Transapical mitral valve-in-valve implantation for failed bioprosthetic valve using the J-valve system with locator device: early and mid-term outcomes.

Background: Prior to the approval of the Sapien valve in 2020, there were no commercially available short-frame valves for transapical mitral valve-in-valve (MVIV) implantation. In January 2019, we first attempted the reverse mounted J-valve for transapical MVIV implantation with good clinical results. The present study aimed to explore the safety and effectiveness of transapical MVIV implantation with the J-valve reversely mounted on the delivery system.

Methods: Patients who underwent transapical MVIV implantation using the J-valve were analyzed from January 2019 to December 2020 with a 1-year follow-up. Before the procedure, computed tomography (CT) angiography data were analyzed to determine the inner diameter, left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), and coaxial angel. An oversize rate of 5-10% was used to select the J-valve depending on the scanned inner diameter of the original mitral bioprosthesis. During the procedure, the three U-shape graspers were one-to-one buckled with the three tissue valve struts with the assist of echo and fluoroscopy. The implant depth into the left atrium was a 0-20% part of the J-valve, and the valve was then released under rapid pacing. Post-balloon dilatation was used when needed.

Results: Nineteen patients (mean age 70.05±11.19 years), with a mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score of 8.01%±4.20%, were included. By transesophageal echocardiography, we found that the mean transvalvular gradient was 6.21±2.63 mmHg. The mean follow-up time was 20.31±7.23 months, and the survival rate was 94.74% at the last follow-up. The transvalvular gradient decreased from 15.06±3.00 mmHg at basal to 7.13±2.28 mmHg at the 1-year follow-up (P<0.001). The left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF) increased from 60.31%±7.30% to 59.94%±7.72% at the 1-year follow-up (P=0.863). Thirteen (81.25%) patients had no or trace paravalvular leak (PVL), two (12.50%) patients had minor PVL, one (6.25%) patient had moderate PVL, and there were no cases of major regurgitation at the 1-year transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) examination results.

Conclusions: The J-valve reversely mounted on the delivery system can be used for transapical MVIV implantation with less operative morbidity and favourable outcomes.