Prognostic Role of Preoperative Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE) in Mitral Valve Replacement (MVR) for Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis Patients

Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion has been proposed as a simple and reproducible parameter for quantitative assessment of the right ventricular ejection fraction. The prognostic importance of preoperative TAPSE in patients with mitral valve replacement for rheumatic mitral stenosis patients is still under focused. Therefore, the objective of the study was to predict the outcome after MVR in rheumatic mitral stenosis patients in relation to preoperative TAPSE. This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Cardiac Surgery, National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute. A total of 72 patients of rheumatic mitral stenosis patients who underwent mitral valve replacement were included in the study. They were divided into two groups: Group A and B. Group A included 36 patients with TAPSE 0.05) except for the preoperative TAPSE. Mean TAPSE of Group A was 13.17 (±1.40) and Group B was 18.61 (±1.57), the difference was statistically significant (p 0.05). Among the postoperative complications, including postoperative atrial fibrillation was higher in Group A (30.56%) than Group B (11.11%), mean ventilation time was higher in Group A (27.78%) than Group B (5.56%), length of intensive care was higher in Group A (33.33%) than Group B (11.12%), and hospital stay was higher in Group A (25.0%) than Group B (5.56%), (p < 0.05). Higher preoperative TASPE could be used as a prognostic tool for MVR in rheumatic mitral stenosis patients in our settings.

A case of post traumatic mitral chordae rupture mimicking acute respiratory distress syndrome

Traumatic mitral chordae rupture is a rare and known cause of acute mitral valve regurgitation and de novo heart failure.Concomitant pathologies in a trauma patient may mask the findings of de novo heart failure due to mitral chordae rupture.Trauma patients may also have other potential pre-diagnoses that could explain symptoms related to heart failure,such as tachycardia,circulatory shock,and acute hypoxemia.The possibility of traumatic chordae tendinea rupture being a preventable cause of mortality should be carefully evaluated.

Evaluation of mitral chordae tendineae length using four-dimensional computed

BACKGROUND Mitral valvuloplasty using artificial chordae tendineae represents an effective surgical approach for treating mitral regurgitation.Achieving precise measurements of artificial chordae tendineae length(CL)is an important factor in the procedure;however,no objective index currently exists to facilitate this measurement.Therefore,preoperative assessment of CL is critical for surgical planning and support.Four-dimensional x-ray micro-computed tomography(4D-CT)may be useful for accurate CL measurement considering that it allows for dynamic three-dimensional(3D)evaluation compared to that with transthoracic echocardiography,a conventional inspection method.AIM To investigate the behavior and length of mitral chordae tendineae during systole using 4D-CT.METHODS Eleven adults aged>70 years without mitral valve disease were evaluated.A 64-slice CT scanner was used to capture 20 phases in the cardiac cycle in electrocardiographic synchronization.The length of the primary chordae tendineae was measured from early systole to early diastole using the 3D image.The primary chordae tendineae originating from the anterior papillary muscle and attached to the A1-2 region and those from the posterior papillary muscle and attached to the A2-3 region were designated as cA and cP,respectively.The behavior and maximum lengths[cA(ma),cP(max)]were compared,and the correlation with body surface area(BSA)was evaluated.RESULTS In all cases,the mitral anterior leaflet chordae tendineae could be measured.In most cases,the cA and cP chordae tendineae could be measured visually.The mean cA(max)and cP(max)were 20.2 mm±1.95 mm and 23.5 mm±4.06 mm,respectively.cP(max)was significantly longer.The correlation coefficients(r)with BSA were 0.60 and 0.78 for cA(max)and cP(max),respectively.Both cA and cP exhibited constant variation in CL during systole,with a maximum 1.16-fold increase in cA and a 1.23-fold increase in cP from early to mid-systole.For cP,CL reached a plateau at 15%and remained elongated until end-systole,whereas for cA,after peaking at 15%,CL shortened slightly and then moved toward its peak again as end-systole approached.CONCLUSION The study suggests that 4D-CT is a valuable tool for accurate measurement of both the length and behavior of chordae tendineae within the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve.

Unroofed coronary sinus,left-sided superior vena cava and mitral insufficiency:A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Unroofed coronary sinus(UCS)is a rare subtype of atrial septal defect.It is frequently associated with a persistent left superior vena cava and is often part of a more intricate cardiac malformation.CASE SUMMARY This report describes a rare case of an adolescent patient with UCS featuring atrial situs solitus,absence of the right superior vena cava and a persistent left superior vena cava draining into the left atrium consistent with total unroofing of the coronary sinus.This was associated with concurrent severe mitral insufficiency secondary to redundant and prolapsing leaflets,and a substantial left-to-right shunt across the coronary sinus orifice.A comprehensive examination of the existing literature is included,shedding light on the diagnostic challenges of UCS and describing the available surgical options within the context of mitral valve surgery.CONCLUSION UCS is a complex condition requiring careful consideration of associated anomalies and a tailored surgical approach.

In-Hospital Outcomes in Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery: First Results in a Brazilian Single Center

Introduction: Treatments for cardiovascular diseases have increasingly evolved with the tendency to offer minimally invasive or transcatheter procedures instead of conventional sternotomy surgery. In this context, we highlight minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS), which has been shown to be an increasingly solid option with some superior results when compared to the conventional technique: better pain control, shorter hospital stays, shorter recovery time, shorter readmission rate in the first postoperative year, better aesthetic results, and lower overall cost. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the stages of MIMVS, by primary mitral valve consultation, in our service and compare these results with data from the literature. Methods: All electronic medical records of patients who underwent MIMVS for primary mitral valve injury in the Encore Hospital from January 2020 to February 2023 were analyzed. Tabulation and statistical analysis were performed using the Microsoft Excel® program. Quantitative variables were presented as means, standard deviations. Results: 46 patients were enrolled in our study (Age: 59.1 ± 12.4 years old;60.8% Female, BMI: 26 ± 4.4 Kg/m2, Low risk STS score: 82.6%). The observed 30-day mortality was 2.1%, plastic rate of 23.9%, blood transfusion rate of 41.3%, length of stay in an intensive care bed (ICB) of 3.3 ± 3.3 days and hospital stay of 6.4 ± 5.1 days. Conclusions: We noticed that the MIMVS results carried out in our service agree with data from national and international literature with approximately 1.3 days more hospitalization in ICB.

Development and validation of a score predicting mortality for older patients with mitral regurgitation

OBJECTIVE To develop and validate a user-friendly risk score for older mitral regurgitation(MR)patients,referred to as the Elder-MR score.METHODS The China Senile Valvular Heart Disease(China-DVD)Cohort Study functioned as the development cohort,while the China Valvular Heart Disease(China-VHD)Study was employed for external validation.We included patients aged 60 years and above receiving medical treatment for moderate or severe MR(2274 patients in the development cohort and 1929 patients in the validation cohort).Candidate predictors were chosen using Cox’s proportional hazards model and stepwise selection with Akaike’s information criterion.RESULTS Eight predictors were identified:age≥75 years,body mass index<20 kg/m^(2),NYHA class Ⅲ/Ⅳ,secondary MR,anemia,estimated glomerular filtration rate<60 mL/min per 1.73 m^(2),albumin<35 g/L,and left ventricular ejection fraction<60%.The model displayed satisfactory performance in predicting one-year mortality in both the development cohort(C-statistic=0.73,95%CI:0.69-0.77,Brier score=0.06)and the validation cohort(C-statistic=0.73,95%CI:0.68-0.78,Brier score=0.06).The Elder-MR score ranges from 0 to 15 points.At a one-year follow-up,each point increase in the Elder-MR score represents a 1.27-fold risk of death(HR=1.27,95%CI:1.21-1.34,P<0.001)in the development cohort and a 1.24-fold risk of death(HR=1.24,95%CI:1.17-1.30,P<0.001)in the validation cohort.Compared to EuroSCORE II,the Elder-MR score demonstrated superior predictive accuracy for one-year mortality in the validation cohort(C-statistic=0.71 vs.0.70,net reclassification improvement=0.320,P<0.01;integrated discrimination improvement=0.029,P<0.01).CONCLUSIONS The Elder-MR score may serve as an effective risk stratification tool to assist clinical decision-making in older MR patients.

The impact of aging on cardiac remodeling in chronic mitral regurgitation

BACKGROUND Chronic mitral regurgitation(MR)is a volume overload state that causes dilatation of the left sided cardiac chambers.The presence of significant dilatation is considered an indication for mitral valve intervention,however,aging may affect left ventricular(LV)remodeling independently of valvular disease.The objective of this study was to examine age-related changes in cardiac remodeling in a broad population of patients with chronic MR.METHODS Consecutive subjects that underwent echocardiography examinations recorded in the echocardiography database of a university-affiliated laboratory were retrieved.Subjects were categorized into none/mild,moderate or severe MR.For purposes of analysis of differences with aging,the population was divided into groups above and below 70 years of age and standard echocardiographic measurements were compared between the groups.RESULTS A total of 3492 subjects with at least moderate MR(mean age:76 years,52%female)were included in the study and compared to 18,250 subjects with none or mild MR.Older patients had significantly smaller LV end-diastolic diameters and volumes and significantly larger left atrial(LA)volumes when compared to the younger group.LA volume index increased in both age groups as MR severity increased,while LV end-diastolic volume increased with increasing MR only in the younger population.CONCLUSIONS Cardiac remodeling in chronic MR is significantly influenced by age.Guideline based recommendations of timing of mitral valve interventions in asymptomatic MR patients,based on assessment of LA and LV remodeling,may need to take age into account.

Importance of concomitant functional mitral regurgitation on survival in severe aortic stenosis patients undergoing aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND Mitral regurgitation(MR)is commonly seen in patients with severe aortic stenosis(AS)undergoing aortic valve replacement(AVR).But the long-term implications of MR in AS are unknown.AIM To investigate MR’s impact on survival of patients undergoing surgical AVR for severe AS.METHODS Of the 740 consecutive patients with severe AS evaluated between 1993 and 2003,287 underwent AVR forming the study cohort.They were followed up to death or till the end of 2019.Chart reviews were performed for clinical,echocardiographic,and therapeutic data.MR was graded on a 1-4 scale.Mortality data was obtained from chart review and the Social Security Death Index.Survival was analyzed as a function of degree of MR.RESULTS The mean age of the severe AS patients who had AVR(n=287)was 72±13 years,46%women.Over up to 26 years of follow up,there were 201(70%)deaths,giving deep insights into the determinants of survival of severe AS who had AVR.The 5,10 and 20 years survival rates were 75%,45%and 25%respectively.Presence of MR was associated with higher mortality in a graded fashion(P=0.0003).MR was significantly associated with lower left ventricular(LV)ejection fraction and larger LV size.Impact of MR on mortality was partially mediated through lower LV ejection fraction and larger LV size.By Cox regression,MR,lower ejection fraction(EF)and larger LV end-systolic dimension were independent predictors of higher mortality(χ^(2)=33.2).CONCLUSION Presence of greater than 2+MR in patients with severe AS is independently associated with reduced survival in surgically managed patients,an effect incremental to reduced EF and larger LV size.We suggest that aortic valve intervention should be considered in severe AS patients when>2+MR occurs irrespective of EF or symptoms.

Anatomic Correlates of Mitral Systolic Anterior Motion in Transposition of the Great Arteries Following Atrial Switch Operation

Introduction:We sought to investigate whether the development of sub-pulmonic systolic anterior motion(SAM)may be inherent to the anatomy of the the mitral valve(MV)or affected by external factors,such as a dilated right ventricle or chest abnormalities in d-looped transposition of the great arteries post atrial switch operation(d-TGA/AtS).Methods:Analysis was performed of clinical and cardiac imaging studies acquired on 19 adult patients with d-TGA/AtS(age 42±6 years old,56%male)between 2015–2019.Echocardiography data included mitral apparatus anatomy,and CT/MRI data included biventricular dimensions,function,and Haller index(HI)for pectus deformity.Results:Patients with leaflet SAM(n=6)compared to patients without SAM(n=13)had higher MV protrusion height(2.3±0.5 vs.1.5±0.4 cm,p≤0.01)and longer anterior MV leaflet length(3.1±0.4 cm vs.2.6±0.3 cm p≤0.05),when compared to those without.CT/MRI showed higher sub-pulmonic left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)in the SAM group(71%±8%vs.54%±7%,respectively).RV size and function,significant chest deformity(HI>3.5),presence of a ventricular lead pacemaker,and septal thickness did not play a role in development of SAM.Conclusions:An elongated mitral apparatus is associated with the development of SAM,and the development of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction(LVOTO),in d-TGA/AtS.LV hyperkinesia is associated with SAM.Systemic RV dimensions,septal thickness,and degree of chest deformity did not differ significantly between subjects with SAM and those without.

Mitral Valve Abnormalities during Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Study on a Cohort in Dakar

INTRODUCTION: Mitral valve abnormalities in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are becoming increasingly well defined, and their role in intra-ventricular obstruction is well defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate mitral valve abnormalities in patients with HCM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study from May 1 to July 1, 2022 in the Cardiology Department of Aristide Le Dantec Hospital. All patients with HCM aged at least 18 years old were included. The parameters studied concerned mainly the mitral valvular apparatus (papillary muscles abnormalities, leaflet length, mitral insufficiency). RESULTS: A total of 10 patients were included. Mean age was 58.3. On Doppler echocardiography, mean interventricular septal thickness was 20.6 mm. The mean maximum intra-ventricular gradient was 21.06 mmHg. Two patients had significant intraventricular obstruction. The mean length of the anterior mitral valve leaflet was 28.7 ± 3.55 mm, with extremes of 22 and 33 mm. The posterior mitral leaflet averaged 14.8 ± 3.16 mm. Nine (9) out of 10 patients had an elongated anterior valve leaflet. Elongation of the posterior leaflet was noted in 6 patients. With regard to papillary muscle position, 6 patients had an anterolateral ascending pillary muscle. These patients had a mean intra-ventricular gradient of 25 mmHg, compared with 16.5 mmHg in the others cases. We found no direct insertion on the mitral valve. Mitral insufficiency was noted in 9 patients, including 5 with mild insufficiency and 4 with moderate one. CONCLUSION: Mitral valve abnormalities in HCM appear to be frequent. They should be analyzed for a better diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Primary Left Atrial Intimal Sarcoma Disguised as Functional Mitral Stenosis: A Case Study

A 66-year-old female with a 1-month history of increasing fatigue, dyspnea on exertion, and palpitations presented with clinical signs of heart failure. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a large, mobile left atrial (LA) mass attached to the mitral valve causing severe mitral stenosis and mitral regurgitation. The mass was surgically debulked and the mitral valve was replaced. Pathology revealed a poorly differentiated malignant spindle cell neoplasm with diffuse nuclear positivity of MDM2 and multifocal positivity of CDK4, consistent with intimal sarcoma. This case seeks to describe an uncommon presentation of a rare malignancy, and the surgical and medical management of the disease.

Anterior Mitral Valve Orifice in a Dog

The patient was admitted to OndokuzMayıs University Animal Hospital Internal Medicine outpatient clinic with complaints of epileptic seizures and hypothyroidism. A description of the patient’s owner is available in the history information. There was no physician information. Bradycardia was found in the electrocardiography of the patient. 2-D, M-Mode, PW, CW and Color doppler examinations were performed. Left-ventricular hypokinetic and mitral and tricuspidal valve movements were observed with limited M-Mode imaging. Anterior mitral orifice of 2 mm width was detected on septal mitral valve by PW doppler and color doppler. With this orifice, the presence of regurgitant jet, which covers LA at a rate of 1/3 and was 3.2 m/sec, together with mitral regurgitation (0.5 m/sec.), was demonstrated. PISA calculations;VFR (mL/s), ERO (mm2) and RVol (mL/pulse) values were calculated as if there were mitral regurgitation and data were obtained for mild-moderate mitral regurgitation. Therefore, no operative treatment of the orifice was recommended. Mitral valve orifice is a rare pathology and this is the first report in canine veterinary practice with degenerative mitral valve disorder. We aimed to underline the possibility of mitral orifice development in degenerative mitral valve disorders, known to present with vegetations and varying degrees of prolapsus, conventionally.

Predictors of Complications during Percutaneous Multitrack Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty

Background: Percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty is the main procedure in mitral stenosis (MS). It can replace surgical commissurotomy in many cases;however, mitral regurgitation (MR) remains the major procedure complication. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate predictors of MR as a complication followingpercutaneous mitral valvuloplasty (PMV) using multitrack balloon technique. Methods: This cohort study was conducted at both Menoufia University Hospital and Mabaret Misr Elkadima Hospital. We enrolled 121 patients with moderate to severe MS who were subjected to PMV using multitrack balloon technique during the period from October 2017 to October 2019. Transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation was performed for all patients before and after the procedure. Patients who developed severe MR post procedure were compared with other patients to identify important distinction points. Results: Most patients (N = 109, 90.1%) developed no/mild MR (group A), whereas 12 (9.9%) patients developed severe MR (group B) after PMV. Those who developed severe MR had significantly higher weight, height, body mass index, and body surface area (P value < 0.001 for each). Also, there was a significant difference between both groups regarding pre-operative Wilkins score (8.7 ± 1.3 for severe MR versus 7.9 ± 1.2 for No/Mild MR, P = 0.046). Patients who developed severe MR had higher incidence of other valvular lesions such as mild aortic regurgitation (91.7% versus 36.7%, P < 0.001), higher mitral valve (MV) commissural calcification (50.0% versus 14.7%, P = 0.008), pre-operative MR (100.0% versus 35.8%, P < 0.001), higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (100.0% versus 38.5%, P < 0.001). Regarding balloon sizing, it was significantly higher among patients who developed severe MR compared with those having mild or no MR (P = 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis identified MV balloon sizing (OR 3.877, CI 95% 1.131 - 13.289, P = 0.031) and MV commissural asymmetry of calcification (OR 67.48, CI 95% 5.759 - 790.72, P = 0.001) as significant predictors of outcomes of MV commissurotomy. Conclusion: Mitral valve calcification, balloon sizing, and MV asymmetry are significant factors that can predict the development of MR after balloon valvuloplasty.

Mitral Valve Surgery for Functional Regurgitation: Insights into Heart Failure and Readmission

Background: Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is an increasing burden as population ages. Mitral valve repair (MVr) is the preferred surgical treatment of FMR despite limited evidence supporting its efficacy. Mitral valve replacement (MVR) is the alternative procedure typically reserved for patients who are at higher risk or refractory to MVr. The present study aims to determine which of the two procedures is more effective in the surgical treatment of FMR. Methods: 344 charts of FMR patients who received either MVr (n = 263) or MVR (n = 81) from 2004-2016 at our institution were reviewed. Treatment efficacy was assessed based on heart failure (HF)-readmission and survival rates within 5 years from discharge. Propensity score approach with inverse probability weighting and Cox regression models were employed to evaluate procedural impact on survival and rehospitalizations, respectively. Follow-up echocardiographic data from the original cohort was assessed for differences in metrics between procedural groups at >6 months (MVr: n = 75;MVR: n = 23) and 1 year (MVr: n = 75;MVR: n = 18) post-op. Results: MVR patients had a lower risk of being readmitted for HF within 5 years compared to the MVr group (HR-adj (95% CI): 0.60 (0.41 - 0.88), p = 0.008). MVR patients also had a higher overall risk of death (HR-adj (95% CI): 1.82 (1.05 - 3.16), p = 0.034) but this was borderline significantly different at 5 years cut-off (p = 0.057). Conclusions: Higher HF readmission in MVr patients than in sicker, higher surgical-risk MVR patients reflects the inadequacy of MVr to treat FMR. Novel approaches to MVR may be necessary to adequately manage FMR.

Rheumatic Mitral Valvulitis with a “Giant Vegetation”—A Case Report

Infective endocarditis (IE) is the infection of inner endothelial layer of the heart including the heart valves and it may present as rapidly progressive or manifest itself as subacute or chronic disease. The epidemiology of infective endocarditis has been changed over the past few decades and the incidence of IE in children in United States and Canada is 1 in 1250 pediatric hospital admissions in the early 1980s. At least 70% of infective endocarditis in children occurs with congenital heart disease whereas rheumatic heart disease in southern states of India and the degenerative mitral valve disease (myxomatous, mitral valve prolapse) in the western countries are the most underlying predisposing conditions to infective endocarditis in adolescents. The characteristic lesion of infective endocarditis is “vegetation” and a “large” vegetation >10 mm in size has been reported with an incidence of 15.9% - 62.5% in patients. The significance of vegetation size has been a subject of discussion for many years to predict the embolic episodes. Background of this case study illustrated the varying size and shape of giant vegetation attached to the anterior leaflet of mitral valve in an underlying rheumatic mitral valvulitis and its consequence of valve damage such as chordal rupture, flail leaflet and mitral regurgitation with a description of anatomic features and echocardiographic manifestations in a 10-year-old female child.

CHANGES OF PLASMA ENDOTHELIN CONCENTRATIONS BEFORE AND AFTER PERCUTANEOUS BALLOON MITRAL VALVULOPLASTY IN PATIENTS WITH MITRAL STENOSIS

Plasma concentrations of endothelin in bloor from the femoral vein and the antecubital vein were measured in 35 patients with mitral stenosis and heart failure before and after percutaneous balloon mitralvalvuloplasty(PBMV). The basal plasma concentrations of endothelin in blood from the antecubirtal vein in the patients were significantly higher than those in 32 control subjects (15. 40± 3. 32 vs. 9. 59± 2. 66 pg/ml, P<0. 001). Plasma endothelin concentrations in patients in New York Heart Association functional classes Ⅱ and Ⅲ were significantly higher than those in control subjects, respectively. The concentrations of endothelin in patients with atrial fibrillation were also significantly higher than those in patients with normal sinus rhythm. Ten to fifteen minutes after PBMV, plasma endothelin concentrations in blood from the femoral vein significantly decreased from 16. 14 ± 3. 34 to 13. 74 ± 3. 78 pg/ml (P<0. 01 ). Seventy-two hours after the procedure, the concentrations of endothelin in blood from the antecubital vein had fallen to 12. 31 ± 2. 55 pg/ml (P<0. 001 vs. before PBMV and control subjects). Plasma endothelin concentrations still tended to be higher in patients with atrial fibrillation than those in normal sinus rhythm, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. There were weak but significantly correlations of plasma endothe lin concentrations with the mean left atrial pressure (r= 0. 424 , P < 0.001 ), mean right atrial pressure (r=0. 323, P<0. 01), mean transmitral pressure gradient (r= 0. 397, P<0. 001), heart rate (r= 0. 350,P<0. 005)and mitral valve area (r=-0. 454, P<0. 001) in the patients before and after PBMV.

Transcatheter mitral valve implantation using a novel system:preclinical results

Background This preclinical study in sheep sought to demonstrate the initial safety and feasibility of a novel transcatheter mitral valve system(Mi-thos valve)composed of a self-expanding frame and a bovine pericardial tissue bioprosthesis.Methods The valve was implanted in 26 sheep using a transapical approach for short-and long-term evaluation.The technical feasibility,safety,durability,and valve function were evaluated during and 6 months after the procedure using intracardiac and transthoracic echocardiography,multisliced computed tomography,histological analysis,and electron microscopy.Results The success rate of valve implantation was 100%,and the immediate survival rate after surgery was 84%.Five animals died within 90 min after the development of the prosthetic valve due to an acute left ventricular outflow tract obstruction(n=2)and sudden intraoperative ventricular fibrillation(n=3).Twelve animals died within 1 month due to acute left heart dysfunction.Mild(n=5)and moderate(n=2)paravalvular leakage occurred in seven animals,and two moderate PVL animals died of chronic heart failure within three months.Multimodality imaging studies of the remaining seven animals showed excellent function and alignment of the valves,with no coronary artery obstruction,no left ventricular outflow tract obstruction,no severe transvalvular gradients and no paravalvular leakage.Macroscopic evaluation demonstrated stable,secure positioning of the valve,with full endothelialization of the valve leaflets without injury to the ventricular or atrial walls.Histological and electron microscopic examinations at six months showed no obvious macro-or microcalcification in the leaflets.Conclusions Preclinical studies indicate that transcatheter implantation of the Mi-thos valve is technically safe and feasible.The durability,functionality,and lack of leaflet calcification were all verified in animal experiments.The information from these preclinical studies will be applied to patient selection criteria and the first-in-human studies.

Catheter-based intervention for symptomatic patient with severe mitral regurgitation and very poor left ventricular systolic function-Safe but no room for complacency

Many patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction have concomitant mitral regurgitation(MR). Their symptoms and prognosis worsen with increasing severity of MR. Percutaneous Mitra Clip&#174; can be used safely to reduce the severity of MR even in patients with advanced heart failure and is associated with improved symptoms, quality of life and exercise tolerance. However, a few patients with very poor left ventricular systolic function may experience significant haemodynamic disturbance in the peri-procedural period. We present three such patients, highlighting some of the potential problems encountered and discuss their possible pathophysiological mechanisms and safety measures.

One-year outcome of percutaneous mitral valve repair in patients with severe symptomatic mitral valve regurgitation

AIM To investigate one-year outcomes after percutaneous mitral valve repair with Mitra Clip~? in patients with severe mitral regurgitation(MR). METHODS Our study investigated consecutive patients with symptomatic severe MR who underwent Mitra Clip~?implantation at the University Hospital Bergmannsheil from 2012 to 2014. The primary study end-point was all-cause mortality. Secondary end-points were degree of MR and functional status after percutaneous mitral valve repair.RESULTS The study population consisted of 46 consecutive patients(mean logistic Euro SCORE 32% ± 21%). The degree of MR decreased significantly(severe MR before Mitra Clip~? 100% vs after Mitra Clip~? 13%; P < 0.001),and the NYHA functional classes improved(NYHA III/IV before Mitra Clip~? 98% vs after Mitra Clip~? 35%; P < 0.001). The mortality rates 30 d and one year after percutaneous mitral valve repair were 4.3% and 19.5%,respectively. During the follow-up of 473 ± 274 d,11 patients died(90% due to cardiovascular death). A preprocedural plasma B-type natriuretic peptide level > 817 pg/m L was associated with all-cause mortality(hazard ratio,6.074; 95%CI: 1.257-29.239; P = 0.012).CONCLUSION Percutaneous mitral valve repair with Mitra Clip~? has positive effects on hemodynamics and symptoms. Despite the study patients' multiple comorbidities and extremely high operative risk,one-year outcomes after Mitra Clip~? are favorable. Elevated B-type natriuretic peptide levels indicate poorer mid-term survival.

Impact of MitraClip Program on the Volume and Outcomes of Mitral Valve Surgery:A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Surgical repair has been the standard therapy for severe mitral regurgitation causing symptoms or left ventricular dysfunction.Percutaneous mitral valve repair has become an appealing alternative approach for patients who are not suitable for surgery.However,clinical trial data are not available on the institutional impact of a percutaneous mitral valve repair program on mitral valve surgery.The current study retrospectively evaluated the impact of the MitraClip program on the mitral valve surgery volume and outcomes.Patient data were retrieved from the 2 years before and the 2 years after initiation of the MitraClip program.The volume of MitraClip procedures increased from eight cases in 2015 to 91 cases in 2017.Since the initiation of the MitraClip program in 2015,the volume of both mitral valve replacement and mitral valve repair also increased(43 vs.60 and 110 vs.154,respectively).Importantly,we observed improved surgical outcomes,including fewer perioperative complications and lower operative mortality and in-hospital mortality.Data from our single-institution experience indicate that the introduction of the MitraClip program is associated with increased mitral valve surgery volume and improved outcomes.The establishment of the MitraClip program enables the hospital to provide higher quality of care and potentially become a referring center for structural heart patients.