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While there is a discordance between fractional flow reserve (FFR) and non-hyperemic pressure ratios (NHPRs) in some cases, the mechanisms underlying these discordances have not yet been fully clarified. We examined whether vascular damage as assessed by measurement of the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), a marker of arterial stiffness, or ankle brachial pressure index (ABI), a marker of atherosclerotic arterial stenosis, might be associated with their discordances.FFR and NHPRs were measured in 283 consecutive patients (69 ± 10 years old). Based on previously established cut-off values of the two markers (i.e. +/- = FFR ≤/0.80 or =NHPRs ≤/0.89), the study participants were divided into four groups (the + and - signs denoting "predictive of significant stenosis" and "not predictive of significant stenosis," respectively): the FFR+/NHPRs+ group (n = 124), FFR-/NHPRs+ group (n = 16), FFR+/NHPRs- group(n = 65), and FFR-/NHPRs- group (n = 78). The baPWV and ABI were also measured in all the participants, and values of2000 cm/s and ≥1.00 of the baPWV and ABI, respectively, were considered as representing relatively less advanced atherosclerotic systemic vascular damage.The prevalence of subjects with ABI ≥1.00 was higher in the FFR+/NHPRs- group than in the FFR-/NHPRs- group (p 0.05). When the study subjects were divided into 2 groups, namely, the FFR+/NHPRs- group and the combined group, the prevalence of ABI ≥1.00 and that of baPWV2000 cm/s were higher in the FFR+/NHPRs- group as compared with those in the combined group (p 0.05). The results of binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that ABI ≥1.00 was associated with a significant odds ratio (2.34, p 0.05) for the FFR+/NHPRs- discordance.The FFR+/NHPRs- discordance appears to be observed in patients with relatively less advanced atherosclerotic systemic vascular damage. Thus, ABI ≥1.00 may be a marker of the presence of the FFR+/NHPRs- discordance.

Background Eccentricity of coronary ostial positions in relation to the aortic valve cusp may influence the target laceration location in BASILICA (Bioprosthetic or native Aortic Scallop Intentional Laceration to prevent Coronary Artery obstruction). Eccentricity of the coronary ostia in relation to coronary cusps of native and valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) was not well described before. Methods A total of 121 pre-TAVR patients’ CT data (72 native valves TAVR and 49 bioprosthetic surgical valves TAVR) was included and coronary ostial eccentricity angles were measured and compared. Coronary ostial angles were measured between mid-cusp line to coronary ostium in CT perpendicular images. Results In the overall cohort, the right coronary artery (RCA) had an eccentric origin in the majority of cases, favoring the commissure between the right and the non coronary cusp (17.0°, IQR; 10–25). On the other hand, the left coronary artery (LCA) originated most commonly near center of the cusp position (0°, IQR; -8 -7.5) In comparison of native and bioprosthetic valves, RCA ostial angles were more eccentric in native valves (19.0°, IQR; 12–26) than in bioprosthetic valves (14.0°, IQR; 3–20) (p = 0.004). Whereas, LCA ostial angle has no significant differences between native valves (−2.0°, IQR;-7.75-5.75) and bioprosthetic valves (1°, IQR;-8-13), (p = 0.6). Conclusion RCA ostia often have an eccentric origin towards the non-coronary cusp, especially in native aortic valves, while LCA ostia commonly originate near the center of the cusp. This finding may contribute to better performance of BASILICA procedures.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of coronary obstruction due to sinus sequestration in redo transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using post-TAVR computed tomography (CT).Little information is available regarding the risk of coronary obstruction due to sinus sequestration in redo TAVR inside a previously implanted TAV.Post-TAVR CT of 66 patients who received an Evolut R or Evolut PRO and 345 patients who received a SAPIEN 3 were analyzed. Redo TAVR was considered at risk of coronary obstruction due to sinus sequestration if: 1) the prior TAV commissure level was above sinotubular junction (STJ); and 2) the distance between TAV and STJ was 2.0 mm in each coronary sinus.In total, 45.5% in the Evolut R/Evolut PRO group and 2.0% in the SAPIEN 3 group had CT-identified risk of sinus sequestration at 1 or both coronary arteries (p 0.001). CT-identified risk of sinus sequestration was observed in 39.4% for the left coronary artery and 24.2% for the right coronary artery in the Evolut R/Evolut PRO group, while those percentages were 2.0% for the left coronary artery and 0.6% for the right coronary artery in the SAPIEN 3 group. In a coronary-level analysis, overlaps between the first TAV commissural posts and coronary ostium were observed in 45.2% in the Evolut R/Evolut PRO group and 11.1% in in the SAPIEN 3 group among coronary arteries at CT-identified risk of sinus sequestration.The risk of sinus sequestration in redo TAVR should be carefully screened by CT, especially in patients with low STJ height. TAV with low commissure height that was designed to achieve commissure-to-commissure alignment with the native aortic valves may be preferable to avoid the risk of coronary obstruction due to sinus sequestration and allow for a preventive leaflet laceration procedure in future redo TAVR. (Assessment of TRanscathetEr and Surgical Aortic BiOprosthetic Valve Thrombosis and Its TrEatment With Anticoagulation [RESOLVE]; NCT02318342).

Coronary obstruction is a major complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Rapid and growing demand for TAVR procedures is accompanied by interest in techniques that may prevent...

Bioprosthetic aortic scallop intentional laceration to prevent iatrogenic coronary artery obstruction (BASILICA) is a novel procedure for prevention of coronary artery obstruction during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) ([1][1]). Most self-expanding transcatheter heart valves (THVs)

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement has been developed as an emerging technique to treat patients with aortic valve disease. However, safety and outcome data on extremely small transcatheter heart valves (THV) is limited. We aimed to assess hemodynamic profiles and clinical outcome of very small balloon expandable THVs with 20-mm Sapien 3 (SP3).We examined data for all patients who received third-generation SP3 THV at a single hospital. Complications and clinical outcomes were defined based on the VARC-2 criteria. Postoperative prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) was defined as indexed effective orifice area (EOA) The 20-mm group included significantly higher number of Asian and female populations with lower body surface area. The baseline CT annular area in the 20-mm group was 316.5 ± 24.9 mm2. There was no significant difference between groups in procedural mortality or early safety at 30 days. The higher procedural complication was observed in 20-mm group due to significant differences in minor vascular and bleeding complications. Despite higher post-THV gradients and smaller indexed EOA in 20-mm group, no PPM was observed in 20-mm group. The mortality at 30 days and 1 year in 20-mm group was 4.8% and 16.7%, respectively.The patients who received very small THVs with 20-mm SP3 did not result in PPM and experienced favorable early safety and midterm outcome in our cohort.

Coronary artery obstruction is a potentially fatal complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement; hence pre-procedural risk evaluation and proper planning are crucial [(1)][1]. Bioprosthetic or native aortic scallop intentional laceration to prevent coronary artery obstruction (BASILICA) is

Coronary obstruction is a life-threatening complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Bioprosthetic or native aortic scallop intentional laceration to prevent iatrogenic coronary artery obstruction (BASILICA) seems to be an effective approach for preventing coronary obstruction by maintaining blood flow towards the coronary artery by an intentionally created leaflet laceration. In this report, we aimed to provide step-by-step guidance on how to perform a BASILICA procedure. The technique includes several steps that can be challenging without proper guidance. Assistance by operators who have already performed BASILICA seems to be crucial, and formal proctorship during initial procedures can ensure good clinical outcomes.

Objectives We sought to document aortic cusps fluoroscopic projections and their distributions using leaflet alignment which is a novel concept to optimize visualization of leaflets and for guiding BASILICA (bioprosthetic or native aortic scallop intentional laceration to prevent coronary artery obstruction) and determine whether these projections were feasible in catheter laboratory. Background Optimal fluoroscopic projections of aortic valve cusps have not been well described. Methods A total of 128 pre-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (pre-TAVR) computed tomographies (CT) (72 native valves and 56 bioprosthetic surgical valves) were analyzed. Using CT software (3Mensio, Pie medical imaging, the Netherlands), leaflet alignment was performed and the feasibility of these angles, which were defined as rate of obtainable with efforts (within LAO/RAO of 85° and CRA/CAU of 50°) were evaluated. Results High feasibility was seen in right coronary cusp (RCC) front view (100%) and left coronary cusp (LCC) side view (99.2%), followed by noncoronary cusp side view (95.3%). In contrast, low feasibility of RCC side view (7.8%) and LCC front view (47.6%) was observed. No statistical differences were seen between the distribution of native valves and bioprosthetic surgical valves. With patient/table tilt of 20°LAO and 10°CRA, the feasibility of RCC side view and LCC front view increased to 43.7 and 85.2%, respectively. Conclusion Distributions of each cusp's leaflet alignment follows "sigmoid curve" which can provide better understanding of aortic valve cusp orientation in TAVR and BASILICA. RCC side view used in right cusp BASILICA is commonly unachievable in catheter laboratory and may improve with patient/table tilt.

Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has been recognized as a potentially fatal complication related to sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Herein, we report a patient of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, with an initial cardiac rhythm of ventricular fibrillation, who was subsequently diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction, complicated with SGLT2 inhibitor-associated euglycemic DKA. The patient survived and achieved nearly full functional recovery. This report calls for increased attention to SGLT2 inhibitors’ fatal complications, as well as their proper use.

The prevalence of coexisting coronary artery disease (CAD) is high in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Our objective was to first determine if the severity of CAD before TAVI had an important impact on post-TAVI outcomes and second, if revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) before TAVI modified this relation. In this retrospective population-based study in Ontario, Canada, we identified all patients with obstructive CAD who underwent TAVI from April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2017. Our primary outcomes of interest were all-cause mortality within 30-day and 1-year post-TAVI procedure. Secondary outcomes included 30-day and 1-year all-cause readmissions. We developed multivariable Cox proportional hazard models, with a robust sandwich-type variance estimator to account for clustering within TAVI centers. These models included an interaction term between severity of CAD and PCI before TAVI. The study cohort included 888 of whom 444 (50%) patients underwent PCI before TAVI procedure. In the Cox models, we found that severity of CAD before TAVI was not significantly associated with post-TAVI outcomes. The only exception was 1 to 2 vessel/s disease which was a significant predictor of 1-year readmission. Pre-TAVI PCI was not significantly associated with outcomes, nor did it modify the relation between severity of CAD pre-TAVI and outcomes. In conclusion, we did not find a consistent relation between severity of CAD and revascularization with post-TAVI outcomes.

Predictors of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improvement after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with a preoperative reduced LVEF are limited.This study aimed to investigate the relationship between preprocedural valuvuloarterial impedance (ZVa), which represents the global LV afterload, and LVEF improvement after TAVR.This was a single-center, retrospective study, which included patients with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis (AS) with a reduced baseline LVEF ( 50%) underwent TAVR. Based on the difference in the LVEF before and 1 month after the procedure, they were divided into two groups: improved group (≥ 10% improvement) and non-improved group ( 10% improvement or worsening). Preprocedural ZVa and clinical outcomes were then compared. ZVa was calculated using preprocedural transthoracic echocardiography data.Among 473 cases of TAVR performed from May 2012 to July 2017 at Queen's Medical Center (Honolulu, HI, USA), 99 patients (improved group, n = 42; mean age 82.0 ± 8.6 years vs. non-improved group, n = 57, mean age 81.4 ± 9.5 years) were included. The improved group had a higher baseline ZVa {4.83 (4.15-6.89) mmHg/ml/mIn conclusion, Zva is a simple, noninvasive marker that shows promise as a predictor of LVEF improvement after TAVR in reduced LVEF patients.

Coronary obstruction is a life-threatening complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement. BASILICA (bioprosthetic or native aortic scallop intentional laceration to prevent iatrogenic coronary artery obstruction) seems to be an effective method for preventing that complication. In this article, we describe how to assess patients for their risk of coronary obstruction and how to evaluate for BASILICA, including defining coronary cusp fluoroscopic projections and analysing coronary ostia eccentricity.

In daily practice, the iatrogenic complication hydrophilic polymer embolization (HPE) is under-recognized. An 86-year-old male experienced a distal foot embolization after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Rashes appeared only in the access side foot just after the procedure. Gradual worsening of the rashes was first thought to be cholesterol crystal embolization (CCE), but a pathological examination revealed HPE. The clinical course following the diagnosis was uneventful without notable treatment. We experienced a rare but important alternative differential diagnosis of CCE after catheter intervention.

We read the paper by Landes et al. ([1][1]), which described outcomes of repeated transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures, with great interest. The authors should be congratulated for their important contribution. As TAVR expands toward younger patients, the feasibility of redoing

An ageing population and increased utilisation of tissue valves in younger patients imply that the number of patients receiving transcatheter aortic valve implantation within failed bioprostheses will continue to increase. There are two major adverse events associated with aortic valve-in-valve procedures that may temper the enthusiasm for these appealing interventions. Residual stenosis is the "Achilles' heel" of aortic valve-in-valve, while coronary obstruction is an uncommon but life-threatening adverse event. Prevention of these adverse events is essential. Emerging tools and techniques enable operators to manipulate existing devices and to implant new ones inside them safely. Considering the available evidence, it seems that bioprosthetic valve ring fracture and bioprosthetic or native aortic scallop intentional laceration to prevent iatrogenic coronary artery obstruction (BASILICA) may enable some solution. Until we have prosthetic valves that are both very durable and non-thrombogenic, we can expect that techniques and tools chosen to treat failed bioprosthetic valves effectively will continue to be designed and utilised.

The cause and effect relationship between serum uric acid levels and hypertension can be difficult to evaluate because antihypertensive drugs sometimes affect uric acid levels. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between serum uric acid levels and hypertension in a general, healthy Japanese population who were not receiving medication for hyperuricemia or hypertension. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 90 143 Japanese people (men, 49.1%; age, 46.3±12.0 years) undergoing an annual medical examination at St Luke's International Hospital Center for Preventive Medicine, Tokyo, between January 2004 and June 2010. Of these individuals, 82 722 (91.8%) who had never taken medications for gout, hyperuricemia or hypertension were enrolled. We compared the participant characteristics and prevalence of diastolic hypertension (⩾90 mm Hg) and/or systolic hypertension (⩾140 mm Hg) by serum uric acid quartile. The odds ratio (OR) of hypertension was 1.20 for each 1 mg dl(-1) increase in serum uric acid level after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), dyslipidemia, diabetes, smoking and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Compared with the lowest serum uric acid quartile, participants in the highest quartile had a 3.7-fold higher OR for hypertension. After adjustment for age, BMI, dyslipidemia, diabetes, smoking and eGFR, these ORs were 1.79 (1.62-1.98) in the total study population, 1.58 (1.44-1.75) in men and 1.60 (1.39-1.84) in women. The results were similar for both systolic and diastolic hypertension. Elevated serum uric acid levels may be as important as obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, smoking and reduced kidney function for the development of hypertension and should be considered in hypertension prevention programs.

Treatment of patients presenting with cardiogenic shock due to acute mitral regurgitation related to papillary muscle rupture poses significant challenges, owing to the high risk associated with conventional surgery. We hereby report successful transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair with the new Mitraclip XTR device (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA) in a patient with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock. Although surgical intervention remains the standard of care, the new MitraClip XTR system offers a novel treatment option for patients with papillary muscle rupture by overcoming the anatomic challenges often seen in this pathology.

Advances in coronary intervention have increased the opportunity to intervene on complex lesions, resulting in an increase in PCI-related complication, including coronary artery perforation. However, treatment options for coronary perforation are limited, with delivery of devices to complex lesions being problematic. Balloon hemostasis is the usual bailout method, despite the risk of myocardial ischemia. In this report, we describe an over-the-wire balloon method to treat a patient with coronary perforation. Ischemia was avoided by injecting autologous blood through the catheter, while hemostasis was achieved by prolonged balloon inflation. This new technique is applicable when a perfusion balloon is not indicated.

Although the direct aortic approach is one option in performing transcatheter aortic valve replacement, it is essential to keep a sheath manually in the same position during the procedure. Holding the sheath by hand is not ideal because of the relatively high dose of radiation to the person who holds the sheath. We here describe a unique way to keep the sheath firm with a table mount system.

The relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and augmentation index (AIx) remains unclear. We conducted an observational cross‐sectional study. Subjects were patients who underwent coronary angiography. We examined the relationship between high AIx and several factors. The total number of diabetic patients was 144, and median AIx was 0.256. In diabetic patients, the significant relationship between female gender and high AIx (median cut‐off value, ≥0.256) was found by the multivariate logistic analysis (adjusted odds ratio = 2.888; 95% confidence interval: 1.032‐8.081). The significant relationship between female gender and high AIx was found in patients with DM.

The augmentation index measured by using the central artery pressure is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, no study has examined the role of the time duration of the central artery pressure on CAD. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between the central blood pressure time duration and the presence of CAD. All patients without a history of revascularization or prior myocardial infarction who underwent an elective coronary angiography at one of the two hospitals from January to September 2013 were analyzed. CAD was defined as a significant stenosis in one of the main coronary branches. The augmentation time ratio was defined as the ratio of the reflection to peak systolic time T2T1 duration divided by the peak systolic time to aortic notch T3T2 duration. We analyzed the relationship between the central pressure waveform (not only augmentation pressure) and the presence of CAD. A total of 146 (57.3%) out of 255 patients had a significant CAD. T2T1 duration was longer in the CAD group than the no CAD group, and the T3T2 duration was shorter in the CAD group than the no CAD group. The augmentation time ratio (T2T1/T3T2) was significantly larger in the CAD group than in the no CAD group. The augmentation index and augmentation pressure were lower in the no CAD group, but this difference was not statistically significant. The augmentation time ratio was an independent factor related to no CAD, especially in patients with a high augmentation index (odds ratio, 2.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–4.63). The augmentation time ratio was an independent factor related to the presence of CAD.

BACKGROUND: Short and long term result of Trans-catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for extreme high risk patients are not well known. We investigate difference of success rate, major complications and short and long term mortality after TAVI between extreme high risk and the other risk. METHODS: From 185 patients who undertook TAVI using balloon or self -expanding valve between 2009 and 2014 were included in the study. Extreme high risk was defined as STS score was 10.0 or higher. Major complication was defined as death, stroke, myocardial infarction, unplanned open chest surgery and percutaneous circulation support insertion. Whole sample was divided into 2 groups: extreme high risk and standard risk group. All patients were observed at least 6 months. Success, major complication, and 1month and 12 month mortality rate was compared. RESULTS: 60 and 125 patients were included in extreme high risk and standard group. Mean STS score was 14.8 in extreme high risk and 5.9 in standard group. Compared to standard group, extreme high risk group was significantly older (p

Background: For Medina (0,1,0) and (0,0,1) lesion, stent implantation at ostium of bifurcation may finish with incomplete coverage of lesion and may cause proximal edge restenosis. But if we crossover other branch with stent, additional balloon dilatation for healthy vessels through jailed strut to maintain access route for other branch with single balloon or kissing balloon technique may be needed. So this study was aimed to investigate the outcomes of ostial and crossover stent implantation for Medina (0,1,0) and (0,0,1) bifurcated lesion.