Joint EAPCI/ACVC expert consensus document on percutaneous ventricular assist devices.

There has been a significant increase in the use of short-term percutaneous ventricular assist devices (pVADs) as acute circulatory support in cardiogenic shock and to provide haemodynamic support during interventional procedures, including high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions. Although frequently considered together, pVADs differ in their haemodynamic effects, management, indications, insertion techniques, and monitoring requirements. This consensus document summarizes the views of an expert panel by the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) and the Association for Acute Cardiovascular Care (ACVC) and appraises the value of short-term pVAD.

Joint EAPCI/ACVC expert consensus document on percutaneous ventricular assist devices.

There has been a significant increase in the use of short-term percutaneous ventricular assist devices (pVADs) as acute circulatory support in cardiogenic shock and to provide haemodynamic support during interventional procedures, including high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions. Although frequently considered together, pVADs differ in their haemodynamic effects, management, indications, insertion techniques, and monitoring requirements. This consensus document summarizes the views of an expert panel by the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) and the Association for Acute Cardiovascular Care (ACVC) and appraises the value of short-term pVAD.

Outcomes of valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation with and without bioprosthetic valve fracture.

Background: Bioprosthetic valve fracture (BVF) is a technique to reduce gradients in valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation (VIV-TAVI) procedures. The outcome of VIV-TAVI with BVF has not been compared with VIV-TAVI without BVF.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of VIV-TAVI with BVF compared to VIV-TAVI without BVF.

Incidence, Causes, and Outcomes Associated With Urgent Implantation of a Supplementary Valve During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Importance: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) failure is often managed by an urgent implantation of a supplementary valve during the procedure (2-valve TAVR [2V-TAVR]). Little is known about the factors associated with or sequelae of 2V-TAVR.

Objective: To examine the incidence, causes, and outcomes of 2V-TAVR.

Effect of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement on Concomitant Mitral Regurgitation and Its Impact on Mortality.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of residual mitral regurgitation (MR) on mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Background: MR is common in patients undergoing TAVR. Data on optimal management of patients with significant MR after TAVR are limited.

Bioprosthetic valve fracture: Predictors of outcome and follow-up. Results from a multicenter study.

Objectives: To evaluate outcome and its predictors of bioprosthetic valve fracture (BVF) in patients undergoing valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (VIV-TAVR).

Background: BVF is feasible and reduces transvalvular gradients in VIV-TAVR-procedures, but follow-up-data and information on factors influencing the outcome are missing.

Methods: The 81 cases of BVF-VIV-TAVR were collected from 14 international centers.

Accuracy of three-dimensional computational modeling in prediction of the dynamic neo left ventricular outflow tract with transcatheter mitral valve replacement.

Background: Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) offers a valuable treatment option for inoperable patients suffering from a degenerated mitral valve after previous ring annuloplasty. Dynamic obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract(LVOT) is a procedural risk with detrimental consequences and can be estimated upfront using a multi-slice computed tomography(MSCT) derived 3D computational model(3DCM). This study explored the accuracy of pre-procedural neo-LVOT prediction in TMVR using 3DCMs of multiple cardiac phases.

Elastic stent recoil in coronary total occlusions: Comparison of durable-polymer zotarolimus eluting stent and ultrathin strut bioabsorbable-polymer sirolimus eluting stent.

Objectives: To compare stent recoil (SR) of the thin-strut durable-polymer Zotarolimus-eluting stent (dp-ZES) and the ultrathin-strut bioabsorbable-polymer Sirolimus-eluting stent (bp-SES) in chronic total occlusions (CTOs) and to investigate the predictors of high SR in CTOs.

Background: Newer ultrathin drug eluting stent might be associated with lower radial force and higher elastic recoil due to the thinner strut design, possibly impacting on the rate of in-stent restenosis and thrombosis.

Methods: Between January 2017 and November 2019, consecutive patients with CTOs undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention were evaluated.

Clinical consequences of consecutive self-expanding transcatheter heart valve iterations.

Objective: To compare early clinical outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with three consecutive generations of self-expanding valves (SEVs).

Methods: Clinical endpoints of consecutive patients who underwent TAVI with CoreValve, Evolut R or Evolut PRO were included in a prospective database.

Results: TAVI was performed with CoreValve (n = 116), Evolut R (n = 160) or Evolut PRO (n = 92).

Valve Academic Research Consortium 3: Updated Endpoint Definitions for Aortic Valve Clinical Research.

Aims: The Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC), founded in 2010, was intended to (i) identify appropriate clinical endpoints and (ii) standardize definitions of these endpoints for transcatheter and surgical aortic valve clinical trials. Rapid evolution of the field, including the emergence of new complications, expanding clinical indications, and novel therapy strategies have mandated further refinement and expansion of these definitions to ensure clinical relevance. This document provides an update of the most appropriate clinical endpoint definitions to be used in the conduct of transcatheter and surgical aortic valve clinical research.

Valve Academic Research Consortium 3: updated endpoint definitions for aortic valve clinical research.

Aims: The Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC), founded in 2010, was intended to (i) identify appropriate clinical endpoints and (ii) standardize definitions of these endpoints for transcatheter and surgical aortic valve clinical trials. Rapid evolution of the field, including the emergence of new complications, expanding clinical indications, and novel therapy strategies have mandated further refinement and expansion of these definitions to ensure clinical relevance. This document provides an update of the most appropriate clinical endpoint definitions to be used in the conduct of transcatheter and surgical aortic valve clinical research.

Data on plug-based large-bore arteriotomy vascular closure device related access complications.

This article provides supplementary tables and figures to the research article: Frequency, Impact and Predictors of Access Complications with Plug-Based Large-Bore Arteriotomy Closure - A patient level meta-analysis [1]. The data provide insight in the type and management of access complications related to the plug-based MANTA vascular closure device (VCD) for large-bore catheter-based cardiovascular interventions. Since MANTA is mostly used in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures, this article also contains a sub-group analysis on TAVR procedures using contemporary valve-platforms.

Culprit Lesion Detection in Patients Presenting With Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome and Multivessel Disease.

Background/purpose: Identification of the culprit lesion in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) allows appropriate coronary revascularization but may be unclear in patients with multivessel coronary disease (MVD). Therefore, we investigated the rate of culprit lesion identification during coronary angiography in NSTE-ACS and multivessel disease.

Methods/materials: Consecutive patients presenting with NSTE-ACS and MVD, between January 2012 and December 2016 were evaluated.

Polarimetric Signatures of Coronary Thrombus in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Background: Intravascular polarization-sensitive optical frequency domain imaging (PS-OFDI) offers a novel approach to measure tissue birefringence, which is elevated in collagen and smooth muscle cells, that in turn plays a critical role in healing coronary thrombus (HCT). This study aimed to quantitatively assess polarization properties of coronary fresh and organizing thrombus with PS-OFDI in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods and results: The POLARIS-I prospective registry enrolled 32 patients with ACS.

MitraClip After Failed Surgical Mitral Valve Repair-An International Multicenter Study.

Background Recurrence of mitral regurgitation (MR) after surgical mitral valve repair (SMVR) varies and may require reoperation. Redo mitral valve surgery can be technically challenging and is associated with increased risk of mortality and morbidity. We aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of MitraClip as a treatment strategy after failed SMVR and identify procedure modifications to overcome technical challenges.

Computed Tomography-Derived 3D Modeling to Guide Sizing and Planning of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Interventions.

A plethora of catheter-based strategies have been developed to treat mitral valve disease. Evolving 3-dimensional (3D) multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) technology can accurately reconstruct the mitral valve by means of 3-dimensional computational modeling (3DCM) to allow virtual implantation of catheter-based devices. 3D printing complements computational modeling and offers implanting physician teams the opportunity to evaluate devices in life-size replicas of patient-specific cardiac anatomy.

Impact of Poststenting Fractional Flow Reserve on Long-Term Clinical Outcomes: The FFR-SEARCH Study.

[Figure: see text].

Impact of Interventricular membranous septum length on pacemaker need with different Transcatheter aortic valve implantation systems.

Background The need for new permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) remains a critical issue. Membranous Septum (MS) length is associated with PPI after TAVI. The aim of this study was to identify different MS thresholds for the contemporary THV-platforms.

Managing Patients With Short-Term Mechanical Circulatory Support: JACC Review Topic of the Week.

The use of mechanical circulatory support for patients presenting with cardiogenic shock is rapidly increasing. Currently, there is only limited and conflicting evidence available regarding the role of the Impella (a microaxial, continuous-flow, short-term, left or right ventricular assist device) in cardiogenic shock; further randomized trials are needed. Patient selection, timing of implantation, and post-implantation management in the cardiac intensive care unit are crucial elements for success.

The Prognostic Value of a Validated and Automated Intravascular Ultrasound-Derived Calcium Score.

Background: Coronary calcification has been linked to cardiovascular events. We developed and validated an algorithm to automatically quantify coronary calcifications on intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). We aimed to assess the prognostic value of an IVUS-calcium score (ICS) on patient-oriented composite endpoint (POCE).

Frequency, Impact, and Predictors of Access Complications With Plug-Based Large-Bore Arteriotomy Closure - A Patient-Level Meta-Analysis.

Background/purpose: The MANTA is a dedicated plug-based large-bore vascular closure device (VCD) providing safe hemostasis in most patients, but data on the clinical impact and mechanisms of MANTA related complications are limited. This study sought to determine the frequency, impact and predictors of MANTA-related access complications.

Methods/materials: This patient-level meta-analysis included data from 2 medical device approval studies and 1 post-approval registry.

Artificial Intelligence and Transcatheter Interventions for Structural Heart Disease: A glance at the (near) future.

With innovations in therapeutic technologies and changes in population demographics, transcatheter interventions for structural heart disease have become the preferred treatment and will keep growing. Yet, a thorough clinical selection and efficient pathway from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up are mandatory. In this review we reflect on how artificial intelligence may help to improve patient selection, pre-procedural planning, procedure execution and follow-up so to establish efficient and high quality health care in an increasing number of patients.

Impact of Baseline and Newly Acquired Conduction Disorders on Need for Permanent Pacemakers With 3 Consecutive Generations of Self-Expanding Transcatheter Aortic Heart Valves.

Introduction: We aimed to compare conduction dynamics and need for permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after CoreValve, Evolut R and PRO (transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)).

Methods: Patients were stratified based on conduction at baseline; Cohort A had normal conduction, Cohort B had conduction abnormalities including atrioventricular (AV)-block, fascicular block or complete bundle branch block. Three different dynamic QRS-patterns were defined: stable QRS-duration, transient QRS-prolongation and persistent QRS-prolongation.

Vascular complications with a plug-based vascular closure device after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Predictors and bail-outs.

Background: The MANTA vascular closure device (VCD) is dedicated to large bore access closure and associated with favorable results in selected study populations. Anatomical predictors for access site complications are lacking.

Aim: To evaluate MANTA in a real-world population and identify predictors for vascular complications.