Abstract Objective The study objective was to assess the impact on follow-up outcomes of residual mitral regurgitation 2+ in comparison with ≤1+ after MitraClip (Abbott Vascular Inc, Santa Clara, ...Calif) repair. Methods We compared the outcomes of mitral regurgitation 2+ and mitral regurgitation ≤1+ groups among a population of 223 consecutive patients with acute residual mitral regurgitation ≤2+ who underwent MitraClip implantation at San Raffaele Scientific Institute (Milan, Italy) between October 2008 and December 2014. Results Residual mitral regurgitation 2+ was found in 64 patients (28.7%). Overall actuarial survival was 63.1% ± 4.4% at 48 months. Cumulative incidence functions of cardiac death in patients with mitral regurgitation 2+ was significantly higher (Gray test P < .001) compared with the mitral regurgitation ≤1+ group. The adjusted hazard ratio was 5.28 (95% confidence interval, 2.41-11.56, P < .001). Cumulative incidence function of mitral regurgitation ≥3+ recurrence in patients with residual mitral regurgitation ≤1+ and mitral regurgitation 2+ at 48 months was 13.3% ± 3.8% and 45.2% ± 6.8%, respectively (Gray test P < .001). Multivariate model showed that mitral regurgitation 2+ was the only factor associated with the development of mitral regurgitation ≥3+ at follow-up (adjusted hazard ratio, 6.71; 95% confidence interval, 3.48-12.90; P < .001). Mitral regurgitation cause was not associated with cardiac death and recurrence of mitral regurgitation ≥3+ at follow-up. No relationship between New York Heart Association class and follow-up time after MitraClip implant was found (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.98-1.15; P = .11), and factors related to postoperative New York Heart Association also included residual mitral regurgitation 2+ ( P = .07). Conclusions Residual 2+ mitral regurgitation after MitraClip implantation was associated with worse follow-up outcomes compared with ≤1+ mitral regurgitation, including survival, symptom relief, and mitral regurgitation recurrence. Better efficacy should be pursued by transcatheter mitral repair technologies.
Objectives The aim of this study is to report the long-term outcomes (median follow-up time, 7 years; range, 1 month to 14 years) of patients who underwent surgery for paravalvular leak in our ...single-center experience. Methods From October 2000 to November 2007, 122 consecutive patients underwent surgery for symptomatic paravalvular leak (40 patients with aortic paravalvular leak; 82 with mitral paravalvular leak). In 7 patients (5.7%, all mitral), surgery was performed on the beating heart through a right thoracotomy. In 35% of patients, multiple paravalvular leaks were present. Results The mean age of patients was 62 ± 11 years, and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II was 7.2% ± 6%. Most of the patients were in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV (60%). Symptomatic hemolysis was present in 31% of the patients, and 41% of the patients had more than 1 previous cardiac operation. Paravalvular leak repair was feasible in 79 patients (65%), whereas in 43 patients (35%) prosthesis re-replacement was required. Thirty-day mortality was 10.7% (13/122 patients; 5% for aortic paravalvular leak and 13% for mitral paravalvular leak; P = .1); 2 patients (1.6%) with residual severe mitral paravalvular leak underwent successful redo surgery before discharge. Median length of stay was 7 days. Overall actuarial survival was 39% ± 6% at 12 years; freedom from cardiac death was 54% ± 7% at 12 years. Only 1 patient underwent redo surgery during follow-up. Multivariable analysis identified preoperative chronic renal failure (hazard ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-4.9; P = .03) and more than 1 previous cardiac reoperation (hazard ratio, 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-4; P = .03) as independent predictors of death at follow-up. Conclusions The operative mortality of surgical treatment of paravalvular leak is still high. Long-term outcomes remain suboptimal in these challenging patients, especially in the presence of multiple previous cardiac operations and associated co-pathologies. These results support the importance of alternative therapeutic options.
Over the past two decades interest in mitral valve regurgitation has increased as a result of the development of new technologies that have expanded the number of patients who can potentially benefit ...from mitral regurgitation treatments. To develop new devices for the treatment of mitral regurgitation, the focus has been placed on the functional anatomy and pathophysiology of the mitral valve, with the use of the most advanced methods of cardiac imaging that allow the best visualization of the mitral valve and a perfect understanding of the complexity of a specific disease. Mitral regurgitation is still underdiagnosed and undertreated in a substantial number of patients who have poor survival. Therefore, the priority should be to identify and treat these patients to increase their survival and quality of life. To achieve this goal, general physicians and cardiologists must be aware of all the treatment options that are currently available in dedicated centres of excellence. Patients referred to these centres can benefit from a tailored heart team-based approach. The aim of this Review is to analyse the basic principles of mitral regurgitation, discussing new concepts on the pathophysiology of the mitral valve that have been developed to facilitate the selection of patients for transcatheter procedures. We also describe the indications and timing of treatment, contemporary surgical and transcatheter techniques and the heart team approach, and highlight the need for centres of excellence.
Objective Weaning from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) usually is performed without clear guidelines; yet, patients still die after removal of extracorporeal circulation ...because of inadequate heart or end-organ recovery. The aim of the study was to address the weaning procedure, analyzing the hemodynamic and echocardiographic picture of patients weaned and to identify predictors of poor outcome among this population. Design Observational study. Setting University hospital. Participants One hundred twenty-nine VA ECMO cases. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Forty-nine patients (38%) were weaned, 7 (5.4%) were bridged to a ventricular assist device, and 6 (5.2%) were listed for heart transplantation. Weaned patients showed a significant increase of pulse pressure (35 0-50 mmHg before ECMO, 59 53–67 mmHg at weaning, 61 51–76 mmHg after ECMO (p<0.001) and reduction of dose of inotropes (inotropic score as defined in the text 20 14–40 before ECMO, 10 3–15 at weaning, and 10 5–15 after ECMO, p<0.001). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased from 19 (0-22.5)% before ECMO to 35 (22-55)% after ECMO (p<0.001). A significant improvement of right ventricular (RV) function was observed in weaned patients (RV dysfunction from 52% to 21%, p<0.001). Among weaned patients, 15 (31%) died. Patients who died after weaning had longer ECMO duration compared to discharged patients (8 5–11 v 4 2–6 days, p = 0.01) and more transfusions (22 10–37 v 7 0.5-15 units, p = 0.02); survival was lower in patients with central ECMO (postcardiotomy) compared to peripheral ECMO (p = 0.045). Mortality was higher in those with persistence of RV failure, continuous venovenous hemofiltration, higher inotropic score, lower systolic pressure, or higher leucocyte count at weaning. Conclusions Successful weaning from ECMO is a multifaceted process, which encompasses consistent recovery of myocardial and end-organ function; LVEF, though improved, is still low at weaning. Hospital survival is correlated significantly to the duration of ECMO support and to bleeding complications.
In the present study we conducted a systematic review on user studies for Archaeology in eXtended Reality of the last 10 years. After a screening and selection process, 52 articles were selected for ...an in-depth analysis. Their classification follows different axes: devices, location dependency, type of users, interaction and collaboration. We also organised the existing user studies according to tasks, evaluation measurements, number of participants, and how the study was conducted (pre-test and/or post-test, formative and summative evaluation, quantitative and qualitative data). We found an intertwined relation between Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, which is reflected in the vast presence of applications for museum exhibitions and tours on archaeological sites. Similarities between systems developed for archaeologists and for general public were also investigated. Our purpose was to find a common ground between different user studies that could help designers of the next systems have a base on which they can build their system. We also highlighted which would be the preferred and most suitable evaluation techniques, when they are needed, with the type of users to address. The results show a heterogeneity of measurable variables and possible choices, but some guidelines could be derived.
To assess the long-term clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of the edge-to-edge mitral repair added to septal myectomy in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) and hypertrophic obstructive ...cardiomyopathy.
This is a single-center study of 26 patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (septal thickness 17 ± 3 mm, resting left ventricular outflow tract gradient 63 ± 20 mm Hg, MR ≥ 2+/4+) who underwent an EE mitral procedure combined with ventricular septal myectomy. The EE procedure was used to treat MR due to systolic anterior motion in 19 patients (73%) and to posterior leaflet prolapse/flail in 7 (27%).
Hospital mortality was 4%. Follow-up was 100% complete (median 6.5 years; interquartile range, 2.7 to 9). Freedom from cardiac death was 88% ± 8.4% at 8 years. The 8-year cumulative incidence function of reoperation with death as competing risk was 7.7% ± 5.2%. At 8 years, the cumulative incidence function of recurrence of MR 3+ or greater with death as competing risk was 7.9% ± 5.3%. Residual MR at discharge (hazard ratio 8.3; 95% confidence interval, 2.1 to 32.6; P = .002) and preoperative systolic pulmonary artery pressure (hazard ratio 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 1.1; P = .005) were identified as predictors of MR recurrence. At the last follow-up, 92% of patients were in New York Heart Association functional class I-II, and 72% were in sinus rhythm. The last echocardiographic follow-up showed a median resting left ventricular outflow tract gradient of 9 mm Hg (interquartile range, 7 to 12; P < .001 vs preoperative).
In hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy patients, when septal thickness was considered inadequate to allow a safe and effective myectomy, the edge-to-edge technique provided a simple, quick, and effective solution by abolishing at the same time residual gradient and systolic anterior motion-related MR. Organic mitral valve lesions such as prolapse and flail could be addressed as well, whenever indicated. Satisfactory clinical and echocardiographic results were maintained at long-term follow-up.
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Objective Heparin-based anticoagulation for patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has many limitations, including a high risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. However, little ...experience with other anticoagulants in these patients has been described. The aim of this study was to compare bivalirudin-based anticoagulation with heparin-based protocols in a population of patients treated with venovenous or venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Design In this case-control study, 10 patients received bivalirudin (cases) and 10 heparin (controls). The target activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was 45 to 60 seconds. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results aPTT variations >20% of the previous value were much more frequent in patients treated with heparin than in patients receiving bivalirudin (52 v 24, p < 0.001). The number of corrections of the anticoagulant dose was higher in the heparin group compared with the bivalirudin group (58 v 51), although it did not reach statistical significance. Bleeding, thromboembolic complications, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support duration, mortality, and the number of episodes of aPTT >80 seconds were not different between the 2 groups. A further analysis was performed in the bivalirudin group according to the presence of acute renal failure requiring continuous venovenous hemofiltration. The median bivalirudin dose in patients with or without hemofiltration was 0.041 (0.028-0.05) mg/kg/h and 0.028 (0-0.041) mg/kg/h, respectively ( p = 0.2). Conclusions Bivalirudin-based anticoagulation may represent a new method of anticoagulation for reducing thromboembolic and bleeding complications, which still jeopardize the application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Moreover, bivalirudin is free from the risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Higher doses of bivalirudin may be needed in patients undergoing hemofiltration.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Uncorrected severe mitral regurgitation (MR) due to posterior prolapse leads to left ventricular dilatation. At this stage, mitral valve repair becomes mandatory to avoid ...permanent myocardial injury. However, which technique among neochoardae implantation and leaflet resection provides the best results in this scenario remains unknown.
METHODS
We selected 332 patients with left ventricular dilatation and severe degenerative MR due to posterior leaflet (PL) prolapse who underwent neochoardae implantation (85 patients) or PL resection (247 patients) at our institution between 2008 and 2020. A propensity score matching analysis was carried on to decrease the differences at baseline.
RESULTS
Matching yielded 85 neochordae implantations and 85 PL resections. At 10 years, freedom from cardiac death and freedom from mitral valve reoperation were 92.6 ± 6.1% vs 97.8 ± 2.1% and 97.7 ± 2.2% vs 95 ± 3% in the neochordae group and in the PL resection group, respectively. The MR ≥2+ recurrence rate was 23.9 ± 10% in the neochordae group and 20.8 ± 5.8% in the PL resection group (P = 0.834) at 10 years. At the last follow-up, the neochordae group showed a higher reduction of left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (44 vs 48 mm; P = 0.001) and a better ejection fraction (60% vs 55%; P < 0.001) compared to PL resection group.
CONCLUSIONS
In this subgroup of patients, both neochordae implantation and leaflet resection provide excellent durability of the repair in the long term. Neochordae implantation might have a better effect on dilated left ventricle.
Surgical mitral valve (MV) repair represents the treatment of choice to address severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR).
Transcatheter edge-to-edge tricuspid valve repair is emerging as an alternative therapeutic option in symptomatic patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation deemed unfit for open surgery. However, ...the presence of a dehiscent ring usually prevents transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention. Herein, we report a case of torrential tricuspid regurgitation secondary to ring dehiscence successfully treated with a MitraClip.
Background Acute fulminant myocarditis (AFM) may represent a life-threatening event, characterized by rapidly progressive cardiac compromise that ultimately leads to refractory cardiogenic shock or ...cardiac arrest. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) provides effective cardiocirculatory support in this circumstance, but few clinical series are available about early and long-term results. Data from a multicenter study group are reported which analyzed subjects affected by AFM and treated with VA-ECMO during a 5-year period. Method From hospital databases, 57 patients with diagnoses of AFM treated with VA-ECMO in the past 5 years were found and analyzed. Mean age was 37.6 ± 11.8 years; 37 patients were women. At VA-ECMO implantation, cardiogenic shock was present in 38 patients, cardiac arrest in 12, and severe hemodynamic instability in 7. A peripheral approach was used with 47 patients, whereas 10 patients had a central implantation or other access. Results Mean VA-ECMO support was 9.9 ± 19 days (range, 2 to 24 days). Cardiac recovery with ECMO weaning was achieved in 43 patients (75.5%), major complications were observed in 40 patients (70.1%), and survival to hospital discharge occurred in 41 patients (71.9%). After hospital discharge (median follow-up, 15 months) there were 2 late deaths. The 5-year actual survival was 65.2% ± 7.9%, with recurrent self-recovering myocarditis observed in 2 patients (at 6 and 12 months from the first AFM event), and 1 heart transplantation. Conclusions Cardiopulmonary support with VA-ECMO provides an invaluable tool in the treatment of AFM, although major complications may characterize the hospital course. Long-term outcome appears favorable with rare episodes of recurrent myocarditis or cardiac-related events.
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