Early safety after TAVR according to VARC-3 criteria: incidence, predictors, and clinical impact.

Introduction And Objectives: The Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-3 definition of the early safety (ES) composite endpoint after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) lacks clinical validation. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, predictors, and clinical impact of ES after TAVR as defined by VARC-3 criteria.

Methods: We performed a multicenter study including 10 078 patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transarterial TAVR.

Safety and Efficacy of TAVR With a Pressure Sensor and Pacing Guidewire: SAFE-TAVI Trial.

Background: The SavvyWire (OpSens Inc) is a 0.035-inch preshaped guidewire with dedicated pacing properties and a distal pressure sensor allowing for continuous hemodynamic pressure monitoring.

Objectives: This study sought to determine the efficacy and safety of the guidewire during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with extra-small aortic annuli.

Background: A small aortic annulus (SAA) is a risk factor for prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) in patients undergoing surgical or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Data regarding TAVI in patients with extra-SAA are scarce.

Aims: The aim of this study was to analyse the safety and efficacy of TAVI in patients with extra-SAA.

Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Complex Coronary Artery Disease.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare, in a cohort of patients with complex coronary artery disease (CAD) and severe aortic stenosis (AS), the clinical outcomes associated with transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) (plus percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]) versus surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) (plus coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]).

Background: Patients with complex CAD were excluded from the main randomized trials comparing TAVR with SAVR, and no data exist comparing TAVR + PCI vs SAVR + CABG in such patients.

Methods: A multicenter study was conducted including consecutive patients with severe AS and complex CAD (SYNTAX [Synergy Between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery] score >22 or unprotected left main disease).

Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion as Adjunctive Therapy to Anticoagulation for Stroke Recurrence.

Background: Stroke recurrence despite optimal oral anticoagulation (OAC) might represent a novel indication for left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). The heterogeneity of these patients is generally high, as the presence of valvular atrial fibrillation (VAF) is common. The aim of this study was to explore the role of LAAO as an adjunctive therapy to OAC in patients with recurrent stroke despite optimal OAC.

Incidence, Predictors, and Prognostic Value of Acute Kidney Injury Among Patients Undergoing Left Atrial Appendage Closure.

Objectives: The aims of this registry were to determine the incidence, predictors, and prognostic value of periprocedural acute kidney injury (AKI) after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC).

Background: No data exist on the occurrence of AKI after LAAC.

Methods: A total of 355 patients undergoing LAAC were included in the study.

Long-term outcomes following percutaneous left atrial appendage closure in patients with atrial fibrillation and contraindications to anticoagulation.

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the late clinical outcomes of percutaneous LAA closure in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and contraindication to oral anticoagulation.

Methods: Consecutive AF patients with contraindications to oral anticoagulation who underwent successful LAA closure between December 2008 and March 2013 at four centers were included.

Results: A total of 101 patients (median age 76 [IQR 69-80] years, 48% women, mean CHADS-VASc 5 ± 2; HAS-BLED 4 ± 1) were included.

Transcatheter valve-in-valve overexpansion for treating a large dysfunctional tricuspid bioprosthesis.

Transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation within dysfunctional surgical bioprosthesis has become an alternative to redo open-heart surgery. However, suitability for valve-in-valve implantation in the tricuspid position is often limited by large surgical valve sizes. We report a case of a transcatheter tricuspid valve-in-valve implantation with a 29-mm balloon-expandable prosthesis within a 33-mm failed bioprosthesis (exceeding manufacturer's sizing recommendations).

Transcatheter treatment of functional tricuspid regurgitation: preliminary experiences.

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a common finding in patients with left-sided valvular or myocardial disease. However, many patients with severe symptomatic TR are deemed inoperable or at high surgical risk, often due to comorbidities and the need for redo sternotomy. Thus, despite the poor prognosis associated with this condition, few patients undergo isolated surgical tricuspid valve repair.

Right atrial thrombosis associated with hemodialysis catheter: first description of recurrence in a poorly understood problem.

Catheter-related right atrial thrombosis (CRAT) is an underreported and potentially life-threatening complication of central venous catheter in hemodialysis patients. The accurate incidence is unknown, with reported rates ranging from 2 to 12.8% [1] in series, up to 29% [2] in a postmortem prospective study, and high mortality rates (18%) [1].