Mitral Valve Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair: 1-Year Outcomes From the MiCLASP Study.

BACKGROUND: Mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) is a guideline-recommended treatment option for patients with severe symptomatic mitral regurgitation (MR). Outcomes with the PASCAL system in a post-market setting have not been established. OBJECTIVES: The authors report 30-day and 1-year outcomes from the MiCLASP (Transcatheter Repair of Mitral Regurgitation with Edwards PASCAL Transcatheter Valve Repair System) European post-market clinical follow-up study. METHODS: Patients with symptomatic, clinically significant MR were prospectively enrolled. The primary safety endpoint was clinical events committee-adjudicated 30-day composite major adverse event rate and the primary effectiveness endpoint was echocardiographic core laboratory-assessed MR severity at discharge compared with baseline. Clinical, echocardiographic, functional, and quality-of-life outcomes were assessed at 1 year. RESULTS: A total of 544 patients were enrolled (59% functional MR, 30% degenerative MR). The 30-day composite major adverse event rate was 6.8%. MR reduction was significant from baseline to discharge and sustained at 1 year with 98% of patients achieving MR ≤2+ and 82.6% MR ≤1+ (all P < 0.001 vs baseline). One-year Kaplan-Meier estimate for survival was 87.3%, and freedom from heart failure hospitalization was 84.3%. Significant functional and quality-of-life improvements were observed at 1 year, including 71.6% in NYHA functional class I/II, 14.4-point increase in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score, and 24.2-m improvement in 6-minute walk distance (all P < 0.001 vs baseline). CONCLUSIONS: One-year outcomes of this large cohort from the MiCLASP study demonstrate continued safety and effectiveness of M-TEER with the PASCAL system in a post-market setting. Results demonstrate high survival and freedom from heart failure hospitalization, significant and sustained MR reduction, and improvements in symptoms, functional capacity, and quality of life.

Comparison of two self-expanding transcatheter heart valves for degenerated surgical bioprostheses: the AVENGER multicentre registry.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of comparative data on transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in degenerated surgical prostheses (valve-in-valve [ViV]). AIMS: We sought to compare outcomes of using two self-expanding transcatheter heart valve (THV) systems for ViV. METHODS: In this retrospective multicentre registry, we included consecutive patients undergoing transfemoral ViV using either the ACURATE neo/neo2 (ACURATE group) or the Evolut R/PRO/PRO+ (EVOLUT group). The primary outcome measure was technical success according to Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-3. Secondary outcomes were 30-day all-cause mortality, device success (VARC-3), coronary obstruction (CO) requiring intervention, rates of severe prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM), and aortic regurgitation (AR) ≥moderate. Comparisons were made after 1:1 propensity score matching. RESULTS: The study cohort comprised 835 patients from 20 centres (ACURATE n=251; EVOLUT n=584). In the matched cohort (n=468), technical success (ACURATE 92.7% vs EVOLUT 88.9%; p=0.20) and device success (69.7% vs 73.9%; p=0.36) as well as 30-day mortality (2.8% vs 1.6%; p=0.392) were similar between the two groups. The mean gradients and rates of severe PPM, AR ≥moderate, or CO did not differ between the groups. Technical and device success were higher for the ACURATE platform among patients with a true inner diameter (ID) >19 mm, whereas a true ID ≤19 mm was associated with higher device success - but not technical success - among Evolut recipients. CONCLUSIONS: ViV TAVI using either ACURATE or Evolut THVs showed similar procedural outcomes. However, a true ID >19 mm was associated with higher device success among ACURATE recipients, whereas in patients with a true ID ≤19 mm, device success was higher when using Evolut.

Depth of Invasion in Carcinoma Tongue: Evaluation of Clinical and Imaging Techniques.

BACKGROUND: "Depth of invasion" is an additional index incorporated in 8th AJCC staging system for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma based on its prognostic significance. Pre-operative assessment by clinical palpation and imaging modalities has been used with limitations. The aim of the study is to compare different techniques including clinical palpation, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging with histopathology for assessment of depth of tumor invasion. MATERIALS: Fifty patients of carcinoma tongue (T1-T3) were enrolled. Clinical palpation, Ultrasound tongue, and Magnetic resonance imaging were used to assess depth of tumor invasion. Microscopic depth of invasion was considered as reference. Statistical analysis was done to assess the level of agreement, reliability, and internal consistency. ROC analysis was done to find the "Area Under Curve" for microscopic depth versus ultrasound, MRI, and gross histopathological "depth of invasion". RESULTS: Ultrasound tongue showed highest "area under curve", Intra class correlation (ICC:0.786) with a good consistency (Cronbach's Alpha:0.880) with histological reference compared to MRI(ICC:0.689;CA:0.816). Clinical palpation showed weak agreement (Kappa:0.43) for assessing depth. To observe the concordance between ultrasound and microscopic depth, Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC = 0.782) was calculated with 95% limits of agreement. Lin's concordance correlation between ultrasound and microscopic depth showed a good agreement. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound tongue is a reliable imaging modality for pre-operative T staging by assessing tumor "depth of invasion" in carcinoma tongue patients with good internal consistency as per 8th AJCC staging system. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 (CEBM-Level of Evidence-2.1) Laryngoscope, 134:215-221, 2024.

Intermittent Chest Pain in a 46-Year-Old Patient.

A patient in his 40s presented to the emergency department with chest pain and diaphoresis, which had also occurred 2 days earlier. He had a 20 pack-year history of smoking but no family history of cardiovascular disease. The patient's electrocardiogram showed biphasic T waves in leads V2 and V3. What would you do next?

Cardiovalve in mitral valve position-Additional solution for valve replacement.

We report on a 72 years old male patient with recurrent heart failure hospitalizations caused by severe mitral regurgitation due to severe restriction of the posterior mitral leaflet treated with the transfemoral mitral valve replacement (TMVR) system Cardiovalve. Immediate interventional success was obtained resulting in a quick mobilization and discharge.

Valve embolization during transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Incidence, risk factors and follow-up by computed tomography.

Background: In most cases of transcatheter valve embolization and migration (TVEM), the embolized valve remains in the aorta after implantation of a second valve into the aortic root. There is little data on potential late complications such as valve thrombosis or aortic wall alterations by embolized valves. Aims: The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of TVEM in a large cohort of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and to examine embolized valves by computed tomography (CT) late after TAVI. Methods: The patient database of our center was screened for cases of TVEM between July 2009 and July 2021. To identify risk factors, TVEM cases were compared to a cohort of 200 consecutive TAVI cases. Out of 35 surviving TVEM patients, ten patients underwent follow-up by echocardiography and CT. Results: 54 TVEM occurred in 3757 TAVI procedures, 46 cases were managed percutaneously. Horizontal aorta (odds ratio [OR] 7.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.4-16.6, p < 0.001), implantation of a self-expanding valve (OR 4.63, 95% CI 2.2-9.7, p < 0.01) and a left ventricular ejection fraction < 40% (OR 2.94, 95% CI 1.1-7.3, p = 0.016) were identified as risk factors for TVEM. CT scans were performed on average 26.3 months after TAVI (range 2-84 months) and detected hypoattenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) in two patients as well as parts of the stent frame protruding into the aortic wall in three patients. Conclusion: TVEM represents a rare complication of TAVI. Follow up-CT detected no pathological findings requiring intervention.

Magnetic field-induced interactions between phones containing magnets and cardiovascular implantable electronic devices: Flip it to be safe?

BACKGROUND: Recent case reports and small studies have reported activation of the magnet-sensitive switches in cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) by the new iPhone 12 series, initiating asynchronous pacing in pacemakers and suspension of antitachycardia therapies in implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this prospective single-center observational study was to quantify the risk of magnetic field interactions of the iPhone 12 with CIEDs. METHODS: A representative model of each CIED series from all manufacturers was tested ex vivo. Incidence and minimum distance necessary for magnet mode triggering were analyzed in 164 CIED patients with either the front or the back of the phone facing the device. The magnetic field of the iPhone 12 was analyzed using a 3-axis Hall probe. RESULTS: Ex vivo, magnetic interference occurred in 84.6% with the back compared to 46.2% with the front of the iPhone 12 facing the CIED. In vivo, activation of the magnet-sensitive switch occurred in 30 CIED patients (18.3%; 21 pacemaker, 9 ICD) when the iPhone 12 was placed in close proximity over the CIED pocket and the back of the phone was facing the skin. Multiple binary logistic regression analysis identified implantation depth (95% confidence interval 0.02-0.24) as an independent predictor of magnet-sensitive switch activation. CONCLUSION: Magnetic field interactions occur only in close proximity and with precise alignment of the iPhone 12 and CIEDs. It is important to advise CIED patients to not put the iPhone 12 directly on the skin above the CIED. Further recommendations are not necessary.

Diode laser versus bipolar diathermy for turbinate reduction in cases of inferior turbinate hypertrophy.

This study was designed to assess the surgical outcomes of two commonly used techniques for turbinate reduction (diode laser and bipolar diathermy) in selected group of patients with chronic nasal obstruction which resulted from inferior turbinate hypertrophy. The current study was conducted on adult patients with a diagnosis of inferior turbinate hypertrophy. 42 patients (21 in each group) with an age range of 21-38 years (mean = 26.0 ± 4.1) were included in this work and were randomly distributed in 2 groups: one group was scheduled for diode laser turbinectomy (DLT) while the other group was managed by bipolar diathermy (BDT). In DLT, the machine was on a continuous mode with intermittent loading, with laser energy level set to 6 W (0.3-s pulse, 0.1-s break). Pre- and postoperative assessments were statistically compared via tests from SPSS 19.0 (IBM, Chicago, Illinois; USA). Percentage of categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square (χ2) test. P < 0.05 was considered significant, P˃0.05 was considered non-significant, and P < 0.001 was considered highly significant. At 6 months postoperatively, in cases of DLT, there was high significant improvement as regards nasal obstruction and headache (χ2 = 64.78 and 39 respectively; P < 0.0001). There was insignificant difference as regards rhinorrhea (χ2 = 5.524; P = 0.137). In comparison to the postoperative data of both groups, significant difference was reported as regards nasal obstruction and headache (P < 0.001) and rhinorrhea (P < 0.05). This study demonstrated that both laser and bipolar cautery are effective in improving nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea. Preservation of the nasal mucociliary function was better in the diode laser group.

Wearable cardioverter-defibrillator: friend or foe in suspected myocarditis?

AIM: Wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD, LifeVest, and Zoll) therapy has become a useful tool to bridge a temporarily increased risk for sudden cardiac death. However, despite extensive use, there is a lack of evidence whether patients with myocarditis and impaired LVEF may benefit from treatment with a WCD. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a single-centre retrospective observational study analysing patients with a WCD prescribed between September 2015 and April 2020 at our institution. In total, 135 patients were provided with a WCD, amongst these 76 patients (mean age 48.9 ± 13.7 years; 84.2% male) for clinically suspected myocarditis. Based on the results of the endomyocardial biopsy and, where available cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, 39 patients (51.3%) were diagnosed with myocarditis and impaired LVEF and 37 patients (48.7%) with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) without evidence of cardiac inflammation. The main immunohistopathological myocarditis subtype was lymphocytic myocarditis in 36 (92.3%) patients, and four patients (10.3%) of this group had an acute myocarditis. Three patients had cardiac sarcoidosis (7.7%). Ventricular tachycardia occurred in seven myocarditis (in total 41 VTs; 85.4% non-sustained) and one DCM patients (in total one non-sustained ventricular tachycardia). Calculated necessary WCD wearing time until ventricular tachycardia occurrence is 86.41 days in myocarditis compared with 6.46 years in DCM patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that myocarditis patients may benefit from WCD therapy. However, as our study is not powered for outcome, further randomized studies powered for the outcome morbidity and mortality are necessary.

Positional awake nasoendoscopic pattern-based surgical decision for correction of retropalatal obstruction in OSA.

PURPOSE: To evaluate differential surgical interventions for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients with single-level retropalatal based on the preoperative topographical diagnosis using nasoendoscopy with Müller's maneuver during supine position (MM-P). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This case series included adult patients with OSA who showed a predominant single-level retropalatal collapse on MM-P. An anteroposterior pattern of collapse was managed by an anterior advancement procedure, while a transverse pattern of collapse was managed by lateral/anterolateral advancement procedures (double suspension sutures). A combined procedure was provided to the concentric type of collapse. All patients underwent evaluation of the polysomnography, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) values and snoring scores both preoperatively and 6-8 months after surgery. RESULTS: Among 102 patients, the most commonly reported pattern of collapse at the retropalatal level was the concentric pattern (48.04%) followed by the transverse pattern (27.45%). The AP-pattern of collapse was reported in 24.51%. In the postoperative follow-up visits, no early or late complications were reported. All included groups showed significant improvement in polysomnographic data (mean AHI and lowest O2 saturation level). Significant improvement of VAS of snoring was reported. The overall success rate was ˃90%. CONCLUSION: Preoperative differential diagnosis of OSA with MM-P allows for tailored surgical management. Tailored procedures could yield good surgical outcomes when patients are properly selected and the technique is chosen according to preoperative topographical diagnostic assessment. This study might provide an available less-costly and effective preoperative planning for OSA intervention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

COVID-19-convalescence phase unmasks a silent myocardial infarction due to coronary plaque rupture.

Increased risk of cardiovascular complications during and post-COVID-19 infection is more and more recognized-including myocarditis, arrhythmias, and myocardial infarctions (MIs). The mechanisms leading to these complications are direct virus-induced injuries, as well as potential thrombotic and inflammatory-induced mechanisms. To the latter, inflammatory plaque instability and plaque rupture are discussed entities contributing to MI-induced post-COVID-19 complications. Our case report describes the first time, when a temporary impairment of LVEF in the COVID-19-convalescence phase unmasks a silent MI due to coronary plaque rupture by using invasive (OCT) and non-invasive (CMR) modalities. Myocardial infarction might be an important differential diagnosis to consider in deteriorating patients with COVID-19, especially if dyspnoea persists after acute infection.

Cellular contribution to left and right atrial dysfunction in chronic arterial hypertension in pigs.

AIMS: Atrial contractile dysfunction contributes to worse prognosis in hypertensive heart disease (HHD), but the role of cardiomyocyte dysfunction in atrial remodelling in HHD is not well understood. We investigated and compared cellular mechanisms of left (LA) and right atrial (RA) contractile dysfunction in pigs with HHD. METHODS AND RESULTS: In vivo electrophysiological and magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed in control and pigs treated with 11-deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)/high-salt/glucose diet (12 weeks) to induce HHD. HHD leads to significant atrial remodelling and loss of contractile function in LA and a similar trend in RA (magnetic resonance imaging). Atrial remodelling was associated with a higher inducibility of atrial fibrillation but unrelated to changes in atrial refractory period or fibrosis (histology). Reduced atrial function in DOCA pigs was related to reduced contraction amplitude of isolated LA (already at baseline) and RA myocytes (at higher frequencies) due to reduced intracellular Ca release (Fura 2-AM, field stimulation). However, Ca regulation differed in LA and RA cardiomyocytes: LA cardiomyocytes showed reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) [Ca], whereas in RA, SR [Ca] was unchanged and SR Ca2+ -ATPase activity was increased. Sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX) activity was not significantly altered. We used ORM-10103 (3 µM), a specific NCX inhibitor to improve Ca availability in LA and RA cardiomyocytes from DOCA pigs. Partial inhibition of NCX increased Ca2+ transient amplitude and SR Ca in LA, but not RA cells. CONCLUSIONS: In this large animal model of HHD, atrial remodelling in sinus rhythm in vivo was related to differential LA and RA cardiomyocyte dysfunction and Ca signalling. Selective acute inhibition of NCX improved Ca release in diseased LA cardiomyocytes, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach to improve atrial inotropy in HHD.

Increased mortality and worse cardiac outcome of acute myocardial infarction during the early COVID-19 pandemic.

AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak on admissions for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and related mortality, severity of presentation, major cardiac complications and outcome in a tertiary-care university hospital in Berlin, Germany. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a single-centre cross-sectional observational study, we included 355 patients with AMI containing ST-elevation or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI or NSTEMI), admitted for emergency cardiac catheterization between January and April 2020 and the equivalent time in 2019. During the early phase of the Covid-19 pandemic (e-COV) in Berlin (March and April 2020), admissions for AMI halved compared with those in the pre-Covid-19 time (January and February 2020; pre-COV) and with those in the corresponding months in 2019. However, mortality for AMI increased substantially from 5.2% pre-COV to 17.7% (P < 0.05) during e-COV. Severity of presentation for AMI was more pronounced during e-COV [increased levels of cardiac enzymes, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), an increase in the need of inotropic support by 25% (P < 0.01)], while patients' demographic and angiographic characteristics did not differ between pre-COV and e-COV. Time from symptom onset to first medical contact was prolonged in all AMI during e-COV (presentation > 72 h +21% in STEMI, p = 0.04 and presentation > 72 h in NSTEMI +22%, p = 0.02). Door to balloon time was similar in STEMI patients, while time from first medical contact to revascularization was significantly delayed in NSTEMI patients (p = 0.02). Major cardiac complications after AMI occurred significantly more often, and cardiac recovery was worse in e-COV than in pre-COV, demonstrated by a significantly lower LVEF (39 ± 16 vs. 46 ± 16, p < 0.05) at hospital discharge and substantially higher NTproBNP levels. CONCLUSIONS: The Covid-19 outbreak affects hospital admissions for acute coronary syndromes. During the first phase of the pandemia, significantly less patients with AMI were admitted, but those admitted presented with a more severe phenotype and had a higher mortality, more complications, and a worse short-term outcome. Therefore, our data indicate that Covid-19 had relevant impact on non-infectious disease states, such as acute coronary syndromes.

Trans-oral, Carbon Dioxide-Assisted Excision of an Unusual Schwannoma of the Tongue Base: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract Introduction Schwannomas are benign, solitary, encapsulated tumors that may originate at any site of the peripheral nervous system, with the exception of the olfactory and optic nerves. Schwannomas of the base of tongue are very rare, and only sporadic cases are documented. The tongue base represents a challenge for surgeons. Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser might provide an effective surgical option for such lesions because of the easy access to the lesion, the bloodless surgical field and optimum epithelization of wounds. Objective We present an unusual case of pedunculated schwannoma of the tongue base treated via transoral CO2-assisted excision. We also provide a review of the available literature, in English language, on humans. Data synthesis The authors searched the PubMed database and Google up to July 2018. The following search terms were applied: tongue and lingual, combined with schwannoma and neurilemmoma. Titles and abstracts were screened, and, then, only supraglottic (hypopharyngeal) tongue base masses were considered. Fourteen articles were included in this review, reporting 17 cases. The age of the patients ranged from 9 to 39 years, affecting predominantly females. Dysphagia and lump sensations were the most common presenting symptoms, and the mean follow-up period range was 1.5 to 60 months (mean = 13 months). There was no evidence of recurrence in any of the cases. Conclusion We could conclude that tongue base schwannomas are rare. Transoral complete excision of the tumor is the treatment of choice. CO2 laser surgery is a minimally invasive treatment option that has been performed in few reports with no recurrence and with favorable outcomes.

Trans-oral, Carbon Dioxide-Assisted Excision of an Unusual Schwannoma of the Tongue Base: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Introduction Schwannomas are benign, solitary, encapsulated tumors that may originate at any site of the peripheral nervous system, with the exception of the olfactory and optic nerves. Schwannomas of the base of tongue are very rare, and only sporadic cases are documented. The tongue base represents a challenge for surgeons. Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser might provide an effective surgical option for such lesions because of the easy access to the lesion, the bloodless surgical field and optimum epithelization of wounds. Objective We present an unusual case of pedunculated schwannoma of the tongue base treated via transoral CO 2 -assisted excision. We also provide a review of the available literature, in English language, on humans. Data synthesis The authors searched the PubMed database and Google up to July 2018. The following search terms were applied: tongue and lingual, combined with schwannoma and neurilemmoma . Titles and abstracts were screened, and, then, only supraglottic (hypopharyngeal) tongue base masses were considered. Fourteen articles were included in this review, reporting 17 cases. The age of the patients ranged from 9 to 39 years, affecting predominantly females. Dysphagia and lump sensations were the most common presenting symptoms, and the mean follow-up period range was 1.5 to 60 months (mean = 13 months). There was no evidence of recurrence in any of the cases. Conclusion We could conclude that tongue base schwannomas are rare. Transoral complete excision of the tumor is the treatment of choice. CO 2 laser surgery is a minimally invasive treatment option that has been performed in few reports with no recurrence and with favorable outcomes.

Hyoid Bone Suspension as a Part of Multilevel Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

Introduction Since oropharyngeal surgery alone is often insufficient to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), advances have been developed in hypopharyngeal surgery. Objective To assess hyoid suspension surgery as part of a multilevel OSA surgery, also including palatal surgery. Methods The study included patients with OSA symptoms with apnea hypopnea index (AHI) > 15. They were scheduled for hyoid suspension after a nasoendoscopy during Müller maneuver and drug induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). All patients had body mass index (BMI) < 35 kg/m2. Hyoidothyroidopexy combined with tonsillectomy and palatal suspension was performed in all cases. Results The mean AHI dropped significantly ( p < 0.0001) from 68.4 ± 25.3 preoperatively to 25.6 ± 9.52 postoperatively. The mean lowest oxygen (O 2 ) saturation level increased significantly from 66.8 ± 11.3 to 83.2 ± 2.86 ( p < 0.0001). In addition, the snoring score significantly decreased ( p < 0.0001) from a preoperative mean of 3.4 ± 0.54 to 2 ± 0.7 at 6 months postoperatively. In regard to the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), it showed significant improvements ( p < 0.0001) as its mean diminished from 13.8 ± 5.4 preoperatively to 5.2 ± 1.6 postoperatively. Conclusion Hyoidothyroidopexy using absorbable suture seems to produce a good outcome in treating OSA. It could be effectively and safely combined with other palatal procedures in the multilevel surgery for OSA.

Hyoid Bone Suspension as a Part of Multilevel Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Abstract Introduction Since oropharyngeal surgery alone is often insufficient to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), advances have been developed in hypopharyngeal surgery. Objective To assess hyoid suspension surgery as part of amultilevel OSA surgery, also including palatal surgery. Methods The study included patients with OSA symptoms with apnea hypopnea index (AHI) > 15. They were scheduled for hyoid suspension after a nasoendoscopy during Müller maneuver and drug induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). All patients had body mass index (BMI) < 35 kg/m2. Hyoidothyroidopexy combined with tonsillectomy and palatal suspension was performed in all cases. Results The mean AHI dropped significantly (p < 0.0001) from 68.4 ± 25.3 preoperatively to 25.6 ± 9.52 postoperatively. The mean lowest oxygen (O2) saturation level increased significantly from 66.8 ± 11.3 to 83.2 ± 2.86 (p < 0.0001). In addition, the snoring score significantly decreased (p < 0.0001) from a preoperative mean of 3.4 ± 0.54 to 2 ± 0.7 at 6 months postoperatively. In regard to the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), it showed significant improvements (p < 0.0001) as its mean diminished from 13.8 ± 5.4 preoperatively to 5.2 ± 1.6 postoperatively. Conclusion Hyoidothyroidopexy using absorbable suture seems to produce a good outcome in treating OSA. It could be effectively and safely combined with other palatal procedures in the multilevel surgery for OSA.

Analysis of cardiovascular mortality, bleeding, vascular and cerebrovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation vs. sinus rhythm undergoing transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVR).

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been demonstrated to be an established therapy for high-risk, inoperable patients with severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis. For patients with moderate surgical risk, TAVR is equivalent to conventional aortic valve surgery. However, atrial fibrillation (AF) is also present in many of these patients, thus requiring post-implantation oral anticoagulation therapy in addition to the inhibition of thrombocyte aggregation, which poses the risk of bleeding complications. The aim of our work was to investigate the influence of AF on mortality and the occurrence of bleeding, vascular and cerebrovascular complications related to TAVR according to the VARC-2 criteria. METHODS: Two hundred eighty-three patients who underwent TAVR between March 2010 and April 2016 were retrospectively examined. In total, 257 patients who underwent transfemoral access were included in this study. The mean patient age was 81 ± 6 years, 54.1% of the patients were women, and 42.4% had pre-interventional AF. RESULTS: Compared to patients with sinus rhythm (SR, n = 148), patients with AF (n = 109) had an almost three-fold higher incidence of major vascular complications (AF 14.7% vs. SR 5.4%, p = 0.016) and life-threatening bleeding (AF 11.9% vs. SR 4.1%, p = 0.028) during the first 30 post-procedural days. However, the rate of cerebrovascular complications (AF 3.7% vs. SR 2.7%, p = 0.726) did not significantly differ between the two groups. Overall mortality was significantly higher in patients with AF during the first month (AF 8.3% vs. SR 2.0%, p = 0.032) and the first year (AF 28.4% vs. SR 15.3%; p = 0.020) following TAVR. CONCLUSION: Patients with AF had significantly more severe bleeding complications after TAVR, which were significantly related to mortality. Future prospective randomized studies must clarify the optimal anticoagulation therapy for patients with AF after TAVR. TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS00011798 on DRKS (Date 17.03.2017).

Conventional Surgery for Early and Late Symptomatic Mitral Valve Stenosis After MitraClip® Intervention: An Institutional Experience With Four Consecutive Patients.

BACKGROUND: Surgical mitral valve repair is the gold standard for treatment of mitral regurgitation. Recently, the transcatheter treatment of mitral regurgitation with the MitraClip® device (Abbot Vascular Structural Heart, Menlo Park, CA) has demonstrated promising results in treating patients not amenable for surgical correction of mitral valve regurgitation. Most patients reported in the literature requiring surgical bailout after MitraClip treatment presented with residual or recurrent mitral valve regurgitation. Mitral valve stenosis after MitraClip treatment has been rarely reported. METHODS: From February 2010 to December 2014, four patients out of 165 patients who underwent MitraClip therapy developed symptomatic mitral valve stenosis (2.4%) and needed surgical correction. Data of the four patients were reviewed retrospectively. Follow-up data were obtained from each patient's general practitioner/cardiologist by phone calls and facsimile and were complete in all patients. RESULTS: All four patients were treated with ≥ 2 MitraClip (MC) devices during their initial presentation. All four patients underwent MV replacement with a tissue valve. The postoperative course was uneventful and there was no 30-day mortality. At 6-month follow-up, all patients were alive and in NYHA class I-III. CONCLUSION: Placement of multiple clip devices may lead to slightly elevated transmitral gradients. This may not necessarily interpret into symptomatic mitral stenosis. However, in some cases this is possible. Caution should be exercised at this phase of the learning curve of the percutaneous MC treatment, especially in use of multiple MC devices.