Screening for Occult Transthyretin Amyloidosis in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis and Amyloid Red Flags.

Aims: The optimal strategy to identify transthyretin-type cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate if targeted screening for ATTR-CA in patients with severe AS and amyloid red flags is associated with higher detection rates.

Methods: The study prospectively enrolled patients ≥65 years with severe AS.

Acute coronary occlusion with vs. without ST elevation: impact on procedural outcomes and long-term all-cause mortality.

Background: Acute total occlusion (ATO) is diagnosed in a substantial proportion of patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). We compared procedural outcomes and long-term mortality in patients with STEMI with NSTEMI with vs. without ATO.

Septal Microsphere Embolization in Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy.

Alcohol septal ablation is an established treatment for selected patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOT). The safety and efficacy of septal microsphere embolization (SME) have not been studied. We conducted a retrospective analysis of SME procedures performed at our center from 2006 to 2021 using 75-µm microspheres.

Sex-Related Differences among Adults with Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy Undergoing Transcoronary Ablation of Septal Hypertrophy.

(1) Background: The transcoronary ablation of septal hypertrophy (TASH) is an established therapy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Previous studies on this topic are characterised by a consistent male predominance and show a worse prognosis in females. (2) Methods: This study is a retrospective analysis of all TASH procedures conducted between 2006 and 2021 at a tertiary academic centre.

Complications in Patients with Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection (cTBAD)-A Long-Term Analysis.

Chronic type B aortic dissection (cTBAD) is a rare but challenging condition that requires individual treatment strategies. Especially the long-term therapy impacts prognosis. In this single-center retrospective study, we evaluated patients with cTBAD in our vascular outpatient clinic over 10 years.

Characterization of temporal electrical activity patterns for detection of critical isthmus regions of recurrent atypical atrial flutter.

Introduction: Identifying the critical isthmus region (CIR) of atrial re-entry tachycardias (AT) is challenging. The Lumipoint® (LP) software, developed for the Rhythmia® mapping system, aims to facilitate the successful ablation of ATs by identifying the CIR.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of LP regarding the percentage of arrhythmia-relevant CIR in patients with atypical atrial flutter (AAF).

Mechanical atherothrombectomy improves endothelial function through plaque burden reduction in PAD.

Endothelial dysfunction defines outcomes and serves as a surrogate parameter for the progression of cardiovascular disease. For symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) endovascular treatment is the primary revascularization strategy, which affects endothelial function. Interventional mechanical atherothrombectomy (MATH) provides advantages when treating complex atherosclerotic and thrombotic lesions.

Embolic Protection with the TriGuard 3 System in Nonagenarian Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for Severe Aortic Stenosis.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) improves the survival and life quality of nonagenarian patients with aortic stenosis. Stroke remains one of the most worrisome complications following TAVR. Cerebral embolic protection devices (CEPDs) may reduce neurological complications after TAVR.

The Transaxillary Approach Prosthetic Conduit for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement With the New-Generation Balloon-Expandable Valves in Patients With Severe Peripheral Artery Disease.

The left subclavian artery (LSA) is an infrequently used alternative access route for patients with severe peripheral artery disease (PAD) in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We report a new endovascular approach for TAVR combining an axillary prosthetic conduit-based access technique with new-generation balloon-expandable TAVR prostheses. Between January 2020 and December 2020, 251 patients underwent TAVR at the West German Heart and Vascular Center.

Early Pacemaker Implantation after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Impact of PlasmaBlade™ for Prevention of Device-Associated Bleeding Complications.

: Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) is frequently required following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) or oral anticoagulation therapy (OAK) is often necessary in these patients since they are at higher risk of thromboembolic events due to TAVR implantation, high incidence of coronary artery diseases (CAD) with the necessity of coronary intervention, and high rate of atrial fibrillation with the need of stroke prevention. We sought to evaluate the safety, efficiency, and clinical outcomes of early PPI following TAVR using the PlasmaBlade™ (Medtronic Inc.

Transapical transcatheter mitral valve implantation in patients with degenerated mitral bioprostheses or failed ring annuloplasty.

Background: We sought to evaluate the outcomes of transapical transcatheter mitral valve replacement in patients with degenerated mitral bioprostheses or failed mitral ring annuloplasty and high surgical risk for redo mitral valve procedure.

Methods: Between August 2012 and December 2020, 41 consecutive high-risk patients underwent transcatheter mitral 'valve-in-valve' (TM-ViV, n=25) or 'valve-in-ring' (TM-ViR, n=16) implantation at our institution. All procedures were performed in a hybrid operating theater using the SAPIEN XT/3™ or the DIRECT FLOW MEDICAL™ prostheses.

Changes in Health Perception among Patients with Aortic Diseases in a Severe COVID-19 Area in the West of Germany: A Longitudinal Study between the First and Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The rapid spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become the most challenging global health pandemic since the 1918 flu. In Germany, more than 3.4 million cases are confirmed so far, including 83,000 deaths.

Mitral surgical redo versus transapical transcatheter mitral valve implantation.

Background: Transcatheter methods have been rapidly evolving to provide an alternative less invasive therapeutic option, mainly because redo patients often present with multiple comorbidities and high operative risk. We sought to evaluate and compare our experience with transapical transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TA-TMVR) to conventional redo mitral valve replacement in patients presenting with degenerated biological mitral valve prostheses or failed valve annuloplasty.

Methods And Material: Between March 2012 and November 2020, 74 consecutive high-risk patients underwent surgical redo mitral valve replacement (n = 33) or TA-TMVR (n = 41) at our institution.

Supervised Exercise Therapy Using Mobile Health Technology in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Mobile health interventions are intended to support complex health care needs in chronic diseases digitally, but they are mainly targeted at general health improvement and neglect disease-specific requirements. Therefore, we designed TrackPAD, a smartphone app to support supervised exercise training in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

Objective: This pilot study aimed to evaluate changes in the 6-minute walking distance (meters) as a primary outcome measure.

Impact of Cancer in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Single-Center Study.

Background: The use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in cancer survivors and patients with active cancer (AC) in cancer survivors and patients with active cancer (AC) is expanding, suggesting a need to adjust the indications and risk assessment pre-TAVR.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of cancer on peri-procedural complications and survival in a long-term, single-center cohort of patients treated with TAVR.

Methods: Patients treated with TAVR between January 2006 and December 2018 were grouped as follows: controls (patients without cancer), stable cancer (SC), and AC.

Changes of stent-graft orientation after frozen elephant trunk treatment in aortic dissection.

Objectives: Our goal was to evaluate the extent of stent-graft (SG) elastic recoil in the descending aorta after the frozen elephant trunk procedure in acute (AAD) and chronic (CAD) aortic dissection as well as the impact of SG movement on distal stent graft-induced new entry (d-SINE).

Methods: We retrospectively analysed 149 (105 AAD, 44 CAD) of 259 aortic dissection patients after the frozen elephant trunk procedure between January 2005 and April 2019. Inclusion criteria were at least 1-year computed tomography angiography (CTA) aortic examinations during a follow-up time of 3.

The impact of percutaneous peripheral interventions on endothelial function.

Treatment of symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) through endovascular interventions is the primary revascularization strategy. Interventions restore perfusion but may cause severe injury to the vascular endothelium, which regulates vascular tone. Endothelial dysfunction is involved in the progression of cardiovascular disease, with higher incidences of vascular events.

Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to transcatheter aortic valve replacement in a patient with aortic stenosis and severe coronary artery disease: a case report.

Background: Patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) often present with multiple comorbidities and suffer from critical coronary artery disease (CAD). Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become the therapy of choice for moderate to high-risk patients. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (v-a-ECMO) offers the possibility of temporary cardiac support to manage life-threatening critical situations.

Simultaneous transaortic transcatheter aortic valve implantation and off-pump coronary artery bypass: An effective hybrid approach.

Introduction: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) techniques are increasingly being adopted into clinical routine for various risk groups. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is seen in up to 75% of patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS) presenting with typical angina pectoris. Due to high mortality rates and procedural complications in these patients, a hybrid concept of simultaneous transaortic TAVI and off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) can be a feasible treatment option.

Preserved Left Atrial Function Following Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Stroke Prevention.

Background: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at high risk of thromboembolism, with most thrombi forming in the left atrial (LA) appendage. LA appendage closure is an alternative therapy to oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in AF patients with contraindication to oral anticoagulation. LA function is critical for cardiovascular function, and recent studies suggested a direct relationship between LA function and AF recurrence.

Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Outcomes after High-Risk Interventional Coronary Procedures.

An increasing number of patients with coronary artery disease are at high operative risk due to advanced age, severe comorbidities, complex coronary anatomy, and reduced ejection fraction. Consequently, these high-risk patients are often offered percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as an alternative to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We aimed to investigate the outcome of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) undergoing high-risk PCI.