1634 3D transoesofageal echocardiography in detection of anterior leaflet laceration during mitraclip implantation

Background MitraClip is a percutaneous way of treatment of mitral regurgitation. Recent trials demonstrate its value in modifying prognosis of patients with functional mitral regurgitation. During MitraClip implant imaging with 3D TEE is mandatory to guide the procedure and monitoring the results. Unfortunately, laceration of mitral leaflets is a well-described complication of Percutaneous Mitral valve repair by implantation of MitraClip. 3D TEE can be useful even to detect complication of the procedure and in particular leaflets lacerations. Here we describe a case where 3D TEE was capable to recognize and visualize a laceration in the anterior leaflet (AL) and we assume some mechanisms leading to this complication. Methods An 83 years old man with post-ischemic severe functional mitral regurgitation underwent to MitraClip implantation. The mitral valve shows a severe tenting and annulus was deformed and dilated. The procedure was performed under fluoroscopic and 3D TEE guidance (Philips iE33). Due to the large central regurgitation and large coaptation gap, we decide to implant MitraClip XTR, this is the larger device 5 mm longer. Results A single MitraClip XTR was implanted in the central scallop (A2-P2) in the region of the larger jet, after device positioning a further jet was detected in the region of implant and the original jet was unchanged. Using 3D color complete volume and X-plane reconstructions we recognize that the jet originates between the clip and the basal aspects of AL. Without color Doppler in 3D zoom and X plane reconstruction, a continuum solution was suspected in the body of AL but the shadow of the delivery system partially masked the region. After removal of the device, perforation of AL was clearly depicted also with 3D zoom without color Doppler. The patient was surgically treated and inspection confirmed the laceration and shows a worn thin AL. The laceration of AL can be caused by the tension on a thinned tissue carried out by the large device. The severe tethering and annular dilatation with a marked distance between anterior and posterior leaflet at the tip of the device may have been a determinant factor in the tear occurrence. Conclusion 3D TEE can clearly depict lacerations of leaflets during MitraClip implantation. Preoperative extensive analysis of valve geometry and inspection of leaflets searching for a thinned region can avoid intraoperative complications. The distance between leaflets at the expected tips of the MitraClip can be a predictive parameter of tension applied on the leaflets and of the risk of tearing. Abstract 1634 Figure. Image 1