Early outcomes following transatrial transcatheter mitral valve replacement in patients with severe mitral annular calcification.

OBJECTIVE: Implantation of a transcatheter valve-in-mitral annular calcification (ViMAC) has emerged as an alternative to traditional surgical mitral valve (MV) replacement. Previous studies evaluating ViMAC aggregated transseptal, transapical, and transatrial forms of the procedure, leaving uncertainty about each technique's advantages and disadvantages. Thus, we sought to evaluate clinical outcomes specifically for transatrial ViMAC from the largest multicenter registry to-date. METHODS: Patients with symptomatic MV dysfunction and severe MAC who underwent ViMAC were enrolled from 12 centers across the United States and Europe. Clinical characteristics, procedural details, and clinical outcomes were abstracted from the electronic record. The primary end point was all-cause mortality. RESULTS: We analyzed 126 patients who underwent ViMAC (median age 76 years [interquartile range {IQR}, 70-82 years], 28.6% female, median Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 6.8% [IQR, 4.0-11.4], and median follow-up 89 days [IQR, 16-383.5]). Sixty-one (48.4%) had isolated mitral stenosis, 25 (19.8%) had isolated mitral regurgitation (MR), and 40 (31.7%) had mixed MV disease. Technical success was achieved in 119 (94.4%) patients. Thirty (23.8%) patients underwent concurrent septal myectomy, and 8 (6.3%) patients experienced left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (7/8 did not undergo myectomy). Five (4.2%) patients of 118 with postprocedure echocardiograms had greater than mild paravalvular leak. Thirty-day and 1-year all-cause mortality occurred in 16 and 33 patients, respectively. In multivariable models, moderate or greater MR at baseline was associated with increased risk of 1-year mortality (hazard ratio, 2.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-4.99, P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Transatrial ViMAC is safe and feasible in this selected, male-predominant cohort. Patients with significant MR may derive less benefit from ViMAC than patients with mitral stenosis only.

Outcomes of four-point suture fixated and two-point sutureless posterior chamber IOLs combined with pars plana vitrectomy.

BACKGROUND: While each scleral fixation method has its own advantages, there is a lack of strong evidence to suggest a superior technique. Advances in cataract surgery expand patient eligibility for successful cataract extraction, benefitting a growing population of pseudophakic patients. However, implantation of secondary intraocular lens (IOL) with compromised anterior or posterior capsule is a more challenging task. Each method of scleral fixation has its own advantages and none of them has strong evidence to be superior. This paper describes postsurgical outcomes of two scleral intraocular(IOL) fixation techniques combined with pars plana vitrectomy(PPV) from a single tertiary referral eye center. METHODS: Patients underwent PPV and IOL implantation with either four-point sutured scleral fixation (Akreos AO60(AK); n = 24) or two-point sutureless flanged intrascleral fixation (CT Lucia(CTL); n = 7). Reports include IOL and sclerotomy placement, fixation techniques, and IOL model. RESULTS: Thirty-one eyes of thirty patients were analyzed. Average change in vision from baseline measurement was LogMAR - 0.68 ± 0.66 and - 0.90 ± 0.63 for AK and CTL groups, respectively. Average postoperative refractive error was - 0.3 ± 1.03 D (AK) and 0.4 ± 0.60 D (CTL). No opacification cases of Akreos lens were found in this study with the longest follow up of 53 months. CONCLUSIONS: Both methods of implantation (sutured and sutureless) could provide good visual and refractive outcomes. Minimal complication rates were reported despite including patients with multiple comorbidities, making both techniques an attractive choice for secondary IOL implantation.

Mitral valve-in-valve and valve-in-ring: tips, tricks, and outcomes.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is now a mainstay of treatment in patients with aortic stenosis who are considered intermediate, high and prohibitive risk for surgery. Extended use of this innovative platform in treating other conditions has led to its approval in treating degenerated aortic bioprosthesis. Similarly, use of transcatheter devices in treating degenerated mitral bioprosthesis and failed mitral valve repairs with annuloplasty rings has opened a potential alternative to surgery in these patients. Experience in mitral valve-in-valve (MVIV) and valve-in-ring (VIR), while still limited, is on the rise. Although similar in many ways to the aortic VIV, it is different with respect to patient selection, planning and procedural steps. Familiarity with the bioprosthetic properties and dimensions can help an operator choose an appropriate transcatheter device and deploy it in an ideal position. Due to greater variability in construction and properties, mitral rings have led to poorer results compared to mitral valve-in-valve. Understanding the properties of mitral rings is critical and has been simplified by us in a stepwise manner. We also describe steps in patient preparation and procedure, which should help operators in performing this procedure. Certain unique complications, such as left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and risk of embolization, are discussed with tips to address these issues. Once these steps are followed, the procedure can be performed with minimal risk and good outcome.

Use of Fitbit Technology Does Not Impact Health Biometrics in a Community of Older Adults.

Introduction: To evaluate if the offering of Fitbit technology led to changes in cardiovascular health metrics in a cohort of older adults. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was developed in two community-embedded health monitoring sites, located in aggregate housing communities for older adults in Westchester County, NY. Participants included older adults (55 years or older) enrolled in the Telehealth Intervention Programs for Seniors (TIPS) initiative, a community-embedded remote patient monitoring initiative. Weekly blood pressure, heart rate, weight, and blood oxygenation were taken on all participants. For participants who accepted a Fitbit Zip device, a weekly step count was also collected. Results: Ninety-four TIPS participants were offered Fitbit technology. Thirty participants accepted the technology and used it for a minimum of 6 months. No significant differences in any of the regularly acquired biometrics were noted between Fitbit users and non-Fitbit users. Across all participants, regardless of Fitbit use, there was a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) over time. Conclusions: Neither Fitbit Zip ownership or compliance to Fitbit Zip usage influenced any of the biometrics taken as part of the TIPS. However, participation in the TIPS initiative may have an overall positive effect on SBP in older adults.

Nutrition, Energy Expenditure, Dysphagia, and Self-Efficacy in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Review of the Literature.

While significant research has been performed regarding the use of thrombolytic agents and thrombectomy in the setting of acute stroke, other factors, such as nutritional status of stroke patients, is a less explored topic. The topic of nutrition is critical to the discussion of stroke, as up to half of stroke survivors may be considered malnourished at discharge. Dysphagia, old age, restricted upper limb movement, visuospatial impairment, and depression are all important risk factors for malnutrition in this cohort. The purpose of this review is to analyze current literature discussing neuroprotective diets, nutritional, vitamin, and mineral supplementation, dysphagia, and post-stroke coaching in stroke patients.