Transaortic transcatheter aortic valve implantation within a previous bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement

This report documents the first reported case of transaortic transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) using the CoreValve ReValving system (Medtronic CoreValve System, Luxembourg), within a previous bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement. TAVI has become a recognized percutaneous treatment for patients with severe native or bioprosthetic aortic valve stenosis. However, as the number of patients screened for TAVI increases, a number of patients are found with absolutely no option for peripheral arterial access, either from the femoral or subclavian routes. Transaortic CoreValve placement offers an alternate minimally invasive hybrid surgical/interventional technique when peripheral access is not possible. A CoreValve prosthesis was implanted via the transaortic route in an 81‐year‐old woman with severe bioprosthetic aortic valve stenosis (21 mm Mitroflow pericardial valve, peak instantaneous gradient of 99 mmHg, effective valve orifice area (EOA) of 0.3 cm², as ilio‐femoral and left subclavian angiography revealed small calibre vessels (<6 mm). Access was achieved via a mini thoracotomy via the left anterior second intercostal space. The procedure went without complication. Post procedure the patient was transferred directly to the Cardiac Care Unit for recuperation. Post procedure echocardiography showed that the TAVI was well positioned with no para‐valvular leak and a reduction in peak instantaneous gradient to 30 mmHg and an increase in EOA to 1.5 cm². She was discharged on the third post‐procedural day in sinus rhythm with a narrow QRS complex. CoreValve implantation within previous surgical bioprosthesis is now an established treatment. The transaortic approach to transcatheter implantation is a promising recent development, when due to anatomical reasons, transfemoral or subclavian TAVI is not feasible. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Left Main Coronary Artery Obstruction by Dislodged Native-Valve Calculus after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement can be an effective, reliable treatment for severe aortic stenosis in surgically high-risk or ineligible patients. However, various sequelae like coronary artery obstruction can occur, not only in the long term, but also immediately after the procedure. We present the case of a 78-year-old woman whose left main coronary artery became obstructed with calculus 2 hours after the transfemoral implantation of an Edwards Sapien XT aortic valve. Despite percutaneous coronary intervention in that artery, the patient died. This case reminds us that early recognition of acute coronary obstruction and prompt intervention are crucial in patients with aortic stenosis who have undergone transcatheter aortic valve replacement.     

Ischemic colitis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a novel therapeutic approach for high‐risk patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. The success rate of this new procedure is high; however, it is associated with issues such as vascular access site complications and embolization related to the advancement of a large bore delivery catheter through the femoral and iliac arteries and aortic arch. Using the Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter heart valve, we describe a case of transfemoral catheter aortic valve implantation complicated by a mobile mass attached to the valve, probable due to atherosclerotic plaque from the aorta. Shortly thereafter, the patient presented with ischemic colitis and subsequently died. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation through a diseased left common carotid artery: Combined approach with endarterectomy and left carotid‐subclavian bypass

We report a case of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with the self‐expanding Medtronic CoreValve bioprosthesis (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MI) through a diseased left common carotid (LCC) artery. This 81‐year‐old male patient presented with heart failure due to a severe degenerative aortic valve stenosis. Comorbidities included diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia as well as peripheral and coronary artery disease, resulting in a logistic EuroScore II of 25.9%. Consequently, he was rejected to undergo surgery and a transcatheter approach was planned. Due to severe peripheral vascular disease with iliofemoral lesions, significant calcifications and unfavourable angulations of the innominate artery as well as prior bypass surgery precluding a direct aortic and subclavian approach, none of the established access sites were suitable. Therefore, we considered a left carotid access, which had to be combined with a surgical endarterectomy for treatment of a significant common carotid bifurcation stenosis and left subclavian‐LCC permanent tunnel bypass graft. The procedure was successful without cardiac, cerebrovascular, or access complications. This case illustrates a true heart team approach, establishing a unique access for TAVI for patients without regular access options. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Exertional Dyspnea as a Symptom of Infrarenal Aortic Occlusive Disease

Advanced atherosclerosis of the aorta can cause severe ischemia in the kidneys, refractory hypertension, and claudication. However, no previous reports have clearly associated infrarenal aortic stenosis with shortness of breath. A 77-year-old woman with hypertension and hyperlipidemia presented with exertional dyspnea. Despite extensive testing and observation, no apparent cause for this patient''s dyspnea was found. Images revealed severe infrarenal aortic stenosis. After the patient underwent stenting of the aortic occlusion, she had immediate symptomatic improvement and complete resolution of her dyspnea within one month. Twelve months after vascular intervention, the patient remained asymptomatic.In view of the distinct and lasting elimination of dyspnea after angioplasty and stenting of a nearly occluded infrarenal aortic lesion, we hypothesize that infrarenal aortic stenosis might be a treatable cause of exertional dyspnea. Clinicians should consider infrarenal aortic stenosis as a possible cause of dyspnea. Treatment of the stenosis might relieve symptoms.     

Endovascular repair of severe aortic coarctation,transcatheter aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis,and percutaneous coronary intervention in an elderly patient with long term follow-up

To the best of our knowledge, there have not been any reports of total transcatheter approach including stenting of severe coarctation of the aorta (CoA), transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for concomitant severe aortic valve stenosis, and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to treat significant coronary artery disease in a single patient. We report a 70-year-old female, who presented with uncontrolled hypertension and acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and was found to have severe CoA, severe bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) stenosis, and significant proximal left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery disease. In a multidisciplinary heart team meeting, we decided to perform an endovascular repair of both cardiac and vascular pathologies using a two-stage approach due to the significant comorbidities; mainly uncontrolled hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and severe calcifications of the ascending aorta. The procedures were successfully performed and the patient was asymptomatic 30?months later at follow-up and was without any significant gradients across the coarctation or the aortic valve.     

Transvenous Transcatheter Valve-in-Valve Implantation after Bioprosthetic Tricuspid Valve Failure

We describe the case of a 38-year-old man with a history of metastatic testicular cancer who had undergone multiple thoracic surgical procedures, including tricuspid valve replacement with a bioprosthetic valve as a result of tricuspid involvement of his malignancy. He presented at our outpatient cardiology clinic with worsening fatigue, shortness of breath, and peripheral edema, investigation of which revealed severe tricuspid bioprosthesis stenosis with central regurgitation. Because of the patient''s medical history, he was considered to be a high-risk surgical candidate. Therefore, transcatheter tricuspid valve-in-valve implantation of a 26-mm Edwards Sapien^® valve was attempted through a transjugular approach. The procedure restored tricuspid valvar competence and substantially improved the patient''s symptoms. We discuss the technical aspects of this case and briefly review the usefulness of the valve-in-valve technique in the tricuspid position.     

Direct aortic transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a feasible approach for patients with severe peripheral vascular disease

Aortic stenosis is a prevalent disease with poor prognosis if left untreated. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an emerging treatment for patients at high risk for surgery. We describe a patient withno suitable peripheral access due to peripheral vascular disease (PVD) for TAVI. Direct aortic approachvia an 18-Fr sheath inserted into the ascending aorta was successfully performed with a 29-mm CoreValve implanted. Direct aortic approach is feasible for TAVI in patients with severe PVD without good peripheral access.     

冠状动脉旋磨及支架置入+TAVR“一站式”手术的可行性探讨

目的探讨合并冠状动脉重度钙化及狭窄的重度主动脉瓣狭窄(AS)患者行经导管冠状动脉旋磨及支架置入+经导管主动脉瓣置换(TAVR)“一站式”手术的可行性。方法本研究为回顾性研究,连续入选2019年4到10月于阜外医院接受冠状动脉旋磨及支架置入+TAVR“一站式”手术治疗的患者3例。收集患者的术前临床、影像学(包括超声心动图及主动脉根部及全主动脉CT)评估资料,及冠状动脉介入、TAVR手术资料和手术效果、术后6个月随访结果。结果本研究共纳入3例患者,其中2例为女性,年龄范围66~80岁,平均胸外科医师学会(STS)风险评分为7.8%,术前平均主动脉瓣最大流速为4.4 m/s,平均跨瓣压差为52.3 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa),平均左心室射血分数为48.6%。2例患者需旋磨靶病变位于前降支中段,1例位于左主干到前降支,3例均合并非旋磨靶病变,平均SYNTAX积分为20分。术中均采用股动脉入路,先进行主动脉瓣跨瓣留置猪尾导管,然后行冠状动脉靶病变旋磨并置入药物洗脱支架,同期进行非旋磨靶病变的支架置入,冠状动脉介入术后予以主动脉瓣球囊扩张及自膨胀瓣膜置入,1例因瓣膜位置偏高予以“瓣中瓣”置入。3例患者均顺利完成手术,即刻效果满意,术中均无并发症。术后复查超声心动图示:平均主动脉瓣最大流速为2.1 m/s,平均跨瓣压差为9.3 mmHg,平均左心室射血分数为59%。随访6个月内无死亡,无冠状动脉再次血运重建。结论对于合并冠状动脉重度钙化及狭窄且外科风险较高的AS患者,行冠状动脉旋磨及支架置入+TAVR“一站式”手术治疗初步结果满意,该技术具有可行性。     

Simultaneous thoracic aortic endovascular graft and transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement in a patient with a descending aortic thrombus

Severe descending thoracic and abdominal aortic pathology can deter consideration of transfemoral (TF) access for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in adults with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) and may lead to utilization of alternative access sites. We report a case of an 88-year-old frail woman with severe symptomatic AS referred for TAVR with demonstration of a large thrombus in the descending thoracic aorta immediately distal to the left subclavian artery. Given concerns of thrombus embolization with femoral advancement of the transcatheter valve, coverage with a thoracic aortic endograft was planned immediately prior to the TAVR.     

First‐in‐man transcatheter aortic valve implantation of a 20‐mm edwards SAPIEN XT valve: One step forward for the treatment of patients with severe aortic stenosis and small aortic annulus

We present the case of an 85‐year‐old woman diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis, porcelain aorta, and a small aortic annulus (17.3 mm), who underwent successful transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with a 20‐mm Edwards SAPIEN XT valve using the NovaFlex+ delivery system. At 1‐month follow‐up the patient was in NYHA functional class I, and Doppler echocardiography showed a mean residual gradient of 15 mm Hg and trivial paravalvular aortic regurgitation. This case, which shows for the first time the feasibility of TAVI with a 20‐mm valve, opens a new avenue for the challenging treatment of patients with aortic stenosis and a small aortic annulus. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation when classical access routes are unavailable

A 90‐year‐old woman with symptomatic degenerative aortic stenosis had a logistic Euroscore greater than 53.29%, indicating a high surgical risk. She was therefore advised to undergo transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Both iliac arteries showed subocclusive calcifications, and the left subclavian artery was narrow and calcified. The left common carotid (LCC) artery was chosen as the access route. After surgical exposure of the LCC artery, the Corevalve Revalving 29‐mm bioprosthesis was implanted successfully. No access‐site complications occurred. In our experience, a substantial proportion of elderly patients have vascular lesions precluding use of the femoral route. Brachiocephalic access routes may be valuable when no other options are available. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation through a Left Aortoiliac Graft

The indications for transcatheter aortic valve implantation have been increasing with the development of new-generation valves and delivery systems. Our patient, an 81-year-old man with aortic stenosis, had an existing coronary artery bypass graft and bilateral aortoiliac bypass grafts. We used the transfemoral approach through the left femoral artery and the left aortoiliac graft to successfully deploy a new-generation Edwards SAPIEN valve.Key words: Aortic stenosis, arterial disease, peripheral, heart valve prosthesis implantation/methods, transcatheter aortic valve implantationTranscatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional aortic valve replacement for patients whose severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis is otherwise left untreated due to comorbidities and to the high operative mortality rates associated with open-heart surgery under those circumstances.¹ The first application of this method in human beings was performed in 2002 by Cribier and colleagues.² Today, there are 2 widely used valve types. These are the balloon-expandable Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter valves (Edwards Lifesciences LLC; Irvine, Calif) and the self-expanding CoreValve® valves (Medtronic CV Luxembourg S.a.r.l.; Luxembourg). The first-generation Edwards SAPIEN valve is approved for use in the United States, but the latest generations of both valves are awaiting approval.     

First human case of retrograde transcatheter implantation of an aortic valve prosthesis

The transcatheter route is an emerging approach to treating valvular disease in high-risk patients. The 1st clinical antegrade transcatheter placement of an aortic valve prosthesis was reported in 2002. We describe the first retrograde transcatheter implantation of a new aortic valve prosthesis, in a 62-year-old man with inoperable calcific aortic stenosis and multiple severe comorbidities. Via the right femoral artery, a Cook introducer was advanced into the abdominal aorta. The aortic valve was crossed with a straight wire, and a pigtail catheter was advanced into the left ventricle to obtain pressure-gradient and anatomic measurements. An 18-mm valvuloplasty balloon was then used to predilate the aortic valve. Initial attempts to position the prosthetic valve caused a transient cardiac arrest. Implantation was achieved by superimposing the right coronary angiogram onto fluoroscopic landmarks in the same radiographic plane. A balloon-expandable frame was used to deliver the valve. After device implantation, the transvalvular gradient was <5 mmHg. The cardiac output increased from 1 to 5 L/min, and urine production increased to 200 mL/h. The patient was extubated on the 2nd postimplant day. Twelve hours later, he had to be reintubated because of respiratory distress and high pulmonary pressures. His condition deteriorated, and he died of biventricular failure and refractory hypotension on day 5. Despite the severe hypotension, valve function was satisfactory on echo-Doppler evaluation. In our patient, retrograde transcatheter implantation of a prosthetic aortic valve yielded excellent hemodynamic results and paved the way for further use of this technique in selected high-risk patients.     

Abnormal distortion of aortic corevalve bioprosthesis with suicide left ventricle,aortic insufficiency,and severe mitral regurgitation during transcatheter aortic valve replacement

We present a patient with critical degenerative aortic stenosis, mitral annular and aortomitral continuity calcification, and senile sigmoid septal hypertrophy who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement using the CoreValve bioprosthesis. Immediately after predilation of the aortic valve (18‐mm balloon), the patient developed severe hypotension and dynamic left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction with systolic anterior motion of the anterior mitral leaflet, causing severe mitral regurgitation. After deployment of a 26‐mm bioprosthesis, a transesophageal echocardiogram and left ventriculogram showed that the frame of the bioprosthesis appeared distorted and underexpanded. On the mitral side of the aorta (side of the aortomitral curtain between 12:00 and 3:00, echo short axis view), we found moderate periprosthetic aortic insufficiency with worse mitral regurgitation. The left ventricle was small and hyperdynamic (ejection fraction >85%). The patient soon developed complete heart block, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia. She was resuscitated with aggressive intravenous fluids, vasopressors, and an emergently placed atrioventricular sequential pacemaker. We postdilated the 26‐mm bioprosthesis with a 22‐mm Z‐Med balloon and subsequently with a 25‐mm balloon. Each balloon was inflated to its nominal volume and pressure and conformed the nitinol frame of the valve to the net circular shape and expected diameter. However, as soon as each balloon was deflated, the surrounding aortic root anatomy visibly recoiled and the frame returned to its smaller diameter with a distorted shape. A second 26‐mm CoreValve bioprosthesis was then deployed in a “valve‐in‐valve” configuration. Soon after, the patient's hemodynamics improved, her clinical condition stabilized, and she completely recovered. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Multislice computed tomography in the selection of candidates for transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is an emerging treatment option for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis in patients considered unsuitable for surgical valve replacement. The authors review the use of multislice computed tomography in the selection of candidates for transcatheter aortic valve replacement, procedural support and post-interventional follow-up. A single-center experience of the role of this imaging technique is also described. Multislice computed tomography is an essential imaging tool in the selection and exclusion of candidates for transcatheter aortic valve implantation, providing evaluation of coronary anatomy and the relationship of the coronary ostia with the aortic valve structure, and accurate analysis of the valve annulus and aortic root, left ventricular outflow tract, aorta and peripheral vascular access routes. Multislice computed tomography is also central to the choice of appropriate prosthesis size. In addition, it guides arterial puncture by image fusion techniques and enables correct prosthesis apposition to be verified. This review aims to describe the role of computed tomography in this increasingly common interventional valve procedure, providing an overview of current knowledge and applications.     

应用新型介入瓣膜行经导管主动脉瓣置入术的实验研究

目的 探讨应用新型介入瓣膜在实验动物体内行经导管主动脉瓣置入术(TAVI)的可行性,并观察新型介入瓣膜置入后的短期效果.方法 选取健康成年绵羊20只,在全身麻醉及成像造影设备的辅助下,经绵羊一侧颈总动脉置入输送鞘管,于主动脉瓣环处释放新型介入瓣膜.以左心室和主动脉造影及经胸超声心动图观察介入瓣膜的位置和作用.记录术后30 d实验动物的存活情况.结果 所有实验绵羊均置入新型介入瓣膜.15只(75％)存活绵羊的术后造影显示介入瓣膜位置良好,无移位,未影响二尖瓣;冠状动脉开口显影良好,冠状动脉通畅.经胸超声心动图显示5例绵羊存在轻度瓣周漏.术后存活绵羊主动脉瓣反流百分比由术前( 1.25±0.46)％增加至(4.52±3.56)％(P＜0.05).术后主动脉瓣有效瓣口面积、主动脉收缩压、主动脉舒张压、平均主动脉压、左心室收缩压、左心室舒张末压、心率与术前比较差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).5只(25％)绵羊于TAVI后30 d内死亡,其中介入瓣膜释放展开后即刻,因左冠状动脉开口堵塞发生心室颤动而死亡1只,术后20 min死于急性心肌梗死1只,术后8和12h死于二尖瓣反流2只,术后26 d死于感染性心内膜炎1只.结论 采用新型介入瓣膜在实验动物体内行TAVI是可行的,短期内安全、有效.     

Suicide left ventricle following protamine: A case report

A patient with severe aortic stenosis and left ventricular hypertrophy underwent a transcatheter aortic valve replacement. The patient's blood pressure significantly dropped after protamine administration. A diagnosis of suicide left ventricle post-valve replacement was made. The diagnosis and management of the protamine reaction are detailed. This case highlights the need to slowly infuse protamine sulfate and monitor for adverse events.     

Implantação percutânea de válvula aórtica: a anatomia é (ainda) o fator limitante?

IntroductionDespite rapid advances in transcatheter aortic valve prostheses, anatomical constraints remain that can limit access to this treatment for patients with severe aortic stenosis. The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of patients anatomically suitable for this technique using the different devices and approaches available.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 145 consecutive patients referred to our center for transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Aortic annulus diameter was measured by transesophageal echocardiography and minimum iliofemoral diameter was determined by multidetector computed tomography. We determined the proportion of patients anatomically suitable for current devices (26-mm, 29-mm and 31-mm Medtronic CoreValve for transfemoral, transaxillary or transaortic approaches, and 23-mm, 26-mm and 29-mm Edwards Sapien XT for transfemoral or transapical approaches).ResultsThe Medtronic CoreValve was suitable for 89% of patients via transfemoral access and 93.8% via transaxillary or transaortic approaches, while the Edwards Sapien XT was suitable for 82.1% of patients via transfemoral and 97.2% via transapical approaches. Only 1.4% of patients were anatomically unsuitable for all devices and approaches.ConclusionsIn this population, most patients were anatomically suitable for transcatheter aortic valve implantation if assessed on the basis of multiple devices and multiple access approaches.     

Initial Experience of Two National Centers in Transcatheter Aortic Prosthesis Implantation

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is an effective alternative to surgical treatment of severe aortic stenosis in patients who are inoperable or at high surgical risk.

Objectives

To report the immediate and follow-up clinical and echocardiographic results of the initial experience of transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Methods

From 2009 June to 2013 February, 112 patients underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Results

Mean age was 82.5 ± 6.5 years, and the logistic EuroSCORE was 23.6 ± 13.5. Procedural success was 84%. After the intervention, a reduction in the mean systolic gradient was observed (pre: 54.7 ± 15.3 vs. post: 11.7 ± 4.0 mmHg; p < 0.01). Cerebrovascular accidents occurred in 3.6%, vascular complications in 19% and permanent pacemaker was required by 13% of the patients. Thirty-day mortality and at follow-up of 16 ± 11 months was 14% and 8.9% respectively. The presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was the only predictor of mortality at 30 days and at follow-up. During follow up, aortic valve area and mean systolic gradient did not change significantly.

Conclusions

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of aortic stenosis in high-surgical risk or inoperable patients. The presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was the only independent predictor of mortality identified both in the first month post-intervention and at follow-up.