Publications by authors named "Kent So"

The LuX-Valve Plus is a novel radial force-independent orthotopic transjugular transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement device proven to be effective in TR reduction. We describe preprocedural assessment for eligibility and procedural planning by means of computed tomography as well as procedural steps of device implantation under multimodality imaging guidance including transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), intracardiac echocardiography (ICE), and fluoroscopy: steering into the right ventricle, leaflet capture by graspers, fine valve adjustment, and septal anchor deployment. Potential pitfalls are avoided by achieving optimal alignment by means of TEE multiplanar reconstruction to steer the delivery system, and using mid-esophageal and deep gastric views of 3-dimensional TEE and supplementary ICE to visualize the graspers for leaflet capture, especially when TEE imaging is technically challenging.

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Article Synopsis
  • Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a serious condition linked to long-term health issues, including severe right heart failure, but newer less invasive treatments like transcatheter valve interventions (TTVI) are gaining attention.
  • A study analyzing over 98,000 tricuspid valve procedures from 2011 to 2020 revealed trends in intervention types, showing a rise in TTVI and a decline in traditional surgical options.
  • Findings indicate demographic factors like age and race affect procedure choice and outcomes, with surgical interventions showing higher mortality rates; further research is needed to understand the causes of these evolving trends in treatment results.
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Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR), also known as percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation, refers to a minimally invasive technique that replaces the pulmonary valve by delivering an artificial pulmonary prosthesis through a catheter into the diseased pulmonary valve under the guidance of X-ray and/or echocardiogram while the heart is still beating not arrested. In recent years, TPVR has achieved remarkable progress in device development, evidence-based medicine proof and clinical experience. To update the knowledge of TPVR in a timely fashion, and according to the latest research and further facilitate the standardized and healthy development of TPVR in Asia, we have updated this consensus statement.

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Introduction: Hydroxychloroquine has been used for rheumatological diseases for many decades and is considered a safe medication. With the COVID-19 outbreak, there has been an increase in reports associating cardiotoxicity with hydroxychloroquine. It is unclear if the cardiotoxic profile of hydroxychloroquine is previously underreported in the literature or is it a manifestation of COVID-19 and therapeutic interventions.

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Objectives: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a recognized treatment for patients with severe aortic stenosis at all risk groups. However, permanent pacemaker rates remain high for self expandable transcatheter valves and permanent pacemaker implantation has been associated with increased morbidity. In this analysis we aim to evaluate short term clinical outcomes post self expandable transcatheter aortic valve implantation and determine risk factors for permanent pacemaker implantation.

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Background: Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion is an alternative to anticoagulation for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. Accurate device sizing is crucial for optimal outcome. Patient-specific LAA models can be created using three-dimensional (3D) printing from 3D transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) images, allowing in vitro model testing for device selection.

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Aims: We aimed to compare long-term "real-world" outcomes of three left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) devices for stroke prevention in a Chinese population with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).

Methods And Results: Consecutive patients who underwent LAAO from June 2009 to October 2016 at a university-affiliated hospital were retrospectively analysed. In-hospital and major adverse events (MAE) including mortality, stroke and major bleeding rates were compared by LAAO device.

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Hepatitis due to hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation can be severe and potentially fatal, but is preventable. HBV reactivation is most commonly reported in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy, especially rituximab-containing therapy for hematological malignancies and those receiving stem cell transplantation. All patients with hematological malignancies receiving anticancer therapy should be screened for active or resolved HBV infection by blood tests for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc).

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