Interventional cardiology in cancer patients: A position paper from the Portuguese Cardiovascular Intervention Association and the Portuguese Cardio-Oncology Study Group of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology.

The field of Cardio-Oncology has grown significantly, especially during the last decade. While awareness of cardiotoxicity due to cancer disease and/or therapies has greatly increased, much of the attention has focused on myocardial systolic disfunction and heart failure. However, coronary and structural heart disease are also a common issue in cancer patients and encompass the full spectrum of cardiotoxicity. While invasive percutaneous or surgical intervention, either is often needed or considered in cancer patients, limited evidence or guidelines are available for dealing with coronary or structural heart disease. The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions consensus document published in 2016 is the most comprehensive document regarding this particular issue, but relevant evidence has emerged since, which render some of its considerations outdated. In addition to that, the recent 2022 ESC Guidelines on Cardio-Oncology only briefly discuss this topic. As a result, the Portuguese Association of Cardiovascular Intervention and the Cardio-Oncology Study Group of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology have partnered to produce a position paper to address the issue of cardiac intervention in cancer patients, focusing on percutaneous techniques. A brief review of available evidence is provided, followed by practical considerations. These are based both on the literature as well as accumulated experience with these types of patients, as the authors are either interventional cardiologists, cardiologists with experience in the field of Cardio-Oncology, or both.

Intracardiac echocardiography-guided left atrial appendage occlusion: The path to independence.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been the standard method for guiding left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedures. Recently, intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) has emerged as an alternative to TEE due to several advantages, particularly the avoidance of general anesthesia. This analysis aims to assess the safety, feasibility and efficacy of ICE-guided LAAO procedures. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of ICE-guided LAAO procedures, including a comparison of embolic and bleeding events with the predicted standard scores and a comparison with TEE-guided procedures. RESULTS: A total of 88 patients underwent echocardiography-guided percutaneous LAAO (43 patients with TEE and 45 with ICE), mean age 74.9 years, 68.2% male. In the ICE-guided population, the technical success rate was 93% and the major complication rate was 8.8%. During follow-up, yearly stroke and major bleeding rates were 1.4% and 8.4%, respectively, compared to the 4.0% and 8.7% predicted by the CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores. In the TEE versus ICE analysis (similar baseline characteristics), no statistically significant differences were seen regarding technical success (95.3% vs. 93.3%), procedure-related complications (14.0% vs. 8.9%), device thrombus (2.3% vs. 0%), residual minor peridevice leaks (14.0% vs. 24.4%), one-year all-cause mortality (9.3% vs. 4.4%), stroke (9.3% vs. 2.2%) or major bleeding events (9.3% vs. 11.1%). CONCLUSION: ICE-guided LAAO was a safe and effective therapeutic strategy in a high embolic and bleeding risk population, compared to the event rates predicted by the CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores. The ICE-guided procedure compared well to TEE-guided procedures regarding procedure feasibility, safety, and efficacy.

Cierre de apéndice auricular en fibrilación auricular y alto riesgo de sangrado: serie de casos / Atrial appendage closure in atrial fibrillation and high risk of bleeding: case series

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: La fibrilación auricular aumenta 5 veces el riesgo de un ataque cerebrovascular de origen cardioembólico. La anticoagulación está indicada para prevención primaria y secundaria de embolismo cerebral. En pacientes con alto riesgo de sangrado no modificable se ha propuesto el cierre de apéndice auricular izquierdo como alternativa a la anticoagulación. MÉTODOS: Serie de casos retrospectiva de pacientes incluidos en el registro ReACTIVE entre los años 2019 y 2020 con diagnóstico de fibrilación auricular, puntaje de CHA2DS2-VASc ≥ 4, HAS BLED ≥ 3 y contraindicación de terapia anticoagulante a largo plazo. Se incluyeron variables demográficas, factores de riesgo, desenlace clínico usando la escala de Rankin modificado y se hizo seguimiento clínico a 3 meses después del procedimiento. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 6 pacientes, el 50 % de ellos mujeres, con mediana de edad de 80,8 ± 4,8 años. El 83,3 % presentó antecedente de sangrado mayor bajo consumo de anticoagulantes. En el seguimiento a 90 días, ningún paciente experimentó sangrado ni ataque cerebrovascular, un paciente murió por causas no cardiovasculares, en tanto que el 83,3 % de los pacientes tuvieron un Rankin modificado favorable (0-2). CONCLUSIONES: El cierre de apéndice auricular es una opción terapéutica en pacientes con fibrilación auricular y contraindicación para anticoagulación por alto riesgo de sangrado. Nuestra serie obtuvo resultados similares a los publicados a escala nacional a pesar de incluir pacientes con edad más avanzada. La conformación de equipos interdisciplinarios de corazón y cerebro es útil en la selección de pacientes para esta terapia.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of a cerebrovascular attack of cardioembolic source by 5 times. Anticoagulation is indicated for primary and secondary prevention of cerebral embolism. In patients at high risk of non-modifiable bleeding, closure of the left atrial appendage has been proposed as an alternative to anticoagulation. METHODS: Retrospective case series of patients included in the ReACTIVE registry between 2019 and 2020 with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 4, HAS-BLED ≥ 3, and long-term anticoagulant therapy contraindication. Demographic variables, risk factors, and clinical outcomes were included using the modified Rankin scale, and clinical follow-up was done three months after the procedure. RESULTS: 6 patients were included, 50 % women, median age 80.8 ± 4.8 years. 83.3 % history of major bleeding under anticoagulant treatment. At the 90-day follow-up, no patient had a bleeding or cerebrovascular attack, one patient died from non-cardiovascular causes, and 83.3 % of the patients had a favorable modified Rankin (0-2). CONCLUSIONS: Atrial appendix closure is a therapeutic option in patients with atrial fibrillation and a contraindication for anticoagulation due to a high risk of bleeding. Our series obtained results like those published at the national level despite including older patients. The formation of interdisciplinary heart and brain teams is helpful in the selection of patients for this therapy.

Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulation versus left atrial appendage occlusion for primary and secondary stroke prevention after cardioembolic stroke.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulation (NOAC) in patients with previous stroke and non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) compared with left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in primary and secondary stroke prevention settings. METHODS: This was a prospective, single-center, non-randomized cohort study of 302 consecutive patients with non-valvular AF and at high risk for stroke. Two treatment strategies were compared: LAAO (n=91) and long-term treatment with NOAC (n=149). The primary outcome was the composite endpoint of death, stroke and major bleeding. Propensity score and cause-of-death analyses were performed to compare outcomes. RESULTS: In a mean follow-up of 13 months, there were 30 deaths (LAAO 8.8% vs. NOAC 14.8%), five strokes (LAAO 1.1% vs. NOAC 2.7%) and six major bleeds (LAAO 1.1% vs. NOAC 3.4%). There was a non-significant trend for a lower incidence of the primary endpoint in the LAAO group (11.0% vs. 20.9%; HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.17-1.05, p=0.064). Considering only secondary prevention LAAO patients (34.1% of the LAAO group), there was also a non-significant lower incidence of the primary endpoint (LAAO 6.5% vs. 20.9%; HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.07-1.39, p=0.12). While about a fifth of LAAO patients stopped antiplatelet treatment six months after device implantation due to recurrent minor bleeding, no adverse cardiovascular event or major bleeding occurred in this subset of patients. CONCLUSION: In this registry-based study, LAAO was a reasonable alternative to NOAC for the prevention of a composite endpoint of all-cause mortality, stroke and major bleeding in patients at high risk for stroke.

Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulation versus left atrial appendage occlusion for primary and secondary stroke prevention after cardioembolic stroke.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulation (NOAC) in patients with previous stroke and non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) compared with left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in primary and secondary stroke prevention settings. METHODS: This was a prospective, single-center, non-randomized cohort study of 302 consecutive patients with non-valvular AF and at high risk for stroke. Two treatment strategies were compared: LAAO (n=91) and long-term treatment with NOAC (n=149). The primary outcome was the composite endpoint of death, stroke and major bleeding. Propensity score and cause-of-death analyses were performed to compare outcomes. RESULTS: In a mean follow-up of 13 months, there were 30 deaths (LAAO 8.8% vs. NOAC 14.8%), five strokes (LAAO 1.1% vs. NOAC 2.7%) and six major bleeds (LAAO 1.1% vs. NOAC 3.4%). There was a non-significant trend for a lower incidence of the primary endpoint in the LAAO group (11.0% vs. 20.9%; HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.17-1.05, p=0.064). Considering only secondary prevention LAAO patients (34.1% of the LAAO group), there was also a non-significant lower incidence of the primary endpoint (LAAO 6.5% vs. 20.9%; HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.07-1.39, p=0.12). While about a fifth of LAAO patients stopped antiplatelet treatment six months after device implantation due to recurrent minor bleeding, no adverse cardiovascular event or major bleeding occurred in this subset of patients. CONCLUSION: In this registry-based study, LAAO was a reasonable alternative to NOAC for the prevention of a composite endpoint of all-cause mortality, stroke and major bleeding in patients at high risk for stroke.

Registry of left atrial appendage closure and initial experience with intracardiac echocardiography. / Registo de encerramento percutâneo do apêndice auricular esquerdo e experiência inicial com ecografia intracardíaca.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is a promising therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation with high risk for stroke and contraindication for oral anticoagulation (OAC). Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) may make this percutaneous procedure feasible in patients in whom transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is inadvisable. Our aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of LAA closure and the feasibility of ICE compared to TEE to guide the procedure. METHODS: In this cohort study of patients who underwent LAA closure between May 2010 and January 2017, clinical and imaging assessment was performed before and after the procedure. RESULTS: In 82 patients (mean age 74±8 years, 64.4% male) the contraindications for OAC were severe bleeding or anemia (65%), high bleeding risk (14%), labile INR (16%), or recurrent embolic events (5%). The procedural success rate was 96.3%. The procedure was guided by TEE or ICE, and no statistically significant differences were observed between the two techniques. During follow-up, one patient had an ischemic stroke at 12 months, two had bleeding complications at six months, and there were four non-cardiovascular deaths. Embolic and bleeding events were less frequent than expected from the observed CHA2DS2VASc (0.6% vs. 6.3%; p<0.001) and HAS-BLED (1.2% vs. 4.1%; p<0.001) risk scores. CONCLUSIONS: In this population percutaneous LAA closure was shown to be safe and effective given the lower frequency of events than estimated by the CHA2DS2VASc and HAS-BLED scores. The clinical and imaging results of procedures guided by ICE in the left atrium were not inferior to those guided by TEE.

Combined MitraClip implantation and left atrial appendage occlusion using the Watchman device: A case series from a referral center.

INTRODUCTION: Patients referred for percutaneous transcatheter mitral valve repair using the MitraClip® system frequently have atrial fibrillation, which imposes additional challenges due to the need for oral anticoagulation. Left atrial appendage occlusion is currently regarded as a non-inferior alternative to anticoagulation in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and both high thromboembolic and bleeding risk. Considering that both MitraClip implantation and left atrial appendage occlusion are percutaneous techniques that require transseptal puncture, it is technically attractive to consider their concomitant use. OBJECTIVES: We aim to evaluate the feasibility of a combined approach with MitraClip implantation and left atrial appendage occlusion in a single procedure. METHODS: We report the first case series regarding this issue, discussing the specific advantages, pitfalls and technical aspects of combining these two procedures. RESULTS: Five patients underwent left atrial appendage occlusion with the Watchman® device followed by MitraClip implantation in the same procedure. All patients experienced significant reduction in mitral valve regurgitation of at least two grades, optimal occluder position, no associated complications and significant clinical improvement assessed by NYHA functional class (reduction of at least one functional class, with four patients in class I at one-month follow-up). CONCLUSION: In selected patients rejected for surgical mitral valve repair, with atrial fibrillation and increased risk of bleeding and embolic events, a combined approach with MitraClip implantation and left atrial appendage occlusion in a single procedure is feasible, safe and effective.

Oclusão percutânea do apêndice atrial esquerdo: relato de caso / Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion: case report / Oclusión Percutánea del Apéndice Auricular Izquierdo - Relato del Caso

A anticoagulação com varfarina é eficaz na redução do risco de eventos cardioembólicos nos pacientes com fibrilação atrial,entretanto, diversos fatores podem limitar seu uso. A oclusão percutânea do apêndice atrial esquerdo representa um método minimamente invasivo, que pode ter resultados semelhantes aos da varfarina, na prevenção de eventos cardioembólicos em pacientes de maior risco. Relatamos os aspectos do ecocardiograma transesofágico em um paciente com fibrilação atrial permanente, com repetidos episódios tromboembólicos e dificuldade em atingir adequado controle laboratorial com o uso da anticoagulação oral e submetido à oclusão percutânea do apêndice atrial esquerdo.

Anticoagulation with warfarin is effective in reducing the risk of cardioembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation, however, several factors may limit its use. The percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage is a minimally invasive method that may have results similar to warfarin in the prevention of cardioembolic events in high risk patients. We describe the transesophageal echocardiographic features in a patient with persistente atrial fibrillation, with repeated thromboembolic episodes and difficulty in achieving adequate laboratory control with the use of oral anticoagulation, submitted to percutaneous occlusion of the left atrial appendage.

La anticoagulación con warfarina es eficaz en la reducción del riesgo de episodios cardioembólicos en los pacientes con fibrilación auricular, y sin embargo, diversos factores pueden limitar su uso. La oclusión percutánea del apéndice auricular izquierdo representa un método mínimamente invasivo, que puede dar resultados semejantes a los de la warfarina, para la prevención de episodios cardioembólicos en pacientes de mayor riesgo. Relatamos los aspectos del ecocardiograma transesofágico en un paciente con fibrilación auricular crónica, con repetidos episodios tromboembólicos y dificultad para conseguir un adecuado control de laboratorio con el uso de la anticoagulación oral y sometido a la oclusión percutánea del apéndice auricular izquierdo

Percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage for prevention of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation for patients with contraindication to or failure of oral anticoagulation: a single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION: In non-valvular atrial fibrillation 90% of thrombi originate in the left atrial appendage (LAA). Percutaneous LAA closure has been shown to be non-inferior to warfarin for prevention of thromboembolism. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the initial experience of a single center in percutaneous LAA closure in patients with high thromboembolic risk and in whom oral anticoagulation was impractical or contraindicated or had failed. METHODS: Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and CHADS2 score ≥2 in whom oral anticoagulation was impractical or contraindicated or had failed underwent percutaneous LAA closure according to the standard technique. After the procedure, dual antiplatelet therapy was maintained for one month, followed by single antiplatelet therapy indefinitely. Patients were followed by clinical assessment and transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. RESULTS: The procedure was performed in 22 of the 23 selected patients (95.7%), mean age 70±9 years, CHADS2 score 3.2±0.9 and CHA2DS2-VASC score 4.7±1.4. Intraprocedural device replacement was necessary only in the first patient, due to oversizing. The following periprocedural complications were observed: one femoral pseudoaneurysm, three femoral hematomas and two minor oropharyngeal bleeds, resolved by local hemostatic measures. During a 12±8 month follow-up a mild peri-device flow and a thrombus adhering to the device, resolved under with enoxaparin therapy, were identified. The rate of transient ischemic attack (TIA)/stroke was lower than expected according to the CHADS2 score (0 vs. 6.7±2.2%). CONCLUSIONS: In our initial experience, this procedure proved to be a feasible, safe and effective alternative for atrial fibrillation patients in whom oral anticoagulation is not an option. Only relatively minor complications were observed, with a lower than expected TIA/stroke rate.

Recuperación de la contracción auricular luego de la cirugía de MAZE III izquierdo / Atrial Contraction Recovery After Left MAZE III Surgery

Introducción La cirugía de MAZE III izquierdo demostró una efectividad elevada en la restauración a ritmo sinusal. Sin embargo, la efectividad en la restauración de la sístole auricular en poblaciones con cardiopatía estructural y el predominio de enfermedad reumática resultan áreas de incertidumbre. Objetivo Evaluar la efectividad de la cirugía de MAZE en la restauración de la sístole auricular en pacientes con cardiopatía estructural. Material y métodos Estudio prospectivo, consecutivo de 27 pacientes portadores de fibrilación auricular crónica persistente con indicación de cirugía cardiovascular y en los que se realizó la técnica de MAZE como tratamiento de la arritmia. La presencia de sístole auricular se evaluó mediante Doppler tisular del anillo mitral lateral. Resultados En una población caracterizada por predominancia de cardiopatía reumática (41%) y tiempo prolongado de evolución de la arritmia (61 meses promedio), al final del seguimiento el 87% se encontraba en ritmo sinusal en el 80% de los casos con actividad mecánica. El antecedente de cardiopatía reumática, una duración de la arritmia mayor de 5,5 años, el sexo femenino y el reemplazo de válvula mitral fueron variables estadísticamente significativas en cuanto a la ausencia de sístole auricular. No tuvieron significación la edad, la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo y el tamaño de la aurícula izquierda. Conclusiones En esta población es significativa la falta de correspondencia entre ritmo sinusal y sístole auricular. El Doppler tisular es un método útil para identificar a aquellos pacientes sin contracción auricular. El impacto clínico de este hallazgo está vinculado con la decisión en la continuidad del tratamiento anticoagulante.

Introduction Left MAZE III surgery has proven a high level of effectiveness in restoring the sinus rhythm. However, the effectiveness in restoring the atrial systole in individuals with structural cardiopathy and the prevalence of rheumatic disease are still uncertain areas. Objective To assess the effectiveness of the MAZE surgery in restoring the atrial systole in patients with structural cardiopathy. Material and Methods Prospective, consecutive study in 27 patients with persistent or chronic atrial fibrillation and recommendation for cardiovascular surgery, who underwent the MAZE technique for treating the arrhythmia. The presence of atrial systole was assessed by lateral mitral annular tisular Doppler. Results In a population characterized by rheumatic cardiopathy predominance (41%) and long arrhythmia evolution (61 months on average), 87% individuals had sinus rhythm and 80% of them had mechanical activity at the end of the follow- up. A history of rheumatic cardiopathy, an arrhythmia lasting more than 5.5 years, the fact of being female, and the mitral valve replacement were statistically significant variables, considering the absence of atrial systole. Factors like age, left ventricle ejection fraction, and left atrial size were not significant. Conclusions In this population, the absence of correlation between the sinus rhythm and the atrial systole is significant. The tisular Doppler is a useful method to identify those patients with no atrial contraction. The clinical impact of this finding is related to the decision on continuing the anticoagulant therapy.