Transseptal approach for the management of paravalvular regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement

In the era of transcatheter aortic valve therapies, the presence of residual paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may become a clinical challenge. Management of late symptomatic PVR is still unknown. We describe a challenging case of percutaneous closure attempt of a clinically significant PVR in a patient after Edwards SAPIEN (Edwards Lifesciences, CA) TAVR. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Device closure of paravalvular defects following transcatheter aortic valve replacement with the Edwards Sapien valve

Paravalvular aortic insufficiency (AI) is observed in the majority of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). While paravalvular AI is most commonly modest following TAVR, moderate or severe AI was seen in 10.5% and 6.8% of the PARTNER inoperable and high‐risk cohorts at 1 year and has been reportedly associated with dyspnea and diminished survival. We report two cases of transcatheter heart valve (THV) associated paravalvular defects closed using catheter delivered devices. Both patients derived hemodynamic and symptomatic improvement from device closure. Additional research is warranted to define the adverse consequences of THV associated AI, indications for treatment, and risks associated with device closure of these defects. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty to improve candidacy of patients evaluated for transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Objectives

Evaluate the role of balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) in improving candidacy of patients for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Background

Patients who are not candidates for TAVR may undergo BAV to improve functional and clinical status.

Methods

117 inoperable or high‐risk patients with critical aortic stenosis underwent BAV as a bridge‐to‐decision for TAVR. Frailty measures including gait speed, serum albumin, hand grip, activities of daily living (ADL); and NYHA functional class before and after BAV were compared.

Results

Mean age was 81.6 ± 8.5 years and the mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality was 9.57 ± 5.51, with 19/117 (16.2%) patients non‐ambulatory. There was no significant change in mean GS post‐BAV, but all non‐ambulatory patients completed GS testing at follow‐up. Albumin and hand grip did not change after BAV, but there was a significant improvement in mean ADL score (4.85 ± 1.41 baseline to 5.20 ± 1.17, P = 0.021). The number of patients with Class IV congestive heart failure (CHF) was significantly lower post BAV (71/117 [60.7%] baseline versus 18/117 [15.4%], P = 0.008). 78/117 (66.7%) of patients were referred to definitive valve therapy after BAV.

Conclusions

When evaluating frailty measures post BAV, we saw no significant improvement in mean GS, however, we observed a significant improvement in non‐ambulatory patients and ADL scores. We also describe improved Class IV CHF symptoms. With this improved health status, the majority of patients underwent subsequent valve therapy, demonstrating that BAV may improve candidacy of patients for TAVR.     

Rapid transesophageal atrial pacing for balloon aortic valvuloplasty in neonates and infants: A new technique for balloon stabilization

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) is preferred by most centers over surgery for the treatment of congenital valve stenosis, due to its less invasive nature and faster recovery time. A variety of techniques have been employed to induce a transient cardiac standstill and reduce longitudinal balloon displacement during valve dilatation. Rapid right ventricular (RV) pacing is an effective method to stabilize the balloon during aortic valvuloplasty and it is regularly used in older children and adults. Despite the evidence of its feasibility and efficacy, its use in neonates and infants is still not widespread globally as it is associated with certain drawbacks in this population. We report the use of a new technique to achieve balloon stabilization during BAV in neonates and infants. Four patients with severe congenital aortic valve stenosis were treated with percutaneous BAV using rapid transesophageal atrial pacing. Rapid atrial pacing was performed in asynchronous modality at a rate which resulted in a drop of the systemic arterial pressure by 50%. The balloon was inflated only after the set pacing rate was reached. The pacing was continued until the balloon was completely deflated. No ventricular arrhythmia occurred. Fluoroscopy time was not influenced by transesophageal pacing. Mild aortic regurgitation developed in only one case. Rapid transesophageal atrial pacing was safe and allowed a significant relief of left ventricular obstruction while minimizing aortic regurgitation. Compared to RV pacing, it does not require additional vascular access. Moreover, transesophageal pacing is not at risk of cardiac or vascular perforation and ventricular arrhythmias.     

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty for severe aortic stenosis as a bridge to transcatheter/surgical aortic valve replacement

Objectives : This study aimed to determine success‐ and complication rates after balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) and the outcome of BAV as a standalone therapy versus BAV as a bridge to transcatheter/surgical aortic valve replacement (T/SAVR). Background : The introduction of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has led to a revival in BAV as treatment for patients with severe aortic stenosis. Methods : A cohort of 472 patients underwent 538 BAV procedures. The cohort was divided into two groups: BAV alone 387 (81.9%) and BAV as a bridge 85 (18.1%) to (n = 65, TAVR; n = 20, surgery). Clinical, hemodynamic, and follow‐up mortality data were collected. Results : There was no significant difference between the two groups in mean age (81.7 ± 8.3 vs. 83.2 ± 10.9 years, P = 0.18), society of thoracic surgeons score (13.1 ± 6.2 and 12.4 ± 6.4, P = 0.4), logistic EuroSCORE (45.4 ± 22.3 vs. 46.9 ± 21.8, P = 0.43), and other comorbidities. The mean increase in aortic valve area was 0.39 ± 0.25 in the BAV alone group and 0.42 ± 0.26 in the BAV as a bridge group, P = 0.33. The decrease in mean gradient was 24.1 ± 13.1 in the BAV alone group vs. 27.1 ± 13.8 in the BAV as a bridge group, P = 0.06. During a median follow up of 183 days [54–409], the mortality rate was 55.2% (n = 214) in the BAV alone group vs. 22.3% (n = 19) in the BAV as a bridge group during a median follow‐up of 378 days [177–690], P < 0.001. Conclusion : In high‐risk patients with aortic stenosis and temporary contraindications to SAVR/TAVR, BAV may be used as a bridge to intervention with good mid‐term outcomes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Leaflet entrapment causing acute severe aortic insufficiency during balloon aortic valvuloplasty

Cusp entrapment is a previously unreported mechanism of aortic insufficiency after balloon aortic valvuloplasty. In a patient who developed severe acute aortic insufficiency and expired after balloon aortic valvuloplasty, pathologic evaluation revealed a large, solitary, fractured, calcific nodule in the noncoronary cusp in which the malaligned, irregular fracture surfaces of the nodule had entrapped the leaflet in an open position. The ease with which the entrapped leaflet was reduced by manipulation on postmortem examination suggests that further manipulation of the cusp might restore valve competence in some cases when aortic insufficiency occurs after balloon valvuloplasty in calcific aortic stenosis.     

Repeat balloon aortic valvuloplasty

This paper attempts to determine limitations and indications of performing a second balloon aortic valvuloplasty procedure (BAV2) because of restenosis, which is the major limitation of this technique. From September 1985 to December 1989, 357 patients underwent a primary BAV (BAV1) and 67 patients had a BAV2. Forty-two patients (group A) had repeat catheterization because they were markedly symptomatic 11 ± 7 months after BAV1. Twenty-five patients (group B) came from a group of 73 patients who had been systematically scheduled for repeat catheterization in order to evaluate the hemodynamic restenosis rate 8 ± 3 months after BAV. At time of BAV2 most of the patients of group A were severely disabled. Comparison of pre-BAV2 gradient and aortic valve area with pre-BAV1 measurements showed in a slightly less severe degree of aortic stenosis in group A and in group B with any difference in cardiac index and ejection fraction. Immediately following BAV2, the gradient decreased from 72 ± 22 to 33 ± 15 mm Hg (P ± and aortic valve area increased from 0.56 ± 0.18 to 0.85 ± 0.28 cm ²) (p < 0.001) in group A. In group B, gradient decreased from 68 ± 15 to 33 ± 15 mm Hg (p < 0.001) and aortic valve area increased from 0.70 ± 0.16 to 0.90 ± 0.25 cm² (p < 0.001). Comparison of the post-BAV2 peak systolic gradient, aortic valve area, ejection fraction, and cardiac index with post-BAV1 measurements revealed no significant differences in the two groups, but the absolute increase in aortic valve area obtained at BAV2 was significantly less than at BAV1 in group B (0.20 ± 0.22 vs 0.31 ± 0.16 cm² p < 0.02). The larger balloon size used for BAV2 than for BAV1 did not increase the final valve area at BAV2. In-hospital mortality was 3%. The use of a better profiled catheter with an arterial introducer explained the lower rate of vascular complications (4%). This report demonstrates that when BAV is indicated a second procedure can be performed safely and with low risk in symptomatic patients. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Left ventricular guidewire pacing for transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Previous reports prove the safety and efficacy of cardiac pacing employing a guidewire in the left ventricle as unipolar pacing electrode. We describe the use of left ventricular guidewire pacing as an alternative to conventional transvenous temporary right ventricular pacing in the context of transcatheter aortic valve implantation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Massive aortic regurgitation following paravalvular balloon valvuloplasty of an edwards sapien valve treated by emergent corevalve implantation: Never cross a transcatheter aortic valve without a pigtail

A 72‐year‐old patient, with a history of coronary artery bypass and aorto‐bifemoral graft, was diagnosed with a symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis in the presence of moderately decreased left ventricular function. The Heart team decision was to implant an Edwards SAPIEN XT 26 mm valve by transapical approach, therefore avoiding access through the aorto‐bifemoral graft. At the end of the procedure, grades 2–3 aortic regurgitation was observed. Since each run of rapid pacing ended in ventricular fibrillation, it was decided to treat the aortic regurgitation conservatively with the option of post‐dilation in a second procedure if hemodynamic deterioration was observed. Six days later balloon valvuloplasty was performed because of heart failure requiring endotracheal intubation. Despite transesophageal echocardiography guidance the balloon was inadvertently advanced through the paravalvular space. As a consequence, balloon valvuloplasty was complicated by massive aortic regurgitation and severe hemodynamic instability which was resolved after emergency transfemoral implantation of a CoreValve. Without any further complications, the patient was discharged eight days later. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.