Estenosis tricuspídea de bioprótesis tratada mediante implante valvular percutáneo: una solución segura para un paciente inusual / Percutaneous Resolution for Tricuspid Stenosis: Positive Outcomes Despite High Surgical Risk

Se comunica el caso de una mujer de 31 años quien había sido previamente sometida a reemplazo valvular aórtico, mitral y tricuspídeo en tres episodios quirúrgicos. Fue ingresada a nuestra sección de cardiologÍa con síntomas compatibles con insuficiencia cardiaca derecha. Se efectuó evaluación mediante ecocardiograma, sondeo cardíaco derecho/izquierdo, angioTAC cardíaco y cardio resonancia. Se diagnosticó una estenosis tricuspídea severa secundaria a disfunción de prótesis biológica. Debido a alto riesgo operatorio y riesgo de falla ventricular derecha post-operatorio, la paciente fue rechazada para reemplazo valvular quirúrgico. Se decidió efectuar reemplazo tricuspídeo procedimiento "valve in valve". Se logró efectuar de manera exitosa por abordeje venoso femoral, prótesis balón expansible. Se demostró corrección de la estenosis tricuspídea y la paciente evolucionó con remisión de los síntomas de falla cardíaca.

We report a 31-year-old woman who was previously subjected to aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valve replacement in three different surgical episodes. She was admitted to our cardiology section with acute right heart failure symptoms. She was studied by echocardiography, right/left heart catheterization, cardiac CT scan and cardiac magnetic resonance. A severe tricuspid stenosis due to biological prosthesis dysfunction was diagnosed. Due to high operative risk and risk of postoperative right ventricular failure, the patient was rejected for cardiovascular surgery. We decided on a percutaneous tricuspid "valve in valve replacement". The procedure was done successfully by venous femoral approach, with a balloon expandable prosthesis. Tricuspid stenosis was corrected and the patient evolved with remission of heart failure symptoms.

Health-related quality of life of patients submitted to correction of heart valve diseases / Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de pacientes submetidos à correção de valvopatias

INTRODUCTION: The measurement of the health-related quality of life construct can reveal the positive repercussions on the lives of patients undergoing corrective valve procedures, as well as revealing points that prevent new surgical approaches. OBJECTIVE: To identify the health-related quality of life of valvular heart disease in the perioperative period of conventional valve surgery. METHODS: This is an integrative literature review. Searches were performed independently in four databases using controlled and uncontrolled descriptors. Eligibility criteria were: original articles that addressed the assessment of the health-related quality of life of valvular patients undergoing valve repair and/or valve prosthesis implantation; in Portuguese, English, and Spanish; with a time frame for convenience between 2015 and 2019. RESULTS: 14 studies comprised the final review sample, despite being studies conducted in different countries and with different designs, it was possible to verify the improvement in health-related quality of life when evaluated through generic instruments in valvular patients after valve surgery. However, in studies in which the assessment of the construct occurred through specific instruments, the existence of factors that can interfere with the quality of life of patients undergoing valve implantation was revealed. CONCLUSION: It was noticed that there was generally an improvement in health-related quality of life after the surgical intervention.

INTRODUÇÃO: A mensuração do constructo qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde pode revelar as repercussões positivas na vida dos pacientes submetidos a procedimentos valvares corretivos, bem como revelar pontos que para prevenção de novas abordagens cirúrgica. OBJETIVO: Identificar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de valvopatas no perioperatório de intervenção cirúrgica valvar convencional. MÉTODO: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura. As buscas foram realizadas de forma independente, em quatro bases de dados por meio de descritores controlados e não controlados. Os critérios de elegibilidade foram: artigos originais que abordassem a avaliação da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de valvopatas submetidos à plastia valvar e/ou implante de prótese valvar; nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol; com recorte temporal por conveniência entre 2015 e 2019. RESULTADOS: 14 estudos compuseram a amostra final da revisão, apesar de serem estudos realizados em distintos países e com diferentes delineamentos foi possível verificar a melhora da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde quando avaliada por meio de instrumentos genéricos em valvopatas após a intervenção cirúrgica valvar. Todavia, nos estudos em que a avaliação do constructo ocorreu por meio de instrumentos específicos, foi revelada a existência de fatores que podem interferir na qualidade de vida dos pacientes submetidos aos implantes valvares. CONCLUSÃO: Percebeu-se que geralmente houve melhora da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde após a intervenção cirúrgica.

Preliminary experience of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement using domestic balloon-expandable valve / 中华心血管病杂志

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary clinical results of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) with the domestically-produced balloon-expandable Prizvalve system. Methods: This is a prospective single-center observational study. Patients with postoperative right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction, who were admitted to West China Hospital of Sichuan University from September 2021 to March 2023 and deemed anatomically suitable for TPVR with balloon-expandable valve, were included. Clinical, imaging, procedural and follow-up data were analyzed. The immediate procedural results were evaluated by clinical implant success rate, which is defined as successful valve implantation with echocardiography-assessed pulmonary regurgitation<moderate and peak trans-pulmonary pressure gradient<40 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). Results: A total of 5 patients were included, with 4 males, aged 14 to 37 years. The initial diagnosis included Tetralogy of Fallot (2 cases), truncus arteriosus (1 case), pulmonary atresia (1 case) and subaortic stenosis (1 case, prior Ross procedure). Four patients underwent RVOT reconstruction with homograft or artificial conduit, and one patient was treated with trans-annular patch technique. The indications of TPVR included RVOT obstruction and regurgitation (3 cases), isolated obstruction (1 case), and isolated regurgitation (1 case). Of the 4 patients with varying severity of ROVT obstruction, the average preprocedural peak jet velocity of RVOT was 3.5 m/s, and the average peak pressure gradient was 50.0 mmHg. Except for one patient, who had previously been implanted with a covered Cheatham-Platinum (CP) stent due to severe stenosis of the main pulmonary artery, other patients underwent pre-stenting with a covered CP stent before TPVR. Clinical implant success was achieved in all of the 5 patients, and there was no serious periprocedural complications. The average trans-pulmonary peak jet velocity and peak pressure gradient derived from postprocedural echocardiography was 2.3 m/s and 21.2 mmHg, respectively. All patients experienced significant symptom relief after the procedure. All patients completed 3-month follow-up, and 4 completed 6-month follow-up. There was no case of infectious endocarditis during follow-up. All patients were graded as NYHA functional class one at the latest follow-up. Conclusions: TPVR using the domestically-produced balloon-expandable Prizvalve system is safe and feasible for the treatment of patients with post-surgical RVOT dysfunction and suitable landing-zone anatomy. The safety, effectiveness, and long-term valve durability of the Prizvalve system deserve further research.

Comparison on the efficacy of Chinese-made novel-designed mechanical-locked and elastic self-locked transcatheter edge-to-edge repair system in the treatment of patients with functional mitral regurgitation / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To evaluate and compare the short-term efficacy of domestic mechanical-locked (Clip2Edge) and elastic self-locked (ValveClip) transcranial mitral valve edge-to-edge interventional repair (TEER) devices in the treatment of functional mitral regurgitant valves. Methods: In this retrospective non-randomized comparative study, patients underwent TEER procedure in Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Disease Hospital from May 2022 to April 2023 for heart failure combined with moderate to severe or severe functional mitral valve were divided into Clip2Edge and ValveClip groups based on the TEER system used. Baseline, perioperative, and postoperative 30 d follow-up data were collected and compared between the two groups. The primary outcome was the success rate on the 30 d post operation, while secondary outcomes included immediate postoperative technical success rate and the incidence of all-cause mortality on the 30 d post operation, readmission rate of acute heart failure, cerebral infarction, severe bleeding, and other serious adverse events rates. Results: A total of 60 patients were enrolled, 34 patients were in the Clip2Edge group and 26 in the ValveClip group, mean age was (63.8±9.3) years, and 24 patients (40%) were female. There were no significant differences in baseline data of age, cardiac function, comorbidities, mitral regurgitation 4+(19(73%) vs. 29(85%)), the end-diastolic volume of left ventricle ((220.8±91.2) ml vs. (210.8±71.7) ml) between the two groups (all P>0.05). The technical success rate immediately after the procedure was 100%. There were no readmission of acute heart failure, death, cerebral infarction, severe bleeding, and other serious adverse events up to the 30 d follow-up. Device success rate was similar between the ValveClip group (24 cases (100%)) and the Clip2Edge group (27 cases (96%)) (P>0.05). Conclusion: Both types of novel domestic TEER devices are safe and feasible in treating patients with functional mitral regurgitation.

Preliminary experience of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement using domestic balloon-expandable valve / 中华心血管病杂志

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary clinical results of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) with the domestically-produced balloon-expandable Prizvalve system. Methods: This is a prospective single-center observational study. Patients with postoperative right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction, who were admitted to West China Hospital of Sichuan University from September 2021 to March 2023 and deemed anatomically suitable for TPVR with balloon-expandable valve, were included. Clinical, imaging, procedural and follow-up data were analyzed. The immediate procedural results were evaluated by clinical implant success rate, which is defined as successful valve implantation with echocardiography-assessed pulmonary regurgitation<moderate and peak trans-pulmonary pressure gradient<40 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). Results: A total of 5 patients were included, with 4 males, aged 14 to 37 years. The initial diagnosis included Tetralogy of Fallot (2 cases), truncus arteriosus (1 case), pulmonary atresia (1 case) and subaortic stenosis (1 case, prior Ross procedure). Four patients underwent RVOT reconstruction with homograft or artificial conduit, and one patient was treated with trans-annular patch technique. The indications of TPVR included RVOT obstruction and regurgitation (3 cases), isolated obstruction (1 case), and isolated regurgitation (1 case). Of the 4 patients with varying severity of ROVT obstruction, the average preprocedural peak jet velocity of RVOT was 3.5 m/s, and the average peak pressure gradient was 50.0 mmHg. Except for one patient, who had previously been implanted with a covered Cheatham-Platinum (CP) stent due to severe stenosis of the main pulmonary artery, other patients underwent pre-stenting with a covered CP stent before TPVR. Clinical implant success was achieved in all of the 5 patients, and there was no serious periprocedural complications. The average trans-pulmonary peak jet velocity and peak pressure gradient derived from postprocedural echocardiography was 2.3 m/s and 21.2 mmHg, respectively. All patients experienced significant symptom relief after the procedure. All patients completed 3-month follow-up, and 4 completed 6-month follow-up. There was no case of infectious endocarditis during follow-up. All patients were graded as NYHA functional class one at the latest follow-up. Conclusions: TPVR using the domestically-produced balloon-expandable Prizvalve system is safe and feasible for the treatment of patients with post-surgical RVOT dysfunction and suitable landing-zone anatomy. The safety, effectiveness, and long-term valve durability of the Prizvalve system deserve further research.

Comparison on the efficacy of Chinese-made novel-designed mechanical-locked and elastic self-locked transcatheter edge-to-edge repair system in the treatment of patients with functional mitral regurgitation / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To evaluate and compare the short-term efficacy of domestic mechanical-locked (Clip2Edge) and elastic self-locked (ValveClip) transcranial mitral valve edge-to-edge interventional repair (TEER) devices in the treatment of functional mitral regurgitant valves. Methods: In this retrospective non-randomized comparative study, patients underwent TEER procedure in Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Disease Hospital from May 2022 to April 2023 for heart failure combined with moderate to severe or severe functional mitral valve were divided into Clip2Edge and ValveClip groups based on the TEER system used. Baseline, perioperative, and postoperative 30 d follow-up data were collected and compared between the two groups. The primary outcome was the success rate on the 30 d post operation, while secondary outcomes included immediate postoperative technical success rate and the incidence of all-cause mortality on the 30 d post operation, readmission rate of acute heart failure, cerebral infarction, severe bleeding, and other serious adverse events rates. Results: A total of 60 patients were enrolled, 34 patients were in the Clip2Edge group and 26 in the ValveClip group, mean age was (63.8±9.3) years, and 24 patients (40%) were female. There were no significant differences in baseline data of age, cardiac function, comorbidities, mitral regurgitation 4+(19(73%) vs. 29(85%)), the end-diastolic volume of left ventricle ((220.8±91.2) ml vs. (210.8±71.7) ml) between the two groups (all P>0.05). The technical success rate immediately after the procedure was 100%. There were no readmission of acute heart failure, death, cerebral infarction, severe bleeding, and other serious adverse events up to the 30 d follow-up. Device success rate was similar between the ValveClip group (24 cases (100%)) and the Clip2Edge group (27 cases (96%)) (P>0.05). Conclusion: Both types of novel domestic TEER devices are safe and feasible in treating patients with functional mitral regurgitation.

Long-term outcome of transcatheter repair of paravalvular leak post surgical mitral valve replacement / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To explore the long-term clinical efficacy of transcatheter repair of mitral paravalvular leak (PVL) post surgical mitral valve replacement. Methods: This study is a retrospective study. Patients who completed transcatheter repair of paravalvular leak after surgical mitral valve replacement at Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from March 2010 to December 2018 were included. Technical success was defined as the occluder being stably implanted in the paravalvular leak site without affecting the function of the mitral valve and surrounding tissues; and there were no intervention-related complications, such as new hemolysis or aggravated hemolysis, and echocardiography confirmed mitral paravalvular regurgitation reduced by more than 1 grade. Patients were followed up at 30 days, 1, and 3 years after the intervention. The main endpoints were all-cause death and re-surgery due to interventional failure or serious complications. The occurrence of occluder-mediated hemolysis and chronic renal insufficiency was recorded, and patients were monitored with echocardiography during follow up. Results: A total of 75 patients were included, aged (54.3±22.9) years old, and 38 patients were males. All patients had decreased cardiac function and/or hemolysis before intervention. Procedural success was achieved in 54 patients (72.0%). Incidence of device-mediated hemolysis was 18.7% (14/75). During the follow-up period, all-cause death occurred in 7 patients (9.3%), and 3 were cardiac deaths.The 3-year event-free survival rate was 81.3% (61/75). The need for cardiac surgery was 9.3% (7/75): 3 cases due to severe device-mediated hemolysis, 2 cases due to prosthetic valve failure and 2 cases due to moderate to severe residual regurgitation. The echocardiography follow-up results showed that the position of the occluder was stable, there was no impact on the artificial valve function and surrounding structures, and the residual regurgitation was stable without progressive increase in event-free patients. Compared with pre-intervention, the left ventricular end systolic diameter ((33.9±7.4)mm vs. (38.3±8.9) mm, P=0.036), end diastolic diameter ((53.7±8.3) mm vs. (58.4±9.1) mm, P=0.045) and left atrial diameter (59.3 (44.5, 90.7) mm vs. 64.3 (44.8, 96.6) mm, P=0.049) were significantly reduced, pulmonary artery systolic pressure was also significantly decreased ((36.5±15.8) mmHg vs. (46.3±14.9) mmHg, P=0.022, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). There was no significant difference between 3 years and 1 year after transcatheter repair of mitral paravalvular leak post surgical mitral valve replacement (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Transcatheter repair of mitral paravalvular leak post surgical mitral valve replacement is an effective treatment option in selective patients.

Prótesis Starr-Edwards vigente y funcional por más de 40 años / Starr-Edwards prosthesis current and functional for more than 40 years

INTRODUCCIÓN. Las enfermedades valvulares cardíacas han sido un foco de estudio y de evolución continua, pues existen grupos de pacientes seleccionados en quienes el cambio valvular es parte de su terapéutica. En 1960 surgió el modelo de prótesis de válvula en forma de esfera enjaulada de Albert Starr y Lowell Edwards. El diseño fue perfeccionándose y es usado hasta la actualidad ya que muestra resultados clínicos aceptables. OBJETIVO. Describir el caso de un paciente portador, de uno de los primeros prototipos de prótesis valvular cardiaca metálica Starr-Edwards vigente y funcional por más de 40 años. CASO CLÍNICO. Paciente masculino con prótesis Starr-Edwards en posición aórtica, quien hasta la fecha lleva más de 40 años de uso, mantiene la clase funcional II de la New York Heart Association, realizando anticoagulación con Warfarina así como controles estrictos del índice internacional normalizado. DISCUSIÓN. Es primordial la evaluación y seguimiento de portadores de prótesis valvular para analizar anifestaciones clínicas (disnea) y hallazgos en los exámenes de laboratorio o de imagen (ecografía) para el control clínico y hemodinámica del paciente, con la intención de contemplar circunstancias que podrían determinar la nueva intervención valvular. CONCLUSIONES. Las válvulas metálicas, en particular las del tipo de prótesis de Starr-Edwards presentan alto riesgo trombótico por lo que es recomendable mantener anticoagulación plena evitando valores de índice internacional normalizado muy elevados que podrían crear escenarios de eventos hemorrágicos. Varios pacientes portadores de una de las prótesis más antiguas como es el modelo la prótesis Starr-Edwards, pueden llegar a tener una mejor supervivencia y resultados clínicos aceptables.

INTRODUCTION. Cardiac valve diseases have been a focus of study and continuous evolution, since there are selected groups of patients in whom valve replacement is part of their therapy. In 1960, the caged sphere valve prosthesis model of Albert Starr and Lowell Edwards was developed. The design was refined and is still used today because it shows acceptable clinical results. OBJECTIVE. To describe the case of a patient with one of the first prototypes of Starr- Edwards metallic heart valve prosthesis, which has been in use and functional for more than 40 years. CLINICAL CASE. Male patient with Starr-Edwards prosthesis in aortic position, who to date has been used for more than 40 years, maintains functional class II of the New York Heart Association, performing anticoagulation with Warfarin as well as strict controls of the international normalized index. DISCUSSION. The evaluation and follow-up of valve prosthesis carriers is essential to analyze clinical manifestations (dyspnea) and findings in laboratory or imaging tests (ultrasound) for the clinical and hemodynamic control of the patient, with the intention of contemplating circumstances that could determine the new valve intervention. CONCLUSIONS. Metallic valves, particularly those of the Starr-Edwards prosthesis type, present a high thrombotic risk and it is therefore advisable to maintain full anticoagulation, avoiding very high values of the international normalized index that could create scenarios of hemorrhagic events. Several patients carrying one of the older prostheses, such as the Starr-Edwards prosthesis model, may have better survival and acceptable clinical results.

Calcificación anillo mitral: reemplazo mitral con prótesis mecánica en posición supra anular / Mitral annular calcification: mitral valve replacement with mechanical prosthesis in supra annular position

Abstract: An 84 year old woman presented with recurrent severe heart failure. She had a heavily calcified mitral valve annulus. Radiological images before and after a mechanical valve was implanted in a supra annular position are shown.

Conhecimento sobre anticoagulação oral de pacientes após correção cirúrgica de valvopatias: revisão integrativa / Conocimiento sobre la anticoagulación oral de los pacientes después de la corrección quirúrgica de valvulopatías: revisión integradora / Knowledge about oral anticoagulation of patients after surgical correction of valve diseases: integrative review

Objetivo: Verificar a existência de evidências científicas na literatura sobre o conhecimento dos pacientes em relação ao uso do anticoagulante oral após o implante de valva cardíaca metálica. Método: Revisão integrativa realizada nas bases de dados Embase, Scopus, Web of Science e Sistema Online de Busca e Análise de Literatura Médica (MEDLINE)/PubMed, utilizando descritores controlados e não controlados, sem delimitação temporal quanto à publicação, nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol. A busca ocorreu em junho de 2022, por duas pesquisadoras de forma independente. Resultado: Verificou-se a existência de lacunas no conhecimento dos pacientes sobre os efeitos adversos relacionados ao uso dos anticoagulantes orais, às interações medicamentosas, às interações alimentares, aos fatores que interferem nos níveis do international normalized ratio e ao que deve ser feito em aso de esquecimento das doses diárias. Conclusão: A síntese elaborada enfatiza a necessidade de maior enfoque nas orientações aos pacientes sobre os anticoagulantes e suas implicações relacionadas aos hábitos de vida diária (AU)

Objective: To verify the existence of scientific evidence in the literature on patients regarding the use of oral anticoagulants after implantation of a metallic heart valve. Method: Integrative review carried out in the Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Online Medical Literature Search and Analysis System (MEDLINE)/PubMed databases, using controlled and uncontrolled descriptors, without temporal delimitation regarding publication, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The search took place in June 2022, by two researchers independently. Result: There were gaps in patients' knowledge about adverse effects related to the use of oral anticoagulants, drug interactions, food interactions, factors that interfere with international normalized ratio levels and what should be done in case of forgetting the daily doses. Conclusion: The synthesis elaborated emphasizes the need for greater focus on patient guidance on anticoagulants and their implications related to daily life habits (AU)

Objetivo: Verificar la existencia de evidencia científica en la literatura sobre el conocimiento de los pacientes sobre el uso de anticoagulantes orales después del implante de una válvula cardíaca metálica. Método: Revisión integradora realizada en las bases de datos Embase, Scopus, Web of Science y MEDLINE/PubMed, utilizando descriptores controlados y no controlados, sin delimitación temporal con respecto a la publicación, en portugués, inglés y español. La búsqueda tuvo lugar en junio de 2022, por dos investigadores de forma independiente. Resultado: Hubo lagunas en el conocimiento de los pacientes sobre los efectos adversos relacionados con el uso de anticoagulantes orales, interacciones medicamentosas, interacciones alimentarias, factores que interfieren con los niveles de la razón internacional normalizada y qué se debe hacer en caso de olvido de las dosis diarias. Conclusión: La síntesis elaborada enfatiza la necesidad de un mayor enfoque en la orientación del paciente sobre los anticoagulantes y sus implicaciones relacionadas con los hábitos de la vida diaria (AU)

Hand-sewn expanded polytetrafluoroethylene valved conduit for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Due to the lack of large-sized pulmonary valved conduit products in clinical practice, hand-sewn expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) valved conduit has been used for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction in many heart centers around the world. This study aims to summarize the early results of the ePTFE valved conduit and the sewing technology of the conduit in combination with the latest progress, and to provide a reference for the application of ePTFE valved conduit.@*METHODS@#A total of 21 patients using ePTFE valved conduit for RVOT reconstruction in the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from October 2018 to October 2020 were prospectively enrolled in this study. The age at the implantation of the conduit was 4.3 to 43.8 (median 15.1) years old, with weight of (38.9±4.1) kg. In this cohort, 14 patients underwent re-reconstruction of RVOT, including 12 patients with pulmonary regurgitation at 6.3 to 31.0 (median 13.8) years after tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair, and 2 patients with failed bovine jugular vein conduit (BJVC). Seven patients underwent Ross operations. Among them, 3 were for aortic valve stenosis, 2 were for aortic regurgitation, and 2 were for both stenosis and regurgitation. The ePTFE valved conduits were standard hand-sewn during the surgery. The 3 leaflets were equal in size with arc-shaped lower edge of the valve sinus. The free edge of the valve leaflets was straight with the length of about 1 mm longer than the diameter. The height of the valve sinus was 4/5 of the diameter. The junction of the valve leaflet was 3/4 of the height of the sinus. The designed leaflets were then continuous non-penetrating sutured into the inner surface of Gore-Tex vessel to make a valved conduit. Valved conduits with diameter of 18, 20, and 22 mm were used in 2, 9, and 10 cases, respectively. The surgical results, postoperative recovery time, and serious complications were summarized, and the changes of postoperative cardiac function status and hemodynamic status of the conduits were investigated.@*RESULTS@#During the implantation of ePTFE valved conduit for RVOT reconstruction, 2 patients underwent mechanical mitral valve replacement with Ross operation, 2 patients with pulmonary regurgitation with repaired TOF underwent left and right pulmonary artery angioplasty, and 1 patient with failed BJVC underwent tricuspid valvuloplasty. The cardiopulmonary bypassing time for patients underwent re-reconstruction of RVOT was (130.9±16.9) min, with aorta clamping for 1 patient to repair the residual defect of the ventricular septum. The cardiopulmonary bypassing and aorta clamping time for Ross operation were (242.7±20.6) min and (145.6±10.5) min, respectively. The duration of postoperative ventilator assistance, intensive care unit stay, and hospital stay were 3.5 h to 7.7 d (median 17.1 h),11.2 h to 29.5 d (median 1.9 d), and 6.0 to 56.0 (median 13.0) d, respectively. All patients survived after discharge from hospital. The follow-up rate after discharge was 100% with median time at 15.0 (13.0 to 39.0) months. No death happened during the follow-up. One patient underwent stent implantation due to right coronary stenosis 2 months after Ross operation. One patient underwent balloon dilation due to right pulmonary artery ostium stenosis 1 year after re-reconstruction of RVOT. The cardiac function of all patients recovered to NYHA class I 6 months after operation. The peak pressure gradient across the valve measured by transthoracic echocardiography before discharge was (9.4±2.6) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), and (18.3±6.1) mmHg at the last follow-up. There was no significant increase in the gradient during the follow-up (P=0.134). No patient suffered from mild or more pulmonary regurgitation.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Hand-sewn ePTFE valved conduit is feasible for RVOT reconstruction. It is a promising material for RVOT reconstruction which can effectively meet clinical need. In our experience, the ePTFE valved conduit is simple to manufacture with satisfactory early outcomes.In the application of ePTFE valved conduit, attention should be paid to implantation indications and postoperative anticoagulation management, especially to the preparation details of the valved conduit, to obtain better function and durability of the conduit after implantation.

Preliminary clinical experience of the novel transcatheter aortic valve system Prizvalve® for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with the novel Prizvalve® system in treating severe aortic stenosis. Methods: This is a single-center, prospective, single-arm, observational study. A total of 11 patients with severe aortic stenosis with high risk or inappropriate for conventional surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) were included, and TAVI was achieved with the Prizvalve® system between March 2021 and May 2021 in West China Hospital. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed immediately after prosthesis implantation to evaluate mean transaortic gradient and maximal transaortic velocity. The device success rate was calculated, which was defined as (1) the device being delivered via the access, deployed, implanted and withdrawn, (2) mean transaortic gradient<20 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) or a maximal transaortic velocity<3 m/s post TAVI, and without severe aortic regurgitation or paravalvular leak post TAVI. TTE was performed at 30 days after the surgery, and all-cause mortality as well as the major cardiovascular adverse events (including acute myocardial infarction, disabling hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke) up to 30 days post TAVI were analyzed. Results: The age of 11 included patients were (78.1±6.3) years, with 8 males. A total of 10 patients were with NYHA functional class Ⅲ or Ⅳ. Devices were delivered via the access, deployed, implanted and withdrawn successfully in all patients. Post-implant mean transaortic gradient was (7.55±4.08) mmHg and maximal transaortic velocity was (1.78±0.44) m/s, and both decreased significantly as compared to baseline levels (both P<0.05). No severe aortic regurgitation or paravalvular leak was observed post TAVI. Device success was achieved in all the 11 patients. No patient died or experienced major cardiovascular adverse events up to 30 days post TAVI. Mean transaortic gradient was (9.45±5.07) mmHg and maximal transaortic velocity was (2.05±0.42) m/s at 30 days post TAVI, which were similar as the values measured immediately post TAVI (both P>0.05). Conclusions: TAVI with the Prizvalve® system is a feasible and relatively safe procedure for patients with severe aortic stenosis and at high risk or inappropriate for SAVR. Further clinical studies could be launched to obtain more clinical experience with Prizvalve® system.

Mitral valve-in-valve: defining the indication limits by in vitro hydrodynamic tests in a brazilian transcatheter prosthesis

Abstract Introduction: Reoperations in cardiac surgery represent a clinical challenge, particularly because of the higher rate of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Mitral valve reoperation owing to bioprosthesis dysfunction, transcatheter treatment with a prosthesis implantation over the prosthesis has emerged as an alternative, especially for patients with a previous approach. In this study, we analyzed the hydrodynamic behavior of transcatheter prosthesis implantation in conventional mitral bioprostheses through hydrodynamic tests and produced a recommendation for the size of transcatheter valve most adequate for valve-in-valve procedure. Methods: Mitral bioprostheses were attached to a flow duplicator and different combinations of transcatheter prostheses were implanted inside. The equipment simulates the hydrodynamic behavior of the valves submitted in vitro and determines transvalvular pressures and flow parameters. Results: All tests could be performed. Better hydrodynamic performance occurred for transcatheter prostheses 1 mm smaller than bioprostheses, except for the 27-mm bioprostheses. Effective valve areas (cm²) and transvalvular gradients (mmHg) were, respectively: Bioprosthesis × Inovare: 27 × 28 mm: 1.65 and 5.95/29 × 28 mm and 31 × 30 mm: 2.15 and 3.6. Conclusion: The mitral valve-in-valve implantation proved to be feasible in vitro. The use of 27-mm bioprostheses should be judicious, with preference for a 26-mm transcatheter valve. In the 29 and 31-mm bioprostheses, the implantation was very satisfactory, with good effective valve areas and transvalvular gradients, with preference for smaller transcatheter valves.

Anatomía de la válvula aórtica: implicancias para el reemplazo aórtico percutáneo / Anatomy of the aortic valve: implications for percutaneous aortic replacement

Resumen: La válvula aórtica es una estructura más compleja de lo que hasta hace poco se estimaba y en la actualidad se considera a esta una estructura más de la "Raíz Aórtica", cuyos componentes se describen en el presente "Artículo Especial". Lo anterior ha alcanzado mayor importancia con el desarrollo de los procedimientos quirúrgicos que permiten preservar la válvula aórtica en la insuficiencia aórtica, pero, muy especialmente, para el tratamiento percutáneo de la estenosis aórtica, de la cual se reconocen, a su vez, tres formas principales, que también se describen en el presente artículo.

Abstract: The aortic valve is a more complex structure than has been estimated until recently and is now considered to be just another structure of the "Aortic Root", the components of which are described in this "Special Feature". This has become more important with the development of surgical procedures that allow preservation of the aortic valve in aortic insufficiency, but especially for the percutaneous treatment of aortic stenosis, of which three main forms are recognized, which are also described in this article.

Traversing the Learning Curve Associated with a New Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement Service

Abstract Objective: Isolated aortic valve replacement is a safe and frequently performed cardiac surgical procedure. Although minimal access approaches including right anterior thoracotomy and partial sternotomy have been adopted by some surgeons in recent years, concerns about additional procedural morbidity and mortality during the early phase of the learning curve persist. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the learning curve on outcomes for a single surgeon implementing a new minimal access aortic valve replacement service. Methods: Ninety-three patients undergoing minimal access aortic valve replacement performed by a single surgeon in our institution between October 2014 and March 2019 were analysed. Patients were divided into tertiles according to procedure order. Endpoints included peri-operative mortality and post-operative complications, and these were compared across tertiles to assess the impact of the learning curve on procedural outcomes. Results: Overall in-hospital mortality was 2.15% (n=2). Despite significantly longer cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp duration in the early tertile, there was no significant difference in the rate of post-operative complications, post-operative length of stay or in-hospital mortality between tertiles. Conclusions: Although our results have demonstrated a significant learning curve effect associated with the introduction of this minimally invasive approach to aortic valve replacement, as demonstrated by the significant reduction in cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp duration over time, our findings suggest that a minimal access aortic valve replacement service can be safely commenced by an experienced surgeon without concerns about the learning curve significantly affecting post-operative morbidity and mortality.