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Background: Conduction disturbances are a common complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Mobile Cardiac Telemetry (MCT) allows for continuous monitoring with near "real time" alerts and has allowed for timely detection of conduction abnormalities and pacemaker placement in small trials. A standardized, systematic approach utilizing MCT devices post TAVR has not been widely implemented, leading to variation in use across hospital systems., Objectives: Our aim was to evaluate the utility of a standardized, systematic approach utilizing routine MCT to facilitate safe and earlier discharge by identifying conduction disturbances requiring permanent pacemaker (PPM) placement. We also sought to assess the occurrence of actionable arrhythmias in post-TAVR patients., Methods: Using guidance from the JACC Scientific Expert Panel, a protocol was implemented starting in December 2019 to guide PPM placement post-TAVR across our health system. All patients who underwent TAVR from December 2019 to June 2021 across four hospitals within Northwell Health, who did not receive or have a pre-existing PPM received an MCT device at discharge and were monitored for 30 days. Clinical and follow-up data were collected and compared to pre initiative patients., Results: During the initiative 693 patients were monitored with MCT upon discharge, 21 of whom required PPM placement. Eight of these patients had no conduction abnormality on initial or discharge ECG. 59 (8.6 %) patients were found to have new atrial fibrillation or flutter via MCT monitoring. There were no adverse events in the initiative group. Prior to the initiative, 1281 patients underwent TAVR over a one-year period. The initiative group had significantly shorter length of stay than pre-initiative patients (2.5 ± 4.5 vs 3.0 ± 3.8 days, p < 0.001) and lower overall PPM placement rate within 30 days post-TAVR (16 % vs 20.5 %, P = 0.0125)., Conclusions: In our study, implementation of a standardized, systematic approach utilizing MCT in post-TAVR patients was safe and allowed for timely detection of conduction abnormalities requiring pacemaker placement. This strategy also detected new atrial fibrillation and flutter. Reduction in post TAVR pacemaker rate and length of stay were also noted although this effect is multifactorial., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Bruce Rutkin reports a relationship with Edwards Lifesciences Corporation that includes: consulting or advisory. Bruce Rutkin reports a relationship with Medtronic Inc. that includes: consulting or advisory. 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., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: The authors reported no conflicts of interest. The Journal policy requires editors and reviewers to disclose conflicts of interest and to decline handling or reviewing manuscripts for which they may have a conflict of interest. The editors and reviewers of this article have no conflicts of interest.

Background: The etiology of transcatheter aortic valve (TAV) degeneration is poorly understood, particularly noncalcific mechanisms., Objectives: The authors sought to investigate noncalcific and calcific mechanisms of TAV degeneration and evaluate their impact on leaflet function by bench testing, imaging, and histology., Methods: TAV explants were obtained from the EXPLANT THV registry and clinical institutions. Hydrodynamic assessment was performed using a heart valve pulse duplicator system under physiological conditions. Micro-computed tomography, high-resolution photography, high speed video, and hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to evaluate the morphological appearance, leaflet kinematics, and calcium burden of TAVs., Results: A total of 14 explants were evaluated: 10 self-expanding CoreValve/Evolut TAVs (Medtronic), 3 balloon-expandable SAPIEN 3 TAVs (Edwards Lifesciences), and 1 mechanically expandable Lotus TAV (Boston Scientific). The median patient age at explantation was 73.0 years (Q1-Q3: 64.5-80.0 years), with a time to explantation of 4 years 1 month (1 year 5 months to 4 years 11 months). Six TAV explants were found to have leaflet calcification (162.4 mm 3 ; 58.8-603.0 mm 3 ), and 8 had no calcification detectable by micro-computed tomography and histology. All samples had impaired leaflet kinematics. There was no significant difference in the hydrodynamic mean gradient between calcified (47.2 mm Hg; 26.6-74.1 mm Hg) and noncalcified (27.6 mm Hg; 15.2-36.7 mm Hg; P = 0.28) TAVs. Leaflet calcification had a weak but nonsignificant association with the hydrodynamic mean gradient (r = 0.42; P = 0.14)., Conclusions: TAV function can be severely impacted by noncalcific and calcific mechanisms of tissue degeneration. Importantly, functional stenosis can occur in TAVs in the absence of obvious and significant calcification., Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures This work was supported by Medtronic, USA, and the Cardiovascular Translational Laboratory, Canada. Dr Sathananthan is the chief medical officer for Interventional Cardiology Therapies from Boston Scientific; a consultant to Medtronic and Edwards Lifesciences; has received speaking fees from Edwards Lifesciences, and NVT; and has received research support from Medtronic, Edwards Lifesciences, and Vivitro Labs. Mr Nigade, Dr Spencer, and Mr Navarro are employees and shareholders of Medtronic. Dr Meier has received an institutional grant from Edwards Lifesciences. Dr Pirelli is a consultant and receives speakers honoraria from Medtronic and Edwards Lifesciences. Dr Webb is a consultant to and has received research funding from Edwards Lifesciences, Abbott, and ViVitro Labs. Dr Wood is a consultant and receives unrestricted grant support from Medtronic, Edwards Lifesciences, and Abbott Vascular. Dr Lutter is a consultant to Medtronic, Edwards Lifesciences, and Abbott. Dr Puehler is a consultant to Abbott. Dr Tang has received speaker honoraria and served as a physician proctor, consultant, advisory board member, TAVR publications committee member, APOLLO trial screening committee member and IMPACT MR steering committee member for Medtronic, has received speaker honoraria and served as a physician proctor, consultant, advisory board member and TRILUMINATE trial anatomic eligibility and publications committee member for Abbott Structural Heart, has served as an advisory board member for Boston Scientific and JenaValve, a consultant and physician screening committee member for Shockwave Medical, a consultant for NeoChord, Peija Medical and Shenqi Medical Technology, and has received speaker honoraria from Siemens Healthineers. Dr Fukuhara is a consultant for Medtronic, Terumo Aortic, and Artivion. Dr Sellers is a consultant for Medtronic, Edwards Lifesciences, and Anteris; and has received research support from Medtronic, Edwards Lifesciences, Vivitro Labs, and HeartFlow. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aortic insufficiency (AI) is a valvular disease with increasing prevalence in older patients. The modern era provides numerous options for the management of AI which is explored here. Traditional interventions included aortic valve replacement with either mechanical or bioprosthetic aortic valves. While the former is known for its durability, it has grown out of favor due to the potential complications of anticoagulation. The preference for bioprosthetic valves is thus on the rise, especially with the advancements of transcatheter technology and the use of valve-in-valve therapy. Surgical options are also no longer limited to replacement but include complex techniques such as those required for aortic valve repair, Ozaki neocuspidization, Ross procedure and valve-sparring aortic root repair. Transcatheter options for the management of AI are not commercially available currently; however, preliminary data from ad-hoc trials, showed promising results and potential use of transcatheter technology in a variety of patients with pure AI., Competing Interests: IG has served as a consultant for Edwards, Medtronic, Boston Scientific and Abbott. HT has served as a consultant for Edwards and Artivion. LP has served as a consultant and received speaking honoraria from Edwards and Medtronic. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision., (© 2024 Argaw, Azizgolshani, Blitzer, Takayama, George and Pirelli.)

Background: Hemostasis for transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is typically achieved using a suture-mediated vascular closure device (VCD) prior to large-bore sheath insertion (preclosure technique). Recently, the addition of a hybrid closure technique using a preclose technique with the addition of a collagen-plug VCD after sheath removal in cases of failed hemostasis has been utilized., Methods: Data were collected from the Northwell TAVR registry, including 3 high-volume TAVR centers. We evaluated a preclose strategy with suture-mediated vascular closure alone ("legacy strategy") and standard bailout techniques versus a contemporary hybrid strategy of suture-mediated closure with collagen-mediated closure bailout. The primary end point was major or minor vascular complications as defined by the VARC-3 criteria., Results: A total of 1327 patients were included, of which 791 patients underwent TAVR with suture-mediated closure alone and 536 with contemporary strategy. The primary end point (major or minor vascular complication) was lower in the contemporary strategy (5.44% vs 1.31%; P < .001). Both minor (3.92% vs 1.12%; P = .002) and major (1.14% vs 0.19%; P = .0196) vascular complications were reduced and the total length of stay was less in the contemporary strategy (median of 3 days vs 2 days; P < .0001). Using multivariable analysis, we observed that vascular management strategy significantly improved the composite primary outcome when adjusted for sheath size, peripheral artery disease, carotid disease, and site of procedure. In the contemporary group, bailout collagen-plug VCD with an Angio-Seal (Terumo Medical) was used in 68 patients (12.69%) and bailout MANTA (Teleflex) was required in 4 patients (0.75%). There were no major or minor vascular complications among the patients who received bailout collagen-plug VCD., Conclusions: A contemporary hybrid strategy of suture-mediated closure with collagen-mediated closure bailout reduces the risk of vascular complications among patients undergoing transfemoral TAVR., (© 2024 Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Mitral annular calcification (MAC) has been an exclusion for many of the earlier pivotal trials that were instrumental in gaining device approval and indications for mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER)., Aims: To evaluate the impact of MAC on the procedural durability and success of newer generation MitraClip® systems (G3 and G4 systems)., Methods: Data were collected from Northwell TEER registry. Patients that underwent M-TEER with third or fourth generation MitraClip device were included. Patients were divided into -MAC (none-mild) and +MAC (moderate-severe) groups. Procedural success was defined as ≤ grade 2 + mitral regurgitation (MR) postprocedure, and durability was defined as ≤ grade 2 + MR retention at 1 month and 1 year. Univariate analysis compared outcomes between groups., Results: Of 260 M-TEER patients, 160 were -MAC and 100 were +MAC. Procedural success was comparable; however, there were three patients who required conversion to cardiac surgery during the index hospitalization in the +MAC group versus none in the -MAC group (though this was not statistically significant). At 1-month follow-up, there were no significant differences in MR severity. At 1-year follow-up, +MAC had higher moderate-severe MR (22.1% vs. 7.5%; p = 0.002) and higher mean transmitral gradients (5.3 vs. 4.0 mmHg; p = 0.001) with no differences in mortality, New York Heart Association functional class or ejection fraction., Conclusion: In selective patients with high burden of MAC, contemporary M-TEER is safe, and procedural success is similar to patients with none-mild MAC. However, a loss of procedural durability was seen in +MAC group at 1-year follow-up. Further studies with longer follow-ups are required to assess newer mTEER devices and their potential clinical implications in patients with a high burden of MAC., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) may persist after a mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) and is associated with worsened clinical outcomes and survival. It is unclear which patients with concomitant mitral regurgitation (MR) and TR will have TR reduction after M-TEER. The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of residual TR after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER)., Methods: Data were collected from the Northwell TEER registry, a prospectively maintained mandatory database including 4 high-volume transcatheter aortic valve replacement/TEER centers. Transthoracic echocardiograms, both pre-TEER and post-TEER, were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of severe TR after M-TEER. Significant TR reduction was defined as a reduction in TR grade by at least 1+ with moderate (2+) or less TR at 1 month., Results: Of the 479 patients who underwent M-TEER, 107 patients with concomitant severe MR/TR were included. Successful MR reduction occurred in 89 patients (84%) and a significant TR reduction in 45 (42%). On the univariate analysis, the only predictors of severe residual TR were right atrial area and unsuccessful M-TEER. On the multivariate logistic regression model, the only predictor variable for patients with a reduction in TR was MR reduction of ≥3+ with M-TEER., Conclusions: In patients with concomitant severe MR and TR, TR reduction after isolated M-TEER occurs in only ∼40% of patients. MR grade reduction ≥3+ was the only independent predictor for TR reduction. Other clinical and echocardiographic variables (including pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular function, tricuspid annular dilation, atrial fibrillation, and presence of a cardiac implantable electrical device) were not associated with residual TR. Inability to predict TR reduction after M-TEER highlights the importance of establishing transcatheter tricuspid valve therapies and should factor in heart-team discussions., Competing Interests: Chad A. Kliger is a consultant and receives speaking honoraria from Edwards Lifesciences and Medtronic. Luigi Pirelli is a consultant and receives speaking honoraria from Edwards Lifesciences and Medtronic. Azhar Supariwala is a consultant and receives speaking honoraria from Abbott. Bruce Rutkin is a consultant and receives speaking honoraria from Edwards Lifesciences and Medtronic. None of the other authors have anything to disclose., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and severe aortic stenosis (AS) is challenging, yet transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as a suitable treatment option in such patients. We compared the periprocedural outcomes of TAVR in patients with an ejection fraction (EF) of ≤20% (VLEF group) to patients with an EF > 20% to ≤40% (LEF group). We included patients with severe AS and reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF ≤ 40%) who underwent TAVR at four centers within Northwell Health between January 2016 and December 2020. Over 2000 consecutive patients were analyzed, of which 355 patients met the inclusion criteria. The primary composite endpoint was in-hospital mortality, moderate or greater paravalvular (PVL), stroke, conversion to open surgery, aortic valve re-intervention, and/or need for PPM. Secondary endpoints were length of stay, NYHA classification at 1 month and 1 year, mortality at 1 month and 1 year, mean valve gradient at 1 month, KCCQ score at 1 month, and ≥ moderate PVL at 1 month. There was no difference in the primary composite endpoint between the two groups (23.6% for VLEF vs. 25.3% for LEF, p = 0.29). During TAVR placement, 40% of patients in the VLEF group required ≥1 vasopressors for hypotension lasting ≥30 min vs. only 21% of patients in the LEF group ( p < 0.01). Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) use during procedure was greater in the VLEF group (9% vs. 1%, p < 0.01)-all placed post TAVR. Emergency ECMO use was higher in the VLEF group as well (5% vs. 0%). Total length of stay was significantly different between the two groups as well (6 days vs. 3 days, p < 0.01). Both groups had a change in LVEF of ~10%. One-year outcomes were similar between the groups. All-cause mortality at 1 year was not significantly different at 1 year (13% for VLEF vs. 11% for LEF), and KCC scores were also similar (77.54 vs. 74.97). Mean aortic valve gradients were also similar (12 mmHg vs. 11 mmHg, p = 0.48). Our study suggests that patients with EF ≤ 20% can safely have TAVR with similar periprocedural outcomes compared to patients with EF > 20% to ≤40% despite higher rates of vasopressor and mechanical support.

Background: The prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients undergoing TAVR varies and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the outcomes of complex and high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (CHIP-PCIs) and TAVR compared with standard PCI and TAVR. Between January 2014 and March 2021, a total of 276 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) who underwent TAVR and PCI at 3 centers within Northwell Health were retrospectively reviewed. CHIP-PCI was defined as PCI with one of the following: left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <30%; left main coronary artery (LMCA)/chronic total occlusion (CTO) intervention; atherectomy; or need for left ventricular (LV) support. One hundred twenty- seven patients (46%) had CHIP-PCI prior to TAVR and 149 patients (54%) had standard PCI. Thirteen percent of CHIP-PCI and 22% of standard PCI cases were done concomitantly with TAVR. CHIP-PCI criteria were met for low EF (19%), LMCA (25%), CTO (3%), LV support (20%), and atherectomy (50%). The types of valves used were similarly divided (49% balloon expandable vs 51% self expanding. Major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular event (MACCE) rate for CHIP-PCI/TAVR was 4.9% at 30 days vs 1.3% for standard PCI/TAVR (P=.09), driven by in-hospital stroke. At 1 year, the rates of MACCE for CHIP-PCI/TAVR remained higher than for standard PCI/TAVR, but was not statistically significant (8.7% vs 4%; P=.06), driven by revascularization. We found no differences between major and/or minor vascular complications. New York Heart Association classification at 1 month was similar (I/II 93% vs 95%; P=.87). Our study suggests that CHIP-PCI can be safely performed in patients with complex CAD and concomitant severe AS.

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of degenerative mitral regurgitation (dMR) and preoperative planning for transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr). TEE is an invasive modality requiring anesthesia and esophageal intubation. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic has limited the number of elective invasive procedures. Multi-detector computed tomographic angiography (MDCT) provides high-resolution images and 3D reconstructions to assess complex mitral anatomy. We hypothesized that MDCT would reveal similar information to TEE relevant to TMVr, thus deferring the need for a preoperative TEE in certain situations like during a pandemic., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data on patients who underwent or were evaluated for TMVr for dMR with preoperative MDCT and TEE between 2017 and 2019. Two TEE and 2 MDCT readers, blinded to patient outcome, analyzed: leaflet pathology (flail, degenerative, mixed), leaflet location, mitral valve area (MVA), flail width/gap, anterior-posterior (AP) and commissural diameters, posterior leaflet length, leaflet thickness, presence of mitral valve cleft and degree of mitral annular calcification (MAC)., Results: A total of 22 (out of 87) patients had preoperative MDCT. MDCT correctly identified the leaflet pathology in 77% (17/22), flail leaflet in 91% (10/11), MAC degree in 91% (10/11) and the dysfunctional leaflet location in 95% (21/22) of patients. There were no differences in the measurements for MVA, flail width, commissural or AP diameter, posterior leaflet length, and leaflet thickness. MDCT overestimated the measurements of flail gap., Conclusions: For preoperative TMVr planning, MDCT provided similar measurements to TEE in our study., Competing Interests: Chad A Kliger is a consultant and receives speaking honoraria from Edwards Lifescience and Medtronic. Luigi Pirelli is a consultant and receives speaking honoraria from Edwards Lifescience and Medtronic., (Copyright © 2023 Korean Society of Echocardiography.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of transcatheter heart valve (THV) choice in patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction., Background: The management congestive heart failure with combined LV systolic dysfunction and severe aortic stenosis (AS) is challenging, yet transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as a suitable treatment option in such patients. Head-to-head comparisons among the balloon-expandable (BEV) and self-expandable (SEV) THV remain limited in this subgroup of patients., Methods: In this retrospective study, we included patients with severe AS with LV systolic dysfunction (LVEF ≤40%) who underwent TAVR at four high volume centers. Two thousand and twenty-eight consecutive patients were analyzed, of which 335 patients met inclusion criteria. One hundred fourty-six patients (43%) received a SEV, and 189 patients (57%) received a BEV., Results: Baseline characteristics were similar except for a higher proportion of females in the SEV group. The primary composite endpoint of in-hospital mortality, moderate or greater paravalvular (PVL), stroke, conversion to open surgery, aortic valve reintervention, and/or need for permanent pacemaker (PPM) was no different among THV choice. There was more PVL in the SEV group, but higher transaortic gradients in the BEV group. Clinical outcomes and quality of life measures were similar up to 1 year follow-up., Conclusion: The choice of THV in patients with severe AS and systolic dysfunction must be weighed on a case-by-case basis., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Over the last decade, multiple transcatheter mitral valve repair and replacement strategies have emerged, yet there is only 1 US Food and Drug Administration approved device, the MitraClip (Abbott Vascular, Inc., Santa Clara, CA). Current guidelines support the use of the MitraClip in high or prohibitive surgical risk patients, but there are many patients that are not anatomically suited for the device. This review article discusses the approach to degenerative and functional mitral regurgitation in the high-prohibitive risk patient, how to choose transcatheter treatment options (both approved and investigational), and potential management for therapy failure., Competing Interests: Disclosures: Dr C.A.K. is a consultant and receives speaking honoraria from Edwards Lifescience and Medtronic. Dr L.P. is a consultant and receives speaking honoraria from Edwards Lifescience and Medtronic. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to report., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: We have routinely utilized minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) for revascularization of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. We examined how this procedure has evolved., Methods: A retrospective review was undertaken of 2,283 consecutive patients who underwent MIDCAB between 1997 and 2021. Patients were divided into 3 groups: group A from 1997 to 2002 ( n = 751, 32.9%), group B from 2003 to 2009 ( n = 452, 19.8%), and group C from 2009 to 2021 ( n = 1,080, 47.3%). Risk profiles and short-term outcomes were analyzed for the entire cohort and for 293 propensity-matched patients drawn from each group., Results: The left internal mammary artery was harvested open in group A but with robotic assistance in group C. Thirty-day mortality was higher in group A versus group C (12 deaths, 1.6% vs 5 deaths, 0.5%, P = 0.044); this difference was negated after propensity matching. Group A had more comorbidities than group C, including peripheral vascular disease (17.7% vs 10.0%, P < 0.001), congestive heart failure (39.6% vs 18.0%, P < 0.001), and a history of stroke (17.9% vs 10.0%, P < 0.001), although diabetes mellitus was more common in group C (51.4% vs 31.0%, P < 0.001). Stroke was greater in group A (1.2% vs 0.0% vs 0.2%, respectively, P = 0.004), as was the need for prolonged ventilation (3.6% vs 0.2% vs 0.9%, respectively, P < 0.001), before and after propensity matching., Conclusions: MIDCAB patients had less comorbidities than in the past. Robot-assisted MIDCAB was associated with lower stroke risk.

Background: For patients with borderline annulus areas that fall between two valve sizes, overinflating a smaller balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valve (THV) may be preferable to nominal sizing of a larger THV., Objectives: To evaluate the outcomes of nominal preparation versus over-expanding an under-sized SAPIEN 3 Ultra (S3U) transcatheter heart valve (OE-THV) in cases with borderline annuli., Methods: 958 patients that underwent TAVR with the S3U at four high-volume TAVR centers between January 2017 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. 336 patients were identified as borderline annuli size, of which 146 (44%) received OE-THVs and 190 (56%) received nominal-sized THVs. The primary composite endpoint included: in-hospital mortality, aortic injury, moderate/severe paravalvular leak (PVL), permanent pacemaker implant (PPM), stroke, or conversion to surgery., Results: Baseline characteristics were similar except for a larger percentage of females in the OE-THV (53.42% vs. 42.11%, p = 0.04). TAVR with OE-THV resulted a reduction in the primary composite endpoint (13.69% vs. 22.63%, p = 0.04). On subgroup analysis, there was no difference between 20 mm OE-THV versus 23 mm nominal or 23 mm OE-THV versus 26 mm nominal, but there was a reduction in the primary composite endpoint in patients with larger annuli that received a 26 mm OE-THV compared to the 29 mm nominally sized THV (9.7% vs. 27.4%, p = 0.02). At 1 month and 1 year follow-up, there was no significant difference in mortality, PVL rates, NYHA class, and/or KCCQ score., Conclusion: Overinflating a smaller-sized S3U THV may be a safer option in comparison to nominal sizing in patients with borderline annular area., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

A shift to lifetime management has gained more focus with the approval of low-risk transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This paper is therefore focused on the different approaches for lifetime management. Herein we discuss the procedural safety, durability, performance, and future options for each lifetime management strategy. In younger patients that elect to undergo surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), options for bioprosthetic failure are TAV-in-SAV or redo SAVR. Among patients that undergo TAVR, options for valve failure include TAVR explant with SAVR or TAV-in-TAV. Additionally, there are patients who may require a third valvular intervention. The initial therapy may limit re-intervention options down the road. This review discusses how options for future therapies affect the decision of SAVR vs TAVR in younger patients., (Copyright © 2021 Japanese College of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures Drs Kliger and Pirelli are consultants and have received speaking honoraria from Edwards Lifesciences and Medtronic. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose.

Objective: Debate continues as to the optimal minimally invasive treatment modality for complex disease of the left anterior descending coronary artery, with advocates for both robotic-assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass and percutaneous coronary intervention with a drug-eluting stent. We analyzed the midterm outcomes of patients with isolated left anterior descending disease, revascularized by minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass or drug-eluting stent percutaneous coronary intervention, focusing on those with complex lesion anatomy., Methods: A retrospective review was undertaken of all patients who underwent coronary revascularization between January 2008 and December 2016. From this population, 158 propensity-matched pairs of patients were generated from 158 individuals who underwent minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass for isolated complex left anterior descending disease and from 373 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention using a second-generation drug-eluting stent. Midterm survival and incidence of repeat left anterior descending intervention were analyzed for both patient groups., Results: Overall 9-year survival was not significantly different between patient groups both before and after propensity matching. Midterm mortality in the matched minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass group was low, irrespective of patient risk profile. By contrast, advanced age (hazard ratio, 1.10; P = .012) and obesity (hazard ratio, 1.09; P = .044) predicted increased late death after drug-eluting stent percutaneous coronary intervention among matched patients. Patients who underwent minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass were significantly less likely to require repeat left anterior descending revascularization than those who had percutaneous coronary intervention, both before and after propensity matching. Smaller stent diameter in drug-eluting stent percutaneous coronary intervention was associated with increased left anterior descending reintervention (hazard ratio, 3.53; P = .005)., Conclusions: In patients with complex disease of the left anterior descending artery, both minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass and percutaneous coronary intervention are associated with similar excellent intermediate-term survival, although reintervention requirements are lower after surgery., (Copyright © 2020 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Percutaneous transradial placement of the Sentinel cerebral embolic protection device (CEPD) (Boston Scientific) is indicated during transcatheter aortic valve replacement to capture embolic material in patients without excessive tortuosity of the right subclavian/innominate arteries. We aimed to generate a quantitative tortuosity index (TI) from the preoperative computed tomographic angiography (CTA) as an objective measure of tortuosity to determine suitability for CEPD placement., Methods: Eighty-one patients considered for CEPD were included in this study. A centerline of the right subclavian/innominate arteries was generated from preoperative CTA scans. Three-dimensional Cartesian coordinates of landmarks along the centerline were used to calculate curvature. Tortuosity was derived as a change in angulation along each vessel segment. Peak and average TI values were calculated., Results: Sixty-seven patients had CEPD placement attempted. Unsuccessful CEPD placement occurred in 3 of 67 (4.4%) patients. The peak tortuosity for the successful, unsuccessful, and visually tortuous (not attempted) cohorts were 49.66 ± 11.96°/cm, 113.92 ± 5.70°/cm, and 70.44 ± 17.01°/cm, respectively. The peak and average TI of the successful cohort follows a normal distribution. A proposed TI cutoff for safe CEPD was peak tortuosity of 74°/cm and average tortuosity of 30°/cm, 2 standard deviations above the peak and average TI of the successful cohort. All unsuccessful CEPD patients fell outside the boundaries. Half of the visually tortuous patients were within the boundaries but did not have CEPD attempted., Conclusions: A novel TI based on preoperative CTA can assist in selecting patients for transradial CEPD. Our proposed quantitative tool may help to appropriately include and exclude patients for CEPD placement., Competing Interests: Chad Kliger is a consultant and receives speaking honoraria from Siemens, Edwards Lifesciences, and Medtronic. The other authors had no conflicts to declare., (© 2022 The Author(s).)

Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures Drs Kliger and Pirelli have been consultants and have received speaking honoraria from Edwards Lifesciences and Medtronic. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, mechanisms of failure, and outcomes of mitral valve (MV) surgery after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER)., Background: Although >100,000 mitral TEER procedures have been performed worldwide, longitudinal data on MV surgery after TEER are lacking., Methods: Data from the multicenter, international CUTTING-EDGE registry were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical and echocardiographic outcomes were evaluated. Median follow-up duration was 9.0 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.2-25.7 months) after MV surgery, and follow-up was 96.1% complete at 30 days and 81.1% complete at 1 year., Results: From July 2009 to July 2020, 332 patients across 34 centers underwent MV surgery after TEER. The mean age was 73.8 ± 10.1 years, median Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk for MV repair at initial TEER was 4.0 (IQR: 2.3-7.3), and primary/mixed and secondary mitral regurgitation were present in 59.0% and 38.5%, respectively. The median interval from TEER to surgery was 3.5 months (IQR: 0.5-11.9 months), with overall median Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk of 4.8% for MV replacement (IQR: 2.8%-8.4%). The primary indication for surgery was recurrent mitral regurgitation (33.5%), and MV replacement and concomitant tricuspid surgery were performed in 92.5% and 42.2% of patients, respectively. The 30-day and 1-year mortality rates were 16.6% and 31.3%, respectively. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, the actuarial estimates of mortality were 24.1% at 1 year and 31.7% at 3 years after MV surgery., Conclusions: In this first report of the CUTTING-EDGE registry, the mortality and morbidity risks of MV surgery after TEER were not negligible, and only <10% of patients underwent MV repair. These registry data provide valuable insights for further research to improve these outcomes., Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures Dr Kaneko is a speaker for Edwards Lifesciences, Medtronic, Abbott, and Baylis Medical; and is a consultant for 4C Medical. Dr Lange is an advisory board member for and has received royalties and speaker honoraria from Medtronic; has received speaker honoraria from Abbott; and is a shareholder in Highlife. Dr Kempfert has served as a physician proctor for Abbott, Boston Scientific, Edwards Lifesciences, and Medtronic. Dr Conradi is a physician proctor, consultant, and speaker for Edwards Lifesciences and Medtronic. Dr Hagl has received speaker honoraria from Edwards Lifesciences. Dr Borger has received speaker honoraria and/or consulting fees to his hospital from Edwards Lifesciences, Medtronic, Abbott, and CryoLife. Dr Taramasso has been a consultant for Abbott Vascular, Boston Scientific, Edwards Lifesciences, 4Tech, Mitraltech, Simulands, MTEx, Occlufit, CoreMedic, and Shenqi Medical. Dr Nguyen has received speaker honoraria from Edwards Lifesciences, CryoLife, and Abbott. Dr Ailawadi is a consultant for Abbott, Edwards Lifesciences, Medtronic, and AtriCure. Dr Smith has received grant support from Edwards Lifesciences; and has received speaker honoraria from Edwards Lifesciences, Abbott, and CryoLife. Dr Anselmi is a physician proctor and consultant for Abbott and Edwards Lifesciences. Dr Ben Ali has received research grants from Edwards Lifesciences and Medtronic. Dr Ramlawi is a consultant for Boston Scientific, Medtronic, LivaNova, and Atricure. Dr Grubb is a physician proctor for Medtronic, Edwards Lifesciences, and Boston Scientific; and has served as a consultant for Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Ancora, HLT, and BioVentrics. Dr Pirelli is a physician proctor for and has received speaker honoraria from Edwards Lifesciences; and is a consultant for Medtronic. Dr Chu has received speaker honoraria from Medtronic, Edwards Lifesciences, and Terumo Aortic. Dr Andreas is a physician proctor and consultant for and has received speaker honoraria from Edwards Lifesciences, Abbott, and Medtronic; and has received institutional research grants from Edwards Lifesciences, Abbott, Medtronic, and LSI Solutions. Dr Obadia is a consultant for Abbott, Carmat, Delacroix-Chevalier, Landanger, and Medtronic. Dr Gennari is a consultant for Medtronic. Dr Garatti is a physician proctor for Abbott. Dr Nazif has equity in Venus Medtech; and has received consulting fees or honoraria from Keystone Heart, Edwards Lifesciences, Medtronic, and Boston Scientific. Dr Bapat has served as a consultant for Medtronic, Edwards Lifesciences, 4C Medical, and Boston Scientific. Dr Modine is a physician proctor and consultant for Medtronic, Edwards Lifesciences, and Abbott. Dr Denti receives speaker honoraria from Abbott and Edwards Lifesciences; and is a consultant for InnovHeart. Dr Tang is a physician proctor for Medtronic; is a consultant for Medtronic, NeoChord, and Abbott; and is a physician advisory board member for Abbott and JenaValve. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (Copyright © 2021 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical characteristics, mechanisms of failure, and outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) explantation., Background: Surgical explantation following TAVR may be required for structural valve degeneration, paravalvular leak, infection, or other reasons. However, in-depth data on indications and outcomes are lacking., Methods: Data from a multicenter, international registry (EXPLANT-TAVR) of patients who underwent TAVR explantation were reviewed retrospectively. Explantations performed during the same admission as initial TAVR were excluded. Clinical and echocardiographic outcomes were evaluated. Median follow-up duration was 6.7 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.0-18.8 months) after TAVR explantation and was 97.7% complete at 30 days and 86.1% complete at 1 year., Results: From November 2009 to September 2020, 269 patients across 42 centers with a mean age of 72.7 ± 10.4 years underwent TAVR explantation. About one quarter (25.9%) were deemed low surgical risk at index TAVR, and median Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk at TAVR explantation was 5.6% (IQR: 3.2%-9.6%). The median time to explantation was 11.5 months (IQR: 4.0-32.4 months). Balloon-expandable and self-expanding or mechanically expandable valves accounted for 50.9% and 49.1%, respectively. Indications for explantation included endocarditis (43.1%), structural valve degeneration (20.1%), paravalvular leak (18.2%), and prosthesis-patient mismatch (10.8%). Redo TAVR was not feasible because of unfavorable anatomy in 26.8% of patients. Urgent or emergency cases were performed in 53.1% of patients, aortic root replacement in 13.4%, and 54.6% had concomitant cardiac procedures. Overall survival at last follow-up was 76.1%. In-hospital, 30-day, and 1-year mortality rates were 11.9%, 13.1%, and 28.5%, respectively, and stroke rates were 5.9%, 8.6%, and 18.7%, respectively., Conclusions: The EXPLANT-TAVR registry reveals that surgical risks associated with TAVR explantation are not negligible and should be taken into consideration in the lifetime management of aortic stenosis., Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures Dr Bapat has served as a consultant for Medtronic, Edwards Lifesciences, 4C Medical, and Boston Scientific. Dr Fukuhara is a consultant for Terumo Aortic. Dr Pirelli is a physician proctor for and has received speaker honoraria from Edwards Lifesciences; and is a consultant for Medtronic. Dr Wyler von Ballmoos has served as a consultant for LivaNova, Medtronic, and Boston Scientific. Dr Chu has received speaker honoraria from Medtronic, Edwards Lifesciences, and Terumo Aortic. Dr Rodés-Cabau has received institutional research grants from and is a consultant for Edwards Lifesciences, Medtronic, and Boston Scientific. Dr Borger has reported that his hospital receives speaker honoraria and/or consulting fees on his behalf from Edwards Lifesciences, Medtronic, Abbott, and CryoLife. Dr Lange is a consultant for Medtronic. Dr Hagl has received speaker honoraria from Edwards Lifesciences. Dr Denti has received speaker honoraria from Abbott and Edwards Lifesciences; and is a consultant for InnovHeart. Dr Modine is a physician proctor and consultant for Medtronic, Edwards Lifesciences, and Abbott. Dr Kaneko is a speaker for Edwards Lifesciences, Medtronic, Abbott, and Baylis Medical; and is a consultant for 4C Medical. Dr Tang is a physician proctor for Medtronic; is a consultant for Medtronic, Abbott, and NeoChord; and is an advisory board member for Abbott and JenaValve. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (Copyright © 2021 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Pre-operative multimodality imaging has become an integral part of the planning and execution of transcatheter heart valve procedures. 3D printing of a patient-specific cardiac model is a novel addition to these procedures. This case report discusses the use of pre-operative multimodality imaging, intra-operative fusion imaging, and 3D printing as valuable adjuncts in the planning and simulation of complex structural heart procedures. We describe the case of a 44-year-old woman with prior tricuspid bioprosthetic valve replacement and mechanical mitral valve replacement who presented with dyspnea and palpitations. The patient was diagnosed with severe tricuspid bioprosthestic valve failure, was deemed high risk for surgical re-intervention, and subsequently underwent successful tricuspid valve-in-valve replacement with a SAPIEN XT valve., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures Drs. Pirelli and Kliger are consultants to and have received speaker fees from Edwards Lifesciences and Medtronic. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is now a mainstay of treatment in patients with aortic stenosis who are considered intermediate, high and prohibitive risk for surgery. Extended use of this innovative platform in treating other conditions has led to its approval in treating degenerated aortic bioprosthesis. Similarly, use of transcatheter devices in treating degenerated mitral bioprosthesis and failed mitral valve repairs with annuloplasty rings has opened a potential alternative to surgery in these patients. Experience in mitral valve-in-valve (MVIV) and valve-in-ring (VIR), while still limited, is on the rise. Although similar in many ways to the aortic VIV, it is different with respect to patient selection, planning and procedural steps. Familiarity with the bioprosthetic properties and dimensions can help an operator choose an appropriate transcatheter device and deploy it in an ideal position. Due to greater variability in construction and properties, mitral rings have led to poorer results compared to mitral valve-in-valve. Understanding the properties of mitral rings is critical and has been simplified by us in a stepwise manner. We also describe steps in patient preparation and procedure, which should help operators in performing this procedure. Certain unique complications, such as left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and risk of embolization, are discussed with tips to address these issues. Once these steps are followed, the procedure can be performed with minimal risk and good outcome., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2021 Annals of Cardiothoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: Valve-in-valve (ViV) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become a valuable option in patients with bioprosthetic failure. However, potential issues with ViV TAVR may occur in patients with high-risk anatomy for coronary obstruction and patients with baseline smaller bioprosthetic valves at risk for patient prosthesis mismatch. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to use preoperative electrocardiography-gated, multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in patients undergoing isolated surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) to (1) identify which would be high risk for coronary occlusion with ViV TAVR, and (2) predict intraoperative SAVR sizing., Methods: Among 223 patients from our institutions' database that underwent SAVR for aortic insufficiency (AI) or aortic stenosis (AS) between January 2012 and January 2020, 48 patients had MDCT imaging before surgery (AI; n = 31, AS; n = 17). Of all patients, 67% (n = 32) were bicuspid morphology., Results: With the use of virtual valve implantation, all patients with AI and bicuspid AS had feasible anatomy for ViV TAVR, while 38% of patients with tricuspid AS were high risk for coronary obstruction. There was a strong correlation between actual valve size implanted and preoperative MDCT measurements using annulus average diameter, area, and/or perimeter., Conclusion: Preoperative MDCT in patients undergoing SAVR is a useful tool for lifetime management, particularly in patients with tricuspid AS. Decisions for surgical management may change based on MDCT's ability to predict intraoperative SAVR size and determine which patients may be high-risk candidates for future ViV TAVR due to coronary artery obstruction., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) constitutes a left internal mammary artery graft to the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery, coupled with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for non-LAD lesions. This management strategy is not commonly offered to patients with complex multivessel disease. Our objective was to evaluate 8-year survival in patients with triple-vessel disease (TVD) treated by HCR, compared with that of concurrent matched patients managed by traditional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or multivessel PCI., Methods: A retrospective review was undertaken of 4805 patients with TVD who presented between January 2009 and December 2016. A cohort of 100 patients who underwent HCR were propensity-matched with patients treated by CABG or multivessel PCI. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 8 years., Results: Patients with TVD who underwent HCR had similar 8-year mortality (5.0%) as did those with CABG (4.0%) or multivessel PCI (9.0%). A composite endpoint of death, repeat revascularization, and new myocardial infarction, was not significantly different between patient groups (HCR 21.0% vs CABG 15.0%, P = .36; HCR 21.0% vs PCI 25.0%, P = .60). Despite a higher baseline synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with taxus and cardiac surgery(SYNTAX) score, HCR was able to achieve a lower residual SYNTAX score than multivessel PCI (P = .001)., Conclusions: In select patients with TVD, long-term survival and FREEDOM from major adverse cardiovascular events after HCR are similar to that seen after traditional CABG or multivessel PCI. HCR should be considered for patients with multivessel disease, presuming a low residual SYNTAX score can be achieved., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objective: There is a high prevalence of concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD) and aortic stenosis (AS), and these conditions can be treated with a variety of invasive and/or percutaneous approaches. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of a staged transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) after a hybrid minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery (MIDCAB) to treat combined complex CAD and AS., Methods: Six patients with concomitant CAD and severe AS underwent staged treatment of their CAD with MIDCAB and TAVR. All patients had significant complex left main or left anterior descending artery (LAD) stenosis deemed to be not amenable to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)., Results: The average syntax score was 22±8 and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons score for surgical AVR was 8±3%. All patients underwent a single vessel MIDCAB for revascularization of the LAD (three patients required additional PCI for non-LAD disease). Two patients had pre-TAVR balloon aortic valvuloplasty and one patient also required treatment of severe mitral valve regurgitation with percutaneous edge-to-edge repair (the MitraClip). There was no intraprocedural or hospital mortality. No neurological deficits or vascular complications were recorded., Conclusions: A hybrid staged approach for combined complex CAD and severe AS with MIDCAB, PCI, and TAVR is a valid option in high-risk patients. The order and timing of these procedures must be tailored to the patient's clinical symptoms, stability, and severity of disease.

Galactorrhea, or nonpuerperal lactation, is a rare complication that can occur after trauma to the chest wall. Although galactorrhea has been reported after thoracic surgery, it has not been previously noted as a potential outcome following cardiac surgery. We present a unique case of hyperprolactinemic galactorrhea experienced by a 39-year-old nongravid female patient after having undergone reoperative mitral valve replacement via a right minithoracotomy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of spontaneous lactation occurring after cardiac surgery.

Background: There is, as yet, no broad consensus regarding the optimal surgical approach for patients requiring reoperative mitral valve surgery. Consequently, we sought to evaluate the perioperative outcomes for patients undergoing redo mitral surgery via right mini thoracotomy as compared with traditional resternotomy., Methods: A comprehensive retrospective review of our prospectively collected database was undertaken from January 2011 to December 2017. We propensity matched 90 patients who underwent reoperative mitral valve surgery via right mini thoracotomy with a concurrent cohort of patients who had redo median sternotomy. Intraoperative data and short-term clinical outcomes were analyzed., Results: The 30-day mortality was 3.3% (six deaths) in the entire cohort, not significantly different between redo sternotomy and mini thoracotomy groups. Patients who had their procedure via right mini thoracotomy had reduced intensive care unit (P = .029) and overall hospital (P < .0001) lengths of stay, a diminished requirement for perioperative transfusion (P = .023), and a trend towards faster postoperative extubation. Right thoracotomy patients experienced shorter cardiopulmonary bypass (P = .012) and cardiac arrest (P < .0001) times than did the sternotomy cases. Peripheral cannulation was utilized more frequently in the mini thoracotomy group, as were fibrillatory arrest techniques., Conclusion: Reoperative mitral valve surgery via right mini thoracotomy is safe, and is associated with shorter extracorporeal circulation times, reduced transfusion, and faster postoperative recovery., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objective: We sought to evaluate midterm survival data and resource use for patients who received hybrid coronary revascularization for 2-vessel coronary disease (robotic-assisted left internal thoracic artery graft to left anterior descending coronary artery (minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass), coupled with a stent to the circumflex or right coronary artery), compared with a concurrent cohort who had traditional coronary artery bypass grafting., Methods: A comprehensive retrospective review was undertaken of our prospectively collected database from January 2009 to December 2016. We propensity matched 207 patients who underwent hybrid coronary revascularization for double-vessel disease with patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. Eight-year survival data were obtained from the National Death Index., Results: Thirty-day mortality was 1 patient (0.5%) in each of the hybrid coronary revascularization and coronary artery bypass grafting groups. Eight-year survival for the hybrid coronary revascularization group was 187 of 207 patients (90.3%) compared with 182 of 207 patients (87.9%) for the coronary artery bypass grafting cohort. End-stage renal disease independently predicted late mortality in all patients (overall hazard ratio, 5.60, P < .001; hybrid coronary revascularization hazard ratio, 5.58, P = .002; coronary artery bypass grafting hazard ratio, 4.59, P = .006). Female patients who underwent hybrid coronary revascularization had a higher incidence of late death (hazard ratio, 2.47, P = .05). Length of stay and perioperative transfusion requirements were lower in the hybrid coronary revascularization group (P < .0001)., Conclusions: Hybrid coronary revascularization for double-vessel coronary disease is associated with similar short-term outcomes and intermediate-term survival as traditional coronary artery bypass grafting. Hybrid coronary revascularization is associated with lower transfusion requirements and a shorter length of stay than coronary artery bypass grafting., (Copyright © 2018 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Since the inception of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), there have been significant reductions in complications due to improvements of transcatheter heart valve (THV) designs and technologies. Given expanding TAVR applications, reducing complications further and better understanding THV durability has become a focus within the structural heart space. Recently, dedicated cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CTA) performed at 1 month post-TAVR has identified subclinical leaflet thrombosis (SLT), with rates as high as 40%. From the SLT imaging hallmarks of hypoattenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) to hypoattenuation affecting motion (HAM), a postulated timeline of THV thrombosis advancing to clinical symptoms can be recognized. This review article focuses on leaflet thrombosis particularly following TAVR explaining the spectrum of this disease process, its diagnosis, current treatment options, and future directions in the field., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objectives: Iliofemoral arteries have been the preferred access for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). When these arteries are too small, calcified or tortuous, an alternative access must be considered. Transinnominate (TI) access is an extrathoracic approach that does not require manipulation of major neurovascular structures or the apex. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TI TAVR as an alternative access in patients with severe aortic stenosis not amenable to a transfemoral approach., Methods: Thirteen patients with severe aortic stenosis underwent TI TAVR between February 2016 and January 2017 at our institution. The average Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score was 7.7 ± 4.5%. Eight patients had previous surgical revascularization, 7 of which involved the left thoracic artery. All patients underwent preoperative computed tomography angiography that revealed significant atheromatous and calcific disease of the iliofemoral vessels and/or the descending aorta. The innominate artery was found to be of appropriate calibre (>10 mm), free of plaque and easy to access via surgical incision. Fusion multimodality imaging was utilized in all cases to guide the procedure., Results: The innominate artery was accessed via a 2-inch right parasternal supraclavicular incision. Nine self-expandable valves and 4 balloon-expandable valves were implanted. Procedural success occurred in all cases without intraprocedural and in-hospital mortality. No neurological deficits or vascular complications were recorded; postoperative bleeding was trivial. Ten patients were discharged on Day 3 and 3 patients who required PPM on Day 5., Conclusions: TI approach represents a safe, reproducible and minimally invasive hybrid technique for TAVR in high-risk patients. In our early experience, surgical trauma and perioperative complications are minimal with rapid patient recovery., (© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

We describe a novel robotically assisted minimally invasive surgical technique for repair of partial anomalous pulmonary vein connection (PAPVC). Partial anomalous pulmonary vein connection is a rare congenital anomaly that consists in drainage of one or more pulmonary veins into the systemic venous system. Traditionally, large thoracotomy incision and sometimes establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass are needed to redirect the abnormal pulmonary vein to the left-sided reservoir. We describe a robotically assisted, minimally invasive, off-pump technique for the treatment of the left PAPVC in a 57-year-old patient with signs of progressive right ventricular dilatation. The Da Vinci robot was used for mediastinal dissection and isolation of the distal aspect of the left superior anomalous pulmonary vein from the brachiocephalic vein. Through a left minithoracotomy, under direct vision, the pulmonary vein was reanastomosed to the left atrial appendage, thus reconstituting a normal venous return pattern. The use of the da Vinci robot is a valid adjunct for correction of the left PAPVC. It helps mediastinal dissection and allows reconnection of the pulmonary vein to the left venous system via a small thoracotomic incision and without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.