A Novel Hemodynamic Index Characterizing Mitral Regurgitation Undergoing Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair: The MPF.

Background: Hemodynamic impact of residual mitral regurgitation (MR) after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) is not always univocally measured by transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) assessment alone. When analyzing TEER procedure result, operators often encounter discrepancy between TEE guidance and invasive hemodynamic monitoring.

Objectives: This study sought to investigate the role of invasive hemodynamic monitoring during mitral valve TEER procedure on top of TEE guidance.

Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect using intracardiac echocardiography: a two-center, retrospective study.

Aims: We present the experience and long-term results of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE)-guided closure of ostium secundum atrial septal defects (ASDs) in two Italian centers and investigate its systematic applicability as the gold standard in routine clinical practice.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated all consecutive patients who underwent an ASD percutaneous closure procedure from March 2008 to February 2020. All patients underwent a preprocedural transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) evaluation.

The paradox of pulmonary arterial hypertension in Italy in the COVID-19 era: is risk of disease progression around the corner?

Objective: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has led to significant restrictions on routine medical care. We conducted a multicentre nationwide survey of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) to determine the consequences of governance measures on PAH management and risk of poor outcome in patients with COVID-19.

Materials And Methods: The present study, which included 25 Italian centres, considered demographic data, the number of in-person visits, 6-min walk and echocardiographic test results, brain natriuretic peptide/N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide test results, World Health Organization functional class assessment, presence of elective and non-elective hospitalisation, need for treatment escalation/initiation, newly diagnosed PAH, incidence of COVID-19 and mortality rates.

ECMO-Supported Ablation and Percutaneous Repair of Severe Valvulopathy: A Winning Combination in a Complex Clinical Case.

In this case report, we describe a complex case of a 67-year-old patient who was suffering from acute heart failure with electrical storm. Clinical case management was based on an integrated approach comprising two different procedures that were complementary and synergistic, and that allowed the patient to reach acute stabilization and to demonstrate mid-term clinical improvement. Complex clinical settings, such as electrical and hemodynamic instability, require complex solutions.

Optical coherence tomography imaging in complicated acute myocardial infarction treated with primary angioplasty and AngioJet.

We describe the case of a 47-year-old man presenting with inferior acute myocardial infarction complicated by complete atrioventricular block and cardiogenic shock, who underwent primary angioplasty and rheolytic thrombectomy with AngioJet and subsequent evaluation by optical coherence tomography. Optical coherence tomography is a rather novel technique in the management of coronary disease, and as far as we know, this is the first report about optical coherence tomography imaging after AngioJet thrombectomy. Moreover, we provide a brief discussion on advantages and disadvantages of this imaging modality on the basis of current practice.