Population confidence in the health system in 15 countries: results from the first round of the People's Voice Survey.

Population confidence is essential to a well functioning health system. Using data from the People's Voice Survey-a novel population survey conducted in 15 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries-we report health system confidence among the general population and analyse its associated factors. Across the 15 countries, fewer than half of respondents were health secure and reported being somewhat or very confident that they could get and afford good-quality care if very sick. Only a quarter of respondents endorsed their current health system, deeming it to work well with no need for major reform. The lowest support was in Peru, the UK, and Greece-countries experiencing substantial health system challenges. Wealthy, more educated, young, and female respondents were less likely to endorse the health system in many countries, portending future challenges for maintaining social solidarity for publicly financed health systems. In pooled analyses, the perceived quality of the public health system and government responsiveness to public input were strongly associated with all confidence measures. These results provide a post-COVID-19 pandemic baseline of public confidence in the health system. The survey should be repeated regularly to inform policy and improve health system accountability.

Nutritional adequacy of commercial food products targeted at 0-36-month-old children: a study in Brazil and Portugal.

In the context of the global childhood obesity, it is essential to monitor the nutrition value of commercial foods. A cross-sectional study (November 2018 to April 2019) aimed to evaluate the nutritional adequacy of processed/ultra-processed food products targeted at 0-36-month-old children in Portugal and in Brazil. The nutrient profiling model developed by the Pan American Health Organization was used. A total of food 171 products were assessed (123 in Portugal and forty eight in Brazil). From the fifteen available meat- or fish-based meals in Brazil, 60 % exceeded the amount of Na and 100 % exceeded the target for total fat. Given the lack of specification of sugars within carbohydrates in the label of the foods in Brazil, it was not possible to calculate free sugars. In Portugal, from the seventeen fruit and vegetable purees and the six juice/smoothie/tea/drinks available, 82 % and 67 %, respectively, surpassed the level of free sugar, while total and saturated fat was excessive in all yogurt and yogurt-related products (n 21), 40 % of biscuit/wafer/crisps (two out of five) and 13 % meat- or fish-based meals (two out of sixteen). These findings demonstrate the relevance of improving the nutritional profile of some food products targeted to young children.

Inspiratory Muscle Weakness is Related to Poor Short-Term Outcomes for Heart Transplantation

Abstract Introduction: In heart transplantation (HT) recipients, several factors are critical to promptly adopting appropriate rehabilitation strategies and may be important to predict outcomes way after surgery. This study aimed to determine preoperative patient-related risk factors that could adversely affect the postoperative clinical course of patients undergoing HT. Methods: Twenty-one hospitalized patients with heart failure undergoing HT were evaluated according to respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity before HT. Mechanical ventilation (MV) time, reintubation rate, and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay were recorded, and assessed postoperatively. Results: Inspiratory muscle strength as absolute and percentpredicted values were strongly correlated with MV time (r=-0.61 and r=-0.70, respectively, at P<0.001). Concerning ICU length of stay, only maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) absolute and percent-predicted values were significantly associated. The absolute -MIP- was significantly negatively correlated with ICU length of stay (r=-0.58 at P=0.006) and the percent-predicted MIP was also significantly negatively correlated with ICU length of stay (r=-0.68 at P=0.0007). No associations were observed between preoperative functional capacity, age, sex, and clinical characteristics and MV time and ICU length of stay in the cohort included in this study. Patients with respiratory muscle weakness had a higher prevalence of prolonged MV, reintubation, and delayed ICU length of stay. Conclusion: An impairment of preoperative MIP was associated with poorer short-term outcomes following HT. As such, inspiratory muscle strength is an important clinical preoperative marker in patients undergoing HT.

Inspiratory Muscle Weakness is Related to Poor Short-Term Outcomes for Heart Transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: In heart transplantation (HT) recipients, several factors are critical to promptly adopting appropriate rehabilitation strategies and may be important to predict outcomes way after surgery. This study aimed to determine preoperative patient-related risk factors that could adversely affect the postoperative clinical course of patients undergoing HT. METHODS: Twenty-one hospitalized patients with heart failure undergoing HT were evaluated according to respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity before HT. Mechanical ventilation (MV) time, reintubation rate, and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay were recorded, and assessed postoperatively. RESULTS: Inspiratory muscle strength as absolute and percentpredicted values were strongly correlated with MV time (r=-0.61 and r=-0.70, respectively, at P<0.001). Concerning ICU length of stay, only maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) absolute and percent-predicted values were significantly associated. The absolute |MIP| was significantly negatively correlated with ICU length of stay (r=-0.58 at P=0.006) and the percent-predicted MIP was also significantly negatively correlated with ICU length of stay (r=-0.68 at P=0.0007). No associations were observed between preoperative functional capacity, age, sex, and clinical characteristics and MV time and ICU length of stay in the cohort included in this study. Patients with respiratory muscle weakness had a higher prevalence of prolonged MV, reintubation, and delayed ICU length of stay. CONCLUSION: An impairment of preoperative MIP was associated with poorer short-term outcomes following HT. As such, inspiratory muscle strength is an important clinical preoperative marker in patients undergoing HT.

Bioprosthesis versus Mechanical Valve Heart Prosthesis: Assessment of Quality of Life

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the QoL of patients undergoing heart valve replacement using the SF-36 questionnaire, compare it between patients with mechanical prosthesis and patients with bioprosthesis, and correlate the results with sociodemographic variables. Objective: To assess the QoL of patients undergoing heart valve replacement and compare it between patients with bioprosthetic valves and patients with mechanical prosthetic valves. Methods: We included 36 consecutive patients (16 men) with a mean age of 51 years and six months, who underwent mitral or aortic valve replacement from September 2007 to December 2011. The study was conducted between March and May 2012 and involved the application of the SF-36 survey and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Statistical tests were performed, and data are expressed as absolute frequency and percentile, and median and interquartile range (P25 and P75) (Mann-Whitney test), considering a significance of 95%. Results: The average time of surgery was 32.5 months (8-61 months). Participants were asked about the practice of physical activity, and 41.7% were physically active. For the SF-36 domains, the highest scores were observed for the social domain whereas the lowest scores were found for mental health, with a mean of 89.25 and 54.44, respectively. In the statistical analysis, we found statistically higher values in emotional functional for patients with mechanical valve prosthesis (p = 0.0084). Conclusion: The QoL of the patients undergoing heart valve replacement improves considerably after the surgery, except for the mental health domain, probably due to the low practice of physical activity. The type of prosthesis seems not to influence the QoL or the patients in the late postoperative period.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy characterization based on fractal features: Evaluation on a publicly available dataset.

PURPOSE: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most widespread causes of preventable blindness in the world. The most dangerous stage of this condition is proliferative DR (PDR), in which the risk of vision loss is high and treatments are less effective. Fractal features of the retinal vasculature have been previously explored as potential biomarkers of DR, yet the current literature is inconclusive with respect to their correlation with PDR. In this study, we experimentally assess their discrimination ability to recognize PDR cases. METHODS: A statistical analysis of the viability of using three reference fractal characterization schemes - namely box, information, and correlation dimensions - to identify patients with PDR is presented. These descriptors are also evaluated as input features for training ℓ1 and ℓ2 regularized logistic regression classifiers, to estimate their performance. RESULTS: Our results on MESSIDOR, a public dataset of 1200 fundus photographs, indicate that patients with PDR are more likely to exhibit a higher fractal dimension than healthy subjects or patients with mild levels of DR (P≤1.3×10-2). Moreover, a supervised classifier trained with both fractal measurements and red lesion-based features reports an area under the ROC curve of 0.93 for PDR screening and 0.96 for detecting patients with optic disc neovascularizations. CONCLUSIONS: The fractal dimension of the vasculature increases with the level of DR. Furthermore, PDR screening using multiscale fractal measurements is more feasible than using their derived fractal dimensions. Code and further resources are provided at https://github.com/ignaciorlando/fundus-fractal-analysis.

Mitral implant of the Inovare transcatheter heart valve in failed surgical bioprostheses: a novel alternative for valve-in-valve procedures.

Objectives: Reoperative procedure for the treatment of a failed mitral bioprosthesis is associated with considerable risk. In some cases, mortality is high and might contraindicate the benefit of the procedure. The minimally invasive valve-in-valve (ViV) transcatheter mitral valve implant offers an alternative less-invasive approach, reducing morbidity and mortality. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the mitral ViV approach using the Braile Inovare prosthesis. Methods: The transcatheter balloon-expandable Braile Inovare prosthesis was used in 12 cases. Procedures were performed in a hybrid operating room, under fluoroscopic and echocardiographic control. Through left minithoracotomy, the prostheses were implanted through the cardiac apex. Serial echocardiographic and clinical examinations were performed. Follow-up varied from 1 to 30 months. Results: A total of 12 transapical mitral ViV procedures were performed. Patients had a mean age of 61.6 ± 9.9 years and 92% were women. Mean logistic EuroSCORE was 20.1%. Successful valve implantation was possible in all cases. In one case, a right lateral thoracotomy was performed for the removal of an embolized prosthesis. There was no operative mortality. Thirty-day mortality was 8.3%. Ejection fraction was preserved after the implant (66.7%; 64.8%; P = 0.3). The mitral gradient showed a significant reduction (11 mmHg; 6 mmHg; P < 0.001). Residual mitral regurgitation was not present. There was no left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Conclusions: The mitral ViV implant in a failed bioprosthesis is an effective procedure. This possibility might alter prosthesis selection in the future initial surgical prosthesis selection, favouring bioprostheses. Further large trials should explore its safety.

A Cycle Ergometer Exercise Program Improves Exercise Capacity and Inspiratory Muscle Function in Hospitalized Patients Awaiting Heart Transplantation: a Pilot Study.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a cycle ergometer exercise program on exercise capacity and inspiratory muscle function in hospitalized patients with heart failure awaiting heart transplantation with intravenous inotropic support. Methods: Patients awaiting heart transplantation were randomized and allocated prospectively into two groups: 1) Control Group (n=11) - conventional protocol; and 2) Intervention Group (n=7) - stationary cycle ergometer exercise training. Functional capacity was measured by the six-minute walk test and inspiratory muscle strength assessed by manovacuometry before and after the exercise protocols. Results: Both groups demonstrated an increase in six-minute walk test distance after the experimental procedure compared to baseline; however, only the intervention group had a significant increase (P =0.08 and P =0.001 for the control and intervention groups, respectively). Intergroup comparison revealed a greater increase in the intervention group compared to the control (P <0.001). Regarding the inspiratory muscle strength evaluation, the intragroup analysis demonstrated increased strength after the protocols compared to baseline for both groups; statistical significance was only demonstrated for the intervention group, though (P =0.22 and P <0.01, respectively). Intergroup comparison showed a significant increase in the intervention group compared to the control (P <0.01). Conclusion: Stationary cycle ergometer exercise training shows positive results on exercise capacity and inspiratory muscle strength in patients with heart failure awaiting cardiac transplantation while on intravenous inotropic support.

A cycle ergometer exercise program improves exercise capacity and inspiratory muscle function in hospitalized patients awaiting heart transplantation: a pilot study

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a cycle ergometer exercise program on exercise capacity and inspiratory muscle function in hospitalized patients with heart failure awaiting heart transplantation with intravenous inotropic support. Methods: Patients awaiting heart transplantation were randomized and allocated prospectively into two groups: 1) Control Group (n=11) - conventional protocol; and 2) Intervention Group (n=7) - stationary cycle ergometer exercise training. Functional capacity was measured by the six-minute walk test and inspiratory muscle strength assessed by manovacuometry before and after the exercise protocols. Results: Both groups demonstrated an increase in six-minute walk test distance after the experimental procedure compared to baseline; however, only the intervention group had a significant increase (P =0.08 and P =0.001 for the control and intervention groups, respectively). Intergroup comparison revealed a greater increase in the intervention group compared to the control (P <0.001). Regarding the inspiratory muscle strength evaluation, the intragroup analysis demonstrated increased strength after the protocols compared to baseline for both groups; statistical significance was only demonstrated for the intervention group, though (P =0.22 and P <0.01, respectively). Intergroup comparison showed a significant increase in the intervention group compared to the control (P <0.01). Conclusion: Stationary cycle ergometer exercise training shows positive results on exercise capacity and inspiratory muscle strength in patients with heart failure awaiting cardiac transplantation while on intravenous inotropic support.

New Braile Inovare transcatheter aortic prosthesis: clinical results and follow-up.

AIMS: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation has emerged as an alternative to conventional aortic valve replacement in high-risk patients. Diverse prostheses are currently under investigation. The aim of this study was the clinical, safety and efficacy assessment of Braile Inovare Transcatheter Aortic Prosthesis usage. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ninety high-risk or inoperable patients underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation. The mean logistic EuroSCORE was 39.3%. All patients presented calcified aortic stenosis. The procedures were performed under fluoroscopic and echocardiographic guidance. Prostheses were implanted through the transapical approach under rapid ventricular pacing. Echocardiographic and angiographic controls were included. Implantation was feasible in 87 cases. There was only one case of operative mortality, and 30-day mortality was 13.3%. The median transvalvular aortic gradient was reduced from 44.8±15.3 to 14.1±8.0 mmHg. Left ventricular function improved in the first seven postoperative days. Paravalvular aortic regurgitation was present in 29.7% of cases, mostly trace. One case presented a major vascular complication, and there were two cases of permanent pacemaker implantation. Two cases of major stroke occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement using the Braile Inovare prosthesis is able to provide encouraging results with significant functional and structural cardiac improvement. It is mandatory to continue follow-up to measure the benefits of this device as well as to improve selection criteria of patients.

Inflammatory biomarker kinetics after mechanical and bioprosthetic valve replacement.

INTRODUCTION: valve disease is an important cause of heart failure. There is a direct relationship between valve deterioration and the patient's inflammatory status and cytokines: interleukin-6, interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor, and C-reactive protein, involved in this major state of inflammation. OBJECTIVE: to report a series of cases of valve replacement, using a bioprosthetic or mechanical valve, and the inflammatory profile of them. METHODS: patients older than 18 years and with bioprosthetic or mechanical valve placed for a minimum of 6 months and maximum of 2 years were included. In addition to the demographic characteristics of each patient, inflammatory markers were measured and a comparison was made of echocardiographic results before (based on medical records) and after surgery. A total of 46 patients were enrolled, 23 with mechanical valve and 23 with bioprosthetic valve. RESULTS: of the 46 patients, 20 presented complete data were included, 12 with bioprosthetic and 8 with mechanical valve. There was no difference between types of prosthesis or implant site for the values of inflammatory markers although they were all above reference range. DISCUSSION: patients undergoing aortic mechanical valve implant benefited more than those undergoing bioprosthetic implant and both with much better results than those of valve replacements performed on mitral valve. In short, there was no difference in relation to inflammatory biomarkers.

Inflammatory biomarker kinetics after mechanical and bioprosthetic valve replacement / Cinética dos marcadores inflamatórios após troca valvar protética mecânica e bioprótese: série de casos

Introduction: valve disease is an important cause of heart failure. There is a direct relationship between valve deterioration and the patient’s inflammatory status and cytokines: interleukin-6, interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor, and C-reactive protein, involved in this major state of inflammation. Objective: to report a series of cases of valve replacement, using a bioprosthetic or mechanical valve, and the inflammatory profile of them. Methods: patients older than 18 years and with bioprosthetic or mechanical valve placed for a minimum of 6 months and maximum of 2 years were included. In addition to the demographic characteristics of each patient, inflammatory markers were measured and a comparison was made of echocardiographic results before (based on medical records) and after surgery. A total of 46 patients were enrolled, 23 with mechanical valve and 23 with bioprosthetic valve. Results: of the 46 patients, 20 presented complete data were included, 12 with bioprosthetic and 8 with mechanical valve. There was no difference between types of prosthesis or implant site for the values of inflammatory markers although they were all above reference range. Discussion: patients undergoing aortic mechanical valve implant benefited more than those undergoing bioprosthetic implant and both with much better results than those of valve replacements performed on mitral valve. In short, there was no difference in relation to inflammatory biomarkers. .

Introdução: doença valvar é importante causa de insuficiência cardíaca. Existe relação direta entre a deterioração valvar e o estado inflamatório do paciente, sendo as citocinas interleucina-6, interleucina-1, fator de necrose tumoral e a proteína C reativa as principais envolvidas nesse estado de estimulação. Objetivo: relatar uma série de casos de troca valvar, bioprótese ou mecânica e seu perfil inflamatório. Métodos: pacientes maiores de 18 anos e portadores de bioprótese ou protética mecânica, com período mínimo de 6 meses e máximo de 2 anos, foram incluídos. Além das características demográficas de cada paciente, colheram-se os marcadores inflamatórios e comparou-se o ecocardiograma conforme registro de prontuário antes e depois da cirurgia. Um total de 46 pacientes foi incluído, tendo sido 23 com valva mecânica e 23 de bioprótese. Resultados: dos 46 pacientes, chegamos ao total de 20 pacientes com dados completos, sendo 12 com bioprótese e 8 com protética mecânica. Não houve diferença entre tipo de prótese ou local de implante para os valores dos marcadores inflamatórios, contudo, na média, seus valores estavam aumentados. Discussão: pacientes submetidos ao implante de valva protética mecânica aórtica beneficiaram-se mais do que os submetidos ao implante de bioprótese e ambos com resultado bem superior às trocas realizadas na valva mitral. Não houve diferença em relação aos biomarcadores inflamatórios. .

A randomized trial of the topical effect of antifibrinolytic epsilon aminocaproic Acid on coronary artery bypass surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass.

We assessed the effect of the topical application of epsilon-aminocaproic antifibrinolytic acid (EACA) on the pericardium of patients submitted to coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This is a prospective, randomized, and double-blind study. We evaluated 26 patients with chronic coronary heart disease indicated for CABG without CPB (EACA and placebo groups). The analysis of the postoperative hematological results showed no difference between groups in hemoglobin and hematocrit. There was no difference between the groups regarding the postoperative bleeding through the drains in the first 24 hours, 48 hours, and accumulated loss until removal of drains. The use of EACA in patients undergoing CABG without CPB presented no difference in the reduction of the amount of bleeding and the need for blood transfusions.

Ventricular assist device implantation with CentriMag VAS® for biventricular mechanical support.

Despite recent advances in acute heart failure treatment, actual results remain limited in refractory cardiogenic shock. Temporary ventricular assist devices have emerged as an alternative in this serious and challenging medical. The purpose of this communication is to present a case of refractory cardiogenic shock, underwent temporary left ventricular assistance device implantation, progressing to right ventricular failure and conversion to biventricular support.

Off-pump transapical closure of a mitral periprosthetic leak: a new approach to a difficult problem.

A 60-year old male patient with multiple risk factors and two previous interventions over the mitral valve was admitted to the emergency unit with symptoms of cardiac failure. Initial examination revealed a competent mitral bioprosthesis with severe perivalvular mitral insufficiency. Based on previous experiences with transapical procedures, a transapical transcatheter closure of the perivalvular leak was performed. The apex was punctured with a 7 French introducer sheath, and a hydrophilic guidewire was advanced with the aid of a right Judkins catheter and positioned across the defect in the left atrium. Fluoroscopic and tridimensional transoesophageal echocardiography was used to guide the manoeuvre. Next, a long introducer sheath was advanced through the guidewire and positioned inside the left atrium. Two Amplatzer Vascular Plug II (St Jude Medical) were deployed, resulting in a significant reduction in the perivalvular leak. The procedure was considered to be successful. The patient regained consciousness, and the orotracheal tube was removed in the operating theatre. No neurological deficits were detected, and the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit. The patient recovered well and was transferred to the ward after 1 day. Discharge was accomplished after 4 days.

Pulsatile stent graft: a new alternative in chronic ventricular assistance.

OBJECTIVE: Heart failure is currently one of the most common hospitalization causes. Several chronic circulatory assist devices have been tested and are highly complex. The objective is the description of a pulsatile endoprosthesis capable of applying a chronic pulse within the descending aorta, similar to that produced by intra-aortic balloon. METHODS: Pulsatile stents composed of nickel-titanium were built and positioned to engage latex tubes simulating the aorta. Different electric currents were applied to units connected in series in order to cause structure contraction and displacement of a liquid column. There were two sequence tests: first composed of two metallic cages and the second composed of five cages. At first sequence tests was applied a voltage of 16.3 volts and a current of 5 amperes. In the second, voltage of 15 volts and current of 07 amperes. RESULTS: In the first sequence was obtained the pulsatile effect of stent, with contraction of the tube and displacement of the water column sufficient to validate the pulsating effect of the endoprosthesis. The two structures ejected a volume of 2.6 ml per cycle, with a range of 29 mm in height of the column of water equivalent to 8% shrinkage during the pulse. In the second sequence, it reachead a variation of 7.4 mL per cycle. CONCLUSION: The results obtained confirm the stent pulsatile contractility activated by electrical current. The continuity of the study and material improvement are necessary to obtain more efficient model from the point of view of energy and pulse, to allow ejection volumes comparable with the intra-aortic balloons.

Stent aórtico pulsátil: uma nova alternativa na assistência ventricular crônica / Pulsatile stent graft: a new alternative in chronic ventricular assistance

OBJETIVO: A insuficiência cardíaca é uma das causas mais comuns de internação. Dispositivos para assistência circulatória crônica foram testados e, em sua maioria, são de alta complexidade. O objetivo deste estudo é a descrição de uma endoprótese contrátil com capacidade de pulsação crônica no interior da aorta descendente, de maneira semelhante à produzida pelo balão intra-aórtico. MÉTODOS: Endopróteses pulsáteis compostas de níquel-titânio foram posicionadas de forma a envolver tubos de látex, simulando a aorta. Diferentes correntes elétricas foram aplicadas a unidades ligadas em série, de modo a causar contração da estrutura e deslocamento de uma coluna líquida. Foram realizadas duas sequências de testes: a primeira com duas gaiolas metálicas e a segunda com cinco gaiolas. Na primeira sequência de testes, aplicou-se tensão de 16,3 volts e corrente de 5 amperes e, na segunda sequência, tensão de 15 volts e corrente de 7 amperes. RESULTADOS: Na primeira sequência de testes, obteve-se o efeito pulsátil dos 2 stents, havendo contração do tubo e deslocamento da coluna d'água suficientes para validar o efeito pulsátil da endoprótese. As duas estruturas ejetaram um volume de 2,6 mL por ciclo, com uma variação de 29 mm na altura da coluna de água, equivalente a 8% de contração durante a pulsação. Na segunda sequência, conseguiu-se uma variação de 7,4 mL por ciclo. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados obtidos comprovam a contratilidade da endoprótese pulsátil ativada pela aplicação de corrente elétrica. Continuidade do estudo e aperfeiçoamento do material se fazem necessários para obtenção de modelo mais eficiente do ponto de vista energético e com maior pulsação, para permitir volumes de ejeção comparáveis aos de balões intra-aórticos.

OBJECTIVE: Heart failure is currently one of the most common hospitalization causes. Several chronic circulatory assist devices have been tested and are highly complex. The objective is the description of a pulsatile endoprosthesis capable of applying a chronic pulse within the descending aorta, similar to that produced by intra-aortic balloon. METHODS: Pulsatile stents composed of nickel-titanium were built and positioned to engage latex tubes simulating the aorta. Different electric currents were applied to units connected in series in order to cause structure contraction and displacement of a liquid column. There were two sequence tests: first composed of two metallic cages and the second composed of five cages. At first sequence tests was applied a voltage of 16.3 volts and a current of 5 amperes. In the second, voltage of 15 volts and current of 07 amperes. RESULTS: In the first sequence was obtained the pulsatile effect of stent, with contraction of the tube and displacement of the water column sufficient to validate the pulsating effect of the endoprosthesis. The two structures ejected a volume of 2.6 ml per cycle, with a range of 29 mm in height of the column of water equivalent to 8% shrinkage during the pulse. In the second sequence, it reachead a variation of 7.4 mL per cycle. CONCLUSION: The results obtained confirm the stent pulsatile contractility activated by electrical current. The continuity of the study and material improvement are necessary to obtain more efficient model from the point of view of energy and pulse, to allow ejection volumes comparable with the intra-aortic balloons.

Implante valve-in-valve transcateter em posição aórtica: uma mudança de seleção? / Transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve implantation: a selection change?

INTRODUÇÃO: A reoperação para substituição de biopróteses aórticas com disfunção é procedimento que envolve considerável risco. Em alguns casos, a mortalidade é elevada e pode contraindicar o procedimento. O implante minimamente invasivo "valve-in-valve" transcateter de valva aórtica parece ser uma alternativa, reduzindo morbimortalidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar esses implantes utilizando a prótese Braile Inovare. MÉTODOS: A prótese Braile Inovare, transcateter, balão expansível foi utilizada em 14 casos. Euroscore médio foi de 42,9%. Todos os pacientes eram portadores de dupla disfunção de bioprótese aórtica. Os procedimentos foram realizados em ambiente cirúrgico híbrido, sob controle ecocardiográfico e fluoroscópico. Por meio de minitoracotomia esquerda, as próteses foram implantadas através do ápice ventricular, sob estimulação ventricular de alta frequência. Foram realizados controles clínicos e ecocardiográficos seriados. O seguimento variou de 1 a 30 meses. RESULTADOS: A correta liberação protética foi possível em todos os casos. Não ocorreu conversão. Não houve mortalidade operatória. A mortalidade em 30 dias foi de 14,3% (dois casos). A fração de ejeção apresentou aumento significativo após o 7º pós-operatório e o gradiente aórtico apresentou redução significativa. A insuficiência aórtica residual não esteve presente. Não ocorreu complicação vascular periférica ou bloqueio atrioventricular total. CONCLUSÕES: O implante "valve-in-valve" de valva aórtica transcateter em biopróteses com disfunção é um procedimento seguro e com morbimortalidade baixa. Essa possibilidade poderá alterar a indicação de seleção de prótese no procedimento inicial, favorecendo próteses biológicas.

OBJECTIVE: Aortic valve replacement for bioprosthesis dysfunction is a procedure involving considerable risk. In some cases, mortality is high and may contraindicate the procedure. Minimally invasive transcatheter aortic "valve-in-valve" implant appears to be an alternative, reducing morbidity and mortality. The objective is to evaluate aortic valve-in-valve procedure using Braile Inovare prosthesis. METHODS: The Braile Inovare prosthesis, transcatheter, expandable balloon, was used in 14 cases. Average EuroSCORE was 42.9%. All patients had double aortic bioprosthesis dysfunction. Procedures were performed in a surgical hybrid environment under echocardiographic and fluoroscopic guidance. Using left minithoracotomy prostheses were implanted through the ventricular apex under high-frequency ventricular pacing. Serial clinical and echocardiographic controls were performed. Follow-up ranged 1-30 months. RESULTS: Correct prosthetic deployment was obtained in all cases. There was no conversion. There was no operative mortality. The 30-day mortality was 14.3% (two cases). Ejection fraction increased significantly after the 7th postoperative day. Aortic gradient significantly reduced. The residual aortic regurgitation was not present. There were no vascular complications or complete atrioventricular block. CONCLUSION: The transcatheter "valve-in-valve" procedure for bioprosthesis dysfunction is safe with low morbidity. This possibility may change prosthesis choice during the first aortic valve replacement, favoring bioprostheses.