The Evolution of Transcatheter Therapies for Mitral Valve Disease: From Mitral Valvuloplasty to Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement.

The prevalence of mitral valve disease has evolved over the past 5 decades from primarily a disease of rheumatic origin to a disease affecting the aging population that encompasses a range of phenotypes from rheumatic mitral stenosis, degenerative mitral regurgitation, and degenerative mitral valve calcification to secondary mitral regurgitation. A reflection on the history of therapy for mitral valve disease is an expedition that follows the birth and development of structural heart intervention from the first percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty to innovative technologies for transcatheter mitral valve repair and replacement. This review will lead you along this journey, pause to acknowledge the feats accomplished, and reflect on the road that lies ahead.

A Rare Case of Coronary Artery Dilatation and Giant Pseudoaneurysm.

Coronary artery fistula are anomalous connections with coronary vessels or cardiac chambers, potentially resulting in coronary dilatation and pseudoaneurysm formation. We present the case of a 68-year-old woman referred to our institution for a voluminous coronary pseudoaneurysm secondary to coronary artery fistula presenting as a nearly completely obstructive left atrial mass. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Optimizing Timing of Valve Intervention in Patients With Asymptomatic Severe Valvular Heart Disease.

The management of valvular heart disease has changed dramatically over the past decade with advances in cardiac imaging, the use of novel biomarkers, and the development of transcatheter valve repair and replacement technology. International society guidelines have kept pace to provide recommendations for diagnosis, follow-up, and timing of intervention. The most challenging patient cohort for clinicians are patients with asymptomatic severe disease in whom the optimal timing of intervention can be ill-defined. It is a fine balance between the risks of early intervention on asymptomatic patients and improving patient outcomes by preventing long-term cardiac complications. The key in optimal patient management is gathering the necessary information on patient risk and combining that with the risk, efficacy, and durability of valve interventions to arrive at the appropriate timing for intervention. This group of patients will be the focus of this review as we delve into the natural history, recommended follow-up, and indications for intervention in patients with degenerative aortic and mitral valve disease.

Bicuspid Aortic Valve Stenosis: From Pathophysiological Mechanism, Imaging Diagnosis, to Clinical Treatment Methods.

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most frequent congenital anomaly and has a natural evolution toward aortic regurgitation or stenosis due to the asymmetrical valve function associated with an evolutive ascending aortopathy. Several BAV classifications exist describing the presence and number of raphe, amount and location of calcium, and the symmetry of the functional cusps. The impact of BAV morphology on transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) outcomes still remains little investigated. Pivotal randomized trials comparing TAVI with surgery have excluded BAV until yet. However, data from registries and observational studies including highly selected patients have shown promising results of TAVI in BAV. With this review, we aimed at describing anatomical and pathophysiological characteristics of BAV, discussing the main aspects to assess diagnostic imaging modalities, and giving an overview of TAVI outcomes and technical considerations specific to BAV morphology.

Initial clinical experience with VersaCross transseptal system for transcatheter mitral valve repair.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to describe the initial experience with versacross transseptal (TS) system for transseptal puncture for the transcatheter mitral valve repair using the MitraClip device. BACKGROUND: Transeptal puncture is a key step in transcatheter mitral valve repair (MVR) and the use of the VersaCross system comprised of a sheath, a dilator and a radiofrequency wire has not been previously described. METHODS: Prospective single center study of consecutive patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair with the MitraClip device were included. Targeted TS puncture was performed under transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) guidance. Baseline demographics, procedural characteristics, and major adverse procedural events were collected. RESULTS: Twenty-five consecutive patients underwent transseptal puncture using the VersaCross TS system. Transseptal puncture was successful in 100% of patients. The mean time for TS puncture was 3 3 ± 1.6 min with no major adverse procedural events. The mean time from insertion of the VersaCross system to insertion of the MitraClip guide catheter was 3.8 ± 3.0 minutes. CONCLUSION: The VersaCross TS system was successful in all patients for MitraClip procedure with no adverse procedural events and may be associated with increased procedural efficiency.

Clinical outcomes and economic impact of transcatheter mitral leaflet repair in heart failure patients.

BACKGROUND: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common valvular heart disorder requiring intervention once it becomes severe. Transcatheter mitral repair with the MitraClip device is a safe and effective therapy for selected patients denied surgery. The authors sought to evaluate the clinical outcomes and economic impact of this therapy compared to medical management in heart-failure patients with symptomatic mitral regurgitation. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study was comprised of two phases; an observational study of patients with heart failure and mitral regurgitation treated with either medical therapy or the MitraClip, and an economic model. Results of the observational study were used to estimate parameters for the decision model, which estimated costs, and benefits in a hypothetical cohort of patients with heart failure and moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation treated with either standard medical therapy or MitraClip. The cohort of patients treated with the MitraClip was propensity matched to a population of heart failure patients, and their outcomes compared. At a mean follow-up of 22 months, all-cause mortality was 21% in the MitraClip cohort and 42% in the medical management cohort (p = .007). The decision model demonstrated that MitraClip increased life expectancy from 1.87-3.60 years and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) from 1.13-2.76 years. The incremental cost was $52,500 Canadian dollars, corresponding to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $32,300.00 per QALY gained. Results were sensitive to the survival benefit. CONCLUSION: In heart failure patients with symptomatic moderate-severe mitral regurgitation, therapy with the MitraClip is associated with superior survival and is cost-effective compared to medical therapy.

Impact of left ventricular function on clinical outcomes of functional mitral regurgitation patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of baseline left ventricular (LV) function on the clinical outcomes of patients with functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) treated with MitraClip. BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether patients with significant FMR and severe LV dysfunction benefit from MitraClip. METHODS: A cohort of 77 patients with significant FMR undergoing MitraClip procedure between December 2010 and January 2015 was categorized by baseline LV ejection fraction (LVEF) into tertiles: LVEF <27% (n = 27), LVEF 27-37% (n = 25), and LVEF >37% (n = 25). We sought to evaluate the impact of LVEF on all-cause mortality at follow-up. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in baseline comorbidities, medical treatment and MR severity among tertiles of LVEF. Overall procedural success was 94%, with no differences among groups (LVEF <27%: 89%; LVEF 27-37%: 100%; LVEF >37%: 92%; P = 0.25). Median follow-up was 372 days (interquartile range: 128-627 days). MR severity improved in all three groups, as compared to baseline. There were no differences in the prevalence of MR ≤2+ on follow-up (P = 0.40). Mortality was highest in patients with LVEF <27% (41%), as compared with LVEF 27-37% (16%) and LVEF >37% (4%), P = 0.004. Patient who died had a lower baseline LVEF compared to those who survived (24.8 ± 7.7% versus 35.5 ± 13.7%, P < 0.001). An LVEF <27% was an independent predictor of mortality after adjusting for procedural success: hazard ratio 3.4 (95% CI: 1.1 to 10.0; P = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: MitraClip is effective in FMR patients regardless of the severity of LV dysfunction. However, low baseline LVEF is associated with increased mortality, despite procedural success. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Early results of extra-aortic annuloplasty ring implantation on aortic annular dimensions.

OBJECTIVES: Dilatation of the aortic annulus is a cause of recurrent aortic regurgitation following the Ross or Yacoub procedures. Use of an extra-aortic annuloplasty ring is a potentially useful adjunct procedure. The aim of this study was to analyze the early effectiveness and mid-term stability of this surgical approach. METHODS: From 2011 to 2015, 50 patients (mean age, 43 ± 14 years) underwent adjunct extra-aortic annuloplasty ring implantation (n = 39 Dacron rings and n = 11 ExAo rings [CORONEO Inc, Montreal, Canada]). Median ring size was 28 mm (range, 27-32 mm). All patients had aortic regurgitation or a dilated aortic annulus. Concomitant surgical procedure was a valve-sparing remodeling procedure (n = 32) or a Ross procedure (n = 18). Baseline and follow-up echocardiographic systolic and diastolic aortic annular dimensions were prospectively collected. Longitudinal analyses were performed using mixed-effect models. Median follow-up was 12 months (98% complete). RESULTS: Use of an extra-aortic annuloplasty ring resulted in a significant decrease in both systolic (27.9 ± 0.5 mm preoperatively vs 23.6 ± 0.3 mm at discharge, P < .001) and diastolic (24.8 ± 0.4 mm preoperatively vs 20.3 ± 0.3 mm at discharge, P < .001) dimensions. Mean systolic and diastolic dimensions remained statistically unchanged up to 2 years postoperatively, compared with their predischarge values. Systolic expansion of the annulus was conserved early after surgery (16% systolic expansion) and preserved up to 2 years after ring implantation. CONCLUSIONS: Use of an extra-aortic annuloplasty ring is effective at reducing annular diameters. This remains stable at mid-term follow-up, with preservation of aortic annular dynamics. Longer-term studies are required to determine the continued stability and impact on long-term clinical outcomes.

Side-by-Side Comparison of LAA Occlusion Performance With the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug and Amplatzer Amulet.

BACKGROUND: The Amplatzer Amulet, a second-generation device for left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), has been designed to facilitate the implantation process, improve the closure performance, and reduce the risk of complications. The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (ACP) with the Amplatzer Amulet for LAAO, with a special focus on the incidence of residual leaks. METHODS: This was a prospective, single-center review of consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous LAAO with either ACP or Amulet devices. The first transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) at follow-up (1-3 months) was utilized to assess the occurrence of residual leaks. RESULTS: Between November 2009 and August 2013, a total of 59 patients underwent LAAO with either the ACP device (n = 31) or Amulet device (n = 28). The device was successfully implanted in 58 patients (98.3%). There was no procedural device embolization, stroke, or cardiac tamponade. Follow-up TEE was available in 86% (50 patients; 25 ACP devices and 25 Amulet devices). At follow-up, there was no procedural device embolization, and only 1 patient who received an Amulet device presented with device thrombosis at follow-up. Amulet use was associated with a significant reduction of any leak (minor, moderate, or major) compared with ACP use (48% ACP vs 8% Amulet; P=.01). CONCLUSION: In this initial series, the Amulet showed similar procedural and short-term clinical outcomes compared with the ACP. The Amulet was, however, associated with a significant reduction of residual leaks at follow-up.

Impact of coronary artery disease on left ventricular ejection fraction recovery following transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study was to assess if the presence and severity of CAD is associated with decreased LVEF recovery after TAVI. BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) and low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) are common findings in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The impact of CAD on LVEF recovery after TAVI has not been specifically evaluated. METHODS: All patients with LVEF≤50% who underwent TAVI between March 2006 and May 2012 were included in the study. The presence and severity of coronary artery disease was measured using the Duke Myocardial Jeopardy Score (DMJS). A DMJS = 0 corresponds to patients without CAD or complete revascularization and a DMJS > 0 to those with incomplete revascularization. LVEF recovery was assessed by transthoracic echocardiography, measuring the change in LVEF from baseline to 3-months post-TAVI. Myocardial viability was evaluated in a subgroup of patients using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging pre-TAVI. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were included in the study. Twenty-eight patients (50%) had a DMJS > 0. At 3 months, patients with incomplete revascularization (DMJS > 0) demonstrated less LVEF recovery post-TAVI (2.0 ± 9.2% versus 11.7 ± 8.9% if DMJS = 0; P = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, DMJS and presence of significant delayed-enhancement were found to be independent predictors of LVEF recovery. Patients with incomplete revascularization exhibited a worse prognosis with higher mortality at 30-days (22.2% versus 0% if DMJS = 0; P = 0.010) and 1-year (25.9% versus 3.5% if DMJS = 0; P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates an independent association between incomplete revascularization and decreased LVEF recovery in patients with left ventricular dysfunction undergoing TAVI for severe aortic stenosis.

Exercise testing and stress imaging in valvular heart disease.

The role of exercise testing and stress imaging in the management of patients with valvular heart disease (VHD) is reviewed in this article. The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology/European Association of Cardiothoracic Surgery have recently put emphasis on the role of exercise testing to clarify symptom status and the use of stress imaging to assess the dynamic component of valvular abnormalities and unmask subclinical myocardial dysfunction that could be missed at rest. Recent studies have demonstrated the incremental prognostic value of exercise echocardiography for asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis, moderate-severe mitral stenosis, and severe primary mitral regurgitation. In patients with low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis, dobutamine stress echocardiography is recommended to differentiate true severe from pseudosevere aortic stenosis. Data on the prognostic value of stress echocardiography in aortic regurgitation and functional mitral regurgitation are less robust. Data are sparse on the use of stress imaging in right-sided VHD, however recent studies using stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging offer some prognostic information. Although the strongest recommendations for surgical treatment continue to be based on symptom status and resting left ventricular repercussions, stress imaging can be useful to optimize risk stratification and timing of surgery in VHD. Randomized clinical trials are required to confirm that clinical decision-making based on stress imaging can lead to improved outcomes.

A novel system for transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale: clinical and echocardiographic outcome comparison with other contemporary devices.

BACKGROUND: Effective closure performance for patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been suggested to be one of the factors that plays a relevant role in future clinical outcomes after stroke or transient ischemic attack. METHODS: Between January 2009 and June 2012, all consecutive patients undergoing transcatheter PFO closure in our institution using the Amplatzer PFO Occluder (APO) (St Jude Medical, St Paul, MN), BioSTAR (NMT Medical Inc, Boston, MA), GORE HELEX (HELEX) (W.L. Gore & Associates, Newark, DE), and GORE Septal Occluder (GSO) (W.L. Gore & Associates) were included. Closure performance was assessed using transesophageal echocardiography 4 months after the index procedure. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-three patients were included in the study. Patient distribution was as follows: (1) 48 GSO (24.8%); (2) 34 HELEX (17.6%); (3) 74 APO (38.3%); and (4) 37 BioSTAR (19.1%). No complications occurred during device implantation. During clinical follow-up (20.8 ± 13.2 months), 2 (1.1%) patients had a stroke, 3 (1.7%) patients had a peripheral embolism, and 8 (4.7%) patients presented with a documented atrial arrhythmia. There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes among the devices. Transesophageal echocardiography follow-up revealed higher closure rates with GSO (92.6%) and BioSTAR (93.7%) compared with HELEX (74.2%; P = 0.031 and P = 0.034, respectively) and APO (76.4%; P = 0.036 and P = 0.041, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The GSO and BioSTAR showed better closure rates than HELEX and APO at 4 months. PFO closure is a safe procedure with a low rate of clinical events at follow-up.

Left atrial appendage occlusion: initial experience with the Amplatzer™ Amulet™.

BACKGROUND: The Amplatzer™ Amulet™ (Amulet) is the evolution of the Amplatzer™ Cardiac Plug, a dedicated device for percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion. The new device has been designed to facilitate the implantation process, improve the sealing performance and further reduce the risk of complications. The objective of the study was to describe the initial experience with the Amplatzer Amulet for percutaneous LAA occlusion. METHODS: This was a prospective single-center study of patients undergoing percutaneous LAA occlusion. The indication for LAA closure was a formal contraindication for oral anticoagulation or previous history of stroke due to INR lability. All procedures were done under general anesthesia and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed 24h after the procedure in order to rule out procedural complications before discharge. Further follow-up was done with a clinical visit and TEE at 1-3 months. RESULTS: Between July-2012 and June-2013, 25 patients with a mean CHA2DS2-VASC of 4.3 ± 1.7 underwent LAA occlusion with the Amplatzer Amulet. The device was successfully implanted in 24 patients (96%) without any procedural stroke, pericardial effusion or device embolization. None of the patients presented any clinical event at follow-up. Follow-up TEE showed complete LAA sealing in all patients with no residual leaks >3mm and no device embolization. One patient (4.1%) presented a device thrombosis at follow-up without clinical expression. CONCLUSION: In this initial series of patients, the Amulet showed a remarkable acute and short-term performance in terms of feasibility and safety as depicted by the high successful implantation rate and the low incidence of complications.

Intra-procedural imaging of the left atrial appendage: implications for closure with the Amplatzer™ cardiac plug.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate intra-procedural imaging with transesophageal echocardiography and angiography during left atrial appendage occlusion using the Amplatzer™ Cardiac Plug with regard to sizing and final device shape. METHODS: Left atrial appendage ostium dimensions and diameter at a depth of 10mm from the ostium were measured by transesophageal echocardiography (0-180°) and angiography (RAO 30° - Cranial 20°) in consecutive patients undergoing left atrial appendage occlusion using the ACP with an oversizing strategy of 10-20% relative to the baseline measurements. After delivery, ACP dimensions were measured and device shape was assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-seven consecutive patients underwent successful uncomplicated left atrial appendage closure with Amplatzer™ Cardiac Plug. We found a significant difference between the largest and smallest left atrial appendage diameter measured with transesophageal echocardiography (22.3±4.2 vs. 18.1±4.1mm, p<0.001). By the end of the procedure (by angiography), ACP had an optimal shape in 17 patients (63%), a strawberry-like shape in 7 patients (26%), and a square-like shape in 3 patients (11%). ACP was oversized on average by 1.5±2.7 and 3.3±2.3mm compared to transesophageal echocardiography and angiography, respectively. The final shape of the device was not significantly associated with the degree of oversizing. CONCLUSIONS: We found a considerable variability in the assessment of the left atrial appendage, using transesophageal echocardiography and angiography. The degree of Amplatzer™ Cardiac Plug expansion within the left atrial appendage and the final shape of the device were not associated with the degree of oversizing.

Intra-procedural imaging of the left atrial appendage: Implications for closure with the AmplatzerTM cardiac plug / Evaluación de la orejuela izquierda durante el cierre percutáneo con el dispositivo AmplatzerTM cardiac plug

Objectives: To evaluate intra-procedural imaging with transesophageal echocardiography and angiography during left atrial appendage occlusion using the Amplatzer™ Cardiac Plug with regard to sizing and final device shape. Methods: Left atrial appendage ostium dimensions and diameter at a depth of 10 mm from the ostium were measured by transesophageal echocardiography (0-180°) and angiography (RAO 30° - Cranial 20°) in consecutive patients undergoing left atrial appendage occlusion using the ACP with an oversizing strategy of 10-20% relative to the baseline measurements. After delivery, ACP dimensions were measured and device shape was assessed. Results: Twenty-seven consecutive patients underwent successful uncomplicated left atrial appendage closure with Amplatzer™ Cardiac Plug. We found a significant difference between the largest and smallest left atrial appendage diameter measured with transesophageal echocardiography (22.3 ± 4.2 vs. 18.1 ± 4.1 mm, p <0.001). By the end of the procedure (by angiography), ACP had an optimal shape in 17 patients (63%), a strawberry-like shape in 7 patients (26%), and a square-like shape in 3 patients (11%). ACP was oversized on average by 1.5±2.7 and 3.3±2.3mm compared to transesophageal echocardiography and angiography, respectively. The final shape of the device was not significantly associated with the degree of oversizing. Conclusions: We found a considerable variability in the assessment of the left atrial appendage, using transesophageal echocardiography and angiography. The degree of Amplatzer™ Cardiac Plug expansion within the left atrial appendage and the final shape of the device were not associated with the degree of oversizing.

Objetivos: Evaluar las dimensiones de la orejuela izquierda antes del cierre percutáneo y la correlación de sus dimensiones finales y la forma del dispositivo Amplatzer™ cardiac plug con ecocardiografia transesofágica y angiografia. Métodos: Se midieron las dimensiones de la orejuela izquierda a una distancia de 10 mm a partir del ostium con ecocardiografia transesofágica (0 a 180°) y angiografia (RAO 30° Craneal 20°). Se utilizó una estrategia para sobre dimensionar el tamano del dispositivo del 10 al 20% con respecto a las mediciones iniciales. Se evaluaron las dimensiones y la forma final del dispositivo. Resultados: Se realizó el procedimiento en 27 pacientes. Se encontró una diferencia significativa entre el diámetro mayor y menor de orejuela izquierda medido por ecocardiografia transesofágica (22.3±4.2 vs 18.1 ±4.1 mm, p< 0.001). Una vez liberado el dispositivo, se encontró que en 17 pacientes (63%) adoptó una forma óptima, de "fresa" en 7 (26%) y cuadrada en 3 (11%). El tamaño del dispositivo seleccionado se sobre dimensionó en promedio 1.5 ± 2.7mm con la ecocardiografia transesofágica y 3.3 ± 2.3 mm con la angiografia. La forma final del dispositivo no se asoció de manera significativa con el grado de sobre dimensionamiento del mismo. Conclusiones: Existe variabilidad considerable en la evaluación de la orejuela izquierda entre la ecocardiografia transesofágica y la angiografia. No se encontró asociación entre el grado de expansión del dispositivo dentro de la orejuela izquierda ni de su forma final con el grado de sobre dimensionamiento del mismo.

Cardiac procedures to prevent stroke: patent foramen ovale closure/left atrial appendage occlusion.

Stroke is a major contributor to population morbidity and mortality. Cardiac thromboembolic sources are an important potential cause of stroke. Left atrial appendage (LAA) thromboembolism in association with atrial fibrillation is a major contributor to stroke occurrence, particularly in elderly individuals. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) acts as a potential conduit from the right-sided circulation to the brain, and has been suggested to be an important factor in cryptogenic stroke in the young patients. Advances in interventional cardiology have made it possible to deal with these potential stroke sources (LAA and PFO), but the available methods have intrinsic limitations that must be recognized. Furthermore, the potential value of LAA and PFO closure depends on our ability to identify when the target structure is importantly involved in stroke risk; this is particularly challenging for PFO. This article addresses the clinical use of PFO and LAA closure in stroke prevention. We discuss technical aspects of closure devices and methods, questions of patient selection, and clinical trials evidence. We conclude that for PFO closure, the clinical trials evidence is thus far negative in the broad cryptogenic stroke population, but closure might nevertheless be indicated for selected high-risk patients. LAA closure has an acceptable balance between safety and efficacy for atrial fibrillation patients with high stroke risk and important contraindications to oral anticoagulation. Much more work needs to be done to optimize the devices and techniques, and better define patient selection for these potentially valuable procedures.

Percutaneous paravalvular leak reduction: procedural and long-term clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Significant paravalvular leak (PVL) after prosthetic replacement can result in hemolysis and/or congestive heart failure (CHF). Percutaneous PVL reduction (PPVR) represents an alternative to repeat surgery for a selected population. The purpose of this study was to assess the procedural and long-term clinical efficacy of percutaneous PPVR and its effect on survival free of rehospitalization for CHF, surgical reintervention, and death. METHODS: We analyzed a cohort of 56 consecutive patients who underwent 61 PPVRs in our institution between June 2001 and December 2010. Procedural success was defined as a reduction in regurgitation severity free from procedural complications. Patients were followed-up for vital status, clinical events, and symptoms. RESULTS: Patients were aged 65 ± 11 years, with an average logistic EuroSCORE of 19 ± 14%. Indications for PPVR included CHF (61%), hemolysis (9%), or both (30%), caused by mitral (n = 44) or aortic (n = 12) PVL. Procedural success was achieved in 75% of cases. Three major complications, including 2 deaths, occurred during the initial 30-day follow-up in the 42 patients who were treated with a device. After adjusting for the logistic EuroSCORE, prosthesis type (mitral vs aortic), and time interval since the last valve surgery, a successful PPVR was associated with a better survival free of rehospitalisation for CHF, need for surgical reintervention, and death compared with patients with a failed PPVR. (hazard ratio = 0.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.17-0.71). CONCLUSIONS: PPVR is associated with a reasonable rate of procedural success and favourable cardiovascular outcomes, and represents an appropriate option when technically possible.

The chicken-wing morphology: an anatomical challenge for left atrial appendage occlusion.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the particular assessment and closure strategy that was followed in patients with left atrial appendages (LAA) with an early and severe bend. BACKGROUND: The presence of a chicken-wing morphology with an early and severe bend constitutes one of the most difficult anatomical settings for transcatheter LAA occlusion. METHODS: Between November 2009 and December 2012, patients who presented chicken-wing LAA with an early (<20 mm from the ostium) and severe bend (<180°) were identified and included in the analysis. A particular implanting strategy consisting of deploying the distal lobe of the device inside the chicken-wing bend was used in all cases. RESULTS: Among 42 patients who underwent LAA occlusion during the study period, 5 (12%) presented the pre-specified anatomy. Following the mentioned implanting strategy, all patients underwent successful LAA occlusion using the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (n = 2) and the Amplatzer Amulet (n = 3). Successful occlusion was achieved in all patients. None of them presented any procedural complication. Follow-up transesophageal echocardiography at 3 months showed successful LAA sealing in all patients and no device embolization or thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, the pre-specified closing implantation technique for chicken-wing LAAs with an early and severe bend might be a valid strategy for this challenging anatomical setting. Further cases will be necessary to confirm the results.