Publications by authors named "Thomas W R Smith"

Article Synopsis
  • Untreated severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is linked to poor health outcomes, making effective treatment essential.
  • The study evaluated the 1-year results of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) using the TriClip system in patients with complex tricuspid valve issues, finding significant improvements in patient survival and quality of life.
  • Results showed that 81% of patients experienced a reduction in TR to moderate or less after one year, with no major adverse effects noted in the first 30 days post-procedure.
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Objectives: To introduce a novel method of direct iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD) closure through the MitraClip steerable guide catheter (SGC).

Background: MitraClip implantation requires transseptal puncture and the creation of an iASD. There are relatively rare instances, such as hemodynamically significant shunting or concerns for embolus, where iASD must be closed during index procedure.

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Transesophageal echo (TEE) guidance is essential for successful MitraClip implantation. In patients intolerant to TEE, options are limited. Three patients, with contraindications to TEE, underwent MitraClip implantation using volumetric intracardiac echo (vICE).

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Background: During MitraClip implantation sub-valvular correction of trajectory and/or alignment may increase adverse clip or leaflet events. With systematic adjunctive use of fluoroscopy ("Parallax technique"), we aimed to assess parameters that minimize the need for corrective measures and help increase procedural efficiency.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 30 patients without (Fl-) and 39 patients utilizing adjunctive fluoroscopy (Fl+) during MitraClip implantation.

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The MitraClip procedure is carried out almost exclusively via the transfemoral approach. However, in some patients transfemoral delivery of MitraClip is not technically feasible (e.g.

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A transseptal puncture is critical for "left-sided" structural heart interventions. Procedures such as transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (MitraClip) and left atrial appendage (LAA) closure (Watchman) require precise puncture of the interatrial septum (IAS), and the presence of a prior atrial septal defect (ASD) closure device poses a challenge. We aim to present a successfully completed case of MitraClip and Watchman in the presence of ASD closure device in two different patients.

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Objectives: This study sought to compare patients with and without long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (LSPAF) undergoing Watchman left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion.

Background: An increased burden of atrial fibrillation is associated with progressive left atrial remodeling and enlargement.

Methods: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) measures of LAA ostial diameter and depth, device compression, and residual leak were evaluated in 101 consecutive Watchman cases.

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Objectives: This study investigates the correlation of occlusive wedge pressure (WP) with direct left atrial (LA) pressure in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) with MitraClip.

Background: There is interest in acquiring objective hemodynamic parameters for intraprocedural guidance in patients undergoing MitraClip.

Methods: The study included 94 patients with severe MR at prohibitive surgical risk who underwent MitraClip at the University of California Davis Medical Center between 2014 and 2016.

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Objectives: To compare left atrial appendage (LAA) angiography to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for assessing usable LAA depth.

Background: TEE is typically employed for procedural measurement of LAA ostial diameter and depth. Since angiography enhances distal LAA anatomy, we sought to compare angiography to TEE for determining usable LAA depth.

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Objectives: The purpose of this study is to describe the initial clinical experience with a steerable transseptal needle (STSN) for left-sided structural heart procedures.

Background: Targeted transseptal (TS) puncture is required for many structural heart procedures, and the use of a steerable needle has not previously been described.

Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing structural heart interventions with targeted TS puncture under transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) and fluoroscopic guidance were studied.

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Objectives: This study sought to identify angiographic parameters of favorable clinical response to renal artery stenting.

Background: Stenting improves blood pressure (BP) control in patients with renal artery stenosis (RAS), but markers predicting a favorable clinical response are limited.

Methods: Renal perfusion was quantified in hypertensive patients (BP >or=140/90 mm Hg) without RAS by determining renal frame count (RFC) (angiographic frames [30 frames/s] for contrast to reach distal renal parenchyma after initial renal artery opacification) and renal blush grade (RBG) (0: none, 1: minimal, 2: normal, 3: hyperemic parenchymal blush).

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