronic; and has received consultant fees and speaking honoraria from Medtronic. Dr Ramlawi is a consultant for Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Liva Nova, and Atricure. Dr Khera is a speaker for Medtronic and Zoll Medical; a proctor for Medtronic; and a consultant for Terumo, Medtronic, Abbott, and Boston Scientific. Dr Reardon is a consultant for Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott, and W. L. Gore & Associates. Dr Tang is a physician proctor for Medtronic; a consultant for Medtronic, Abbott Structural Heart, and NeoChord; a physician advisory board member for Abbott Structural Heart, Boston Scientific, and JenaValve; and receives speakers honoraria from Siemens Healthineers and East End Medical. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: Dr Reardon is a consultant for Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott, W L Gore & Associates. Dr Atkins is a consultant for W L Gore & Associates. Dr Kleiman is a local principal investigator in trials sponsored by Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Abbott, and Edwards Lifesciences. Dr Goel is a consultant for Medtronic, W L Gore & Associates, and on the Speakers Bureau for Abbott Structural Heart. The other authors had no conflicts to declare.

Over the last 20 years, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has revolutionized the management of aortic stenosis and has become the standard of care across the entire spectrum of surgical risk. Expansion of TAVR in treating younger, lower-risk patients with longer life expectancies, and treating earlier in the disease process, has seen a continuous evolution in device technology, with several next-generation transcatheter heart valves developed to minimize procedural complications and improve patient outcomes. This review provides an update on the latest advances in transcatheter delivery systems, devices, and leaflet technology., Competing Interests: Dr. Tang is a physician proctor for Medtronic, a consultant for Medtronic, Abbott, and NeoChord, a physician advisory board member for Abbott and JenaValve, and receives speakers honoraria from Siemens Healthineers and East End Medical. Dr. Kleiman is a local principal investigator in trials sponsored by Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Abbott, and Edwards Lifesciences. Dr. Reardon is a consultant for Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott, and W. L. Gore & Associates. The other authors have no competing interests to declare., (Copyright: © 2023 The Author(s).)

Endovascular stent graft repair (EVAR) has revolutionized the management of aneurysms and dissections of the thoracic and abdominal aorta and is considered the first-line treatment in such pathologies. Initially designed for patients unfit for open repair, EVAR and thoracic endovascular aortic stent graft repair are associated with improved morbidity and mortality and a faster recovery process. The endovascular revolution of the aorta continues moving proximally, with fenestrated and branch stent grafts currently in clinical trials for the management of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, and several branched thoracic devices are either approved or in trial for management of aortic arch pathologies. The final frontier in the endovascular management of the aorta is the aortic root and ascending aorta. The first early feasibility trial for management of type A aortic dissection has recently concluded with a multicenter phase 2 study slated for the spring of 2023. The following article updates the reader on the unique challenges of endovascular management of the ascending aorta and a look at the future technologies that will define this space., Competing Interests: The authors have no competing interests to declare., (Copyright: © 2023 The Author(s).)

Endovascular repair of abdominal and descending thoracic aortic aneurysms has become the standard of care due to improvements in morbidity and mortality compared to open surgical repair. Late durability, however, remains an issue because persistent endoleaks can lead to continued aneurysm expansion and eventual rupture, sometimes years following the original repair. Branched, fenestrated, and physician-modified endografts in the thoracic arch and thoracoabdominal aorta have extended the seal zone in order to mitigate the risks of proximal and distal endoleaks. This review summarizes the current state of branched, fenestrated, and physician-modified endografts used in complex aortic pathologies., Competing Interests: The authors have no competing interests to declare., (Copyright: © 2023 The Author(s).)

During descent, a single-winged maple seed (samara) can naturally reach a delicate equilibrium state, stable autorotation, before landing. This article reveals the intrinsic equilibrium of a particular type of samaras in terms of measurable aerodynamic and geometric parameters. To this end, we conducted a series of in situ measurements for the rate of vertical descent (exclusive of crosswind) of an autorotating samara in a natural range of samara sizes and masses. We then extended the range of size and mass by introducing artificial samaras, with discrete mass elements purposely designed to approximate the asymmetrical and nonuniform distribution of mass found with natural samaras. Based on the widened range, a fundamental nondimensional correlation of dynamic pressure and disc loading was generalized, where all stable autorotation descent profiles collapse to a single descent characteristic curve, irrespective of the size and mass of the natural and artificial samara's specimens. Results reveal that for stably autorotating (both natural and artificial) samaras, their terminal descent velocity (expressed as dynamic pressure) and disc loading attained equilibrium at a value that is inversely proportional to the coefficient of lift.