Intra-aortic balloon pump associated with dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction after valve replacement for aortic stenosis.

An unstable patient with critical aortic stenosis had an intra-aortic balloon pump placed preoperatively for hemodynamic support and alleviation of symptoms. After separation from cardiopulmonary bypass following aortic valve replacement, the patient was hypotensive with increased pulmonary artery pressures. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed left ventricular outflow tract obstruction associated with systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve and severe mitral regurgitation. This pathophysiology was present when ventricular systole was preceded by balloon counterpulsation, but was absent during unassisted systole. This case report demonstrates a potentially significant untoward effect of intra-aortic balloon pump augmentation after aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis. The timely diagnosis of this iatrogenic condition in the operating room permitted the prompt implementation of appropriate management strategies and avoided unnecessary surgical intervention.     

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Three-Dimensional Echo Monitoring and Guidance

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) was first performed in 2002. With the Edwards-Sapien valve, more than 20,000 to 25,000 TAVI procedures have now been performed worldwide. In this paper, we share our experience using live three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to guide and monitor TAVI. At our medical center, we have performed more than 150 transfemoral TAVI procedures. Three-dimensional TEE is useful for precise measurement of the aortic annulus in multiple planes, confirming aortic valve stenosis severity and morphology, monitoring of the position of guidewires and catheters, identifying the ventricular and aortic edges of the valve stent, and optimizing bioprosthetic valve positioning. Post-deployment 3D TEE is also used to assess the severity of residual aortic regurgitation as well as to identify potential complications of the procedure including valve malpositioning.     

超声心动图用于心尖入路经导管主动脉瓣植入术

目的 评价超声心动图用于心尖入路经导管主动脉瓣植入术(TAVI)的价值.方法 纳入23例接受J-Valve TAVI的主动脉瓣疾病患者,根据主要疾病,将其中20例非重度主动脉瓣狭窄(AS)合并中度以上主动脉瓣反流(AR)者分为AS组(n=10)及AR组(n=10).术前行经胸超声心动图(TTE),术中全程以经食管超声心...     

Quantitative Analysis of Aortic Valve Stenosis and Aortic Root Dimensions by Three-Dimensional Echocardiography in Patients Scheduled for Transcutaneous Aortic Valve Implantation

Accurate assessment of the aortic valve area (AVA) and evaluation of the aortic root are important for clinical decision-making in patients being considered for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3D-TEE) provides accurate and reliable quantitative assessment of aortic valve stenosis and the aortic root. We performed two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2D-TTE), real-time 2D transesophageal echocardiography (RT2D-TEE) and RT3D-TEE in 71 consecutive patients referred for TAVI. RT3D-TEE multiplanar reconstruction was used to measure aortic root parameters, including left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) diameter and area, aortic annulus diameter, aortic annulus area, and AVA. RT3D-TEE methods for planimetry and the LVOT-derived continuity equation for the estimation of AVA showed a good correlation. As iatrogenic coronary ostium occlusion is a potentially life-threatening complication, we evaluated the distances from the aortic annulus to the coronary ostia using RT3D-TEE. Based on our findings, we conclude that the geometry of the aortic root and aortic valve can be reliably and feasibly evaluated using RT3D-TEE, which is important for protecting against potential complications of TAVI, such as underestimation of the size of the aortic annulus that can result in aortic regurgitation and dislocation of the valve, or overestimation can lead to annulus rupture.     

二维、三维经食管超声心动图在经导管主动脉瓣植入术中的应用价值

目的探讨二维、三维经食管超声心动图在经导管主动脉瓣植入术（TAVI）中的应用价值。 方法对2010年5月至2015年10月在复旦大学附属中山医院行TAVI的11例重度主动脉瓣狭窄[主动脉瓣狭窄口面积<1.0 cm²,主动脉瓣口最大流速>4 m/s,平均跨瓣压差>40 mmHg（1 mmHg=0.133 kPa）]和1例人工生物主动脉瓣中重度反流患者术前均行常规经胸超声心动图检查及二维、三维经食管超声心动图检查（2DTEE、3DTEE）,术中二维、三维经食管超声心动图监测,术后常规经胸超声心动图随访。采用Pearson相关分析分析3DTEE与计算机断层扫描（MDCT）评价主动脉瓣环最大值、最小值、瓣环面积以及狭窄口面积的相关性及3DTEE、MDCT与连续性方程评价狭窄口面积的相关性。 结果所有患者均成功植入人工生物主动脉瓣,其中1例患者术中发现心脏压塞合并升主动脉夹层分离,经心包穿刺以及升主动脉夹层分离保守治疗3 d后突发心脏压塞死亡。所有患者MDCT与3DTEE评价主动脉瓣环最大径、最小径、瓣环面积及狭窄口面积的相关性均较好（r=0.98、0.97、0.97、0.99,P均<0.01）;术前连续性方程测量的主动脉狭窄口面积与MDCT及3DTEE评价结果的相关性均很好（r值均为0.99,P均<0.01）。 结论2DTEE、3DTEE能快速、准确地定量主动脉瓣环的大小及评价主动脉的解剖结构,能实时引导和监测经导管主动脉瓣植入及其并发症。     

Feasibility of sheathless transfemoral aortic valve implantation in patients with small access vessel diameters

Objectives

We intended to show feasibility of sheathless transfemoral aortic valve implantation in patients with small access vessel diameters.

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as a valid treatment option in patients with aortic valve stenosis who are poor candidates for surgical aortic valve replacement. Few patients, who cannot undergo transfemoral or transsubclavian aortic valve implantation due to small access vessel diameters, are not suitable for transapical or direct aortic valve implantation, either.

Methods

In more than 700 transcatheter aortic valve implantations since 2008 we identified 17 patients who had to be excluded from transfemoral valve implantation due to vessel diameters <6 mm and who were no candidates for transapical or direct aortic implantation. We performed CoreValve? implantations in these patients without the required 18F sheath to cross the vessels despite their small size (4.6–5.9 mm).

Results

Sixteen sheathless implantations were successful. In all 17 patients, bleeding during the procedure due to the smaller delivery catheter was minimal. Sixteen patients had a successful access site closure at the end of the procedure.

Conclusions

Sheathless implantation of a self-expanding aortic valve can be safely considered in selected patients with access vessel diameters below 6 mm, if transapical or direct aortic implantation is not suitable.     

Asymptomatic dissection of the ascending aorta: diagnosis by transesophageal echocardiography

A young man with marfanoid habitus underwent transesophageal echocardiography to evaluate an aortic root abnormality visualized on transthoracic echocardiography. Transesophageal echo demonstrated a type A aortic dissection traversing across the right sinus of Valsalva but not involving the aortic valve, right coronary artery, or pericardial sac. The aorta was not dilated. This is apparently the first reported case of an asymptomatic and uncomplicated aortic dissection localized to the sinus of Valsalva.     

Visualization of acute pulmonary emboli by transesophageal echocardiography

This report describes a patient who became hypoxic and hypotensive while awaiting cardiac surgery. An urgent transesophageal echocardiogram in the operating room showed a mass at the junction of the main and right pulmonary arteries consistent with thrombus. The thrombus was removed surgically, and the patient then had a successful aortic valve replacement. Transesophageal echocardiography is therefore useful in the evaluation of the critically ill patient.     

Prospective study of routine perioperative transesophageal echocardiography for elective valve replacement: clinical impact and cost-saving implications.

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is widely used during heart valve replacement operations, but its clinical impact and cost-saving profile have not been studied prospectively for this indication. We investigated the clinical benefits and cost-savings of routine TEE for elective valve replacement at a regional tertiary center. We prospectively studied 300 patients (140 men; mean age [+/-SD], 66 +/- 9 years) undergoing aortic valve, mitral valve, or double-valve replacements. Transesophageal echocardiography with a biplane (in 161 patients) or a multiplane probe was performed before and after surgery. We assessed whether the TEE findings changed the operation or the postoperative treatment and the cost of TEE either as an extension of a preexisting service or as a new development. In 2 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement, significant mitral regurgitation on TEE led to additional mitral valve replacement, and in 1 patient undergoing mitral valve replacement, aortic regurgitation also required aortic valve replacement. Immediate reoperation (dehisced mitral valve prosthesis) and delayed extubation (suspected obstruction of an aortic valve prosthesis) were prompted by postoperative TEE. Extending an existing TEE service to routine intraoperative use saved up to $109 (US) per patient per year. Routine intraoperative TEE can provide major clinical benefit to a small proportion of patients undergoing elective valve replacement, and this can lead to cost savings, but only if the service can be provided without major capital investment.     

Toxic methemoglobinemia caused by topical anesthetic given before transesophageal echocardiography.

Transesophageal echocardiography was performed on a patient with critical aortic stenosis and severe three-vessel coronary artery disease. Immediately after the procedure the patient experienced marked cyanosis (oxygen saturation of 53%) secondary to methemoglobinemia (methemoglobin saturation of 45%). Toxic methemoglobinemia was thought to be caused by topical anesthetic. He responded dramatically to treatment with intravenous methylene blue. Toxic methemoglobinemia should be suspected in unexplained cyanosis occurring after transesophageal echocardiography and other endoscopic procedures during which potentially causative agents have been used.     

Subvalvular aortic stenosis diagnosed by 3D transesophageal echocardiography

The patient was a 13-year-old male with chief complaints of exertional chest pain and dyspnea. Cardiac murmur was suspected in a medical checkup at 1 month old, at which time he was diagnosed with subvalvular aortic stenosis. He had subsequently been under follow-up observation at a nearby hospital for subvalvular aortic stenosis. He was admitted to our department for surgery due to aggravation of symptoms that had occurred over the previous year. Transthoracic echocardiography after admission showed an abnormal structure in the subvalvular aortic area, and the maximum pressure gradient between the left ventricle and aortic valve was 84 mmHg. The preoperative valve area was 0.71 cm², as measured by the Doppler method. Measurement of valve area by the trace method was difficult. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) showed a septum-like structure extending from the ventricular septum in the subvalvular area. On 3D TEE, the valve areas in the systolic and diastolic phases were 0.86 and 0.49 cm², respectively. Postoperative echocardiography showed resection of the structure in the subvalvular area, and the postoperative course was favorable.     

Bicuspid aortic valve stenosis complicated by descending aortic dissection mimicking coarctation of the aorta.

We report a rare case of bicuspid aortic stenosis complicated by an ascending aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection of DeBakey type IIIb. A 35-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital to examine her systolic murmur identified at birth. Severe aortic stenosis, dilatation of the ascending aorta, and the narrow color flow signal in the descending aorta were detected by transthoracic echocardiography. Initially, coarctation of the descending aorta was suspected, but aortic dissection, DeBakey type IIIb, was revealed by transesophageal echocardiography. Transesophageal echocardiography is indicated when only insufficient information is available on valve and aortic morphology in patients with bicuspid aortic valve.     

经导管主动脉瓣置换术后肺动脉压力的变化

目的应用超声心动图评估重度主动脉瓣狭窄患者经导管主动脉瓣置换(TAVI)术后肺动脉压力(PASP)的变化。方法入选94例重度主动脉瓣狭窄患者,均成功完成TAVI手术。根据术前PASP分为两组,无肺动脉高压组(PASP<40mmHg)和肺动脉高压组(PASP≥40mmHg)。结果TAVI术后,无肺动脉高压组和肺动脉高压组PASP均降低。肺动脉高压组具有更小的主动脉瓣面积[(0.58±0.16vs 0.67±0.16)cm^2,P=0.014],更高的主动脉瓣平均跨瓣压差[(60.8±17.3vs 53.9±17.2)mmHg,P=0.035],中度以上二尖瓣反流[(11.6vs 3.9)%,P<0.001]和中度以上三尖瓣反流[(13.9vs 1.9)%,P<0.001]发生率更高。结论TAVI术后1年,肺动脉压力明显降低。     

Inter-individual variance and cardiac cycle dependency of aortic root dimensions and shape as assessed by ECG-gated multi-slice computed tomography in patients with severe aortic stenosis prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation: is it crucial for correct sizing?

To evaluate the inter-individual variance and the variability of the aortic root dimensions during the cardiac cycle by computed tomography (CT) in patients with severe aortic stenosis prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Fifty-six patients (m/w = 16/40, 81 ± 6.8 years), scheduled for a transapical aortic valve implantation with available preprocedural ECG-gated CT were retrospectively included. The evaluation included sizing of the aortic annulus and the aortic sinus, measurements of the coronary topography, aortic valve planimetry and scoring of calcification. The new defined aortic annulus sphericity ratio revealed a mostly elliptical shape with increasing diastolic deformation. The calculated effective diameter (ED), determined from the annulus’ lumen area, turned out to be the parameter least affected from cardiac cycle changes while systolic and diastolic annulus dimensions and shape (diameter and area) differed significantly (p < 0.001). In about 70 % of the patients with relevant paravalvular leaks the finally implanted prosthesis was too small according to the CT based calculated ED. The ostial height of the coronaries showed a high variability with a critical minimum range <5 mm. The degree of the aortic calcification did not have an influence on the aortic annulus deformation during the cardiac cycle, but on the occurrence of paravalvular leaks. The aortic root anatomy demonstrated a high inter-individual variability and cardiac cycle dependency. These results must be strongly considered during the patient evaluation prior to TAVI to avoid complications. The systolic effective diameter, as measured by ECG-gated CT, represents an appropriate parameter for sizing the aortic annulus.     

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation outcomes: implications for practice

Aortic stenosis is a common valvular pathological finding in older adults. Currently, aortic valve replacement is the gold-standard treatment for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. However, patients with advanced age and multiple comorbidities carry a significant operative risk. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) was developed with the goal of offering a less invasive alternative to symptomatic high-risk patients with aortic stenosis. Since the first successful TAVI procedure in 2002, TAVI has been used as a treatment option for patients at very high or prohibitive surgical risk in clinical feasibility trials, registries, and in ongoing randomized controlled trials. There are 2 transcatheter valves in widespread clinical application, with several others in different stages of development. This article provides an overview of TAVI outcomes including insertion options, procedural outcomes, morbidity, valve durability, short- to medium-term survival, and quality of life to guide nursing care interventions. Enhancing nurses' knowledge of the risks, benefits, and potential complications of TAVI will empower nurses in their role as patient advocates and educators and improve patient outcomes. Gaps in the current TAVI research literature are identified.     

Pulmonary Stenosis Caused by Extrinsic Compression of an Aortic Pseudoaneurysm of a Composite Aortic Graft

Pulmonic stenosis and stenosis of the right ventricular outflow tract related to extrinsic compression have been described in patients with tumors, in a patient with a pericardial cyst, and in patients with vascular abnormalities as an unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm, a giant coronary artery pseudoaneurysm and an aortic arch aneurysm. Composite graft replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic valve with reimplantation of the coronary arteries has some inherent complications. Our case report describes a patient with a pericomposite graft aneurysm presenting as a stenosis of the pulmonary artery, detected by Doppler echocardiography. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 1999;12:997-1000.)     

Unique echocardiographic features associated with deployment of the Amplatzer atrial septal defect device.

The purpose of this study was to describe the unique echocardiographic findings associated with deployment of the Amplatzer atrial septal defect (ASD) device. Thirty-five patients (2 to 40 years old; 23 female and 12 male patients) underwent echocardiography during attempted ASD closure with the Amplatzer device. Transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiograms were performed during the placement and follow-up of the device, respectively. In 5 patients, the device was not deployed because of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) findings (an exceedingly large defect in 3 patients, partial obstruction of the upper right pulmonary vein by the device in 1, and complex atrial septal anatomy in 1). In the remaining 30 patients, after deployment but before release, the device distorted the atrial septum from the normal vertical orientation to an oblique transverse orientation. Excessive septal distortion (i.e., > or =90 degrees in 1 patient) was associated with device embolization upon release. In other patients, TEE also identified mild splaying of the device on the aortic wall, mild abutment of the device upon the mitral valve, and temporary partial obstruction of pulmonary vein flow. Color Doppler revealed residual shunts in 21 of 29 patients immediately after release, but in none of 15 patients at 1-year follow-up. Transesophageal echocardiography is essential to ensure proper Amplatzer device placement. Distortion of the atrial septum and Amplatzer device orientation occur before release but resolve on release from the delivery cable. Small residual shunts are common early, but they resolve in 6 to 12 months.     

Inadvertent pacemaker lead dislodgement

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become an established treatment option for aortic valve stenosis in patients with a high risk for conventional surgical valve replacement. A well‐known complication is the development of conduction abnormalities. In the case of a new third‐degree atrioventricular block, the complication can be life‐threatening and permanent pacing is needed. Often these patients have a venous sheath placed in the jugular vein for the perioperative period. We report a case of inadvertent dislodgement of a permanent pacemaker lead after removal of a preoperatively placed venous sheath in a TAVI patient.     

术中经食管超声心动图在自体肺动脉瓣替换主动脉瓣术中的监测价值

目的　评价术中经食管超声心动图 (IOTEE)在自体肺动脉瓣替换主动脉瓣术 (ROSS)术中的监测及引导价值。方法　使用 IOTEE对术前确诊为以主动脉瓣病变为主欲施行 ROSS术的 14例患者进行研究。其中单纯主动脉瓣狭窄 3例 ,单纯主动脉瓣关闭不全 3例 ,主动脉瓣狭窄合并其它畸形 8例。开胸或体外循环前通过 IOTEE评价主动脉瓣及肺动脉瓣的解剖和血流动力学情况 ,测量瓣环内径 ,以帮助最终确定施行 ROSS术的必要性和可行性。术毕心脏复跳后通过 IOTEE即刻评价主动脉瓣位自体肺动脉瓣以及肺动脉瓣位同种瓣的功能及血流动力学情况。结果　 2例患者开胸前通过 IOTEE发现肺动脉瓣狭窄 ,故未行 ROSS术 ;余 12例患者均施行 ROSS术。术后 11例患者主动脉瓣位肺动脉瓣的功能及血流动力学均良好 ,1例主动脉瓣位肺动脉瓣出现少 -中量返流 ,及时与手术医师交流后遂再次转机行进一步手术以改善瓣膜返流情况。 12例患者肺动脉瓣位同种瓣功能及血流动力学均良好。所有患者均未出现节段性室壁运动异常。结论　 IOTEE可即刻评价 ROSS术的可行性和手术效果 ,可避免二次开胸。     

Large atherosclerotic plaque related severe right coronary artery dissection during coronary angiography

Catheter-induced coronary artery dissection and occlusion is a rare but serious complication of diagnostic cardiac angiography. A 50 year-old man presented with unstable angina. ECG, exceptional of bradycardia, was normal (57 beat/min). Selective coronary angiography demonstrated 98% narrowing in the mid-portion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). During the right coronary angiography, following catheter manipulation in the vicinity of the aortic valve, the patient complained of severe chest discomfort, and he had electrocardiographic evidence of acute inferior wall myocardial infarction. Right coronary artery (RCA) was free of the significant obstruction, and it was observed to be having a dominant artery with a spiral dissection (NHLBI Grade IV) located between ostium and the proximal portion of the posterior descending and posterolateral artery bifurcation. The patient was immediately operated with off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Consequently, iatrogenic right coronary dissection that is a very rare condition as a cause of myocardial infarction, is discussed in this case report.