Project description:Background and objectivesTricuspid valve (TV) repair techniques other than annuloplasty remain challenging and frequently end in tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) in complicated cases. However, the results of TVR are suboptimal compared with TV repair. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of TV edge-to-edge repair (E2E) compared to TVR for severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 230 patients with severe TR who underwent E2E (n=139) or TVR (n=91) from 2001 to 2020. Clinical and echocardiographic results were analyzed using inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis and propensity score matching.ResultsThe two groups showed no significant differences in early mortality and morbidities. During the mean follow-up of 106.2±68.8 months, late severe TR and TV reoperation rates were not significantly different between groups. E2E group, however, showed better outcomes in overall survival (p=0.023), freedom from significant tricuspid stenosis (TS) (trans-tricuspid pressure gradient ≥5 mmHg, p=0.021), and freedom from TV-related events (p<0.001). Matched analysis showed consistent results.ConclusionsE2E for severe TR presented more favorable clinical outcomes than TVR. Our study supports that E2E might be a valuable option in severe TR surgery, avoiding TVR.
Project description:AimsTranscatheter tricuspid edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) has gained widespread use for the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in symptomatic patients with high operative risk. Although secondary TR is the most common pathology, some patients exhibit primary or predominantly primary TR. Characterization of patients with these pathologies in the T-TEER context has not been systematically performed.Methods and resultsPatients assigned to T-TEER by the interdisciplinary heart team were consecutively recruited in two European centres over 4 years. Echocardiographic images were evaluated to distinguish between primary and secondary causes of TR. Both groups were compared concerning procedural results. A total of 339 patients were recruited, 13% with primary TR and 87% with secondary TR. Patients with primary TR had a smaller right ventricle (basal diameter 45 vs. 49 mm, P = 0.004), a better right ventricular function (fractional area change 45 vs. 41%, P = 0.001), a smaller right (28 vs. 34 cm2, P = 0.021) and left (52 vs. 67 mL/m2, P = 0.038) atrium, and a better left ventricular ejection fraction (60 vs. 52%, P = 0.005). The severity of TR was similar in primary and secondary TR at baseline (TR vena contracta width pre-interventional 13 ± 4 vs. 14 ± 5 mm, P = 0.19), and T-TEER significantly reduced TR in both groups (TR vena contracta width post-interventional 4 ± 3 vs. 5 ± 5 mm, P = 0.10). These findings remained stable after propensity score matching. Complications were similar between both groups.ConclusionT-TEER confers equally safe and effective reduction of TR in patients with primary and secondary TR.
Project description:Significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is seen as a relevant contributor of cardiac morbidity and mortality. Transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) is a novel technique to treat this condition. We present the case of an 82-year-old lady who was admitted for recurrent right heart decompensation despite having undergone treatment with tricuspid edge-to-edge repair (TEER). The patient underwent transfemoral implantation of a 48 mm EVOQUE valve. Since the implanted Clip was not in the central part of the valve, it was pushed toward the valvular anulus by the expanded prothesis. Echocardiography showed a good result with no residual TR. Options for residual TR after T-TEER are very limited. TTVR might be suitable in selected patients with non-central Clip placement.
Project description:AimTo evaluate short-term changes in tricuspid regurgitation (TR) after transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (M-TEER) in secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR), their predictors and impact on mortality.Methods and resultsThis is a retrospective analysis of SMR patients undergoing successful M-TEER (post-procedural mitral regurgitation ≤2+) at 13 European centres. Among 503 patients evaluated 79 (interquartile range [IQR] 40-152) days after M-TEER, 173 (35%) showed ≥1 degree of TR improvement, 97 (19%) had worsening of TR, and 233 (46%) remained unchanged. Smaller baseline left atrial diameter and residual mitral regurgitation 0/1+ were independent predictors of TR ≤2+ after M-TEER. There was a significant association between TR changes and New York Heart Association class and pulmonary artery systolic pressure decrease at echocardiographic re-assessment. At a median follow-up of 590 (IQR 209-1103) days from short-term echocardiographic re-assessment, all-cause mortality was lower in patients with improved compared to those with unchanged/worsened TR (29.6% vs. 42.3% at 3 years; log-rank p = 0.034). Baseline TR severity was not associated with mortality, whereas TR 0/1+ and 2+ at short-term follow-up was associated with lower all-cause mortality compared to TR 3/4+ (30.6% and 35.6% vs. 55.6% at 3 years; p < 0.001). A TR ≤2+ after M-TEER was independently associated with a 42% decreased risk of mortality (p = 0.011).ConclusionMore than one third of patients with SMR undergoing successful M-TEER experienced an improvement in TR. Pre-procedural TR was not associated with outcome, but a TR ≤2+ at short-term follow-up was independently associated with long-term mortality. Optimal M-TEER result and a small left atrium were associated with a higher likelihood of TR ≤2+ after M-TEER.
Project description:BackgroundAmyloidosis is defined by abnormal protein folding and subsequent deposition in tissues. Cardiac involvement is usually related to misfolded monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains or misfolded transthyretin; however, apolipoprotein A-1-associated amyloidosis is a hereditary form of amyloidosis resulting from mutations in the AAPOA1 gene that can also result in cardiac amyloidosis. Although there have been advancements in noninvasive algorithms for the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis, endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) may still be warranted. All individuals undergoing EMB are susceptible to complications, including tricuspid valve injury resulting in severe tricuspid valve regurgitation.Case summaryOur patient is a 70-year-old white man presented with symptoms of dyspnoea on exertion and decreased functional capacity, diagnosed previously with apolipoprotein A-I cardiac amyloidosis, confirmed by EMB. He developed progressive right-sided heart failure secondary to iatrogenic flail tricuspid leaflet related to the diagnostic EMB. He underwent a successful transcatheter tricuspid valve edge-to-edge repair with 4D intracardiac echocardiographic guidance. At the recent follow-up, the patient showed improved symptoms, with increased stamina, and transoesophageal echocardiography revealed a 65% ejection fraction and mild tricuspid regurgitation (TR).DiscussionTricuspid valve injury is one of the complications associated with EMB, which can result in severe TR. Transcatheter tricuspid valve edge-to-edge repair can be a useful option for patients considered too high risk for surgical intervention, such as those with advanced cardiac amyloidosis.
Project description:AimsWe aimed to identify three-dimensional echocardiographic predictors of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) regression in patients with functional TR of moderate or greater severity undergoing mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair to optimize patient selection and improve clinical outcomes.Methods and resultsThis retrospective study analysed 61 patients (mean age 81.3 ± 7.6 years; 55.7% males) who underwent mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography was performed pre- and 1-month post-procedurally, while three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography was performed pre-procedurally. We collected data on clinical variables, medications, and detailed echocardiographic measurements to evaluate procedural outcomes. Tricuspid regurgitation severity was semiquantitatively assessed and categorized. At the 1-month follow-up, TR severity had regressed in 43% of patients. A lower prevalence of atrial fibrillation, smaller left atrial volume index, and smaller right atrial area were significantly associated with TR regression. Multivariate analysis revealed the tricuspid valve annulus perimeter, area, and area change as significant predictors of post-procedure TR regression; tricuspid valve annulus perimeter was the strongest predictor among the three indicators [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.84 (95% confidence interval: 0.75-0.94), P < 0.001]. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that tricuspid valve annulus perimeter cut-off of ≤13.75 cm was the best predictor of post-procedure TR regression. Additionally, tricuspid valve annulus area ≤13.55 cm² and annulus area change ≥17.5% were predictors of post-procedure TR regression.ConclusionIn patients with relatively severe mitral regurgitation with a non-dilated tricuspid annulus and significant change in tricuspid valve annulus area, mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair may lead to TR regression.
Project description:BackgroundA mismatch between tricuspid leaflet size and annular dilation is one of the morphological features tied to the development of tricuspid regurgitation (TR).AimsWe assessed the association of the leaflet-to-annulus index (LAI) with residual TR after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER).MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent TEER for TR were enrolled. Significant residual TR was defined as a post-procedural TR ≥3+, and patients were divided into two groups according to the amount of residual TR. The LAI was retrospectively calculated using procedural transoesophageal echocardiography and was defined as follows: (anterior leaflet length+septal leaflet length)/septolateral tricuspid annulus diameter.ResultsOf 140 patients, 43 patients had residual TR ≥3+ after TEER. The patients with residual TR ≥3+ had a lower LAI compared to those with residual TR <3+ (1.04±0.10 vs 1.13±0.09; p=0.001). In multivariable analysis, the LAI was associated with residual TR ≥3+ (odds ratio [OR] [per 0.1 increase]: 0.57; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.35-0.94; p=0.02), independent of baseline TR severity or coaptation gap size. Patients with residual TR ≥3+ had a higher incidence of the composite outcome, consisting of all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalisation within one year after TEER (47.1% vs 26.6%, p=0.02). Residual TR ≥3+ was an independent predictor of the composite outcome within one year (hazard ratio: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.01-4.11; p=0.04).ConclusionsThe leaflet-to-annulus mismatch (i.e., LAI) is associated with residual TR ≥3+ after TEER for TR. A detailed echocardiographic analysis of the tricuspid valve will be conducive to identifing suitable subjects for TEER.
Project description:Transcatheter tricuspid valve edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) has emerged as an option for treating patients with tricuspid regurgitation. Few studies have explored intraprocedural maneuvers to optimize leaflet-grasping T-TEER in order to improve technical success. This case series of 3 patients describes maneuvers that facilitated T-TEER in patients with large coaptation gaps or short leaflet lengths. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).
Project description:The tricuspid valve is a complex structure with normal function dependent on the leaflet morphology, right atrial and annular dynamics, and right ventricular and chordal support. Thus, the pathophysiology of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is equally complex and current medical and surgical management options are limited. Transcatheter devices are currently being investigated as possible treatment options with lower morbidity and mortality than open surgical procedures. These devices can be divided by their implant location/mechanism of action: leaflet approximation devices, annuloplasty devices, orthotopic valve implants, and heterotopic valve implants. The current review will discuss each class of transcatheter device therapy, and further delve into the current understanding of who and when to treat. Finally, we will include a brief discussion of the future of device and surgical therapy trials for TR and the remaining questions to answer about this complex disease process.
Project description:Introduction: Clinically significant severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a common untreated pathology associated with increased mortality. Even though surgical valve replacement has been the mainstay option, transcatheter intervention is a novel and potentially effective tool. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review that assessed and compared clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of coaptation and annuloplasty devices in patients with clinically significant TR. Methods: PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE were searched for articles published from August 2016 until February 2023. Primary endpoints were technical and procedural successes. Secondary endpoints were TR grade, NYHA, change in 6 min walk distance (6MWD), and echocardiographic parameters at 30-day follow-up. Results: We included thirty-eight studies consisting of 2273 patients with severe symptomatic TR (NYHA III-IV 77% and severe/massive/torrential TR 83.3%) and high surgical risk (mean EUROSCORE of 7.54). The technical success for the annuloplasty devices was 96.7% and for the coaptation device was 94.8%. The procedural success for the annuloplasty devices was 64.6% and for the coaptation device was 81.4%. The 6MWD increased by 17 m for the coaptation devices and increased by 44 m after 30 days for the annuloplasty devices. A reduction in TR grade to <2 was seen in 70% of patients with coaptation and 59% of patients with annuloplasty devices. Conclusions: Transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention appears to be feasible and is associated with favorable outcomes.